Camera with print quantity designation for each exposure provides print cost total

ABSTRACT

A camera for successively capturing images of subjects, in which respective print quantity designations indicate the number of prints to be made for each one of the captured images, includes print cost totaller that calculates a print cost total which is a total cost of prints to be made for every one of the captured images, and updates the print cost total to make it current each time a print quantity designation is used for a particular captured image.

INFORMATION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is disclosed as being embodied preferably in a motorized film advance camera. Because the features of a motorized film advance camera are generally known, the description which follows is directed in particular only to those elements forming part of or cooperating directly with the disclosed embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that other elements may take various forms known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a motorized film advance camera for exposing latent images on successive frames of a known “Advanced Photo System” (“APS”) filmstrip . The filmstrip has a transparent magnetic overlay which gives it magnetic recording capacity to store various user-selected information along a track adjacent each exposed film frame , and it is normally housed in an opaque film cartridge . Typically, the filmstrip is available in 15-exposure, 25-exposure, and 40-exposure lengths, and the user-selected information can differ from frame-to-frame.

The camera has an opaque main body part that is housed between a pair of connected opaque front and rear cover parts and . See FIG. . The main body part has a cartridge receiving chamber for receiving the film cartridge through a bottom opening (not shown) when a bottom door is pivoted open, a rearwardly open backframe opening at which the respective frames of the filmstrip are temporarily positioned one at a time to be exposed, and an exposed film take-up chamber that contains a film take-up spool which is incrementally rotated following each film exposure to wind the most-recently exposed one of the film frames onto an exposed film roll on the spool (and to position a fresh unexposed film frame at the backframe opening ). When the film take-up spool is incrementally rotated, the filmstrip is advanced forward one frame increment which is slightly greater than a frame width. A drive motor resides inside the film take-up spool for incrementally rotating the spool to advance the filmstrip forward one frame increment, and its operation is controlled by a known microcomputer . When substantially the entire length of the filmstrip is exposed, i.e. the total number of available film frames are exposed, a spindle (not shown) which projects into a cavity in a top end of a film spool inside the film cartridge is continuously rotated via the motor and a suitable gear train (not shown) to rewind the exposed film length rearward into the cartridge.

To magnetically record the user-selected information along the track adjacent each exposed film frame , the motor must be actuated after the exposed film length is rewound rearward into the film cartridge to continuously rotate the film take-up spool in order to advance the exposed film length forward. Then, the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film spool inside the film cartridge in order to rewind the film length with the recorded information rearward into the cartridge, and the door is pivoted open to remove the cartridge from the cartridge receiving chamber .

A known electronic flash unit for flash assisted exposures is flipped up from partially covering the front cover part to uncover a taking lens (not shown) preparatory to using the camera . See FIG. . Flipping up the flash unit closes a normally open power switch connected to the microcomputer to electrically power “on” the camera . See FIG. .

A normally open cartridge present switch in the cartridge receiving chamber and connected to the microcomputer is closed when the film cartridge is present in the chamber and the door is closed. See FIG. . If the camera is powered “on” and the cartridge present switch is open, a visible no-cartridge warning shown in FIG. 3 is shown in a known status display such as a black and white LCD connected to the microcomputer . The status display is turned “on” when the power switch is closed, and is located behind a window in the rear cover part . See FIG. . If the camera is powered “on” and the cartridge present switch is closed, a visible cartridge loaded indication (not shown) is shown in the status display .

A known electronic image sensor , for example a CCD sensor with integrated shuttering capability or a CMOS sensor with integrated shuttering capability, is connected to the microcomputer to form a different electronic image each time one of the unexposed film frames is exposed. The respective electronic images correspond to the latent images on the exposed film frames , are each stored in a memory connected to the microcomputer , and can be shown one at a time in a known image display such as a color LCD connected to the microcomputer. The image display is located next to the status display , behind the window in the rear cover part . The memory has storage capacity for storing at least 40 electronic images, since the filmstrip is available in 15-exposure, 25-exposure, and 40-exposure lengths.

A viewfinder for viewing a subject to be photographed is located on the main body part . See FIG. .

