US4936664A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Zoom lens drive system for camera
Assignee: Pentax Corp
•
Filing: 1987-05-12
•
Granted: 1990-06-26
•
Expires: 2007-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A zoom lens for a camera, having a between-the-lens shutter, includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor. <IMAGE>
Inventors
- 👤 Keisuke Haraguchi
- 👤 Shinsuke Kohmoto
- 👤 Takeo Kobayashi
- 👤 Shigeru Kondoh
- 👤 Hideki Ohkubo
- 👤 Norio Numako
- 👤 Saburo Sugawara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:34
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/02; G03B17/04; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/02; G02B7/04; G02B7/10; G02B7/102; G03B13/00; G03B13/02; G03B13/10; G03B13/12; G02B23/00; G02B23/14; G02B23/145; G03B2215/00; G03B2215/05; G03B2215/0503; G03B2217/00; G03B2217/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 183
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A zoom lens drive system for a camera, said system comprising: (a) a zoom lens; (b) a reversible motor operable for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions between and including spaced terminus positions for establishing the focal length of the lens; (c) switch means operable by an operator, said switch means including at least a zoom switch for identifying the direction of movement of said lens towards a terminus destination of said lens; and (d) control means responsive to the switch means for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from an initial position, determined by the position of the lens when the operator begins to operate the switch means, to a final position, determined by the switch means, always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction independently of the terminus destination identified by the switch means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A zoom lens drive system for a camera, said system comprising: (a) a zoom lens; (b) a reversible motor operable for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions between and including spaced terminus positions for establishing the focal length of the lens; (c) switch means operable by an operator, said switch means including at least a zoom switch for identifying the direction of movement of said lens towards a terminus destination of said lens; and (d) control means responsive to the switch means for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from an initial position, determined by the position of the lens when the operator begins to operate the switch means, to a final position, determined by the switch means, always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction independently of the terminus destination identified by the switch means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 1, wherein one of said terminus positions is a telephoto terminus position, and the other of said terminus positions is a wide angle terminus position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 1, wherein said lens is of a type having a between-the-lens shutter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 1, wherein said lens is positionable between and including a wide angle terminus position representing the shortest focal length and a telephoto terminus position representing the longest focal length, said predetermined direction being in a forward direction toward the telephoto terminus position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
195 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes: (a) position detection means for detecting the position of the lens along the optical axis between and including the terminus positions; (b) direction detection means for detecting the directional movement of said lens; (c) logic means responsive to the switch means, to the position detection means, and to the direction detection means, said logic means comprising means for operating the motor in a direction such that the lens moves toward the terminus destination identified by said switch means, at least until said position detection means detects the arrival of the lens at said final position, said logic means thereafter either: (1) stopping operation of the motor, if the lens arrives at said final position moving in said predetermined direction; or (2) continuing operation of the motor, if the lens arrives at said final position moving in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction, and thereafter reversing the direction of rotation of said motor and causing said motor to move the lens in said predetermined direction only until said position detecting means detects the arrival of said lens at said final position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
136 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes: (a) direction detection means for detecting the directional movement of said lens; and (b) logic means responsive to the switch means and to the direction detection means, said logic means comprising means for operating the motor in a direction such that the lens moves towards the terminus destination identified by said switch means, said logic means thereafter either: (1) stopping operation of the motor, if the lens arrives at said final position moving in said predetermined direction; or (2) continuing operation of the motor, if the lens arrives at said final position moving in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction, thereafter reversing the direction of rotation of said motor and causing said motor to move the lens in said predetermined direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
86 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 6, wherein, if the lens is moving in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction, said logic means comprises means for stopping motor operation and further lens movement for a predetermined time after either: (a) operator deselection of the selected operational position of the zoom switch, if this occurs before the lens arrives at the identified terminus; or (b) arrival of the lens at the identified terminus if the selected operational position of the zoom switch is maintained.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
101 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 7, wherein said logic means comprises means for effecting motor operation and movement of the lens in said predetermined direction after the end of said predetermined time in order to: (a) move the lens back to the identified terminus if said identified terminus has been reached by the lens during movement of said lens in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction; and (b) move the lens away from said identified terminus if operator de-selection of the selected operational position of the zoom switch occurred before the lens had reached the identified terminus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said identified terminus is said side angle terminus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 6, wherein said logic means comprises means for continuing operation of the motor in said opposite direction for a predetermined period of time prior to reversing the direction of rotation of the motor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
62 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 1, including: (a) a between-the-lens shutter mounted for movement with the lens; (b) means for focusing the lens on a subject to be photographed as a function of the distance of the subject from the camera; and (c) means for effecting focus of the lens only after the lens arrives at said final position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 1, further comprising a take-up motor actuatable for taking up exposed film and means for actuating the take-up motor only after the shutter has been actuated.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 12, further comprising means for preventing simultaneous operation of said reversible motor and said take-up motor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
243 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 1, wherein (a) one of said terminus positions is a wide angle terminus position representative of the shortest focal length of the camera, and the other of said terminus positions is a telephoto terminus position representing the longest focal length of said camera when said lens is in a zoom operation mode; (b) said switch means includes a mode switch having a zoom position selectable by an operator and said zoom switch, wherein said zoom switch includes two operational position individually selectable by an operator, one of said operational positions comprising means for identifying the wide angle terminus position as the destination for said lens, and the other of said operational positions comprising means for identifying the telephoto terminus position as the destination of said lens; and (c) said control means includes position detecting means for detecting the position of said lens, direction detecting means for detecting the direction of movement of said lens, and logic means responsive to said position detecting means, said direction detecting means, and said switch means, said logic means comprising means for effecting operation of said motor such that, in response to operator selection of said zoom position of said mode switch, and positioning of said zoom switch in one of said operational positions, said motor operates to move said lens in the direction of the terminus identified by said operational position of said zoom switch selected by said operator.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 14, wherein said logic means comprises means for disabling operation of said motor when said lens occupies the identified terminus position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
73 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 14, wherein said logic means comprises means for stopping operation of the motor and further movement of the lens in response to either: (a) operator deselection of the selective operational position of the zoom switch before the lens reaches the identified terminus; or (b) arrival of the lens at the identified terminus, provided that said lens is moving in said predetermined direction prior to stopping.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
90 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 14, wherein: (a) the lens is movable to a macro position beyond the telephoto terminus position for effecting close-up photography; (b) said mode switch has a macro position selectable by an operator; and (c) said logic means is responsive to operator selection of the macro position of the mode switch for operating the motor such that the lens is moved to the macro position regardless of the position of the lens when the operator selects the macro position of the mode switch.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
99 words
A zoom lens drive system is accordance with claim 14, wherein: (a) the lens is movable to a lock position beyond the wide angle terminus position for parking the lens when the camera is not in use; (b) said mode switch has a lock position selectable by the operator; and (c) said logic means is responsive to operator selection of the lock position of the mode switch for operating the motor such that the lens is moved to said lock position regardless of the position of the lens when the operator selects the lock position of the mode switch.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
109 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 11, wherein the distance between said wide angle terminus and said telephoto terminus positions is divided into a plurality of discrete focal-length steps, wherein said logic means is responsive to operator selection of an operational position of the zoom lens by said zoom switch for stopping movement of said lens at a final position spaced from an initial position, said initial position comprising a position of the lens when the operator selects an operational position of the zoom switch, the final position of the lens being spaced from the initial position of the lens by a predetermined number of said steps.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 19, wherein said logic means comprises means for disabling operation of the reversible motor if the lens occupies the identified terminus.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 20 wherein the identified terminus is the telephoto terminus position, and wherein said logic means disables operation of said motor when said lens reaches said telephoto terminus position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
66 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 20, wherein said identified terminus position is said wide angle terminus position, wherein said logic means disables operation of said motor after said lens has moved in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction, over a predetermined distance beyond said wide angle terminus position, and therefore reverses movement of said lens back to said wide angle terminus position.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim, wherein said logic means comprises means responsive to said zoom switch.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
67 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 19, wherein said logic means is responsive to the zoom switch to move the lens towards the terminus position identified by the operational position of the zoom switch selected by the operator, in focal length step increments, as long as the selected operational position of the zoom switch and a zoom position of the mode switch are not deselected.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
61 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 19, wherein said logic means comprises means for effective motor operation and further movement of the lens after the lens reaches a final position spaced from the initial position by at least one focal length step if the lens has moved to said final position in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
44 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 25, wherein said logic means comprises means for stopping motor operation for a predetermined period of time after said further movement of said lens, said further movement being in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
47 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 26, wherein said logic means comprises means for reversing the direction of rotation of said motor and for moving said lens in said predetermined direction after said predetermined time in order to return the lens to said final position.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 26, wherein said lens moves in single focal length step increments.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
79 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 19, further including delay means for introducing a predetermined pause in operation of the reversible motor, said logic means being responsive to arrival of the lens at said final position when said lens moves in said predetermined direction and to effect operation of said delay means to stop movement of said lens for a predetermined time at said final position when the selected operational position of said zoom switch is maintained.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 29, wherein said logic means comprises means for disabling operation of said motor when said lens occupies the telephoto terminus position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
81 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 29, wherein said logic means comprises means being responsive to the position of said zoom switch to move said lens towards the terminus position identified by the operational position of the zoom switch selected by the operator in predetermined focal length step increments as long as the zoom operational position of the mode switch is not deselected, said delay means comprising means for introducing a predetermined pause between incremental movements of said lens.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
63 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 29, wherein said logic means comprises means for effecting motor operation and further movement of the lens after the lens reaches a position spaced from the initial position of said lens by said predetermined focal length step increments if the lens has moved to said spaced position in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
66 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 32, wherein said logic means further comprises means for stopping operation of said reversible motor for a predetermined time after the lens reaches a position spaced from the initial position of said lens by a multiple of said predetermined number of focal length step increments when the lens has moved in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
40 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 33, wherein said logic means comprises means for reversing the direction of rotation of said reversible motor and for moving said lens in said predetermined direction after said predetermined time has elapsed.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 32, wherein said focal length step increments comprise single focal length step increments.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
70 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 32, wherein said control means includes memory means for storing data representative of the position of said lens along said optical axis, and wherein said logic means is responsive to a change in the operational position of the zoom switch for storing the position occupied by the lens in said memory means whenever the operational position of said zoom switch is changed.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
73 words
A zoom lens drive system according to claim 36 wherein said logic means is further responsive to an operator change in the setting of the mode switch from a zoom position to either a macro or a lock position by memorizing the last stored position occupied by the lens prior to said mode switch change in said memory means whenever the operational position of said mode switch is changed from said zoom position.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
108 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a lens shutter type of camera having a zoom lens system which is movable along an optical axis by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said lens system, said apparatus including means for driving said driving source during zooming operation of said lens system, means for reversing the direction of movement of said zoom lens system only when movement of said zoom lens system in a direction opposite to a predetermined direction has ended, and means for stopping actuation of said driving source after said driving source has reversed movement of said lens system.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
108 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a lens shutter type of camera having a zoom lens system which is movable along an optical axis by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said lens system, said apparatus including means for driving said driving source during zooming operation of said lens system, means for reversing the direction of movement of said zoom lens system only when movement of said zoom lens system in a direction opposite to a predetermined direction has ended, and means for stopping actuation of said driving source after said driving source has reversed movement of said lens system.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis in a predetermined direction and in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said lens system, said apparatus including means for driving said driving source during a zooming position of said lens system and means for terminating movement of said lens system during zooming operation only when said lens system is moving in said predetermined direction.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
89 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis in a predetermined direction and in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said lens system, said apparatus including means for driving said driving source during a zooming position of said lens system and means for terminating movement of said lens system during zooming operation only when said lens system is moving in said predetermined direction.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 39, wherein said means for driving the driving source includes a zoom switch movable between a neutral inoperable position and two lens system terminus positions.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 40, wherein said two terminus positions comprise a telephoto terminus position and a wide angle terminus position, and wherein said predetermined direction is towards said telephoto terminus position.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 41, further comprising means for reversing the direction of movement of said zoom lens system prior to termination of said movement only when said lens system is moving in said opposite direction.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 42, further comprising means for terminating actuation of said driving source after movement of said lens system is completed.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 42, wherein said means for terminating actuation of said driving source operates after reversal of the direction of movement of said lens system, wherein said opposite direction of movement is towards said wide angle terminus position.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 42, wherein said means for reversing the direction of movement of said lens system comprises means for compensating for backlash in a drive system which connects the driving source to said lens system.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 39, wherein said driving source comprises a reversible motor.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 46, wherein said code sheet comprises a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of nonconductive portions, said apparatus further comprising a plurality of conductive brushes.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 47, wherein said brushes are adapted to selectively contact said conductive portions of said code sheet and produce signals representative of the angular position of said cam ring.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 48, wherein said signals comprise cam ring positional information in the form of zoom code data which is fed to a zoom code encoder.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
62 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 49, wherein said code sheet is divided into a plurality of steps representative of different angular positions of the cam ring, each of said steps representing a distinct focal length position for said camera and said lens system, said steps further comprising a lock position and a macro photographic position.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 39, further comprising means for detecting the position of said lens system along said optical axis.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 51, wherein said position detecting means comprises a code sheet attached to the outer circumference of a cam ring attached to said lens system.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 52, further comprising a mode changeover switch which comprises means for controlling the rotation of said cam ring, said mode changeover switch being selectively positionable by an operator into a macrd photographic position, a zoom position, and a lock position.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
66 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 53, further comprising a zoom switch selectively movable by an operator from a neutral inoperable position into a wide angle terminus position or a telephoto terminus position, said zoom switch thereby comprising means for selectively rotating said reversible motor forwardly or rearwardly dependent upon the position of said zoom switch selected by said operator.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
59 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 54, further comprising a zoom motor control unit which includes a first CFU, said zoom motor control unit being adapted to receive data from said mode changeover switch, said zoom switch, and from the zoom code encoder having data representative of the positions of said cam ring.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 55, wherein said zoom code encoder comprises means for converting the angular positions of said cam ring detected by said conductive brushes into zoom code data and means for supplying said zoom code data to said first CPU.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
74 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 55, further comprising a main control unit which includes a second CPU, said main control unit comprising means for controlling the rotation of a film takeup motor, for driving and controlling a shutter block, for controlling operation and movement of a strobe unit, and for selectively outputting a motor disable signal to said first CPU in order to disable said driving source.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 57, wherein said means for generating said motor disable signal comprise means for generating said signal when a film takeup drive motor is activated.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 54, wherein said mode changeover switch, when moved into said lock position, comprises means for preventing release of a camera shutter and for preventing zooming movement of said lens system.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 54, wherein said mode changeover switch, when positioned in the zoom position, permits release of said shutter and zooming operation of said lens system.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 54, wherein said mode changeover switch, when set at said macro photographic position, comprises means for preventing zooming movement of said lens system and permits release of said shutter.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 54, wherein said zoom switch, when moved from said neutral position to either said wide angle position or said telephoto position, comprises means for rotating said reversible motor either in reverse or forwardly, respectively, thereby moving said lens system in either said opposite direction or in said predetermined direction.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 54, further comprising logic means for determining the position of the mode changeover switch and for determining the position of said zoom switch.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 54, further comprising a zoom motor control unit which includes a first CPU, said zoom motor control unit being responsive to data received from said plurality of conductive brushes.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 54, wherein said zoom switch comprises means, when moved into said neutral position, for stopping movement of said cam ring and said lens system at any desired focal length of said lens system.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
156 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, said means for detecting the positions of the zoom lens system along the optical axis comprising a code sheet having a plurality of indicating portions for indicating the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
156 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, said means for detecting the positions of the zoom lens system along the optical axis comprising a code sheet having a plurality of indicating portions for indicating the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 66, wherein said code sheet is positioned about said lens system and has a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of nonconductive portions.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
78 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 67, wherein said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system further comprises a plurality of conductive brushes, said conductive brushes comprising means for detecting the angular positions of a cam ring positioned between said lens system and said code sheet, each of said brushes comprising means for transmitting signals, representing the position of said cam ring, in the form of zoom code data.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
33 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with 68, said cam ring having an outer periphery and said code sheet being attached to the outer periphery of said cam ring.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
33 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with 68, said cam ring having an outer periphery and said code sheet being attached to the outer periphery of said cam ring.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 68, further comprising a zoom code encoder which is adapted to receive the zoom code data from said brushes.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 70, wherein said driving source comprises a reversible motor.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 71, wherein said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement comprises logic means which are adapted to receive said zoom code data from said position detecting means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 67, wherein said predetermined displacement comprises one focal length step.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 73, wherein said predetermined displacement is towards a telephoto terminus position of said zoom lens.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 73, wherein said predetermined displacement is towards a wide angle terminus position of said zoom lens, said predetermined displacement being equal to a net displacement of one focal length step.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 75, wherein said predetermined displacement is effected by means for moving said zoom lens system towards said wide angle terminus position by two focal length steps and means for thereafter moving said zoom lens system towards said telephoto terminus position by one focal length step so that the final position of said zoom lens system will be one focal length step away from the initial position of said zoom lens system.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 66, wherein said lens system is movable at least between and including a wide angle terminus position and a telephoto terminus position, the distance between said two terminus positions being divided into a plurality of focal length step increments, said apparatus including logic means responsive to operator selection of an operational position for said zoom lens system for terminating movement of said lens system at a final position spaced from an initial position defined by the position of the lens system when the operator selects said operational position with a zoom switch, said final position being spaced from said initial position by a predetermined number of said steps.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 77, wherein said predetermined number of steps comprises one step.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 77, including said logic means for disabling operation of said driving source when said lens system occupies one of said terminus positions.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
60 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 79, wherein said logic means is responsive to said zoom switch and thereby comprises means for moving said lens system in increments equal to discrete focal length steps towards one of said terminus positions as identified by an operational position of the zoom switch selected by the operator.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 79, wherein said logic means comprises means for stopping motor operation and further movement of said lens system for a predetermined time period when said lens system reaches a position spaced from said initial position of said lens system by at least one focal length step.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 81, wherein said driving source operates to move said lens system forwardly by one step when said lens system moves in a predetermined direction towards said telephoto terminus position.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 82, wherein said driving source operates to move said lens system towards said wide angle terminus position by two focal length steps when said lens system moves in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
62 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 83, wherein said logic means comprises means for terminating movement of said lens system in said opposite direction, and reversing the direction of rotation of said driving source to thereby move said lens system in said predetermined direction over one focal length step after a predetermined time period has elapsed.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
118 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 66, further comprising a mode changeover switch and a zoom switch, said mode changeover switch being selectively positionable by an operator in a lock position in which said driving source will rotate in a reverse direction until said lens system is detected at said lock position, a macro position in which said driving source will rotate forwardly to drive said lens system forwardly along said optical axis until said lens system reaches a macro photographic position, and a zoom position in which said lens system can be located in any photographic position of a desired focal length within the zooming movement range of said lens system.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 85, wherein said mode changeover switch comprises means for stopping rotation of said driving source when said lens system reaches its destination in either of said lock and macro positions of said mode changeover switch.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
62 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 85, wherein said zoom switch is movable between a neutral inoperative position, a telephoto position in which it comprises means for moving said lens system towards a telephoto terminus position, and a wide position in which it comprises means for moving said lens system towards a wide angle terminus position.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 85, wherein said zoom switch comprises means, when moved towards the telephoto terminus position, for moving said lens system one focal length step in the direction of the telephoto terminus position.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 85, wherein said zoom switch comprises means, when moved to said wide position, for moving said lens system one focal length step towards said side angle terminus position in a manner so as to compensate for backlash resulting from the drive system which connects said driving source to said lens system.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 66, wherein said zoom lens system is movable between and including a plurality of focal length positions including a wide angle terminus position and a telephoto terminus position, said lens system being movable beyond said telephoto terminus position to a macro photographic position and beyond said wide angle terminus position to an inoperable lock position.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 90, wherein said apparatus further comprises a mode changeover switch, said mode changeover switch comprising means for moving said zoom lens from a macro photographic position to said telephoto terminus position when said mode changeover switch is moved from a macro position to a zoom position.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 90, wherein said zoom lens is movable from a telephoto terminus position into a macro photographic position when said mode changeover switch is changed from a zoom position to a macro position.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 90, wherein said mode changeover switch comprises means for moving said lens system from a wide angle terminus position to an inoperative lock position when said mode changeover switch is changed from its zoom position to its lock position.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 90, wherein said mode changeover switch comprises means for moving said zoom lens from an inoperative lock position into a wide angle terminus position when said mode changeover switch is switched from a lock position to a zoom position.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 66, wherein movement of said lens system ends when said lens system is traveling in a predetermined direction.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 66, wherein said plurality of code sheet indicating portions comprise a plurality of conductive portions.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 96, wherein said code sheet also includes a plurality of non-conductive portions.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 96, wherein said conductive portions are electrically conductive portions.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 66, wherein said code sheet is positioned about said lens system.
Claim 105
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus further comprising means for driving said driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement during operation of said driving source, said means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system being operable in response to position detection signals received from said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system, means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, means for determining whether further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, and means for moving said zoom lens system over an additional predetermined displacement when said further movement determining means determines that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, wherein movement of said zoom lens system ends only when said zoom lens system is traveling in a predetermined direction.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
216 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus further comprising means for driving said driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement during operation of said driving source, said means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system being operable in response to position detection signals received from said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system, means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, means for determining whether further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, and means for moving said zoom lens system over an additional predetermined displacement when said further movement determining means determines that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, wherein movement of said zoom lens system ends only when said zoom lens system is traveling in a predetermined direction.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 100, further comprising a zoom switch for selectively determining a terminus position, towards which said zoom lens system will move.
Claim 108
Independent Claim
179 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in lens shutter type of camera, said camera having at least two operation modes, a zoom mode in which said zoom lens system is movable within a predetermined zooming range and at least one specific mode in which said zoom lens system is moved beyond said zooming range, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for selectively moving said zoom lens system between said zooming mode and said specific mode, means for storing data representing the position detected by said position detecting means, and means for driving the zoom lens system to a position represented by said stored position data when the operation mode of said camera is changed from a specific mode to said zoom mode.
Claim 109
Independent Claim
179 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in lens shutter type of camera, said camera having at least two operation modes, a zoom mode in which said zoom lens system is movable within a predetermined zooming range and at least one specific mode in which said zoom lens system is moved beyond said zooming range, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for selectively moving said zoom lens system between said zooming mode and said specific mode, means for storing data representing the position detected by said position detecting means, and means for driving the zoom lens system to a position represented by said stored position data when the operation mode of said camera is changed from a specific mode to said zoom mode.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 102, wherein said specific mode is a macro photographic mode of said camera.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 102, wherein said specific mode comprises an inoperative lock mode of said camera.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 102, wherein said driving source comprises a reversible motor capable of driving said zoom lens system in opposite directions along said optical axis.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
60 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 102, wherein said means for storing said position data detected by said position detecting means comprises memory means, said apparatus further comprising a zoom switch for selectively positioning the zoom lens system at any position between and including a telephoto terminus position and a wide angle terminus position.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 106, said apparatus further comprising a mode changeover switch movable between at least one specific mode position and a zooming mode position.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 107, wherein there are two specific mode positions which comprise a macro position.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 108, wherein movement of said mode switch from either of said specific mode positions to said zooming mode position operates said driving source to move said lens system into a position determined by said memory means.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
66 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 108, wherein said mode switch, when changed from said zoom position to one of said specific mode positions, comprises means, together with said memory means, for storing the position occupied by said lens system at the time that the position of said mode changeover switch was changed to one of said specific mode positions.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 110, further comprising logic means responsive to a change in a position of said mode changeover switch and thereby comprises means for operating said motor when said mode changeover switch is switched into said zoom mode in order to move said lens system into a position determined by the contents of said memory.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 111, wherein said motor drives said lens system into said stored position in a stepless fashion.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 112, wherein when one of said specific mode positions is said macro position, said lens system moves rearwardly from said macro position to a point beyond said stored position by one focal length step, and is then moved forwardly to said stored position.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 113, further comprising means for delaying operation of said motor after said motor drives said lens system to a position one focal length beyond said stored position.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 112, further comprising means for terminating operation of said motor after said motor has returned said lens system to said stored position.
Claim 123
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, said means for detecting the positions of the zoom lens system along the optical axis comprising means for generating pulses to indicate the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement.
Claim 124
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, said means for detecting the positions of the zoom lens system along the optical axis comprising means for generating pulses to indicate the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 116, wherein said means for generating pulses to indicate the positions of said zoom lens system along the optical axis comprises a code plate.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 117, wherein said code plate is positioned about said lens system, and a plurality of electrically conductive brushes are adapted to slidably contact said code plate.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 116, wherein said means for detecting a predetermined displacement comprise logic means which are adapted to receive data from said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system.
Claim 128
Independent Claim
154 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along the optical axis comprising a code sheet positioned about said lens system, said code sheet having a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of nonconductive portions, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement.
Claim 129
Independent Claim
154 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along the optical axis comprising a code sheet positioned about said lens system, said code sheet having a plurality of conductive portions and a plurality of nonconductive portions, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement.
Claim 130
Independent Claim
222 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, wherein said zoom lens system is movable at least between and including a wide angle terminus position and a telephoto terminus position, the distance between said two terminus positions being divided into a plurality of focal length step increments, said apparatus including logic means responsive to operator selection of an operational position for said zoom lens system for terminating movement of said zoom lens system at a final position spaced from an initial position defined by the position of the zoom lens system when the operator selects said operational position with a zoom switch, said final position being spaced from said initial position by a predetermined number of steps.
Claim 131
Independent Claim
222 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, wherein said zoom lens system is movable at least between and including a wide angle terminus position and a telephoto terminus position, the distance between said two terminus positions being divided into a plurality of focal length step increments, said apparatus including logic means responsive to operator selection of an operational position for said zoom lens system for terminating movement of said zoom lens system at a final position spaced from an initial position defined by the position of the zoom lens system when the operator selects said operational position with a zoom switch, said final position being spaced from said initial position by a predetermined number of steps.
Claim 132
Independent Claim
220 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source the vary the focal length of said lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said lens system, means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during the operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, said apparatus further comprising a mode changeover switch and a zoom switch, said mode changeover switch being selectively positionable by an operator in a lock position in which said driving source will rotate in a reverse direction until said lens system is detected at said lock position, a macro position in which said driving source will rotate forwardly to drive said lens system forwardly along said optical axis until said lens system reaches a macrophotographic position, and a zoom position in which said lens system can be located in any photographic position of a desired focal length within a zooming movement range of said lens system.
Claim 133
Independent Claim
220 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source the vary the focal length of said lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said lens system, means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during the operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, said apparatus further comprising a mode changeover switch and a zoom switch, said mode changeover switch being selectively positionable by an operator in a lock position in which said driving source will rotate in a reverse direction until said lens system is detected at said lock position, a macro position in which said driving source will rotate forwardly to drive said lens system forwardly along said optical axis until said lens system reaches a macrophotographic position, and a zoom position in which said lens system can be located in any photographic position of a desired focal length within a zooming movement range of said lens system.
Claim 134
Independent Claim
136 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, wherein movement of said zoom lens system ends when said zoom lens system is traveling in a predetermined direction.
Claim 135
Independent Claim
136 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, wherein movement of said zoom lens system ends when said zoom lens system is traveling in a predetermined direction.
Claim 136
Independent Claim
172 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, wherein said zoom lens system is movable between and including a plurality of focal length positions, including a wide angle terminus position and a telephoto terminus position, said zoom lens system being movable beyond said telephoto terminus position to a macro photographic position and beyond said wide angle terminus position to an inoperable lock position.
Claim 137
Independent Claim
172 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting a predetermined displacement of said zoom lens system during operation of said driving source, and means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the displacement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, wherein said zoom lens system is movable between and including a plurality of focal length positions, including a wide angle terminus position and a telephoto terminus position, said zoom lens system being movable beyond said telephoto terminus position to a macro photographic position and beyond said wide angle terminus position to an inoperable lock position.
Claim 138
Independent Claim
260 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said driving source comprising a reversible motor, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement during operation of said driving source, said means for detecting displacement of said zoom lens system being operable in response to position detection signals received from said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system, means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, means for determining whether further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, means for moving said zoom lens system over an additional predetermined displacement when said further movement determining means determines that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, and delay means for introducing a predetermined pause in operation of said motor, said delay means being operable each time that said zoom lens system moves by a predetermined focal length step, said delay means thereby comprising means for forcing the zoom lens system to pause for a predetermined time period prior to determining whether additional movement is necessary.
Claim 139
Independent Claim
260 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said driving source comprising a reversible motor, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement during operation of said driving source, said means for detecting displacement of said zoom lens system being operable in response to position detection signals received from said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system, means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, means for determining whether further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, means for moving said zoom lens system over an additional predetermined displacement when said further movement determining means determines that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, and delay means for introducing a predetermined pause in operation of said motor, said delay means being operable each time that said zoom lens system moves by a predetermined focal length step, said delay means thereby comprising means for forcing the zoom lens system to pause for a predetermined time period prior to determining whether additional movement is necessary.
Claim 140
Independent Claim
217 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus further comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement during operation of said driving source, said means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system being operable in response to position detection signals received from said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system, means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, means for determining whether further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, and means for moving said zoom lens system over an additional predetermined displacement when said further movement determining means determines that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, said apparatus further comprising a zoom switch for selectively determining a terminus position towards which said zoom lens system will move.
Claim 141
Independent Claim
217 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus further comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement during operation of said driving source, said means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system being operable in response to position detection signals received from said means for detecting the positions of said zoom lens system, means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, means for determining whether further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, and means for moving said zoom lens system over an additional predetermined displacement when said further movement determining means determines that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, said apparatus further comprising a zoom switch for selectively determining a terminus position towards which said zoom lens system will move.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 126, wherein said driving source comprises a reversible motor.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 127, further including delay means for introducing a predetermined pause in operation of said motor, said delay means being operable each time that said lens system moves by a predetermined focal length step, said delay means thereby comprising means for forcing said lens system to pause for a predetermined time period prior to determining whether additional movement is necessary.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 128, wherein said lens system is movable between and including two terminus positions, a telephoto terminus position and a wide angle terminus position, said apparatus including logic means for disabling operation of said motor when said lens system is positioned at either of said terminus positions.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 128, wherein said lens system is movable between and including two terminus positions, a telephoto terminus position and a wide angle terminus position, said logic means comprising means for disabling operation of said driving source if a zoom switch selectively operable by an operator is moved into a neutral, inoperable position.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
61 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 128, further comprising logic means which comprises means responsive to operation of a zoom switch selectively operable by an operator to continue to move said lens system towards said terminus position after said lens system has paused after said lens system has moved by a discrete focal length step.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 131, further comprising delay means for introducing a predetermined pause between each incremental movement of said lens system.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 132, further comprising means for moving said zoom lens system towards a telephoto terminus position after said predetermined pause.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 132, further comprising means for moving said zoom lens system towards said wide angle terminus position after said predetermined pause.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 134, further comprising means for moving said zoom lens system towards said telephoto position after each predetermined pause which follows movement of said lens system towards said wide angle position.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 135, wherein each movement of said zoom lens system is in an incremental distance equal to one net focal length step of said lens system.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 135, wherein said means for moving said zoom lens towards said telephoto terminus position comprises means for reversing rotation of said motor.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
54 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 126, wherein said determining means for determining that further movement of said zooming lens system is necessary actuates said means for driving said driving source to drive said driving source and said zoom lens system over at least one further predetermined displacement.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 138, wherein said means for determining whether or not further movement of said zooming lens system is necessary will determine that further movement is necessary unless either of the following conditions occurs: (a) either a telephoto terminus position or a wide angle terminus position is reached by said zoom lens; or (b) a zoom switch selectively operable by an operator is placed into a neutral, inoperable position.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 139, said apparatus further comprising a braking system for terminating operation of said driving source whether condition (a) or (b) of claim 110 occurs.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 126, wherein said zoom switch, when set at a telephoto terminus position, comprises means for moving said zoom lens system towards said telephoto terminus position, one focal length step at a time, in step-by-step fashion.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
84 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 126, wherein said zoom switch, when set at a wide position, comprises means for moving said zoom lens system towards a wide angle terminus position by two focal length steps rearwardly, and by then reversing the movement of said lens system by one focal length step towards said telephoto terminus position, to thereby produce net movement of said zoom lens system by one focal length step towards said wide angle terminus position.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
76 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 142, further comprising means for stopping rearward direction of said motor after said two focal length step movement of said zoom lens system towards said wide angle terminus position, for introducing a pause in movement of said zoom lens system for a predetermined time period, and for thereafter moving said zoom lens system by causing said driving source to rotate in a forward direction.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in accordance with claim 143, further comprising means for braking operation of said driving source when said zoom lens system has moved by a net one focal length displacement.
Claim 160
Independent Claim
238 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement during operation of said driving source, said means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system being operable in response to position detection signals received from said means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system, means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, means for determining whether further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, and means for moving said zoom lens system over an additional predetermined displacement when said further movement determining means determines that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, wherein said determining means for determining that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary actuates said means for driving said driving source in order to drive said driving source and said zoom lens system over at least one further predetermined displacement.
Claim 161
Independent Claim
238 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis of said camera by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus comprising means for driving the driving source during zooming operation of said zoom lens system, means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system along said optical axis, means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system by a predetermined displacement during operation of said driving source, said means for detecting movement of said zoom lens system being operable in response to position detection signals received from said means for detecting the position of said zoom lens system, means for terminating operation of said driving source when said means for detecting the movement of said zoom lens system detects movement of the zoom lens system over said predetermined displacement, means for determining whether further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, and means for moving said zoom lens system over an additional predetermined displacement when said further movement determining means determines that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary, wherein said determining means for determining that further movement of said zoom lens system is necessary actuates said means for driving said driving source in order to drive said driving source and said zoom lens system over at least one further predetermined displacement.
Claim 162
Independent Claim
32 words
An apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 36, 66, 100, 116, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, or 145, wherein said camera is a lens shutter type of camera.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
172 words
A zoom lens drive system for a camera, said zoom lens drive system comprising: (a) a zoom lens system; (b) a reversible motor operable for moving the lens system along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions, between and including spaced wide angle and telephoto terminus positions, for establishing the focal length of said zoom lens system; (c) means for identifying the direction of movement of said lens system towards one of said terminus positions; and (d) separate first and second control means which are responsive to the identifying means for operating the motor such that movement of the lens system from an initial position towards said wide angle terminus position is effected by said first control means, and such that movement of the lens system towards said telephoto terminus position is effected by said second control means, wherein said first control means comprises a WIDE algorithm and said second control means comprises a TELE algorithm for driving said zoom lens system towards said wide angle and telephoto terminus positions, respectively.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
172 words
A zoom lens drive system for a camera, said zoom lens drive system comprising: (a) a zoom lens system; (b) a reversible motor operable for moving the lens system along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions, between and including spaced wide angle and telephoto terminus positions, for establishing the focal length of said zoom lens system; (c) means for identifying the direction of movement of said lens system towards one of said terminus positions; and (d) separate first and second control means which are responsive to the identifying means for operating the motor such that movement of the lens system from an initial position towards said wide angle terminus position is effected by said first control means, and such that movement of the lens system towards said telephoto terminus position is effected by said second control means, wherein said first control means comprises a WIDE algorithm and said second control means comprises a TELE algorithm for driving said zoom lens system towards said wide angle and telephoto terminus positions, respectively.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
18 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein each of said algorithms is a subroutine.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
23 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein said second control means comprises for effecting forward rotation of said motor.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
28 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein aid second control means comprises for determining whether a zoom switch s positioned at a TELE position.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
35 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 150, wherein said second control means further comprises means for stopping said motor from rotating when said zoom switch is not positioned at the TELE position.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
55 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein said second control means further comprises means for determining whether said zoom lens system has moved by one focal length towards said telephoto terminus position, and means for determining whether said zoom lens system is to be further moved towards said telephoto terminus position.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
50 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein said second control means comprises for determining whether said lens system has stopped at said telephoto terminus position, and for determining whether to continue to drive said motor when said lens system has not reached said telephoto terminus position.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
24 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein said first control means comprises means for effecting rearward rotation of said motor.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
30 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein said first control means further comprises means for determining whether a zoom switch is positioned at a WIDE position.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
35 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 155, wherein said first control means further comprises means for stopping said motor from rotating when said zoom switch is not positioned at the WIDE position.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
58 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein said first control means further comprises means for determining whether said zoom lens system has moved by one focal length step towards said wide angle terminus position, and means for determining whether said zoom lens system is to be further moved towards said wide angle terminus position.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
53 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 147, wherein said first control means comprises means for determining whether said lens system has stopped at said wide angle terminus position, and for determining whether to continue to drive said motor when said lens system has not reached said wide angle terminus position.
Claim 176
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis in a predetermined direction and in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus including first means for controlling said driving source during a zooming operation of said lens system in order to drive said lens system towards a first, telephoto terminus position, and separate second means for controlling said driving source during a zooming operation of said lens system in order to drive said lens system towards a second, wide angle terminus position, wherein said first and second means for controlling said driving source are independent of each other, wherein said first control means comprises a WIDE algorithm and said second control means comprises a TELE algorithm for driving said zoom lens system towards said wide angle and telephoto terminus positions, respectively.
Claim 177
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus for driving a zoom lens system in a camera, said zoom lens system being movable along an optical axis in a predetermined direction and in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction by a driving source in order to vary the focal length of said zoom lens system, said apparatus including first means for controlling said driving source during a zooming operation of said lens system in order to drive said lens system towards a first, telephoto terminus position, and separate second means for controlling said driving source during a zooming operation of said lens system in order to drive said lens system towards a second, wide angle terminus position, wherein said first and second means for controlling said driving source are independent of each other, wherein said first control means comprises a WIDE algorithm and said second control means comprises a TELE algorithm for driving said zoom lens system towards said wide angle and telephoto terminus positions, respectively.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
22 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 159, wherein each of said first and second algorithms comprises a respective subroutine.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
50 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 159, wherein said first control means further comprises means for determining whether said zoom lens system has moved by one focal length step towards the wide angle terminus position, and for determining whether additional movement of said lens system is necessary.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
31 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 159, wherein said first control means comprises means for determining whether said lens system has stopped at said wide angle terminus position.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
30 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 159, wherein said second control means comprises means for determining whether said lens system has stopped at said telephoto terminus position.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
49 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 159, wherein said first control means further comprises means for determining whether said zoom lens system has moved by one focal length step towards the telephoto terminus position, and for determining whether additional movement of said lens system is necessary.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
18 words
A zoom lens drive system in accordance with claim 159, wherein said driving source comprises a reversible motor.
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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) | 1993-06-25 | 1993-12-25 | 1994-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-25 | 1997-12-25 | 1998-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-25 | 2001-12-25 | 2002-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |