Abstract:
A method of pre-exposing photographic film with latent images comprises the steps of: providing a film container ( 18 ) having a housing defining a film slot therein and a film-winding tool ( 46 ) opening; providing a roll of unexposed film; securing a leading end of the film to a film-winding tool ( 46 ) arranged on the opposite side of an exposure opening from said roll of unexposed film and enclosing the film leading end and winding tool end ( 46 ) in the container ( 18 ) with the tool extending from the film-winding tool opening; enclosing the film container and roll of film in a light-tight enclosure ( 12, 14 ); sequentially exposing the film to a series of images directed onto the film, and advancing the film by rotating the film-winding tool ( 46 ) between each exposure; withdrawing the film-winding tool ( 46 ) from the container ( 18 ) and closing said opening therein; and opening the enclosure and removing the film container ( 18 ) having the pre-exposed film loaded therein.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of pre-exposing photographic film with images. 
     It is known to provide photographic film which has been partly exposed in regions of each film frame with an image which is retained as a latent image. The user who loads the film then exposes the film in the normal manner in a specially adapted camera. The camera includes some masking arrangement to mask out the area of the film which bears the latent images, so that these are not double-exposed. When the film has been exposed by the user, it is processed and developed in the normal way, the finished pictures bearing both the pre-exposed images provided by the manufacturer (hereinafter referred to as “pre-exposed images”), and the user-exposed images thereon. For example, it can be arranged that the film is pre-exposed with a decorative strip which carries a message such as “happy birthday” or “wish you were here”, the camera including a strip-like mask in the exposure window to prevent double-exposure of the pre-exposed film region. 
     Various pre-exposure techniques are known. For example, it is known to place the unexposed film in contact with a length of master film carrying a sequence of images thereon, and to move both past a light source, whereby the images are transformed to the unexposed film. This method is not only time-consuming, but is inflexible in terms of the images which can be produced. 
     It has also previously been proposed by the applicant in U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 09/092,607 to utilize a technique whereby the images are stored digitally and generated by a cathode ray tube beam which is scanned sequentially over each film frame. In a further development, the image is generated on a computer monitor. These techniques allow a wide variety of different selected images to be readily stored in a computer memory or disc, retrieved and exposed onto the film. In this method, the film comprises a bulk roll of film which must, once pre-exposed, still be further handled by cutting into appropriate lengths and placed into the film cassette, which is both time-consuming and thereby expensive. 
     The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus and a method allowing simultaneous pre-exposure and film loading. 
     In recent years cameras known variously as disposable or single-use cameras, or referred to by some as lens-fitted photographic film packages, have become increasingly popular. These are cameras of simple construction and low cost which are usually pre-loaded with film by the manufacturer. It is usually arranged that the film is unwound from the standard film cassette or patrone, and as pictures are sequentially taken the film is wound back into the cassette. Once the user finishes the film, the user returns the entire camera to the photolab for developing of the film. The manufacturer may then either discard the camera in its entirety, or subject to appropriate checks that the camera is still functional, re-load the camera. Alternatively the manufacturer may re-use specific components of the camera. 
     One consideration with such a camera is the ease of loading of the film, particularly given the requirement that the film must be pre-wound out of the film cassette before use. In view of the low cost of the camera itself manufacture and assembly costs are important, and this includes the cost of loading the film into the camera at the factory. It is highly desirable to utilize a method which is simple and cheap and yet reliable. 
     As the awareness of problems of environmental contamination increases, as well as for economic reasons, consumers are less willing to tolerate disposable products. It has previously been proposed by the applicant to provide a very simple and cheap camera of generally similar construction to a disposable camera and yet which includes adaptations allowing it to be re-used at least several times by a user. 
     The present invention also seeks to provide the pre-exposed film in the form of a film assembly which can be either supplied in a new camera or packaged and sold to a user who can then re-load their camera. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of pre-exposing photographic film with latent images comprising the steps of: (a) providing a film container having a housing defining a film slot therein and a film-winding tool opening; (b) providing a roll of unexposed film; (c) securing a leading end of the film to a film-winding tool arranged on the opposite side of an exposure opening from said roll of unexposed film and enclosing the film leading end and winding tool end in the container with the tool extending from the film-winding tool opening; (d) enclosing the film container and roll of film in a light-tight enclosure; (e) sequentially exposing the film to a series of images directed onto the film, and advancing the film by rotating the film-winding tool between each exposure; (f) withdrawing the film-winding tool from the container and closing said opening therein; and (g) opening the enclosure and removing the film container having the pre-exposed film loaded therein. 
     In one embodiment, the roll of unexposed film is provided wound in a further film container, which is a conventional film patrone. 
     The combination of conventional film patrone and additional film container with the majority of the pre-exposed film wound therein but connected to the film patrone constitutes a film assembly which can be loaded into a new camera for sale to a user, or may be packaged for sale to a user allowing the user to re-load their camera, as discussed further below. 
     As an alternative to providing the unexposed film in a film patrone, the roll of unexposed film can be a bulk roll of film, the method further involving prior to step (g), cutting the wound pre-exposed film from the bulk roll, and after step (g), securing the cut end to a further film container. The further film container is then preferably a conventional film patrone having a central spool, the cut end being secured to the spool. 
     In a preferred embodiment the film container has a housing having an open end closed by an end cover which defines therein an opening closed by a resiliently biased shutter plate, at step (f) the shutter plate closing the said opening on removal of the film-winding tool. At step (c) the film-winding tool end is inserted through the opening of the end cover with the end cover detached from the housing and the shutter open, and thereafter the film end is secured to the film-winding tool, followed by securing the housing to the end cover. 
     The method may involve the step of cutting a film alignment notch into an edge of the film. 
     The advance of the film may be detected by sensing means adapted to stop the film advance and output a signal communicated to said film exposure means after the advance of the film through a distance corresponding to one film frame. 
     In a further aspect the invention resides in an apparatus for pre-exposing film with latent images comprising: means for enclosing a roll of unexposed film; means for enclosing a film container adapted to receive pre-exposed film; a film-winding tool extending into said means for enclosing the film container; and image generating means for generating an image to be exposed onto the film. The film-winding tool is retractable whereby it can be at least partly withdrawn from the means for enclosing the film container. The means for enclosing the roll of unexposed film, and the means for enclosing the film container comprise a light-tight housing defining an aperture through which said film-winding tool extends. 
     The sensing means is preferably arranged to detect the passage of the film, the sensing means being operatively connected to control means, which control means are operatively connected to the film-winding tool. The control means is a computer or other processing means programmed to control the film-winding tool and the image generating means. 
     The sensing means may comprise a sprocket wheel for contacting the film, connected to a sensing wheel having a slot cut therein and arranged to rotate by one revolution for every single frame which is advanced. A rocker is provided adjacent the sensing wheel, a first arm of the rocker abutting the periphery of the sensing wheel, and a second arm engaging a relay switch, whereby a stop signal is generated when the first arm engages in the slot. 
     The sensor may instead comprise an infra-red sensor adapted to detect the passage of film sprocket holes. 
     The apparatus includes a film cutting punch to sever the pre-exposed film from the remaining exposed film, and a notch-cutting punch to cut an alignment notice in the periphery of the film. 
     The invention may also reside in an apparatus as described above in combination with a first film container comprising a housing and an end cover defining an aperture therein which is closed by a movable shutter plate, and further in combination with a conventional film patrone containing a roll of unexposed film. 
     Alternatively, the invention may reside in an apparatus described above in combination with a bulk roll of unexposed film. 
     In a further aspect the invention resides in a method of pre-exposing photographic film with latent images comprising the steps of: (a) providing a film container having a housing defining a film slot therein; (b) providing a roll of unexposed film; (c) securing a leading end of the film to a film-winding tool arranged on the opposite side of an exposure opening from said roll of unexposed film; (d) enclosing the film-winding too end having the leading end of film attached thereto and the roll of film in a dark environment; (e) sequentially exposing the film to a series of images directed onto the film, and advancing the film by rotating the film-winding tool between each exposure; (f) removing the wound coil of film bearing latent images thereon from the film-winding tool and enclosing this in the film container. 
     The film container here comprises a housing formed of two halves which co-operate to form a light-tight container having a film exit slot, wherein at step (f) the coil is placed between the halves which are secured together to enclose the coil of film therebetween with the film extending through the film exit slot. 
     In a still further aspect the invention resides in a method of pre-exposing photographic film with latent images comprising the steps of: (a) providing a film container having a housing defining a film slot therein and which is open at one end, and defining a film-winding tool opening; (b) providing a roll of unexposed film; (c) securing a leading end of the film to a film-winding tool arranged on the opposite side of an exposure opening from said roll of unexposed film and enclosing the film leading end and winding tool end in the housing with the tool extending from the open end; (d) enclosing the housing and roll of film in a dark environment; (e) sequentially exposing the film to a series of images directed onto the film, and advancing the film by rotating the film-winding tool between each exposure; (f) withdrawing the film-winding tool from the housing and closing the said open end with an end cap. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a view of a film pre-exposure apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 1A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the film-winding tool inserted into a film container; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a view of film pre-exposure apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the apparatus of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 shows a film container with winding tool access shutter; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the film container of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic system overview also illustrating an exposure method; 
     FIG. 8 shows the step of attaching a container of pre-exposed film to a conventional patrone; 
     FIG. 9 shows a further alternative film container; 
     FIG. 10 shows the film container of FIG. 9 in exploded form; 
     FIG. 11 shows a further alternative film container; 
     FIG. 12 shows the film container of FIG. 11 secured to a conventional film patrone; 
     FIG. 13 shows a further alternative film container; 
     FIG. 14 shows a further alternative film pre-exposure apparatus; 
     FIG. 15 shows a film assembly having pre-exposed film being fitted into a camera; 
     FIG. 16 shows an alternative film container; 
     FIG. 17 shows a further alternative film container; 
     FIG. 18 shows a still further alternative film container; and 
     FIG. 19 shows an alternative film pre-exposure and loading apparatus. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the pre-exposure and loading apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The apparatus generally indicated  2  has a light-tight housing  4  which contains an image generating apparatus, which in the illustrated embodiment is a conventional computer monitor  6 , which has an upwardly directed screen  8 . Located above the housing  4  is a film loading station  10  having a lower housing part  12  and a light-tight cover  14  which can be removably fitted thereto. A light-tight hood  15  extends from the monitor screen  8  to the underside of the loading station. The lower housing part  12  is adapted to receiving a pair of film containers including a first conventional 35 mm film cassette or patrone  16  and an additional film container  18  further details of which will be described below. The housing  4  is in light communication with the lower housing part  12  through an exposure window  19 . Arranged between the exposure window and the screen  8  of the monitor  6  is a lens  22  which focuses the light from the monitor onto the film, and an exposure shutter  20 . 
     The exposure shutter  20  comprises a pivotably mounted blade  24  which is operatively engaged through a toothed region thereon with a shutter control motor  26  having a drive gear  28  which serves to effect the opening and closing of the shutter  20 . 
     Arranged adjacent the lower housing part  12  is a film advance sensing mechanism  30  including a sensing wheel  32  having a shaft  34  connected through the wall of the housing part  12  to a sprocket wheel  35  for engaging the film sprocket holes. A rocker  36  arranged next to the wheel  32  has a first arm  38  which abuts the wheel  32  and can engage in a slot cut in the periphery of the wheel  32  and a second arm  40  arranged adjacent a solenoid  42 , and bearing on a microswitch  43 . 
     Also arranged adjacent the lower housing part  12  is a film-winding motor  44  having a shaft  46  protruding into the housing  12  through an opening in the lower housing part. The shaft  46  extends through a sleeve  47  making a light-tight fit therein, as best seen in FIG. 1A which is a cross-sectional view of the shaft  46  and sleeve  47  fitted up against the end cover of a film-receiving container. The motor  44  and shaft  46  are mounted on a slide so that the shaft  46  can be extended into a film-receiving container and retracted therefrom. The shaft end constitutes a winding tool and has a longitudinal split end portion for receiving a leading end of film as discussed further below. Arranged in the cover  14  is a punch  49  for cutting an alignment notch in the edge of the film, also as discussed further below. 
     As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the container  18  comprises a generally cylindrical or cup-like housing  48  closed at one end  49  and open at the opposite end  50 . The housing  48  does not contain any spool therein. At a region of the side wall of the housing there is a flattened portion  51  which defines adjacent thereto an elongate film slot  53  which is preferably lined by a soft fabric-like material such as velvet or similar in order to ensure the slot is light-tight whilst providing soft non-scratching surfaces for the passage of the film therethrough. At the open end  50  the housing is closed by an end cover  52 . The end cover  52  itself comprises an assembly which has a pair of plates including inner plate  54  and outer plate  56  both formed with coincident apertures  55  and  57  respectively. The inner plate  54  includes a depending peripheral flange  58  which is in use fitted over a reduced-diameter end portion  60  of the housing  48  making a tight push-fit therewith. The end portion  60  may be provided with a number of protrusions  62  which snap-over fit into corresponding openings  64  or recesses in the flange  58 . The inner plate  54  also includes an upstanding flange or rim  66  in which an outer periphery  68  of the outer plate  56  sits, maintaining a slightly spaced relationship and defining a thin cavity therebetween. The plates may be joined by adhesive or ultrasonic welding or other conventional means. 
     Within the cavity there is arranged a movable shutter plate or blade  70  which is pivotably supported at  72  on a simple pin. Leg spring  74  one leg of which abuts the rim  66  and the other of which abuts the shutter plate  70  urges the plate  70  into a “closed” position whereby it blocks the apertures  55  and  57 . The outer plate  56  is provided with an arcuate slot  76 . A protrusion  78  on an arm of the shutter plate  28  extends into the slot  76  allowing the user to manually open the shutter. The outer plate  56  is also provided with an upstanding collar portion  80  which surrounds the aperture  57 . 
     The container  18  is used in a camera in combination with an additional film container which together constitute a film assembly. The additional film container is preferably a conventional 35 mm film cassette or patrone  16  having a central spool on which the film  37  is wound. FIG. 15 shows a film assembly comprising a film patrone  16 , and a film container  102  (which is further described below) with the majority of the pre-exposure film wound in the container  102 , but extending and secured to the film patrone  16 . The film has a pre-exposed border region, schematically indicated  500 . The film is used in a camera which includes suitable masking means  502  so that only the central oval region of film is exposed by the user. With this film it is important that the pre-exposed image is appropriately positioned with respect to the exposure window to ensure correct alignment of the user-exposed image and for this purpose the film has an alignment notch  504  or indicia, whilst the camera has an alignment mark  506  adjacent the upper film guide near the sprocket wheel. On insertion of the assembly into the camera the user or loader must ensure the notch  504  is aligned with the marking  506 . It will be appreciated that as pictures are taken by the user the film is progressively wound back into the film patrone  16 , and once the film is finished the patrone  16  is removed via the door  508  and processed, whilst the container  102  may be discarded. 
     Turning now to FIG. 7 a schematic representation of the system is shown on the left hand side of the Figure. The system has a computer or other processing means  82 , means for inputting commands into the computer, such as a keyboard or mouse  84 . The computer is operatively connected to the monitor  6 , and through an appropriate interface to the film advancing motor  44 , to the shutter solenoid  26 , and to the pneumatic punch. The computer  82  may store therein for example on its hard disc a plurality of images, or they may be loaded through an external recording means such as a floppy disc or CD-ROM, indicated at  86 . 
     The pre-exposure and film loading process is now described in detail. A conventional film cassette  16  having totally unexposed film therein is provided with the leading end of film protruding therefrom. The second or additional film container as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is provided, the end cover  52  is removed from the housing  48 , and using a sharp tool the protrusion  78  of the shutter  70  is engaged to open the shutter  70 . With the shutter  70  open, the end cap is placed over the end of the winding tool  46 , so that the end cover  52  abuts the sleeve  47  making a light-tight connection therewith. Specifically, the end of the sleeve is provided with a recess  81  into which the collar  80  of the end cover  52  protrudes, as best seen in FIG.  1 A. Thereafter, the leading end of the film is secured into the split end region of the winding tool  46 , and the housing  48  is then fitted over the tool end and film so that the film extends through the film slot  53 . The housing  48  is snap-fitted onto the end cover  52 , thereby forming a light-tight container  18 . The cover  14  is placed on the lower housing  12  to form a light-tight enclosure. 
     At the start of the exposure sequence the motor  44  is operated to advance the film out of the patrone  16  and into the second film container  18  across the exposure window  19 . Shortly after the start of winding the computer  82  displays on the monitor  6  an image to pre-exposed on the film. As indicated in FIG. 1 the monitor displays a border region, leaving a dark or imageless central oval region, whereby a central oval area of the film is left unexposed for exposure by the user, so that the user&#39;s image appears in the pre-exposed border. At this time the exposure shutter  20  is closed so that even though the image is displayed on the monitor it does not reach the exposure window  19 . As the film is being wound, the sprocket wheel  35  is rotated, causing sensor wheel  32  to rotate. The arm end  38  rests on the outer periphery of the wheel  32 . Once the cut-out of the wheel  32  becomes aligned with the arm  38  the rocker arm pivots under the weight of the arm  38  (arranged to be heavier than arm  40 ) thereby engaging in the slot and breaking the electrical contact of the microswitch and the motor  44  is stopped. Shortly after the motor is stopped the exposure shutter solenoid  26  is operated to open the exposure shutter  20  for a predetermined period which is sufficient to provide appropriate exposure of the pre-exposed image on the film. 
     The shutter  20  is closed after the predetermined time and shortly thereafter, the solenoid  42  is operated to pull the arm  40  downwards, closing the microswitch  43  so that the motor  44  is again operated to wind the film on, the sprocket wheel  35  and sensor wheel  32  again rotating until the cut-out in the sensor again becomes aligned with the cut-out of the sensor wheel at the position of the next exposure. FIG. 7 illustrates the operative state of the various components through the cycle. 
     This operation continues, successively exposing a sequence of images at appropriate spacing, along the film, until the computer detects that sufficient frames (usually  24  or  36  or  27 ) have been exposed, at which time instead of re-activating the motor  44  at the beginning of the cycle, a signal is sent to the pneumatic punch  49 , which thereby punches an alignment notch  51  in the edge of the film. 
     The film-winding tool  46  is then retracted. As it exits the end cover  52 , the shutter  70  snaps closed, rendering the container  18  light tight. The film assembly of first and second film containers  16 ,  18  with the majority of the film wound in the second container  18  is then removed by opening the cover  14  and lifting out the assembly. The assembly is then ready for placing into a new camera, in the case where the camera is sold ready loaded to a user, or can be packaged and sold to user to allow the user to re-load their own camera. 
     It can alternatively be arranged that instead of generating an image on the monitor  6  which corresponds exactly to the image to be pre-exposed, an image may be displayed across the entire monitor screen, but a mask arranged in the lower casing part  12  in the exposure window to obscure a part of the film. For example, where the pre-exposure is to add a border region, with the user&#39;s image appearing as an oval image in the centre of the border, an oval shaped mask is used. 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 show an alternative pre-exposure and winding apparatus which is adapted for film-winding from a bulk roll of film. The apparatus is generally similar to that of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and like parts are indicated with like reference numerals. The major difference is that adjacent the film-winding station there is arranged a film cutting station  100  and adjacent thereto a bulk film dispenser  102 . 
     The bulk film dispenser  102  comprises a light-tight housing  102  which supports therein a bulk roll or “pancake” of film  104  which may be supported on a central axle (not shown). A motorized film advance mechanism may also be provided, as is conventional. The housing  102  has a light-tight slot through which the film passes. The film cutting station  100  comprises a base  106  and an upper casing  108  defining therebetween a film passageway. The upper casing  108  has a central punch  110  which is a pneumatically operated punch arranged to sever the film and to cut a trailing end  112  in the film which has passed therethrough, and a new leading end  114  in the bulk film. Although the housing  102  and cutting station  100  are shown as adjacent to each other, the housing could be enclosed the cutting station, as indicated in FIG.  4 . 
     The operation of the apparatus is very similar to that described above, with a number of differences as now described. Instead of starting with a loaded film cassette, as in the first embodiment, the operator feeds the leading film end entirely through the cutting station and into the exposure station. The leading film end is secured onto the film-winding tool end  46  and the container  18  secured over the film in the same manner as described above. Similarly, film exposure and winding is effected in the manner as described above. Once the last frame has been exposed the notch is cut with the notch punch  49 . This is followed by severing of the film by operation of the punch  110 . The film-winding tool end  46  is retracted, the winding tool access shutter snapping closed to render the container  18  light tight. The cover  14  is opened and the container  18  removed. The cut trailing end  112  is then secured to a conventional film patrone. As shown in FIG. 8 the conventional film patrone  104  comprises an outer housing  116 , a spool  118  and a securing ring  120 . The spool  118  is provided with an axially extending slot  113  to receive the tongue  112  of the film. Adjacent the slot although not illustrated there are provided a pair of projections which engage the two holes  122  of the tongue  112 , as is conventional, to thereby reliably hold the end of the film on the spool  118 . The spool  118  with the film attached is then inserted into the container housing  116  so that the film extends through the film slot thereof, and the ring  120  is then fitted to close the patrone. Patrones with a pair of securing rings may likewise be used. 
     An alternative form of a film container which is generally designated  102  is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The container  130  has a housing  132  of identical construction to the first embodiment, and an end cover  134  which comprises an intermediate end cap  136  and a shutter-containing end plate  138 . The cap  136  has a simple depending flange which fits over the end of the housing  132 , and a short upstanding collar  139 . The end plate  138  comprises an assembly which is a pair of plates  140  and  142 , plate  140  having a peripheral upstanding rim  143  within which the plate  142  sits in spaced relationship therewith. Plate  140  has an arcuate slot  144  therein. A shutter blade  146  is arranged for pivotal movement, also biased into a closed position by spring  148 . An arm of the shutter blade  146  carries a projection (not visible) which extends into the slot  144  allowing the user to move the blade  146 . The intermediate cap  136  and end plate  138  are joined together by a simple push-fit of the collar  139  which fits into the aperture  141 , and optionally in addition by the use of glue or other simple fixing means if it is desired to permanently secure the parts together. 
     The container  130  is used in a similar way to the container  18  described above. The only difference is that at the initial stage of installing the container  18  it is necessary to firstly fit the end plate  138  over the film-winding tool end with the shutter open, followed by the end cap  136 , these two parts being push-fitted together with the collar  139  extending into the aperture  141 . The film end is then attached to the tool end and the housing  132  connected to the end cap  136 . 
     A further film container which can be used is generally designated  202  and is illustrated in FIG. 11 where it is shown in exploded form. The complete container  202  is shown assembled in FIG. 12, here in combination with a film patrone  16  as a film assembly. The film container  202  comprising a housing  204  which is formed as two housing shell halves  205 ,  207 . The shell halves  205 ,  207  co-operate to form an enclosure having a circular aperture at one end, the opposed curved surfaces which define this being indicated  209 ,  217 , and also define an elongate slot between opposed ledges  219 ,  221 . The ledges  219 ,  221  are covered by strips  223 ,  225  of soft fabric-like material which may be secured by means of adhesive or double-sided tape. One or both shell halves may be provided with lugs  227  having apertures or recesses which snap-fit over protrusions  229  on the opposite shelf half to thereby secure the shell halves together. Alternatively, or additionally adhesive or welding may be used. 
     The container  202  also has an end plate  208  which is of identical construction to the end plate  138  of the above-described embodiment and will therefore not be further discussed. The end plate  208  fits onto the end of the housing  204 , the collar  210  formed by the portion  209 ,  217  extending into the aperture  213 . 
     The container  202  is used in a generally similar way to the container  18 . With the end plate  208  removed, the shutter blade  228  is opened by accessing the projection on the arm of the blade  228  which protrudes through the slot  236 . With the shutter blade  228  open the end plate  208  is fitted over the end of the winding tool. The leading end of the film is then secured onto the split end portion of the tool. The lower shell half  205  of the housing  204  is then fitted into the lower casing part  12  so that it lies underneath the tool  42  with the tool  42  resting on the surface  209 . As indicated in FIG. 17, the upper shell half  207  is then push-fitted onto the lower shell half  205  with the lug making a snap-fit connection therewith, with the film extending through the velvet-lined slot. Thereafter, the method of winding is exactly as described previously. 
     A further alternative structure of the film container  302  is shown in FIG.  13 . This is similar to that of the previous version in that the housing comprises a pair of shell halves; however, instead of being divided about a plane which is generally parallel to the plane defined by the exiting film, the housing is divided about a plane perpendicular thereto into shell halves  305 ,  307 . A similar arrangement of protrusions and apertures or recesses is provided to allow the two shell halves to be snap-fitted together. An identical end cover  308  is provided. Shell half  305  has an extended ledge  39  which overlies ledge  311  defining the film slot therebetween, each having a strip of velvet secured thereto. The ledge  309  is provided with edge regions  313  of reduced thickness which slide into slots  315  on the shell half  307 . The shell half  307  is also provided with projections  317  which snap-fit into slots  319  on the shell half  305  assisting to hold the two shell halves together. 
     The use of the specially adapted containers  2 ,  102 ,  202 ,  402  having the shuttered aperture for the film-winding tool in the described apparatus allows the film winding pre-exposure process to be carried out within a simple, compact, light-tight enclosure, allowing the film winder to operate in daylight rather than in a darkroom, and thereby increasing the efficiency of the winding and loading and exposure process. 
     FIG. 14 shows an apparatus which is identical to the apparatus of FIG. 3 with the exception of the sensing means. Instead of using a mechanical arrangement of sensing the advance of the film, the apparatus uses an infra-red sensor  33  arranged adjacent the film edge at the position of the film sprocket holes. The sensor has a transmitter and receiver, with the film passing therebetween. The sensor  33  detects the passage of the sprocket holes, and outputs a signal to the computer which assesses the precise distance of travel of the film and effects appropriate control of the winding motor  44 , monitor  6  and exposure shutter  20 . More particularly, the computer is programmed to stop the film advance after the passage of eight sprocket holes, which distance corresponds to the passage of one film frame. Although not illustrated, a similar sensor  33  can be incorporated into the apparatus of FIG. 1 to replace the sensing sprocket  35 , wheel  32  and rocker  36 . 
     As an alternative to use of a specially-adapted container having a winding tool access shutter as described, it is also possible to utilize an additional film container of simpler construction without any shutter mechanism, in which case the winding procedure must be done in a darkroom or other dark enclosure. Various possible alternative forms of film container are illustrated in FIGS. 16 to  18 . 
     FIG. 16 shows an additional film container  600  which is of a similar general shape to a conventional film cassette, but in contrast thereto has no spool and is sealed at one end whilst at the other end includes a removable cap  602 . The container has a housing  604  which includes a short region of reduced diameter  605  whereby the cap may be push-fitted onto the top of the container  600  in a light-tight manner. The housing  604  includes a film slot  606  through which the film can extend which is preferably provided with some light-sealing means such as opposed strips of velvet or similar soft material as is used in a conventional film cassette. The housing may also be provided with one or more lugs or pins  606  which are received in corresponding grooves or recesses  608  in order to assist in retention of the cap  602  on the container  604 . 
     It is also preferably arranged that the film container  600  is not of identical size or shape to a conventional film cassette, for example it may be somewhat smaller than a conventional cassette, in order to ensure that the user does not try to fit the conventional film cassette  16  and container  600  in the wrong film chambers in the camera. 
     With this form of container the entire apparatus may be enclosed in a light-tight enclosure for example as illustrated in FIG.  19 . The enclosure  610  has an ultra-voilet illumination system with a monitor  612  allowing the operator to see what is happening inside the enclosure, whilst there are provided two access ports (not shown) provided with light-tight gloves whereby the operator can manipulate the apparatus from outside the enclosure  610 . The film leading end is secured prior to winding to the split end of the tool  46 . Then, with the lid  602  removed the tool end  46  having the film leading end attached thereto is pushed into the housing  604  , and the cover  14  fitted if desired. After pre-exposure and winding (which is carried out as described above), the winding tool  46  is retracted and the cap  602  fitted, rendering the container  600  light tight. 
     FIG. 17 shows an alternative form of film container. The film container  700  comprises a housing  702  which is formed as two housing shell halves  704  and  706 . The shell halves  704 ,  706  co-operate to form an enclosure defining a circular aperture at one end, the opposed curved surfaces which define this aperture being indicated  708 ,  710 . The shell halves  704 ,  706  also define an elongate slot between opposed ledges  712  and  714 . The ledges  712 ,  714  are covered by strips  716  and  718  respectively of soft fabric or fabric-like material such as velvet, which may be secured by means of adhesive or double-sided tape to the ledges. One or both shell halves may be provided with lugs  720  having apertures or recesses which snap-fit with a corresponding protrusion on the opposite shell half, thereby securing the shell halves together. 
     With this container  702 , the pre-exposure and winding method is generally as described above. However, on insertion of the container  702  into the apparatus  2  the lower shell half  706  is first fitted into the lower casing  12  beneath the tool end  46  once the film leading end is attached thereto, and the other shell half  706  secured thereto so that the tool  46  protrudes through the opening. 
     The upper casing part  14  may then be fitted, and the pre-exposure and winding operation carried out. The casing  14  is opened and the winding tool retracted, and still in the dark environment a plug  724  fitted into the aperture defined by the surfaces  708 ,  710 . It is only once the plug is fitted that the loaded container  700  can be subjected to daylight. 
     An alternative form of a container can be seen in FIG.  18 . The film container is generally similar to that of the previously described embodiment, but has no film-winding tool aperture. The container comprises a housing  802  which is formed of two housing shell halves  804 ,  806  which co-operate to form an enclosure defining an elongate film slot between opposed ledges  808 ,  810 . The ledges  808 ,  810  are covered by strips  812 ,  814  of soft fabric or fabric-like material such as velvet which may be secured by means of adhesive or double-sided tape. One or both shell halves may be provided with one or more lugs  816  having apertures or recesses therein which snap-fit over protrusions  818  on the opposite shell half, to thereby secured the shell halves together. Alternatively, or additionally, adhesive or a welding technique may be used to secure the halves together. 
     With this container a generally similar pre-exposure and winding method is utilized, except that instead of winding the pre-exposed film into the container, the pre-exposed film is wound onto the tool end  46 . Thus, the film leading end is secured to the tool end  46  and the cover  14  fitted. The film is then pre-exposed and wound into the tool end, and once the pre-exposure and winding is complete, still in the dark the cover  14  removed, and the pre-exposed film coil removed from the tool end, and placed in the lower shell half  804 , with the upper shell half  806  fitted thereto, to render this light tight. FIG. 18 shows a pre-exposed coil of film from a bulk roll being fitted in the container. Thereafter, the trailing end  112  is secured to a conventional film patrone as described above.