Abstract: A panoramic image generation unit 19 which generates a surrounding 360-degree panoramic image data centering around a photographing point using a plurality of photographed image data performs a step of combining the plurality of the photographed image data to generate a surrounding 360-degree or more panoramic image data centering around the photographing point, a step of deforming any one of common subjects of a starting end and a terminal end with respect to the common subject included in each of the starting end and the terminal end of the 360-degree or more panoramic image data, to match sizes and postures of the common subject, and a step of overlapping the common subjects included in the starting end and the terminal end with each other to generate the 360-degree panoramic image data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera system, which can simplify an ordering procedure. An IC memory comprising a contactless interface is mounted on a camera, or an image recording medium, such as memory card or film. In a case where a customer has carried the camera to a photo lab, image data is read out of the memory card or is acquired by reading the developed film, by an image data acquisition component. Moreover, individual information, order information, account information, and the like, are read out of the IC memory over wireless communication by a reader and writer and are affixed to the image data, whereupon the resulting image data is stored in a database.

Abstract: A unit for positioning a sheet (1) of film (2) to cover the tops of product groups (3) comprises: a second roll (12) of film (2); a first carriage (13) that is slidably mounted on guide rails (14) running along an upper horizontal plane and is driven in both directions along the wrapping area (10) by motorized movement means (15); the first carriage (13) is equipped with a first gripper unit (16) designed to grip the free end of the film (2) and to unwind the film (2) for a predetermined length; film (2) cutting means (17) located in the vicinity of the second roll (12) and designed to separate the length of film thus unwound from the rest of the film (2); a second carriage (18) slidably mounted on the guide rails (14) in the vicinity of the cutting means (17); a second gripper unit (19) mounted on the second carriage (18), acting on the film (2) in such a way as to hold the sheet (1) at a second retention point when the cutting means (17) are activated; means (20) for coupling the second carriage (18) to the

Abstract: An interface control assembly for a one-time-use camera having a recording device includes a controller for receiving and storing photofinishing information and a communication device that transfers the information from the controller to the recording device of the camera to cause the information to be written on a filmstrip. The photography arrangement includes a one-time-use camera as well as the interface control arrangement. This permits the one-time-use camera to be customized with a magnetic recording on the film while providing the expensive components involved in magnetic recording on the film outside of the camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera system, which can simplify an ordering procedure. An IC memory comprising a contactless interface is mounted on a camera, or an image recording medium, such as memory card or film. In a case where a customer has carried the camera to a photo lab, image data is read out of the memory card or is acquired by reading the developed film, by an image data acquisition component. Moreover, individual information, order information, account information, and the like, are read out of the IC memory over wireless communication by a reader and writer and are affixed to the image data, whereupon the resulting image data is stored in a database.

Abstract: A camera employing a film provided with a magnetic memory portion includes a magnetic head for writing data in and/or reading out data from the magnetic memory portion of the film, and a retaining device for retaining the magnetic head having an axis of rotation about which said magnetic head is freely rotatable during a read and/or write operation in such a manner as to follow a film deviation, rotatable about an axis being parallel to a direction in which the film is transported.

Abstract: A magnetic head device for reading and recording information from a magnetic recording section of a photographic film has a recording head and a playback head. The playback head and recording head are adjacently positioned by a head base plate. The head base plate rotatably supports the recording head and playback head as the head base plate rotates about a first rotation shaft and a second rotation shaft. The first rotation shaft extends in a direction of the film defined by movement of the film as film is wound onto a winding spool within a film cartridge. The second rotation shaft extends in a width direction of the film, perpendicular to the first rotation shaft. As a result the recording head and playback head make contact with the film to improve consistency of the playback and reading of information from the magnetic section of the film.

Abstract: A magnetically recordable photographic film has perforations each being in at least one side edge region of the film lying between adjacent image areas (frames). A magnetic recording track region extends throughout the overall length of the side edge region adjacent to each frame in at least one side edge of the film. Camera information is recorded on the side edge track region. Information is read and rewrote on the film in camera. Film information is recorded on the leading end of film, and recording extension may be provided additionally. The film information is read and recorded on the film for each of the frames. Signals for clock and data are based on three-bit encoded data, and a pulse period can be varied depending on film transport speed. Such signals may be selected to have a frequency corresponding to the film transport speed.

Abstract: A camera includes a magnetic head for performing writing and/or reading of information on film. The magnetic head is movable between a position proximate the film (e.g., pressed to it) for performing a read/write operation and a position remote or withdrawn from the film. The camera further includes an operating member movable between a first position and a second position, such as a lens cover movable between a position covering the lens and a position uncovering the lens, and means for synchronizing, e.g., by mechanically interconnecting, movement of the magnetic head between the first and second position, and movement of the operating member between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Camera module device (1), which can be mounted onto a camera main body and that is used in a state in which it is mounted onto the camera main body, is provided with a circuit for generating data to be written, and thus camera main body (2) need not be equipped with a function for generating data to be written or a communication function for sending the generated data to camera module device (1). Camera main body (2) simply issues pulse signal X1 for a write instruction, and then data is generated by camera module device (1). Therefore, the camera main body can be made inexpensively. Furthermore, camera module device (1) is provided with a self-check function, and signal RD1 from camera main body (2) places this function in the active mode during photographic film loading. In this mode, circuit board (16) reads the data that has actually been written and determines whether or not the writing operation was performed correctly based on the comparison result of comparison circuit (162).

Abstract: A film supporting plate made of a plastic is formed with a window into which a head holder made of a metallic thin plate is inserted. The head holder has an opening for baring a magnetic head, and holds a head base on which the magnetic head is mounted. An adhesive is applied so as to extend from a peripheral face of the head base to a rear face of the head holder. When the adhesive is hardened, the head base adheres to the head holder and is fixed relative to the film supporting plate. A thickness of the head holder is thin in comparison with that of the film supporting plate. The head holder is fitted into a front portion of the window of the film supporting plate so that the head base enters the window. A protrusion amount of the head base toward the back side is reduced by an amount of the head base entering the window.

Abstract: A camera comprises a first device which makes a head and a film closer to each other, the head being arranged to perform at least either one of recording and reading information on and from the film, a second device which prevents the film from travelling when a film transport device is placed in a stopped state, and an interlocking device which mechanically interlocks the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A camera with a data recording device separates a connecting line of a magnetic recording device and a connecting line of a film frame detection device to reduce the transfer of electrical noise therebetween. The camera includes a magnetic head for transferring photographic information to and from photographic film and the photographic film includes a magnetic recording track which is capable of magnetic recording of photographic data. A pair of photo-reflectors detects a photographic frame in the photographic film, and a central processing unit is equipped with a frame detection terminal to electrically connect the photo-reflectors with a flexible printed circuit. A terminal for magnetic recording and readout electrically connects to a magnetic head with a pattern on a printed board and a connecting line. The terminal for magnetic recording and readout is physically separated from other high electrical noise terminals to reduce the transmission of electrical noise.

Abstract: A camera loadable with a film regularly formed with perforations along a length of the film and provided with exposure areas and magnetic recording areas arranged with reference to the perforations, the camera includes: a perforation detector which detects a perforation; a recording device which records magnetic data in a magnetic recording area; and a controller which controls the recording of the recording device in accordance with a detection of the perforation detector. The camera can securely perform a proper magnetic recording and recording of a photographed image within a set exposure area.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading and/or writing information on the magnetic surface of a photographic filmstrip. The apparatus includes a mounting member and a fixed support roller over which a filmstrip is passed. The roller has an axis of rotation. At least one magnetic head is mounted to the mounting member in a manner such that the head comes in contact with the filmstrip over the area which the film is in contact with the fixed support roller at a first point along the circumference of said support roller. The mounting member has a contact surface for coming in contact with the filmstrip at a second area in which the filmstrip is in contact with the support roller which is located at a second point spaced circumferentially from the first point.

Abstract: A gimbaled load pad mounting arrangement in which a rigid load pad is detachably mounted on the spherical end of a spring-loaded mounting shaft. The load pad is provided on the side with flexible retention hooks with finger portions that engage the underside of the mounting frame to hold the load pad in position during assembly. Once the magnetic head is mounted in position, the pressure of the head against the load pad disengages the finger portions from contact with the underside of the frame thereby allowing the gimbaled load pad to assume its exact constraint position against the face of the magnetic head.

Abstract: A scanner device including a line sensor, an AD conversion circuit for AD-converting an inputted image signal, a memory for storing therein a digital signal which is outputted from the AD conversion circuit, a DA conversion circuit for DA-converting the digital signal which is stored in the memory, an encoder for executing conversion to a video signal on the basis of an output from the DA conversion circuit, and a controller for outputting an image signal which is outputted from the line sensor, to digital RGB data which are more in the number of picture elements than the number of stored picture elements of the memory by the auxiliary utilization of said memory. Thus, the scanner device makes it possible to execute video output with respect to a domestic television monitor, although the scanner device is a scanner having high resolution, and further, at a reduced memory capacity.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a camera has a magnetic head and a pad that is replaceable without removing additional pieces of the device. The device includes film path forming members that form a film path where the film moves in a horizontal direction, a magnetic head that records data in magnetic recording areas on the film surface and/or reads data from the magnetic recording areas and a pad adjacent and facing the magnetic head across the film path. The pad presses the magnetic recording areas of the film against the magnetic head. A holding mechanism holds either the magnetic head or the pad, which is forced by an elastic body to the other of the magnetic head and the pad. The holding mechanism has an insertion unit to hold either the forced magnetic head or the forced pad. The pad can be inserted from the film path into the insertion unit. The holding mechanism further has a receiver that receives an end of the elastic body.

Abstract: A camera or an apparatus to which a film having a magnetic storage part is applicable, or a unit adapted for the camera or the apparatus, includes a magnetic head for acting on the magnetic storage part of the film, and a holding member arranged to hold the magnetic head and having a space for disposing a predetermined structure, which space is located in a direction approximately perpendicular to a moving direction of the film with respect to the magnetic head, or a movable holding member arranged to hold the magnetic head and having a space for disposing a predetermined structure.

Abstract: A photographic processing apparatus having magnetic heads for reading magnetic record data stored in the magnetic recording tracks of a film and writing desired record data onto the same. The apparatus includes a hold-down mechanism for pressing the magnetic head against the film at an appropriate strength.

Abstract: In a photographic system including means for magnetically recording/reproducing data relative to magnetically coated film, an assembly for conforming a thin film magnetic head array to the nonplanar magnetic surface during data transfer only, the assembly comprising: a platen for holding magnetically coated film in a film plane; a magnetic head array including first and second thin film heads located side-by-side and a third thin film head located fore or aft the first and second heads and forming an equilateral triangle of their centers; a head mounting spring fixed at one end to the platen and having a free end for mounting the magnetic head array adjacent to magnetically coated film transported through the film plane the mounting spring allowing pitch and roll movement of the head assembly; and a loading spring for biasing the magnetic head array into contact with the magnetically coated film so that the point of contact is at the center of gravity of the three head magnetic head array.

Abstract: In a photographic apparatus which handles film having a magnetic layer on one side for magnetically storing data on the film, a photographic film transport mechanism including a magnetic head suspension system that allows balanced roll motion of two magnetic heads while in contact with the nonplanar magnetic recording surface of film, and allows for in contact magnetic recording during transfer of data only, with release of the contact pressure at all other times, the mechanism comprising: a platen for confining film that is transported past the platen; a cantilever spring having one end fixed to the platen and a free end, the spring extending in the direction of transport of the film; a pair of magnetic heads; means for mounting the pair of magnetic heads side-by-side on the free end of the cantilever spring which allows the heads to rotate about a roll axis parallel to the film transport direction; and means coupled to the free end of the spring for moving the heads into and out of contact with the film.

Abstract: A camera that effectively uses only two film supply motors. The operation of supplying film from a cartridge is performed by driving a first motor in a first direction. The operation preparatory to magnetic recording on the film is performed by driving the first motor in a second direction different from the first direction. Further, the operation of winding the film on the camera side is performed by driving a second motor in a third direction. The operation of rewinding the film into the cartridge is performed by driving the second motor in a fourth direction different from the third direction. Alternatively, the second motor fourth direction can be used to perform the operation preparatory to magnetic recording, and the first motor second direction can be used to perform the film rewinding. The present invention applies to normal or prewinding cameras.

Abstract: The film feed control apparatus performs frame feed operation in which a photographic film is fed in a specific direction when a given photographic frame of the photographic film is being set at a specific position, and the photographic film is stopped when a next photographic frame is set at the specific position. The film feed control apparatus is provided with a feed device that feeds the film, and a control device that controls the feed device in such a manner that, when an unfinished film, which includes exposed frames and unexposed frames, is loaded, stops the film if an unexposed frame is set at the specific position while the unfinished film is being fed in the specific direction, which is the same as the direction of film feed during the frame feed operation.

Abstract: A camera includes a photographic film having an exposure region and an audio recording region for recording the audio signal directly onto the film. The audio recording region may be a recordable/readable magnetic recording region or a chip having an internal or external power supply, and the recording region can store predetermined recordings, or it can store live audio signals. The external power supply may be in the form of a reading device integrally or detachably formed in a photographic album. The magnetic recording region includes first and second magnetic recording strips perpendicular to one another wherein the first magnetic strip is recorded to prior to exiting of the selected film frame and the second magnetic strip is recorded to upon the exiting of the selected film frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a camera of a type for writing or reading out information on or from a magnetic track provided to a film using a magnetic head. This invention provides a camera of the type which has a regulating member which contacts an end face, in the widthwise direction, of a film to regulate the position, in the widthwise direction, of the film, and in which a surface portion, near the regulating member, of a surface formed between inner and outer rails of a camera main body is formed at a higher level than that of the remaining surface, thereby minimizing deformation of the film on the surface between the inner and outer rails when the end face of the film is regulated by the regulating member.

Abstract: A magnetic reading and/or recording apparatus comprises a magnetic reading and/or recording head for reading and/or recording information from/on a magnetic information track on a photosensitive material having a natural longitudinal curl which when longitudinally straightened assumes an inherent transverse curl; and edge follower means attached to the magnetic reading and/or recording head for tracking a longitudinal edge of the photosensitive material in response to movement of the photosensitive material. Means are substantially aligned with the edge follower means for bending the photosensitive material in a direction perpendicular to the transverse curl to eliminate the transverse curl of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: A camera has a closable rear lid, and an information processing unit for performing at least one of (i) writing information to a recording medium provided in a film, and (ii) reading information from the recording medium. The camera includes a movable member movable between a first position and a second position. At the first position, the information processing unit is separated from the film. At the second position, the movable member urges the film against the information processing unit. A drive source applies a drive force to the movable member to move the movable member from the first position to the second position. A holding device applies a holding force to hold the movable member at the first position. In response to the closing of the rear lid of the camera, an allowing device to allow the movable member to be released to move to the second position.

Abstract: A camera capable of magnetic recording includes a pressing pad for a magnetic head. The pressing pad is secured to the camera body and the head is made movable in order to increase the proximity of the head to the film and to enable reliable application to a low-cost, compact focal plane shutter camera. Above and below the aperture in the camera body, there are provided a pair of film rails and a pair of pressure plate rails formed so as to be higher than the film rails. An extended portion is formed on the film rail, and in the center of the extended portion, a recessed portion is made. A graded portion is formed to the left side of the extended portion, and a circular arc portion is formed to its left side. Below the pressure plate, there are provided a hole through which the magnetic head is secured to an actuating member with a mounting portion pressing the film, and a pair of stoppers for limiting the displacement of the magnetic head in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: In a camera having an exposure gate and a transport for transporting film past the exposure gate, the film having a series of perforations along at least one edge of the film, wherein the number of the perforations are an integer per exposure frame, the film having a substantially transparent magnetic layer at least in the region of the perforations, a mid-roll change apparatus. The mid-roll change apparatus includes a source of a steady-state magnetic field located downstream of the exposure gate and adjacent to the series of perforations for magnetizing the magnetic layer between the perforations as film is transported past the source; a magnetic field sensor located upstream of the exposure gate and adjacent to the series of perforations for sensing fringing magnetic fields emanating from perforation edges, the area between which have been magnetized; and a perforation sensor located to sense the series of perforations of the film.

Abstract: A camera or an apparatus adapted for a camera includes an operation unit for performing at least one of write and read operations of information with respect to an image recording medium, and an interlocking unit, interlocked with movement of an optical unit, for preventing the operation unit and the image recording medium from contacting each other at least while an image is being recorded in the image recording medium.

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 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 device, and that the photographing operation is prohibited in response to the detection of information indicating that all the film

Abstract: Magnetic recording and/or reproducing schemes and systems particularly for use for recording and/or reproducing information in data tracks of a magnetics-on-film (MOF) layer in the image area of a photographic filmstrip in a camera or in other photographic equipment. Recording of a photographic data set related to captured images is effected in n lengthwise extending, total interleaved tracks effected in the alternative by a single one or plural magnetic head array(s) of m magnetic recording heads arranged to extend across the filmstrip width and positioned in the camera alongside the photographic image frame gate.

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 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 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.