GB2026187A

GB2026187A - Modular camera

Info

Publication number: GB2026187A
Application number: GB7917650A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Bell and Howell Japan; Bell and Howell Co
Current assignee: Bell and Howell Japan; Bell and Howell Co
Priority date: 1978-05-22
Filing date: 1979-05-21
Publication date: 1980-01-30
Also published as: GB2026187B

Abstract

A modular cine or video camera has, in addition to its basic functions, at least one additional optional function provided by a snap-in module. Thus a plurality of modules, for alternative sophisticated optional functions, may be acquired as required. The basic functions typically include multiple speed power zoom, testing circuitry for remaining film or tape quantity and battery or power conditions, automatic exposure or illumination control, and sound recording capabilities. In a cine camera, the modules may provide capabilities for producing fading of the exposure and/or sound recording, slow motion, auto exposure override, variable film speed and lap dissolves. In a video camera, the modules may also provide automatic color level control and a color aberration selector. An optional auto-focus module may provide automatic focusing.

Description

SPECIFICATION Modular camera Field of the invention This invention relates to cine and video cameras and in particular to a camera of this type designed to accept add-on modules providing additional fea tures and functions.

Description of the prior art Cine or film movie cameras which provide for the recording of visual images as well as simultaneous audio signals are known in the prior art. "Professional" movie cameras of this description conventionally use either a 35mm or 16mm format and an optical sound track is provided adjacent the visual image for later reproduction. "Amateur" or less expensive sound movie cameras typically include the addition of a magnetic recording stripe on an 8mm or super 8mm film format. For ease in use, the film is normally supplied to the consumer in a cassette form containing approximately fifty feet of film.

Video cameras provide an electronic signal of the image formed on a vidicon surface to a recording device. The consumer video tape recorders (VTR) magnetically record the signal on a suitable magnetic tape containing between one and four hours of recording time.

Both the Super 8 sound movie and video camera are often purchased by parents to recrod events or other occasions which occur during the early part of their children's youth, such as birthday parties, when the child begins walking, etc. For most of these parents, and other first-time video and movie camera consumers, the need and desire is to make a minimum investment in such a camera for taking these video recording movies. However, as the children grow older, or the photographer becomes more sophisticated, the photographic techniques desired require more flexibility and additional features in the camera. However, conventional cameras are not adapted for add-on capability and thus the consumer has only one option, to "buy-up" to a more expensive, more sophisticated camera.

Summary of the invention Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a novel, relatively inexpensive camera which can be easily modified to provide additional, more sophisticated features.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera in which the additional features can be added by the consumer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a camera of this type in which the additional features are provided in a plurality of separate modules which can be easily connected to the camera control system.

A modular sound movie or video camera made in accordance with the above and other objects of the present invention includes a main camera body having a plurality of standard functions or options.

These functions and options include a multiple speed power zoom lens available in either a three, four or six times zoom and an automatic illumination or exposure. Command testing circuitry is provided to check film or tape quantity and battery or power conditions. A separate or boom microphone connects to a sound recording unit for recording simultaneous audio signals. The basic camera is designed to accept a plurality of snap-in pods or modules which provide additional, more sophisticated photographic or video recording and sound recording features. The addition features provided by the modules include, in a basic cine module, multispeed fading capabilities, automatic exposure or override, fade selection of sound and/or exposure, slow motion capabilities and variable film speed from 24 to 1 frames per second.A second intermediate cine module in addition to the above features also provides a selectively actuatable cue light and an audio bass cut tone control switch as well as slower film speeds, down to and including one frame per minute. Athird, more sophisticated cine module provides, in addition to the above, lap dissolve capabilities wherein a fade-out is overlapped with a fade-in, as done in professional film printing. In the video version, in addition to the above, the module will provide automatic color level control with trimmer, a color balance selector, a color aberration selector, and an intervalometer. An autofocus module provides automatic focusing of the camera lens. The provision of additional modules having various combinations of the above features or additional features are also contemplated by the present invention.The camera viewfinder is provided with a plurality of light emitting diode signals or lights indicating various functions or providing additional information to the user during filming without requiring removal of the eye from the eye cup.

These and other objects will be apparent from the following disclosure taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sound movie camera made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention showing the auto-focus and one of the additional function modules mounted on the camera; Figure 2 is a partially fragmented side elevational view of the auto-focus module mounted on the camera; Figure 3 is a right side elevational view of the contemplated camera showing the boom microphone in its folded position; Figure 4 is a left side elevational view of the contemplated camera showing the basic cine module mounted on the camera; Figure 5 is a side elevational view of an intermediate or second cine module; Figure 6 is a similar side elevational view of the third more sophisticated cine module; Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a video module for use on a video camera;; Figure 8 is a block diagram of the control system for the camera showing the connection of the various cine modules; Figure 9 is a partially fragmented, vertical section showing the module attachment details for the camera; Figure 10 its a rear perspective view of a portion of one of the modules; and Figure 11 is a greatly enlarged generally schematic representation of the view finder display.

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the modular camera system of the present invention illustrating various modules attachable to a basic camera; Figure 13 is a partial front elevational view of the modular camera system of Figure 12; Figure 14 is an enlarged elevational view of one of the attachable modules of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a block diagram representation of the control arrangements of the basic cine camera of Figure 12 and one of the attachable modules; Figure 16 is a detailed logic and electrical schematic drawing of the control apparatus of Figure 15; Figures 17-20 illustrate representative wave forms of various control signals at designated locations of the control apparatus of Figures 15 and 16 of the modular camera system; Figure 21 is a perspective view and block diagram representation of the viewfinder (VF) information display arrangement of Figure 11;; Figure 22 is a block diagram and schematic representation of the control circuitry and display elements of the VF information display arrangement of Figure 21; Figure 23 is a representation of the VF information display arrangement of Figure 21 concerning various quantity indicating methods of the VF informatibn display arrangement of Figure 21; Figure 24 is an elevational representation and schematic representation of a two point indicating method for film supply quantity indication in accord ance with a specific embodiment of the VF information display arrangement of Figure 21; and Figure 25 is a block diagram and electrical schematic representation of a specific embodiment of portions of the VF information display arrangement of Figure 21.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment A modular camera, generally designated 10, made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention is shown in perspective in Figure 1. The camera includes a main body portion 12 and a pivotally mounted, collapsible handle or hand grip 14 which serves as the battery compartment for the cine camera and also energizes the entire camera when moved from its collapsed or folded position to its open or projecting position as shown in Figure 1.

The hand grip on the video version may be used as the connecting point for the VTR cable. The camera 10 further includes a focusable lens 16 and is shown with the auto-focus module 18 mounted directly under the lens 16. One of the cine modules 20 is shown on the left side of the camera mounted thereto by the removable mounting means as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

A modular concept for the camera of the present invention provides a plurality of modules, a basic cine module 22 (Figure 4), an intermediate cine module 24 including all of the functions of the basic module in addition to several additional functions (Figure 5), a sophisticated cine module 26 providing all of the features of the intermediate module 24 plus an overlap or lap dissolve feature (Figure 6) and an example of a video module 28 similar to the cine module 24. The three cine modules 22, 24 and 26 are interchangeable and replaceable on the side of the camera housing 12 as shown in Figures 1 and 4; thus, any one of the modules can be used with the camera or the camera can be used by itself without any of the modules. Similarly, three or more video modules 28 having different functions are inter changeable on a video version camera.This permits the consumer to purchase, as his first investment, the basic movie camera itself and later to add additional functions, capabilities and features to the basic camera 10. Thus, a single camera body and operating mechanism can be efficiently and econo mically mass-produced for use with a plurality of lenses and optional modules to replace an entire line of a manufacturer's cameras, which, at the present time, typically may be ten to twenty-five different camera styles or model numbers.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the basic camera 10 is generally conventional in shape having for the cine version, on its right side an access door 30 for loading either a silent or sound film cartridge.

Alternatively, the cine camera can be converted to a video camera by the use of a video cartridge module which is inserted into the cavity just like a conventional film cartridge. The door 30 includes a clear plastic window 32 to permit reading of the type of film, conventionally provided on the side of the cartridge. A latch 34 is actuated to gain access by opening the door 30. Additional standard features on the camera 10 include the sound capabilities whereby a microphone may be connected through a microphone jack 36. During recording, a headphone set can be attached to a headphone jack 38 to monitor what is being recorded. An additional power jack 40 permits running of the camera without batteries by an auxiliary 9 volt DC source.A remote jack 42 may be provided for remote operation of the camera, such as by a switch on a remote microphone so that the photographer himself may be in the movie if desired. An optional boom microphone 44 is removably mountable on the top of the camera housing 12 by virtue of a pair of channels, conventionally termed a "shoe" 46. The boom microphone may be connected to the audio amplifier by the shoe 46 or externally to the mike input jack 36. A low noise switch 48 permits either normal audio level recording or a low level recording position to eliminate certain background noise, such as wind noise orthe like.

The basic video camera 10 includes all of the conventional video features, such as shown on the Hitachi model GP-5U. In addition, a CRT view finder may be used, in which case, the viewfinder display described hereinafter is shown on the CRT display.

The basic cine camera 10 also includes a conventional filter switch 50 movable between the position as shown in Figure 4for indoor film and an upper position adjacent the miniature sun image, four outdoor film. Finally, Figure 3 shows the eye cup 52 and a side elevational view of the lens 54. It is currently contemplated that the basic camera 10 be manufactured, with slight modifications for use with three lenses providing three, four or six time zoom capabilities. The body of the camera and the internal mechanics are the same regardless of the lens used.

Referring to Figure 4, the basic camera functions which are provided include a manual power supply battery check button 60 which is depressed and the condition is indicated in the viewfinder as will be described in detail hereinafter. A tape supply film footage check button 62 is depressible, and indicates the amount of tape remaining in the video cassette or film left in the cartridge, in the viewfinder display.

A third depressible button 64 marked "T" is an "all-function checkout" which, when manually depressed, initiates a sequence in which the various camera parameters are checked and displayed in the viewfinderforthe user. Typically, after depressing the test button 64, the condition of the power supply battery is indicated for two seconds, then after a half-second delay, the quantity of tape/film remaining is checked and indicated for two seconds after which the illumination auto exposure system is checked, then the audio system and then the filter position set by the switch 50. At approximately the top center of the left side of the camera, a twoposition switch 70 selects a normal or higher zoom speed for the power zoom which is operated by a wide angle 72 or telephoto 74 depressible button toward the forward end of the camera.Finally, an eye piece shutter two-position switch 78 on the cine version is provided to prevent light from entering the eye piece when the camera is used on a tripod. Thus, all df the basic video/photographic functions are provided on the camera so that an inexperienced user can immediately begin to take movies. The illumination/automatic exposure system provides proper and accurate exposure of the film while an automatic level control circuit provides for proper sound recording on the magnetic stripe. The zoom lens can be operated manually or with the two-speed power zoom system and all camera parameters can be identified and checked prior to camera operation.

The additional or optional add-on features and capabilities are provided by the four modules 22, 24, 26 and 28 shown in Figures 4, 5,6 and 7, respectively. These modules provide additional functions when connected with the electronics of the main camera when mounted on the side of the camera as shown with the basic module 22 in Figure 4. The mechanical mounting means is shown in Figure 9 and described in detail hereinafter. The electrical connection between the operable pushbuttons and slides of the modules 20 is shown in the electronic diagram of Figure 8.

Referring to the electronic diagram of Figure 8, the basic camera 10 is shown generally to include circuit means controlled by a central processing unit 90 such as a Zilog Z-10 or similar microprocessor. The electronic system and the auto exposure unit 94 are turned on as the grip 14 is unfolded to its erect shooting position as shown in Figure 1. A main trigger 92 on the grip actuates the entire system to energize the audio record circuit 96 and the film drive circuit 98 or the tape drive in the VTR. The film drive circuit 98 powers the drive sprocket 100 which beg ins the movement of the film past the shutter.A timer 102 connected to the tape/film drive circuitry 98 provides information to the central processing unit concerning running time of the tape/film so that according to the tape/film speed selected, the central processing unit can determine the amount of tape/ file remaining in the cassette/cartridge. The illumination/automatic exposure system and audio record circuit are known in the prior art and need not be discussed in detail in the present disclosure. The viewfinder display 108 is shown in Figure 11 and connected to the central processing unit as shown in Figure 8.

Each of the modules 22,24,26 and 28 are alternately connectable to the central processing unit through a plurality of pins 110 on the upper surface of each of the modules which interconnect with appropriate receivers 112 to electrically connect the function switches of the modules to the central processing unit. Figure 8 shows schematically all of the features available in the basic cine module 22 and those features added by the more versatile cine modules 24 and 26. Analogous video modules, such as module 28, are similarly alternately connected to the CPU of the video camera. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7, each module is self-contained and provides all of the functions of its previous more basic model but includes several additional features.

Conventional sound movie cameras operate entirely on an analog basis wherein all the elements are hard wired together and as such the concern for degradation or voltage drop within the system is minimized. However, in order to provide an economical modular type system, in which the connector pins 110, 112 could become dirty or otherwise affected, which would produce less than a perfect contact between pins of the removable elements, a digital system is employed for the entire camera control thereby rendering the contact pins substantially less critical.The sympathetic control circuitry needed for all of the additional modular features is provided in the basic camera 10 by the central processing unit and thus, the purchaser of the camera alone pays a little bit more for the added flexibility of the modular feature but saves in the long run even if no modules are later purchased because of the efficient and economical mass production of the basic camera 10 itself.

The first or basic cine module 22 is shown mounted to the left side of the camera in Figure 4 and schematically at the top righthand corner of Figure 8. The module includes on its upper edge a pair of manually depressible buttons 120 and 122 which are indicated by the triangles 124 and 126 to cause a fade-in or fade-out, respectively. Upon pressing of either of these buttons and maintaining the button in a pressed position, through the pins 110 and 112, the central processing unit is directed to override either the auto exposure unit 94 and/or the auto record circuit 96 to produce a fade-in or fade-out.

The selection of either the fade-in or fade-out of the irid 128 and/or the recording by the transducer 130 onto the magnetic stripe is determined by a selection button 132 which straddles the audio and exposure controls on the module 22. Specifically, as shown, the three-position slide switch 132 is in a central or normal position as indicated by the dot 134 and, while in this position, causes a fade-in or fade-out of both the picture and sound upon depressing of either of the buttons 120 or 122. When the button 132 is moved to the left, adjacent the sound symbol 136, the auto exposure unit 94 is unaffected and the audio record circuit 96 goes into a manual mode so that the sound may be faded in or faded out according to the use of the buttons 120 and 122.Conversely, when the slide button 132 is moved to the right adjacent the iris indicator 138, the central processing unit overrides the auto exposure unit and controls the iris according to the dictates of the user pressing the fade-in or fade-out buttons.

Thus, the user can simply and easily override the auto limiting circuit of the auto record or the auto exposure individually or simultaneously to produce a desired fade. During operation of this fading sequence, the indicators in the viewfinder display will indicate the progress as discussed below with respect to Figure 7.

The basic cine module 22 includes a two-position slide switch 140 which provides an alternate fade speed, from the normal fade speed, in the position as shown, of approximately three to four seconds, to a fast speed, in the righthand position of approxi matelyone-halfthetime period orfaster. In the center of the module 22 is a constant override three-position switch 144 which operates to effect the auto exposure unit 94. The switch 144 is utilized when a particular subject is backlit or brightly frontlit and adjusts the illumination or f-stop normally set by the auto exposure unit 94 by plus or minus one f-stop. Thus, an experienced photographer can shoot a backlighted scene while using the automatic exposure but, in effect, bias the f-stop for shooting the particular subject.

Finally, the righthand portion of the module 22 provides certain other features designated "effects" which do not necessarily fall within the audio or exposure category. For example, the module 22 includes a five-position slide intervalometer 148 to determine the film travel speed in frames per second. The lefthand position is designated as 18 frames per second, which is the normal shutter speed for home movies. However, speeds of 24, 9, 2 and 1 or a single frame per trigger pull are available and will produce fast motion effects unless the projector can be run at approximately the same number of frames per second. Directly above the five-position switch 148 is another pushbutton switch 150 similar to the fade switches which can be depressed at any time to immediately cause the film to travel at 36 frames per second.This film when shown on a projector at 18 frames per second will provide a slow motion movie effect.

All of these switches and features provided by the basic module 22 connect through leads 110 and 112 to direct the central processing unit, according to its program, to override certain circuits and provide viewfinder display as described below with respect to Figure 11.

The intermediate cine module 24 is shown in Figure 5 and schematically in Figure 8 as an add-on to the module 22. The module 24 provides all of the additional effects and functions provided by the module 22 and in addition provides the following features. At the lower lefthand corner, in the audio bracketed area, a cue light switch 154 is movable from a normal position as shown in which the cue light 156 is out, to a lighted position, to the right, in which'the cue light 156 is on when the trigger 92 is depressed. A second switch 160 provides a base cut or low frequency filter to the audio record circuit when in its position adjacent the bass clef.Finally, in the effects portion, a second five-position slide intervalometer 162 is operable to slow down the picture taking process even further by providing frame exposures per minute from 60 frames per minute to one frame per minute as shown. The frames per second switch 148 must be in the single frame position in order to permit the frame per minute switch 162 to operate as indicated by the connecting line 164. Aflash sync socket 166 will permit flash photography in the slower mode. Thus, the intermediate module 24 adds additional features to the basic module 22, but in the same size package for mounting on the side of the camera. Obviously, the additional features could be added by a separate module to the first module if desired.

The third cine module 26, as contemplated by the present invention, adds one additional feature; an overlap or lap dissolve feature. The slow motion button 150 is rewired and becomes a pushbutton 170 designated with the numeral 36 in the center of the pushbutton 148 of the frame per second slide. Thus, to initiate slow motion filming at 36 frames per second, with the module 26, the button 170 is merely depressed.

The top button 174 becomes the overlap or lap dissolve initiating button which is merely depressed and can be released if desired by the user, to initiate a lap dissolve. The actuation of the pushbutton 174 directs the central processing unit to initiate a fade by overriding the auto exposure unit 94 and the audio record circuitry 96 to close the iris and completely close down the audio recording. At the end of the fade, the central processing unit reverses the film through the entire length of the fade, the number of frames being dependent upon the film speed, and then stops the film drive motor 98. When the trigger 92 is subsequently depressed, the auto exposure unit 94 and the audio record circuit 96 fade in, right on top of the previous fade-out, to produce a lap dissolve. This requires, of course, that the audio circuit record sound-on-sound. Thus, this additional feature provides professional lap dissolve results automatically by overriding the auto exposure and record circuitry.

The fourth module 28, as contemplated by the present invention, is representative of one of several video modules which are to be provided for the video camera version of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 7, the exemplary video module 28 includes essentially the same audio and exposure functions as described above with respect to the cine modules 26 and 28. The sync/socket 166 is shown at the lower righthand corner of the module. The same connector pins 224 are used for connecting the circuitry to the video module 28. The video module 28 gas a chroma portion and an effects portion as shown in Figure 7. The effects portion includes an intervalometer slide switch 240 which is used for controlling the speed to provide slow motion or fast motion video recordings. Since the recording is actually being done on the VTR, this switch can be utilized to speed up or slow down the tape transport mechanism so that when replayed at a constant rate, the recording will apparently be slow motion or fast motion, respectively.Alternatively, the intervaiometer 240 may be utilized by the signal processing electronics directly to create a faster or slower final recording. To the left of the intervalometer switch 240, a delay slide switch 242 is provided for delaying the start of the taping buy a predetermined amount or for providing timing of a particular scene. Obviously, this last described feature could be utilized on the cine version of the camera. The top depressible button 246 can be used to initiate the slow motion mode or for other purposes as described below.

The upper portion of the effects functions of the video module 28 are peculiarto video recording functions. In particular, these functions include a color aberration selector 250, a color/blend slide switch 252 and the depressible blend actuator 246.

The color aberration selector 250 permits an offset, bias or trim for red, blue, yellow, violet, green or orange as represented by the positions designated R, B, Y, V, G, 0, respectively. Once the color aberration selector is positioned at the appropriate location, the constant blend switch 252 may be moved from its normal position as shown adjacent the dot to the position designated C for constant color aberration according to the selector 250 or to position B to fade into or out of the aberrated color depending upon the actuation of the blend actuator 246. When the constant blend switch is in position B, the blend actuator 246 operates as follows. When the actuator 14 is depressed, it causes the color to aberrate to that selected by the selector 250. Continued depression of the actuator 14 permits the color to blend or return gradually to normal.If, however, the actuator 246 is released, the color aberration remains until the constant/blend selector 252 is moved to its normal position as shown in Figure 7. Obviously, these are merely a few of the many additional video functions which could be provided on one or more modules similar to the module 28 and the above description is not to be limiting since many additional video features provided by a module falls within the purview of the present invention.

Finally, an auto-focus unit 18 (Figures 1,2 and 8) is provided to automatically focus the lens on the subject to further free the camerman of these tasks and permit yet more concentration on composure of the subject. The auto-focus unit is a conventional range finder type focus having two apertures 180 and 182 which provide a bi-focal ortri-angulation reading on the subject. This type of range finder auto-focus system is known in the art and need not be described in detail. The auto-focus unit includes a rubber friction drive wheel 184 which engages a rotatable portion of the lens barrel to focus the lens on the subject. A biased upstanding shaft 186 engages a cam surface on the lens barrel to provide feedback to the auto-focus unit to terminate focusing when the subject is focused.When the camera is aimed at a blank wall, the auto-focus unit cannot operate because there are no curves or lines in which to align within the range finder system, the auto-focus drive is de-activated and locks in its prior focused position. This will assure that when panning between two adjacent subjects, the lens will remain focused so that upon reaching a second subject, the second subject will be in focus even through a flat wall in between the two subjects was identified by the range finder unit.

The visual display provided by the viewfinder as shown in Figure 11 is utilized and directed by the central processing unit to keep the operator informed of all camera operating parameters without the necessity of removing his eye from the eye cup 156. The viewfinder 108 includes a central viewing area 190 through which the image being photographed is viewed by the operator. The viewfinder is through the lens but in front of the iris 128 so that during a fade, the photographer can maintain picutre composure and focus. The viewing area 190 is surrounded by an array of thirteen light emitting diodes 192 provided on a single chip of a size to collar the viewfinder area 190 which typically is approximately .5 square inches.The light emitting diodes 192 are arranged with six function indicators across the top of the viewfinder 190 and six quantity indicators across the bottom of the viewfinder with one filter indicator 194 at the right side of the viewfinder display.

The filter indicator 194 is connected to the filter switch 50 and is lit when the filter is in the outdoor position and acts as a warning light. This operation was chosen since the color shift of the film produces very poor results when the outdoor filter is used when filming indoors whereas conversely, much better results are achieved when the filter is incorrectly used during outdoor shooting.

The top function indicators from left to right includes a power/battery indicator 198, a tape/film indicator 200, an aperture indicator 202, an audio indicator 204, a special effects indicator 206, and an auto-focus indicator 208. Each one of the indicators 192 is connected by a single line 210 to a plug in point on the printed circuit board 212 for connection directly to the central processing unit as shown in Figure 8. The bottom row of indicators 214 are identified by the numerals 1-6 and provide a quantification or proportional indication with respect to the various function indicators 198 through 208. Since the quantity indicators 214 are not warning symbols, they are preferably colored differently than the warning symbols. For example, the warning symbols can be red light emitting diodes while the quantity symbols 214 could be yellow light emitting diodes.

When the photographer requests information from the camera, the information is displayed in the viewfinder according to the following scheme. When the power/battery test button 60 on the exterior of the camera is depressed, the indicator 198 lights, indicating that a power/battery check or evaluation is being made. If the power/battery is fully charged, all six quantity indicators 214 will light. If a half-charge, only three of the quantity indicators 214 will light, and so on, according to a proportional relationship.

If the battery condition is only marginal or unusable, none of the quantity indicators 214 will light. When the battery condition is such that system control cannot be achieved, battery indicator 198 will flash.

Obviously, if the batteries are absolutely dead, even the function indicator 198 will not light.

Once the batteries have been tested and it is determined that the batteries are in satisfactory condition, the tape/film test button 62 may be depressed to check the amount of tape/film in the cassette/cartridge. Depressing the button 62 causes the tape/film function indicator 200 to light and if the cassette/cartridge is full, all six of the quantity indicators 214 will light If half the cassette/cartridge is used, only three indicators 214 will light and when only five feet remain in the cassette/cartridge, the indicator 214 designated with the numeral 1 will light. If all of the tape/film has been exposed, none of the quantity indicators will be lit and the indicator 200 will flash. The third function indicator 202 includes a symbol representative of a sound signal.

These two function indicators cooperate when a fade-in or fade-out is directed for either or both features. For example, with the three-position switch 132 in its central position, depressing the fade-in button 120 causes the indicators 202 and 204 both to light and further sequences the lighting of the quantity indicators 214 beginning with six through one at which point the proper exposure and audio levels will have been achieved. At that point, the indicators 202 and 204 and the quantity indicators turn off. During a fade-out, when the button 122 is depressed, the indicators 202 and 204 light and the sequence operates in the opposite direction from right to left. If the three-position slide switch 132 moves to either the audio or exposure position, the same sequence occurs in the quantity indicators 214 but only the selected exposure indicator 202 or audio indicator 204 is lit.The effects indicator 206 and the auto-focus indicator 208 are not warning lights in the same sense as the prior four indicators and thus are preferably of a different color, such as yellow, as used with the quantity indicator lights 214. The effects indicator 206 will be lit warning that the frame per second switch 148 is not at the normal 18, or when the slow motion button 150 is depressed. The light remains on until the slide button 148 is repositioned at 18.

The auto-focus indicator 208 is energized and comes on warning that the auto-focus unit is in the progress of focusing the lens. As soon as the lens reaches a focus position, the auto-focus light will go out so that filming may begin. When the auto-focus unit is confused, such as described above when directed at a low contrast scene, the auto-focus light flashes and the auto-focus unit locks. During the operation of either the effects indicator 206 or the auto-focus indicator 208, none of the quantity indicators 214 will be lit.

When the backlighting override switch 144 is offset from the normal ppsition, the exposure indicator 202 will light warning that the exposure system is not in normal operation. Depending upon the lens in use, the quantity indicators 214 indicate specific f-stops. The indicator 1 represents the maximum aperture while the indicator 6 represents the minimum aperture. The indicators 2 through 5 in between represent f-stop positions proportionately.

Similarly, as discussed above, when the slide switch 132 is in either the manual audio or manual exposure position, the corresponding indicator 202 or 204 will come on and the proportionate f-stop or audio signal level will be indicated by the number of quantity indicators 214 which are lit.

In addition to the above functions, the viewfinder display also acts as a warning system when it is not asked for information by the user. The central processing unit, for example, may be programmed according to the following scheme. If the power/ battery is beginning to fade but is marginally sufficient while filming a scene the indicator 198 flashes, the control system may lose accuracy and hence battery replacement is a necessity, the battery function indicator 198 will light indicating that the batteries should be changed. If the batteries are completely dead, as discussed above, the display simply will not work. During the last five feet of tape/film, the indicator 200 with light warning the approaching end of the tape/film and when the tape/film finally reaches its end, the indicator 200 will begin flashing.

The exposure indicator light 202 similarly will indicate poor ambient light conditions. The indicator 202 will begin flashing in either an over-exposed or under-exposed condition, and it will be ovbiousto the user whether it is over or under-exposed.

Similarly, the audio level indicator 204 provides constant monitoring information to the user. When an audio signal is being received at a proper signal strength, the audio indicator 204 will pulse brighter and dimmer throughout audio reception. However, when the level is too high or too low, the signal 204 will flash brightly.

Finally, the viewfinder can be operated in a mode to check all of the features as preprogrammed in the central processing unit. The "all test" button 64 initiates a sequence, when it is depressed, to check out all of the standard features. As contemplated, depressing the all test button 64 performs a conventional battery check lighting the battery indicator 198 and the quantity indicator as required for a two second interval. After a one-half second delay, the film indicator 200 lights and the proportionate amount of film is displayed by the indicators 214 for two seconds. After another half-second delay, the exposure indicator 202 lights and the appropriate light corresponding to the auto exposure f-stop setting lights for a two second interval. Another delay and the sequence is repeated for the audio indicator 204 and one of the quantity indicators dependent upon the level coming in. The central processing unit can be programmed to repeat the entire sequence as long as the "all test" button 64 remains depressed.

As can be seen from the above display, many possible combinations of lighted indicators may be used or designed to designate many function conditions or malfunctions. Although it would be impractical to list all the possible combinations and functions herein, it should be noted that variations from that described above will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows a more detailed view of the mounting means of the present invention. Each of the modules 22-26 includes a two-part bottom edge or fin 220 which is curved slightly at approximately its midpoint 222 (Figure 5). The top of each module includes the connector pins 110, which in the preferred form comprises a similar plurality of flat pins 224, which are provided in number, as needed, according to the functions provided by the module.

The pins 224 engage the connectors, which in the preferred embodiment, take the shape of a similar plurality of flat spring biased receptors or contacts 226 which electrically connect the modules 20 to the central processing unit 90. The receptors 226 are flexed inwardly and upwardly as one of the modules 20 is mounted on the camera body and are captured by a downwardly extending flange 228 on the side of the camera. The contacts 226 serve to bias the modules downwardly according to their spring constant and, if additional force is needed or desired, a back up foam or sponge material 230 may be used to provide additional force. The biasing of the connectors 226 urges the fin 220 into a complementary shaped groove 227 on the side of the housing thus locking the module firmly in place.The mounting means thus provides a simple yet secure system for removably mounting the individual modules 20 on the camera housing 10 while also providing the electrical connection. To exchange or remove a module 20, the user simply urges the module upwardly against the biasing force of the connector 226 and outwardly which quickly disengages the mounting means.

End stops may be provided to prevent longitudinal movement relative to the connector pins which is essential for proper operation. An additional benefit achieved by the extending connector pins 224 and connectors 226 permits the camera 10 to undergo a final quality control check simply by attaching a single "plug" in the module position to test all the functions of the camera. Likewise, each of the modules can be similarly tested for quality control by insertion in a suitable testing unit. Because of the digital nature of the control, there is no necessity to worry about signal degradation due to dirty contacts orthe like.

As described previously, the cine camera can be converted to a video camera by the insertion of a video cartridge module into the film cartridge cavity of the cine camera. Preferably, the camera 10 should have a top door, similar to those which accept 200 foot cartridges, to permit the video cartridge module to extend above the housing for connection to the VTR. The module will contain a spring loaded opto/image element, similarto the vidicon, right behind the image playing of the film. Eight or more video signal processing IC's within the video cartridge module provide the necessary signal processing for recording. The video cartridge module also includes connectors for the audio circuit and the camera trigger through the module to the VTR.

In one form of the camera control system as shown in Figure 8, the modules 22-28 are modified as shown in Figures 15-20 to include an additional central processing unit within each module. Referring to Figure 12 there is illustrated another modular camera system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. A basic camera 301 having a camera housing includes conventional camera features and functions including a focusable lens or other image forming optical lens system and other camera and imaging functions to be described in more detail hereinafter. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the camera 301 is a cine camera having sound recording capabilities although it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to video cameras and the like. Further, the present invention is also applicable to still cameras.

The basic camera 301 is adapted to accept selectively attachable modules incorporating controls and functions as to camera imaging and camera functions for control of the basic camera 301 in accordance with the attached modules and controls. For example, an auto focus module 302 upon attachment to the top portion of the housing of the basic camera 301 controls the automatic focusing of the camera image focusing lens system of the basic camera 301.

Various control modules referred to generally at 303, 304 and 305 are each capable of attachment and connections, one at a time, to a sidewall portion of the housing of the basic camera 301 to control camera imaging and camera functions of the basic camera 301 in accordance with the control apparatus and control functions included within the particular module that is attached to the basic camera 301; For example, the modules 303,304 and 305 in specific embodiments include control of camera functions such as tape 1 film feeding control, exposure control or image illumination brightness level control, automatic focus adjusting, lap dissolve control features, and other camera imaging and recording functions as will be explained in more detail hereinafter in connection with the detailed discussion of the modules 303,304 and 305.The basic camera 301 is an operational camera system independent of the attachable modules 302,303,304 and 305 and operates in accordance with predetermined basic camera functions.

The modules 303,304 and 305 are fabricated so as to control all or a predetermined number of the functions of the basic camera 301 and modular camera system. Thus, the particular module is selected by the camera user based upon the particular features and functions desired by the camera user to supplement the basic functions of the basic camera 301.

The basic camera 301 includes structure for the attachment of a pivotal hand grip 306 pivotable about an axle 307 or a fixed hand grip 308 at the option of the camera user.

Referring now additionally to Figures 13 and 14, the modules 303,304 and 305 are selectively attachable and connectable to control the basic camera 301 by the interfitting of the module, for example, module 301 of the module 303 includes a multiple contact connector 311 arranged to complete an electrical connection to the corresponding multiple contact connector 313 carried by the basic camera 301 for electrical connection of the module 303 into the basic camera 301 to form the modular camera system.

A locking device 314 or other suitable arrangement is provided along the bottom portion of the housing sidewall of the basic camera 301 to interfit with the corresponding bottom portion of the module 303 so as to firmly retain the module 303 upon attachment to the basic camera 301.

The module 303, referring now additionally to Figure 14, includes various function switches, buttons and selectors to control the camera and imaging functions of the modular camera system when the module 303 is attached to the basic camera 301.

The module 303 includes a sound control portion 315, an exposure control portion 316 and a film speed control portion 317. An auto-manual changeover selection slide switch 318 includes a center position as shown in Figure 14 wherein the functions of the basic camera 301 are controlled by the exposure control portion 316 and the sound control portion 315 of the module 303. The switch 318 is positionable to a right side position for manual operation and override of the exposure control portion 316 referred to as a manual position for the exposure control function and operates in accordance with the manual control settings or fixed control settings of the basic camera 301. When the switch 318 is positioned to a left side position, the exposure control portion 316 is functional and the sound control function of the portion 315 is in a manual mode.A noise limit switch 319 of the sound control portion of the module 303 is positionable from a center normal position to low or high frequency noise limiting positions.

The exposure control portion 316 of the module 303 includes a front or back light changeover switch positionable between a front light shooting or back light shooting position from a normal center position.

The film speed control portion 317 of the module 303 includes a film transport speed selection switch 321 which is positionable to a predtermined number of frame selection speed settings. For example, the frame selection speed settings are calibrated in film speeds of frames per second and include a normal film speed of 18 frames per second (f/s) in a first switch position and 24 f/s, 9 f/s, 2 f/s or a single frame per trigger pole film rate positions. The single frame speed operates to expose a single frame of film each time the camera user operates the trigger control of the hand grips 306 or 308 attached to the basic camera 301 as explained in more detail hereinafter.

The film speed control portion 317 also includes a timer selection arrangement 322 providing addition al film speed control and includes various settings in frames per minute; for example 60, 18,6 and 1 frame per minute operation. The selection arrangement 322 is operable when the selection switch of arrangement 321 is in the single frame position.

The module 303 also includes a cue light switch for operation of an indicator 324 on the side of the module 303 whenever the trigger run switch of the handle grip is actuated. A pair of manually depressable buttons 325 and 326 control fade-in or fade-out, respectively, in accordance with the set position of the auto-manual changeover switch 318. For example, in the center position of the changeover switch 318, a fade-in or fade-out is selected upon operation of the buttons 420,422 of both the sound and image control functions of the camera.

A changeover slide switch 327 is provided on the module 303 for control of the selection of slow motion or lap dissolve functions. A manually depressable button 328 is provided on the module 303 to actuate a slow motion or a lap dissolve mode dependent upon the position of the switch 327.

The control circuits, features, and arrangements of the module 303 and the basic camera 301 are interconnected to form the module camera system of the present invention as shown in Figures 15 and 16 and are illustrative of a preferred embodiment of the basic camera 301 and the module 303. The control circuitry and arrangements of other modules such as modules 304 and 305 include similar types of control arrangements having eitherfeweroraddi- tional control functions and features. In Figures 15 and 16, the dashed line represents the connection interface of the module 303 to the basic camera 301 through the multiple contact connectors 311 and 313 represented in Figure 15 by the switches S1-S5 and represented in Figure 16 by the connector contacts 311-1 to -13and313-1 to -13 ofthe connectors 311 and 313.

Considering now the control circuitry of the basic camera 301, a central processing unit (CPU) 340 is provided for the basic control functions of the basic camera 301 when no module, such as module 303, 304 or 305, is attached and connected to the basic camera 301. For example, the CPU 340 is a type number MN1404 device manufactured by Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd.

The timing of the CPU 340 is controlled by the output of a clock pulse generating circuit 350. The clock pulse generating circuit includes integrated circuit gates IC3-1 and IC3-2, transistor TR9, resistors R20-R23 and capacitor C6. The clock pulse timing signal output of the clock pulse generating circuit 350 is used as the timing control for the module 303.

The module 303 includes a CPU 360 and the timing clock pulse output of the clock pulse generating circuit 350 is connected through a switch S1 to the oscillator input OSC odf the CPU 360 of the module 303. The switch contact S1 is closed or turned on when the module 303 is attached to the basic camera 301 as explained hereinbefore. The output of the clock pulse generating circuit 350 is also connected to the OSC terminal of the CPU 340.

A motor driving circuit 370 of the basic camera 301 controls a film feeding motor 371. The motor driving circuit 370 includes a resistor R17, a capacitor C5, two transistors TR6 and TR7, a diode D3 and a capacitor C7 with the base of the transistor TR6 being connected to the C05 output terminal of the CPU 340 through the resistor R17. The C05 output terminal of the CPU 340 generates a signal to control the speed of the motor 371.

The speed of the film feeding motor 371 is sensed or detected by a tachometer 372 that generates an output wave form representing the speed of the motor 371. The output of the tachometer 372 is connected to a wave form shaping circuit 380. The wave form shaping circuit 380 includes a resistor R18, a diode D4, a transistor TR8 and a resistor R19.

The output of the tachometer 372 is connected through the resistor R18 to the base of the transistor TR8. The collector of the transistor TR8 forms the output of the wave form shaping circuit 380 and is connected to the A10 terminal of the CPU 340 and to the Al 0 terminal of the CPU 360 through switch contacted 3C of a switch S3 when the module 303 is attached to the basic camera 301 so as to close the contact 3C. When the module 303 is not attached to the basic camera 301, the 3A switch contact of switch S3 is closed to connect the output of the wave form shaping circuit 380 to the terminal A10 of the CPU 340. Switch contact 3B of the switch S3 is also closed when the module 303 is attached to the basic camera 301.

A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 390 of the basic camera 301 includes two integrated circuit amplifiers IC1 and IC2, resistors R7-R12, capacitors C1 and C2, transistor TR5, sensor cell CdS 391 and a variable resistor arrangement VR. The VCO 390 provides an output signal that varies in pulse width or frequency in accordance with the change of resistance of the sensor cell CdS 391 and in accordance with the resistance selected by the variable resistor arrangement VR. The variable resistor VR is selected by the switch SW3 according to, for example, the ASA sensitivity of the film or film cartridge loaded into the basic camera 301.For example, the switch SW3 may be controlled in accordance with keyed interfitting arrangements of the inserted film cartridge to actuate the switch SW3 to the appropriate resistance of the variable resistor arrangement VR.

An iris arrangement 392 is provided in front of the sensor cell CdS 391 and is controllable by rotation of the motor M1 of an iris driving circuit 400. When the iris 392 is controlled to be opened to allow a higher illumination or image level, the resistance of the sensor cell CdS 391 decreases. The sensor cell CdS 491, for example, is a cadmium sulfide cell. As the resistance of the sensor cell CdS 391 decreases, the input voltage ot IC1 increases with a resultant increase in the pulse width of the output odf the VCO 390 or decrease in the frequency of the output signal.

Correspondingly, when the iris 392 closes, the pulse width of the VCO 390 decreases. The output of VCO 390 is connected to the SNSO terminal of the CPU 340 through the switch contact 2A of a switch S2 when the module 303 is not attached to the basic camera 301. The output of the VCO 390 is also connected to the switch contact 2B of the switch S2 to the SNSO terminal of the CPU 360 of the module 303 when the module 303 is connected to the basic camera 301 so as to actuate the switch S2, and close the switch contact 2B and open the switch contact 2A. By attachment of the module 303 to the basic camera 301, a switch contact 2C of switch S2 is also closed.

The iris driving circuit 400 includes two transistors TR3, TR4, resistors R13-16 and capacitors C3 and C4.

The iris driving circuit 400 is controlled by the logic state of two output terminals C03 and C04 of the CPU 340. When the C03 terminal is in a set condition and the C04 terminal is in a reset condition, the transistor TR4 is rendered conductive and the transistor TR5 is turned off. The transmistorTR5 is non-conducting or turned off and the iris 392 is driven in an opening direction. Correspondingly, when the C04terminal is in a set condition, the iris 392 is driven in a closing direction. When both the C03 and C04 terminals are in a reset condition, the transsistors TR3 and TR4 are off and the iris 392 is not driven and remains in a stable, fixed condition.A reset circuit 410 including a transistor TRiO, two resistors R24, R25 and a capacitor C8 is provided in the basic camera 301 for controlling the timing of the initial reset of the module 303 and the basic camera 301. The reset of the CPU 360 of module 303 is controlled by the reset circuit 410 through a switch S4 that is closed by attachment of the module 303 to the basic camera 301.

A solenoid driving circuit 420 of the basic camera 301 (shown only in Figure 16) includes a transistor TR1, three resistors R5, R6 and R8, a capacitor C9 and a diode D5. The solenoid driving circuit 420 operates a switch SW6 connected to control a battery supply E to the film driving feeding msotor 371. A pre-run switchlSW1 and a run SW2 are connected in series between the positive side of the battery supply E and through the switch SW6 to supply one side of the motor circuit 371 in the motor driving circuit 370. The solenoid driving circuit 420 is also arranged to control the shutter of the basic camera 301 to a predetermined closed position when the switch SW6 is open or off.

A film loop sensor switch SW4 is provided in the basic camera and is connected between the COO terminal of the CPU 340 and through a diode D1 anode to cathode to the terminal Al 2 of the CPU 340.

The switch SW4 is closed or turned on when the film loop exceeds a predetermined loop size in accordance with the operation of a film feeding function; i.e., intermittent film feeding speed versus the uniform film feeding speed.

Through terminal A12, the CPU 340 generates an output signal at C05 to control the intermittent film feeding speed to maintain the film loop within a constant loop size, A switch SW5 is actuated by insertion of a sound film cartridge into the basic camera 301 to control the film feeding at a constant speed when utilizing a sound film cartridge. The switch SW5 is connected between the COO terminal of the CPU 340 and through a diode D2 anode to cathode to the terminal A13 of the CPU 340.

A converter 430 generates a 10 volt supply refer ence from the input battery supply E as switched through the switch SW1. A constant voltage regulator 431 supplies a five volt supply reference suitable for operation of the integrated circuit device and the CPU 340 and the CPU 360.

Considering now the details of the module 303 the CPU 360 of the module 2303 includes an encoder stage 440 including switches for exposure control value, ASA sensitivity value, frame speed control, front or back light control parameters and other camera and imaging control functions. The various functions are encoded by the encoder 440 into a suitable input data format to the CPU 360. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, for example, exposure switch 441 ,frame speed switch 442, front light switch 443, back light switch 444, and ASA sensitivity setting switch 445 includes the various function control switches that may be provided for input to the CPU 360 through the encoder stage 440. The supplemental exposure switch 441 is utilized to increase or decrease the exposure level by a predetermined factor upon operation of the control switch 441.The frame speed switch 442 includes switch positions to select one of 9, 18, 24 or 36 frames per second upon operation of the switch 442. The module 303 also includes manual exposure control switches 450 and 451 utilized to open or close the iris 392 according to the position of the manual or auto switch 318 of Figure 14. When the switch 318 is in the manual position, the switches 450 and 451 sense whether the iris 392 is to be opened or closed. Switch contacts -1 and -2 of the switch S5 are open when the module 303 is connected to the basic camera 301 and switches 2A and 3A of switches S2 and S3 respectively are closed when the module 303 is detached from the basic camera 301 and opened when the module 303 is attached to the basic camera 301.

Upon operation of the modular camera system, the reset circuit 410 resets the CPU 340 of the basic camera 301 and the RAM memory of the CPU 340 is addressed for appropriate readout and function control of the manual speed exposure, motor control speed including that for simultaneous sound recording, exposure control and other camera and imaging functions in accordance with the stored information in the RAM. When the exposure is controlled on a manual basis, terminals C03 and C04 of the CPU 40 are reset and both the transistors TR3 and TR4 of the RAM driving circuit 420 are rendered non-conductive so that the coil 401 for driving the iris 392 is not moved or driven and the iris remains stationary.

When the selector switch 318 is in the manual position and the iris 392 is to be opened or closed as sensed by the switches 450,451 of the control button 325, terminal C03 or C04 is set according to the particular associated address initially set in the RAM.

When the terminal C03 is placed in a set condition, the capacitor C4 is charged and the transistor TR4 is rendered conductive with current flowing through the iris driving coil 401 and the iris is moved to be opened. When the terminal C04 is placed in a set condition, the iris 392 is moved to be closed in accordance with the predetermined drive control signals from the CPU 340 at the terminal C04. When no indication of opening or closing the iris 392 is sensed by the switches 450,451 but the selector switch 318 is still in the manual position, the C03 and C04 terminals are reset and the iris 392 remains stationary.

Considering the automatic exposure control, as discussed hereinbefore, the sensor cell CdS 391 in response to received illumination itensity at the film plane controls the pulse width at the output of the VCO 390 with the output of the VCO 390 being fed to the CPU 340 through switch 2A when the module 303 is not attached to the basic camera 301. In the CPU 340, the pulse width of the output of the VCO 390 is detected and digitally counted and compared with a reference constant stored at a predetermined address in the RAM of the CPU 340. The CPU 340 generates a signal to open or close the iris 392 according to the result of the comparison between the reference constant and the pulse width of the output of the VCO 390.

Referring now to Figure 17, the output pulse of the VCO 390 is counted beginning at time tl and ends at time t2 defining a time interval A. If the output of the VCO 390 is low at the time t2, the iris 392 is opened by placing the terminal C03 in a set condition. When the output of the VCO 390 is a low level within the time interval B after time t2, the C03 and C04 terminals are reset with the iris stationary to avoid hunting; i.e., to avoid the situation wherein the iris would continually open and close corresponding to a pulse width variation of the VCO 390 output varying between a high and low condition and a small pulse width timing difference about time t2.If the output of the VCO 390 goes to a low level during the time interval C beyond the timing intervals A and B, the terminal C03 is reset and the C04 terminal is placed in the set condition and the iris 92 is moved in a closing direction. Thus, the iris 92 is controlled automatically in accordance with the comparison of the pulse width of the output of the VCO 90 and the reference pulse width stored at an RAM address representing a desired reference illumination intensity at the film plane.

When the module 303 is attached onto the basic camera 301, the switch contact 2A of the switch S2 is opened and the switch contacts 2B and 2C of the switch S2 are closed and the output of the VCO 390 is connected to the SNSO input of the CPU 340. Upon attachment of the module 303 to the basic camera 301, the suppiementary exposure control, front or back light control and the setting of the ASA sensitivity is obtained through switches 441,443 and 445.

The exposure control function of the module 303 modifies the automatic exposure control function of the CPU 340 of the basic camera 301. Thus the CPU 360 modifies the pulse width from the VCO 390 to the basic camera 301 modified pulse width of the output of the VCO 390 is connected through the output C05 of the module 360 through the switch 2C of the switch S3 to the SNSO input of the CPU 340.

For example, when a back light control is provided and is operational in the module 303, the iris 392 must be moved in an opening direction. Thus the pulse width from the VCO 390 of the basic camera 301 is modified so as to be narrowed and returned as a modified signal to the SNSO input of the CPU 340.

In response to the narrowed pulse width of the VCO 390 coming from the module 303, the iris 392 is opened resulting in a lower resistance of the light receiving element, the sensor cell CdS 391. Consequently, the iris 392 is opened to the extent which corresponds to the modified narrowed pulse width of the VCO 390 signal as modified by the module 303.

Considering now the film feeding motor 371 of the basic camera 301, the normal film feeding speed is 18 frames per second and the film feeding speed is controlled by the basic camera 301 to be a constant 18 frames per second. When the switches SW2 and SW6 are actuated, the CPU 340 senses the type of film used and the status of the film loop when a sound film cartridge is loaded by means of the sensing of the sound switch SW5 and the loop switch SW4. The speed control of the film feeding motor 371 is accomplished such that the output frequency of the tachometer 371 is constant.Referring now to Figure 18 the period of the output signal of the tachometer 372 processed by the wave form shaping circuit 380 is compared to the reference timing signals by the CPU such that if the period of the tachometer signal falls within the time interval A', the C05 terminal is reset so as to generate a stop signal to the motor 371. When the period of the tachometer signal is beyond the time interval A' and is in the time interval B', the C05 terminal is set so as to generate a drive signal to the motor 371.

Thus the speed of the motor 371 is controlled in accordance with the reference established in the CPU 340. The time reference level A' is made up of the sum of the time interval according to the result of the loop sensing and the time interval b based on the reference speed of 18 frames per second of the motor. The time interval a decreases when the film loop is in excess of the predetermined loop size and increases when the film loop is less than the predetermined loop size.

When the module 303 is attached to the basic camera 301, the switch S3 connects the output of the wave form shaping circuit 380 to the CPU 360 at the terminal A10 to the module 303. Thus, the period of the signal at the output of the wave form shaping circuit 380 corresponding to the tachometer output signal is modified by the CPU 360 in accordance with the programmed and controlled parameters of the encoded data according to the frame per second setting selected on the module 303. The modified signal is returned from terminal C04 of the CPU 360 through the switch contact 3B to the A10 terminal of the CPU 340.

For example, if the frame speed of 24 frames per second is selected on the module 303, the CPU 360 of the module 303 modifies the priod of the output signal from the wave form shaping circuit 380 to be of a longer period and the modified increased period signal is returned to the basic camera 301 of the CPU 340. Accordingly, the basic camera 301 in accordance with the increased period signal interprets the increased period signal as the slowing down or below reference speed of operation of the film drive motor 371. Therefore, the CPU 340 through output terminal C05 increases the speed of the motor 371 until the period of the signal generated by the tachometer 372 is narrowed to the extent that when modified to be increased by the CPU 360, the signal input at the CPU 340 is the standard reference period duration.The output wave form from the tachometer generator 372 through the wave form shaping circuit 380 is illustrated in Figure 17 for various film feeding speeds. For example, an 18 frame per second film feeding rate is shown in Figure 8(a) and a film feeding rate of 24 frames per second is shown in Figure 8(b). The wave form of Figure 8(b) corresponds to 24 frames per second and is modified by the CPU 360 of the module 303 by the duration shown in Figure 8(e) so that the pulse width of Figure 8(c) is inputted to the basic camera 301. Since the pulse width of the signal from the wave form shaping circuit 380 is modified by the module, the phase of the output pulse of the cpu 360 is distorted.

Thus, the correctly synchronized pulses only are fed to the basic camera 301 so as to correctly select and count only the modified pulse width in the proper phase.

The aforementioned control functions while capable of being performed separately and independently by the CPU 340 and CPU 360 can also be accomplished by utilizing a time sharing system. In Figures 9(a) and (b), the respective wave forms from the tachometer 372 and the VCO 390 are illustrated.

In the time sharing system, and referring now to Figure 20(c), the motor control M occurs first, then a waiting or separation time W, then exposure control time represented by EE, and then other functions to be controlled as represented by the time slot ETC.

Thus, a repetitive time sharing multiplex cycle is provided with the time control information for each of the functions occurring during the respective time slots.

Considering the control of the motor speeds during the time slot M, as shown in Figure 20(d) and corresponds to the tachometer signal in Figure 20(a), calculations are performed in the period P of Figure 20(9) and outputting is accomplished during the period 0 of Figure 20(g). The exposure control is accomplished as shown in Figures 20(e) and (h) and the additional function controls are performed as shown in Figures 20(f) and (i). Figure 20(j) represents the waiting time W which corresponds to the waiting time Win Figure 20(c). In a time sharing system, as shown by reference B, when the ETC time slot of the basic camera finishes but the motor control M does not occur during the appropriate time interval, the phase of the input pulse of the motor control is not correctly sensed.To avoid such error, the motor control is arranged to be accomplished at a point represented by reference A.

The functioning of the viewfinder display (VF) is described in detail above with respect to Figure 11.

One embodiment of the VF display arrangement made in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figures 21-25.

More specifically, referring now to Figures 21 and 22, the information display arrangement 550 of the present invention is shown with poertions of the information display arrangement disposed about a viewfinder 501 of a camera. The information display arrangement as previously described may be used in a still camera, video cameras, movie cameras, sound movie cameras, and other apparatus where the display of functions and parameters relating thereto is useful to the operation. The information display arrangement 550 includes a first plurality of function indicators 552 disposed along the top of the viewfinder 501 and a second plurality of quantity indicators 554 disposed along the bottom of the viewfinder 501.The function indicators 552 include a power supply battery voltage indicator 502, a tape/film supply indicator 502, an exposure or illumination setting indicator 504 and a sound level indicator 505 if sound recording is applicable.

In a specific embodiment, shown in Figures 21-25, the function indicators 502,503,504 and 505 are transparent plates or bezels including indicia and pictorial representations to depict the information.

For example, the power battery indicators 502 includes a pictorial representation of a battery, the tape/film supply indicator 503 includes a representation of one or more frames of film or recording tape as the case may be, the exposure setting indicator 504 includes an iris or aperture representation and the sound recording level indicator 505 includes an audio sound wave representation. The various pictorial function representations are printed on the indicating surfaces in one specific embodiment. The function indicators 502 through 505 are respectively connected with light emitting diodes or other illumination devices 507 through 510 by means of respective optical fibre elements 506. Thus, when the light emitting diodes 507 through 510 corresponding to the connected function indicators 502 through 505 are energized, the respective function indicator is illuminated.

Unlike the programmed sequence for the VF as previously described the embodiment shown in Figures 21-25 is shown with a sound rotary switch. In the specific embodiment where light emitting diode (LED) devices are utilized for the illumination devices 507 through 510, the cathode of each LED device is connected to a ground reference and the anode of each light emitting diode is connected to a respective fixed contact 512 of a manually operable rotary switch arrangement 511. A movable center contact 513 is provided on the rotary switch arrangement 511 and is controlled by a connecting shaft and control knob for selecting one of the fixed contact positions 512 and energizing the connected light emitting diodes 507 through 510.

The control knob (not shown) of the rotary switch arrangement 511 would be positioned on the outside of the camera housing at a suitable location to allow the camera user to select desired function and quantity indications while operating the camera. The rotary switch arrangement 511 includes a second switch level (not shown in Figure 1) having fixed switch contacts 512' and a movable center contact 513'. The movable center contact 513' is operable by the control knob and movable with the movable contact 513. The second switch level provided by the fixed contacts 512' and the movable contacts 513' is utilized to selectively connect a respective measurement circuit corresponding to each af the functions depicted at indicators 502 through 505 to analyzing and display circuitry.

For example, a power/battery measurement circuit 514 is connected to the fixed contact 512' of the upper switch level that is directly opposite and corresponding to the fixed contacts 512 on the lower level associated with the battery function indicator 502. A tape/film supply measurement circuit 515, an exposure setting measurement circuit 516 and a sound recording level measurement circuit 517 are connected to a respective fixed contact 512' on the upper level of the switch arrangement 511 that is aligned with the fixed contact 512 on the lower switch level that corresponds the respective function indicator.

Each of the measurement circuits 514 through 517 is a voltage generating circuit which generates the corresponding voltage according to a quantity of the measured function. For example, the power/battery voltage measuring circuit 514 generates a voltage corresponding to power/battery voltage, measurement circuit 515 generates a voltage corresponding to the quantity of tape/film footage remaining in the tape or film supply, the exposure measurement circuit 516 generates a voltage corresponding to the exposure setting and the sound measurement circuit 517 generates a voltage corresponding to the sound recording level.

The movable contact 513' of the upper switch level is connected to the input of an analog-to-digital converter 518. The analog-to-digital converter 518 converts the outputs of the measurement of the circuit 514 through 517 to a digital signal. The digital output of the analog-to-digital converter 518 is connected to the input of a counter 519. The output of the counter 519 is connected to the input of a decoder 520. the output of the decoder 520 represents the measured quantity of the particular function to which the rotary switch arrangement is positioned.

The quantity indicator 554 in the specific embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 include six indicators 527 through 532. The output of the decoder 520 includes a respective control line for each of the quantity indicators 527 through 532; six control lines in the specific embodiment shown in Figure 21. Each of the control lines is conneected to a respective illumination device 521 through 526. Each of the illumination devices 521 through 526 is connected to a respective one of the quantity indicators 527 through 532 by a fibre optic element 533. Thus, the quantity indicators 527 through 532 are illuminated in accordance with the control lines of the output of the decoder 520.

For example, in one arrangement, a full battery voltage or film supply is represented by all 6 indicators 527 through 532 being illuminated and a low battery supply or low film supply is represented by one indicator such as 527 being illuminated. In a specific embodiment, the lowest level quantity in dicator 527 is a different color than the color of the indicators 528 through 532. For example, the indicator 527 is a red indicator and the indicators 528 through 532 are yellow indicators. It should also be understood that other combinations of different colors for each of the indicators 527 through 532 is also possible. The lower edge of the viewfinder 501 includes pointers or reference marks 534 corresponding to the position of each information quantity indicators 527 through 532.The pointers or reference marks 534 in a specific embodiment are provided by printing or metal evaporating on viewfinders 501.

Accordingly, the manually operably rotary switch arrangement 511 is selectively positioned by the camera user to indicate a camera function on one of the function indicators 502 through 505 and corresponding quantities associated with the camera function selected on the quantity indicators 527 through 532.

The analog-to-digital converter 518, the counter 519 and the decoder 520 are arranged to operate at a periodic data rate. thus, updated quantity read out information for the selected function is provided to the user at periodic intervals, one second for example.

Referring now to Figure 23, the manner in which the quantities indicated on the quantity indicators 527 through 532 includes a bar graph indicating method in Figure 23A wherein the quantity of information is indicated from left to right with the number of illuminated indicators corresponding to the level of the quantity measured and represented.

For example, the three lowest quantity indicators 527, 528 and 529 in Figure 23A correspond to approximately one half of the quantity measured.

When measuring film supply with function indicator 503 illuminated, quantity indicators 527, 528 and 529 being illuminated indicates approximately one half of the film supply remaining. If all 6 indicators are illuminated, an essentially full film supply is indicated. Concerning battery voltage, the indicators 527 through 532 in a specific embodiment correspond to the useful range of battery voltage to operate the camera rather than the number of volts per se. Thus, if the indicator 527 is illuminated, the state of the battery is marginal and at the lowest operating voltage to sustain camera functions. That is, any lower battery voltage may result in erratic operation or no operation whatsoever. Correspondingly, the six indicators 527 through 532 being illuminated represent a full battery supply.

In Figure 23B, the one point indicating method is illustrated with the indicator 529 being illuminated to represent a quantity slightly less than one half of the middle of the measured quantity. Concerning the film supply, indicator 529 being illuminated respresents that somewhat less than one half of the film supply remains.

In Figure 23C, a two point indicating method is using the same number of indicators. For example, the indicators 529 and 530 being illuminated represents the measured quantity such as film supply being approximately one half whereas indicator 529 alone being illuminated represents slightly less than one half the film supply remaining and indicator 530 being illuminated represents slightly more than one half of the film supply remaining.

In Figure 23D, another form of one point indication is illustrated. In Figure 23D when the quantity measured is between the levels represented by the indicators 529 and 530, the next highest indicator is illuminated corresponding to the quantity measured whereas in Figure 23B the next lowest quantity is represented.

Considering now a specific embodiment for accomplishing a two point indicating method for film supply quantity and referring now to Figure 24, fixed contacts 535 through 540 are provided with the left and right side contacts 535 and 540 being generally Z-shaped. Thus, a portion of adjacent contacts are overlapped with respect to a horizontal line but the fixed contacts are isolated one from the other without adjacent contact.

Each of the quantity illumination devices 521 through 526 is connected to a respective one of the fixed contacts 535 through 540 through a respective one of six resistors R1 through R6 are different resistance values than R2 through R5 in a specific embodiment to provide a distinct warning indication as opposed to the advisory quantity information of the middle illumination devices connected throughout the resistors R2 through R5. Thus, different illumination levels are provided for advisory and warning indications.

A horizontal fixed contact 541 is provided as a ground connection below the fixed contacts 535 through 540 and spans the expanse of the fixed contacts 535 through 540. A threaded rod 542 is rotatably supported at two ends. One end of the threaded rod 542 is arranged to be driven by the film transport drive arrangement of the camera. Thus, the threaded rod 542 is rotating according to the usage of the film supply. A nut 543 is carried by the threaded rod 543 so as to be movable with rotation of the rod 542. An elongated vertically disposed movable contact bar 544 is carried by the nut 543.

The elongated contact bar 544 includes three protruding contacts points 544'. A first of the contacts 544' is arranged to be aligned with the fixed ground reference contacts 541 and the other two contacts 544' are disposed to contact the fixed contacts 535 through 540 at two points. Thus, for predetermined positions of the nut 543 along the threaded rod 542, the contacts 544' will contact one of the fixed contacts 535 through 540. For other predetermined positions, the contacts 544' will contact two of the adjacent fixed contacts 535 through 540 in accordance with the shape of the fixed contacts 535 through 540. For example, when the nut 543 and the attached contact bar 544 are in the phantom position of Figure 24, the fixed contacts 537 and 538 are contacted by contacts 544' and the two illumination devices 523 and 524 are actuated to illuminate the indicators 529 and 520.In the position indicated in Figure 24, only the illumination device 521 is energized since only the fixed contact 535 is contacted.

In another specific arrangement, a contact bar 544 is provided with apporpriate width dimensions and the fixed contacts 535 through 540 are generally rectangular with no overlapping. In this arrangement, the two point contact method is accomplished by the width of the contact 544 spanning two of the adjacent fixed contacts.

In another embodiment and referring now to Figure 25, the rotary switcgh arrangement 511 is arranged to control the display of the exposure setting function indicator 504 and the sound recording function indicator 505. The battery voltage function indicator 502 and the film supply indicator 503 are controlled to provide indications without operation of the rotary switch 511 and independently of the position of the switch 511. Thus, a low film supply condition or a low battery supply condition is indicated regardless of the position of the rotary switch 511. This is useful since the battery and film supply functions are critical with respect to the operation of the camera; i.e., if the battery level or the film supply level is low, the camera is not operative and other functions are meaningless.

The battery supply is connected to a voltage detecting circuit 545 and the voltage detecting circuit 545 controls the energization of the battery voltage function indicator 502 to alert the camera user of a low battery condition at any time during camera operation independent of the setting of the rotary switch 511. Similarly, a switch 546 is connected to operate the film supply function indicator 503 independent of the rotary switch arrangement 511. Thus, the camera user is apprised of a low or used up film supply by the function indicator 502 even when the camera user has set the rotary switch 511 to monitor the exposure function or the sound level function.

The switch 546 is operated when the film supply reaches a predetermined level corresponding to the film supply being nearly or completely expended.

In another embodiment, the two point indicating system illustrated in Figure 23 is provided by the electrical circuits discussed in connection with Figure 21 to actuate two quantity indicators for film quantity indication. Thus, when the film supply is between the quantities represented by two adjacent ones of the quantity indicators 527 through 532, the circuits 515, 518,519 and 520 output control signals to actuate two adjacent indicators in accordance with the two point indicating method. Further, the display of operating information representing the other functions is also provided by the two point indicating method in accordance with the measurement circuits 515,516 and 517 and the analog-todigital converter 518, the counter 519 and the decoder 520.

The above description has been set forth in detail with respect to the preferred embodiment of the sound cine movie camera and video camera shown in the attached drawings. However, this description is not intended to be limiting since the particular additional features provided by the modular concept disclosed herein is equally applicable to silent movie cameras and even sound or silent movie projectors VTR's. In addition, the concept is equally applicable to still cameras to add, for example, to a basic camera, auto exposure features, auto focusing, motor drive, or similar more sophisticated photographic features. Therefore, while many modifications and additional functions may be found for the viewfinder or provided in additional or separate modules, the foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom as some modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A modular camera, comprising: a camera (10) having a plurality of basic functions (70,72,74) including an optical system (16) enclosed within a camera housing (12); and at least one add-on module (20), said module providing at least one additional camera function when connected to the camera.

2. The modular camera of claim 1 including digital control means (90) for controlling the functions ofthe camera (10) and modules.

3. The modular camera of claim 2 including means for removably mounting said modules (20) to the camera housing (12).

4. The modular camera of claim 3 wherein said modules (20) each include connection means (224) for electrically connecting the module (20) to the digital control means (90).

5. The modular camera of claim 4 wherein said connection means (224) removably mount the modules (20) on the side of the camera housing (12).

6. The modular camera of claims 1 or 5 wherein one of said modules (20) includes means (174,90) for effecting a lap dissolve.

7. The modular camera of claim 1 wherein the module (20) further includes module control means (360) for controlling the operation of said camera (10) concerning predetermined camera and imaging functions when said module (20) is attached to said camera (10).

8. The modular camera system of claim 7 wherein said camera includes camera control means (340), said camera control means including a central processor unit (340), said module control means including a central processor unit (360), said control means further comprising means (224) being actuated upon attachment of said module for connecting said module control means (360) and said camera control means (340) whereby said camera control means (340) controls the operation of said camera (10) when said module (20) is not attached to said camera and said module control means (360) controls the operation of said camera (10) when said module (20) is attached to said camera (10).

9. The modular camera of claim 7 wherein said module control means (360) controls all imaging and camera functions of said camera (10).

10. The modular camera of claim 7 wherein said camera (10) includes digital control means (340) and said module control means includes a digital microprocessor (360).

11. The modular camera of claim 7 wherein said camera (10) and imaging functions include automatic focusing (18) and variable exposure or illumination level control (94).

12. The modular camera system of claim 7 wherein said camera (10) is operable with each of a plurality of different modules (22,24,26,28) one at a time upon attachment of each of said modules, each of said different modules (22,24,26,28) including different predetermined imaging and camera functions.

13. The module camera system of claim 7 wherein said camera (10) includes film transport drive means (370) for controlling the transport of film at a predetermined rate, said module control means (360) including module film control means (440) for controlling the operation of said film transport drive means, said film transport drive means (370) including encoder means (440) for generating a signal representing the rate of said film transport drive means (370), said film transport drive means (370) including frist digital calculating means responsive to said encoder means (440) for digitally measuring the rate of operation of said film transport drive means, said module control means (360) including second digital calculating means responsive to said encoder means (440) upon attachment to said camera for digitally measuring the rate of operation of said film transport drive means (370), said rate of operation of said film transport drive means (370) being controlled at said predetermined film feed rate by said first digital calculating means when said module (303) is not attached and connected to said camera (10), said rate of operation of said film transport drive means (370) being controlled by said second digital calculating means when said module (303) is attached and connected to said camera (10).

14. The modular camera of claim 7 wherein said automatic exposure control means (360) includes exposure encoder means (440) for generating a signal representing the luminous intensity at the image focal pulse, said camera (10) including first digital calculating means for digitally measuring said luminous intensity signal, said module control means (360) including exposure control inputs and second digital calculating means for digitally measuring said luminous intensity signal, said first digital calculating means controlling the operation of said automatic exposure control means (360) at a predetermined exposure level when said module (303) is not attached and connected to said camera (10), said second digital calculating means controlling said automatic exposure control means (360) when said module is attached and connected to said camera 10 in accordance with the setting of said exposure control inputs and predetermined parameters of said module control means (360).

15. The modular camera of claim 6 wherein said means for effecting a lap dissolve includes a digitally controlled driver (90,94) connected to the camera iris (128) forvarying the amount of light entering the optical system (16) art a predetermined rate.

16. The modular camera of claim 15 wherein said means for effecting a lap dissolve (90,174) further includes means (90,98) for reversing the recording medium transport means (98) for a predetermined length thereof and again varying the amount of light entering the optical system (16) during the same length of the recording medium.

17. The modular camera of claim 6 including a sound recording means (96,130) wherein said means for effecting a lap dissolve (174,90) further includes a digitally controlled means (90) connected to the sound recording means (96) for decreasing the level of recorded audio signal at a predetermined rate.

18. The modular camera of claim 17 wherein said means for effecting the lap dissolve (174,90) further includes means for reversing the recording medium transport means (98,100) for said predetermined length and sound-on-sound recording for said predetermined length while increasing the level of the audio signal.

19. The modular camera of claim 1 or 5 including sound recording means (96) wherein one of said modules (20) includes means for effecting a fade (90,120,122,128).

20. The modular camera of claim 19 wherein said means for effecting a fade (120,122) includes a digitally controlled driver (90) connected to the iris (128) of the camera (10) and a digitally controlled audio signal recording unit (96) for controlling the light entering the optical system (16) and level of the audio signal recorded at predetermined rates.

21. The modular camera of claim 3 wherein said mounting means comprises at least two opposed laterally extending elements (224,220) on said module (20) for releasably interengaging complementary shaped receivers on said camera housing (12).

22. The modular camera of claim 21 wherein said laterally extending elements (220,224) comprise a plurality of electrical contacts (224) for electrically connecting said module (20) with said camera (10).

23. The modular camera of claim 24 wherein said camera housing (12) includes a plurality of complementary electrical contacts (226) and means providing access to said complementary electrical contacts by said module (20).

24. The modular camera of claim 23 wherein the electrical contacts (226) on said camera body (12) are movable between a first, normal position and a second, biased position when engaged by a module (20) mounted on said camera body (20) for biasing the opposing elements into engagement to securely maintain the module (20) integral with the camera housing (12).

25. The camera defined by claim 1 including a viewfinder display (108,501) comprising, a plurality of quantity indicators (214,527-532) and digital control means (90,518) for alternately associating one of said function indicators with one or more of said quantity indicators to indicate a proportional condition of each of the functions identified by said function indicators (192,502-505).

26. The view finder display (108,501) of claim 25 wherein one of said function indicators is a power/ battery condition indicator (198,502).

27. The view finder display of claim 25 wherein one of said function indicators is a tape/film quantity indicator (200,503).

28. The view finder display of claim 25 wherein one of said function indicators is an exposure indicator (202,504).

29. The view finder display of claim 25 wherein one of said function indicators is an audio record indicator (204,505).

30. The view finder display of claim 25 wherein

one of said function indicators is a special effects indicator (206).

31. The view finder display of claim 25 wherein one of said function indicators is an auto-focus indicator (208).

32. The view finder display of claim 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, or 31 further including digital control means (90) connected to said function indicators (192) to automatically indicate various camera operating events.

33. The modular camera of claim 1 including a viewfinder information display (190,501) comprising; a plurality of camera function indicators (192) arranged along a first predetermined portion of the perimeter of the viewfinder (190) and associated with a respective plurality of functions, a plurality of quantity indicators (214) arranged along a second predetermined portion of the perimeter of the viewfinder (190), manually operable switch selection means (511) for selectively actuating a respective one of said function indicators (192) in each of a plurality of switch positions;; quantity measurement means for generating an analog voltage for each of a plurality of functions corresponding to said function indicators, said analog voltage representing a predetermined quanity representation associated with each of said functions, said manually operable switch means (511) including means for selectively connecting to a quantity signal output the respective one of said analog voltage quantity representations corresponding to the function represented by the function indicator (192) that is actuated by said manually operable switch means (511); and means responsive to said quantity signal output (518) controlling said plurality of quantity indicators in a predetermined manner to represent said predetermined quantity representation corresponding to said actuated function.

34. The viewfinder information display of claim 33 wherein said manually operable switch selection means (511) comprises a rotary switch including a switch layer, said switch layer including a contact position for each of said function indicators.

35. The viewfinder information display of claim 34 wherein said controlling means includes analogto-digital converter means (518) for converting said analog voltages into digital representations.

36. The information display of claim 33 wherein each of said function indicators (192) and each of said quantity indicators (214) comprises a light emitting diode (507-510,521,526) and afibre optic element (506,533).

37. The information display of claim 36 wherein each of said function indicators (192) further includes a function symbol representation.