Patent ID: 6181883
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G03B,H04N

Abstract:
A digital image capture module for use with a photographic film camera having a shutter, the photographic film camera having a space for loading a film cartridge and being configured to advance the film in the film cartridge for capturing images on the film, the digital image capture module comprising:a housing configured in the shape of the film cartridge such that the housing is capable of being fit within the space provided for the film cartridge in the photographic film camera;a substrate coupled to the housing;an imaging array disposed on said substrate for receiving and converting an optical image to digital image signals, the imaging array having a set of first pixels for capturing an image, the first pixels including a set of second pixels for sensing the opening of the shutter when any one of the second pixels detects light, the second pixels being positioned in the imaging array so that each of the second pixels is capable of sensing the opening of the shutter independent of other second pixels, wherein the imaging array captures an image on a focal plane of the photographic film camera in response to the sensing of the opening of the shutter by any one or more of the second pixels; anda digital memory for storing the digital image signals as one or more image frames.