US 5,561,458 A · Electronic imaging module for reversibly converting a photographic camera into an electronic imaging camera

Abstract

An electronic imaging module is disclosed which is removably insertable into a photographic camera for reversibly converting the camera into an electronic imaging camera. The electronic imaging module includes a sensing unit, a processing unit, and a coupling unit. The sensing unit detects an object image and converts the image to a corresponding electrical signal. The processing unit, which is configured for location within the camera's film cassette holder, includes a storage unit for storing the electrical signal and a transmission link for transmitting the electrical signal to external devices such as a control unit or a base unit. The coupling unit couples the sensing unit to the processor unit. The coupling unit is adjustable to ensure that the sensing unit is in alignment with the camera optical path and the film plane and the processing unit is secured within the film cassette holder.

Claims17

Dependent claims

An electronic imaging module removably insertable in film cassette holder of a photographic camera which is adapted to hold photographic film in a film plane transverse to an optical path of which optically transmits an object image of an object into the photographic camera, the electronic imaging module for reversibly converting the photographic camera into an electronic imaging camera, the electronic imaging module comprising:

means for sensing the object image in accordance with the camera film format and initiating image acquisition in the camera in response to sensing the object image such that the object image is converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the object image;
means for processing the electrical signal into a format suitable for transmission, the processing means being configured for location within the camera film cassette holder;
means for coupling the sensing means to the processing means, the coupling means being adjustable to align the sensing means with the optical path of the photographic camera and maintain the processing means within the film cassette holder of the camera.

An electronic imaging module removably insertable into an exposure chamber of a photographic camera which is adapted to hold photographic film therein, the photographic camera having a lens for focusing light about an optic axis to transmit optically an object image of an object into the photographic camera, the electronic imaging module for reversibly convening the photographic camera into an electronic imaging camera, the electronic imaging module comprising:

a housing dimensioned to fit within exposure chamber of the photographic camera having a generally cylindrical body and a flat section extending therefrom where the flat section lies along a film plane of the photographic camera substantially perpendicular to the optic axis;
initiation means disposed within the flat section for detecting a presence of light and for moving the electronic imaging module between an inactive mode and an active mode in response thereto, the inactive mode being a normal state for conserving power, the active mode being for image acquisition where the initiation means signals the electronic imaging module to prepare to receive an image;
sensing means disposed in the flat section of the housing for acquiring the object image during the active mode and converting the object image into a corresponding image signal;
and
processing means disposed in the body in electrical communication with the sensing means for processing the electrical signal into a format suitable for transmission.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electronic imaging module for reversibly converting a photographic camera into an electronic imaging camera

Life of this patent

Electronic imaging module for reversibly converting a photographic camera into an electronic imaging camera

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17