US5200774A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera with auto program zoom control and eye sensing control
Assignee: Minolta Co Ltd
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Filing: 1991-06-26
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Granted: 1993-04-06
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Expires: 2011-06-26
Abstract
Abstract In a camera having auto program zoom control, eye sensing control is used to determine if an object is adjacent to a viewfinder. The eye sensing control preferably includes a light emitting source and photocell. Light is emitted at first intervals, if no object is detected as being adjacent to the viewfinder, and light is emitted at second shorter intervals, if an object is detected as being adjacent to the viewfinder. Emitting light at different intervals results in conserving electrical energy.
Inventors
- 👤 Hidekazu Nakajima
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 16:10
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/02; G02B7/04; G02B7/10; G03; G03B; G03B13/00; G03B13/02; G03B17/00; G03B2213/00; G03B2213/02; G03B2213/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A camera with an eye sensing control comprising; a detecting means for examining whether any object is presently adjacent to a viewfinder or not; a first controlling means for controlling the detecting means so that the object near the viewfinder is repeatedly detected at first intervals, and after the presence is detected, at least another detecting action is executed at second intervals shorter than the first intervals; and a second controlling means for controlling the camera action according to a result of the repeated detection of the detecting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
A camera with an eye sensing control comprising; a detecting means for examining whether any object is presently adjacent to a viewfinder or not; a first controlling means for controlling the detecting means so that the object near the viewfinder is repeatedly detected at first intervals, and after the presence is detected, at least another detecting action is executed at second intervals shorter than the first intervals; and a second controlling means for controlling the camera action according to a result of the repeated detection of the detecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein the second intervals are shorter than the period of an adjacent ac power source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means contains a light emitting element and a light receiving element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1996-04-05 | 1996-10-05 | 1997-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-04-05 | 2000-10-05 | 2001-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-04-05 | 2004-10-05 | 2005-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |