US4757337A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Release apparatus for a camera
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1986-03-25
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Granted: 1988-07-12
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Expires: 2006-03-25
Abstract
Abstract A release apparatus for a camera having a temperature sensor adapted particularly to detect a change of the temperature of an image in the picture frame. As an object, such as a man or an animal, comes to enter a target area of the sensor, when the temperature of the area of the picture frame changes, a shutter of the camera is released, or an operation of an auto-focus device is initiated, by the output of the temperature change detector.
Inventors
- 👤 Masao Shikaumi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 15:02
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/38; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/18; G08B13/189; G08B13/19
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A release apparatus for a camera, comprising: (a) detecting means for detecting a change of temperature within an image plane of the camera in response to an increase in said temperature to produce a first signal, and in response to a decrease in said temperature to produce a second signal; (b) trigger signal forming means for producing a trigger signal in a prescribed time from the production of said first signal and, when said second signal is produced before said prescribed time has elapsed, prohibiting said trigger signal from being produced; and (c) means responsive to said trigger signal for performing a release operation of the camera.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A release apparatus for a camera, comprising: (a) detecting means for detecting a change of temperature within an image plane of the camera in response to an increase in said temperature to produce a first signal, and in response to a decrease in said temperature to produce a second signal; (b) trigger signal forming means for producing a trigger signal in a prescribed time from the production of said first signal and, when said second signal is produced before said prescribed time has elapsed, prohibiting said trigger signal from being produced; and (c) means responsive to said trigger signal for performing a release operation of the camera.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A release apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said trigger signal forming means includes a delay circuit responsive to the first and second signals from said detecting means for initiating a delaying operation and producing said trigger signal in the prescribed time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
A release apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said trigger signal producing means further comprises: (a) memory means for storing said first signal and for resetting a memorizing operation of said first signal in response to said second signal, said memory means being responsive to the memorizing operation of the first signal for initiating a delaying operation of said delay circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A release apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said memory means includes a flip-flop circuit set by the first signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
111 words
A release apparatus for a camera, comprising: (a) detecting means for detecting a change of temperature within an image plane of said camera in response to an increase in said temperature to produce a first signal, and in response to a decrease in said temperature to produce a second signal; (b) trigger signal forming means for producing a trigger signal in a prescribed time from the production of said first signal, and, when said second signal is produced before said prescribed time has elapsed, for producing said trigger signal in response to said second signal; and (c) means responsive to said trigger signal for performing a release operation of the camera.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
111 words
A release apparatus for a camera, comprising: (a) detecting means for detecting a change of temperature within an image plane of said camera in response to an increase in said temperature to produce a first signal, and in response to a decrease in said temperature to produce a second signal; (b) trigger signal forming means for producing a trigger signal in a prescribed time from the production of said first signal, and, when said second signal is produced before said prescribed time has elapsed, for producing said trigger signal in response to said second signal; and (c) means responsive to said trigger signal for performing a release operation of the camera.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-07-12 | 1992-01-11 | 1992-07-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-07-12 | 1996-01-11 | 1996-07-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-07-12 | 2000-01-11 | 2000-07-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |