US5063402A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for retracting a photo-taking lens
Assignee: Minolta Co Ltd
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Filing: 1990-10-23
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Granted: 1991-11-05
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Expires: 2010-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A lens retracting apparatus for a photo-taking device which comprises an interchangeable photo-taking lens, a main switch selectively switchable between an ON position for enabling an operation of the photo-taking device and an OFF position for inhibiting the operation of the camera, a focus detecting unit, a drive unit for selectively retracting and extending a focusing lens of the photo-taking lens toward an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting unit, a discriminating unit for determining whether or not the photo-taking lens is retracted to a predetermined position, and a control means for driving the drive unit to retract the photo-taking lens only by switching off the main switch and also for stopping the drive unit when a condition in which the photo-taking lens is retracted to the predetermined position is determined by the discriminating unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Takahisa Shimada
- 👤 Toshio Yamaki
- 👤 Kenji Tsuji
- 👤 Masaaki Nakai
- 👤 Akihiko Fujino
- 👤 Hiroshi Ootsuka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:28
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/02; G02B7/04; G02B7/08; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/02; G03B17/12; G03B17/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
224 words
A lens retracting apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens so that a front end of the photo-taking lens is selectively retracted and extended by means of the drive of the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; a first switch manually operable to start the focus detecting operation of the focus detecting means; a second switch selectively switchable between a first position for enabling an operation of said first switch and a second position for disabling the operation of said first switch; second means in response to the switching of the second switch from the first position to the second position for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens so that the front end of the photo-taking lens is retracted; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at a predetermined position; and third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
224 words
A lens retracting apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens so that a front end of the photo-taking lens is selectively retracted and extended by means of the drive of the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; a first switch manually operable to start the focus detecting operation of the focus detecting means; a second switch selectively switchable between a first position for enabling an operation of said first switch and a second position for disabling the operation of said first switch; second means in response to the switching of the second switch from the first position to the second position for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens so that the front end of the photo-taking lens is retracted; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at a predetermined position; and third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photo-taking lens is an interchangeable photo-taking lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
235 words
A lens retracting apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; a first switch manually operable to start the focus detecting operation of the focus detecting means; a second switch selectively switchable between a first position for enabling an operation of said first switch and a second position for disabling the operation of said first switch; second means in response to the switching of the second switch from the first position to the second position for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens toward a predetermined position; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at the predetermined position; third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means; means for detecting an extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and means for resetting the extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and means for resetting the extension amount when the third controlling means operates.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
235 words
A lens retracting apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; a first switch manually operable to start the focus detecting operation of the focus detecting means; a second switch selectively switchable between a first position for enabling an operation of said first switch and a second position for disabling the operation of said first switch; second means in response to the switching of the second switch from the first position to the second position for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens toward a predetermined position; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at the predetermined position; third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means; means for detecting an extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and means for resetting the extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and means for resetting the extension amount when the third controlling means operates.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the driving means includes a motor for driving the focusing lens, and the extension amount detecting means comprises a monitor for monitoring the amount of revolution of the motor; a pulse generator for generating pulses, the number of which corresponds to the amount of revolution of the motor; and an up-down counter for counting the number of pulses applied from the pulse generator wherein the up-down counter up-counts or down-counts the pulses according to the driving direction of the focusing lens.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the predetermined position is the most retracted position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the predetermined position is a position corresponding to a predetermined object distance.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 further comprising means for detecting the distance corresponding to the present position of the focusing lens based on the detected extension amount detected by the extension amount detecting means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
180 words
A lens retracting apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; means for detecting an excessive occurrence of the drive of the focusing lens driven by the driving means; second means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens toward a predetermined position when the excessive occurrence detecting means detects the excessive occurrence of the drive of the focusing lens; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at the predetermined position; third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means; and means for resetting the detected excessive occurrence when the third controlling means comprises.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
180 words
A lens retracting apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; means for detecting an excessive occurrence of the drive of the focusing lens driven by the driving means; second means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens toward a predetermined position when the excessive occurrence detecting means detects the excessive occurrence of the drive of the focusing lens; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at the predetermined position; third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means; and means for resetting the detected excessive occurrence when the third controlling means comprises.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the predetermined position is the most retracted position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the predetermined position is a position corresponding to a predetermined object distance.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the excessive occurrence detecting means includes means for counting the driven amount of the focusing lens and means for comparing the driven amount with a predetermined amount.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the driving means includes a motor for driving the focusing lens, and the counting means comprises a monitor for monitoring the amount of revolution of the motor; a pulse generator for generating pulses, the number of which corresponds to the amount of revolution of the motor; and a counter for counting the number of pulses applied from the pulse generator.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: means for detecting an extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and p1 means for detecting the distance corresponding to the present position of the focusing lens based on the detected extension amount.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising means for resetting the extension amount detected by the extension amount detecting means when the third controlling means operates.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the driving means includes a motor for driving the focusing lens, and the extension amount detecting means comprises a monitor for monitoring the amount of revolution of the motor; a pulse generator for generating pulses, the number of which corresponds to the amount of revolution of the motor; and an up-down counter for counting the number of pulses applied from the pulse generator wherein the up-down counter up-counts or down-counts the pulses according to the driving direction of the focusing lens.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
186 words
A lens retracting apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a battery; battery detecting means for detecting that the battery has just been mounted; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; second means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens toward a the predetermined position when the battery detecting means detects that the battery has just been mounted; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at the predetermined position; third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means; means for detecting an extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and means for resetting the extension amount when the third controlling means operates.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
186 words
A lens retracting apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a battery; battery detecting means for detecting that the battery has just been mounted; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; second means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens toward a the predetermined position when the battery detecting means detects that the battery has just been mounted; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at the predetermined position; third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means; means for detecting an extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and means for resetting the extension amount when the third controlling means operates.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the predetermined position is the most retracted position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the predetermined position is a position corresponding to a predetermined object distance.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
106 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the driving means includes a motor for driving the focusing lens, and the extension amount detecting means comprises a monitor for monitoring the amount of revolution of the motor; a pulse generator for generating pulses, the number of which corresponds to the amount of revolution of the motor; an up-down counter for counting the number of pulses applied from the pulse generator, wherein the up-down counter up-counts or down-counts the pulses according to the driving direction of the focusing lens, said battery supplying the power at least to the lens driving means and the extension amount detecting means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
206 words
A lens controlling apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; a switch selectively switchable between a first position for enabling a lens driving operation of the first controlling means and a second position for inhibiting the operation of the first controlling means; second means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens toward a predetermined position in response to the switching of the switch from the second position to the first position; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at the predetermined position; third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means; means for detecting an extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and means for resetting the extension amount when the third controlling means operates.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
206 words
A lens controlling apparatus in a photo-taking device which comprises: a photo-taking lens including a focusing lens; a focus detecting means; means for driving the focusing lens; first means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens towards an in-focus position on the basis of a result of focus detection carried out by the focus detecting means; a switch selectively switchable between a first position for enabling a lens driving operation of the first controlling means and a second position for inhibiting the operation of the first controlling means; second means for controlling the driving means to drive the focusing lens toward a predetermined position in response to the switching of the switch from the second position to the first position; means for determining whether or not the focusing lens is located at the predetermined position; third means for controlling the driving means to stop the movement of the focusing lens caused by the second controlling means when a condition in which the focusing lens is driven to the predetermined position is determined by the determining means; means for detecting an extension amount of the focusing lens from the predetermined position; and means for resetting the extension amount when the third controlling means operates.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the predetermined position is the most retracted position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the predetermined position is a position corresponding to a predetermined object distance.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
88 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the driving means includes a motor for driving the focusing lens, and the extension amount detecting means comprises a monitor for monitoring the amount of revolution of the motor; a pulse generator for generating pulses, the number of which corresponds to the amount of revolution of the motor; an up-down counter for counting the number of pulses applied from the pulse generator, wherein the up-down counter up-counts or down-counts the pulses according to the driving direction of the focusing lens.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-11-04 | 1995-05-06 | 1995-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-11-04 | 1999-05-06 | 1999-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-11-04 | 2003-05-06 | 2003-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |