US5087119A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Distance measuring apparatus
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1990-02-20
•
Granted: 1992-02-11
•
Expires: 2010-02-20
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a distance measuring apparatus for projecting a signal and measuring a distance up to an object according to a reception position of a signal reflected by the object, the apparatus being arranged such that a ratio of a plurality of outputs from a receiver for receiving the reflected signal is changed according to the reception position of the reflected signal, the change state is detected by ascending and descending integrations of the plurality of outputs, and the reception position of the reflected signal is detected, comprising: projecting means for projecting the signal; timer means for counting a predetermined period of time within a period required for the ascending integration; detecting means for detecting whether an amplitude of the reflected signal received by the receiving means has reached a predetermined level within the predetermined period of time counted by the timer means; and switching means for causing the projecting means to project the signal onto one of central and peripheral areas within a field of view and the signal to the other one of the central and peripheral areas to measure a distance for the other one of the areas when the amplitude of the reflected signal does not reach the predetermined level within the predetermined period of time, thereby accurately measuring a distance to the object within a short period of time regardless of the position of the object and with only a compact arrangement.
Inventors
- 👤 Yoshiyuki Kaneko
- 👤 Ryoichi Suzuki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 01:46
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/06; G01S17/08; G01S17/46; G01S17/87; G01S7/00; G01S7/48; G01S7/481; G01S7/4811
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 86
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring a distance of an object, having a position within a measurable range in a field of view, the field of view having first and second areas, said apparatus comprising: projecting means for projecting an incident signal on said object within said measurable range, said incident signal being projected toward one of said first and second areas of the field of view; receiving means for receiving a reflected signal resulting from reflection of said incident signal off said object; timer means for timing a predetermined time period; detecting means for detecting whether said received reflected signal reached a predetermined level within said predetermined time period; and switching means for switching said incident signal from one of said first and second area to the other of said first and second areas, in response to said detecting means detecting that said received reflected signal did not reach said predetermined level within said predetermined period.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring a distance of an object, having a position within a measurable range in a field of view, the field of view having first and second areas, said apparatus comprising: projecting means for projecting an incident signal on said object within said measurable range, said incident signal being projected toward one of said first and second areas of the field of view; receiving means for receiving a reflected signal resulting from reflection of said incident signal off said object; timer means for timing a predetermined time period; detecting means for detecting whether said received reflected signal reached a predetermined level within said predetermined time period; and switching means for switching said incident signal from one of said first and second area to the other of said first and second areas, in response to said detecting means detecting that said received reflected signal did not reach said predetermined level within said predetermined period.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said projecting means comprises light emitting means for emitting a light signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said switching means comprises discriminating means for measuring the distance of one of said first and second areas onto which said incident signal is projected, when said detecting means detects that said received reflected signal has reached said predetermined level within said predetermined time period.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising amplifying means for amplifying an output of said receiving means, said detecting means detecting an output of said amplifying means; and varying means for varying an amplification factor of said amplifying means, said varying means setting said amplification factor in the detection operation of said detecting means to be larger than the amplification factor in the actual distance measuring operation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first area is a center area within the field of view, and said second area is a peripheral area within the field of view.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: camera apparatus coupled to said distance measuring apparatus; and means for causing an operation of said distance measuring apparatus in response to an operation of the camera apparatus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
145 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring a distance of an object, having a position within a measurable range, in a field of view, the field of view having first and second areas, said apparatus comprising: projecting means for projecting an incident signal on said object within said measurable range, said incident signal being projected toward one of said first and second areas of the field of view; receiving means for receiving a reflected signal resulting from reflection of said incident signal off said object; detecting means for detecting whether said received reflected signal reached a predetermined level; and switching means for causing said projection means to switch said incident signal from one of said first and second areas to the other of said first and second areas, in response to said detecting means detecting that said received reflected signal did not reach said predetermined level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
145 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring a distance of an object, having a position within a measurable range, in a field of view, the field of view having first and second areas, said apparatus comprising: projecting means for projecting an incident signal on said object within said measurable range, said incident signal being projected toward one of said first and second areas of the field of view; receiving means for receiving a reflected signal resulting from reflection of said incident signal off said object; detecting means for detecting whether said received reflected signal reached a predetermined level; and switching means for causing said projection means to switch said incident signal from one of said first and second areas to the other of said first and second areas, in response to said detecting means detecting that said received reflected signal did not reach said predetermined level.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said projecting means comprises light emitting means for emitting a light signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
48 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said switching means comprises discriminating means for measuring distance of one of said first and second areas onto which said incident signal is projected when said detecting means detects that said received reflected signal has reached said predetermined level.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said first area is a center area within the field of view, and said second area is a peripheral area within the field of view.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: camera apparatus coupled to said distance measuring apparatus; and means for causing an operation of said distance measuring apparatus in response to an operation of the camera apparatus.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
122 words
A distance measuring apparatus with a plurality of distance measuring axes for measuring the distance to an object along each of said distance measuring axes by projecting signals along said distance measuring axes and receiving reflected signals of said projected signals on each distance measuring axis, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a selection means for selecting one distance measuring axis among the plurality of distance measuring axes on the basis of whether an amount of one of the reflected signals received by said receiving means reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
122 words
A distance measuring apparatus with a plurality of distance measuring axes for measuring the distance to an object along each of said distance measuring axes by projecting signals along said distance measuring axes and receiving reflected signals of said projected signals on each distance measuring axis, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a selection means for selecting one distance measuring axis among the plurality of distance measuring axes on the basis of whether an amount of one of the reflected signals received by said receiving means reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said projection means comprises light emitting means for emitting light signals as the projected signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said light emitting means comprises a plurality of light emitting portions for emitting light signals along each of said distance measuring axes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said selection means comprises means for selecting the one distance measuring axis by selecting one light emitting portion.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said receiving means comprises a light position detection means for detecting a light receiving position of the reflected light signals.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
43 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said light position detection means provides first and second signal outputs and is constituted so that a rate of the first and second signal outputs changes in accordance with the detected light receiving position.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
44 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a determining means for determining an output rate of the first and second signal outputs on the basis of an integration result or a reverse integration result of the first and second signal outputs.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined time measured by said timer means is set to be shorter than a time needed for determination of the integration result.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined time measured by said timer means is set to be equal to a time needed for determination of the integration result.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said receiving means comprises a light receiving means for receiving reflected light signals.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said light receiving means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the predetermined time measured by said timer means is set to be shorter than a time needed for an integration operation of said integration means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the predetermined time measured by said timer means is set to be equal to a time needed for an integration operation of said integration means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said projection means includes a plurality of signal generating portions for projecting the projected signals.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said selection means comprises means for selecting the one distance measuring axis by selecting one of said signal generating portions.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
28 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said receiving means comprises a signal receiving position detection means for detecting a receiving position of the reflected signals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said signal receiving position detection means provides first and second signal outputs and is constituted so that a rate of the first and second signal outputs changes in accordance with the detected signal receiving position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
44 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising a determining means for determining an output rate of the first and second signal outputs on the basis of an integration result or a reverse integration result of the first and second signal outputs.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the predetermined time measured by said timer means is set to be shorter than a time needed for determination of the integration result.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the predetermined time measured by said timer means is set to be equal to a time needed for determination of the integration result.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the predetermined time measured by said timer means is set to be shorter than a time needed for an integration operation of said integration means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the predetermined time measured by said timer means is set to be equal to a time needed for an integration operation of said integration means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
52 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said selection means comprises means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes corresponding to the signals being received by said receiving means when the amount of the reflected signal reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
46 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said selection means selects another distance measuring axis different from the one distance measuring axis when the amount of the reflected signal does not exceed the predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
33 words
A distance measuring apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising amplifying means for amplifying outputs of said receiving means, an amplifying factor of said amplifying means being set large during said predetermined time.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
125 words
A camera provided with a distance measuring apparatus which measures distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a selection means for selecting one distance measuring axis from among the plurality of distance measuring axes on the basis of whether an amount of the reflected signal received along said one distance measuring axis by said receiving means reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
125 words
A camera provided with a distance measuring apparatus which measures distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a selection means for selecting one distance measuring axis from among the plurality of distance measuring axes on the basis of whether an amount of the reflected signal received along said one distance measuring axis by said receiving means reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
133 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a signal amount of a reflected signal received along a distance measuring device corresponding to substantially a center of the field of view does not reach a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
133 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a signal amount of a reflected signal received along a distance measuring device corresponding to substantially a center of the field of view does not reach a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a signal amount of a reflected signal received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to the center of the field of view reaches a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a signal amount of a reflected signal received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to the center of the field of view reaches a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a signal amount of a reflected signal received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of the field of view does not reach a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a signal amount of a reflected signal received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of the field of view does not reach a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a signal amount of a reflected signal received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to the peripheral portion of the field of view reaches a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a signal amount of a reflected signal received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to the peripheral portion of the field of view reaches a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
99 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a selection means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes in response to whether an integrated or reverse integrated value reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
99 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a selection means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes in response to whether an integrated or reverse integrated value reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
103 words
A camera provided with a distance measuring apparatus which measures distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a selection means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes in response to whether an integrated or reverse integration value reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
103 words
A camera provided with a distance measuring apparatus which measures distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a selection means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes in response to whether an integrated or reverse integration value reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating an output of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected signal received from a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center of the field of view does not reach a predetermined level.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating an output of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected signal received from a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center of the field of view does not reach a predetermined level.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected signal received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of the field of view does not reach a predetermined level.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected signal received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of the field of view does not reach a predetermined level.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected signal received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to the peripheral portion of the field of view reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting signals along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected signals of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected signals; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected signal received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to the peripheral portion of the field of view reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
122 words
A distance measuring apparatus with a plurality of distance measuring axes for measuring the distance to an object along each of said distance measuring axes by projecting light along said distance measuring axes and receiving reflected light of said projected light on each distance measuring axis, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a selection means for selecting one distance measuring axis among the plurality of distance measuring axes on the basis of whether an amount of one of the reflected light received by said receiving means reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
122 words
A distance measuring apparatus with a plurality of distance measuring axes for measuring the distance to an object along each of said distance measuring axes by projecting light along said distance measuring axes and receiving reflected light of said projected light on each distance measuring axis, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a selection means for selecting one distance measuring axis among the plurality of distance measuring axes on the basis of whether an amount of one of the reflected light received by said receiving means reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
125 words
A camera provided with a distance measuring apparatus which measures distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a selection means for selecting one distance measuring axis from among the plurality of distance measuring axes on the basis of whether an amount of the reflected light received along said one distance measuring axis by said receiving means reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
125 words
A camera provided with a distance measuring apparatus which measures distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the signals; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a selection means for selecting one distance measuring axis from among the plurality of distance measuring axes on the basis of whether an amount of the reflected light received along said one distance measuring axis by said receiving means reaches a predetermined level during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a light amount of a reflected light received a long a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center of the field of view does not reach a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a light amount of a reflected light received a long a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center of the field of view does not reach a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a light amount of a reflected light received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to the center of the field of view reaches a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a light amount of a reflected light received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to the center of the field of view reaches a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a light amount of a reflected light received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of the field of view does not reach a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a light amount of a reflected light received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of the field of view does not reach a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a light amount of a reflected light received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to the peripheral portion of the field of view reaches a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) a timer means for measuring a predetermined time; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when a light amount of a reflected light received along a distance measuring axis corresponding to the peripheral portion of the field of view reaches a predetermined amount during the predetermined time measured by said timer means.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
99 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a selection means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes in response to whether an integrated or reverse integrated value reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
99 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a selection means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes in response to whether an integrated or reverse integrated value reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
103 words
A camera provided with a distance measuring apparatus which measures distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light one each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a selection means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes in response to whether an integrated or reverse integration value reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
103 words
A camera provided with a distance measuring apparatus which measures distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light one each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a selection means for selecting one of the distance measuring axes in response to whether an integrated or reverse integration value reaches a predetermined value.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
133 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected light received from a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center of the field of view does not reach a predetermined level.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
133 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected light received from a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center of the field of view does not reach a predetermined level.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected light received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of the field of view does not reach a predetermined level.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
134 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected light received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of the field of view does not reach a predetermined level.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
139 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration of reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected light received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to the peripheral portion of the field of view reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
139 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) a priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to a peripheral portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration of reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected light received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to the peripheral portion of the field of view reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected light received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially the center of the field of view reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected light on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected light received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially the center of the field of view reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected signal received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially the center of the field of view reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
131 words
A distance measuring apparatus for measuring distances to objects along a plurality of distance measuring axes by projecting light along the distance measuring axes and by receiving reflected light of the projected signals on each of said distance measuring axes, comprising: (a) a projection means for projecting the light; (b) a receiving means for receiving the reflected light; (c) an integration means for integrating or reverse integrating outputs of said receiving means; and (d) priority means for giving a priority to a distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially a center portion of a field of view of said apparatus when an integration or reverse integration value corresponding to a reflected signal received from the distance measuring axis corresponding to substantially the center of the field of view reaches a predetermined level.
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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) | 1995-02-10 | 1995-08-12 | 1996-02-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-02-10 | 1999-08-12 | 2000-02-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-02-10 | 2003-08-12 | 2004-02-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |