Abstract: An advanced photo system (APS) camera includes a keyboard mounted on the inner surface of a rear cover hinged to the camera body. The camera also includes an LCD for displaying information entered on the keyboard, wherein the LCD is mounted at the rear of the camera body so as to be exposed when the rear cover is opened to provide user access to the keyboard. The information entered on the keyboard and displayed on the LCD is recorded on a magnetic track included on the photographic film advanced through the camera. The keyboard and the LCD may be separated from or remote from the APS camera, and the keyboard may be replaced with a plurality of input dials.

Abstract: A process for recording camera and exposure information on photographic film, reading the information during photofinishing and re-recording the information magnetically on the film. According to one feature, disclosed with a single use camera, the process includes the ordered steps of recording camera capabilities on the film and then loading the film into a camera having those capabilities. The process further includes the steps of exposing the film in the camera to a scene, processing the film to develop and print the scene using the recorded camera information and re-recording the information magnetically on the film. According to another feature of the invention, disclosed with multiple use cameras, the camera optically records exposure information on the film. The photofinishing operation then reads the optically recorded information, uses the information and magnetically re-records the information on the film.

Abstract: A camera has a feeding motor by use of which photo film is fed. 24 groups of perforations are arranged along one edge of the photo film, and regularly at a distance L2 one group from another. Each of the perforation groups is associated with one frame, and includes two perforations arranged at a distance L1 therebetween. To control the photo film feeding, pulses are generated in synchronism with the photo film feeding. The perforations are detected through a sensor. The pulses are counted while the photo film is fed by the distance L1 or L2, and during a period started upon movement of a first one of the perforations past the sensor and finished upon detection of a second one of the perforations at the sensor. A counted number of the pulses is compared with a reference value upon finish of counting the pulses. If the counted number is equal to or more than the reference value, the feeding motor is decelerated.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus according to the present invention includes: a feeding unit which feeds a film in a film cartridge, a reading device for reading information about each frame of the film. The information is stored in an external storage unit. A recording unit records information on a recording region corresponding to each frame of the film; and a recording control device controls the feeding unit so as to feed the film and controls the recording unit so as to, in synchronization with feeding of the film, record the information about each frame read by the reading device on the corresponding recording region of each frame of the film.

Abstract: A mechanism, for feeding a film with a photographing information magnetic recording area, of a camera. The camera including the mechanism has a cartridge holder inside which a film cartridge housing the film in is set; an aperture for defining an exposure field on the film; a magnetic head for writing/reading the photographing information; a take-up spool around which the film fed from the film cartridge is wound; and a drive motor for feeding the film between the film cartridge and the take-up spool. Both the take-up spool and the magnetic head are installed on one side of the aperture, and both the cartridge holder and the drive motor are installed on the other side, opposite to the one side in view of the film feeding direction, of the aperture.

Abstract: A camera for recording images on a photographic film in a cartridge and for recording selected ones of such recorded film images on a magnetic tape having tracks corresponding to image data fries and image identification data for each image data file in a cartridge is disclosed. The camera receives a cartridge which can contain either photographic film or magnetic tape. Optics are provided for recording an image of a subject on the photographic film when a photographic film cartridge is disposed in the cartridge. A digital image of a subject is stored as an image is being exposed on the photographic film. The camera is adapted to receive a cartridge containing magnetic tape for selectively recording files representing selected images from the image storage means onto the image data file tracks and image identification data onto the image identification data tracks of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A camera capable of recording information about a color of light emission of a flashing device comprises a recording unit for recording information on a recording medium, an information acquiring unit for acquiring information about a color of light emission of the flashing device used, and a control unit for causing the recording unit to record the information about the color of light emission acquired by the information acquiring unit, on the recording medium. Information about the actual color of light emission of the flashing device at the time of photographing is thus transferred to a laboratory.

Abstract: A camera and a video filing system practicable therewith are disclosed. The camera has a body and a plurality of component parts removably mounted on the body and including a lens and a stroboscope. The body and component parts each has a respective condition data output section for outputting shooting conditions, and a respective ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a type and other inherent data beforehand. A processor reads the data from such condition data output sections and ROMs at the time of shooting and records them in a magnetic recording area formed in a silver halide sensitive type of film. As a result, images are recorded in the film together with shot data associated therewith. The video filing system automatically reads the image data and shot data out of the film and records the image data in an optical disk or similar recording medium by using the shot data as keywords, thereby constructing a video data base.

Abstract: In a camera having an exposure film gate and device for advancing a film strip past the gate, the film strip having successive image areas with a magnetic track adjacent to each image area, wherein one or more of the image areas are exposed and have information magnetically recorded in the adjacent magnetic track of an exposed image area, the improvement comprising a thin film read only magnetic sensor located relative to the film gate so as to be upstream of the gate when the means advances the film strip past the gate, the sensor reading each the magnetic track adjacent to an image area to determine whether the image area has been exposed or not so as to detect an unexposed image area before it is advanced to the film gate.

Abstract: Magnetic recording and reproducing linear thin film head arrays particularly for use for recording and reading information on a magnetics-on-film (MOF) layer in the image area of photographic filmstrips and particularly a configuration and mounting of such heads to achieve high compliance with the relatively stiff filmstrip and MOF layer in cameras or other filmstrip handling apparatus without damaging the filmstrip. When constrained in the film transport path, the filmstrip assumes a convex cross film curvature on the MOF layer side approximated by a sixth order polynomial having even terms only. A base line for the deposition of thin film head layers of each head of the array on a linear substrate is approximated by the sixth order polynomial having even terms only. After deposition of the thin film layers, the linear head array is shaped to the cross film curvature, and the lapped head surfaces are aligned with the base line.

Abstract: A head to film interface for photofinishing equipment, includes: a pair of spaced apart film guides for establishing a film plane; a pair of magnetic heads located between the film guides above the film plane at the edges of the film; and a pair of compliant edge rollers extending into the film plane for urging the edges of the film into contact with the magnetic heads, the compliant edge milers being mounted for independent rotation.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention is so arranged that a half mirror is disposed in an optical path between a taking lens and a photographic film strip to be exposed so as to reflect a part of subject image incident thereinto. The thus reflected subject image is received by CCD, which converts it into electric image data. The image data is converted into binary codes, and the codes are written by a magnetic head in a magnetic layer provided on the back face of the photographic film strip. On the other hand, the image data received by the CCD is displayed for a photographer in a finder through a liquid crystal display at all times.

Abstract: This invention relates to a camera for reading out and/or reading information from a magnetic recording portion provided to a film using a magnetic head.This invention provides a camera, wherein the film feed speed until the film passes the head position is set to be lower than a predetermined speed, so that the film can be prevented from colliding against the head portion with a shock.

Abstract: A camera has a recording apparatus for magnetically recording finished photograph information, indicating exposure of a film frame, and for magnetically recording other photograph information for each film frame. The finished photograph information is recorded at a designated film area, while a film feed motor is in a transient speed state. Other photograph information is recorded in a designated film area when the film feed motor speed is constant. Appropriate positioning of the designated recording areas for recording information therein is determined by counting film perforations or by measuring a period of time during film feed subsequent to an exposure.

Abstract: An event detection circuit and method of operation thereof in a calibration mode and in a normal operating mode particularly for use in photographic cameras in relation to the calibration of sensors and the detection of output signals therefrom for use in controlling camera operations. An event detection circuit comparator is used in the calibration mode with a successive approximation A/D converter register which generates test analog signals applied to a second input terminal of the comparator while the sensor test output signal generated under the calibration test conditions is applied to the first input terminal to measure and digitize the sensor test analog output signal level as a digital threshold. Then, in the normal operating mode, the digital threshold is retrieved and substituted for the successive approximation A/D converter register to generate a threshold analog signal applied to the second input terminal while the sensor analog output signal is applied to the first input terminal.

