US4666280A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flash shot control device for camera
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1986-03-25
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Granted: 1987-05-19
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Expires: 2006-03-25
Abstract
Abstract A flash shot control device for a camera in which the angle of flash lighting is controlled in accordance with the output of a backlight detector. On assumption that a subject of principal photographic interest takes its place at the center of the field of view, when backlight is detected, the flash lighting is concentrated to the central portion of the field of view, thereby the shadows of the subject are lightened by the flash.
Inventors
- 👤 Makoto Miyawaki
- 👤 Kazuo Ikawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:27
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B15/00; G03B15/02; G03B15/03; G03B15/05; G03B7/00; G03B7/16; G03B2215/00; G03B2215/05; G03B2215/0514; G03B2215/0517; G03B2215/0525; G03B2215/0528
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A flash shot control device for a camera, comprising: (a) detecting means for detecting a backlight situation; (b) means for varying the degree of concentration of light from a flash unit; and (c) control means responsive to detection of the backlight situation by said detecting means for controlling said concentration varying means so as to increase the degree of concentration.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A flash shot control device for a camera, comprising: (a) detecting means for detecting a backlight situation; (b) means for varying the degree of concentration of light from a flash unit; and (c) control means responsive to detection of the backlight situation by said detecting means for controlling said concentration varying means so as to increase the degree of concentration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said concentration varying means includes material optical means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein said material optical means includes a liquid crystal diffusing plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said concentration varying means includes movable optical means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 4, wherein said movable optical means includes a diffusion plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said concentration varying means is constructed so as to concentrate the light from said flash unit to the center of the viewfield of a photographic lens of said camera.
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) | 1990-05-18 | 1990-11-17 | 1991-05-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-05-18 | 1994-11-17 | 1995-05-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-05-18 | 1998-11-17 | 1999-05-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |