Camera apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a camera, such as a photographic camera or a still image recording electronic camera, to prevent the recording of picture information which is blurred due to camera movement while the shutter of the camera is open. In one form, a push-button or lever operated mechanism effects shutter opening when actuated by a finger of the hand wherein such shutter opening is prevented by a lock or braking mechanism which is activated by a signal generated when camera movement is detected by a motion sensor. In a second form, a camera shutter brake or lock normally prevents shutter operation and is released when a shutter actuating push button or lever is operated provided that a motion detector supported by the camera does not detect camera movement. In a third form, the camera shutter is operated to openb by a motor or solenoid when a control signal is generated by an electronic circuit such as a computer or microprocessor which processes signals generated when a motion sensor senses camera movement. The generation of a motion indicating signal prevents the shutter driving motor from operating to open the shutter even though a switch for connecting the shutter motor to a battery power supply is closed by hand. In a particular form, the signal generated when the camera motion sensor senses camera movement, is also applied to activate a display such as an electric light emitting diode, the direct or reflected light of which is viewable through the camera viewer or view finder to warn the photographer that the camera is not being held steadily enoght to take a proper picture.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.