Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a display device is provided. The display device comprises a body having an opening to a display receiving area. A display is joined to the display receiving area and a generally transparent contact element positioned between the opening and the display. At least two force sensitive elements are between the contact element and the display receiving area, and each force sensitive element is adapted to generate a signal when a force has been applied to the contact element. A controller receives the signals and determines a user input action based upon the signals received. The force sensitive elements are adapted to detect the application of force along different axes and to generate signals that the controller can use to determine when a force has been applied to the contact element and along which of the different axes the force has been applied.

Abstract: A camera flash circuit employing a piezoelectric transformer in the flash trigger circuit, the piezoelectric transformer having input terminals coupled to the main flash voltage storage capacitor and an output terminal coupled to the flash trigger terminal on the flash tube. When the camera flash trigger switch is closed, the input terminals of the piezoelectric transformer are driven directly from the charge voltage stored on the flash storage capacitor to generate the necessary high voltage pulse at the flash tube trigger terminal to initiate firing of the flash tube.

Abstract: A camera flash apparatus having a flash tube enclosing a pair of electrodes in an ultraviolet light transparent envelope containing gas molecules normally presenting a high impedance between the electrodes. An ultraviolet light source directed at the tube is actuated at the start of a flash picture-taking event to ionize at least some of the gas in the envelope lowering the internal resistance of the tube to allow a flash energy source coupled to the electrodes to discharge through the flash tube.

Abstract: An auto-metering system for use in a film camera having an automatic film advance system is provided. The auto-metering system has a sprocket wheel having a support member arranged so that when the automatic film advance system advances film, the sprocket wheel is rotated, with the sprocket wheel having a gear engagement surface and a reduction gear engaging the gear engagement surface of the sprocket wheel. The reduction gear has a lobe thereon, and is adapted to move the lobe between a first position to a second position with said movement between the first position and second position occurring at a different rate than the rate of rotation of the sprocket wheel. A metering switch is located at the second position. The metering switch changes between a first state when the cam is not at the second position and a second state when the cam is at second position. A control circuit controls operation of the film advance system based upon to the state of the metering switch.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a camera for use with a power supply is provided. The camera has a voltage detecting circuit adapted to detect a voltage level at the power source and to generate a voltage level signal. An image capture system is also provided and performs a set of image capture operations. A controller receives the voltage level signal and prevents the image capture system from capturing an image when the voltage level signal indicates that there is insufficient power available in the power supply to perform all of operation in the set of image capture operations.