Abstract: Off-the-film metering in a photographic film camera is improved by measuring actual film reflectivity at the time of film manufacture and recording a film adjusted exposure constant on a magnetic recording layer on the film. Camera apparatus is provided to read this film adjusted exposure constant value and generate an adjustable reference level representative of actual film reflectivity which is then used in confunction off-the-film metering apparatus to control exposure of the film in accordance with actual film reflectivity values rather than a fixed or assumed value. Measured film exposure aim may also be recorded at film production and used to control film exposure in the camera.

Abstract: A contrast autofocus mechanism for a still camera automatically controls the displacement of an imaging lens (10) so as to cause an image of a subject (32) to be quickly brought into focus upon the len's image-receiving plane (24) in response to successive contrast measurements taken at different conditions which produce different depths of field. The change in depth of field may be accomplished by changing the aperture setting for successive contrast measurements. Based upon difference in contrast for the two measurements, the extent to which the lens is out-of-focus is calculated. This calculation is used to define the displacement of the lens to a new position which should be at or nearly at a position of peak contrast. If at the new position further refinement is necessary, a trial and error subroutine is conducted to determine in which direction the lens should be moved to attain focus.

Abstract: A multipurpose interface circuit through which the control current for operating an electromagnetically driven shutter actuator for applications such as a still camera may be precisely defined throughout a shutter actuation sequence (open, hold and close) has a clock signal counter unit, which contains a set of counter circuits associated with respective components of the shutter actuator drive current waveform. The counter circuits are sequentially enabled to count clock signals generated by a clock signal generator. The counter circuits produce output signals in accordance with a set of relationships among the numbers of clock signals counted and a set of shutter control codes representative of desired shutter aperture size and shutter speed. A control circuit is coupled to the clock signal counter unit for controlling the generation of the respective components of the actuator drive current in accordance with output signals produced by the clock signal counter circuit.

Abstract: In the present invention there is provided a plurality of photosensitive elements arranged in a symmetrical pattern around a central circular area. The area surrounding the central area is formed of a square area having the circular area at its center with the square area divided into four equal quadrants. The next area is rectangular in shape and surrounds the second area. The rectangular area is formed in four equal sections with each of the corners of the square area lying along two adjacent edges of the rectangular areas. A selection means is provided for selecting the output signal from any one the photodiodes or for selecting the output signals from any combination of two or more of the photodiodes so as to accentuate the responsiveness of the light meter to a selected area or feature of the image to be photographed.

Abstract: A camera having highlighting for the subject of the photograph and detection of motion of the subject. The camera detects the scene electronically and digitally stores the scene in memory. A gradient operation is performed on elements in the image to produce an indication of the outline of the subjects witin the depth of field. This outline may then be used to highlight the subjects in the viewfinder using an LCD as a mask. The outline may also be used to determine any movement of the subject in order to prevent blur or used as a trigger in a burst exposure mode.

Abstract: A camera includes both film for recording an image and a solid state image sensor. The solid state sensor determines the brightness level after the flash has been fired in order to determine whether enough light has reached the camera for a proper exposure. If insufficient light is returned from the flash, as in a "stadium" shot, the camera indicates either to the operator or to the printer that this problem exists. Appropriate steps may then be taken either by repeating the shot or by adjusting the printing process.

Abstract: In the present invention a matrix array of organic electroluminescent storage display elements along with row and column selection circuitry are used to select the particular display elements within the matrix to be illuminated. Interposed between the column and row selection electronics are a plurality of memory cells receiving as inputs bit values that correspond to the desired intensity requested from a display element. The memory cells output activation signals which drive corresponding MOS switches each of which in turn is parallel connected as part of a current driver source feeding a single display element. Activation of one or more of the MOS switches provides a controlled amount of current to be applied to the display element to in turn provide a related amount of light from the display element.

Abstract: A camera is disclosed which includes elements for recording an image on photographic film and a solid-state image sensor for recording an electronic image. In order to reduce the size and complexity of the camera and to improve the camera performance, the electronic and film recording functions of the camera are integrated. The solid-state image sensor is used both in controlling the recording of an image on film and in producing an electronic image.

Abstract: A camera comprised of an electronic imager and a plurality of display/frame stores. Each of the plurality of display/frame stores is individually selectable, for example, by a transparent touch-sensitive media positioned over the plurality of display stores. The selection acts to either retain or to discard the displayed image. Retained images may be downloaded to an optional memory module in the camera or to a larger, non-integral, data base/printer for providing finished photos of the images selected for saving. An auxiliary storage may be attached to expand the number of images that may be retained prior to downloading.

Abstract: An exposure control is disclosed for controlling the amount of light admitted to a light-responsive medium in photographic apparatus such as a camera. The control is adapted to generate a plurality of shutter-aperture options in response to measurements of subject distance and ambient light. The exposure control contains a means for selecting one of the options to produce a suitable exposure. In order to maximize the overall picture quality, the exposure control comprises means for selecting the shutter-aperture option with the optimum depth of field to blur diameter ratio.