Data-projection device for disposable cameras

• US 6,195,507 B1
• Filed: 04/19/1999
• Issued: 02/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Inventors: Ito, Shinsuke, Handa, Masaaki
• Primary Examiner(s): PERKEY, WILLIAM B
• Application Number:
  US09/295,472
• Time in Patent Office: 680 Days
• Field of Search: 396/315, 396/316, 396/317, 396/318, 396/6
• US Class Current: 396/6
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/24 with means for separately producing marks on the film, e.g. title, time of exposure
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/245 Optical means
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 2217/243 Optical devices

Abstract

A data-projection device particularly suited for disposable cameras that offers high reliability without the need for a dedicated monitoring device affixed thereto. A dedicated battery is embedded in this data-projection device and an associated battery terminal extends over the entire surface of the data-projection device. One of the circuit board surfaces securing the electrical components of the data-projection device is covered with an anti-electrostatic copper foil pattern which is connected to the battery, thus providing a shield effect with the battery terminal and the copper foil pattern strobe. Further, preferably, the strobe unit and the data-projection device are separated from each other by at least 2 mm. To reduce noise effects from introducing data display errors in the liquid crystal display spring area provided in the battery terminal and is fastened as the receiving area for the guide frame of the main body of the disposable camera to absorb impacts and a dedicated backup capacitor is installed to provide backup in the event the battery contacts are separated from the battery when the data-projection device or the camera it is attached to is jarred or dropped.

Claims

1. A camera comprising:

a liquid crystal display arranged in an optical path extending fiom an ambient light intake area to a photographic film;

a liquid crystal display drive unit for generating a data pattern that will be imprinted onto the photographic film, said liquid crystal display drive unit being formed as a shutter unit that opens and closes the optical path in conjunction with a light-transmitting portion of said liquid crystal display and a photo-shooting shutter; and

a data imprinting device without a monitor display, said data imprinting device having a built-in battery for use by said data imprinting device only, wherein said data imprinting device imprints a data image corresponding to the data pattern by using the ambient light taken in at said ambient light intake area.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein a surface of said data imprinting device is covered with a pattern of copper film, and the pattern is connected to said battery.

3. The camera of claim 1, wherein date and time data is written to and read from said data imprinting device through serial communication.

4. The camera of claim 1, further comprising a battery terminal that includes a spring portion for absorbing shock.

5. The camera of claim 1, further comprising a battery terminal and a capacitor only for backup use if said battery and said battery terminal are temporarily disconnected from each other.

6. The camera of claim 1, further comprising a battery terminal that covers at least one side of a surface of said data imprinting device.

7. The camera of claim 1, wherein a terminal hole is provided on a main body of the camera for setting and confirming data, and wherein data to be imprinted in said data imprinting device can be set and confirmed by connecting a data setting and confirmation device to said terminal hole.

8. The camera of claim 1, wherein data to be imprinted can be confirmed by arranging a detachable adapter for data confirmation in front of said liquid crystal display.

9. A data projection device without a monitor display comprising:

a liquid crystal display arranged in an optical path extending from an ambient light intake area to a photographic film;

a liquid crystal display drive unit for generating a data pattern that will be imprinted onto the photographic film, said liquid crystal display drive unit being formed as a shutter unit that opens and closes the optical path in conjunction with a light-transmitting portion of said liquid crystal display and a photo-shooting shutter; and

a data imprinting device, having a built-in, dedicated battery, that imprints a data image corresponding to the data pattern by using ambient light taken in at said ambient light intake area.

10. The data projection device of claim 9, further comprising a comparator for continually comparing time counter data with preset data, and wherein said liquid crystal display is disabled to provide a display if said comparator determines that said time counter data matches said preset data.

11. The data projection device of claim 9, wherein date and time data is written to and read from said data imprinting device through serial communication.

12. A camera without a monitor display comprising:

a liquid crystal display arranged in an optical path extending from an ambient light intake area to a photographic film;

a liquid crystal display drive unit for generating a data pattern that will be imprinted onto the photographic film, said liquid crystal display drive unit being formed as a shutter unit that opens and closes the optical path in conjunction with a light-transmitting portion of said liquid crystal display and a photo-shooting shutter; and

a data imprinting device, having a built-in, dedicated battery, that imprints a data image corresponding to the data pattern by using the ambient light taken in at said ambient light intake area.

13. The camera of claim 12, further comprising a comparator for continually comparing time counter data with preset data, and wherein said liquid crystal display is disabled to provide a display if said comparator determines that said time counter data matches said preset data.

14. The camera of claim 12, wherein date and time data is written to and read from said data imprinting device through serial communication.

15. The camera of claim 12, wherein a terminal hole is provided on a main body of the camera for setting and confirming data, and wherein data to be imprinted in said data imprinting device can be set and confirmed by connecting a data setting and confirmation device to said terminal hole.

16. The camera of claim 12, wherein data to be imprinted can be confirmed by arranging a detachable adapter for data confirmation in front of said liquid crystal display.