Abstract: Film related information is applied to a film container in the form of oriented macroscopic magnetic fields having strength sufficient to deflect a mechanical magnetic sensor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metal end cap of a standard 35 mm film can is magnetized to encode film related information. The information is sensed in a simple mechanical camera by a sensing magnet mounted for movement in response to the orientation of the magnetic field directly above the end cap, and a trapping mechanism for trapping the sensing magnet and mechanically amplifying the information contained in the orientation of the sensing magnet. In an electronic camera, the orientation of the magnetic field is sensed by a pair of magneto-electric sensors oriented to sense orthogonal components of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A digital controller in a photographic camera comprises a microcomputer and one or more digital computer controlled input and output transducers such as scene light measuring means, subject distance measuring means, and means for controlling aperture size, shutter time, or focus adjustment. The microcomputer receives inputs from the input transducers and controls the output transducers in response thereto according to a control program stored in a computer memory. The controller includes a programable memory containing custom control constants to custom tailor the operating program for the specific apparatus in which it resides.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a high precision photographic camera is produced by first making the photographic camera, then operating the camera under known operating conditions using a nominal control program.

Abstract: An improved control circuit for an electromagnetic actuator of the type having an armature mounted for movement in a magnetic field, and means connected to the armature for urging the armature toward a rest position. The circuit applies an electrical pulse of a first polarity, magnitude and duration to the armature to quickly move the armature to a programmed position determined by the magnitude and duration of said pulse, the programmed position lying within a range of positions between said rest position, and an extreme position achievable by the armature. The control circuit then applies a pulse of opposite polarity and of magnitude and duration effective to stop the armature at the programmed position. The control circuit applies a periodic train of pulses of said first polarity, of fixed magnitude and of duration, effective to hold the actuator in the programmed position, the period of said train of pulses being above the natural cutoff frequency of the actuator.

Abstract: An autofocus camera includes an electronic flash and a piezoelectric focus motor that are both powered by a moderately high voltage power supply. The camera includes an automatic focus detector that senses a scene and produces a focus signal representing the required focus adjustment for the scene. A focus motor drive circuit responsive to the focus signal supplies a controlled amount of power from the power supply to the piezoelectric focus motor to drive a movable lens element to effect the required focus adjustment.

Abstract: A control apparatus is disclosed for discriminating between light emitted from sources having respectively different flicker ratios (the ratio of the brightest and the dimmest intensities during a given time period). A photocell produces a voltage having a DC component proportional to the log of the average intensity of incident light and an AC component proportional to the log of the flicker ratio. After the DC component is removed, the AC component is amplified and may be applied to a filter-moving control means to cause appropriate color-correcting filters to be interposed between the scene and photosensitive material, as for instance in a camera. Alternatively, the AC component may control a marking mechanism to encode the film with a mark readable during the subsequent printing process.

Abstract: An exposure control device is disclosed a preferred form of which includes a shutter which is openable to permit scene light to pass through a camera aperture, an electronic circuit for producing a signal which varies with the level of scene illumination, and piezoelectric devices such as bimorphs for providing electrical energy to the circuit when mechanically actuated and for controlling the condition of the shutter in response to the signal from the electronic circuit to automatically establish the exposure period.

Abstract: A shutter control device is disclosed which includes a shutter which is openable to permit scene light to pass through a camera aperture, an electronic circuit for controlling the shutter to automatically establish exposure duration in accordance with the level of scene illumination, piezoelectric means such as a bimorph for providing electrical power to the circuit when stressed, and means for repeatedly stressing the piezoelectric means during each exposure cycle.

Abstract: A camera is disclosed which includes a shutter blade magnetically latchable in an open position to permit scene light to pass through a camera aperture, flexible piezoelectric energy converter, such as a Bimorph element, movable upon being subjected to an applied voltage to push the shutter blade away from the magnet, and a light responsive electronic circuit for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric converter after an exposure duration in accordance with the level of scene illumination.

Abstract: A light control device comprises a plurality of minute particles, having dipolar and light control characteristics, which are supported in an elastic solid matrix. The particles have a length to width ratio greater than two and are supported in a common orientation across the elastomeric matrix to block (or transmit) incident light. Under application of an electric field across the layer the particles reorient to provide a reverse light control effect. Upon removal of the field the particles quickly return to their original orientation. Image display embodiments utilizing a photoconductor or other imagewise field providing structures are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved display device utilizes an electro-optical panel including an electrically insulating layer and a light-modulating layer of dipole, light control particles dispersed in a transparent matrix. An imaging electric charge pattern is impressed on the panel to establish a particle orienting field thereacross. The light modulating pattern thus created in the modulating layer is selectively changed between positive and negative image sense by selective application and removal of a uniform field of the same polarity as, but lesser magnitude than, the imaging charge pattern. The stored image pattern is erasable by application of a reverse polarity field. Preconditioning the panel with a uniform field facilitates a positive light modulating pattern in the first instance.

Abstract: A mirror-type light beam deflector or steerer utilizes a hinged mounting linkage to couple a beam deflecting mirror to a mirror driving apparatus. In a preferred form, flexible hinges are employed to avoid any introduction of play or looseness between the mirror and mirror driver.

Abstract: A galvanometer structure is disclosed for high speed deflection of a light beam, such as that from a laser source. A flexible member is secured at one end in a mount of electrically insulating and magnetically inert material, for example, a plastic block. At the free end of the flexible member, a rotor is secured and this, in turn, has fixed thereto a reflecting element, such as a mirror. The flexible member also carries a variable magnetic field producing means which is arranged relative to the flexible member and at the back side of the mirror. A controllable variable current source is connected to the coil on the flexible member. A portion of the flexible member is reduced in cross section at a distance that is intermediate the ends thereof for greater flexibility in the direction of the reduced cross section.