Single lens reflex camera with electro-optical reflex apparatus
US8007187B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B17/14
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A lens-interchangeable single-lens reflex camera system according to the present invention employs a novel reflex apparatus comprising stationary “smart glass” elements. The “smart glass” elements switch between transparent and non-transparent states in response to applied electrical voltage, allowing for silent, solid-state control of the optical light path from an external scene image. The optical transmittances of the “smart glass” elements are electronically regulated to provide the operator with a representation of the scene image through the optical viewfinder during the inactive observation period, and to alternately allow the external light to reach the image-sensing device during a photographic exposure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.