Abstract: A photographic camera with a pseudo-telephoto mode of operation, a flash unit, and a picture taking lens that can be set at a plurality of focal lengths includes a controller that responds to a low-light condition by activating the flash unit, positioning the picture taking lens at a reduced available lens focal length than that selected by the user, and by placing the camera in a pseudo-telephoto mode, in which a frame image from the picture taking lens is designated as a pseudo-telephoto frame. The reduced focal length provides a lens setting with increased light-gathering ability. The focal length selected by the controller can provide a print that, in combination with pseudo-telephoto processing, will provide a print with a relative magnification approximately equal to a print that otherwise would be provided from the lens focal length setting initially selected by the camera user.

Abstract: A low cost, reflectivity insensitive rangefinder for performing time-multiplexed multi-zone auto-ranging comprises a light projecting means energizable for projecting a beam of light to illuminate a spot on an object in a scene. A linear array of N photosensitive elements views the scene and produces N photosignals representing the brightness of the scene, wherein each photosensitive element corresponds to one of N discrete subject distance zones, in sequence, from a far zone to a near zone. A control signal generating means generates process control signals for initiating intermediate zone ranging operations. A selection signal supply means supplies selection signals for effectuating a time-multiplexed multi-zone ranging operation. An analog multiplexer means, responsive to the selection signals, inputs the N photosignals, in parallel, and outputs selected time-multiplexed pairs of photosignals.

Abstract: A zoom control system for providing variable speed zoom control of a zoom lens system in a camera, or the like, comprises a single actuating means, timing control electronics, and speed control electronics. The zoom control system effects variable speed zooming in response to time dependent actuation of the zooming operation.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device component package comprises an optical element having a plano surface with a pattern of electrical conductors thereon, a photoelectric die having an optically active portion and die bond pads, and a printed circuit board having a pattern of electrical conductors thereon and further having an aperture for receiving the die. The die is attached to the plano surface of the optical element such that the die bond pads are electrically connected to corresponding electrical conductors of the optical element. The circuit board is attached to the plano surface of the optical element and the electrical conductors of the circuit board are electrically connected to corresponding conductors of the optical element. A protective means affixed to the die, the plano surface of the optical element, and a portion of the circuit board protects the device package. The die can be (1) an emitter or detector die for camera autofocus applications; or (2) a photometer die for exposure control applications.

Abstract: A camera having a sensor array, a lens, and shutter blades, for focusing the lens in preparation for exposing a frame of photographic film, comprises a means for oscillating the shutter blades, separately, between open and closed positions to expose said sensor array with image light passing through corresponding pupils of the lens. A control means, responsive to said oscillating means, controls the sensor array to sample image light received through the corresponding pupils. A comparing means compares the sensed image light of the pupils with each other and produces a focus adjustment signal representative of a direction of focus error. Lastly, a focusing means, responsive to said focus adjustment signal, focuses said lens according to the focus error.