Patent US5227833A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5227833A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus having an automatic focus detecting device
Assignee: Minolta Co Ltd
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Filing: 1991-11-07
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Granted: 1993-07-13
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Expires: 2011-11-07
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus has an automatic focus detection device. The automatic focus detection device detects a focus condition of a taking lens by using a plurality of detection areas. These detection areas are displayed on a finder. The plurality of detection area are displayed on the finder in a specific order according to a situation of the camera by throwing a switch designating a detection area.
Inventors
- 👤 Tokuji Ishida
- 👤 Masatake Hamada
- 👤 Hiroshi Ootsuka
- 👤 Hiroshi Ueda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:44
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/28; G02B7/34; G02B7/346; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/18; G03B17/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 78
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, an area detected by said detecting means, and means for selecting one mode regardless of the detection result from a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated when said driving means drives the lens in response to said detecting means and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated when said driving means drives the lens in response to said detecting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, an area detected by said detecting means, and means for selecting one mode regardless of the detection result from a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated when said driving means drives the lens in response to said detecting means and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated when said driving means drives the lens in response to said detecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The automatic focus detection means according to claim 1, wherein said selecting means includes a manual operation member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 2, wherein means includes a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detection of the focus condition, and performs a detection based on the first detection area when the second mode is selected in response to an operation of said manually operable member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means includes a plurality of detection area for detecting the focus condition, the automatic focus detection device further comprising a manual operation member for designating one of the plurality of detection areas only when said displaying means is set to operate in the first mode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 2, wherein said displaying means makes a display at a first display state and a second display state different from the first display state in the first mode, and said selecting means includes means responsive to an operation of said manual operation member for cyclically changing the two display states in the first mode and a non-display state in the second mode of said displaying means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
81 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 5, wherein said detecting means includes a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus condition, and said displaying means makes a display of a portion corresponding to said first detection area at the first display state and makes a display of a portion corresponding to the second detection area at the second display state.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
75 words
An automatic focus detection device according to claim 2, wherein said displaying means makes a display at a first display state and a second display state different from said first display state in the first mode, and said selecting means includes means responsive to an operation of said manual operation member for changing each of the two display states in the first mode to a non-display state in the second mode of said displaying means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
81 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 7, wherein said detecting means includes a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus condition, and said displaying means makes a display of a portion corresponding to said first detection area at the first display state and makes a display of a portion corresponding to the second detection area at the second display state.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
95 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for repeatedly detecting a focus condition of a lens to obtain an in-focus condition, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, an area detected by said detecting means, and means for selecting one mode regardless of the detection result from a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated when said detecting means repeats its detecting operation and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated when said detecting means repeats its detecting operation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
95 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for repeatedly detecting a focus condition of a lens to obtain an in-focus condition, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, an area detected by said detecting means, and means for selecting one mode regardless of the detection result from a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated when said detecting means repeats its detecting operation and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated when said detecting means repeats its detecting operation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 9, wherein said selecting means includes a manual operation member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
69 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 10, wherein said detecting means includes a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detection of the focus condition, and performs a detection based on the first detection area when the second mode is selected in response to an operation of said manually operable member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means includes a plurality of detection areas for detecting the focus condition, the automatic focus detection device further comprising a manual operation member for designating one of the plurality of detection areas only when said displaying means is set to operate in the first mode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
74 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 10, wherein said displaying means makes a display at a first display state and a second display state different from the first display state in the first mode, and said selecting means includes means responsive to an operation of said manual operation member for cyclically changing the two display states in the first mode and a non-display state in the second mode of said displaying means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
81 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 13, wherein said detecting means includes a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus condition, and said displaying means makes a display of a portion corresponding to said first detection area at the first display state and makes a display of a portion corresponding to the second detection area at the second display state.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
75 words
An automatic focus detection device according to claim 10, wherein said displaying means makes a display at a first display state and a second display state different from said first display state in the first mode, and said selecting means includes means responsive to an operation of said manual operation member for changing each of the two display states in the first mode to a non-display state in the second mode of said displaying means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
81 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 15, wherein said detecting means includes a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus condition, and said displaying means makes a display of a portion corresponding to said first detection area at the first display state and makes a display of a portion corresponding to the second detection area at the second display state.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
104 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, an area detected by said detecting means, means for selecting one of a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated, means for inactivating said driving means, and means for controlling said selecting means to forcibly select the first mode regardless of the detection result when said detecting means detects the focus condition with said driving means being inactivated.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
104 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, an area detected by said detecting means, means for selecting one of a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated, means for inactivating said driving means, and means for controlling said selecting means to forcibly select the first mode regardless of the detection result when said detecting means detects the focus condition with said driving means being inactivated.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
72 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 17, wherein said detecting means includes a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus condition, said automatic focus detection device further comprising a manual operation member for designating one of the first detection area and the second detection area when said driving means is inactivated.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
107 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for repeatedly detecting a focus condition of a lens, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, said driving means being responsive to the detection result during its drive operation, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, an area detected by said detecting means, means for selecting one of a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated, means for stopping said driving means from driving the lens, and means responsive to said stopping means for controlling said selecting means to select the second mode.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
107 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for repeatedly detecting a focus condition of a lens, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, said driving means being responsive to the detection result during its drive operation, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, an area detected by said detecting means, means for selecting one of a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated, means for stopping said driving means from driving the lens, and means responsive to said stopping means for controlling said selecting means to select the second mode.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 19, wherein said stopping means includes a manual operation member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
37 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 19, wherein said stopping means stops said driving means from driving the lens in response to a predetermined detection result even when the lens is not at in-focus condition.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
108 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens including a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus state, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, the detection area detected by said detecting means, means for selecting one of a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated, and means for controlling said selecting means not to select the second mode when said detecting means detects the focus condition in the second detection area.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
108 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens including a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus state, means for displaying, in a viewfinder, the detection area detected by said detecting means, means for selecting one of a first mode wherein said displaying means is activated and a second mode wherein said displaying means is inactivated, and means for controlling said selecting means not to select the second mode when said detecting means detects the focus condition in the second detection area.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
112 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is made based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is made based on one of a plurality of detection area different from the predetermined detection area, a first manual operation member, first means responsive to an operation of said first manual operation member for selecting one of the modes of said detecting means, a second manual operation member, and second means responsive to an operation of said manual operation member for selecting one of the detection areas in the second mode.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
112 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is made based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is made based on one of a plurality of detection area different from the predetermined detection area, a first manual operation member, first means responsive to an operation of said first manual operation member for selecting one of the modes of said detecting means, a second manual operation member, and second means responsive to an operation of said manual operation member for selecting one of the detection areas in the second mode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
136 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 23, further comprising: means for displaying, in a viewfinder, the detection areas, said displaying means making a display at a first display state at which the predetermined detection region in the first mode is displayed and a second display state at which the selected detection area in the second mode is displayed, and making no display of the detection area at a third display state, wherein said first selecting means includes means for cyclically changing the three display states of said displaying means, and means responsive to the operation of said first manual operation member for changing a state of said displaying means from said second display state to the first display state when said detecting means detects based on the selected detection area in the second mode.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
141 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on one of a plurality of detection area different from the predetermined detection area, first means for selecting one of the modes of said detecting means, second means for selecting one of the plurality of detection areas of said detecting means in the second mode, means for storing one of the plurality of detection areas which can be selected in the second mode, and means for controlling said second selecting means to first select a detection area stored by said storing means in response to which said first selecting means selects the second mode of said detecting means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
141 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on one of a plurality of detection area different from the predetermined detection area, first means for selecting one of the modes of said detecting means, second means for selecting one of the plurality of detection areas of said detecting means in the second mode, means for storing one of the plurality of detection areas which can be selected in the second mode, and means for controlling said second selecting means to first select a detection area stored by said storing means in response to which said first selecting means selects the second mode of said detecting means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 25, wherein said storing means stores a detection area selected in the previous second mode.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
146 words
A camera operable in one of a first mode and a second mode for a predetermined function, said camera further being selectively operable in one of a plurality of states when said camera operates in the second mode, said camera comprising: first means for selecting one of the two modes, second means for selecting one of the plurality of states in the second mode, means for storing the state selected in said second mode, means for controlling said second selecting means to first select the state stored by said storing means in response to said first selecting means selecting the second mode of said camera, and means for detecting a focus condition of a taking lens, wherein the predetermined function of said camera is a function of said detecting means and the first and second modes relates to a detection area detected by said detecting means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
