Patent US5327191A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5327191A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Eye direction detecting apparatus
Assignee: Pentax Corp
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Filing: 1992-11-27
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Granted: 1994-07-05
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Expires: 2012-11-27
Abstract
Abstract An eye direction detecting apparatus for a camera having a light transferring system for guiding a beam of parallel light rays to an eye of a photographer includes a light receiving system having a light receiving portion on which a first Purkinje image based on specular reflection of a cornea of the eye and reflecting light from a retina of the eye is formed, the light receiving portion generating a light receiving output. The apparatus further includes a processing circuit for detecting the eye direction of the eye based on the light receiving output of the light receiving portion. Further, according to the teachings of the present invention, including an optical member having certain identically inclined surfaces prevents refracted light from forming a ghost image within the light receiving system of an eye direction detecting apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Osamu Shindo
- 👤 Shigeo Toji
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:27
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B13/00; G03B13/32; G03B13/34; G03B13/36; A; A61; A61B; A61B3/00; A61B3/10; A61B3/113; G06; G06V; G06V40/00; G06V40/10; G06V40/18; G06V40/19
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 118
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus for a camera, comprising: means for guiding substantially parallel rays of light through an eye piece element of a finer system of said camera towards said photographer's eye; a light receiving system having means for receiving a first Purkinje image, based on a specular reflection of the cornea of said eye and reflecting light from a retina of said eye, is formed, said receiving means generating a light receiving output; and a processing circuit for detecting the eye direction of said eye based upon said light receiving output of said receiving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus for a camera, comprising: means for guiding substantially parallel rays of light through an eye piece element of a finer system of said camera towards said photographer's eye; a light receiving system having means for receiving a first Purkinje image, based on a specular reflection of the cornea of said eye and reflecting light from a retina of said eye, is formed, said receiving means generating a light receiving output; and a processing circuit for detecting the eye direction of said eye based upon said light receiving output of said receiving means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
106 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said eye includes a pupil and said pupil has a periphery, wherein said receiving means comprises a one-dimensional line sensor, wherein said processing circuit establishes a first coordinate corresponding to said periphery of said pupil by processing an output from one said one-dimensional line sensor in a first slice level, wherein said processing circuit establishes a second coordinate corresponding to said first Purkinje image by processing said output from said one-dimensional line sensor in a second slice level, and wherein said eye direction is detected by a calculation of coordinates with respect to said first and second coordinates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
105 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said receiving means comprises a one-dimensional line sensor, and wherein said processing circuit includes means for separating said output from said one-dimensional line sensor into a retina reflecting light corresponding output composition corresponding to a reflecting light from the retina and a first Purkinje image forming reflecting light corresponding output composition corresponding to a reflecting light for forming the first Purkinje image and for finding a center coordinate of the separated retina reflecting light corresponding to the composition and a center coordinate of the first Purkinje image forming reflecting light, thereby to detect the eye direction, respectively.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said receiving means comprises a reimaging lens for reimaging reflecting light for forming said first Purkinje image on said one-dimensional line sensor based on a corneal specular reflection, and wherein said processing circuit includes a correcting means for correcting a decrease of a peripheral portion incident light amount based on the light amount distribution characteristics of said reimaging lens.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the position of the first Purkinje image and the position of the pupil are established by bit inverting said separated retina reflecting light corresponding output composition and said first purkinje image forming reflecting light corresponding output composition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
111 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus of a camera, comprising: a light transferring system for radiating a detecting light in the form of a beam of substantially parallel rays of light that pass through a light path overlapping optical member of a finder of said camera towards an eye of a photographer looking into said light path overlapping optical member; and a light receiving system having means for reimaging said detecting light, for forming a virtual image based upon a corneal specular reflection of the eye, wherein said light path overlapping optical member makes an optical path of said light transferring system overlap with an optical path of said light receiving system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
111 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus of a camera, comprising: a light transferring system for radiating a detecting light in the form of a beam of substantially parallel rays of light that pass through a light path overlapping optical member of a finder of said camera towards an eye of a photographer looking into said light path overlapping optical member; and a light receiving system having means for reimaging said detecting light, for forming a virtual image based upon a corneal specular reflection of the eye, wherein said light path overlapping optical member makes an optical path of said light transferring system overlap with an optical path of said light receiving system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said light receiving system comprises a reducing lens and a reimaging lens disposed between said coaxis forming optical member and said light receiving portion, and wherein said reducing lens has at least one aspherical surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said light path overlapping optical member comprises a mirror which permits visible light to pass therethrough and which has a reflecting and transmitting characteristic with respect to infrared light.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said light path overlapping optical member comprises a prism.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said prism has a first transmitting surface facing said eye, a second transmitting surface opposite said first transmitting surface, and a reflecting surface disposed between said first transmitting surface and said second transmitting surface and facing said finder magnifier and, further, wherein first transmitting surface slightly inclined with respect to an optical axis of said light transferring system.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said light path overlapping optical member is located at a side of an eye piece lens of said finder that faces said photographer's eye.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said processing means determine said eye direction based on at least a first Purkinje image.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said processing means determines said eye direction based on a first Purkinje image and a pupil image.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
81 words
An eye direction detecting optical system, comprising: a) a finder system of a camera having a viewing area with a plurality of zones to which an eye can be selectively directed, thereby defining an actual eye direction; and b) means for determining to which of said plurality of zones said eye is directed, thereby defining a determined eye direction, said means for determining comprising: i) means for compensating for a difference between said determined eye direction and said actual eye direction.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
81 words
An eye direction detecting optical system, comprising: a) a finder system of a camera having a viewing area with a plurality of zones to which an eye can be selectively directed, thereby defining an actual eye direction; and b) means for determining to which of said plurality of zones said eye is directed, thereby defining a determined eye direction, said means for determining comprising: i) means for compensating for a difference between said determined eye direction and said actual eye direction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system as recited in claim 14, wherein said means for compensating for a difference between said determined eye direction and said actual eye direction comprises a means for compensating for a difference caused by light amount damping.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system as recited in claim 15, wherein said means for compensating for a difference caused by light amount dampening comprises: a) means for determining an amount of light amount damping.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system as recited in claim 16, wherein said means for compensating further comprises: b) means for generating a light amount correcting value based upon the determined amount of light amount damping by said means for determining.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system as recited in claim 14, wherein said eye has a cornea and a retina, and wherein said means for determining further comprises: ii) means for directing light towards said eye, and iii) means for generating a light amount distribution including a first Purkinje image composition based on corneal specular reflection and a retinal reflecting composition based on reflecting light from said retina.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
86 words
An eye direction detecting optical system, comprising: a) means for directing light rays towards an eye; b) means for receiving light rays reflected by said eye, said receiving means generating a light amount distribution; c) means for compensating for a damping of the amount of light received by said receiving means; d) means for determining a central position of said light amount distribution, after said compensating means compensates said light amount damping; and e) means for determining an eye direction based upon said determined central position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
86 words
An eye direction detecting optical system, comprising: a) means for directing light rays towards an eye; b) means for receiving light rays reflected by said eye, said receiving means generating a light amount distribution; c) means for compensating for a damping of the amount of light received by said receiving means; d) means for determining a central position of said light amount distribution, after said compensating means compensates said light amount damping; and e) means for determining an eye direction based upon said determined central position.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
81 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus, comprising: a finder system; means for directing light rays through said finder system towards an eye; means for receiving light rays through said finder system that are reflected by said eye, said means for receiving generating a light amount distribution having a center position; means for detecting said center position of said light amount distribution and producing an output; and processing means for determining eye direction based on said output of said center position detecting means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
81 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus, comprising: a finder system; means for directing light rays through said finder system towards an eye; means for receiving light rays through said finder system that are reflected by said eye, said means for receiving generating a light amount distribution having a center position; means for detecting said center position of said light amount distribution and producing an output; and processing means for determining eye direction based on said output of said center position detecting means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said eye has a cornea and a retina, wherein said light amount distribution has a corneal specular reflection component and a retina reflection light component.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 21, wherein said processing means comprises means for determining a first phase difference between said corneal specular reflection component and said retina reflecting light component.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 22, wherein said processing means further comprises means for inverting said corneal specular reflection component and said retina reflecting light component.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein said processing means further comprises means for determining a second phase difference between said inverted corneal specular reflection component and said inverted retina reflecting light component.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein said processing means further comprises means for calculating said gravity position based on said first phase difference and said second phase difference.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
95 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus in combination with a camera, said apparatus being incorporated into said camera, said apparatus comprising: a finder system; means for directing light rays through said finder system towards an eye; means for receiving light rays through said finder system that are reflected by said eye, said means for receiving generating a light amount distribution having a center position; means for detecting said center position of said light amount distribution and producing an output; and processing means for determining eye direction based on said output of said center position detecting means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
95 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus in combination with a camera, said apparatus being incorporated into said camera, said apparatus comprising: a finder system; means for directing light rays through said finder system towards an eye; means for receiving light rays through said finder system that are reflected by said eye, said means for receiving generating a light amount distribution having a center position; means for detecting said center position of said light amount distribution and producing an output; and processing means for determining eye direction based on said output of said center position detecting means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
86 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus, comprising: a light transferring system having a first optical path, said light transferring system projecting substantially parallel light rays towards and eye; a light receiving system having a second optical path, said light receiving system receiving light rays that are reflected from said eye; means for making said optical path of said light transferring system and said optical path of said light receiving system overlap; and means for preventing refracted light from forming a ghost image within said light receiving system.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
86 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus, comprising: a light transferring system having a first optical path, said light transferring system projecting substantially parallel light rays towards and eye; a light receiving system having a second optical path, said light receiving system receiving light rays that are reflected from said eye; means for making said optical path of said light transferring system and said optical path of said light receiving system overlap; and means for preventing refracted light from forming a ghost image within said light receiving system.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein said means for making comprises an optical member having at least two transmitting surfaces, each of said at least two transmitting surfaces having an identical angle of inclination with respect to said coaxial axes.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 28, wherein said light transferring system comprises means for emitting light, wherein said light receiving system comprises a light sensor, wherein said apparatus further comprises means for directing said emitted light into said eye, and wherein light reflected from said eye forms a light amount distribution of said light sensor.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein said eye has a cornea and a retina and wherein said light amount distribution has a corneal specular reflection component and a retina reflecting light component.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
192 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus in combination with a camera, said apparatus being incorporated into said camera, said apparatus comprising: a light transferring system having a first optical path, said light transferring system projecting substantially parallel light rays towards and eye and comprising means for emitting light; a light receiving system having a second optical path, said light receiving system receiving light rays that are reflected from said eye and comprising a light sensor; means for making said optical path of said light transferring system and said optical path of said light receiving system overlap comprising an optical member having at least two transmitting surfaces, each of said at least two transmitting surfaces having an identical angle of inclination with respect to said coaxial axes; means for preventing refracted light from forming a ghost image within said light receiving system; and means for directing said emitted light into said eye, wherein light reflected from said eye forms a light amount distribution on said light sensor, wherein said eye has a cornea and a retina and wherein said light amount distribution has a corneal specular reflection component and a retina reflecting light component.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
192 words
An eye direction detecting apparatus in combination with a camera, said apparatus being incorporated into said camera, said apparatus comprising: a light transferring system having a first optical path, said light transferring system projecting substantially parallel light rays towards and eye and comprising means for emitting light; a light receiving system having a second optical path, said light receiving system receiving light rays that are reflected from said eye and comprising a light sensor; means for making said optical path of said light transferring system and said optical path of said light receiving system overlap comprising an optical member having at least two transmitting surfaces, each of said at least two transmitting surfaces having an identical angle of inclination with respect to said coaxial axes; means for preventing refracted light from forming a ghost image within said light receiving system; and means for directing said emitted light into said eye, wherein light reflected from said eye forms a light amount distribution on said light sensor, wherein said eye has a cornea and a retina and wherein said light amount distribution has a corneal specular reflection component and a retina reflecting light component.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
112 words
An eye direction detecting device for a photographing camera, comprising: means fur guiding a beam of light to a photographer's eye; means for receiving a reflecting beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye, said receiving means providing an output; means for detecting a position of a first Purkinje image formed by a specular reflection of a cornea of said eye based on said output; means for detecting a center position of a pupil of said eye based upon said output; and means for determining an eye direction of said eye by calculating relative relation between said position of the first Purkinje image and the center position of the pupil.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
112 words
An eye direction detecting device for a photographing camera, comprising: means fur guiding a beam of light to a photographer's eye; means for receiving a reflecting beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye, said receiving means providing an output; means for detecting a position of a first Purkinje image formed by a specular reflection of a cornea of said eye based on said output; means for detecting a center position of a pupil of said eye based upon said output; and means for determining an eye direction of said eye by calculating relative relation between said position of the first Purkinje image and the center position of the pupil.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 32, wherein said means for receiving a reflecting beam of light comprises a one-dimensional line sensor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 32, wherein said means for receiving a reflecting beam of light and a cornea of said eye are in a substantially optically conjugate relation with each other.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
88 words
The device of claim 33, further comprising means for separating an output signal from said one-dimensional line sensor into a retina reflecting light corresponding output composition that corresponds to light reflected from the retina of said eye and a first Purkinje image forming reflecting light corresponding output composition that corresponds to said reflected beam of light for forming the first Purkinje image and means for finding a center position of the separated retina reflecting light and the center position of said first Purkinje image forming reflecting light, respectively.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 33, wherein a reimaging lens reimages said reflected light beam.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 36, wherein said reimaging lens comprises a cylindrical lens, said reimaging lens elongating an image formed with said light reflected from said eye, an elongating direction being in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement of elements of said one-dimensional line sensor.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 33, wherein said one-dimensional line sensor has a narrow width in an arrangement direction of elements of said sensor and a broad width perpendicular to said arrangement direction.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
63 words
The device of claim 32 wherein said means receiving a reflecting beam of light employs a cylindrical reimaging lens, said reimaging lens elongating said light that is reflected from said photographer's eye so that an image is formed by said reflected light on a one-dimensional line sensor, irrespective of an alignment of said eye with said eye piece element of a finder system.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 32, wherein said guiding means comprises: a light source for emitting said beam of light towards said eye; a half mirror through which said beam of light passes; and a minifying lens that functions to reduce the optical path length of said eye direction detecting device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 40 wherein said light source comprises an infrared light source.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 40, wherein said reflected beam of light is reflected off said half mirror and focused onto a light sensor by a reimaging lens.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 42, wherein said light sensor comprises a one-dimensional photosensitive element.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 32, wherein said guiding means comprises: a light source for emitting said substantially parallel beam of light; and a half mirror for reflecting said beam of light towards said eye.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 44, wherein said light source comprises an infrared light source.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
27 words
The camera of claim 44, wherein said reflected beam of light is passed through said half mirror and focused onto a light sensor by a reimaging lens.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 46, wherein said light sensor comprises a one-dimensional photosensitive element.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 46, wherein a cornea of said photographer and said light source are in a substantially optically conjugate relation with each other.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
39 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 32, wherein said means for determining an eye direction determines the direction said eye gazes at based upon at least two coordinates, said coordinates changing according to a revolving of said eye.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
30 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 49, wherein one of said coordinates corresponds to a first Purkinje image, based upon a specular reflection of a cornea of said eye.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
39 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 50, wherein one of said coordinates corresponds to said first Purkinje image and the remaining coordinates correspond to a pupil image, based upon a reflecting light from a retina of said eye.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
112 words
An eye direction detecting device for determining a direction in which a photographer's eye looks, comprising: a light source; a finger system having an eyepiece element; means for guiding a beam of light from said light source through said eyepiece element of a finder system so that said light beam impinges upon an eye of photographer that is placed proximate said eyepiece; a sensor for detecting a beam of light reflected from said photographer's eye and which passes through said eyepiece element, said sensor producing an output signal, wherein said sensor comprises a one-dimensional line sensor; and means for processing said output signal to determine the direction in which said eye looks.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
112 words
An eye direction detecting device for determining a direction in which a photographer's eye looks, comprising: a light source; a finger system having an eyepiece element; means for guiding a beam of light from said light source through said eyepiece element of a finder system so that said light beam impinges upon an eye of photographer that is placed proximate said eyepiece; a sensor for detecting a beam of light reflected from said photographer's eye and which passes through said eyepiece element, said sensor producing an output signal, wherein said sensor comprises a one-dimensional line sensor; and means for processing said output signal to determine the direction in which said eye looks.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device of claim 52, further comprising a cylindrical reimaging lens, said remaining lens elongating an image formed with said light reflected said eye, in an elongating direction that is perpendicular to an arrangement of elements of said one-dimensional line sensor.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
167 words
An eye direction detecting device for determining a direction in which a photographer's eye looks, comprising: a light source; a finder system having an eyepiece element; means for guiding a beam of light from said light source through said eyepiece element of a finder system so that said light beam impinges upon an eye of a photographer that is placed proximate said eyepiece; a sensor for detecting a beam of light reflected from said photographer's eye and which passes through said eyepiece element, said sensor producing an output signal, wherein a cornea of said eye and said sensor are in a substantially optically conjugate relation with each other, wherein said sensor comprises a one-dimensional line sensor; means for processing said output signal to determine the direction in which said eye looks; and a cylindrical reimaging lens, said reimaging lens elongating an image formed with said light reflected from said eye in an elongating direction that is perpendicular to an arrangement of elements of said one-dimensional line sensor.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
167 words
An eye direction detecting device for determining a direction in which a photographer's eye looks, comprising: a light source; a finder system having an eyepiece element; means for guiding a beam of light from said light source through said eyepiece element of a finder system so that said light beam impinges upon an eye of a photographer that is placed proximate said eyepiece; a sensor for detecting a beam of light reflected from said photographer's eye and which passes through said eyepiece element, said sensor producing an output signal, wherein a cornea of said eye and said sensor are in a substantially optically conjugate relation with each other, wherein said sensor comprises a one-dimensional line sensor; means for processing said output signal to determine the direction in which said eye looks; and a cylindrical reimaging lens, said reimaging lens elongating an image formed with said light reflected from said eye in an elongating direction that is perpendicular to an arrangement of elements of said one-dimensional line sensor.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
151 words
An eye direction detecting device for determining a direction in which a photographer's eye looks, comprising: a light source; a finder system having an eyepiece element; means for guiding a beam of light from said light source through said eyepiece element of a finder system so that said light beam impinges upon an eye of a photographer that is placed proximate said eyepiece; a sensor for detecting a beam of light reflected from said photographer's eye and which passes through said eyepiece element, said sensor producing an output signal, wherein a cornea of said eye and said sensor are in a substantially optically conjugate relation with each other; means for processing said output signal to determine the direction in which said eye looks, wherein said processing means includes means for correcting a decrease of a peripheral portion incident light amount based on a light amount distribution characteristics of said reimaging lens.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
151 words
An eye direction detecting device for determining a direction in which a photographer's eye looks, comprising: a light source; a finder system having an eyepiece element; means for guiding a beam of light from said light source through said eyepiece element of a finder system so that said light beam impinges upon an eye of a photographer that is placed proximate said eyepiece; a sensor for detecting a beam of light reflected from said photographer's eye and which passes through said eyepiece element, said sensor producing an output signal, wherein a cornea of said eye and said sensor are in a substantially optically conjugate relation with each other; means for processing said output signal to determine the direction in which said eye looks, wherein said processing means includes means for correcting a decrease of a peripheral portion incident light amount based on a light amount distribution characteristics of said reimaging lens.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
180 words
An optical focus detecting device for a camera, comprising: a center focus condition detecting system for detecting a focus condition of a lens in a center zone of an image equivalent plane; a plurality of peripheral focus detection systems for detecting focus conditions of said lens in peripheral zones of said image equivalent plane, said peripheral zones being different from said center zones, each focus condition detecting system having an image splitting element for splitting and reimaging said image formed with said lens, and a pair of photoelectric detecting means that receives each split image; means for detecting a direction at which a photographer's eye looks; means for selecting one of said peripheral zones or center zone according to said direction detected by said eye direction detecting means; processing means for detecting said focus condition of said lens in said selected zone, said processing means comparing output signals from said selected pair of photoelectric detecting means; and a lens driving mechanism for moving said lens to bring said lens in focus, based upon an output signal from said processing means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
180 words
An optical focus detecting device for a camera, comprising: a center focus condition detecting system for detecting a focus condition of a lens in a center zone of an image equivalent plane; a plurality of peripheral focus detection systems for detecting focus conditions of said lens in peripheral zones of said image equivalent plane, said peripheral zones being different from said center zones, each focus condition detecting system having an image splitting element for splitting and reimaging said image formed with said lens, and a pair of photoelectric detecting means that receives each split image; means for detecting a direction at which a photographer's eye looks; means for selecting one of said peripheral zones or center zone according to said direction detected by said eye direction detecting means; processing means for detecting said focus condition of said lens in said selected zone, said processing means comparing output signals from said selected pair of photoelectric detecting means; and a lens driving mechanism for moving said lens to bring said lens in focus, based upon an output signal from said processing means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 56, wherein said detecting optical system has an infrared light source for emitting an infrared light, said infrared light being guided to said eye through a finder magnifying lens.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
53 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: means for emittting light toward an eye; and a one-dimensional line sensor for detecting relative positions between a corneal image and a pupil image, each formed by a reflection from respective portions of said eye, said relative positions being indicative of a viewing direction of said eye.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
53 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: means for emittting light toward an eye; and a one-dimensional line sensor for detecting relative positions between a corneal image and a pupil image, each formed by a reflection from respective portions of said eye, said relative positions being indicative of a viewing direction of said eye.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
78 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: a viewing area, said viewing area having a viewing area axis, while an eye of a user has an optical axis; means for directing light rays along said optical axis toward said viewing area and adapted to be directed toward said eye; and a predetermined one-dimensional means for receiving light rays reflected by said eye for determining an angular relationship between said viewing area axis and said optical axis of said eye.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
78 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: a viewing area, said viewing area having a viewing area axis, while an eye of a user has an optical axis; means for directing light rays along said optical axis toward said viewing area and adapted to be directed toward said eye; and a predetermined one-dimensional means for receiving light rays reflected by said eye for determining an angular relationship between said viewing area axis and said optical axis of said eye.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
30 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 59, wherein said means for receiving light rays reflected by said eye comprises means for detecting a corneal image and a pupil image.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
42 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 60, wherein said means for receiving light rays further comprises a one-dimensional line sensor which detects and produces an output signal that is indicative of respective positions of said corneal image and said pupil image.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
37 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 1 wherein said one-dimensional line sensor is adapted to be in an optically conjugate position with said pupil of said eye when said eye is positioned adjacent said viewing area.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
51 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 61, wherein said means for determining said angular relationship between said viewing area axis and said optical axis of said eye comprises means for processing said output signal from said one-dimensional line sensor, said system further comprising means for storing said processed output signal.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
63 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 63, wherein said viewing area comprises a view finder having a plurality of zones through which said eye can look, whereby said eye direction detecting device comprises means for detecting through which of said plurality of zones said eye is looking, said eye direction detecting device further comprising a lens and means for focusing said lens.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
73 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 64, further comprising a plurality of auto focus optical systems for respective ones of said plurality of view finder zones for automatically focusing said lens, wherein said means for focusing said lens comprises means for driving one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems based upon which of said plurality of view finder zones that said eye is looking, as determined by said detecting means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
41 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 65, further comprising means for driving a respective one of said auto focus optical systems as a function of said angular relationship between said viewing area axis and said optical axis of said eye.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
110 words
An eye direction device of a camera, comprising: a viewing area having at least a predetermined zone to which an eye can be directed, said viewing area being disposed in a finder system of said camera; means for guiding rays of light towards a photographer's eye; means for detecting reflecting rays of light that are reflected from said photographer's eye and for providing an output; means for determining said eye is directed to said predetermined zone based on the output of said detecting means; and means for operating a predetermined function of said camera in response to said determining means determining that said eye is directed to said predetermined zone.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
110 words
An eye direction device of a camera, comprising: a viewing area having at least a predetermined zone to which an eye can be directed, said viewing area being disposed in a finder system of said camera; means for guiding rays of light towards a photographer's eye; means for detecting reflecting rays of light that are reflected from said photographer's eye and for providing an output; means for determining said eye is directed to said predetermined zone based on the output of said detecting means; and means for operating a predetermined function of said camera in response to said determining means determining that said eye is directed to said predetermined zone.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
39 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 67, further comprising means for generating a plurality of signals, each of which is dependent upon and is unique to the detection of a respective zone to which said eye is directed.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
31 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 68, further comprising means for moving that is responsive to said detection of said zone at which said eye is detected to be directed.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
48 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 68, wherein said means for determining to which of said plurality of zones said eye is directed comprises a light source for directing light toward said eye, and a one-dimensional line sensor on which an image of said eye is formed.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 70, wherein said one-dimensional line sensor is substantially conjugate with said eye when said eye is positioned adjacent said viewing area.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
57 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 70, further comprising means for forming a corneal image and a pupil image on said one-dimensional line sensor, and wherein said means for determining to which of said plurality of zones said eye is directed comprises means for determining the relative positions between said corneal image and said pupil image.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
18 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 70, wherein said light source directs light through said viewing area.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
15 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 73, wherein said light source emits infrared light.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
26 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 73, further comprising an imaging optical system for forming said image of said eye of said image receiving element.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
34 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 75, wherein said imaging optical systems further comprises a minifying lens and a reimaging lens which directs said image of said eye on said one-dimensional line sensor.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
46 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 76, further comprising a mask attached to said reimaging lens, said mask having an opening, said reimaging lens having a center of curvature, and wherein said opening has a center at said center of curvature of said reimaging lens.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
36 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 76, wherein said reimaging lens has a center or curvature, and wherein said minifying lens has a focal point located in said center of curvature of said reimaging lens.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
16 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 78, wherein said minifying lens comprises an aspherical surface.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
35 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 70, wherein said zones of said viewing area are arranged substantially along a predetermined line, and wherein said one-dimensional line sensor extends substantially parallel to said predetermined line.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
36 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 80, further comprising an imaging optical system for forming said image of said eye which includes means to direct said image of said eye on said one-dimensional line sensor.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
33 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 81, wherein said means to direct said image comprises means for elongating said image in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to said one-dimensional line sensor.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
19 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 67, wherein said predetermined function of said camera comprises focusing said camera.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
53 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 67, wherein said viewing area of said finder system of said camera comprises a plurality of predetermined zones to which an eye can be directed, and wherein said means for determining comprises means for determined which of said plurality of predetermined zones said eye is directed.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
125 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: a viewing area; a plurality of zones located in said viewing area; a plurality of auto focus optical systems, each of which corresponds to a respective one of said plurality of viewing area zones; a main lens having an exit pupil with at least two aperture zones defined by said plurality of auto focus optical systems; means for automatically selecting one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems; and means for driving said automatically selected one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems for focusing said main lens, wherein said means for automatically selecting one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems comprises means for detecting the direction of one's eye relative to a predetermined position.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
125 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: a viewing area; a plurality of zones located in said viewing area; a plurality of auto focus optical systems, each of which corresponds to a respective one of said plurality of viewing area zones; a main lens having an exit pupil with at least two aperture zones defined by said plurality of auto focus optical systems; means for automatically selecting one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems; and means for driving said automatically selected one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems for focusing said main lens, wherein said means for automatically selecting one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems comprises means for detecting the direction of one's eye relative to a predetermined position.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
126 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: a viewing area; a plurality of zones located in said viewing area; a plurality of auto focus optical systems, each of which corresponds to a respective one of said plurality of viewing area zones; a main lens having an exit pupil with at least two aperture zones defined by said plurality of auto focus optical systems; means for automatically selecting one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems; and means for driving said automatically selected one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems for focusing said main lens, wherein said means for automatically selecting one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems comprises means for determining to which of said plurality of zones an eye is directed.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
126 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: a viewing area; a plurality of zones located in said viewing area; a plurality of auto focus optical systems, each of which corresponds to a respective one of said plurality of viewing area zones; a main lens having an exit pupil with at least two aperture zones defined by said plurality of auto focus optical systems; means for automatically selecting one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems; and means for driving said automatically selected one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems for focusing said main lens, wherein said means for automatically selecting one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems comprises means for determining to which of said plurality of zones an eye is directed.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
113 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: means for guiding a beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye, wherein said reflecting beam detecting means includes a one-dimensional line sensor for detecting said reflecting beam of light, said one-dimensional line sensor providing an output signal; and means for determining the direction in which said eye gazes, based on the output signal of said one-dimensional line sensor; wherein said one-dimensional line sensor extends in a predetermined direction, and wherein said reflecting beam detecting means includes an anamorphic reimaging lens, said anamorphic reimaging lens forming an image elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to the predetermined direction in which said one-dimensional line sensor extends.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
113 words
An eye direction detecting device, comprising: means for guiding a beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye, wherein said reflecting beam detecting means includes a one-dimensional line sensor for detecting said reflecting beam of light, said one-dimensional line sensor providing an output signal; and means for determining the direction in which said eye gazes, based on the output signal of said one-dimensional line sensor; wherein said one-dimensional line sensor extends in a predetermined direction, and wherein said reflecting beam detecting means includes an anamorphic reimaging lens, said anamorphic reimaging lens forming an image elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to the predetermined direction in which said one-dimensional line sensor extends.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
17 words
An eye direction detecting device according to claim 87, wherein said anamorphic lens comprises a cylindrical lens.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
91 words
An eye direction detecting device built in a finder of a camera having a pentagonal prism and eyepiece, said eye direction detecting device comprising: means for guiding a beam of light towards a photographer's eye; means for detecting a reflecting beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye, said reflecting beam being mounted on another side of the pentagonal prism, said separated beam detecting means providing an output; and means for determining the direction in which said eye gazes based on the output of said separated beam detecting means.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
91 words
An eye direction detecting device built in a finder of a camera having a pentagonal prism and eyepiece, said eye direction detecting device comprising: means for guiding a beam of light towards a photographer's eye; means for detecting a reflecting beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye, said reflecting beam being mounted on another side of the pentagonal prism, said separated beam detecting means providing an output; and means for determining the direction in which said eye gazes based on the output of said separated beam detecting means.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
149 words
An eye direction detecting device built ihn a finder of a camera having a pentagonal prism and eyepiece, said eye direction detecting device comprising: a light source that is located outside of an optical path of said finder; means for guiding a beam of light from said light source towards a photographer's eye, said means for guiding being mounted on one side of the pentagonal prism; means for separating a reflected beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye to outside of said optical path of said finder; means for detecting a separated beam of light that is separated by said reflected beam separating means, said beam detecting means being mounted on another side of the pentagonal prism, said separated beam detecting means providing an output; and means for determining the direction in which said eye gazes based on the output of said separated beam detecting means.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
149 words
An eye direction detecting device built ihn a finder of a camera having a pentagonal prism and eyepiece, said eye direction detecting device comprising: a light source that is located outside of an optical path of said finder; means for guiding a beam of light from said light source towards a photographer's eye, said means for guiding being mounted on one side of the pentagonal prism; means for separating a reflected beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye to outside of said optical path of said finder; means for detecting a separated beam of light that is separated by said reflected beam separating means, said beam detecting means being mounted on another side of the pentagonal prism, said separated beam detecting means providing an output; and means for determining the direction in which said eye gazes based on the output of said separated beam detecting means.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
184 words
A camera having an eye direction detecting apparatus for effecting focusing of a selected one of a plurality of auto focus optical systems, said camera comprising: a finder having a plurality of finder zones; a plurality of auto focus optical systems respectively corresponding to said plurality of finder zones, each of said plurality of auto optical focus systems corresponding to a respective one of said plurality of finder zones; a photographic lens having an exit pupil optically aligned with said plurality of auto focus optical systems; said plurality of auto focus optical systems having at least one photoelectronic device for producing an output signal, said output signal produced by said photoelectric device for moving said photographic lens automatically to bring said camera into focus; an eye direction detecting apparatus for detecting a direction of a photographer's eye looking into the finder for detecting which of said plurality of finder zones the photographer's eye is looking; and means for selecting a respective one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems in response to detection of the finder zone that the photographer's eye is looking.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
184 words
A camera having an eye direction detecting apparatus for effecting focusing of a selected one of a plurality of auto focus optical systems, said camera comprising: a finder having a plurality of finder zones; a plurality of auto focus optical systems respectively corresponding to said plurality of finder zones, each of said plurality of auto optical focus systems corresponding to a respective one of said plurality of finder zones; a photographic lens having an exit pupil optically aligned with said plurality of auto focus optical systems; said plurality of auto focus optical systems having at least one photoelectronic device for producing an output signal, said output signal produced by said photoelectric device for moving said photographic lens automatically to bring said camera into focus; an eye direction detecting apparatus for detecting a direction of a photographer's eye looking into the finder for detecting which of said plurality of finder zones the photographer's eye is looking; and means for selecting a respective one of said plurality of auto focus optical systems in response to detection of the finder zone that the photographer's eye is looking.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
107 words
An eye direction detecting device of a camera, comprising: a finder system that is built in said camera; a light source for illuminating an eye of a photographer, said light source being mounted in a finder; an imaging optical system for imaging a beam of light reflected from said photographer's eye, said imaging optical system having a mask for limiting a scope of a beam of light passing through said imaging optical system; a sensor for detecting an image formed by said imaging optical system, said sensor producing an output signal; and means for processing said output signal to determine the direction in which said eye looks.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
107 words
An eye direction detecting device of a camera, comprising: a finder system that is built in said camera; a light source for illuminating an eye of a photographer, said light source being mounted in a finder; an imaging optical system for imaging a beam of light reflected from said photographer's eye, said imaging optical system having a mask for limiting a scope of a beam of light passing through said imaging optical system; a sensor for detecting an image formed by said imaging optical system, said sensor producing an output signal; and means for processing said output signal to determine the direction in which said eye looks.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
109 words
An eye detecting device built in a finder of a camera having a pentagonal prism and eyepiece, said eye direction detecting device comprising: means for guiding a beam of light towards a photographer's eye; means for detecting a reflecting beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye, said reflecting beam of light detecting means providing an output; and means for determining the direction in which said eye gazes based on the output of said reflecting beam detecting means; wherein both of said beam guiding means and said beam detecting means are mounted on an upper side of said camera and on one side of said pentagonal prism.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
109 words
An eye detecting device built in a finder of a camera having a pentagonal prism and eyepiece, said eye direction detecting device comprising: means for guiding a beam of light towards a photographer's eye; means for detecting a reflecting beam of light that is reflected from said photographer's eye, said reflecting beam of light detecting means providing an output; and means for determining the direction in which said eye gazes based on the output of said reflecting beam detecting means; wherein both of said beam guiding means and said beam detecting means are mounted on an upper side of said camera and on one side of said pentagonal prism.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
28 words
The eye direction detecting device of claim 92, wherein said one side of said pentagonal prism is a side opposite of said pentagonal prism opposite from said eyepiece.
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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) | 1997-07-04 | 1998-01-03 | 1998-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-04 | 2002-01-03 | 2002-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-04 | 2006-01-03 | 2006-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |