US4870438A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flash photography system
Assignee: Minolta Co Ltd
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Filing: 1987-12-01
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Granted: 1989-09-26
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Expires: 2007-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A flash photographing system includes a camera body, a flash controller connected to the camera body and three flash devices: the first flash device is directly mounted on the camera body; the second flash device is mounted on the flash controller; and the third flash device is connected through a suitable cord to the flash controller. A microcomputer is provided in the camera body and also in each of the flash devices so as to control the three flash devices in various different modes of operations, such as simultaneous flash mode, sequence flash mode, and yet providing an appropriate amount of light for the proper exposure.
Inventors
- 👤 Nobuyuki Taniguchi
- 👤 Hiroshi Hosomizu
- 👤 Kenji Tsuji
- 👤 Takanobu Omaki
- 👤 Masaaki Nakai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:08
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B7/00; G03B7/16; G03B15/00; G03B15/02; G03B15/03; G03B15/05; G03B2215/00; G03B2215/05; G03B2215/0514; G03B2215/0557; G03B2215/056
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A flash photography system, comprising: first means for providing artificial illuminating light used for illuminating a main object; second means for providing a predetermined amount of artificial illuminating light used for illuminating an object other than the main object; first means of generating a first initiating signal to cause said first providing means to provide the artificial illuminating light; second means for generating a second initiating signal to cause said second providing means to provide the artificial illuminating light other than the time period during which said first providing means is providing the artificial illuminating light; and means for controlling said first providing means so that a correct exposure to the main object is attained by means of the artificial illuminating light only from said first providing means; said second providing means illuminating the object other than the main object the predetermined amount of light irrespective of the amount of light controlled by said controlling means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
A flash photography system, comprising: first means for providing artificial illuminating light used for illuminating a main object; second means for providing a predetermined amount of artificial illuminating light used for illuminating an object other than the main object; first means of generating a first initiating signal to cause said first providing means to provide the artificial illuminating light; second means for generating a second initiating signal to cause said second providing means to provide the artificial illuminating light other than the time period during which said first providing means is providing the artificial illuminating light; and means for controlling said first providing means so that a correct exposure to the main object is attained by means of the artificial illuminating light only from said first providing means; said second providing means illuminating the object other than the main object the predetermined amount of light irrespective of the amount of light controlled by said controlling means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said controlling means includes means for receiving and intergrating light from an object and for terminating the provision of the artificial illuminating light when the integrated light reaches a predetermined amount.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said first generating means is adapted to function first and the second generating means is responsive to the first initiating signal with a predetermined delay.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said first providing means is for illuminating a main object and said second providing means is for illuminating the background to remove a shadow of the main object on the background.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system according to claim 1, wherein said first providing means includes first light emitting means responsive to the first initiating signal and a second light emitting means responsive to the first initiating signal with a predetermined delay, the correct exposure being attained by cooperation of said first and said second light emitting means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system according to claim 3, wherein said second generating means is separable from a camera body at an electric connector therebetween.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
122 words
A flash photography system, comprising: a camera body including means for generating a first initiating signal and first and second electric connectors both for outputting the first initiating signal; a first attachment for providing artificial illuminating light and connecting to said camera body with said first electric connector, including means for causing the provision of the artificial illumination light in response to said first initiating signal; and a second attachment for providing artificial illuminating light connected to said camera body with said second electric connectors, including means for generating a second initiating signal in response to said first initiating signal with a predetermined delay, and means for causing the provision of the artificial illuminating light in response to said second initiating signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
122 words
A flash photography system, comprising: a camera body including means for generating a first initiating signal and first and second electric connectors both for outputting the first initiating signal; a first attachment for providing artificial illuminating light and connecting to said camera body with said first electric connector, including means for causing the provision of the artificial illumination light in response to said first initiating signal; and a second attachment for providing artificial illuminating light connected to said camera body with said second electric connectors, including means for generating a second initiating signal in response to said first initiating signal with a predetermined delay, and means for causing the provision of the artificial illuminating light in response to said second initiating signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system according to claim 7, wherein said second generating means in said second attachment includes means for counting a predetermined time period in response to said first initiating signal to generate said second initiating signal to cause the provision of the artificial illuminating light of said second attachment other than the time period during which said first attachment is providing the artifial illuminating light.
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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) | 1992-09-25 | 1993-03-27 | 1993-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-25 | 1997-03-27 | 1997-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-25 | 2001-03-27 | 2001-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |