Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry – Display power source
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-30
2001-11-20
Shalwala, Bipin (Department: 2673)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
Display power source
C345S204000, C396S201000, C396S205000, C396S301000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06320573
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to cameras having displays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Current silver halide film cameras have displays for indicating settings and status conditions, such as frame number, of the camera. Often, the display uses twisted nematic liquid crystals that that requires continuous electrical drive to display information. Cameras with this type of display can be turned on only for short periods of time to preserve battery life. When the cameras are turned off, the liquid crystal display goes blank. An operator must turn on the camera to determine the status of the camera. These cameras typically incorporate a high voltage power supply to drive an electronic flash built into the camera.
Many digital cameras use liquid crystal displays to display a captured image. Displays in these cameras are also nematic liquid crystals displays that can drain an electronic camera power supply in a short period of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a display in a camera that displays data, even when the power to the display is removed.
This object is achieved in a camera having an electronic flash unit which provides a source of high voltage and having a display for displaying an image, comprising:
(a) the display including material which is effective in a first condition in response to a selectively applied high voltage for changing the state of the material to display the image and to be effective in a second condition for preventing the display of an image, the material being selected so as after displaying an image to continue to display the image after the removal of applied voltages; and
(b) means for coupling and selectively applying the high voltage source in the flash unit to the display for changing the state of the material in the display to produce the image.
An advantage of the present invention is that it permits the use of displays which require a high voltage source to display images.
A feature of the present invention is that the high voltage supply in the electronic flash unit can be used as a source of power for the display.
It is a feature of the present invention it permits display of images when power to the display is turned off.
It is a further feature of the present invention to provide an arrangement which reduces the consumption of power required by a camera display.
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Hashimoto et al, Reflective Color Display Using Cholesteric Liquid Crystals, SID 98 Digest, 1998, pp. 897-900.
Eastman Kodak Company
Lewis David L.
Owens Raymond L.
Shalwala Bipin
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