US4864344A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Power focus device in a camera
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1989-01-17
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Granted: 1989-09-05
•
Expires: 2009-01-17
Abstract
Abstract A power focus device in a camera has a manually rotatively operated focus ring, a lens driving drive source for driving a focusing lens, and a pulse generating device operatively associated with the rotation of the focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of the focus ring. A focus ring rotation direction detecting device detects the direction of rotation of the focus ring from the pulse signal, a focus ring rotation amount detecting device detects the amount of rotation of the focus ring from the pulse signal, and a drive direction setting device sets the direction of drive of the lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in the focus ring rotation direction detecting device. A drive amount setting device memorizes the result of the detection in the focus ring rotation amount detecting device and sets the memorized value as the amount of drive of the lens driving drive source. A drive source control device control the lens driving drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in the drive direction setting device and the amount of drive set in the drive amount setting device. A reversing device immediately reverses the lens driving drive source, changes the setting in the drive direction setting device, returns the drive amount setting device to its initial state, and immediately reverses the lens driving drive source when the focus ring has been rotatively operated in a direction to drive the lens driving drive source in a second direction when the lens driving drive source is being driven in a first direction.
Inventors
- 👤 Kazuhiko Arakawa
- 👤 Ryuichi Kobayashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:45
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B3/00; G03B3/10; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/02; G02B7/04; G02B7/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
286 words
A power focus device in a camera comprising: (a) a manually rotatively operated focus ring; (b) a lens driving source for driving a focusing lens; (c) pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; (d) focus ring rotation direction detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (e) focus ring rotation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (f) drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the direction in said focus ring rotation direction detecting means; (g) drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the direction in said focus ring rotation amount detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said lens driving drive source; (h) drive source control means for controlling said lens driving drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means; and (i) reversing means for immediately reversing said lens driving drive source, said reversing means changing the setting in said drive direction setting means and returning said drive amount setting means to its initial state by resetting the memorized value and immediately reversing said lens driving drive source when said focus ring has been rotatively operated in a direction to drive said lens driving drive source in a second direction when said lens driving drive source is being driven in a first direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
286 words
A power focus device in a camera comprising: (a) a manually rotatively operated focus ring; (b) a lens driving source for driving a focusing lens; (c) pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; (d) focus ring rotation direction detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (e) focus ring rotation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (f) drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the direction in said focus ring rotation direction detecting means; (g) drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the direction in said focus ring rotation amount detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said lens driving drive source; (h) drive source control means for controlling said lens driving drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means; and (i) reversing means for immediately reversing said lens driving drive source, said reversing means changing the setting in said drive direction setting means and returning said drive amount setting means to its initial state by resetting the memorized value and immediately reversing said lens driving drive source when said focus ring has been rotatively operated in a direction to drive said lens driving drive source in a second direction when said lens driving drive source is being driven in a first direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said focus ring is rotatably supported on a photo-taking lens barrel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein a motor is used as said lens driving drive source, and said motor is contained in said photo-taking lens barrel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
95 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein said pulse generating means has a pattern group formed about the optic axis and a sliding brush for slidably contacting said pattern group, one of said pattern group and said sliding brush is adapted to be rotated in response to the rotation of said focus ring to thereby generate a pulse signal, said pattern group has at least two kinds of patterns differing in phase from each other, and a different signal is obtained in conformity with the change-over of the direction of rotation of said focus ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
261 words
A power focus device in a camera comprising: (a) a manually rotatively operated focus ring; (b) a lens driving drive source for driving a focusing lens; (c) pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; (d) focus ring rotation direction detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (e) focus ring rotation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (f) drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation direction detecting means; (g) drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation amount detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said lens driving drive source; (h) detecting means for converting the driven state of said focusing lens into a signal representative of movement and outputting the signal; and (i) drive source control means for controlling said lens driving drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means, said drive source control means being effective to stop said lens driving drive source at a point of time whereat said signal output from said detecting means corresponds to said set amount of drive.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
261 words
A power focus device in a camera comprising: (a) a manually rotatively operated focus ring; (b) a lens driving drive source for driving a focusing lens; (c) pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; (d) focus ring rotation direction detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (e) focus ring rotation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (f) drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation direction detecting means; (g) drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation amount detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said lens driving drive source; (h) detecting means for converting the driven state of said focusing lens into a signal representative of movement and outputting the signal; and (i) drive source control means for controlling said lens driving drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means, said drive source control means being effective to stop said lens driving drive source at a point of time whereat said signal output from said detecting means corresponds to said set amount of drive.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 5, wherein said focus ring is rotatably supported on a photo-taking lens barrel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 6, wherein a motor is used as said lens driving drive source, and said motor is contained in said photo-taking lens barrel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
95 words
A device according to claim 6, wherein said pulse generating means has a pattern group formed about the optic axis and a sliding brush for slidably contacting said pattern group, one of said pattern group and said sliding brush is adapted to be rotated in response to the rotation of said focus ring to thereby generate a pulse signal, said pattern group has at least two kinds of patterns differing in phase from each other, and a different signal is obtained in conformity with the change-over of the direction of rotation of said focus ring
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
A device according to claim 5, wherein said detecting means detects the movement of a moving member in a transmitting system from said lens driving drive source to said focusing lens and outputs a signal representative of the movement of said focusing lens in the direction of the optic axis thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
69 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said moving member in said transmitting system is formed with a plurality of patterns, a sliding brush for slidably contacting said patterns is disposed, a pulse signal is generated by said sliding brush slidably contacting said patterns, and said pulse signal is used as a signal representative of the movement of said focusing lens in the direction o the optic axis thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
274 words
A power focus device in a camera comprising: (a) a manually rotatively operated focus ring; (b) a lens driving drive source for driving a focusing lens; (c) pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; (d) focus ring rotation direction detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (e) focus ring rotation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (f) focus ring rotation speed detecting means for detecting the speed of rotation of said focus ring by a generation interval said pulse signal; (g) drive speed setting means for setting the speed of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation speed detecting means; (h) drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation direction detecting means; (i) drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation amount detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said lens driving drive source; and (j) drive source control means for controlling said lens driving drive source in accordance with the speed of drive set in said drive speed setting means, the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
274 words
A power focus device in a camera comprising: (a) a manually rotatively operated focus ring; (b) a lens driving drive source for driving a focusing lens; (c) pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; (d) focus ring rotation direction detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (e) focus ring rotation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (f) focus ring rotation speed detecting means for detecting the speed of rotation of said focus ring by a generation interval said pulse signal; (g) drive speed setting means for setting the speed of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation speed detecting means; (h) drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation direction detecting means; (i) drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation amount detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said lens driving drive source; and (j) drive source control means for controlling said lens driving drive source in accordance with the speed of drive set in said drive speed setting means, the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said focus ring is rotatably supported on a photo-taking lens barrel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein a motor is used as said lens driving drive source, and said motor is contained in said photo-taking lens barrel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said drive speed setting means sets the speed of drive of said lens driving drive source to a faster speed as the speed of rotation of said focus ring is faster.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
280 words
A power focus device in a camera comprising: (a) a manually rotatively operated focus ring; (b) a lens driving drive source for driving a focusing lens; (c) pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; (d) focus ring rotation direction detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (e) focus ring rotation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (f) drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation direction detecting means; (g) drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation amount detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said lens driving drive source; (h) drive source control means for controlling said lens driving drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means; and (i) forcible stopping means for stopping said lens driving drive source when the operation of said focus ring is stopped during the driving of said lens driving drive source, said forcible stopping means being effective to detect the time when said pulse signal is not generated and to judge that the operation of said focus ring has been stopped when it detects that said pulse signal is not generated for more than a set time.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
280 words
A power focus device in a camera comprising: (a) a manually rotatively operated focus ring; (b) a lens driving drive source for driving a focusing lens; (c) pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; (d) focus ring rotation direction detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (e) focus ring rotation amount detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; (f) drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said lens driving drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation direction detecting means; (g) drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection in said focus ring rotation amount detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said lens driving drive source; (h) drive source control means for controlling said lens driving drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means; and (i) forcible stopping means for stopping said lens driving drive source when the operation of said focus ring is stopped during the driving of said lens driving drive source, said forcible stopping means being effective to detect the time when said pulse signal is not generated and to judge that the operation of said focus ring has been stopped when it detects that said pulse signal is not generated for more than a set time.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 15, wherein said focus ring is rotatably supported on a photo-taking lens barrel.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 16, wherein a motor is used as said lens driving drive source, and said motor is contained in said photo-taking lens barrel.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
223 words
A power focus device for a camera, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; a drive amount setting circuit for memorizing the result of the detection by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit; and a reversing circuit for immediately reversing said drive source, said reversing circuit changing the setting in said drive direction setting circuit and returning said drive amount setting circuit to its initial state and immediately reversing said drive source when said focus ring has been rotated in a reverse direction.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
223 words
A power focus device for a camera, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; a drive amount setting circuit for memorizing the result of the detection by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit; and a reversing circuit for immediately reversing said drive source, said reversing circuit changing the setting in said drive direction setting circuit and returning said drive amount setting circuit to its initial state and immediately reversing said drive source when said focus ring has been rotated in a reverse direction.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
98 words
A device according to claim 18, wherein said drive source comprises a motor, and wherein said pulse generating means includes a detecting member which generates said pulse signal in response to the rotation of said focus ring, and wherein said first detecting means includes a detecting member which generates a signal corresponding to the rotating direction of said focus ring, and wherein said second detecting means includes a detecting circuit which detects the amount of rotation of said focus ring on the basis of the number of pulses of said pulse signal generated by said pulse generating means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 19, wherein said detecting member in said pulse generating means and said detecting member in said first detecting means are arranged as a common structure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
189 words
An interchangeable lens, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit; and a reversing circuit for immediately reversing said drive source, said reversing circuit changing the setting in said drive direction setting circuit and returning said drive amount setting circuit to its initial state and immediately reversing said drive source when said focus ring has been rotated in a reverse direction.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
189 words
An interchangeable lens, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection in said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit; and a reversing circuit for immediately reversing said drive source, said reversing circuit changing the setting in said drive direction setting circuit and returning said drive amount setting circuit to its initial state and immediately reversing said drive source when said focus ring has been rotated in a reverse direction.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
98 words
A lens according to claim 21, wherein said drive source comprises a motor, and wherein said pulse generating means includes a detecting member which generates said pulse signal in response to the rotation of said focus ring, and wherein said first detecting means includes a detecting member which generates a signal corresponding to the rotating direction of said focus ring, and wherein said second detecting means includes a detecting circuit which detects the amount of rotation of said focus ring on the basis of the number of pulses of said pulse signal generated by said pulse generating means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
A lens according to claim 22, wherein said detecting member in said pulse generating means and said detecting member in said first detecting means are arranged as a common structure.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
196 words
A power focus device for a camera, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; a drive amount setting circuit for memorizing the result of the detection by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; and a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit, said control circuit being effective to stop said drive source at a point of time corresponding to said set amount of drive.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
196 words
A power focus device for a camera, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; a drive amount setting circuit for memorizing the result of the detection by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; and a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit, said control circuit being effective to stop said drive source at a point of time corresponding to said set amount of drive.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
98 words
A device according to claim 24, wherein said drive source comprises a motor, and wherein said pulse generating means includes a detecting member which generates said pulse signal in response to the rotation of said focus ring, and wherein said first detecting means includes a detecting member which generates a signal corresponding to the rotating direction of said focus ring, and wherein said second detecting means includes a detecting circuit which detects the amount of rotation of said focus ring on the basis of the number of pulses of said pulse signal generated by said pulse generating means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 25, wherein said detecting member in said pulse generating means and said detecting member in said first detecting means are arranged as a common structure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
191 words
An interchangeable lens, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; a drive setting circuit for memorizing the result of the direction by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; and a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit, said control circuit being effective to stop said drive source at a point of time corresponding to said set amount of drive.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
191 words
An interchangeable lens, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; a drive setting circuit for memorizing the result of the direction by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; and a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit, said control circuit being effective to stop said drive source at a point of time corresponding to said set amount of drive.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
98 words
A lens according to claim 27, wherein said drive source comprises a motor, an wherein said pulse generating means includes a detecting member which generates said pulse signal in response to the rotation of said focus ring, and wherein said first detecting means includes a detecting member which generates a signal corresponding to the rotating direction of said focus ring, and wherein said second detecting means includes a detecting circuit which detects the amount of rotation of said focus ring on the basis of the number of pulses of said pulse signal generated by said pulse generating means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
A lens according to claim 28, wherein said detecting member in said pulse generating means and said detecting member in said first detecting means are arranged as a common structure.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
223 words
A power focus device for a camera, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; speed detecting means for detecting the speed of rotation of said focus ring; drive speed setting means for setting the speed of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said speed detecting means; drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; and control means for controlling said drive source in accordance with the speed of drive set in said drive speed setting means, the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means, and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
223 words
A power focus device for a camera, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; speed detecting means for detecting the speed of rotation of said focus ring; drive speed setting means for setting the speed of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said speed detecting means; drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; and control means for controlling said drive source in accordance with the speed of drive set in said drive speed setting means, the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means, and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
98 words
A device according to claim 30, wherein said drive source comprises a motor, and wherein said pulse generating means includes a detecting member which generates said pulse signal in response to the rotation of said focus ring, and wherein said first detecting means has a detecting member which generates a signal corresponding to the rotating direction of said focus ring, and wherein said second detecting means has a detecting circuit which detects the amount of rotation of said focus ring on the basis of the number of pulses of said pulse signal generated by said pulse generating means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 31, wherein said detecting member in said pulse generating means and said detecting member in said first detecting means are arranged as a common structure.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 30, wherein said speed detecting means detects the rotation speed of said focus ring on the basis of said pulse signal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 33, wherein said drive speed setting means detects the speed of rotation of said focus ring by a generation interval of said pulse signal.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device according to claim 33, wherein said drive speed setting means sets the speed of drive of said drive source to a faster speed as the speed of rotation of said focus ring increases
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
219 words
An interchangeable lens, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; speed detecting means for detecting the speed of rotation of said focus ring; drive speed setting means for setting the speed of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said speed detecting means; drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; and control means for controlling said drive source in accordance with the speed of drive set in said drive speed setting means, the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means, and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
219 words
An interchangeable lens, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; speed detecting means for detecting the speed of rotation of said focus ring; drive speed setting means for setting the speed of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said speed detecting means; drive direction setting means for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection by said first detecting means; drive amount setting means for memorizing the result of the detection by said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; and control means for controlling said drive source in accordance with the speed of drive set in said drive speed setting means, the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting means, and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
98 words
A lens according to claim 36, wherein said drive source comprises a motor, and wherein said pulse generating means includes a detecting member which generates said pulse signal in response to the rotation of said focus ring, and wherein said first detecting mans includes a detecting member which generates a signal corresponding to the rotating direction of said focus ring, and wherein said second detecting means has a detecting circuit which detects the amount of rotation of said focus ring on the basis of the amount of pulses of said pulse signal generated by said pulse generating means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
A lens according to claim 37, wherein said detecting member in said pulse generating means and said detecting member in said first detecting means are arranged as a common structure.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
A lens according to claim 36, wherein said speed detecting means detects the rotation speed of said focus ring on the basis of said pulse signal.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
A lens according to claim 39, wherein said drive speed setting means detects the speed of rotation of said focus ring by a generation interval of said pulse signal.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
35 words
A lens according to claim 39, wherein said drive speed setting means sets the speed of drive of said drive source to a faster speed as the speed of rotation of said focus ring increases.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
252 words
A power focus device for a camera, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection performed in said first detecting means; a drive amount setting circuit for memorizing the result of the detection performed in said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit; and a stopping circuit for stopping said drive source when the operation of said focus ring is stopped during the driving of said drive source, said stopping circuit including a timer circuit to detect the time when said pulse signal is not generated, said stopping circuit detecting that the operation of said focus ring has been stopped when said timer circuit detects that said pulse signal is not generated for more than a predetermined period of time.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
252 words
A power focus device for a camera, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection performed in said first detecting means; a drive amount setting circuit for memorizing the result of the detection performed in said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit; and a stopping circuit for stopping said drive source when the operation of said focus ring is stopped during the driving of said drive source, said stopping circuit including a timer circuit to detect the time when said pulse signal is not generated, said stopping circuit detecting that the operation of said focus ring has been stopped when said timer circuit detects that said pulse signal is not generated for more than a predetermined period of time.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
98 words
A device according to claim 42, wherein said drive source comprises a motor, and wherein said pulse generating means includes a detecting member which generates said pulse signal in response to the rotation of said focus ring, and wherein said first detecting means includes a detecting member which generates a signal corresponding to the rotating direction of said focus ring, and wherein said second detecting means includes a detecting circuit which detects the amount of rotation of said focus ring on the basis of the number of pulses of said pulse signal generated by said pulse generating means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 43, wherein said detecting member in said pulse generating means and said detecting member in said first detecting means are arranged as a common structure.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
248 words
An interchangeable lens, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection performed in said first detecting means; a drive amount setting circuit for memorizing the result of the detection performed in said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit; and a stopping circuit for stopping said drive source when the operation of said focus ring is stopped during the driving of said drive source, said stopping circuit including a timer circuit for detecting the time when said pulse signal is not generated, said stopping circuit detecting that the operation of said focus ring has been stopped when said timer circuit detects that said pulse signal is not generated for more than a predetermined period of time.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
248 words
An interchangeable lens, comprising: a manually operated rotating focus ring; a drive source for driving a focusing lens; pulse generating means operatively associated with the rotation of said focus ring to generate a pulse signal conforming to the amount of rotation of said focus ring; first detecting means for detecting the direction of rotation of said focus ring; second detecting means for detecting the amount of rotation of said focus ring from said pulse signal; a drive direction setting circuit for setting the direction of drive of said drive source on the basis of the result of the detection performed in said first detecting means; a drive amount setting circuit for memorizing the result of the detection performed in said second detecting means and setting the memorized value as the amount of drive of said drive source; a control circuit for controlling said drive source in accordance with the direction of drive set in said drive direction setting circuit and the amount of drive set in said drive amount setting circuit; and a stopping circuit for stopping said drive source when the operation of said focus ring is stopped during the driving of said drive source, said stopping circuit including a timer circuit for detecting the time when said pulse signal is not generated, said stopping circuit detecting that the operation of said focus ring has been stopped when said timer circuit detects that said pulse signal is not generated for more than a predetermined period of time.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
97 words
A lens according to claim 45, wherein said drive source comprises a motor, and wherein said generating means includes a detecting member which generates said pulse signal in response to the rotation of said focus ring, and wherein said first detecting means includes a detecting member which generates a signal corresponding to the rotating direction of said focus ring, and wherein said second detecting means includes a detecting circuit which detects the amount of rotation of said focus ring on the basis of the number of pulses of said pulse signal generated by said pulse generating means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
30 words
A lens according to claim 46, wherein said detecting member in said pulse generating means and said detecting member in said first detecting means are arranged as a common structure.
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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) | 1992-09-04 | 1993-03-06 | 1993-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-04 | 1997-03-06 | 1997-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-04 | 2001-03-06 | 2001-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |