US4078171A
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US
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Digital auto focus
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1976-06-14
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Granted: 1978-03-07
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Expires: 1996-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A digital auto focus system includes first and second detector arrays which receive first and second detection images of an object. The detection images are displaced by a number n of detectors depending upon the distance between the object and the detector arrays. The output signals of the detector arrays are processed to provide a signal indicative of the number n. This signal may be used, for example, to control the position of a lens in a photographic system.
Inventors
- 👤 Norman L. Stauffer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C3/00; G01C3/02; G01C3/06; G01C3/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for providing an indication of the distance between the apparatus and an object, the apparatus comprising: first detector array positioned to receive a first detection image of the object and to provide output signals indicative of radiation received; second detector array positioned to receive a second detection image of the object and to produce output signals indicative of radiation received, the second detection image being displaced by a number n of detectors in the second detector array with respect to the position of the first detection image on corresponding detectors of the first detector array, the number n being indicative of the distance between the object and the first and second detector arrays; and signal processing means for receiving the output signals from the first and second detector arrays including digitizing means for digitizing the output signals from the first and second detector arrays to produce first and second digitized representations of the first and second detection images, respectively; and digital correlator means for comparing the first and second digitized representation and providing an output signal indicative of the number n.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for providing an indication of the distance between the apparatus and an object, the apparatus comprising: first detector array positioned to receive a first detection image of the object and to provide output signals indicative of radiation received; second detector array positioned to receive a second detection image of the object and to produce output signals indicative of radiation received, the second detection image being displaced by a number n of detectors in the second detector array with respect to the position of the first detection image on corresponding detectors of the first detector array, the number n being indicative of the distance between the object and the first and second detector arrays; and signal processing means for receiving the output signals from the first and second detector arrays including digitizing means for digitizing the output signals from the first and second detector arrays to produce first and second digitized representations of the first and second detection images, respectively; and digital correlator means for comparing the first and second digitized representation and providing an output signal indicative of the number n.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second digitized representation is displaced by n digits.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein n equals 0 for an object at infinity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the output signal of the signal processing means is a digital word.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the digital word is a digital representation of the number n.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second detector array each contain N detector elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first and second detector arrays are portions of a monolithic integrated circuit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the signal processing means also is a portion of the monolithic integrated circuit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising: positioning means for positioning an optical element in response to the output signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the output signal of the signal processing means is a first digital word.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the positioning means comprises: position encoder means for providing a second digital word indicative of the position of the optical element; comparator means for comparing the first and second digital words and providing an output signal indicative of the comparison; motive means for moving the optical element; and control means for controlling the motive means in response to the output signal of the comparator means.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of determining the distance to an object, the method comprising: providing, at a first detector array, a first detection image of the object, the first detector array producing a first signal; providing at a second detector array, a second detection image of the object, the second detector array producing a second signal, the second detection image being displaced by a number n of detectors in the second detector array with respect to corresponding detectors of the first detector array, the number n being indicative of the distance between the object and the first and second detector arrays; converting the first and second signals to digital output signals; in a digital correlator and comparing the output signals to determine the number n.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of determining the distance to an object, the method comprising: providing, at a first detector array, a first detection image of the object, the first detector array producing a first signal; providing at a second detector array, a second detection image of the object, the second detector array producing a second signal, the second detection image being displaced by a number n of detectors in the second detector array with respect to corresponding detectors of the first detector array, the number n being indicative of the distance between the object and the first and second detector arrays; converting the first and second signals to digital output signals; in a digital correlator and comparing the output signals to determine the number n.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
105 words
Automatic focus control apparatus for use in an optical system including a primary optical means, the automatic focus control apparatus comprising: focus detecting means for providing a first digital word indicative of the distance between the focus detecting means and an object; position encoder means for providing a second digital word indicative of the position of the primary optical means; comparator means for comparing the first and second digital words and providing an output signal indicative of the comparison; motive means for moving the primary optical means; and control means for controlling the motive means in response to the output signal of the comparator means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
105 words
Automatic focus control apparatus for use in an optical system including a primary optical means, the automatic focus control apparatus comprising: focus detecting means for providing a first digital word indicative of the distance between the focus detecting means and an object; position encoder means for providing a second digital word indicative of the position of the primary optical means; comparator means for comparing the first and second digital words and providing an output signal indicative of the comparison; motive means for moving the primary optical means; and control means for controlling the motive means in response to the output signal of the comparator means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
133 words
The automatic focus control apparatus of claim 13 wherein the focus detecting means comprises: first detector array positioned to receive a first detection image of the object and to provide output signals indicative of radiation received; second detector array positioned to receive a second detection image of the object and to produce output signals indicative of radiation received, the second detection image being displaced by a number n of detectors in the second detector array with respect to the position of the first detection image on corresponding detectors of the first detector array, the number n being indicative of the distance between the object and the first and second detector arrays; and signal processing means for receiving the output signals from the first and second detector arrays and producing the first digital word.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The automatic focus control apparatus of claim 13 wherein the optical system is a photographic system and the primary optical means is a taking lens.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
167 words
Apparatus for providing an indication of the distance between the apparatus and an object, the apparatus comprising: first and second detector arrays for producing output signals indicative of radiation received; first auxiliary means for providing, at the first detector array, a first detection image of the object; second auxiliary means for providing, at the second detector array, a second detection image of the object, the second detection image being displaced by a number n of detectors in the second detector array with respect to corresponding detectors of the first detector array, the number n being indicative of the distance between the object and the first and second detector arrays; and signal processing means for receiving the output signals from the first and second detector arrays including digitizing means for digitizing the output signals from the first and second detector arrays; and digital correlator means for comparing the digitized output signals from the first and second detector arrays and providing an output signal indicative of the number n.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
167 words
Apparatus for providing an indication of the distance between the apparatus and an object, the apparatus comprising: first and second detector arrays for producing output signals indicative of radiation received; first auxiliary means for providing, at the first detector array, a first detection image of the object; second auxiliary means for providing, at the second detector array, a second detection image of the object, the second detection image being displaced by a number n of detectors in the second detector array with respect to corresponding detectors of the first detector array, the number n being indicative of the distance between the object and the first and second detector arrays; and signal processing means for receiving the output signals from the first and second detector arrays including digitizing means for digitizing the output signals from the first and second detector arrays; and digital correlator means for comparing the digitized output signals from the first and second detector arrays and providing an output signal indicative of the number n.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first and second detector arrays are portions of a monolithic integrated circuit.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the signal processing means also is a portion of the monolithic integrated circuit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first and second detector arrays comprise charge coupled devices.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the output signals are serially shifted out of the first and second detector arrays in response to shift signals from the signal processing means.
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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) | 1981-03-06 | 1981-09-05 | 1982-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-06 | 1985-09-05 | 1986-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-06 | 1989-09-05 | 1990-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |