Patent US5548664A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5313245A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5313245A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Automatic focusing device
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1993-06-07
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Granted: 1994-05-17
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Expires: 2013-06-07
Abstract
Abstract An automatic focusing device in which a plurality of points in a picture frame are measured in distance to form focusing information. The device is provided with weighting means for laying an emphasis on a substantially central portion of the picture frame and another emphasis on the near object distance when forming the above-described focusing information.
Inventors
- 👤 Kazuki Konishi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:06
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 222
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances to objects corresponding to plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce a plurality of distance measuring information values of said respectively plurality corresponding to points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of a value obtained by factoring said distance measuring information values with exclusion of those which are farther than a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in said picture frame into said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point to form said focusing information.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances to objects corresponding to plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce a plurality of distance measuring information values of said respectively plurality corresponding to points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of a value obtained by factoring said distance measuring information values with exclusion of those which are farther than a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in said picture frame into said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point to form said focusing information.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
174 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances to objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality corresponding to points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values of said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for operating and focusing information forming means on the basis of a value obtained by shifting a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in said picture frame toward the near distance side by the distance of 1/2 of the difference between (i) one of the distance measuring information values of said plurality of points in said picture frame with exclusion of those which are farther than said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and (ii) said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point to form said focusing information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
174 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances to objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality corresponding to points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values of said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for operating and focusing information forming means on the basis of a value obtained by shifting a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in said picture frame toward the near distance side by the distance of 1/2 of the difference between (i) one of the distance measuring information values of said plurality of points in said picture frame with exclusion of those which are farther than said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and (ii) said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point to form said focusing information.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
187 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to objects corresponding to a plurality of points in the picture frame to produce, distance measuring information values corresponding to said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, one average value of (i) an average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) an average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame which, is indicative of a nearer distance and is above a predetermined value, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of the average value of the nearer distance to form said focusing information.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
187 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to objects corresponding to a plurality of points in the picture frame to produce, distance measuring information values corresponding to said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, one average value of (i) an average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) an average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame which, is indicative of a nearer distance and is above a predetermined value, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of the average value of the nearer distance to form said focusing information.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
186 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A distance measuring means for measuring the distance to objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, one of (i) an average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) an average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame, is indicative of a nearer distance and is not above a predetermined value, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of one of said average values which is indicative of a farther distance to form said focusing information.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
186 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A distance measuring means for measuring the distance to objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, one of (i) an average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) an average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame, is indicative of a nearer distance and is not above a predetermined value, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of one of said average values which is indicative of a farther distance to form said focusing information.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
184 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, one of (i) a center-weighted average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) a center-weighted average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame, is indicative of a nearer distance and is above a predetermined value, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of the center-weighted average value of said nearer distance to form said focusing information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
184 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, one of (i) a center-weighted average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) a center-weighted average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame, is indicative of a nearer distance and is above a predetermined value, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of the center-weighted average value of said nearer distance to form said focusing information.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
192 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to the plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, one of (i) a center-weighted average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) a center weighted average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame which, is indicative of a nearer distance and is not above a predetermined value, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of one of said center-weighted average values which is indicative of a farther distance to form said focusing information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
192 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to the plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, one of (i) a center-weighted average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) a center weighted average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame which, is indicative of a nearer distance and is not above a predetermined value, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of one of said center-weighted average values which is indicative of a farther distance to form said focusing information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
177 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to the plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, an (i) average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) an average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame, both lie within a predetermined range, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of an average value of both said average values (i) and (ii) to form said focusing information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
177 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to the plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values, an (i) average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) an average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value of another marginal point in the picture frame, both lie within a predetermined range, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of an average value of both said average values (i) and (ii) to form said focusing information.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
189 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values of said plurality of points in the picture frame, (i) a center-weighted average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) a center-weighted average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value, of another marginal point in the picture frame, both lie within a predetermined range, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of an average value of both said center-weighted average values (i) and (ii) to form said focusing information.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
189 words
An automatic focusing device capable of measuring distances of objects corresponding to a plurality of points in a picture frame, comprising: (A) distance measuring means for measuring the distances to the objects corresponding to the plurality of points in the picture frame to produce distance measuring information values corresponding to said plurality of points; (B) focusing information forming means for forming focusing information on the basis of an output of said distance measuring means; and (C) operation means for, when, among said distance measuring information values of said plurality of points in the picture frame, (i) a center-weighted average value of a distance measuring information value of a substantially central point in the picture frame and a distance measuring information value of a marginal point and (ii) a center-weighted average value of said distance measuring information value of said substantially central point and a distance measuring information value, of another marginal point in the picture frame, both lie within a predetermined range, operating said focusing information forming means on the basis of an average value of both said center-weighted average values (i) and (ii) to form said focusing information.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
115 words
A focus adjustment device comprising: (A) distance measuring means for detecting and obtaining a distance information value for each of a plurality of objects in a picture frame by projecting a signal to each of said plural objects and receiving the signals reflected by the objects; and (B) processing means for forming focus adjustment information on the basis of (i) a relative positional relationship of the plurality of objects in the picture frame, said relative positional relationship being in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the picture frame, and (ii) a relative distance relationship among said plurality of objects based on the detection results for plural objects obtained by said distance measuring means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
115 words
A focus adjustment device comprising: (A) distance measuring means for detecting and obtaining a distance information value for each of a plurality of objects in a picture frame by projecting a signal to each of said plural objects and receiving the signals reflected by the objects; and (B) processing means for forming focus adjustment information on the basis of (i) a relative positional relationship of the plurality of objects in the picture frame, said relative positional relationship being in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the picture frame, and (ii) a relative distance relationship among said plurality of objects based on the detection results for plural objects obtained by said distance measuring means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said distance means includes light projection means for projecting distance measuring light to said plurality of objects.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 10, wherein said light projection means includes a plurality of light projection means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said distance measuring means includes means for causing said plurality of light projection portions to illuminate in sequence.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is located at a relatively central position among said plurality of objects.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 13, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is relatively near among said plurality of objects.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
An device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is relatively near among said plurality of objects.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
80 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the detected distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of a nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) laying an emphasis on the distance information value of said relatively central object, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that emphasis.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
84 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes field depth factoring means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) factoring a field depth into the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that factoring.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device according to claim 17, wherein, in order to factor the field depth, said field depth factoring means includes means for adding a distance corresponding to one half of aid field depth to the distance information value which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes first comparison means for comparing distance information values of relatively marginal objects among said plurality of objects in said picture frame with each other.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 19, wherein said processing means includes first selection means responsive to said first comparison means for selecting one of said distance information values of said marginal objects which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 20, wherein said processing means includes second comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said first selection means with a predetermined distance.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 21, wherein said processing means includes second selection means for, when the distance information value compared by said second comparison means is above said predetermined distance, selecting that distance information value.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 22, wherein said processing means includes third comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said second selection means with the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 23, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the distance information values compared by said third comparison means which is indicative of a relatively short distance.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
53 words
A device according to claim 21, wherein said processing means includes second selection means for, when the distance information value compared by said second comparison means is smaller than said predetermined distance, selecting one of the distance information values of the marginal objects which has not been selected by said first selection means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 25, wherein said processing means includes third comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said second selection means with the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 26, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the distance information values compared by said third comparison means which is indicative of a relatively short distance.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes selection means for, when the distance information values of the plurality of objects in the picture frame lie within a predetermined distance range, selecting all such distance information values.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device according to claim 28, wherein said processing means includes discrimination means for determining whether or not one of the distance information values selected by said selection means which is indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device according to claim 29, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a central-object-weighted average value of the distance information values selected by said selecting means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
67 words
A device according to claim 29, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a simple average value of the distance information values selected by said selecting means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
87 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is above a predetermined distance or is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) laying an emphasis on the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that emphasis.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device according to claim 32, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance is not within a predetermined distance range, causing said first discrimination means to operate.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
77 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is above a predetermined distance or is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of only the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device according to claim 34, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance is not within a predetermined distance range, causing said first discrimination means to operate.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for determining whether or not the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies within a predetermined distance range.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 36, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for determining whether or not the difference between predetermined ones of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance lies within a predetermined distance range.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
80 words
A device according to claim 37, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said first discrimination means has determined that said difference lies within said predetermined distance range and said second discrimination means has determined that said difference does not lie within said predetermined distance range, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of an average value of the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance and the distance measuring information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
148 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame the middle distance lies outside a first predetermined distance range and the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not below a second predetermined distance and is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, and when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance lies within a third predetermined distance range, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of an average value of the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance and the distance information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
142 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies outside a first predetermined distance range and the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not below a second predetermined distance and is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, and when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are relatively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance is outside a third predetermined distance range, forming said focusing information on the basis of the distance information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of all the distance information values except ones indicative to infinite distance objects in said picture frame.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes discrimination means for determining whether or not one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the farthest distance is indicative of an infinite distance.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device according to claim 42, wherein said processing means includes excluding means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance is indicative of an infinite distance, excluding the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance to form the focus adjustment information.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 43, wherein said processing means includes means for, when all the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame lie within a predetermined distance range, causing said excluding means to operate.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
74 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of distance information values of a relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are farther then a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
72 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of a relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are not farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of said other distance information values.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
81 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of a relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are not farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the other distance information values which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative to the nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of only that distance information value.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes comparison means for comparing a relative distance relationship of the plurality of objects on the basis of a positional relationship of the objects in the picture frame.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for selecting a distance information value of an object which is at a shortest distance among said plurality of objects.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes judgment means for juding whether or not the object at the nearest distance among the plurality of objects is at a relatively central position in the picture frame.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of (1) a distance information value of an object which is at a relatively central position in the picture frame among the plurality of objects, and (2) a distance information value of an object which is at a shorter distance than the central position object.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of distance information values of a plurality of relatively marginal objects among said plurality of objects when the distance information values of the relatively marginal objects are all shorter than the distance of a relatively central object and are within a predetermined range.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
87 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a distance information value of an object which is at a relatively central position of a picture plane among the plurality of objects when distance information values of objects which are at least at one relatively marginal portion of the picture frame among the plurality of objects are shorter than the distance information value of said relatively central object and are within a predetermined range.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for performing a weighted average computation of a central position weighting and a short distance weighting of said plurality of objects.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with a focal length of a related optical system.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with a full-open F value of a related optical system.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 9, further comprising means for driving a related optical system in response to an output of said processing means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 9, further comprising an optical system which is driven by an output of said processing means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
59 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said distance measuring means includes means for increasing an intensity of a signal projected on an object which is at a relatively central position among the plurality of objects in the picture frame to a level higher than intensities of objects which are at a relatively marginal portion in the picture frame.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
103 words
A focus adjustment device, comprising: (A) light receiving means for detecting signals corresponding to distance for each of a plurality of objects in a picture frame by receiving light from said plurality of objects; and (B) processing means for forming focus adjustment information on the basis of (i) a relatively positional relation of the plurality of objects in the picture frame, said relative positional relation being in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the picture frame, and (ii) a relative distance relation of the plurality of objects based on the detection result for plural objects detected by said light receiving means.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
103 words
A focus adjustment device, comprising: (A) light receiving means for detecting signals corresponding to distance for each of a plurality of objects in a picture frame by receiving light from said plurality of objects; and (B) processing means for forming focus adjustment information on the basis of (i) a relatively positional relation of the plurality of objects in the picture frame, said relative positional relation being in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the picture frame, and (ii) a relative distance relation of the plurality of objects based on the detection result for plural objects detected by said light receiving means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving reference to distance information corresponding to an object which is located at a relatively central position among said plurality of objects.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 62, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is relatively near among said plurality of objects.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is relatively near among said plurality of objects.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
80 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the detected distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of a nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) laying an emphasis on the distance information value of said relatively central object, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that emphasis.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
84 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes field depth factoring means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is not the distance information values of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) factoring a field depth into the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that factoring.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device according to claim 66, wherein, in order to factor the field depth, said field depth factoring means includes means for adding a distance corresponding to one half of said field depth to the distance information value which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes fist comparison means for comparing distance information values of relatively marginal objects among said plurality of objects in said picture frame with each other.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 68, wherein said processing means includes first selection means responsive to said first comparison means for selecting one of said distance information values of said marginal objects which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 69, wherein said processing means includes second comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said first selection means with a predetermined distance.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 76, wherein said processing means includes second selection means for, when the distance information value compared by said second comparison means is above said predetermined distance, selecting that distance information value.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 71, wherein said processing means includes third comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said second selection means with the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 72, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the distance information values compared by said third comparison means which is indicative of a relatively short distance.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
53 words
A device according to claim 70, wherein said processing means includes second selection means for, when the distance information value compared by said second comparison means is smaller than said predetermined distance, selecting one of the distance information values of the marginal objects which has not been selected by said first selection means.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 74, wherein said processing means includes third comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said second selection means with the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 75, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment values compared by said third comparison means which is indicative of a relatively short distance.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes selection means for, when the distance information values of the plurality of objects in the picture frame lie within a predetermined distance range, selecting all such distance information values.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
49 words
A device according to claim 77, wherein said processing includes discrimination means for determining whether or not one of the distance information values selected by said selection means which is indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture means.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device according to claim 78, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a central-object-weighted average value of the distance information values selected by said selecting means.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
67 words
A device according to claim 78, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a simple average value of the distance information values selected by said selecting means.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
87 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is above a predetermined distance or is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) laying an emphasis on the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that emphasis.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device according to claim 81, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance is not within a predetermined distance range, causing said first discrimination means to operate.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
77 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is above a predetermined distance or is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of only the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device according to claim 83, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance is not within a predetermined distance range, causing said first discrimination means to operate.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for determining whether or not the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies within a predetermined distance range.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 85, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for determining whether or not the difference between predetermined ones of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance lies within a predetermined distance range.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
80 words
A device according to claim 86, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said first discrimination means has determined that said difference lies within said predetermined distance range and said second discrimination means has determined that said difference does not lie within said predetermined distance range, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of an average value of the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance and the distance measuring information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
157 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies outside a first predetermined distance range and the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not below a second predetermined distance and is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, and when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance lies within a third predetermined distance range, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of an average value of the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance and the distance information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
136 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies outside a first predetermined distance range and the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not below a second predetermined distance and is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, and when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance is outside a third predetermined distance range, forming said focusing information on the basis of the middle distance.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of all the distance information values except ones indicative of an infinite distance objects in said picture frame.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes discrimination means for determining whether or not one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the furthest distance is indicative of an infinite distance.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device according to claim 91, wherein said processing means includes excluding means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance is indicative of an infinite distance, excluding the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance to form the focus adjustment information.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 92, wherein said processing means includes means for, when all the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame lie within a predetermined distance range, causing said excluding means to operate.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
73 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein processing means includes means for, when one of distance information values of a relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
71 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are not farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of said other distance information values.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
81 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of a relatively marginal objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are not farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the other distance information values which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of only that distance information value.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes comparison means for comparing a relative distance relationship of the plurality of objects on the basis of a positional relationship of the objects in the picture frame.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for selecting a distance information value of an object which is at a shortest distance among said plurality of objects.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes judgment means for juding whether or not the object at the nearest distance among the plurality of objects is at a relatively central position in the picture frame.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of (1) a distance information value of an object which is at a relatively central position in the picture frame among the plurality of objects, and (2) a distance information value of an object which is at a shorter distance than the central position object.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of distance information values of a plurality of relatively marginal objects among said plurality of objects when the distance information values of the relatively marginal objects are all shorter than the distance of a relatively central object and are within a predetermined range.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
87 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a distance information value of an object which is at a relatively central position of a picture plane among the plurality of objects when distance information values of objects which are at least at one relatively marginal portion of the picture frame among the plurality of objects are shorter then the distance information value of said relatively central object and are within a predetermined range.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for performing a weighted average computation of a central position weighting and a short distance weighting of said plurality of objects.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with a focal length of a related optical system.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with a full-open F value of a related optical system.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 61, further comprising means for driving a related optical system in response to an output of said process means.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 61, further comprising an optical system which is driven by an output of said processing means.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
59 words
A device according to claim 61, wherein said distance measuring means includes means for increasing an intensity of a signal projected on an object which is at a relatively central position among the plurality of objects in the picture frame to a level higher than intensities of objects which are at a relatively marginal portion in the picture frame.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
111 words
A camera comprising: (A) distance measuring means for detecting and obtaining a distance information value for each of plural objects in a picture frame by projecting a signal to each of said plural objects and receiving the signals reflected by the objects; and (B) processing means for forming focus adjustment information on the basis of (i) a relative positional relationship among said plurality of objects in the picture frame, said relative positional relationship being in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the picture frame, and (ii) a relative distance relationship of the plurality of objects based on the detection results for plural objects obtained by said distance measuring means.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
111 words
A camera comprising: (A) distance measuring means for detecting and obtaining a distance information value for each of plural objects in a picture frame by projecting a signal to each of said plural objects and receiving the signals reflected by the objects; and (B) processing means for forming focus adjustment information on the basis of (i) a relative positional relationship among said plurality of objects in the picture frame, said relative positional relationship being in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the picture frame, and (ii) a relative distance relationship of the plurality of objects based on the detection results for plural objects obtained by said distance measuring means.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
25 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said distance measuring means includes light projection means for projecting distance measuring light to said plurality of objects.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
18 words
A camera according to claim 111, wherein said light projection means includes a plurality of light projection portions.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
25 words
A camera according to claim 112, wherein said distance measuring means includes means for causing said plurality of light projection portions to illuminate in sequence.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
41 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is located at a relatively central position among said plurality of objects.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
37 words
A camera according to claim 114, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is relatively near among said plurality of objects.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
37 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is relatively near among said plurality of objects.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
80 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the detected distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of a nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) laying an emphasis on the distance information value of said relatively central object, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that emphasis.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
84 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes field depth factoring means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) factoring a field depth into the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that factoring.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
45 words
A camera according to claim 118, wherein, in order to factor the field depth, said field depth factoring means includes means for adding a distance corresponding to one half of said field depth to the distance information value which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
35 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes first comparison means for comparing distance information values of relatively marginal objects among said plurality of objects in said picture frame with each other.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
39 words
A camera according to claim 120, wherein said processing means includes first selection means responsive to said first comparison means for selecting one of said distance information values of said marginal objects which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
30 words
A camera according to claim 121, wherein said processing means includes second comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said first selection means with a predetermined distance.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
36 words
A camera according to claim 122, wherein said process means includes second selection means for, when the distance information value compared by said second comparison means is above said predetermined distance, selecting that distance information value.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
40 words
A camera according to claim 123, wherein said processing means includes third comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said second selection means with the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
42 words
A camera according to claim 124, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the distance information values compared by said third comparison means which is indicative of a relatively short distance.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
53 words
A camera according to claim 122, wherein said processing means includes second selection means for, when the distance information value compared by said second comparison means is smaller than said predetermined distance, selecting one of the distance information values of the marginal objects which has not been selected by said first selection means.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
40 words
A camera according to claim 126, wherein said processing means includes third comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said second selection means with the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
42 words
A camera according to claim 127, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the distance information values compared by said third comparison means which is indicative of a relatively short distance.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
40 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes selection means for, when the distance information values of the plurality of objects in the picture frame lie within a predetermined distance range, selecting all such distance information values.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
50 words
A camera according to claim 129, wherein said processing means includes discrimination means for determining whether or not one of the distance information values selected by said selection means which is indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
66 words
A camera according to claim 130, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a central-object-weighted average value of the distance information values selected by said selecting means.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
67 words
A camera according to claim 130, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a simple average value of the distance information values selected by said selecting means.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
87 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is above a predetermined distance or is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) laying an emphasis on the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that emphasis.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
61 words
A camera according to claim 133, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance is not within a predetermined distance range, causing said first discrimination means to operate.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
77 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is above a predetermined distance or is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of only the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
61 words
A camera according to claim 135, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance is not within a predetermined distance range, causing said first discrimination means to operate.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
56 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for determining whether or not the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies within a predetermined distance range.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
56 words
A camera according to claim 137, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for determining whether or not the difference between predetermined ones of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance lies within a predetermined distance range.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
80 words
A camera according to claim 138, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said first discrimination means has determined that said difference lies within said predetermined distance range and said second discrimination means has determined that said difference does not lie within said predetermined distance range, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of an average value of the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance and the distance measuring information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
157 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies outside a first predetermined distance range and the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not below a second predetermined distance and is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, and when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance lies within a third predetermined distance range, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of an average value of the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance and the distance information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
142 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are relatively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies outside a first predetermined distance range and the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not below a second predetermined distance and is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, and when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance is outside a third predetermined distance range, forming said focusing information on the basis of the distance information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
38 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of all the distance information values except ones indicative of infinite distance objects in said picture frame.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
46 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes discrimination means for determining whether or not one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the farthest distance is indicative of an infinite distance.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
52 words
A camera according to claim 143, wherein said processing means includes excluding means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance is indicative of an infinite distance, excluding the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance to from the focus adjustment information.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
40 words
A camera according to claim 144, wherein said processing means includes means for, when all the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame lie within a predetermined distance range, causing said excluding means to operate.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
74 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of distance information values of a relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
72 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of a relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are not farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of said other distance information values.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
81 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of a relatively marginal objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are not farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the other distance information values which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
64 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of only that distance information value.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
38 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes comparison means for comparing a relative distance relationship of the plurality of objects on the basis of a positional relationship of the objects in the picture frame.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
32 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for selecting a distance information value of an object which is at a shortest distance among said plurality of objects.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
39 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes judgment means for judging whether or not the object at the nearest distance among the plurality of objects is at a relatively central position in the picture frame.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
66 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of (1) a distance information value of an object which is at a relatively central position in the picture frame among the plurality of objects, and (2) a distance information value of an object which is at a shorter distance than the central position object.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
62 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of distance information values of the relatively marginal objects among said plurality of objects when the distance information values of the relatively marginal objects are all shorter than the distance of a relatively central object and are within a predetermined range.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
87 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a distance information value of an object which is at a relatively central position of a picture plane among the plurality of objects when distance information values of objects which are at least at one relatively marginal portion of the picture frame among the plurality of objects are shorter than the distance information value of said relatively central object and are within a predetermined range.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
33 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for performing a weighted average computation of a central position weighting and a short distance weighting of said plurality of objects.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
29 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with a focal length of a related optical system.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
30 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with a full-open F value of a related optical system.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
25 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said comprising means for deriving a related optical system in response to an output of said processing means.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said comprising an optical system which is driven by an output of said processing means.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
59 words
A camera according to claim 110, wherein said distance measuring means includes means for increasing an intensity of a signal projected on an object which is at a relatively central position among the plurality of objects in the picture frame to a level higher than intensities of objects which are at a relatively marginal portion in the picture frame.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
102 words
A camera, comprising: (A) light receiving means for detecting and obtaining signals corresponding to distances for each of a plurality of objects in a picture frame by receiving light from said plurality of objects; and (B) processing means for forming focus adjustment information on the basis of (i) a positional relation of the plurality of objects in the picture frame, said relative positional relationship being in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the picture frame, and (ii) a relative distance relation of the plurality of objects based on the detection result for plural objects detected by said light receiving means.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
102 words
A camera, comprising: (A) light receiving means for detecting and obtaining signals corresponding to distances for each of a plurality of objects in a picture frame by receiving light from said plurality of objects; and (B) processing means for forming focus adjustment information on the basis of (i) a positional relation of the plurality of objects in the picture frame, said relative positional relationship being in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the picture frame, and (ii) a relative distance relation of the plurality of objects based on the detection result for plural objects detected by said light receiving means.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is located at a relatively central position among said plurality of objects.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 163, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is relatively near among said plurality of objects.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information by giving preference to distance information corresponding to an object which is relatively near among said plurality of objects.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
81 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the detected distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of a nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1 ) laying an emphasis on the distance information value of said relatively central object, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that emphasis.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
84 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes field depth factoring means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is not the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) factoring a field depth into the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that factoring.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device according to claim 167, wherein said order to factor the field depth, said field depth factoring means includes means for adding a distance corresponding to one half of said field depth to the distance information value which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes first comparison means for comparing distance information values of relatively marginal objects among said plurality of objects in said picture frame with each other.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 169, wherein said processing means includes first selection means responsive to said first comparison means for selecting one of said distance information values of said marginal objects which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 170, wherein said processing means includes second comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said first selection means with a predetermined distance.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 171, wherein said processing means includes second selection means for, when the distance information value compared by said second comparison means is above said predetermined distance, selecting that distance information value.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 172, wherein said processing means includes third comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said second selection means with the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 173, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the distance information values compared by said third comparison means which is indicative of a relatively short distance.
Claim 187
Dependent Claim
53 words
A device according to claim 171, wherein said processing means includes second selection means for, when the distance information value compared by said second comparison means is smaller than said predetermined distance, selecting one of the distance information values of the marginal objects which has not been selected by said first selection means.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 175, wherein said processing means includes third comparison means for comparing the distance information value selected by said second selection means with the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device according to claim 176, wherein said processing means include means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the distance information values compared by said third comparison means which is indicative of a relatively short distance.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes selection means for, when the distance information values of the plurality of objects in the picture frame lie within a predetermined distance range, selecting all such distance information values.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device according to claim 178, wherein said processing means includes discrimination means for determining whether or not one of the distance information values selected by said selection means which is indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame.
Claim 192
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device according to claim 179, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a central-object-weighted average value of the distance information values selected by said selecting means.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
67 words
A device according to claim 179, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not the distance information value of the relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a simple average value of the distance information values selected by said selecting means.
Claim 194
Dependent Claim
87 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is above a predetermined distance or is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, (1) laying an emphasis on the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance, and (2) forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with the result of that emphasis.
Claim 195
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device according to claim 182, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance is not within a predetermined distance range, causing said first discrimination means to operate.
Claim 196
Dependent Claim
77 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is above a predetermined distance or is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of only the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 197
Dependent Claim
61 words
A device according to claim 184, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance is not within a predetermined distance range, causing said first discrimination means to operate.
Claim 198
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes first discrimination means for determining whether or not the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies within a predetermined distance range.
Claim 199
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 186, wherein said processing means includes second discrimination means for determining whether or not the difference between predetermined ones of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance lies within a predetermined distance range.
Claim 200
Dependent Claim
80 words
A device according to claim 187, wherein said processing means includes means for, when said first discrimination means has determined that said difference lies within said predetermined distance range and said second discrimination means has determined that said difference does not lie within said predetermined distance range, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of an average value of the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance and the distance measuring information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 201
Dependent Claim
157 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies outside a first predetermined distance range and the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not below a second predetermined distance and is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, and when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance lies within a third predetermined distance range, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of an average value of the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance and the distance information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 202
Dependent Claim
142 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for, when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the nearest distance and the middle distance lies outside a first predetermined distance range and the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance is not below a second predetermined distance and is not the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, and when the difference between predetermined ones of said distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which are respectively indicative of the farthest distance and the middle distance is outside a third predetermined distance range, forming said focusing information on the basis of the distance information value indicative of the middle distance.
Claim 203
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of all the distance information values except ones indicative of infinite distance objects in said picture frame.
Claim 204
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes discrimination means for determining whether or not one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the farthest distance is indicative of an infinite distance.
Claim 205
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device according to claim 192, wherein said processing means includes excluding means for, when said discrimination means has determined that the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance is indicative of an infinite distance, excluding the distance information value indicative of the farthest distance to form the focus adjustment information.
Claim 206
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 193, wherein said processing means includes means for, when all the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame lie within a predetermined distance range, causing said excluding means to operate.
Claim 207
Dependent Claim
74 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of distance information values of a relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of the distance information value indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 208
Dependent Claim
72 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of a relatively marginal object in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are not farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of said other distance information values.
Claim 209
Dependent Claim
81 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of a relatively marginal objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance lies within a first predetermined distance range and others of the distance information values are not farther than a second predetermined distance, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of one of the other distance information values which is indicative of the nearest distance.
Claim 210
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for, when one of the distance information values of said plurality of objects in said picture frame which is indicative of the nearest distance is the distance information value of a relatively central object in said picture frame, forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of only that distance information value.
Claim 211
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes comparison means for comparing a relatively distance relationship of the plurality of objects on the basis of a positional relationship of the objects in the picture frame.
Claim 212
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for selecting a distance information value of an object which is at a shortest distance among said plurality of objects.
Claim 213
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes judgment means for judging whether or not the object at the nearest distance among the plurality of objects is at a relatively central position in the picture frame.
Claim 214
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of (1) a distance information value of an object which is at a relatively central position in the picture frame among the plurality of objects, and (2) a distance information value of an object which is at a shorter distance than the central position object.
Claim 215
Dependent Claim
64 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of distance information values of a plurality of relatively marginal objects among said plurality of objects when the distance information values of the relatively marginal objects are all shorter than the distance of a relatively central object and are within a predetermined range.
Claim 216
Dependent Claim
86 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information on the basis of a distance information value of an object which is at a relatively central position of a picture plane among the plurality of objects when distance information values of objects which are at least one relatively marginal portion of the picture frame among the plurality of objects are shorter than the distance information value of said relatively central object and are within a predetermined range.
Claim 217
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for performing a weighted average computation of a central position weighting and a short distance weighting of said plurality of objects.
Claim 218
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with a focal length of a related optical system.
Claim 219
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said processing means includes means for forming the focus adjustment information in accordance with a full-open F value of a related optical system.
Claim 220
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 162, further comprising means for driving a related optical system in response to an output of said processing means.
Claim 221
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 162, further comprising an optical system which is drive by an output of said processing means.
Claim 222
Dependent Claim
59 words
A device according to claim 162, wherein said distance measuring means includes means for increasing an intensity of a signal projected on an object which is at a relatively central position among the plurality of objects in the picture frame to a level higher than intensities of objects which are at a relatively marginal portion in the picture frame.
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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) | 1997-05-16 | 1997-11-15 | 1998-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-05-16 | 2001-11-15 | 2002-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-05-16 | 2005-11-15 | 2006-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |