Abstract: An electronic still image camera and playback system can record image data on the proposed standard 47 mm magnetic floppy disk in a manner whereby the horizontal line resolution of the recorded data is substantially increased by separating alternate groups of image data for recording, respectively, on two tracks of the magnetic media. The two tracks of the image media may be either two adjacent standard tracks or two subtracks confined within the footprint or envelope of the standard track. The image data from the dual tracks is recombined by interleaving to provide a high resolution hard copy print or other visual display. Alternatively, the dual track recorded image data may be retrieved in a conventional manner to provide a conventional low resolution hard copy or other image display.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system for a camera apparatus utilizes a two-dimensional photosensitive array to determine image sharpness as a function of the image information sensed in both the rows and columns of individual photosensitive pixel elements. A transfer function may be imposed upon the electronic information signal derived from the two-dimensional photoresponsive array or, alternatively, upon the incident scene light to the two-dimensional photoresponsive array to centerweight the focus condition determining signal where the principle subject will be most likely framed.

Abstract: A sonic ranging and/or object detection system, particularly useful for the blind, periodically employs widely different pulse frequencies in order to distinguish between objects located directly in front of the energy transmitting portion of this system and those located to either side. The higher frequency pulses produce a relatively narrow sonic energy beam width for detecting centrally located objects and the lower frequency pulses produce a relatively broad sonic energy beam width for detecting lateral or off-center objects. One or more time-related audible tones are superimposed on each of the pulse frequencies for range determining and/or object distinguishing purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus utilizing a combination energy transmitting and energy receiving transducer or a transducer set consisting of separate energy transmitting and energy receiving transducers, are employed to detect and subsequently indicate the presence of an object(s) within one or more of a plurality of spaced-apart spacial zones.

Abstract: A passive infra-red ranging system for a photographic camera or the like includes two infra-red responsive sensors spaced apart a predetermined distance from one another on the camera body. Each sensor includes a plurality of vertically aligned segments which receive a portion of the infra-red radiation emitted from the subject(s) of principal interest. In one embodiment, the segments of the two sensors are scanned in a successive serial manner by scanning circuitry with the composite output of each sensor analyzed to identify the maxima(s) associated with the subject(s) of principal interest. Computing circuitry determines the angular relationship between the subject(s) and each sensor to permit calculation of the distance-to-subject range by triangulation. In another embodiment, one of the two sensors is angularly adjusted until the scanning circuitry detects "coincidence" between the image of a given subject on each sensor thereby permitting computation of the distance-to-subject range by triangulation.

Abstract: Processes for making an electronic color imaging device, the color imaging device comprising a planar array of charge-handling semiconductive photosensors and a multicolor filter means, the multicolor filter means comprising a planar array of color filter elements superimposed in micro-registration over the sensing area of said photosensors. In general, the processes comprise the steps of: (1) successively coating on a planar array of semiconductive photosensors a plurality of photoresponsive layers; (2) subjecting each photoresponsive layer in succession to radiation whereby to provide an exposed area of said layer; (3) removing unexposed photoresponsive coating from each layer in succession; and, (4) dyeing exposed areas of each layer said coating in succession to obtain a series of chromatic filter elements. The processes are capable of producing color filter elements having dimensions of approximately 6 by 6 micrometers.

Abstract: Optimum damping and sensitivity for a combination transmitting and receiving capacitance type, electrostatic transducer are provided, by forming lands and indents, of a controlled number and size, on the crests of spaced apart projections on the relatively inflexible backplate of said transducer.

Abstract: An automatic focusing camera having an indicator for producing an indication when the subject being photographed is too near the camera to be brought into focus. It also provides an inhibit signal if this situation exists thereby precluding operation of an exposure cycle. When the camera is operated in its flash mode, an indicator produces its indication if the subject is outside a predetermined range within which the shutter mechanism is capable of producing a properly exposed photograph under flash illumination and an inhibit signal is also provided in this situation to thereby preclude operation of an exposure cycle.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus and method employing a diaphragm shutter having a time variable exposure aperture with flash firing, following actuation of the shutter, after a time interval dependent on subject range. The functional relationship between the time interval and subject range establishes a parametric relationship between the brightness of the subject due to its flash illumination and the scan time of the diaphragm shutter. The inverse of this parametric relationship constitutes the timewise variation in the exposure aperture area of the shutter. Consequently, whenever the subject is within a predetermined maximum distance from the camera, dependent upon the maximum aperture area attainable by the shutter, the instantaneous product of subject brightness and aperture area will be a constant with the result that proper exposure of the photographic film is achieved independent of the subject range.

Abstract: An electronic flash device is powered from a high voltage, low internal impedance battery which may be connected directly across a flash discharge tube to provide a flash discharge current through the tube without the use of a primary storage capacitor.

Abstract: An electronic flash device is preferably powered by a high voltage, generally planar multicell battery having a low internal impedance and a high current discharge capability to enable a flash storage capacitor to be quickly charged upon the battery being directly connected to the capacitor. Actuation of a photographic cycle initiating button on an associated camera operates to directly connect the battery to the flash storage capacitor thereby enabling the capacitor to be quickly charged to its required voltage in readiness to provide an illuminating flash of light during the exposure interval which commences at a minute time after the button actuation.

Abstract: A camera having an automatic focus control system for an adjustable focus lens is provided with a demountable adjustable or fixed focus lens that incorporates a device having an adjustable or fixed focus lens characteristic that causes said automatic focus control system to vary in accordance with said lens characteristic. The device is removable with the lens and means are provided for interconnecting said device with said control system when the lens is mounted on said camera.

Abstract: A photographic flash system in which the storage capacitor for a flash tube is charged only before each flash exposure by a charge control circuit actuated by a pushbutton. The control circuit responds to the discharge of the capacitor through the flash tube to stop the charging process until it is reinitiated by operation of the pushbutton.

Abstract: A preferential power distribution system for a battery powered camera having an electronic exposure control system, a film transport motor, and an electronic flash unit, in which recharging of the flash unit is controlled by a circuit which responds to the voltage of the battery to inhibit recharging when the battery voltage is low.

Abstract: A color television receiver and sound motion picture projector, using a one-gun sequential phosphor stripe receiving tube for display, and a common audio output amplifier and speaker for sound presentation, in which a strip of sound motion picture film bearing a recorded sound track is moved at constant speed relative to a synchronization station, a video signal generating station and a sound station to produce a set of signals that may be selectively applied to the output video amplifier, the audio amplifier, and the horizontal and vertical deflection systems of a color television receiver by manually operable switching means for selectively connecting the system as a television receiver, or interrupting the signals normally derived from the tuner of the receiver and substituting mutually compatible, but differently timed, signals produced from the film.

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting a motion picture on a color television receiver screen with accompanying sound using the audio output apparatus of the television receiver, in which a linear scanning array including a slit source of light is used to develop three color video signals from a motion picture film, and a sound transducer is provided to reproduce a recorded sound signal accompanying the picture sequence. Synchronization signals are developed by a photoelectric pick-up which detects the location of sprocket holes in the film. Switching means are provided to substitute the signals produced by the film transducers for the corresponding signals formed in the television receiver from broadcast signals. The substitute signals are applied to the color amplifiers, to the vertical and horizontal deflection circuits, and to the audio output amplifier of the television receiver. The apparatus is operable to selectively produce either a conventional television program, or a sound motion picture.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus and method employing a diaphragm shutter having a time variable exposure aperture with flash firing, following actuation of the shutter, after a time interval dependent on subject range. The functional relationship between the time interval and subject range establishes a parametric relationship between the brightness of the subject due to its flash illumination and the scan time of the diaphragm shutter. The inverse of this parametric relationship constitutes the timewise variation in the exposure aperture area of the shutter. Consequently, whenever the subject is within a predetermined maximum distance from the camera, dependent upon the maximum aperture area attainable by the shutter, the instantaneous product of subject brightness and aperture area will be a constant with the result that proper exposure of the photographic film is achieved independent of the subject range.