Abstract: A camera lens forms an image of an object on an image plane. First and second mirrors produce respective first and second detection images of the object on respective first and second arrays of light sensors. These arrays form portions of an integrated circuit chip. One of the mirrors is moved throughout a scanning period to move its image on the corresponding array. A signal processing circuit receives the outputs of the light sensors and produces an output signal which experiences peaks for certain positions of the moved mirror. A circuit which receives the output signal produces a pulse for each peak which is larger than all previous peaks in the scanning period. One of the mirror positions causes the light distributions of the images to be in best correspondence on the arrays. This mirror position represents the existing object distance and produces a maximum one of the peaks, whereby this position produces the last pulse to be produced in the scanning period.

Abstract: An automatic continuous focus system of the spatial image correlation type includes means for inhibiting movement of the primary lens if the correlation signal lacks a sufficient amount of variation.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is shown for use in conjunction with the normal optical elements of an automatic focusing camera to correct the change in magnification which occurs when a lens system focused on a far subject is refocused on a nearer subject or vice versa.

Abstract: An adjustable camera lens forms an image of an object on an image plane. First and second mirrors produce respective first and second detection images of the object on respective first and second arrays of light sensors. These arrays form portions of an integrated circuit chip. Upon each actuation of the apparatus to provide a focusing adjustment of the lens, a single pass scanning mechanism moves one of the mirrors, independently of the lens, completely through its full range of movement in a single scanning pass, and then arrests this scanning movement of the mirror until the apparatus is subsequently actuated again to initiate a subsequent scanning and focusing operation. The scanning movement of the mirror moves the corresponding image on the corresponding array.

Abstract: A digital auto focus system includes first and second detector arrays which receive first and second detection images of an object. The detection images are displaced by a number n of detectors depending upon the distance between the object and the detector arrays. The output signals of the detector arrays are processed to provide a signal indicative of the number n. This signal may be used, for example, to control the position of a lens in a photographic system.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for producing a dual scan of a scene containing an object to be automatically focused upon by the image producing means of an optical system. A first mirror is caused to sweep through a scene containing the object in a first direction and then back through the scene in the opposite direction. Radiation from the scene is presented to the range determining apparatus of an automatic focusing system which produces an output signal during the scan in the opposite direction which output signal is representative of the distance to the object. The output signal is used to stop the image producing means of the optical system in the desired position for proper focus.

Abstract: An automatic continuous focus system of the spatial image correlation type uses a dual scan technique.

Abstract: An automatic single focus system of the spatial image correlation type uses two scans to position the primary lens. During a first scan, the amplitude of the major extremum in the correlation signal is stored. During the second scan, this stored amplitude is used to pick out the point of best focus.

Abstract: A protective packing product is formed of a pair of flexible plastic wall members sealed together around the periphery thereof to define a hollow air pocket therebetween. Resilient structure is provided within the air pocket, tending to maintain the capsule thus formed in a fully puffed condition. Air-bleed perforations are provided through the walls of the capsule whereby the capsule may tend to collapse with a damped cushioning protection for a protected instrumentality.

Abstract: An automatic photographic camera, which features automatic focusing, automatic exposure control, automatic flash operation and automatic film advance and shutter cocking, includes an electronic control circuit. The electronic control circuit includes a binary logic circuit which is responsive to a number of parametric signals to effect a control of the timing and actuation of the several automatic functions of the camera.