Photometric device

A photometric device for determining the exposure interval of a scene to be photographed, said photometric device comprising:

• a photometric array including a plurality of photo-responsive cells each for receiving light reflected from a selected portion of a scene to be photographed and for providing an electrical output responsive to the light incident thereon;
• first electronic means coupled to said photo-responsive cells for, upon initiation of the exposure interval, time integrating the output of each of said cells;
• second electronic means coupled to said first electronic means for providing a logic level indication for each of said photocells, said second electronic means providing a first logic level indication when the so-integrated result for a photocell is below a predetermined film exposure value and providing a second logic level indication when the so-integrated result meets or exceeds the predetermined film exposure value;
• and
• third electronic means coupled to said second electronic means for providing an exposure interval termination indication when a selected percentile of said second logic level indications are provided by said second electronic means.

A method for operating a camera shutter to photograph a scene, said method comprising the steps of:

• dividing the light reflected from the scene to be photographed into selected portions corresponding to selected portions of the scene;
• opening the shutter to initiate the exposure interval;
• measuring the light reflected for each scene portion and providing an electrical output responsive to the measured light for each portion;
• time integrating each electrical output beginning at the initiation of the exposure interval and comparing the so-integrated output with a predetermined film exposure value based upon the film exposure parameters and providing an indication when each time integrated electrical output meets or exceeds the film exposure value;
• and
• closing the shutter when a selected percentile of said indications are provided.