Polaroid Corporation

John C Ostrowski

James M Ryan

Peter P Clark

Norman D Staller

Frederick Slavitter

James M Conner

Richard J Coppa

Patrick L Finelli

Richard J Fraser

Marie T Rodriguez

Massimo A Russo

Paul W Ernest

Douglas E Miller

James K Lim

Deborah A Mulford

An electronic still camera is disclosed which adjusts focus to an object image by mechanically moving an electronic sensor within the electronic still camera. The electronic sensor is moved along an optical path of the electronic still camera. In this way, the sensor follows the focal plane of the image, thus tracking a focused image.

Electronic still camera having mechanically adjustable CCD to effect

Photographic apparatus having both automatic and manual modes of operation is adapted for coupling to a microscope. the apparatus includes a viewfinder for viewing a scene in the microscope and an exposure controlling photometer for measuring the scene brightness. In addition, a rotatably mounted disc shutter is provided having an opening therein for generating a photographic image producing exposure interval and having a pair of mirrors supported thereon for movement therewith, for respectively directing image-bearing scene light to the viewfinder and to the photometer prior to an exposure. In the automatic mode, movement of the disc shutter is under the control of a microprocessor whereas in the manual mode, such movement is under operator control.

Microscope camera

In a variable focus lens system in general, or in a photographic camera having such a system in particular, wherein said system includes means for both automatically and manually focusing a subject image at a focal plane, means are provided for disabling the operation of said automatic focusing means during manual focus and immediately prior thereto.

Auto/manual focus control inhibit/override

A dual mode range responsive exposure and flash fire control system operates as a function of the photographic subject being located in either a near distance or a far distance range from the camera. For photographic subjects located within a near camera-to-subject distance range, a flash fire signal is normally provided during the exposure interval at the instant when the blade mechanism defines an aperture size generally corresponding to the camera-to-subject distance to ignite the flash and provide a determinate amount of illumination. For photographic subjects located within a far camera-to-subject distance range, a flash fire signal is normally provided subsequent to the shutter blades reaching a maximum aperture defining position with the flash output being subsequently quenched as a function of scene light detection and integration.

Exposure and flash fire control system

Folding photographic camera or similar article

An automatic range finding and lens focusing module particularly adapted for attachment to the top edge of a pivotal shutter housing of a foldable camera. The module incorporates a complete assembly of accoustical, electronic, mechanical and electro-mechanical components necessary for system operation, such components being supported by a pair of parallel plates adapted for direct attachment to a shutter assembly modified only to provide mounting lugs and a coupling of a module output gear to a rotatable lens mount. The connection facilitates calibration of the module components with lens focusing movement.

Ranging and lens focusing module for foldable cameras

A variable focus lens capable of being moved within and outside of its normal focusing range by a manual and an automatic focus control system is provided with spring force biasing means to urge said lens into its normal focusing range to avoid the possibility of said lens being misfocused by said automatic focus control system.

Growing community of inventors

Maynard, MA, United States of America

John C Ostrowski