Abstract: An information processing device, such as a camera, capable of magnetically recording information on film, controls magnetic recording and film feeding using a single position detector that detects film position information, such as perforations in the film. After a frame of the film has been photographically exposed, the information processing device first feeds the film in a reverse direction opposite to the direction of advancement, before accelerating the film forward in the advancement direction to a stable advancement velocity. The usable length of the magnetic recording area of the film is thus increased because recording does not take place while film velocity is changing.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording data to a film, executing: both unchangeable recording such as optical recording, and changeable recording such as magnetic recording for relatively important data, which is required protection from data failure and is permitted to change such as date, date print mode, and trimming direction of printing area, and executing: only magnetic recording for relatively unimportant data, which is allowed some data failure and has few possibility of changing such as aperture value, shutter time value, photometric value, exposure compensation value, and object distance value; wherein the apparatus is housed in a detachable back cover of a camera, and data being transmitted from the main body of the camera to the back cover.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge contains a photographic film having a magnetic recording layer and a single perforation per frame. The leader of the photographic film has multiple perforations and is advanced out of the cartridge as the film spool rotates. A camera has a magnetic head disposed on a film passage, and a film sensor. The magnetic head records photographic information on the magnetic recording layer in a magnetic area assigned to each frame, while the photographic film is moved lengthwise after a frame is exposed. The film sensor detects the corresponding single perforation to identify each frame. When a photographic film cartridge containing the photographic film with exposed and unexposed frames is reloaded in the camera, the magnetic head picks up the information recorded on the magnetic recording layer to check for the presence or absence of the information.

Abstract: An information recording device of a camera permits recording of more information with an appropriate recording density without monitoring the film feeding speed constantly. The information recording device includes a feeding assembly to feed film mounted in a camera by a motor. A recording assembly records photographic information in the film recording area during film feeding. A feeding speed control assembly starts duty-driving of the motor to reduce the film feeding speed at the first timing and to stop the motor to halt film feeding at a later second timing. The recording control assembly permits recording of the photographic information by the recording assembly until a third timing that is later than the first timing but earlier than the second timing.

Abstract: A camera comprises a photographic information output circuit section, a CPU, a PPM signal conversion circuit section, a drive section for a plurality of magnetic heads, and a film feeding section. The CPU converts several parallel data items which are output from the photographic information output circuit section into a single serial data item and outputs it to the PPM signal conversion circuit section provided separately from the CPU. The PPM signal conversion circuit section converts this single serial data item into several PPM signals, and then supplies the PPM signals to the magnetic head drive section.

Abstract: A camera includes: a data generating device which generates a plurality of kinds of data; a data designating device which designates a kind of data to be recorded among the plurality of kinds of data; a record data setting device which sets the kind of data designated by the data designating device as record data when the data designating device designates it, and sets a predetermined kind of data as record data when the data designating device designates no kinds of data; and a recording device which records the set record data on a film mounted on the camera.

Abstract: A photographic camera is provided with an orientation detector including first and second elements that move relative to one another under the influence of gravity, and a signal device that responds to magnetic fields between the first and second elements to represent camera orientation. One of the elements is magnetized and the other is a Hall-effect sensor that responds to magnetic fields to produce an electrical output indicative of camera orientation. The signal device includes a recording mechanism responsive to the electrical signal for recording the camera orientation on the film.

Abstract: A camera adapted for using a film cartridge of the kind having a magnetic recording part provided for each frame portion of a film contained therein is arranged to write information into the recording part every time a shot is taken for each frame. In case where the film contained in the film cartridge is used only halfway, the camera makes a search for the beginning part of unexposed frame portions by detecting the amount of information recorded in the magnetic recording part of each frame portion. For this purpose, a reference value to be used in making a discrimination between an exposed state and an unexposed state is set on the basis of the amount of information obtained from each frame and also according to the amounts of noises, etc. The arrangement disclosed enables the camera to accurately carry out the search for the unexposed frame portions of the film.

Abstract: A camera system comprises by a camera main body and a film loaded in the camera main body and having a magnetic recording portion. Data for commanding a printer apparatus to perform trimming exposure is recorded on the magnetic recording portion of the film in advance. A feed mechanism feeds the film. A manual operation member is arranged on the outer surface of the camera main body. In the camera main body, a permanent magnet moves, upon manual operation of the manual operation member, between a position where the magnet opposes the magnetic recording portion of the film and a position to which the magnet is caused to retreat from the magnetic recording portion. When a film feed operation is performed by the feed mechanism while the permanent magnet is set at the position where it opposes the magnetic recording portion, the permanent magnet erases the trimming command data recorded on the magnetic recording portion, thereby prohibiting the printer apparatus from performing trimming exposure.

Abstract: A camera of the kind making a discrimination between exposed and unexposed states of each of frames of a film by detecting information recorded in a magnetic recording part provided at each of the frames is arranged to detect the information twice for one and the same frame by causing the film to be transported in different directions and to finally decide the state of exposure of the frame according to whether the results of the detection made twice coincide with each other or not, so that the discrimination can be accurately carried out.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting date information into given positions within the frames of film loaded in a camera. If it is impossible to modify the date, or if the user finds that the date is erroneous, the apparatus permits photographs with correct date to be printed. The apparatus has a CPU including a first RAM for storing the present date information. When frames of the film are used for photography, date information is inserted into the given positions, using a date information inserting LED array. When the present date information is modified by operating date switches, the difference between unmodified date information and modified date information is calculated and stored in a second RAM. The number of frames is also stored. When the film is rewound, the aforementioned difference and the number of frames are read out and inserted in the leader of the film. When the film used for photography in this way is printed, the date information, the difference, and the number of frames are checked.

Abstract: A camera capable of automatic film rewinding into the magazine, comprises an information recording device for recording at least information on use in an information recording portion formed at a predetermined position of the magazine loaded in the magazine chamber of the camera, an information detecting device capable of detecting recorded information of the magazine when it is loaded, a prohibition device for prohibiting the photographing operation in response to a detection signal corresponding to information, indicating that all the film is already used, detected by the information detecting device and a control device for controlling the information recording device, information detecting device and prohibition device in such a manner that the detection by the information detecting device is conducted prior to the recording of information of use by the information recording means, and that the photographing operation is prohibited in response to the detection of information indicating that all the film i

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus is adapted for reproducing a photographed image recorded on a film, the film having photographic information about the photographed image. The apparatus includes a reproducer for reproducing the photographed image recorded on the film, a reader for reading the photographic information from the film, a corrector for correcting the quality of the photographed image, a setter for setting a correction for the corrector based on the photographic information, and a controller for controlling the corrector to reproduce the photographed image in accordance with the set correction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film unit with a lens in which data such as a taking date can be taken at a low price. The IC substrate is put together while the film unit with lens is assembled. The timer in the IC times the current date and time. The date mode selector outputs the information, which is selected by the mode select switch, to the memory. The release sensor switches in synchronous with the release of the shutter button and outputs the current frame number information, which is counted by the frame number counter, to the memory so as to increase the frame number of the frame number counter. Moreover, the release sensor writes the information outputted from the timer and the information outputted from the date mode selector in the addresses 1-36 so as to correspond to the frame number information from the frame number counter in interlocking with the release of the shutter. Therefore, the taking date and time information of the film are written in the addresses 1-36 of the memory in turn.

Abstract: A camera is capable of writing data into, and reading data from, a magnetic recording layer formed on photo film. An exposure chamber has a pair of inner rails along horizontal sides of an exposure aperture. Outside the inner rails, a pair of outer rails are formed. Rear faces of the inner rails receive the photo film. Rear faces of the outer rails contact the film support plate. In the film support plate, the magnetic head is mounted. The film support plate is fixed on the exposure frame, and defines a film tunnel between it and the exposure frame. The film support plate has four pins, which regulate each position of longitudinal edges of the film while moved through the film tunnel. The film is guided by the four pins on the film support plate, and is kept to have a position relative to the magnetic head, so as there to be no track deviation or azimuth deviation.

Abstract: A ball carrier mounting assembly for limiting the angular movement of a film follower device having, a pair of upper ball cages, each upper ball cage further having a lug for engaging a notch, a tube extending through the thickness of the cage and protruding below the lower surface, and a plurality of ball pockets, an asymmetrically shaped, mounting plate located underneath the pair of upper ball cages having a body and first and second end tabs, for attaching the assembly to a fixed support, wherein each end tab of the mounting plate has a different configuration for orienting the apparatus, the body having in addition a pair of apertures spaced from the tab ends for accommodating the tubes, and a pair of lower ball cages located below the mounting plate, each lower ball cage further having a lug protruding downwards for engaging a notch, an aperture extending through the thickness of the lower cage for receiving the tube therein, and a plurality of ball pockets, is described.

