US4331406A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Indicating device for computer type electronic flash unit
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1980-06-09
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Granted: 1982-05-25
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Expires: 2000-06-09
Abstract
Abstract A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera. The computer type electronic flash unit includes an output terminal at which a signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor is produced, a firing stop signal generating circuit and a signal supply circuit for supplying the output of the generating circuit to the output terminal. The camera includes an indicating device connected to the output terminal for indicating the firing stop signal transmitted from the output terminal. The camera also includes an override circuit for inhibiting the charge completion signal from being transmitted to the indicating means in response to a release operation of the camera.
Inventors
- 👤 Masayoshi Kiuchi
- 👤 Masaharu Kawamura
- 👤 Masanori Yamada
- 👤 Hiroyasu Murakami
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:07
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/30; H05B41/32; H05B41/325
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) an output terminal at which a signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor is produced; (b) a firing stop signal generating circuit; and (c) signal supply means for supplying the output of said generating circuit to said output terminal; a camera including: (a) indicating means connected to said output terminal for indicating the firing stop signal transmitted from said output terminal; and (b) override means for inhibiting said charge completion signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) an output terminal at which a signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor is produced; (b) a firing stop signal generating circuit; and (c) signal supply means for supplying the output of said generating circuit to said output terminal; a camera including: (a) indicating means connected to said output terminal for indicating the firing stop signal transmitted from said output terminal; and (b) override means for inhibiting said charge completion signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A flash system according to claim 1, wherein said override means is arranged to be triggered in relation to the start of running down of a leading curtain of said camera.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
100 words
A camera for use with a computer type electronic flash unit having an output terminal at which a signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor is produced, a firing stop signal generating circuit, and signal supply means for supplying the output of said generating circuit to said output terminal comprising: (a) indicating means connected to said output terminal for indicating the firing stop signal transmitted from said output terminal; and (b) override means for inhibiting said charge completion signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
100 words
A camera for use with a computer type electronic flash unit having an output terminal at which a signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor is produced, a firing stop signal generating circuit, and signal supply means for supplying the output of said generating circuit to said output terminal comprising: (a) indicating means connected to said output terminal for indicating the firing stop signal transmitted from said output terminal; and (b) override means for inhibiting said charge completion signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A camera according to claim 3, wherein said override means is arranged to be triggered in relation to the start of running down of a leading curtain of said camera.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A camera according to claim 3, wherein said override means includes a gate circuit for inhibiting said charge completion signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 5, wherein said indicating means includes at least one light emitting diode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A camera according to claim 3, wherein said indicating means includes a first indicating member for indicating the charge completion signal and a second indicating member for indicating the firing stop signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 7, wherein said first indicating member consists of a light emitting diode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 7, wherein said second indicating member consists of a light emitting diode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
166 words
A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) a signal output terminal; (b) first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said output signal terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying a second signal to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit; a camera including: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; (c) override means connected to the first signal path for inhibiting said first signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera; and (d) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
166 words
A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) a signal output terminal; (b) first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said output signal terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying a second signal to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit; a camera including: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; (c) override means connected to the first signal path for inhibiting said first signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera; and (d) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A flash system according to claim 10, wherein said override means consists of a first gate which is provided through the first signal path.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
A flash system according to claim 10, wherein said second signal path includes a second gate for periodically transmitting the second signal to said indicating means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
A flash system according to claim 12, further comprising periodical signal generating means connected to the second gate for periodically energizing the second gate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A flash system according to claim 13, wherein said second gate consists of an AND gate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
A flash system according to claim 10, wherein said indicating means includes at least one light emitting diode responsive to the first signal from the first signal path and the second signal from the second signal path.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
152 words
A camera for use with a computer type electronic flash unit having a signal output terminal, first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal, and second signal supply means for supplying a second signal to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit, comprising: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; (c) override means connected to the first signal path for inhibiting said first signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera; and (d) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
152 words
A camera for use with a computer type electronic flash unit having a signal output terminal, first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal, and second signal supply means for supplying a second signal to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit, comprising: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; (c) override means connected to the first signal path for inhibiting said first signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera; and (d) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
A camera according to claim 16, wherein said override means consists of a first gate which is provided through the first signal path.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
A camera according to claim 16, wherein said second signal path includes a second gate for periodically transmitting the second signal to said indicating means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
A camera according to claim 18, further comprising periodical signal generating means connected to the second gate for periodically energizing the second gate.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
A camera according to claim 19, wherein said second gate consists of an AND gate.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
A camera according to claim 16, wherein said indicating means includes at least one light emitting diode responsive to the first signal from the first signal path and the second signal from the second signal path.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
141 words
A computer type electronic flash unit for use with a camera having indicating means, a first signal path for transmitting a first signal to said indicating means, override means connected to the first signal path for inhibiting said first signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera, and a second signal path for transmitting a second signal to said indicating means, comprising: (a) a signal output terminal connected to both of said first and second signal paths; (b) first signal supply means for supplying the first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying the second signal to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
141 words
A computer type electronic flash unit for use with a camera having indicating means, a first signal path for transmitting a first signal to said indicating means, override means connected to the first signal path for inhibiting said first signal from being transmitted to said indicating means in response to a releasing operation of said camera, and a second signal path for transmitting a second signal to said indicating means, comprising: (a) a signal output terminal connected to both of said first and second signal paths; (b) first signal supply means for supplying the first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying the second signal to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
158 words
A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) a signal output terminal; (b) first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying a second signal for an interval to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit; a camera including: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; and (c) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means, said second signal path including a latch circuit which latches the second signal before the second signal has disappeared.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
158 words
A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) a signal output terminal; (b) first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying a second signal for an interval to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit; a camera including: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; and (c) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means, said second signal path including a latch circuit which latches the second signal before the second signal has disappeared.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
A flash system according to claim 23, wherein said indicating means includes a first light emitting member connected to the first signal path and a second light emitting member connected to the second signal path.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
A flash system according to claim 23, wherein said second signal path further includes signal changing means for changing the second signal from the latch circuit into a periodical signal to be transmitted to the indicating means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
A flash system according to claim 25, wherein said signal changing means includes a gate connected between the latch circuit and the indicating means and a periodical signal generating connected to the gate for energizing the gate periodically.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
144 words
A camera for use with a computer type electronic flash unit having a signal output terminal, first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal, and second signal supply means for supplying a second signal for an interval to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit, comprising: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; and (c) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means, said second signal path including a latch circuit which latches the second signal before the second signal has disappeared.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
144 words
A camera for use with a computer type electronic flash unit having a signal output terminal, first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal, and second signal supply means for supplying a second signal for an interval to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit, comprising: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; and (c) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means, said second signal path including a latch circuit which latches the second signal before the second signal has disappeared.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
A flash system according to claim 27, wherein said indicating means includes a first light emitting member connected to the first signal path and a second light emitting member connected to the second signal path.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
37 words
A flash system according to claim 27, wherein said second signal path further includes signal changing means for changing the second signal from the latch circuit into a periodical signal to be transmitted to the indicating means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
38 words
A flash system according to claim 29, wherein said signal changing means includes a gate connected between the latch circuit and the indicating means and a periodical signal generating connected to the gate for energizing the gate periodically.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
129 words
A computer type electronic flash unit for use with a camera having indicating means, a first signal path for transmitting a first signal to said indicating means, and a second signal path for transmitting a second signal to said indicating means and having a latch circuit which latches the second signal before the second signal has disappeared, comprising: (a) a signal output terminal connected to said first and second signal paths; (b) first signal supply means for supplying the first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying the second signal for an interval to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
129 words
A computer type electronic flash unit for use with a camera having indicating means, a first signal path for transmitting a first signal to said indicating means, and a second signal path for transmitting a second signal to said indicating means and having a latch circuit which latches the second signal before the second signal has disappeared, comprising: (a) a signal output terminal connected to said first and second signal paths; (b) first signal supply means for supplying the first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying the second signal for an interval to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
171 words
A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) a signal output terminal; (b) first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying a second signal for an interval to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit; a camera including: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; and (c) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means, said second signal path including a latch circuit which latches the second signal before the second signal has disappeared and means for energizing said indicating means after the second signal has disappeared.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
171 words
A flash system including a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) a signal output terminal; (b) first signal supply means for supplying a first signal representing the fully charged condition of an electrical energy storage capacitor to said signal output terminal; and (c) second signal supply means for supplying a second signal for an interval to said signal output terminal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit; a camera including: (a) indicating means; (b) a first signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the first signal to said indicating means; and (c) a second signal path connected to the signal output terminal of said flash unit for transmitting the second signal to said indicating means, said second signal path including a latch circuit which latches the second signal before the second signal has disappeared and means for energizing said indicating means after the second signal has disappeared.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
A flash system according to claim 32, wherein said energizing means includes a gate circuit connected between the latch circuit and the indicating means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
83 words
A flash system having a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) first signal generating means for generating a first signal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit; and a camera including: (a) indicating means for indicating the first signal; and (b) means connected to said indicating means for effecting an indication in the indicating means in connection with the termination of the exposure in said camera.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
83 words
A flash system having a computer type electronic flash unit and a camera, comprising: a computer type electronic flash unit including: (a) first signal generating means for generating a first signal when a predetermined quantity of light has been emitted from the flash unit; and a camera including: (a) indicating means for indicating the first signal; and (b) means connected to said indicating means for effecting an indication in the indicating means in connection with the termination of the exposure in said camera.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
37 words
A flash system according to claim 34, wherein said effecting means includes a gate connected to said indicating means for energizing the indicating means when a trailing curtain has reached the terminal end of running down movement.
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) | 1985-05-24 | 1985-11-23 | 1986-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-05-24 | 1989-11-23 | 1990-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-05-24 | 1993-11-23 | 1994-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |