Abstract: In a photographic camera, a combined light source/magnetic head writes data into a magnetic recording material of a photographic filmstrip in a data track and exposes a guide track in a predetermined location relative to the data track during advancement of the filmstrip. The filmstrip is advanced past the combined light source/magnetic head and the light source is energized to optically expose the guide track while the magnetic head is operated to write the data. After processing of the filmstrip, the guide track is made visible. A processor can receive the filmstrip and use the guide track to properly position a magnetic read head in proper relation to the recorded data track to retrieve the data.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for accurately positioning a magnetic read head in relation to a magnetic data track recorded in a magnetic recording medium of a photographic filmstrip. The read head is precisely aligned with one edge of the moving filmstrip through the use of an optical detector and an optical pattern placed below the filmstrip and extending beyond one edge of the filmstrip. The portion of the optical detector field of view corresponding to the optical pattern and the portion corresponding to the filmstrip are detected and the detected signal is processed to provide a control signal for moving the read head with respect to the film edge so as to position the head a precise distance away from the edge of the filmstrip without requiring physical contact with the filmstrip edge.

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.

Abstract: A rolling ball element mount and barrel interface comprises a barrel and an element mount sharing a common lateral (X, Y, Z) and angular (.THETA..sub.X, .THETA..sub.Y, .THETA..sub.Z) frame of reference located at a center of said barrel, the element mount adapted to fit inside the barrel axially along Z. A first component, including at least two rolling balls, is disposed between and adapted for contact with the element mount and the barrel for (i) constraining the element mount in lateral positions X and Y and angular positions .THETA..sub.X and .THETA..sub.Y and (ii) moveably coupling the element mount and the barrel in the axial direction. A second component, including at least one rolling ball, is disposed between and adapted for contact with the element mount and the barrel for (iii) constraining the element mount in angular position .THETA..sub.Z in cooperation with the first component and (iv) moveably coupling the element mount and the barrel in the axial direction.

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 elements. 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 method of treating a surface of a machine element to permit the outer layers thereof to freely expand when repeatedly subjected to sudden temperature variations without thermal stressing the inner layers thereof.