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 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 exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: In a film feed device using a film having two perforations per frame, a perforation width and a perforation interval which are detected by one perforation sensor during a film feed operation are measured as times by timers in a microcomputer or as film moving amounts by a perforation detection circuit. When the time or the film moving amount measured as this perforation interval is less than the value obtained by multiplying the perforation width by a predetermined value, the film feed operation is stopped by a motor driving circuit and a motor. With this operation, even if the film position deviates from a predetermined position at the start of a film feed operation, the film can be accurately aligned with a correct position by using one perforation sensor.

Abstract: In a mechanism for feeding a film, used in a camera, etc., in which a film having one perforation formed at a specified position relative to each frame or a film having a plurality of perforations formed at specified positions relative to each frame with unequal intervals therebetween as a whole is used, a sprocket 13 is employed for controlling to forward the film frame by frame. The sprocket is locked by a lever before an initial forwarding of thefilm is carried out, and it is unlocked from the lever when the film is forwarded to move the lever, so that the relationship of engagement between a tooth of the sprocket and the perforations of the film is ensured to be constant and synchronous during the initial feeding of the film.

Abstract: In a photointerrupter comprising a light emitting diode and a photo transistor which are opposed to each other, the photo transistor has an emitter which is grounded through a resistor while the light emitting diode has a cathode which is connected to an input terminal of a one IC chip for controlling a flexible disk drive. The one IC chip incorporates a constant current source which is connected to the input terminal through an npn-type bipolar transistor. The one IC chip incorporates a logic circuit having an output terminal which is connected to a base of the npn-type bipolar transistor.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a film in an APS camera and for magnetically writing data on the film includes a release switch, a single perforation sensing unit, a controller, a film transporting unit, and a data writing unit. After a frame of the film is exposed, the controller starts to write data after a first perforation is sensed and stops the film transport operation after a second perforation is sensed. The controller decreases a pulse period of a transport signal controlling the film transport operation when the second perforation is being sensed, and stops to output the signal after the second perforation has been sensed.

Abstract: A camera comprising a shutter blade supported to move open to expose a frame on a filmstrip, a shutter actuator supported for movement to move the shutter blade open and for movement to be re-cocked, an actuating spring for urging the shutter actuator to move the shutter blade open, and a metering/re-cocking member having a metering pawl for engaging the filmstrip at a perforation during exposure of the frame, is characterized in that the metering/re-cocking member has a re-cocking portion and is supported for movement to move the re-cocking portion against the shutter actuator to move the shutter actuator to be re-cocked, a film tensioning spring urges the metering/re-cocking member, when the metering pawl engages the filmstrip at a perforation, to prevent the frame being exposed from shifting during exposure, and the shutter actuator is supported for movement to be spaced from the metering/re-cocking member, when the shutter actuator is re-cocked, to prevent the actuating spring from exerting any influence

Abstract: A perforation detection device of a contact piece type to be built into a camera. A detection section of a first contact piece arranged on the rear surface side of a path in which the perforations of a film advance in a film feeding stage is constructed of a metal ball which is a separate member from that of the first contact piece. This metal ball comes in pressure contact with a second contact piece arranged on the front surface side of the film as the perforations pass. When the metal ball faces a perforation of the film, this metal ball comes in contact with both the first and the second contact pieces to provide a continuity between the first and second contact pieces, so that the position of the perforation is detected. In the film feeding stage, the metal ball comes in rolling contact with the film surface. The contact pieces have a very small resistance to the film feed, and it is scarcely possible that the film will be injured.

Abstract: A sprocket wheel is used with photo film which includes a plurality of perforation groups arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof and cyclically at a pitch predetermined for one frame. Each of the perforation groups includes first and second perforations arranged at a predetermined distance. The sprocket wheel is rotated by a predetermined amount while the photo film is wound per one frame. The sprocket wheel includes a wheel portion. Four teeth are arranged on a periphery of the wheel portion. A first one of the teeth is meshed with the first perforation. Then a second one of the teeth is meshed with the second perforation. The first and second teeth split the periphery of the wheel portion into first and second arc-shaped faces. The first arc-shaped face is determined in association with the predetermined distance. The second arc-shaped face has a radius greater than a radius of the first arc-shaped face, to push the photo film.

Abstract: In a film feed device using a film having two perforations per frame, a perforation width and a perforation interval which are detected by one perforation sensor during a film feed operation are measured as times by timers in a microcomputer or as film moving amounts by a perforation detection circuit. When the time or the film moving amount measured as this perforation interval is less than the value obtained by multiplying the perforation width by a predetermined value, the film feed operation is stopped by a motor driving circuit and a motor. With this operation, even if the film position deviates from a predetermined position at the start of a film feed operation, the film can be accurately aligned with a correct position by using one perforation sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic recording or reproducing device, preferably a camera, with a transportation device for the frame-by-frame transportation of a film along a film transportation path and with a film measuring device with an engagement member rotatable about an axis for engaging in perforation holes of a peripheral perforation of the film, the film transportation device being locked when the film reaches a position during its transportation which is provided for the recording or reproduction of an image, and the engagement member comprising an advancing engagement element in relation to its rotational movement and a trailing support element and being adjustable transversely to the film transportation path as a function of the abutment of the support element upon a surface extending parallel to the film transportation path.

Abstract: Photo film (15) has pairs of perforations (21) arranged at a regular pitch (L1+L2). A photo film advancing device for advancing the photo film by the regular pitch (L1+L2) has a take-up spool (23), which winds the photo film after each exposure. A rotatable sprocket wheel (26, 68, 80, 83, 90) has a circular peripheral face (27, 71, 80c, 87, 93) with first and second teeth. The first (25a, 68a, 80a, 85b, 91a) and second teeth (25b, 68b, 80b, 85a, 91b) engage the respective perforations. A wind stop claw (36a) locks the sprocket wheel to prevent the photo film from advancing when the first and/or second perforation is engaged with the first and/or second tooth. The wind stop claw unlocks the sprocket wheel when a shutter (44) operates. While unlocked, the sprocket wheel is rotated a small amount by advancement of the photo film, to move the second tooth away from the second perforation. The peripheral face of the sprocket wheel frictionally contacts the photo film.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a camera using an image recording medium having at least one index mark and a plurality of frames, the control apparatus includes frame transporting portion for effecting the frame transportation of the image recording medium, a detecting portion for detecting an index mark provided for the image recording medium, a determining portion for determining the presence of a final frame, and a control portion for effecting a predetermined control operation by the detecting portion detecting the initial index mark after the frame transportation of the final frame is started by the frame transporting portion, in response to the determining portion determining the final frame.

Abstract: A control device for feeding and positioning a film precisely, in a camera, a printing apparatus, etc., includes a photo interrupter with a light emitter, a light detector for detecting a light emitted from the light emitter, and a holding member for keeping both the light emitter and the light detector in position; a frame with a guiding member for guiding a film having a longitudinal edge with a plurality of perforations which travels between the light emitter and the light detector of the photo interrupter; a perforation detector for detecting a perforation based upon a signal outputted from the light detector, which outputs the signal each time a perforation of the film edge passes a location corresponding to an optical axis existing between the light emitter and the light detector; and a controller for controlling a film feeding operation in accordance with the detection of a perforation by the perforation detector.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a feeder for feeding the film, a detector for detecting perforations formed on the edge of the film, a controller for controlling the feeder based on the output from the detector. In the apparatus, the operation of the detector is inhibited after the beginning of film feeding until the tip of the film has passed in front of the detector to prevent the erroneous detection of the perforations.

Abstract: A film loading method for a camera comprising the steps of opening a door to uncover a chamber for a film cartridge, inserting a film leader which protrudes from the film cartridge through a film ingress slot in the chamber and into engagement with a film advance sprocket in a film threading path, and rotating the film advance sprocket in engagement with the film leader to advance the engaged leader along the film threading path, is characterized in that the film leader is inserted manually through the film ingress slot into engagement with the film advance sprocket before the film cartridge is received completely in the cartridge receiving chamber or before the door is closed. This allows one to pull the film leader out of engagement with the film advance sprocket from the film ingress slot to abort the film loading operation.

Abstract: A camera is provided having a film transport device that performs accurate detection of an end of film, even if there is a change in the electric power voltage or film transport mechanism load, e.g., because of a temperature change in the camera. The film transport device includes a film advance device that winds the film onto the spool of a camera, a motor, and first and second edge detectors that detect perforations in the film by detecting edges of the perforations. The film perforations are arranged before and after the film frame in a direction of the film advancement. A film transport controller stops the winding of the film by the film advance device when the film transport controller determines that the film has been wound to its end. The film transport controller determines that the film end has been reached when a perforation is detected by the first edge detection device prior to the detection of a specified number of perforations by the second edge detection device.

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: A film scroll detection mechanism for a camera does not require a large encoder for use in controlling the scrolling of the film, while still producing a large number of pulse signals, thereby allowing a camera to be made smaller. A connection mechanism links a film scroll detection roller and a pulse signal generator. The connection mechanism causes an encoder of the pulse signal generator to rotate through a larger angle in comparison to the rotation of the aforementioned film scroll detection roller. This allows the encoder to be made with a smaller radius than previous devices. Additionally, the connection mechanism permits the axis of rotation of the encoder to be offset from the axis of rotation of the film scroll detection roller, which allows for a further reduction in the size of the camera.

Abstract: A film feeding cessation adjusting device for cameras is capable of accurately stopping to a predetermined stopping position each frame of a film having a minimum number of perforations in order to ensure a sufficient data recording area. The film feeding cessation adjusting device includes a film feeding device for feeding a film, a perforation detection device for detecting a perforation of the film, a timer device for measuring a time required for film feeding, a stopping signal generating device for obtaining a time which is delayed by a predetermined period from the time at which the perforation detection device detects the perforation, on the basis of the results of the measurement of the timer device and for generating a feeding stopping signal at the obtained time, and a control device for stopping film feeding of the film feeding device when it receives the feeding stopping signal.

Abstract: When a photographic film cassette is loaded in a camera and a rear lid of the camera is closed, a current adjusting circuit supplies a light emitting element of a photo-sensor with a drive current while stepwise increasing the value of the drive current and comparing a maximum value of the output signal from the photo-sensor with a predetermined maximum level. The value of the drive current, at which the maximum value of the output signal reaches the predetermined maximum level, is stored as an optimum current value. Thereafter, photographic film is advanced from the cassette to position each exposure frame in an exposure aperture of the camera, with reference to the position of perforations formed in association with the exposure frames. The position of each perforation is determined based on a rising edge of the output signal from the photo-sensor while driving the light emitting element at the optimum current value.

Abstract: A film metering mechanism includes a metering slide that is released from a ready position by the pressing of a camera shutter release button such that the film metering slide is pulled by a drive spring and engages a shutter mechanism, temporarily opening the camera shutter, and at the same time is moved so an integral flag portion of the lever is visible in the camera viewfinder. As the film is moved to the next frame, the metering slide engages a perforation of the film and is pulled against the force of the drive spring by the film movement, moving the warning flag out of the viewfinder, until the metering slide returns to its initial position against a frame stop. Pressing the shutter release button disengages the metering slide from the film and starts the sequence over again.

Abstract: A metered film holding device in a camera comprising a metered film holding element supported to enter a film perforation in a metered filmstrip to substantially prevent unintended movement of the filmstrip, is characterized in that the metered film holding element is a ball supported to roll in place continuously in contact with the filmstrip when the filmstrip is advanced in the camera. The ball has a diameter greater than a maximum dimension of the film perforation in order to be able to roll only partly into the film perforation.

Abstract: A film feeding cessation adjusting device for cameras is capable of accurately stopping to a predetermined stopping position each frame of a film having a minimum number of perforations in order to ensure a sufficient data recording area. The film feeding cessation adjusting device includes a film feeding device for feeding a film, a perforation detection device for detecting a perforation of the film, a timer device for measuring a time required for film feeding, a stopping signal generating device for obtaining a time which is delayed by a predetermined period from the time at which the perforation detection device detects the perforation, on the basis of the results of the measurement of the timer device and for generating a feeding stopping signal at the obtained time, and a control device for stopping film feeding of the film feeding device when it receives the feeding stopping signal.

Abstract: A sprocket mechanism for cameras adapted for advancing a film provided with two juxtaposed sprocket holes at regular space intervals includes a sprocket with a body having a couple of pawls spaced apart at a pre-determined distance at a circumferential rim thereof and a first gear disposed on a top side of the body and having a notch at a suitable position thereof, a transmission gear having a second gear formed on its top side, the second gear having a shaft extending from a bottom side thereof and being inserted into a central hole of the first gear, the shaft capable of free movement within the central hole and having a stop element fitted thereon, the stop element being provided with a vertical segment at an extreme end thereof to be retained in the notch of the first gear. When the pawls of the sprocket engage the sprocket holes of the film, the sprocket, the transmission gear and the stop element rotate synchronously.

Abstract: A film feeding cessation adjusting device for cameras is capable of accurately stopping to a predetermined stopping position each frame of a film having a minimum number of perforations in order to ensure a sufficient data recording area. The film feeding cessation adjusting device includes a film feeding device for feeding a film, a perforation detection device for detecting a perforation of the film, a timer device for measuring a time required for film feeding, a stopping signal generating device for obtaining a time which is delayed by a predetermined period from the time at which the perforation detection device detects the perforation, on the basis of the results of the measurement of the timer device, and for generating a feeding stopping signal at the obtained time, and a control device for stopping film feeding of the film feeding device when it receives the feeding stopping signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the positioning of a filmstrip in a film scanning gate using signal states derived from a pair of spaced film sprocket holes or perforation ("perf") sensors on either side of the film scanning gate in conjunction with line scan counts and filmstrip drive, stepper motor half-step counts. The filmstrip is advanced by the stepper motor in a pre-scan operation through the film scanning gate for line scanning the image frames at a low resolution and advanced in the reverse direction back into the film scanning gate for high resolution scanning in a main-scan operation. A line scan array of line scan counts and half-step counts as well as first and second perf arrays of half-step counts and perf sensor states are generated in the pre-scan operation. Image frame borders are located in the pre-scan operation as border line scan counts and correlated in the line scan array to the half step counts to go to in the main-scan.