To take a picture, a shutter release button on the front cover part is manually depressed which in turn closes a normally open release switch connected to the microcomputer . See FIGS. 1 and 2. The closed switch triggers momentary opening of a known normally closed shutter to expose a latent image on the film frame at the backframe opening , and to excite the electronic image sensor to form an electronic image substantially simultaneously with exposure of the latent image. The taking lens (not shown) can be used to focus an image of the subject being photographed, for the electronic image sensor as well as for the filmstrip , or a separate lens an be provided for the electronic image sensor. These alternatives are indicated in prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,710,954 issued Jan. 20, 1998.

A magnetic head is mounted within an opening in a film pressure platen for magnetically recording the user-selected information along the track adjacent each one of the exposed film frames . The film pressure platen serves to support each film frame flat for exposure at the backframe opening .

The user-selected information, as is known, can be a selected print quantity number preferably ranging from 0-9 prints, a selected (optional) print title in English and other languages, a selected (optional) print exposure correction +/−, and a selected “APS” print format “C” (classic), “H” (HDTV) or “P” (panoramic), for example. A “C” format print is usually 4×6 inches, a wider “H” format print is often 4×7 inches, and a much wider “P” format print is either 4×10 inches or 4×11.5 inches. The selected print quantity number, print title, and print exposure correction, and the selected “APS” print formats “C”, “H” or “P”, for every one of the exposed film frames are stored in the memory . Individual visible indications of the selected print quantity number, print title, and print exposure correction for any one of the exposed film frames can be seen in the status display . A visible indication of the selected “APS” print format “C”, “H” or “P” for any one of the exposed film frames can be seen in the image display (preferably superimposed on the electronic image shown in the image display). Respective print quantity, title and exposure correction buttons , and are provided on the rear cover part , and when individually manually depressed one or more times close normally open print quantity, title and exposure correction switches , and the same number of times. See FIGS. 1 and 2. The print quantity, title and exposure correction switches , and are connected to the microcomputer in order to add new print quantity number, title and exposure correction designations to the memory for a most-recently exposed one of the film frames and to change the print quantity number, title and exposure correction designations stored in the memory for any one of the exposed film frames to new designations for the same exposed film frame. A format selection button is provided on a top plate , and when manually depressed one or more times closes a normally open C, H, P switch the same number of times. The C, H, P switch is connected to the microcomputer in order to add a new C, H or P designation to the memory for a most-recently exposed one of the film frames and to change the C, H or P designation stored in the memory for any one of the exposed film frames to a new designation for the same exposed film frame. To enter the newly selected information in the memory , an enter button on the rear cover part must be manually depressed which in turn closes a normally open enter switch connected to the microcomputer .

If the print quantity switch is not closed one-to-ten times (to capacity for storing at least electronic images, since the filmstrip is available designate the print quantity number to be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 0 prints) for a most-recently exposed one of the exposed film frames , the default print quantity number for the most-recently exposed frame is “1”, or alternatively it can be the same as the last-made print quantity selection. The default print quantity “1” can be stored in the memory .

An exposed frame selector button is provided on the rear cover part , and when manually depressed one or more times closes a normally open exposed frame selector switch connected to the microcomputer the same number of times, to change the electronic image and the “APS” print format “C”, “H” or “P” shown in the image display for any one of the exposed film frames , and to change the print quantity number, print title, and print exposure correction shown in the status display for the same exposed film frame, to the electronic image and the user-selected information for another one of the exposed film frames. This is possible because the electronic images that match the exposed film frames, and the user-selected information for the exposed film frames, are stored in the memory . Thus, one can effectively scroll through the electronic images and the user-selected information stored in the memory for the exposed film frames , and successively see the electronic images and the user-selected information for any one of the exposed film frames in the status and image displays and . This is done in preparation for manually depressing the print quantity, title and exposure correction buttons , and and the format selection button to change the user-selected information stored in the memory for any one of the exposed film frames .

A pair of identical film perforation sensors and for sensing successive pairs of film perforations and in the filmstrip are mounted in respective pockets and in the film pressure platen and are connected to the microcomputer . The film perforation sensors and , as is known, are used via the microcomputer to decrement a frame count (the number of available film frames ) stored in the memory by “1”, each time the filmstrip is advanced forward a frame increment and the most-recently exposed one of the film frames is wound onto the exposed film roll on the film take-up spool . The frame count begins with “15”, “25” or “40” depending whether the filmstrip has a 15-exposure, 25-exposure, or 40-exposure length.

A verify (print preview) button is provided on the rear cover part , and when manually depressed closes a normally open verify switch connected to the microcomputer . See FIGS. 1 and 2. The closed verify switch causes the electronic image and the “AP S” print format “C”, “H” or “P” stored in the memory for the most-recently exposed one of the film frames to be shown in the image display , and it causes the print quantity number, print title, and print exposure correction stored in the memory for the same exposed film frame to be shown in the status display . If, however the exposed frame selector switch had been closed to change the electronic image and the “APS” print format “C”, “H” or “P” shown in the image display and to change the print quantity number, print title, and print exposure correction shown in the status display , from that for the most-recently exposed one of the film frames to that for an earlier exposed one of the film frames, then the closed verify switch causes the electronic image and the user-selected information for the earlier exposed film frame to be shown in the displays.

Print Cost Total

A unit print cost selector button is provided on the rear cover part , and when manually depressed one-to-three times quickly in succession closes a normally open unit print cost switch connected to the microcomputer the same number of times, to select which ones of the “APS” print formats “C”, “H” and “P” are to be assigned individual unit print costs. The “unit print cost” is the photofinisher's cost per print to the consumer. Pressing the unit cost selector button only once and then pausing selects the “C”-print format. Pressing the unit cost selector button twice and then pausing selects the “H”-print format. Pressing the unit cost selector button three times and then pausing selects the “T”-print format. Then, when the unit print cost button is continuously held depressed to maintain the unit cost switch closed, visible indications of increasing unit print costs, for example from $0.01 to $0.99, successively appear in the status display together with a visible indication of the selected “C”-, “H”- or “P”-print format. Releasing the unit print cost button selects the unit print cost (which is visible in the status display at that moment) for the selected print format. The selected unit print cost is stored in the memory for the selected “C”-, “H”- or “P”-print format.

After the unit print cost is selected for a first one of the “APS” print formats and is stored in the memory , the sequence can be repeated to store a selected unit print cost for a second one of the “APS” print formats in the memory. Then, the sequence can be repeated to store a selected unit print cost for the remaining one of the “APS” print formats in the memory . An example of a unit print cost for each “C” format print is $0.10, for each “H” format print is $0.16, and for each “4” format print is $0.46.

Alternatively, the selected unit print cost stored in the memory can be the same for each one of the “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats. In this instance, the unit print cost selector button must be manually depressed four times quickly in succession to close the unit print cost switch the same number of times, to select that the three print formats be assigned the same unit print cost. Then, when the unit print cost button is continuously held depressed to maintain the unit cost switch closed, visible indications of increasing unit print costs, for example from $0.01 to $0.99, successively appear in the status display together with a visible indication of the three print formats. Releasing the unit print cost button selects the unit print cost (which is visible in the status display at that moment) for the three print formats. The selected unit print cost is stored in the memory . An example of an identical unit print cost for each one of the “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats is $0.28 per print.

The microcomputer operates as a print cost totaller for calculating a print cost total which is a total cost of prints to be made for every one of the exposed film frames . The print cost total existing at any given time is stored in the memory either (1) as the sum of respective print cost subtotals stored in the memory for the “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats, as shown in the status display in FIG. 7, when a different unit print cost is selected for each one of the three print formats, or (2) only as a total amount (no subtotals) for the “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats, when the selected unit print cost is identical for the three print formats. The print cost total stored in the memory is updated via the microcomputer each time a print quantity number is used for a particular one of the exposed film frames .

When the microcomputer calculates the print cost total, it must first determine a print quantity total which is the sum (addition) of the number of prints to be made for every one of the exposed film frames . The print quantity total existing at any given time is stored in the memory either (1) as the sum of respective print quantity subtotals stored in the memory for the “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats, as shown in the status display in FIG. 7, when a different unit print cost is selected for each one of the three print formats, or (2) only as a total amount (no subtotals) for the “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats, when the selected unit print cost is identical for the three print formats. The print quantity total stored in the memory is updated via the microcomputer each time a print quantity number is used for a particular one of the exposed film frames .

If the separate print quantity and print cost totals existing at any given time are stored in the memory as individual sums of respective print quantity subtotals and respective print cost subtotals stored in the memory for the “C”-, “H”- and “T”-print formats, as shown in the status display in FIG. 7, because a different unit print cost is selected for each one of the three print formats, the separate print quantity and print cost totals are updated via the microcomputer according to a print cost total subroutine shown in FIG. . If the separate print quantity and print cost totals existing at any given time are stored in the memory only as individual total amounts (no subtotals) for the “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats, because the selected unit print cost stored in the memory is identical for the three print formats, the print quantity and print cost totals are updated via the microcomputer according to a print cost total subroutine shown in FIG. .

Operation

The operation of the camera to illustrate the invention is shown in a flow chart in FIGS. 3-5.

1. Starting at FIG. 3, when the camera is electrically powered “on” by flipping up the electronic flash unit , the status display is simultaneously turned “on.” The status display shows, among other things, the frame count (the number of available film frames ) stored in the memory , as well as the print total in the memory.

2. If then in FIG. 3 the cartridge present switch remains open because no film cartridge is present in the cartridge receiving chamber , the no-cartridge warning is provided in the status display .

3. If conversely in FIG. 3 the cartridge present switch is closed because the film cartridge is present in the cartridge receiving chamber , the memory is interrogated to determine whether the frame count is greater than “0”.

4. If then in FIG. 3 the frame count in the memory is “0”, which indicates that the final available one of the film frames has been exposed, i.e. there are no film frames remaining for exposure, the number “0” appears in the status indicator .

5. If conversely in FIG. 3 the frame count in the memory is greater than “0”, for example “23”, which indicates that there are twenty-three film frames available for exposure, the number “23” appears in the status indicator .

6. If next in FIG. 3 the verify switch is closed, the image display is turned “on” in FIG. 4 to show the electronic image stored in the memory corresponding to the latent image on the most-recently exposed one (or alternatively an earlier exposed one) of the film frames . Also, the status display now shows the user-selected information stored in the memory for the same exposed film frame, except that the visible indication of the selected “APS” print format “C”, “H” or “P” is shown in the image display superimposed on the electronic image.

7. If conversely in FIG. 3, the verify switch remains open, and the release switch is not closed within an allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, determined by a timer in the microcomputer , the camera is powered “off” for battery conservation.

8. If conversely in FIG. 3, the verify switch remains open, and the release switch is closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, determined by the timer in the microcomputer , because a picture is being taken, a latent image is exposed on the film frame at the backframe opening and the electronic image sensor is excited to form an electronic image which matches the latent image on the newly exposed frame.

9. Then in FIG. 4 the motor is actuated to incrementally rotate the film take-up spool in order to advance the filmstrip forward a frame increment and wind the most-recently exposed one of the film frames onto the exposed film roll on the spool. Also, the electronic image and the user-selected information for the most-recently exposed frame are stored in the memory , and the frame count stored in the memory is decremented by “1”, for example to “22”.

10. Then, in FIG. 4 either one of the print cost total subroutines shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 (and separately described later), are performed via the microcomputer to update the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory for every one of the film frames exposed so far.

11. If next in FIG. 4 the frame count in the memory is greater than “0”, the verify switch can be closed.

12. If then in FIG. 4 the verify switch is not closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, determined by the timer in the microcomputer , or alternatively the release switch is not closed within the same time, the camera is powered “off” for battery conservation.

13. If conversely in FIG. 4 the verify switch is closed within the allotted time (as in FIG. ), e.g. 150 seconds, determined by the timer in the microcomputer , the image display is turned “on” to show the electronic image stored in the memory corresponding to the latent image on the most-recently exposed one (or alternatively an earlier exposed one) of the film frames . Also, the status display now shows the user-selected information for the same exposed film frame, except that the visible indication of the selected “APS” print format “C”, “H” or “P” is shown in the image display superimposed on the electronic image.

14. If next in FIG. 4 the exposed frame selector switch is not closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, determined by a timer in the microcomputer , and none of the user-selected information switches , , and are closed within a brief time, e.g. 10 seconds, determined by the timer, the image display is turned “off”. The camera including the status display remains “on.”

15. If conversely in FIG. 4 the exposed frame selector switch is not closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, determined by the timer in the microcomputer , and at least one of the user-selected information switches , , and is closed within the brief time, e.g. 10 seconds, determined by the timer, then when the enter switch is closed, the electronic image and the new selected information for the most-recently exposed one of the film frames are stored in the memory in place of the previously stored information for the same exposed film frame, one of the print cost total update subroutines shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 (and separately described later) are performed via the microcomputer to update the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory , and the image display is turned “off”.

16. If alternatively in FIG. 4 the exposed frame selector switch is closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, the electronic image and the user-selected information stored in the memory for any one of the earlier exposed film frames (not the most-recently exposed film frame) are shown in the status and image displays and in place of the previously shown image and information for another one of the exposed film frames. Then, when at least one of the user-selected information switches , , and is closed within the brief time, e.g. 10 seconds, and the enter switch is closed, the electronic image and the new selected information for the earlier exposed film frame are stored in the memory in place of the previously stored information for the same exposed film frame, one of the print cost total update subroutines shown in FIGS. and (and separately described later) may be performed via the microcomputer to update the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory , and the image display is turned “off”.

17. If in FIG. 4 the frame count in the memory is “0”, the image display is turned “on” to show the electronic image stored in the memory corresponding to the latent image on the final exposed one of the film frames . Also, the status display now shows the user-selected information for the same exposed film frame, except that the visible indication of the selected “APS” print format “C”, “H” or “P” is shown in the image display superimposed on the electronic image. The image display is turned “on” in this instance (as compared with the other instance in FIG. 4 that it is turned “on”) without having to first close the verify switch .

18. If next in FIG. 4 the exposed frame selector switch is not closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, and none of the user-selected information switches , , and are closed within a brief time, e.g. 10 seconds, the image display is turned “off” as indicated in FIG. 5, and the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film spool inside the film cartridge in order to rewind the exposed film length rearward into the cartridge. Then, the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film take-up spool in order to advance the exposed film length forward, and the magnetic head magnetically records the user-selected information stored in the memory for each exposed film frame on the exposed film length along the track adjacent each exposed film frame. Then, the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film spool inside the film cartridge in order to rewind the exposed film length rearward into the cartridge. Then, the door is pivoted open to remove the film cartridge from the cartridge receiving chamber . When the film cartridge is removed, the cartridge present switch opens and the microcomputer changes the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory to “0”. Also, any existing print cost and print quantity subtotals stored in the memory are changed to “0”.

19. If conversely in FIG. 4 the exposed frame selector switch is not closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, and at least one of the user-selected information switches , , and is closed within the brief time, e.g. 10 seconds, the image display remains “on.” Then when the enter switch is closed, one of the print cost total update subroutines shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 (and separately described later) may be performed via the microcomputer to update the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory . If the verify switch is not closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, the image display is turned “off” as indicated in FIG. 5, and the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film spool inside the film cartridge in order to rewind the exposed film length rearward into the cartridge. Then, the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film take-up spool in order to advance the exposed film length forward, and the magnetic head magnetically records the user-selected information stored in the memory for each exposed film frame on the exposed film length along the track adjacent each exposed film frame. Then, the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film spool inside the film cartridge in order to rewind the exposed film length rearward into the cartridge. Then, the door is pivoted open to remove the film cartridge . When the film cartridge is removed, the cartridge present switch opens and the microcomputer changes the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory to “0”. Also, any existing print cost and print quantity subtotals stored in the memory are changed to “0”.

20. If alternatively in FIG. 4 the exposed frame selector switch is closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, the electronic image and the user-selected information stored in the memory for any one of the earlier exposed film frames (not the most-recently exposed film frame) is shown in the status and image displays and . Then, when at least one of the user-selected information switches , , and is closed within the brief time, e.g. 10 seconds, and the enter switch is closed, one of the print cost total update subroutines shown in FIG. 6 (and separately described later) may be performed via the microcomputer to update the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory . If the verify switch is not closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, the image display is turned “off” as indicated in FIG. 5, and the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film spool inside the film cartridge in order to rewind the exposed film length rearward into the cartridge. Then, the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film take-up spool in order to advance the exposed film length forward, and the magnetic head magnetically records the user-selected information stored in the memory for each exposed film frame on the exposed film length along the track adjacent each exposed film frame. Then, the motor is actuated to continuously rotate the film spool inside the film cartridge in order to rewind the exposed film length rearward into the cartridge. Then, the door is pivoted open to remove the film cartridge . When the film cartridge is removed, the cartridge present switch opens and the microcomputer changes the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory to “0”. Also, any existing print cost and print quantity subtotals stored in the memory are changed to “0”.

21. If conversely in FIG. 4 the verify switch is closed within the allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, go back to step above.

Print Cost Total Update Subroutine—FIG.

The print cost total update subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is performed via the microcomputer to update the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory for every one of the film frames exposed so far. This version is performed when the existing print cost and print quantity totals are stored in the memory as individual sums of respective print quantity subtotals and respective print cost subtotals stored in the memory for the “APS” “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats (because a different unit print cost is selected for each one of the three print formats). See the status display in FIG. .

1. First in FIG. 6 the microcomputer reads the single designated print quantity number 0-9 and the single designated “APS” print format “C”, “H” or “P” stored in the memory for a particular exposed film frame (either a most-recently exposed film frame or an earlier exposed film frame). Also, the microcomputer reads the single designated unit print cost $0.01-$0.99 stored in the memory for the same “C”-, “H”- or “P”-print format, and it reads the existing C-, H- and P-print quantity and print cost subtotals stored in the memory for the respective “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats. See the status display in FIG. .

2. Next in FIG. 6 the microcomputer performs its calculations to update the existing print quantity and print cost totals to new print quantity and print cost totals. First the single designated print quantity number 0-9 and the existing C-, H- or P-print quantity subtotal for the single designated “C”-, “H”- or “P”-print format are summed to obtain a new C-, H- or P-print quantity subtotal (in place of the existing print quantity subtotal) for the same “C”-, “H”- or “P” print format. If, for example, the existing C-, H- or P-print quantity subtotal is “3” for three film frames exposed so far, and the designated print quantity number for a most-recently exposed film frame is “2”, the new C-, H- or P-print quantity subtotal would be 3 plus 2=5. If, alternatively, the existing C-, H- or P-print quantity subtotal is “6” for three film frames exposed so far, and the designated print quantity number for an earlier exposed film frame has been reduced from “2” to “1” (via the print quantity switch ), the new C-, H- or P-print quantity subtotal would be 6 minus 15. Then, the new print quantity subtotal and the unit print cost for the single designated “C”-, “H”- or “P”-print format are multiplied to obtain a new print cost subtotal (in place of the existing print cost subtotal) for the same “C”-, “H”- or “P”-print format. If, for example, the new print quantity subtotal is “5” and the unit print cost is $0.10 per print, the new print cost subtotal is $0.50. See FIG. . The new print quantity subtotal and the remaining two existing print quantity subtotals are summed to obtain an updated print quantity total. The new print cost subtotal and the remaining two existing print cost subtotals are summed to obtain an updated print cost total.

3. Then in FIG. 6 the print quantity and print cost subtotals and totals are changed in the memory and the status display is changed to reflect this update.

Print Cost Total Update Subroutine—FIG.

The print cost total update subroutine shown in FIG. 8 is performed via the microcomputer to update the existing print cost and print quantity totals stored in the memory for every one of the film frames exposed so far. This version is performed when the existing print quantity and print cost totals are stored in the memory only as individual total amounts (no subtotals) for the “APS” “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats (because the selected unit print cost stored in the memory is identical for the three print formats).

1. First in FIG. 8 the microcomputer reads the single designated print quantity number 0-9 and the single designated “APS” print format “C”, “H” or “T” stored in the memory for a particular exposed film frame (either a most-recently exposed film frame or an earlier exposed film frame). Also, the microcomputer reads the one designated unit print cost $0.01-$0.99 stored in the memory which is the same for the “C”-, “H”- and “P”-print formats, and it reads the existing print quantity total stored in the memory for the three print formats.

2. Next in FIG. 8 the microcomputer performs its calculations to update the existing print quantity and print cost totals to new print quantity and print cost totals. First the single designated print quantity number 0-9 and the existing print quantity total are summed to obtain a new print quantity subtotal which is the updated print quantity total. If, for example, the existing print quantity total is “3” for three film frames exposed so far, and the designated print quantity number for a most-recently exposed film frame is “2”, the new print quantity total would be 3 plus 2=5. If, alternatively, the existing print quantity subtotal is “6” for three film frames exposed so far, and the designated print quantity number for an earlier exposed film frame has been reduced from “2” to “1” (via the print quantity switch ), the new print quantity total would be 6 minus 1=5. Then, the new print quantity total and the unit print cost for the “C” “H”- and “P”-print formats are multiplied to obtain an updated print cost total for the three print formats. If, for example, the new print quantity total is “5” and the unit print cost is $0.28 per print, the new print cost total is $1.40.

3. Then in FIG. 6 the print quantity and print cost totals are changed in the memory and the status display is changed to reflect this update.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, when in FIG. 4 the enter switch is not closed within an allotted time, e.g. 150 seconds, determined by the timer in the microcomputer , and alternatively the release switch is not closed within the same time, the camera could be powered “off” for battery conservation.

PARTS LIST

. camera

. film frames

. filmstrip

. track

. film cartridge

. main body part

. front cover part

. rear cover part

. cartridge receiving chamber

. bottom door

. backframe opening

. exposed film take-up chamber

. film take-up spool

. exposed film roll

. drive motor

. microcomputer

. spool cavity

. spoolend

. electronic flash unit

. power switch

. cartridge present switch

. no-cartridge warning

. status display

. window

. electronic image sensor

. memory

. image display

. viewfinder

. shutter release button

. release switch

. shutter

. magnetic head

. opening

. film pressure platen

. print quantity button

. print title button

. exposure correction button

. print quantity switch

. print title switch

. exposure correction switch

. format selection button

. top plate

. C, H, P switch

. enter button

. enter switch

. exposed frame selector button

. exposed frame selector switch

. film perforation sensor

. film perforation sensor

. film perforation

. filn perforation

. pocket

. pocket

. verify button

. verify switch

. unit print cost selector button

. unit print cost switch

. timer

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear exploded perspective view of a dual film exposure, electronic exposure camera consistent with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of various components of the camera;

FIGS. 3, and is a flow chart depicting operation of the camera to illustrate the invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a one example of a subroutine for updating a print cost total;

FIG. 7 is a view of a display which shows the print cost total; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of another example of a subroutine for updating the print cost total.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Reference is made to commonly assigned copending application Serial No. 09/499,812, entitled CAMERA THAT RECORDS PRINT QUANTITY DESIGNATION ON FILM FOR EACH EXPOSURE, AND HAS PRINT QUANTITY TOTALLING and filed Feb. 8, 2000 in the name of Stephen G. Malloy Desormeaux, James W. Fulmer and Robert Hills.

CLAIMS

1. A camera for successively capturing images of subjects, in which respective print quantity designations indicate the number of prints to be made for each one of the captured images, is characterized in that: a print cost totaller calculates a print cost total which is a total cost of the number of prints to be made for all the captured images, and updates the print cost total to make it current each time a print quantity designation is used for a particular captured image.

2. A camera as recited in claim 1, wherein any one of a series of unit print costs are selectable, a unit print cost selector can be manually operated to select any one of the series of selectable unit print costs, and said print cost totaller applies a selected unit print cost to calculate said print cost total.

3. A camera as recited in claim 2, wherein a memory connected to said print cost totaller stores said print cost total and said selected unit print cost, and said print cost totaller determines the print cost total and the selected unit print cost stored in said memory when said print cost total is to be updated.

4. A camera as recited in claim 1, wherein said print cost totaller calculates a print quantity total which is a sum of the number of prints to be made for all the captured images, updates said print quantity total to make it current each time a print quantity designation is used for a particular captured image, and applies an updated print quantity total to calculate said print cost total.

5. A camera as recited in claim 4, wherein any one of a series of unit print costs are selectable, a unit print cost selector can be manually operated to select any one of the series of selectable unit print costs, and said print cost totaller multiplies a selected unit print cost and an updated print quantity total to update said print cost total.

6. A camera as recited in claim 1, wherein a print format selector can be manually operated to select any one of a group of selectable different-type print formats to provide respective print format designations for every one of the captured images, and said print cost totaller calculates respective print cost subtotals for the selected different-type print format designations within said group.

7. A camera as recited in claim 6, wherein said print cost totaller multiplies a print quantity total of prints to be made according to any one of said selected different-type format designations and a selected unit print cost for the same format designation to calculate the print cost subtotal for that format designation.

8. A camera as recited in claim 6, wherein said print cost totaller sums said print cost subtotals to update said print cost total.

9. A camera as recited in claim 1, wherein a display connected to said print cost totaller displays said print cost total each time the print cost total is updated.

10. A camera for successively capturing images of subjects, is characterized in that: a print quantity selector provides respective print quantity designations of the number of prints to be made for a most-recently captured image and for any one of earlier captured images; and a print cost totaller calculates a print cost total which is a total cost of the number of prints to be made for all the captured images, and is connected to said print quantity selector to update said print cost total each time a print quantity designation is used for a most-recent captured image or for an earlier captured image, whereby a running cost total will be maintained.

11. A camera for exposing latent images of subjects on successive frames of a filmstrip, in which a print quantity selector provides respective print quantity designations of the number of prints to be made for each one of the exposed frames, is characterized in that: a print cost totaller calculates a print cost total which is a total cost of the number of prints to be made for all the captured images, and is connected to said print quantity selector to update said print cost total to make it current each time a print quantity designation is used for a particular exposed frame; and a display is connected to said print cost totaller for displaying the print quantity designation used for a particular exposed frame and for displaying said print quantity total.

12. A camera as recited in claim 11, wherein said display displays said print cost total each time said print cost totaller updates the print cost total.

13. A camera as recited in claim 11, wherein an exposed frame selector can be manually operated to select any one of the exposed frames, said print quantity selector is connected to said exposed frame selector to change the print quantity designation for any one of the exposed frames that is selected with said exposed frame selector, and said print cost totaller updates said print cost total when said print quantity selector changes the print quantity designation for any one of the exposed frames that is selected with said exposed frame selector.

14. A camera as recited in claim 11, wherein a cartridge receiving chamber is adapted to receive a film cartridge for the filmstrip, and a cartridge present sensor for determining whether the film cartridge is present in or removed from said cartridge receiving chamber is connected to said print cost totaller to change said print cost total to “0” when the film cartridge is removed from said cartridge receiving chamber.

15. A method of operating a camera for successively capturing images of subjects, in which respective print quantity designations indicate the number of prints to be made for each one of the captured images, said method comprising the steps of: calculating a print cost total which is a total cost of the number of prints to be made for all the captured images; and updating the print cost total to make it current each time a print quantity designation is used for a particular captured image.

16. A method of cumulating a print cost total in an image capture camera comprises the steps of: successively capturing images of subjects; storing respective print quantity designations of the number of prints to be made for each one of the captured images; and updating a print cost total which is a total cost of the number of prints to be made for all the captured images each time a print quantity designation is used for a particular captured image, whereby a running cost total will be maintained.

17. A method as recited in claim 16, further having the step of displaying the print cost total each time it is updated.

18. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein a print format selector can be manually operated to select any one of a group of selectable different-type print formats to provide respective print format designations for every one of the captured images, and the print cost total is updated by summing respective print cost subtotals which are for the selected different-type print format designations within the group.

19. A method as recited in claim 18, further having the step of displaying the print cost total and the print cost subtotals each time the print cost total is updated by summing the print cost subtotals.

20. A method as recited in claim 18, wherein a print quantity total of prints to be made according to any one of the selected different-type format designations and a selected unit print cost for the same format designation are multiplied to calculate a print cost subtotal for that format designation.

21. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein the print cost total is updated by multiplying a selected unit print cost and a print quantity total which is a sum of the number of prints to be made for every one of the captured images.

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