Abstract: In a camera, whether a film has been partially exposed or not is checked, and if the check fails, a use status on a film cartridge is rotated to an optimum position such as a position indicating an exposed status. Thus, double exposure of the film is prevented.

Abstract: An information recording device of a camera permits recording of more photographic information with an appropriate recording density without monitoring the film feeding speed constantly. The information recording device includes a recording assembly that records photographic information on a film recording area of film during film feeding. A feeding speed control assembly reduces the film feeding speed at a first time if the recording of photographic information is complete by the first time after the start of the recording assembly. The feeding speed control assembly reduces the film feeding speed at a second time after the first time if recording of the photographic information is not complete after reaching the first time. The feeding speed control assembly controls the feeding assembly to stop film feeding at a third time after reducing the film feeding speed.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the width of an exposure opening in the camera body in the film-feed direction and the film is fed a length corresponding to the width of the exposure opening. The photographic camera magnetically or optically records an exposure opening position signal indicative of the size of the exposure opening on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the magnetically or optically recorded exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: A camera records information relating to each photographic frame of a film onto an information recording area provided on the film while the film is being fed. Regulating circuitry is provided to regulate the recordation so that no information is recorded for a frame under consideration when it is confirmed that the information relating to the frame under consideration is the same as information relating to a previous frame. In all other cases information relating to a frame under consideration is recorded for the frame under consideration. This greatly decreases the amount of information recorded when the same information continues for multiple frames and prevents wasteful expenditure of a battery power source.

Abstract: A camera of the kind having a function of recording information designating an arbitrary number of prints in a magnetic recording track provided for each of frame portions of a film is arranged to inhibit the information designating the arbitrary number of prints from being recorded in the magnetic recording track of any frame for which a picture has been taken under an abnormal shooting condition, such as a camera shake.

Abstract: A magnetic recorder includes multiple permanent magnetic elements having magnetic orientations that impart a sequence of magnetic transitions to magnetic media of a photographic filmstrip contained within a camera. The permanent magnetic elements are external to the camera. The sequence of magnetic transitions comprise information that can be subsequently retrieved and provided to the photographic processor and/or photographer. The information can include identification of locale or other information of interest to the photographer. The magnetic recorder requires no power supply and is easily operated by a photographer virtually without regard to weather conditions.

Abstract: A camera using a film which has a magnetic storage part comprises a magnetic head which is arranged to read or write information out of or into the magnetic storage part of the film; and a release device for releasing a positional relation between the magnetic head and the film from an information reading or writing state in which the magnetic head reads or writes the information, until the film is wound around a spool or when the film is stopped.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and/or reproducing head system particularly for use for writing and/or reading information on tracks in a magnetics-on-film (MOF) layer in the image area of photographic filmstrips, wherein the system provides for mounting of such magnetic heads on a suspension and translation system to move the magnetic heads from track to track of the MOF layer and longitudinally along a selected track. The filmstrip exhibits a lengthwise curvature of a predetermined sign and a cross-film curvature. The filmstrip is advanced to a stationary position in a curved transport path in the length dimension of the filmstrip, the curved transport path having a curvature radius of the same sign as the predetermined curvature sign of the filmstrip. The filmstrip edges are engaged in edge guides such that the transport path curvature and the edge guides negate cross-film curvature.

Abstract: A camera includes a driving unit for rotating a film winding spool in a predetermined direction to wind the film or for rotating a spool in a loaded film patrone in a predetermined direction to rewind the film, a magnetic head pressing unit for pressing a magnetic head to a magnetic record section of the film interlocking rotation of the film winding or rewinding spool, an activating unit for activating the magnetic head pressing unit to retract from the film when an operation of the driving unit is stopped or when the spool is rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. The magnetic head is arranged in an inclined state against the film traveling direction such that a magnetic gap of the magnetic head contacts with the magnetic record section of the film at substantially right angle for a bent portion of the film by the contact of the magnetic head with the film.