Abstract: An image processing apparatus in which a density pattern is generated which corresponds to input image data. Growth direction of the density pattern is controlled by generating a density pattern in a prescribed direction, and generating a density pattern in a direction based on a random signal. As a result, when printing the image data based on the generated density patterns, there is no joining between adjacent pixels and a high-quality image is produced.

Abstract: An encoder for generating a position signal in accordance with a position of a conductive slider comprises a non-conductive substrate, a first conductive pattern formed on the substrate, and at least three second conductive patterns formed on the substrate. The second patterns are independent from the first pattern. Each of the second patterns has a lead wire extending to an edge of the substrate. The slider is slidable on the substrate, and produces a conductive state signal when it abuts against the first pattern and produces a non-conductive state signal when it abuts against the second pattern or the substrate. The position signal is generated in accordance with the conductive state signal and the non-conductive state signal. One of the second patterns is surrounded by the first pattern, and the lead wire extending therefrom passes between the other two second patterns and extends to the exterior of the first pattern.

Abstract: An automatic-focus camera has a focus lock system that stores focus adjusting information so that a photo-taking lens may be kept focused on an object during one or more exposures. The camera has a self timer, an automatic exposure system with different program modes, and has continuous as well as single-frame operating modes. The focus lock system, which has different focus lock modes, influences the manner in which various operations of the camera are performed.

Abstract: A distance metering device of a camera eliminates a troublesome re-setting operation when a remote controller is used as a cable release and avoids the creation of defocused photograph when the remote controller is used as a self-timer.When a first remote control signal receiver is selected, that is, when the remote controller is to be used as the self-timer, a distance metering mode of a multi-point distance metering device is forcibly switched to a multi-point distance metering mode, and when a second remote control signal receiver is selected, that is, when the remote controller is to be used as the cable release, the forced switching is not done.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus for an auto-focus camera according to the present invention has a transmitter for transmitting a light signal for remote control, and a light receiver producing a pair of output signals reciprocally varying in conformity with a light receiving position on a light receiving surface thereof which is in a distance measurement range in a photographing picture plane. When the light receiver receives the light signal for remote control transmitted from the transmitter, a control signal for starting a photographing operation is produced on the basis of the sum of the pair of output signals. The output signals are also used for the production of a light receiving position signal for range finding.

Abstract: In a camera system including an electronic flash apparatus, a main capacitor of the flash apparatus is charged for a predetermined time interval, in response to a preparatory operation such as a first stroke of a release button. During this time interval, operation of an automatic distance measuring device, an automatic exposure controlling device and an object luminance discriminating circuit is prevented. A warning device warns a photographer that the main capacitor is insufficiently charged. Several voltage detectors detect different voltage levels of the main capacitor and produce detection signals for inhibiting the operation of the warning device and/or preventing further charging of the main capacitor.

Abstract: A lens shutter camera comprises a mode signal output device for outputting either a first flash mode signal or a second flash mode signal, a shutter driving device for effecting the opening movement of the lens shutter slowly and effecting the closing movement of the lens shutter quickly when the first flash mode signal is being outputted, and for effecting both of the opening and closing movements of the lens shutter slowly when the second flash mode signal is being outputted, and a flash start signal output device for outputting a flash start signal during the opening movement of the lens shutter when the first flash mode signal is being outputted, and for outputting the flash start signal during the closing movement of the lens shutter when the second flash mode signal is being outputted.

Abstract: A distance-measuring apparatus comprises a first detecting device for detecting a distance to a central portion of an object field corresponding to a photographing frame and generating data corresponding to a detected distance, a second detecting device for detecting distances to a plurality of peripheral portions of the object field except for the central portion and generating data corresponding to detected distances, and an operating device for operating the first and second detecting devices. The oeprating device has a first operation step of operating the first detecting device and a second operation step of operating the second detecting device. The first step is executed to determine the detected distance to the central portion. The execution of the second step depends on the determination result and may produce an average peripheral distance output or a shortest peripheral distance output for driving a phototaking lens.

Abstract: In a camera system including an electronic flash apparatus, a main capacitor of the flash apparatus is charged for a predetermined time interval, in response to a preparatory operation such as a first stroke of a release button. During this time interval, operation of an automatic distance measuring device, an automatic exposure controlling device and an object luminance discriminating circuit is prevented. A warning device warns a photographer that the main capacitor is insufficiently charged. Several voltage detectors detect different voltage levels of the main capacitor and produce detection signals for inhibiting the operation of the warning device and/or preventing further charging of the main capacitor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a zooming control device for a camera, enabling photographing with a constant magnification of an object, and still avoiding overflowing of an object from the photographed frame in zooming of the lens. The frame is divided into plural areas, and there is discriminated whether an object is present only in the central area, or also in the peripheral area or areas. In the former case the lens is zoomed to achieve a preset image magnification, but, in the latter case, the zooming is limited in order to avoid overflowing of an object from the frame.

Abstract: An active distance measuring apparatus is equipped with a light projector for projecting modulated light to an object, a photoreceptor for receiving the modulated light reflected from the object and generating an alternating signal corresponding to the distance to the object, and a signal processing circuit for generating distance data from the alternating signal. The signal processing circuit is constituted by high level detecting means for detecting the high level value of the alternating signal, low level detecting means for detecting the low level value of the alternating signal, and an operation means for calculating distance data from the difference of both level values.