Abstract: An imaging apparatus 10 comprises a lower housing 11, an upper housing 21, an outer camera 25, and at least one photographing button (buttons 14H and 14G). The upper housing 21 is connected to an upper surface of the lower housing 11 such that the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 11 are foldable. The outer camera 25 is provided in an outer surface of the upper housing 21 which is located outside when the two housings 11 and 21 are folded. The at least one photographing button is provided on an upper surface of the lower housing 11 for performing an instruction to sore an image taken by the outer camera 25.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a stylus and a housing. An opening may be formed in the housing for inserting and storing the stylus. A function button may be mounted in the housing. The stylus may be adapted to operate the function button when in a stored position inserted within the opening in response to a user applying a predetermined pressure to the stylus.

Abstract: An ergonomic photographic device includes a camera and a shell. The shell has a front portion and a back portion, with the camera being disposed in the front portion. The back portion has a leaning portion which is capable of accommodating leaning of the palm of a user. When the arm and wrist of the user are kept at a neutral angle, the camera is kept at a horizontal angle.

Abstract: An electronic device including a fuel container to accumulate fuel inside thereof, a fuel cell device body unit engaged with the fuel container and comprising a power generating cell to generate electricity by using the fuel which is supplied from the fuel container and an electronic device body unit in which the electricity is supplied from the fuel cell device body unit, and the electronic device body unit comprises a case having a concave portion in which the fuel cell device body unit and the fuel container are housed, an opening part which forms an open end of the concave portion, and the fuel cell device body unit and the fuel container are engageable with and separable from each other and detachable from the concave portion in a state where the fuel cell device body unit and the fuel container are engaged to one another and only the fuel container is detachable from the concave portion.

Abstract: An ergonomic photographic device includes a camera and a shell. The shell has a front portion and a back portion, with the camera being disposed in the front portion. The back portion has a leaning portion which is capable of accommodating leaning of the palm of a user. When the arm and wrist of the user are kept at a neutral angle, the camera is kept at a horizontal angle.

Abstract: A camera has an outer case member and a lens barrel unit having a movable lens movable along a straight line. The relation between the shape of the outer case member and the layout of the lens barrel unit is such that when the camera falls in the same direction as the straight line to contact with a flat surface for the first time, the camera contacts the flat surface at a portion other than directly below the center of gravity. Examples of the camera disclosed include a camera having the lens barrel unit disposed tilted in the outer case member, a camera whose outer case member has a wedge-like shape, and a camera having a projection formed at the outer case member.

Abstract: A digital camera has a housing and an exposure circuit in the housing. The digital camera further includes a locating post fixed on the housing, a rotatable assembly, and a shutter button electronically connected to the exposure circuit. The rotatable assembly has a hole for passage of the locating post and can rotate round the locating post. The shutter button is disposed on a side of the rotatable assembly. The rotatable assembly may help users to select one of the left side and the right side of the digital camera as desired for left-handed or right-handed operation of the digital camera.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an operation member which is arranged within a range where a particular finger of right hand gripping the electronic device in a vertical orientation reaches and in which assigned functions can be customized, a storage unit adapted to store information on a first function and a second function which are set in the operation member as the assigned functions, an orientation information obtaining unit adapted to obtain information on an orientation related to the electronic device, a function assignment control unit adapted to assign the first function to the operation member when it is determined based on the information on the orientation that the electronic device is in a horizontal orientation and assign the second function to the operation member when it is determined based on the information on the orientation that the electronic device is in the vertical orientation.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a main body 1 incorporating an image pickup element, an operation part that is placed on the main body 1 and can be operated by a user, and a seventh surface 107 provided on the main body 1, on which, when the user takes a picture while holding the main body 1, the thumb of the hand holding the main body 1 can be left in a stand-by state. The operation part includes rotation operation parts that are placed in the vicinity of the seventh surface 107 and are rotatable, and the rotation operation parts are arranged so that at least a part of the same faces the seventh surface 107. With this, a movement amount of the fingers of the user is reduced, whereby the operability is improved.

Abstract: A camera handle includes an underplate, a plastic layer and a protective film. The protective film enwraps the plastic layer and is fixed on the underplate. A method for manufacturing the camera handle includes the following steps: fixing a protective film on an underplate, the underplate defining a plurality of through holes uncovered on a glue side of the underplate by the protective film during the protective film draped over the side of the underplate; positioning the sub-assembly of the protective film and the underplate in a tool that defines a concave portion and at least one air channel thereof, wherein, the protective film is adjacent the air channel; pumping air via the air channel for forming a space between the protective film and the underplate; filling the space with the plastic layer via the through holes; sealing the through holes.

Abstract: A camera comprising: a camera body on which an image taking lens and an image display portion are provided, and a grip portion connected to the camera body so as to be foldable and extendable, wherein the grip portion can be moved to a first position at which it is folded to cover the image display portion and to a second position at which it is extended to function as a grip.

Abstract: An electroluminescent display device includes an electroluminescent display, and at least one switch which is positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the electroluminescent display, the switch being activated upon an outer surface of the electroluminescent display being pressed to resiliently deform the switch.

Abstract: A digital camera has a housing and an exposure circuit in the housing. The digital camera further includes a locating post fixed on the housing, a rotatable assembly, and a shutter button electronically connected to the exposure circuit. The rotatable assembly has a hole for passage of the locating post and can rotate round the locating post. The shutter button is disposed on a side of the rotatable assembly. The rotatable assembly may help users to select one of the left side and the right side of the digital camera as desired for left-handed or right-handed operation of the digital camera.

Abstract: A camera including a camera body having a substantially flat shape, a photographing optical system configured to perform a photographing operation and accommodated in the camera body, the photographing optical system having a photographing optical axis in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the camera body and a photographing object side plane, the photographing object side plane facing an object to be photographed when photographing, and a release button configured to activate the photographing operation of the photographing optical system provided on a side surface of the camera body corresponding with the photographing object side plane of the photographing optical system.

Abstract: A nose pad for camera includes a base plate, at least one projecting portion mounted to the base plate, and a sheet portion mounted to an edge of the base plate at an edge of the sheet portion and extending obliquely upwardly over the base plate and the sheet portion. The projecting portion has an arc shape so that the nose pad can fit a contour of a nose. The sheet portion is designed to have a reasonable space in between the sheet portion and the projecting portion, so that the nose of the user can softly touch the camera when the nose pad is used.

Abstract: A digital camera having a housing and a lens assembly receiving in the housing, includes a touch screen, a right shutter button, a left shutter button, and a selection switch. The right shutter button is configured for right-handed activation of a shutter function of the lens assembly of the digital camera. The left shutter button is configured for a left hand to turn on the lens assembly of the digital camera. The selection switch is electronically connected to the left, right shutter buttons and the touch screen. The selection switch is configured for selecting and activating one of the left, right shutter buttons to turn on the lens assembly of the digital camera. The selection is also configured for changing a relative position of the image-displaying area and the virtual button area in response to the left shutter button and the right shutter button that is activated.

Abstract: A panel housing moves across a storage position and first and second usage position. In the storage position, the panel housing closes against a housing body and a display surface is positioned in close proximity to a storage face of the housing body. In the first usage position, the panel housing opens to thereby cause the display surface to be visible. In the second usage position, the panel housing closes, and an outer face of the panel housing is positioned close proximity to the storage face to thereby cause the display surface to be visible. The storage face has a protrusion for stopping rotation of the panel housing about a second axis when either an inner face of the panel housing or the display surface is pushed toward the outer face in the state that the panel housing positioned in the second usage position.

Abstract: A housing cover of an image photographing apparatus has a main body mounting therein a deck for recording and reproducing information on an image input through a camera unit and a circuit board. A housing is openably hinged on one side of the deck to mount and separate an image recording medium to and from the deck. A door encloses an outside of the housing and is formed on one side of an outer casing of the main body. The door includes a groove part engaged with the housing by a plurality of screws. The groove part is provided with a hand grip for concealing the screws exposed to the outside and forming a grip part for a user to grip. Accordingly, gripability for carriage and use, and an aesthetic appearance of the image photographing apparatus are improved.

Abstract: A camera including a camera body having a substantially flat shape, a photographing optical system configured to perform a photographing operation and accommodated in the camera body, the photographing optical system having a photographing optical axis in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the camera body and a photographing object side plane, the photographing object side plane facing an object to be photographed when photographing, and a release button configured to activate the photographing operation of the photographing optical system provided on a side surface of the camera body corresponding with the photographing object side plane of the photographing optical system.

Abstract: A camera is provided that includes a camera housing and a TFT panel, which permits verification of a formed image, located on the back of the camera housing. A strobe unit and an electronic viewfinder unit are located in the upper part of the camera housing. The electronic viewfinder unit has a unit body including: a TFT panel permitting viewing of an object image; an eyepiece opposed to the back of the camera housing and used to view the object image displayed on the TFT panel; and a prism serving as an optical path conversion member that bends by a predetermined angle light emitted from an object image displayed on the TFT panel so as to route the light to the eyepiece, and adjoining the TFT panel and the eyepiece.

Abstract: An electronic camera having therein a CCD (image sensing device). A lens barrel is mounted on a camera body thereof. As focusing means, this camera has therein a ranging unit in an active AF manner and a contrast detector in a contrast AF manner using subject light from the lens barrel. A grip portion is arranged at the left side (as seen from the subject) of the camera body. A peak portion is arranged over the grip portion. A ranging window for the ranging unit is arranged over the peak portion. When the camera body is held, it is possible to prevent fingers from moving to the front of the ranging window and covering the window by the peak portion. Even if the lens barrel has a large aperture, it is also possible to arrange the ranging unit on the front portion of the camera body.

Abstract: When the interior of the electronic camera is seen from the back side, a battery is arranged at the part corresponding to the inside of a grip part arranged at the right side of the casing so that the long axis of the battery is along the right side of the casing, and an imaging part including a taking lens and a CCD is arranged at the upper left. Below the imaging part, an LCD monitor and a memory card holder are arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the taking lens. In this arrangement, the components of the camera are arranged in a compact size. On the back face of the camera body, a mode dial is arranged at a position that can be operated by the thumb of a hand holding the grip part. The mode dial is capable of rotating within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the taking lens.

Abstract: A camera includes a main body part, a pair of front and rear cover parts that house the main body part between them, and a cover attachment to the front cover part. An operational device is mounted on the main body part to be included within the front and rear cover parts, and is depressible to be activated. The front cover part has a hole positioned over the operational device to permit the operational device to be accessed through the hole to be depressed. The cover attachment to the front cover part covers the hole in the front cover part to conceal the hole, and has an actuating member that is depressible through the hole to depress the operational device.

Abstract: A camera body has grip portions for right-handed users and the left-handed users provided respectively on the right and left sides thereof. A release button to be operated by the right hand is mounted on the side of the grip portion for right-handed users, and a release button to be operated by the left hand is mounted on the side of the grip portion for left-handed users. A ring member is rotatably mounted about a lens-barrel. When the ring member is rotated toward the release button for right-handed users, the release button for right-handed users is enabled, and when it is rotated toward the release button for left-handed users, the release button for left-handed users is enabled.

Abstract: A film back exchangeable camera is provided. The film back exchangeable camera has a camera body and a film back that can be attached to a rear portion of the camera body. The film back exchangeable camera includes a backward protrusion protruding backward from a film back attaching surface and covering a top surface of the film back. The camera also includes at least one operation member provided on the backward protrusion and a grip portion protruding backward from the film back attaching surface and covering one side surface of the film back.

Abstract: A lock device is provided for locking an accessory-grip to a camera body. A lock lever is movably supported by a housing. The lock lever is moved and can be stopped at a lock position, a partial release position, and a complete release position. First and second connecting members are movably supported by the housing, and can be displaced in association with the lock lever. When the lock lever is positioned at the lock position, the first and second connecting members are engaged with the camera body. When the lock lever is positioned at the partial release position, the first connecting member is released from the camera body and the second connecting member maintains the engaged state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera which gives, to the user, a suggestion of how the camera be hand-gripped readily and properly and can prevent camera shaking beforehand. The camera comprises a picture-taking lens for forming a subject image, a camera body section connected to the picture-taking lens, and an outer covering member covering the picture-taking lens and camera body section, in which, in the outer covering member, the bottom surface of a covered section corresponding to the camera body section and bottom surface of a covered section corresponding to the lower portion of the picture-taking lens are formed of a member of a higher friction coefficient than a remaining surface.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed digital camera includes a hand grip that can be comfortably held by one hand and a lens assembly that is positioned above and connected to the hand grip by a telescoping and rotating device. The hand grip has one or more buttons including a shutter trigger located on a front surface of the hand grip, and one or more command control buttons located on a back surface of the hand grip. The lens assembly includes a memory device that stores digital images or videos and a micro display viewfinder located on a back surface of the lens assembly. The lens assembly may also include a fill-in flash and/or a telescoping flash.

Abstract: A blur preventing device of a camera includes a base portion having a depressed portion on one side thereof to allow a nose of a user to be inserted therein; a sebaceous matter absorbing layer disposed on a surface of the base portion including the depressed portion; and an adhesive layer disposed on a back surface of the base portion to be detachably attached to a back side of the camera. Since a user can hold the camera by pressing the nose against the back side of the camera through the blur preventing device, a picture without blur can be taken. Moreover, there is no risk of staining the back of the camera with the sebaceous matter since the blur preventing device is provided with the sebaceous matter absorbing layer.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photographic film unit includes a unit body having at least a curved surface, such as a semi-cylindrical grip protruding forwardly from a front wall of the unit body. The unit body is wrapped in an outer case made of a sheet material. The sheet material is knurled or indented with a pattern in those portions of the outer case which are bent to cover the curved to impart flexibility thereto, or where the photographer grips the film unit.

Abstract: A one-time use camera, including: mechanical members for photographing; a front cover member; a rear cover member, light-tightly joined with the front cover member, for covering the mechanical members; and a rear grip protrusion, accommodated to the rear cover member, for providing an user-holding portion of the one-time use camera.

Abstract: A camera for use with a compact film cartridge having a battery arranged in the front end portion of a grip portion, and a cartridge chamber in which a compact film cartridge is stored is arranged at the boundary between the grip portion and a camera body. A motor is arranged between the battery and the cartridge chamber. A main capacitor for causing an electronic flash to emit light is horizontally arranged above the cartridge chambers and motor. In the camera arranged as described above, although the camera body and a lens barrel are smaller than those of a conventional camera in order to achieve miniaturization commensurate with miniaturization of the film, the grip portion has a size and height which are equal to those of the grip portion of the conventional camera. Accordingly, in the camera, of the present invention a release operation can be easily performed, and a shape having good holding properties can be obtained.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.

Abstract: A camera and its components are arranged to reduce the overall camera width while avoiding an increase in height. The camera includes a cartridge chamber and a spool chamber positioned to surround the lens barrel. The chambers and the barrel are aligned in a first direction. A region is defined adjacent the spool chamber in a second direction, substantially perpendicular to both an axial direction of the lens barrel and the first direction. A light-emitting unit of a flash device, a red-eye prevention light-emitting unit, which produces light that prevents the red-eye phenomenon, and a photometry unit, which outputs a signal corresponding to the subject field brightness, are provided in the region in a position to reduce the overall width of the camera.

Abstract: A camera having a strobe and a strobe condenser electrically connected to the strobe. The strobe condenser consists of a plurality of condensers, some of which are accommodated in a grip portion integrally formed with a camera body of the camera. The remainder of the plurality of condensers are accommodated outside the grip portion in the camera body.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photographic film package with a flash unit and a viewfinder optical system, which is thin and contributes to effective and economical automatic recycling operations. The taking lens system of the film package is accommodated in a lens holder incorporated in a photo-taking unit having photo-taking mechanisms, and is held immovably in the lens holder by a lens cover removably fitted on the lens holder by snap-in engagement. The viewfinder optical system is also incorporated in the photo-taking unit. The photo-taking unit is removably attached to a main body of the film package, and the flash unit is removably attached to the main body with its printed circuit board disposed between the photo-taking unit and a front surface of a film supply chamber. A light emitting portion of the flash unit is secured to a lateral side of the printed circuit board, so as to be disposed above the film supply chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera comprising an opening that is located in a camera body and defines a film screen, a lens barrel located in front of the opening and extended forward of the camera body, a projection located behind the opening, a grip that ls formed on one side surface of the projection, whose back end lies ahead of the back end of the projection, and that is held with the fingers of a photographer's hand during photography, and a recess that is formed on the outer circumference of the outer wall of the lens barrel, located in an area substantially opposed to the grip, and dented toward the inner circumference of the lens barrel.

Abstract: The invention provides a camera body having an external surface for a photographers hand to grip the camera, the surface comprising a laminate of (1) an external first layer comprising a thermoplastic elastomer bonded to (2) a second layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer which is, in turn, bonded to (3) a third layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer.The invention also provides a method of making a camera having an external surface suitable for a photographers hand to grip the camera, the method comprising forming the camera body or a camera part that is later attached to the camera body by using a preformed laminate.