US4367934A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera with an automatic focusing device
Assignee: Minolta Co Ltd
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Filing: 1981-01-07
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Granted: 1983-01-11
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Expires: 2001-01-07
Abstract
Abstract A distance detecting device for close-up photography applicable to a range finding device of the type wherein light emitted from a light source is projected onto an object through a projecting lens, and the light reflected from the object impinges upon one of a plurality of light receiving elements via a light receiving lens for detecting which one of a plurality of zones the object is located, depending on which one of the light receiving elements receives the light. The device in accordance with the present invention generates a single light pulse for ordinary photography and light pulses successively for close-up photography, indicating whether a camera-to-target-object distance matches a predetermined distance for close-up photography or deviates therefrom. The successive light pulses for close-up photography may be weaker in intensity than the single light pulse for ordinary photography.
Inventors
- 👤 Tooru Matsui
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:41
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/28; G02B7/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
283 words
In a camera with an automatic focusing device which detects a distance to a target object by a plurality of light receiving elements receiving a light projected from a light source towards the target object and reflected from the target object, and which can vary the distance being focused by a picture taking optical system, said camera comprising: change-over means for setting said picture taking optical system selectively to an ordinary photography condition wherein the distance to be focused thereby is variable within a given range, and to a close-up photography condition wherein the distance to be focused is fixed to a value outside of said given range; first light emission control means for actuating a light emitting element light source to emit a light pulse only once; second light emission control means for actuating said light emitting element to successively emit light pulses; a detector means for detecting the output of each of said light receiving elements; a focusing means capable of changing, in response to the output of said detector means, the distance to be focused by said picture taking optical system; and an indication means for indicating, in response to the output of said detector means, that said target object is at the position corresponding to the given fixed distance to be focused by said picture taking optical system, said automatic focusing device being constructed such that said first light emission control means and said focusing means are operable with said picture taking optical system being set to said ordinary photography condition by said change-over means, and said second light emission control means and said indicator means are operable with said optical system being set to said close-up photography condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
283 words
In a camera with an automatic focusing device which detects a distance to a target object by a plurality of light receiving elements receiving a light projected from a light source towards the target object and reflected from the target object, and which can vary the distance being focused by a picture taking optical system, said camera comprising: change-over means for setting said picture taking optical system selectively to an ordinary photography condition wherein the distance to be focused thereby is variable within a given range, and to a close-up photography condition wherein the distance to be focused is fixed to a value outside of said given range; first light emission control means for actuating a light emitting element light source to emit a light pulse only once; second light emission control means for actuating said light emitting element to successively emit light pulses; a detector means for detecting the output of each of said light receiving elements; a focusing means capable of changing, in response to the output of said detector means, the distance to be focused by said picture taking optical system; and an indication means for indicating, in response to the output of said detector means, that said target object is at the position corresponding to the given fixed distance to be focused by said picture taking optical system, said automatic focusing device being constructed such that said first light emission control means and said focusing means are operable with said picture taking optical system being set to said ordinary photography condition by said change-over means, and said second light emission control means and said indicator means are operable with said optical system being set to said close-up photography condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The camera with the automatic focusing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the same light emitting element serves both as the light emitting element actuated by said first light emission control means and the light emitting element actuated by said second light emission control means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The camera with the automatic focusing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the intensity of the light emitted from said light emitting element actuated by said second light emission control means is set smaller than that emitted from the light emitting element actuated by said first light emission control means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
The camera with the automatic focusing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said indicator means is constructed to indicate said target object being positioned outside of distance range focusable by said picture taking optical system in the ordinary photography position, as well as to indicate for close-up photography, and such that both indications are changed-over by said change-over means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-01-10 | 1986-07-12 | 1987-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-01-10 | 1990-07-12 | 1991-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-01-10 | 1994-07-12 | 1995-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |