With Automatic Diaphragm Control Patents (Class 352/141)
  • Patent number: 10359257
    Abstract: An internal scope cap affixes onto a scope for a firearm to protect and enclose a scope lens of the scope. The internal scope cap includes an iris diaphragm and a scope mount. The iris diaphragm allows the user to adjust an iris opening to expose or enclose the scope lens. The iris opening is formed from a plurality of iris blades that are manipulated through a blade actuator. As the blade actuator is rotated, the diameter of the iris opening is adjusted proportionately to the angular rotation. The iris diaphragm is removably connected to the scope mount to allow the user to interchange and remove the iris diaphragm from the scope mount. The scope mount affixes the internal scope cap onto the scope of the firearm. A glare-reduction lattice and a protective lens are implemented to reduce glint and glare to the user, while gazing through the scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Seth Lowell
  • Patent number: 10321068
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically adjusting an iris opening in an imaging system. The method includes an iterative process that continues to adjust the camera's iris opening until an algorithm stopping condition is met. More particularly, a processor determines a brightness for the image at the current aperture setting. The processor classifies the image according to one of at least two brightness regime classifications. Based on the classifying step, the processor selects a pre-set optimal brightness parameter. The processor compares the brightness value of the image to the pre-set optimal value. The camera's iris opening is automatically adjusted based on a formula that takes into account, the current f-stop setting, the current brightness value, and the optimal brightness value. The iterative process continues until an algorithm stopping condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gregory K. Fleizach, Micaela M. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 10094717
    Abstract: A thermal sensing device comprises a substrate, a first insulating layer, at least one first sensing resistor, at least one second sensing resistor, a plurality of etching holes and a cavity. The first insulating layer is disposed on the substrate. The first sensing resistor is disposed above the first insulating layer. The second sensing resistor is disposed above the first insulating layer and isolated from the at least one first sensing resistor. The etching holes are disposed around the at least one first sensing resistor and the at least one second sensing resistor. The cavity is formed below the at least one first sensing resistor and the at least one second sensing resistor. The thermal sensing device is implemented in a measurement circuit to improve the problem that the signal becomes smaller when the sensing element is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL KAOHSIUNG UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
    Inventors: Chung-Nan Chen, Chih-Chun Chen, Chun-Hao Chen, Wen-Chie Huang
  • Patent number: 10080009
    Abstract: A method for obtaining images for three dimension (3D) reconstruction comprises: controlling brightness of each of at least two light sources which are spatially separated from each other to be changed periodically, wherein, among the at least two light sources, there is at least one light source having a period of brightness change different from those of the other light source(s), or the periods of the brightness change of the at least two light sources are the same, but among the at least two light sources, there is at least one light source having a phase of the brightness change different from those of the other light source(s); and using at least three cameras having different spatial positions to capture the images for the 3D reconstruction, respectively, wherein, among the at least three cameras, there is at least one camera starting exposure at a different time from the other cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignees: BEIJING KUANGSHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., PINHOLE (BEIJING) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haoqiang Fan, Qi Yin
  • Patent number: 9970812
    Abstract: Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Steven Porter Hotelling, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Robert Kerr, Wing Kong Low
  • Patent number: 9953564
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a technology that can mitigate accurately the ghosting problem. [Solving Means] An image display control apparatus according to the present technology includes a control unit. The control unit switches a first mode for reducing a brightness of an image without inverting the brightness of the image fixedly displayed on a specific area of a screen to a second mode for inverting the brightness of the image and reducing the brightness of the image inverted, and controls a display such that the image is displayed on the area of the screen depending on the mode switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsumasa Kondo
  • Patent number: 9500934
    Abstract: A light quantity control apparatus includes multiple blade members each including a first curved surface-shaped portion and a hole portion, and a member including multiple protrusion portions each inserted into the hole portion of one of the blade members. The member includes a second curved surface-shaped portion shaped along the first curved surface-shaped portion of each of the blade members. The protrusion portions extend from the second curved surface-shaped portion and extend in parallel with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Futoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9427188
    Abstract: The spacer attachment for a dermatoscope comprises an outer sleeve (12) including an attachment end configured for releasable attachment to the illumination head of a dermatoscope and a contact end intended to be placed on the skin of a patient at an examination location. A filter insert (30) is releasably attached in the outer sleeve (12) by rotation about the central axis of the outer sleeve (12), wherein the filter insert (30) includes a viewing plate (52) intersected perpendicularly by the central axis of the outer sleeve (12). The filter insert (30) is releasably attached to the outer sleeve (12) by a rotation snap device comprising at least one resilient snap hook (44) which is arranged at the outer circumference of the filter insert (30) and resiliently engages around a projection (26) provided at the inner wall of the outer sleeve (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Heine Optotechnik GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Oliver Heine, Wolfgang Behrendt, Roman Raab
  • Patent number: 9258535
    Abstract: An intrinsically safe video inspection system intended for use in a Class I, Zone 0 area is capable of visually surveying hazardous area locations; where the potential for fire or explosion exists because of gases, dust, or easily ignitable fibers in the atmosphere. The intrinsically safe camera of the present invention has the distinct ability to be used all areas that require increased safety and works in various hazardous environments, allowing users the ability to remotely view and inspect various mines, silos, and storage tanks. The inspection system includes a low power, high 3.2 megapixel resolution camera with digital zoom capability that allows for the close inspection and examination and utilizes an LED fiber light pipe for illumination needs. The video inspection system of the present invention provides for the illumination in various cavity sizes, while reducing the risk of unintended accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Leonard Pool
  • Patent number: 5602617
    Abstract: A light metering device incorporates a light dependent resistor as a light sensing element, a network including a plurality of circuit elements, and a selection mechanism for selectively connecting the light dependent resistor to one of the plurality of circuit elements in the network. The selection mechanism is controlled to set a voltage measured at an output terminal of the light dependent resistor within a predetermined threshold level. The light metering device can be readily incorporated in both photographic and electronic cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: J. David Cocca, Clay A. Dunsmore
  • Patent number: 5486914
    Abstract: In a handheld incident light meter instrument, a custom LCD panel provides both a digital readout and a bar graph array which simulates an analog meter but uses no moving mechanical parts and which may be operated in a choice of modes: bar, floating zone or dedicated. Unusual accuracy and stability over a wide dynamic range, from 0.1 to over 50,000 footcandles, are achieved in a novel analog photo-amplifier portion having a linear autoranging preamplifier, an averaging integrator and a temperature-compensated log converter, driving an IC analog-to-digital converter connected to a microprocessor programmed to operate in a choice of modes to operate the LCD via a driver to display light readings according to commands entered via a set of ergonomic user controls. Battery condition is displayed continuously. The digital readout may be backlit for low ambient light level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: GDB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Denove, William L. Blowers
  • Patent number: 5012271
    Abstract: An exposure control device having exposure control means arranged to vary a charging method thereof according to the selection of a continuous shooting mode or a non-continuous shooting mode. With the exposure control means including at least a shutter, the shutter is arranged to be moved to a less degree in the continuous shooting mode than in the non-continuous shooting mode. After completion of continuous shooting, the shutter moving degree is changed to a degree to which the shutter is to be moved in the non-continuous shooting mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akimasa Nishimura, Shigeo Ogura, Ryosuke Miyamoto, Nobuo Tezuka, Nobuo Fukushima
  • Patent number: 4806964
    Abstract: A method of controlling diaphragm driving in an electronic still camera, wherein a diaphragm is controlled such that an exposure value of a subject on an image forming screen can become a proper exposure value, and a device therefore. In this control of diaphragm driving, the photometric values obtained from every times of photometry are determined to be higher or lower than the proper exposure value. When the photometric values are determined to be higher than the proper exposure value continuously given times, the diaphragm is closed until the photometric values are determined to be lower than the proper exposure value. When the photometric values are determined to be lower than the proper exposure value continuously the given times, the diaphragm is opened until the photometric values are determined to be higher than the proper exposure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazukiyo Tamada, Motohiko Horio, Kiyotaka Sato
  • Patent number: 4739411
    Abstract: A manually-focused video camera provides a movie image for an electronic viewfinder and a still image for recording apparatus. A diaphragm in the optical section of the camera determines the optical aperture presented to incoming image light, which coincidentally establishes the depth of field in which the subject remains in focus. When the aperture necessary for a still image exceeds the aperture used for the movie image by, e.g., three aperture stops, a warning system in the camera produces a control signal. The existence of this signal indicates a potential focusing problem due to the disparity between aperture values and the reduced depth of field in the corresponding still image. The signal is used, e.g., to illuminate a warning element in the viewfinder or to insert a neutral density filter into the path of incoming light, in the latter case forcing the movie aperture to approach the still aperture and thereby causing the movie depth of field to approach the still depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Richard H. Bolton
  • Patent number: 4669840
    Abstract: A cinematograph camera flicker indicating or control device uses a microprocessor to determine the combinations of camera speed and/or exposure period, or shutter opening, which will be likely to cause unacceptably uneven exposure of successive frames when filming is carried out under AC powered light sources. An alarm may be activated; alternatively, the camera speed and/or the exposure period and/or the lighting frequency may be automatically controlled by the microprocessor to eliminate or reduce such uneven exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: dSam Ltd.
    Inventor: David Samuelson
  • Patent number: 4649431
    Abstract: An iris control circuit for a video camera in which only a single drive coil is employed so that the video camera employing the circuit can be more easily miniaturized. A first operational amplifier supplies drive current to a drive coil in proportion to the sum of an iris control signal and a feedback signal. A detecting circuit, preferably implemented as a voltage divider circuit, detects the counterelectromotive force developed across the drive coil. A feedback circuit, which may be implemented with a second operational amplifier, develops the feedback signal. The feedback signal can be made variable to adjust the feedback ratio, and hence the proportional braking force applied to the iris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroto Terashi
  • Patent number: 4646146
    Abstract: A surveillance device consists of a video camera, a shutterless objective, a transmission optic element with an automatically controlled cat's eye shutter, and reflecting mirrors, for projecting an intermediate image generated by the objective into the video camera. The objective can swivel about both axes of the image, while a deflecting mirror is coupled to the objective in such a way that the intermediate image is always located in the same place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Dedo Weigert Film GmbH
    Inventors: Frederick DeHubry, Gunter Knon
  • Patent number: 4589750
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting an interchangeable lens, such as a lens which is ordinarily intended for use with a single-lens reflex camera, for which the distance from the rear surface on the lens to a focal plane is relatively great, to a camera body, such as a video camera body, for which the distance from the front surface of the lens mount to a focal plane is relatively small. The adapter includes a diaphragm, which is used in place of the diaphragm of the interchangeable lens, and an electric motor for controlling the aperture value provided by the diaphragm. The aperture data supplied by the interchangeable lens is transmitted to the camera body as electrical data, which is preferably produced with a variable resistor or the like. Contacts are provided on the casing of the adapter for transmitting data to the camera body and receiving an operating signal for the motor from the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasumasa Tomori, Sadao Okudaira, Harumi Aoki, Fumio Urano, Tahei Morisawa
  • Patent number: 4564856
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically and/or manually controlling setup of a device such as a color television camera. The system includes a closed loop automatic setup system which provides at least one setup control signal to the camera and, during a specific automatic setup operation, responds to at least one video signal provided by the camera to automatically adjust the level of the setup control signal. A manual control is also provided which permits manual variation of the level established by the auto setup system. In addition, apparatus is included for disabling the manual control during the automatic setup operation so that at that time the setting of the manual control does not influence the level of the setup control signal. The apparatus is also operable in fully automatic and fully manual modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Gary M. Sanderson, Charles M. White
  • Patent number: 4562477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic diaphragm control device for use with a CCTV camera which has recently found many applications.The present invention provides an automatic diaphragm control device for use with a CCTV camera adapted to provide an automatically diaphragm controllable lens system having a light measuring mode which can be continuously varied at will adjacently to or remotely from the camera objective depending on the condition of an object to be picked up and permitting a changeover to be easily achieved between an automatic diaphragm control mode and a remote diaphragm control mode, if desired, to meet needs of the CCTV system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Asahi Seimitsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terumi Ogasawara, Masayuki Arai, Tohru Shikano
  • Patent number: 4562476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic diaphragm control device for use with a CCTV camera in which a video signal applied from the CCTV camera is utilized for diaphragm control, and provides an automatic diaphragm control device for use with the CCTV camera, comprising first means for continuous control of the video signal with respect to an absolute brightness of an object to be picked up, second means for continuous control of a proportion of the video signal corresponding to a bright portion in the whole picture when a ratio of the bright portion to a dark portion of this object is relatively high, and third means for stabilization of a control signal, which has been obtained by said first and second means and then rectified, with respect to a source voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Asahi Seimitsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Shikano, Terumi Ogasawara, Masayuki Arai
  • Patent number: 4558368
    Abstract: A stop control apparatus for an electronic camera capable of performing both still picture photographing and motion picture (video) photographing operations. A video exposure control circuit and a still exposure control circuit produce first and second operating signals during motion picture and still picture photographing operations, respectively. A selected one of the signals is applied to operate an electromagnetic diaphragm control mechanism composed of an electronic drive device mechanically coupled to operate the aperture blades of the camera. An aperture opening regulator determines the aperture opening amount in accordance with a selected aperture value, with the regulating means operating by producing a force which acts against the force produced by the electromagnetic drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Harumi Aoki, Shigeo Enomoto, Tahei Morisawa, Fumio Urano
  • Patent number: 4460253
    Abstract: In the disclosed diaphragm device, an electromagnetic unit is composed of two opposing sets of circularly arranged magnets poled so that opposing surfaces have the same polarity, a rotary member carrying an electromagnetic coil that moves the rotary member in response to current therethrough and the field of the magnets, and diaphragm blades which are positioned between the magnet members and the rotary member and pivoted to close the aperture in response to rotation of the rotary member in one direction. When the rotary member is rotating in the closing direction, stopping means respond to an input signal and stop movement of the diaphragm blades at a particular aperture value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Kawai, Makoto Masunaga
  • Patent number: 4458992
    Abstract: The present invention is an automatic exposure correction system for use in combination with a motion picture camera, which includes a lens barrel, a lens iris-ring and a first toothed pulley which is mechanically coupled to the lens iris-ring, for making automatic exposure corrections in response to continuous changes in camera speed of the motion picture camera. The automatic exposure correction system includes an iris-ring drive mechanism and a camera speed aperture computer. The iris-ring drive mechanism includes a servo motor and a reduction gearhead which has an output shaft and a multi-turn variable resistor which has a rear shaft which a torque limiting clutch mechanically couples to the output shaft of the servo motor and the reduction gearhead. The iris-ring drive mechanism also includes a second toothed pulley which mechanically couples the front shaft of the multi-turn variable resistor to the lens iris-ring through a toothed band and the first toothed pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Howard J. Preston
  • Patent number: 4367931
    Abstract: In the disclosed diaphragm device, an electromagnetic unit is composed of two opposing sets of circularly arranged magnets poled so that opposing surfaces have the same polarity, a rotary member carrying an electromagnetic coil that moves the rotary member in response to current therethrough and the field of the magnets, and diaphragm blades which are positioned between the magnet members and the rotary member and pivoted to close the aperture in response to rotation of the rotary member in one direction. When the rotary member is rotating in the closing direction, stopping means respond to an input signal and stop movement of the diaphragm blades at a particular aperture value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tohru Kawai, Makoto Masunaga
  • Patent number: 4346976
    Abstract: A surveillance camera which automatically and continually varies both the lens angle and the aperture is provided. In an area under surveillance where conditions dictating a need for varying the exposure and the field of a surveillance camera, a continually reciprocating lens angle and a continually varying lens aperture, obtains a variety of camera settings which results in at least some satisfactory exposures of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Inventors: Milo Kottas, Mary E. Kottas, Robert P. Kottas, Charles E. Kottas, Joseph W. Kottas
  • Patent number: 4331395
    Abstract: A motion picture camera having a start sequence digital circuit, by which various component elements in the camera related to photographic operations are sequentially and automatically operated with a predetermined relationship, when the trigger operating member of the camera is actuated, and a stop sequence digital circuit, by which the abovementioned various elements are sequentially and automatically stopped with a predetermined relationship, when the trigger operating member is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noritsugu Hirata, Hiroyuki Takimoto
  • Patent number: 4324464
    Abstract: A still camera or motion picture camera wherein the means for monitoring the brightness of a portion of or entire scene transmits signals to an automatic focusing mechanism as well as to the exposure controls. The connection between the output or outputs of the monitoring means and the exposure controls includes elements which can transmit signals denoting the peak value, the integral value or the average value of signals denoting the scene brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Richard Wick
  • Patent number: 4324465
    Abstract: An electric motor which can drive the objective of a slide projector or which can adjust the blade or blades of a diaphragm receives signals from the output of an operational amplifier which receives first and second signals from a photosensitive transducer and a differentiating capacitor. The (second) signals from the capacitor are modified (first) signals from the transducer, and the combined intensity of first and second signals is such that the signals at the output of the amplifier reach a value which they would normally reach only when the component has already assumed a predetermined position before the motor can complete the movement of the component to such position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert AG
    Inventors: Horst Rossbach, Eduard Wagensonner
  • Patent number: 4300167
    Abstract: An automatic iris control system adapted to be connected between a video camera and optical input device which produces an optical image from a light directed upon and reflected from a subject wherein the optical image is directed onto the surface of an electronic imaging tube in the video camera and the optical image has a wide variation of reflected light due to variations in distance of the subject from the light source and wherein the automatic iris control system has an adjustable iris and drive motor located between the surface of the electronic imaging tube and optical input device for dynamically varying the intensity of the optical image applied to the electronic imaging tube of the video camera, a light intensity programming circuit for establishing a desired light intensity level on the surface of the electronic imaging tube of the video camera, and an automatic iris control circuit having a low gain amplifier, a weighted peak response detector, a comparator, a circuit for controlling current to th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: Circon Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick A. Miller, Edward A. Wooff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4288150
    Abstract: A diaphragm control device of the type which performs TTL light measurement while stopping-down a diaphragm is constructed to automatically determine the diaphragm aperture by comparing an approximate signal with a reference signal to minimize the diaphragm aperture determination error caused when timewise variations are involved in the scene brightness. The approximate signal is generated by various circuits on the basis of a light measurement signal obtained by the TTL light measurement. The approximate signal varies approximately with the change in the diaphragm aperture due to the stopping-down operation of the diaphragm and coincides with the light measurement signal when no timewise variations are involved in the scene brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tokuji Ishida
  • Patent number: 4286857
    Abstract: An automatic exposure control type camera having an exposure correcting device is provided with a warning display device to indicate when the exposure correction operation of the exposure correcting device is effected. The warning display device is viewed through the camera finder in the same region that exposure information is displayed. The warning display device includes a colored but transparent film which is caused to appear in the exposure information display region when the exposure correcting device is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunio Mita
  • Patent number: 4240726
    Abstract: A still camera or motion picture camera wherein the means for monitoring the brightness of a portion of or entire scene transmits signals to an automatic focusing mechanism as well as to the exposure controls. The connection between the output or outputs of the monitoring means and the exposure controls includes elements which can transmit signals denoting the peak value, the integral value or the average value of signals denoting the scene brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventor: Richard Wick
  • Patent number: 4200364
    Abstract: A motion picture camera wherein the diaphragm is adjusted in automatic response to signals from two outputs of a digital comparator which receives a first set of signals during each revolution of the shutter at a frequency varying as a function of changes of shutter speed and of changes of scene brightness. The comparator further receives a set of reference signals from a digital selector circuit during normal operation of the camera or from a binary counter when the camera is set for making exposures with fade-in, fade-out or lap dissolve. The counter forms part of a program circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventors: Kurt Borowski, Istvan Cocron, Theodor Huber
  • Patent number: 4200372
    Abstract: In the disclosed automatic exposure control device for a motion picture camera and so on, a diaphragm driving arrangement drives a diaphragm arrangement. An exposure control arrangement having a light sensing element for sensing scene light and producing an electrical output corresponding to the scene brightness, controls the diaphragm driving arrangement on the basis of the output of the light sensing element, the sensitivity information of the film to be used and so on, so that a proper exposure can be obtained. A diaphragm presetting arrangement electrically controls the diaphragm driving arrangement independently of the exposure control arrangement to set the diaphragm arrangement at an intermediate opening position. A selector normally disables the control of the diaphragm driving arrangement by means of the exposure control arrangement and enables the control of the diaphragm driving arrangement by arrangement of the diaphragm presetting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideto Iwama, Masamichi Toyama
  • Patent number: 4192588
    Abstract: The output of a bridge circuit which is unbalanced when the quantity of light falling on a light-sensitive element is less than or more than a predetermined light quantity is applied to a differential amplifier circuit whose output varies from a minimum amplitude to a maximum amplitude. The output of the differential amplifier is connected to a first and second threshold circuit whose threshold values are symmetrical to the output value of the differential amplifier when the bridge is in balance. The gain of the differential amplifier is adjusted so that the differential output signal has an amplitude exceeding the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value for variations of light within an allowable range. Within this range the first threshold circuit furnishes an output signal and the second threshold circuit does not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventors: Eduard Wagensonner, Alois Rieder, Bernhard von Fischern
  • Patent number: 4184757
    Abstract: An exposure servo-control device for a camera prevents diaphragm overshoot by a simple damping construction including a mechanical switch or a semiconductor switching element which intermittently short-circuits a driving coil of an ammeter coupled to the diaphragm. A bridge circuit including a photoelectric element such as a CdS cell for receiving light flux from an object through the diaphragm aperture produces an output dependent on the deviation from an optimum aperture for the object to the presently positioned aperture. This output is amplified by an amplifier and input to the ammeter such that the driving coil drives the diaphragm to the optimum aperture. The damping of the diaphragm drive is caused by a counter-electromotive force generated in the driving coil each time the driving coil is short-circuited, and also by the inertia of movable portions of the diaphragm and the ammeter forced to stop during each period of time in which the driving coil is short-circuited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 4183635
    Abstract: A motor driving the shutter of a motion-picture camera is intermittently energizable under the control of two time-constant networks triggering respective pulse generators of the one-shot type, the first time-constant network including a photoresistor to measure an exposure interval dependent upon luminous intensity, the second time-constant network being adjustable to establish a selected recurrence period. With the shutter arrested in an unblocking position at the start of an operating cycle, which coincides with the beginning of an exposure interval, a pulse from the first generator releases the shutter for movement into a blocking position until a pulse from the second generator restarts the cycle by letting the shutter return to its unblocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: Bolex International SA
    Inventor: Franz Dorig
  • Patent number: 4175840
    Abstract: A transport mechanism for the advance of a motion-picture film in a camera is controlled by a photometric circuit to stop the advance of the film for a predetermined number of shutter revolutions, in the event of insufficient lighting, whereby each frame is exposed a number of times depending upon luminous intensity. The photometric circuit includes a photosensor periodically illuminated by a reflective shutter surface; the resulting voltage pulses may be fed to a pulse counter, which reactivates the transport mechanism after a manually or automatically selected number of cycles, or may charge a capacitor to trigger a threshold sensor after a sufficiently long cumulative exposure. A servomotor for the control of an iris diaphragm ahead of the shutter is controlled by the photometric circuit to reduce the incident light, under conditions of nearly sufficient illumination, to prevent overexposure of a frame due to successive exposures at full aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Assignees: Karl Vockenhuber, Raimund Hauser
    Inventor: Gerd Kittag
  • Patent number: 4168115
    Abstract: An indoor golf game to display scenes representing perspective views of any one of a plurality of different locations on any one of a plurality of different holes on a golf course. The system also includes a ball spot projector for projecting a spot of light on the projected scene in a manner to simulate the trajectory and diminishing appearance of a golf ball in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Jack A. Russell, Goodrich B. Pratt, Anthony J. Gretzky
  • Patent number: 4153352
    Abstract: Normally, the negative-feedback diaphragm control system of the motion-picture camera works off a through-the-lens photosensitive element. However, when an image fadeover is to be effected, the lower than normal-operation aperture size commanded for the diaphragm results in a decrease in the light incident on the through-the-lens photosensitive element creating problems if the diaphragm control system is to continue to respond to scene-light changes during the lower than normal-operation aperture-size situation. Accordingly, the through-the-lens photosensitive element is switched out of the control system, and a second photosensitive element is switched in. The second photosensitive element does not operate through-the-lens, but instead is positioned behind an auxiliary light attenuator the front of which is exposed to ambient scene light. The auxiliary light attenuator is coupled to the diaphragm and diaphragm-adjusting motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert A.G.
    Inventors: Kurt Borowski, Friedrich Stumpf, Theodor Huber
  • Patent number: 4143950
    Abstract: Motion picture camera, with an objective, in the light path of which, two exposure control devices, on the one hand a diaphragm and on the other hand a shutter, are adjustable by means of a common adjustment drive according to a predetermined program for changing of the light quantity which falls on a film per picture. An additional override, adjustment device is provided for at least one of said two exposure control devices for adjustment thereof independent of the predetermined program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Assignees: Ing. Karl Vockenhuber, DDr. Raimund Hauser
    Inventor: Josef Schild
  • Patent number: 4142785
    Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for automatically intermittently sensing adequate ient light conditions and adjusting a cine camera iris for same. The circuit includes an astable multi-vibrator for intermittent switching of power to a Cds cell. Under low light conditions the resistance of the cell becomes great enough to stop the oscillations of the multi-vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Nihon Beru-Haueru Kabushiki Kaisha (Bell & Howell Japan, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Seiichi Saito
  • Patent number: 4139282
    Abstract: A device is provided for indicating fading operation in cinecamera. A control circuit receives the scene light indicating voltage and a manually adjusted output voltage for operating a diaphragm driving means to adjust the aperture to a proper value for the scene brightness an RC circuit is connected to the diaphragm control circuit which selectively applys either a constant charging or discharging voltage to the diaphragm control circuit, this causes the control circuit to drive the diaphragm to continuously vary the aperture for effecting the fading-out and the fading-in of the scene. A first comparator receives the output voltage of the RC circuit and the output voltage of the diaphragm control circuit and produces a signal when both voltages are coincident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignee: Copal Company Limited
    Inventors: Yasuo Ishiguro, Tomio Kurosu
  • Patent number: 4124283
    Abstract: A fade-in and fade-out device of an automatic servomechanism for controlling the diaphragm exposure of cinecamera. A differential amplifier having a first input voltage corresponding to the scene light and a second reference input voltage corresponding to the requisite exposure, produces a differential control voltage which is applied to the diaphragm during fade-in or fade-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Copal Company Limited
    Inventors: Yasuo Shigeru, Tomio Kurosu
  • Patent number: 4118714
    Abstract: A light metering system for a photographic camera which may be selectively operated in a through-the-lens (TTL) light metering mode or an outside-the-lens (OTL) light metering mode to improve the exposure control accuracy over an extended range of light levels particularly towards the low light level side. In one embodiment, the light metering system employs a single light value sensing element in combination with light path changeover means arranged upon movement to change over the light metering aspect between the TTL and OTL light metering modes. In another embodiment, there is provided two light value sensing elements of different light response characteristics from each other for adaptation to the respective light metering modes in combination with a circuit transfer switch operable to select either the TTL light metering mode or the OTL light metering mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Okajima, Hideto Iwama
  • Patent number: 4116552
    Abstract: A shutter mechanism alternates between an exposure phase and a reflex phase. In the reflex phase it reflects incident scene light onto a light-sensitive stage which generates a light-indicating signal. A first control pulse is generated at the start of the reflex phase, and a second control pulse at the end of the reflex phase. An integrating circuit receives the first pulse and during the reflex phase generates an integral signal dependent upon the time integral of the light-indicating signal. A signal-transmission switch is operative in response to the second pulse for transmitting the integral signal to a signal-storing stage. The signal from the signal-storing stage is used as the feedback signal to a negative-feedback control arrangement for the camera diaphragm. This feedback signal is dependent not only upon scene light but also the duration of the reflex phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventor: Eduard Wagensonner
  • Patent number: 4106864
    Abstract: The user selects a fadeover duration by selecting the number of pulses in a reference pulse packet registered by a reference counter. During film transport in either direction, a frame-pulse counter counts up a number of frame pulses equal to the number of pulses in the reference pulse packet, and then performs another frame-pulse counting cycle. Each frame-pulse counting cycle advances a program-step counter. Logic circuitry is responsive to the count on the program-step counter and, during the successive program steps, causes fade-out, film-rewind, and fade-in operations to be performed. The adjusting motor for the diaphragm operates at a speed inversely related to the number of pulses in the reference pulse packet, and the amount by which the adjusting motor changes the diaphragm setting during each frame-pulse counting cycle is always the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventor: Norbert Burgermann
  • Patent number: 4106865
    Abstract: The light-sensitive negative-feedback diaphragm control system of the motion-picture camera includes a stepper-motor coupled to the diaphragm, and a control circuit generating stepper-motor drive pulses. The control circuit includes an oscillator having a time-constant circuit which establishes the repetition frequency of the drive pulses. m different repetition frequencies can be established for the drive pulses, using m semiconductor switches each connected to the time-constant circuit. A program-step counter counts program-step-change signals generated during film transport, and a "1" signal appears on successive ones of the counter outputs. The outputs include, in succession, a fade-out output group, a rewind output group, and a fade-in output group. Each such output group contains m outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventor: Norbert Burgermann
  • Patent number: 4104656
    Abstract: Electronic means for controlling the aperture of an electromagnetically operated diaphragm of a photographic camera, especially a single lens mirror reflex camera. The diaphragm aperture is set by a pot-shaped electromagnet. The coil of the electromagnet is supplied with current by an electronic circuit which responds to light falling on a photoelectric converter placed behind the diaphragm, which compares the value of this response to a nominal value resulting from a shutter speed setting and a film speed or sensivity setting, and transmits current in a rapid series of pulses to the coil of the magnet which operates the diaphragm. The pulsing nature of the current applied to the electromagnet tends to cause a slight vibration in the mechanical parts of the diaphragm mechanism, and this vibration helps to overcome the static friction of the moving parts of the diaphragm mechanism, facilitating the setting of the diaphragm to the exact value desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke
    Inventor: Karl-Peter Strauss