146 words
A camera operable in one of a first mode and a second mode for a predetermined function, said camera further being selectively operable in one of a plurality of states when said camera operates in the second mode, said camera comprising: first means for selecting one of the two modes, second means for selecting one of the plurality of states in the second mode, means for storing the state selected in said second mode, means for controlling said second selecting means to first select the state stored by said storing means in response to said first selecting means selecting the second mode of said camera, and means for detecting a focus condition of a taking lens, wherein the predetermined function of said camera is a function of said detecting means and the first and second modes relates to a detection area detected by said detecting means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
140 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for repeatedly detecting a focus condition of a lens to obtain an in-focus condition based on a plurality of detection areas, means responsively to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for designating a lock of a focus condition of the lens, means responsive to said designating means for stopping said driving means from repeating its driving operation responsive to the detection result, means for determining whether each of the detection areas is within a depth of field at a position of the lens when the drive of the lens is stopped, means for displaying photographing information including a first display indicative of the detection area determined by said determining means, and means responsive to said stopping means for controlling said displaying means to make the first display.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
140 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for repeatedly detecting a focus condition of a lens to obtain an in-focus condition based on a plurality of detection areas, means responsively to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for designating a lock of a focus condition of the lens, means responsive to said designating means for stopping said driving means from repeating its driving operation responsive to the detection result, means for determining whether each of the detection areas is within a depth of field at a position of the lens when the drive of the lens is stopped, means for displaying photographing information including a first display indicative of the detection area determined by said determining means, and means responsive to said stopping means for controlling said displaying means to make the first display.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 28, wherein said designating means includes a manual operation member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 28, wherein said displaying means makes the first display inside of a frame delineating a field of view in a viewfinder.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 28, wherein said displaying means further includes a second display indicative of a detection area detected by said detecting means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 31, wherein said displaying means makes the second display inside of a frame delineating a field of view in a viewfinder.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 28, wherein said displaying means further includes a third display indicative of a stop of the lens drive by said driving means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
60 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 28, wherein said detecting means repeatedly detects the focus condition even after said stopping means stops the drive of the lens in response to said designating means and said controlling means controls said displaying means to make the first display based on the detection result after the stop of the lens drive.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
31 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 28, wherein said designating means designates the lock of the focus condition in response to a predetermined detection result of said detection means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
121 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for displaying photographing information including a first display indicative of first photographing information not related to the detection result of said detecting means and a second display indicative of second photographing information related to the detection result of said detecting means, means for designating a lock of a focus condition of the lens, means responsive to said designating means for stopping said driving means from driving the lens, and means responsive to said stopping means for controlling said displaying means to display the second display and turn off the first display.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
121 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for driving the lens, means for displaying photographing information including a first display indicative of first photographing information not related to the detection result of said detecting means and a second display indicative of second photographing information related to the detection result of said detecting means, means for designating a lock of a focus condition of the lens, means responsive to said designating means for stopping said driving means from driving the lens, and means responsive to said stopping means for controlling said displaying means to display the second display and turn off the first display.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
38 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 36, wherein said displaying means displays the first display inside of the frame delineating a field of view in a viewfinder and displays the second display outside of the frame.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 36, wherein said displaying means displays both of the first and second displays inside of a frame delineating a field of view in a viewfinder.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 36, wherein said designating means designates the lock of the focus condition in response to a predetermined detection result of said detecting means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
36 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 39, wherein the first display indicates a detection area of said detecting means and the second display indicates that said driving means stops the drive of the lens.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
154 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means including a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus condition, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for focusing an image of an object on a predetermined position, means for calculating a photographing magnification, means for determining whether the photographing magnification calculated by said calculating means is more than a predetermined value or not, means responsive to said determining mean for controlling said detecting means so as to change the detection area to be detected from the first detection area to the second detection area when the calculated photographing magnification is more than the predetermined value, and means responsive to said controlling means for displaying the second detection area.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
154 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means including a first detection area covering a first region and a second detection area covering a second region smaller than the first region both for detecting the focus condition, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for focusing an image of an object on a predetermined position, means for calculating a photographing magnification, means for determining whether the photographing magnification calculated by said calculating means is more than a predetermined value or not, means responsive to said determining mean for controlling said detecting means so as to change the detection area to be detected from the first detection area to the second detection area when the calculated photographing magnification is more than the predetermined value, and means responsive to said controlling means for displaying the second detection area.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
218 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on one of a plurality or detection areas each being smaller than the predetermined detection area, first means for selecting one of the modes of said detecting means, second means for selecting one of the plurality of detection areas in the second mode, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for focusing an image of an object on a predetermined position, means for calculating a photographing magnification, means for determining whether the photographing magnification calculated by said calculating means is more than a predetermined value, means responsive to said determining means for controlling said detecting means so as to perform the detection based on one of the plurality of detection areas in the second mode when the first mode is selected and so as to perform the detection based on a detection area selected by said second selecting means when the second mode is selected, when the calculated photographing magnification is more than the predetermined value, and means for displaying detection area detected by said detecting means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
218 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on one of a plurality or detection areas each being smaller than the predetermined detection area, first means for selecting one of the modes of said detecting means, second means for selecting one of the plurality of detection areas in the second mode, means responsive to a detection result of said detecting means for focusing an image of an object on a predetermined position, means for calculating a photographing magnification, means for determining whether the photographing magnification calculated by said calculating means is more than a predetermined value, means responsive to said determining means for controlling said detecting means so as to perform the detection based on one of the plurality of detection areas in the second mode when the first mode is selected and so as to perform the detection based on a detection area selected by said second selecting means when the second mode is selected, when the calculated photographing magnification is more than the predetermined value, and means for displaying detection area detected by said detecting means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
128 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a first detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on a second detection area different from the first detection area, means for displaying the detection area of said detecting means, including a first display indicative of the first detection area and a second display indicative of the second detection area, means for changing a mode of said detecting means from the first mode to the second mode, and means responsive to said changing means for controlling said displaying means so as to both of the first and second displays.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
128 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a first detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on a second detection area different from the first detection area, means for displaying the detection area of said detecting means, including a first display indicative of the first detection area and a second display indicative of the second detection area, means for changing a mode of said detecting means from the first mode to the second mode, and means responsive to said changing means for controlling said displaying means so as to both of the first and second displays.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
44 words
The automatic focus detection device for use in a camera according to claim 43, further including means for calculating a photographing magnification, wherein said changing means changes the first mode to the second mode based on the photographing magnification calculated by said calculating means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
39 words
The automatic focus detection device for use in a camera according to claim 43, further including means for designating a microphotographing, wherein said changing means changes the first mode to the second mode in response to said designating means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
45 words
The automatic focus detection device for use in a camera according to claim 45, wherein said designating means includes means for calculating a photographing magnification, and said microphotographing is designated when the photographing magnification calculated by said calculating means is more than a predetermined value.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
39 words
The automatic focus detection device for use in a camera according to claim 43, wherein said controlling means controls said displaying means so as to make a first display when the first mode of said detecting means is selected.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
105 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means including a first detection area and a second detection area different from the first detection area, means responsive to said detecting means for focusing an image of an object of a predetermined position, means for designating a microphotographing; means responsive to said designating means for controlling said detecting means so as to change the detection area to be detected from the first detection area to the second detection area, and means responsive to said controlling means for displaying the second detection area.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
105 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means including a first detection area and a second detection area different from the first detection area, means responsive to said detecting means for focusing an image of an object of a predetermined position, means for designating a microphotographing; means responsive to said designating means for controlling said detecting means so as to change the detection area to be detected from the first detection area to the second detection area, and means responsive to said controlling means for displaying the second detection area.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
194 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on one of a plurality of areas each being smaller than the predetermined detection area, means for changing the modes of said detecting means, means for selecting one of said plurality of detection area when said detecting means is in the second mode, means responsive to said detecting means for focusing image of an object on a predetermined position, means for designating a microphotographing, means for responsive to said designating means for controlling said detecting means so as to perform a detection based on a predetermined detection region of the plurality of detection areas in the second mode when said detecting means is in the first mode and so as to perform a detection based on a detection region selected by said selecting means when said detecting means is in the said second mode, and means for displaying a detection region detected by said detecting means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
194 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on one of a plurality of areas each being smaller than the predetermined detection area, means for changing the modes of said detecting means, means for selecting one of said plurality of detection area when said detecting means is in the second mode, means responsive to said detecting means for focusing image of an object on a predetermined position, means for designating a microphotographing, means for responsive to said designating means for controlling said detecting means so as to perform a detection based on a predetermined detection region of the plurality of detection areas in the second mode when said detecting means is in the first mode and so as to perform a detection based on a detection region selected by said selecting means when said detecting means is in the said second mode, and means for displaying a detection region detected by said detecting means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
204 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: first means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on one of a plurality of areas each being smaller than the predetermined detection area, means for changing the modes of said detecting means, means for selecting one of said plurality of detection area when said detecting means is in the second mode, means responsive to said first detecting means for focusing an image of an image on a predetermined position, second means for detecting a predetermined photographing state, means responsive to said second detecting means for controlling said first detecting means so as to perform a detection based on either a predetermined area or one of the plurality of detection areas in the second mode when said first detecting means is in the first mode and so as to perform a detection based on a detection area selected by said selecting means when said first detection means is in the second mode, and means for displaying a detection area detected by said detecting means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
204 words
An automatic focus detection device for use in a camera comprising: first means for detecting a focus condition of a lens, said detecting means being operable in a first mode wherein detection is performed based on a predetermined detection area and a second mode wherein detection is performed based on one of a plurality of areas each being smaller than the predetermined detection area, means for changing the modes of said detecting means, means for selecting one of said plurality of detection area when said detecting means is in the second mode, means responsive to said first detecting means for focusing an image of an image on a predetermined position, second means for detecting a predetermined photographing state, means responsive to said second detecting means for controlling said first detecting means so as to perform a detection based on either a predetermined area or one of the plurality of detection areas in the second mode when said first detecting means is in the first mode and so as to perform a detection based on a detection area selected by said selecting means when said first detection means is in the second mode, and means for displaying a detection area detected by said detecting means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
130 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens including a plurality of detection areas, means for designating a change of the detection area of said detecting means, means for selecting at least one of the detection areas with the change of the detection area being designated by said designating means, means for displaying the detection area of said detecting means, said displaying means displaying the detection area in a first display state and a second display state, and means responsive to said designating means for controlling said displaying means so as to make a display in the first display state and responsive to the said selecting means for controlling said displaying means so as to make a display in the second display state.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
130 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a lens including a plurality of detection areas, means for designating a change of the detection area of said detecting means, means for selecting at least one of the detection areas with the change of the detection area being designated by said designating means, means for displaying the detection area of said detecting means, said displaying means displaying the detection area in a first display state and a second display state, and means responsive to said designating means for controlling said displaying means so as to make a display in the first display state and responsive to the said selecting means for controlling said displaying means so as to make a display in the second display state.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 51, wherein said displaying means displays the detection area inside of a delineating a field of view in a viewfinder.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
44 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 52, wherein said displaying means includes a display of frame indicative of the detection area, and said controlling means controls said displaying means to make the display of frame with blinking in the first display state.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
112 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a taking lens including a plurality of detection areas, means for designating a change of the detection areas of said detecting means, means for selecting at least one of the plurality of detection areas with the change of the detection area being designated by said designating means, means for displaying the detection area, first means responsive to said designating means for controlling said displaying means to display all of the detection areas which can be selected, and second means responsive to said selecting means for controlling said displaying means to display only the selected one of the detection areas.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
112 words
An automatic focus detection device comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of a taking lens including a plurality of detection areas, means for designating a change of the detection areas of said detecting means, means for selecting at least one of the plurality of detection areas with the change of the detection area being designated by said designating means, means for displaying the detection area, first means responsive to said designating means for controlling said displaying means to display all of the detection areas which can be selected, and second means responsive to said selecting means for controlling said displaying means to display only the selected one of the detection areas.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
39 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 54, wherein said selecting means first selects one of the detection areas on the basis of a detection area previously selected by said selecting means in response to said designating means.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
29 words
The automatic focus detection device according to claim 54, wherein said displaying means displays the detection area inside of a frame delineating a field of view in a viewfinder.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
84 words
An automatic focus detection device used for a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of an interchangeable lens mounted on a camera body, including a plurality of detection areas; means for selecting one of the plurality of detection areas in accordance with a characteristic of the lens; means for displaying a detection area inside of a frame delineating a field of view in a viewfinder; and means for controlling said displaying means to display the detection area selected by said selecting means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
84 words
An automatic focus detection device used for a camera comprising: means for detecting a focus condition of an interchangeable lens mounted on a camera body, including a plurality of detection areas; means for selecting one of the plurality of detection areas in accordance with a characteristic of the lens; means for displaying a detection area inside of a frame delineating a field of view in a viewfinder; and means for controlling said displaying means to display the detection area selected by said selecting means.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
24 words
An automatic focus detection device according to claim 57, wherein said detecting means includes at least three detection areas for detecting the focus condition.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
64 words
An automatic focus detection device according to claim 57, wherein the plurality of detection areas includes a first detection area and a second detection area smaller than the first detection area, said camera further comprising; manually operable means, and means responsive to an operation of said manually operable means for changing the detection area only when said selecting means selects the first detection area.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-07-12 | 1997-01-11 | 1997-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-07-12 | 2001-01-11 | 2001-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-07-12 | 2005-01-11 | 2005-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |