Patent US5365302A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5365302A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Focus area setting apparatus of camera
Assignee: Olympus Corp
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Filing: 1993-04-30
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Granted: 1994-11-15
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Expires: 2013-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A focus area setting apparatus of a camera includes a zoom lens. A focal length detection unit detects the focal length of the zoom lens. A distance measuring unit detects distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points without using the zoom lens. A visual axis direction detection unit is provided near the finder of the camera and detects the visual axis direction of a user. A determining unit obtains a distance measurement enable range Ls in accordance with an equation: Ls=La×(fs/fa) where fs is a focal length detected by the focal length detection unit, fa is a focal length of the zoom lens at a wide-angle side thereof, and La is a distance measurement enable range at the wide-angle side of the zoom lens, and determines whether or not the visual axis direction of the user detected by the visual axis direction detecting means is located within the distance measurement enable range Ls. When the determining means determines that the visual axis direction is located within the distance measurement enable range, a focus area setting unit selects a distance measurement point, among the plurality of distance measurement points detected by the distance measuring means, which is closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and sets a focus area. A display unit displays the focus area set by the focus area setting unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Shinichi Kodama
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:43
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/02; G02B7/04; G02B7/10; G02B7/102; G03; G03B; G03B13/00; G03B13/02; G03B2213/00; G03B2213/02; G03B2213/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
230 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera having a finder, comprising: a zoom lens; focal length detecting means for detecting a focal length of said zoom lens; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points without using said zoom lens; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; determining means for obtaining a distance measurement enable range Ls in accordance with an equation: Ls=La×(fs/fa) where fs is a focal length detected by said focal length detecting means, fa is a focal length of said zoom lens at a wide-angle side thereof, and La is a distance measurement enable range at the wide-angle side of said zoom lens, and determining whether or not the visual axis direction of the user detected by said visual axis direction detecting means is located within the distance measurement enable range Ls; focus area setting means for, when said determining means determines that the visual axis direction is located within the distance measurement enable range, selecting a distance measurement point, among the plurality of distance measurement points detected by said distance measuring means, which is closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and setting a focus area; and display means for displaying the focus area set by said focus area setting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
230 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera having a finder, comprising: a zoom lens; focal length detecting means for detecting a focal length of said zoom lens; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points without using said zoom lens; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; determining means for obtaining a distance measurement enable range Ls in accordance with an equation: Ls=La×(fs/fa) where fs is a focal length detected by said focal length detecting means, fa is a focal length of said zoom lens at a wide-angle side thereof, and La is a distance measurement enable range at the wide-angle side of said zoom lens, and determining whether or not the visual axis direction of the user detected by said visual axis direction detecting means is located within the distance measurement enable range Ls; focus area setting means for, when said determining means determines that the visual axis direction is located within the distance measurement enable range, selecting a distance measurement point, among the plurality of distance measurement points detected by said distance measuring means, which is closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and setting a focus area; and display means for displaying the focus area set by said focus area setting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when said determining means determines that the visual axis direction of the user is not located within the distance measurement enable range, said display means performs alarm display.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
198 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera having a finder, comprising: a zoom lens; focal length detecting means for detecting a focal length of said zoom lens; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points without using said zoom lens; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; focus area setting means for obtaining a resolution Ps at a focal length fs in accordance with an equation: Ps=Pa×(fa/fa) where fs is a local length detected by said focal length detecting means, fa is a focal length of said zoom lens at a wide-angle side thereof, and Pa is a resolution at the wide-angle side of said zoom lens, selecting a distance measurement point, among the distances of the object at the plurality of distance measurement points detected by said distance measuring means, which is closest to the visual axis direction of the user detected by said visual axis direction detecting means, by using the resolution Ps, and setting a focus area; and display means for displaying the focus area set by said focus area setting means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
198 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera having a finder, comprising: a zoom lens; focal length detecting means for detecting a focal length of said zoom lens; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points without using said zoom lens; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; focus area setting means for obtaining a resolution Ps at a focal length fs in accordance with an equation: Ps=Pa×(fa/fa) where fs is a local length detected by said focal length detecting means, fa is a focal length of said zoom lens at a wide-angle side thereof, and Pa is a resolution at the wide-angle side of said zoom lens, selecting a distance measurement point, among the distances of the object at the plurality of distance measurement points detected by said distance measuring means, which is closest to the visual axis direction of the user detected by said visual axis direction detecting means, by using the resolution Ps, and setting a focus area; and display means for displaying the focus area set by said focus area setting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when said focus area setting means does not set the visual axis direction of the user within the distance measurement enable range, alarm display is performed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
163 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera, comprising: a zoom lens having a variable focal length; a zoom finder having a magnification which is changed in accordance with a change in the focal length of said zoom lens; non-TTL distance measuring means capable of detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points without using said zoom lens; visual axis detecting means, provided near said zoom finder, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable range corresponding to the plurality of distance measurement points in said zoom finder on the basis of focal length information of said zoom lens; determining means for determining whether or not the visual axis direction detected by said visual axis detecting means is included in the distance measurement enable range; and display means for performing alarm display when said determining means determines the visual axis direction is not included in the distance measurement enable range.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
163 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera, comprising: a zoom lens having a variable focal length; a zoom finder having a magnification which is changed in accordance with a change in the focal length of said zoom lens; non-TTL distance measuring means capable of detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points without using said zoom lens; visual axis detecting means, provided near said zoom finder, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable range corresponding to the plurality of distance measurement points in said zoom finder on the basis of focal length information of said zoom lens; determining means for determining whether or not the visual axis direction detected by said visual axis detecting means is included in the distance measurement enable range; and display means for performing alarm display when said determining means determines the visual axis direction is not included in the distance measurement enable range.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
88 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising second calculating means for calculating positions corresponding to the plurality of distance measurement points in said zoom finder on the basis of the focal length information of said zoom lens, and wherein said display means obtains and displays a position of the visual axis direction detected by said visual axis detecting means on the basis of an output from said calculating means when said determining means determines that the visual axis direction is included in the distance measurement enable range.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said second calculating means calculates a resolution at a focal length fs in accordance with an equation: Ls=La×(fs/fa) where fs is a current focal length of said zoom lens, fs is a focal length of said zoom lens at a wide-angle side thereof, and Pa is a resolution at the wide-angle side of said zoom lens.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
64 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said calculating means calculates a distance measurement enable range Ls in accordance with an equation: Ls=La×(fs/fa) where fs is a current focal length of said zoom lens, fa is a focal length of said zoom lens at a wide-angle side thereof, and La is a distance measurement enable rang eat the wide-angle side of said zoom lens.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
141 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera having a finder, comprising: trimming setting means for setting a trimming area which is subjected to trimming; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; determining means for comparing the trimming area with the visual axis direction and determining whether or not the visual axis direction is located in the trimming area; focus area setting means for selecting, when the determining means determines that the visual axis direction is located in the trimming area, a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction, and setting a focus area; and display means for displaying the focus area set by said focus area setting means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
141 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera having a finder, comprising: trimming setting means for setting a trimming area which is subjected to trimming; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; determining means for comparing the trimming area with the visual axis direction and determining whether or not the visual axis direction is located in the trimming area; focus area setting means for selecting, when the determining means determines that the visual axis direction is located in the trimming area, a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction, and setting a focus area; and display means for displaying the focus area set by said focus area setting means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when said determining means determines that the visual axis direction is not located in the trimming area, alarm display is performed.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when said determining means determines that the visual axis direction is not located in the trimming area, a central distance measurement point, among the plurality of distance measurement point, is selected.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said distance measuring means is a non-TTL distance measurement unit for measuring a distance without using a photographic lens.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said distance measuring means is a TTL distance measurement unit for measuring a distance through a photographic lens.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
150 words
A focus area setting means of a camera having a finder, comprising: field angle changing means for substantially changing a field angle; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points, the distance measurement points in the finder being changed when the field angle is changed by said field angle changing means; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable range determined by the plurality of distance measurement points on the basis of change information of the field angle changed by said field angle changing means; and focus area setting means for selecting, of the distance measurement enable range calculated by said calculating means, a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and setting a focus area.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
150 words
A focus area setting means of a camera having a finder, comprising: field angle changing means for substantially changing a field angle; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points, the distance measurement points in the finder being changed when the field angle is changed by said field angle changing means; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable range determined by the plurality of distance measurement points on the basis of change information of the field angle changed by said field angle changing means; and focus area setting means for selecting, of the distance measurement enable range calculated by said calculating means, a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and setting a focus area.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising display means for displaying the focus area when said focus area setting means sets a focus area.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising alarm means for performing alarm display when said focus area setting means does not set a focus area because the visual axis direction is not located in a trimming area.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said distance measuring means detects the distances of the object not by using a photographic lens.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said field angle changing means is a photographic lens having a variable focal length, and said finder is a zoom finder.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said field angle changing means is trimming setting means for selecting a pseudo visual field range smaller than an actual visual field of a photographic lens, and said finder has a fixed magnification and displays the selected pseudo visual field range.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
183 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera having a finder, comprising: a photographic lens; focal length output means for outputting a focal length of said photographic lens; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points through said photographic lens; auxiliary light source means for auxiliary illuminating the object at a predetermined angle range in detection of the distances of the object; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting the visual axis direction of a user; focus area setting means for selecting a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction to set a focus area when the visual axis direction, detected by said visual axis detecting means on the basis of information representing the detected focal length and information representing the angle range at which said auxiliary light source is capable of projecting light, is located within a range at which light is to be projected by said auxiliary light source; and display means for displaying the focus area set by said focus area setting means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
183 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera having a finder, comprising: a photographic lens; focal length output means for outputting a focal length of said photographic lens; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points through said photographic lens; auxiliary light source means for auxiliary illuminating the object at a predetermined angle range in detection of the distances of the object; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting the visual axis direction of a user; focus area setting means for selecting a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction to set a focus area when the visual axis direction, detected by said visual axis detecting means on the basis of information representing the detected focal length and information representing the angle range at which said auxiliary light source is capable of projecting light, is located within a range at which light is to be projected by said auxiliary light source; and display means for displaying the focus area set by said focus area setting means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising display means for displaying the focus area when said focus area setting means sets a focus area.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein when said focus area setting means determines that the visual axis direction is not located in the range at which light is projected by said auxiliary light source, alarm display is performed.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said distance measuring means is a phase difference distance measurement type distance measurement unit for detecting a phase difference of an object image through said zoom lens.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
124 words
A camera capable of measuring a distance of an object located within a predetermined field angle on a photographic screen, comprising: field angle changing means for changing a field angle of said photographic screen; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said photographic screen in accordance with field angle information supplied from said field angle changing means, the distance measurement enable area in a finder being changed when the field angle is changed by said field angle changing means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; and display means for displaying a focus area on the basis of an output from said calculating means and an output from said visual axis direction detecting means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
124 words
A camera capable of measuring a distance of an object located within a predetermined field angle on a photographic screen, comprising: field angle changing means for changing a field angle of said photographic screen; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said photographic screen in accordance with field angle information supplied from said field angle changing means, the distance measurement enable area in a finder being changed when the field angle is changed by said field angle changing means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; and display means for displaying a focus area on the basis of an output from said calculating means and an output from said visual axis direction detecting means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
46 words
A camera according to claim 24, wherein said visual axis direction detecting means comprises means for projecting light to a pupil of the user through part of a finder optical system of said camera, and means for receiving light reflected by the pupil of the user.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
60 words
A camera according to claim 24, wherein said field angle changing means has a photographic optical system having a variable focal length, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable focus area on the basis of information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing a predetermined field angle within which distance measurement is possible.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
78 words
A camera according to claim 24, wherein said camera has a auxiliary light means for projecting auxiliary light having a predetermined radiation angle to the object. said field angle changing means has a photographic optical system having a variable focal length, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable focus area on the basis of the information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
50 words
A camera according to claim 24, wherein said field angle changing means has trimming setting means for setting a trimming range which is subjected to trimming, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable focus area on the basis of the trimming range set by said trimming setting means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
139 words
A camera capable of measuring a distance of an object located within a predetermined field angle on a photographic screen, comprising: field angle changing means for changing a field angle of said photographic screen; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said photographic screen in accordance with field angle information supplied from said field angle changing means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; determining means for determining whether or not the visual axis of the user is located in the distance measurement enable area from an output from said visual axis direction detecting means and an output from said calculating means; and display means for performing alarm display when said determining means determines that the visual axis of the user is located outside the distance measurement enable area.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
139 words
A camera capable of measuring a distance of an object located within a predetermined field angle on a photographic screen, comprising: field angle changing means for changing a field angle of said photographic screen; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said photographic screen in accordance with field angle information supplied from said field angle changing means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; determining means for determining whether or not the visual axis of the user is located in the distance measurement enable area from an output from said visual axis direction detecting means and an output from said calculating means; and display means for performing alarm display when said determining means determines that the visual axis of the user is located outside the distance measurement enable area.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
46 words
A camera according to claim 29, wherein said visual axis direction detecting means comprises means for projecting light to a pupil of the user through part of a finder optical system of said camera, and means for receiving light reflected by the pupil of the user.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
60 words
A camera according to claim 29, wherein said field angle changing means has a photographic optical system having a variable focal length, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable focus area on the basis of information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing a predetermined field angle within which distance measurement is possible.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
77 words
A camera according to claim 29, wherein said camera has auxiliary light means for projecting auxiliary light having a predetermined radiation angle to the object, said field angle changing means has a photographic optical system having a variable focal length, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable focus area on the basis of the information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
50 words
A camera according to claim 29, wherein said field angle changing means has trimming setting means for setting a trimming range which is subjected to trimming, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable focus area on the basis of the trimming range set by said trimming setting means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
122 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera capable of detecting a distance of an object located in a plurality of areas within a photographic screen, comprising: calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in a finder; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user directed to said finder; determining means for determining whether or not the visual axis of the user is located in the distance measurement enable area from an output from said visual axis direction detecting means and an output from said calculating means; and display means for performing alarm display when said determining means determines that the visual axis of the user is located outside the distance measurement enable area.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
122 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera capable of detecting a distance of an object located in a plurality of areas within a photographic screen, comprising: calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in a finder; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user directed to said finder; determining means for determining whether or not the visual axis of the user is located in the distance measurement enable area from an output from said visual axis direction detecting means and an output from said calculating means; and display means for performing alarm display when said determining means determines that the visual axis of the user is located outside the distance measurement enable area.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising control means for selecting a predetermined area in the plurality of area as a focus area when said determining means determines that a distance measurement enable area is not located in the visual axis direction.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said visual axis direction detecting means comprises means for projecting light to a pupil of the user through part of an optical system of said finder and means for receiving light reflected by the pupil of the user.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said camera has an optical system having a variable field angle, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable on the basis of information representing a field angle of said optical system.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said camera has auxiliary light means for projecting light to the object located in a predetermined range, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable focus area on the basis of information representing a light-projecting range of said auxiliary light means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said camera has trimming setting means for setting a trimming range which is subjected to trimming, and said calculating means calculates the distance measurement enable focus area on the basis of the trimming range set by said trimming setting means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
90 words
A camera capable of measuring distances in a plurality of areas in a photographic screen, comprising: visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user directed to a finder; determining means for determining whether or not a distance measurement enable area is located in an area in said finder which is detected by said visual axis direction detecting means; and display means for performing alarm display when said determining means determines that a distance measurement enable area is not located in the visual axis direction.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
90 words
A camera capable of measuring distances in a plurality of areas in a photographic screen, comprising: visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user directed to a finder; determining means for determining whether or not a distance measurement enable area is located in an area in said finder which is detected by said visual axis direction detecting means; and display means for performing alarm display when said determining means determines that a distance measurement enable area is not located in the visual axis direction.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
43 words
A camera according to claim 40, further comprising control means for selecting a predetermined area in the plurality of areas as a focus area when said determining means determines that a distance measurement enable area is not located in the visual axis direction.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
46 words
A camera according to claim 40, wherein said visual axis direction detecting means comprises means for projecting light to a pupil of the user through part of a finder optical system of said camera and means for receiving light reflected by the pupil of the user.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
61 words
A camera according to claim 40, wherein said camera has a photographic optical system having a variable photographic field angle, and said determining means has calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said finder on the basis of information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the plurality of measurement distance enable areas.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
77 words
A camera according to claim 40, wherein said camera has auxiliary light means for projecting auxiliary light having a predetermined radiation angle to an object and a photographic optical system having a variable focal length, and said determining means has calculating means for calculating the distance measurement enable area in said finder on the basis of information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
53 words
A camera according to claim 40, wherein said camera has trimming setting means for setting a trimming range which is subjected to trimming, and said determining means has calculating means for calculating the distance measurement enable area in said finder on the basis of the trimming range set by said trimming setting means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
142 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera, which is capable of detecting a distance of an object located in a plurality of areas in a photographic screen and in which a distance measurement enable area in a finder is changed in accordance with a change in a field angle of said photographic screen, comprising: output means for outputting information representing the field angle of said photographic screen; calculating means for calculating the distance measurement enable area in said finder on the basis of the field angle information output from said output means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of the user directed to said finder; and selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of areas on the basis of an output from said calculating means and an output from said visual axis direction detecting means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
142 words
A focus area setting apparatus of a camera, which is capable of detecting a distance of an object located in a plurality of areas in a photographic screen and in which a distance measurement enable area in a finder is changed in accordance with a change in a field angle of said photographic screen, comprising: output means for outputting information representing the field angle of said photographic screen; calculating means for calculating the distance measurement enable area in said finder on the basis of the field angle information output from said output means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of the user directed to said finder; and selecting means for selecting one of the plurality of areas on the basis of an output from said calculating means and an output from said visual axis direction detecting means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
46 words
A camera according to claim 46, wherein said visual axis direction detecting means comprises means for projecting light to a pupil of the user through part of a finder optical system of said camera and means for receiving light reflected by the pupil of the user.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
148 words
A focus area setting means of a camera having a finder, said finder being a zoom finder; field angle changing means for substantially changing a field angle, said field angle changing means being a photographic lens having a variable focal length; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable range determined by the plurality of distance measurement points on a basis of change information of the field angle changed by said field angle changing means; and focus area setting means for selecting, of the distance measurement enable range calculated by said calculating means, a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and setting a focus area.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
148 words
A focus area setting means of a camera having a finder, said finder being a zoom finder; field angle changing means for substantially changing a field angle, said field angle changing means being a photographic lens having a variable focal length; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable range determined by the plurality of distance measurement points on a basis of change information of the field angle changed by said field angle changing means; and focus area setting means for selecting, of the distance measurement enable range calculated by said calculating means, a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and setting a focus area.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
170 words
A focus area setting means of a camera having a finder, said finder having a fixed magnification and displaying the selected pseudo visual field range; field angle changing means for substantially changing a field angle, said field angle changing means comprising trimming setting means for selecting a pseudo visual field range which is smaller than an actual visual field of a photographic lens; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable range determined by the plurality of distance measurement points on a basis of change information of the field angle changed by said field angle changing means; and focus area setting means for selecting, of the distance measurement enable range calculated by said calculating means, a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and setting a focus area.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
170 words
A focus area setting means of a camera having a finder, said finder having a fixed magnification and displaying the selected pseudo visual field range; field angle changing means for substantially changing a field angle, said field angle changing means comprising trimming setting means for selecting a pseudo visual field range which is smaller than an actual visual field of a photographic lens; distance measuring means for detecting distances of an object at a plurality of distance measurement points; visual axis direction detecting means, provided near said finder of said camera, for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable range determined by the plurality of distance measurement points on a basis of change information of the field angle changed by said field angle changing means; and focus area setting means for selecting, of the distance measurement enable range calculated by said calculating means, a distance measurement point closest to the visual axis direction of the user, and setting a focus area.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
175 words
A camera capable of measuring a distance to an object located within a predetermined field angle on a photographic screen, said camera comprising: auxiliary light means for projecting an auxiliary light having a predetermined radiation angle toward the object; field angle changing means for changing a field angle of said photographic screen, said field angle changing means having a photographic optical system with a variable focal length; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said photographic screen in accordance with field angle information supplied from said field angle changing means, said calculating means calculating the distance measurement in order to enable a focus area on a basis of the information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; and display means for displaying a focus area on the basis of an output from said calculating means and an output from said visual axis direction detecting means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
175 words
A camera capable of measuring a distance to an object located within a predetermined field angle on a photographic screen, said camera comprising: auxiliary light means for projecting an auxiliary light having a predetermined radiation angle toward the object; field angle changing means for changing a field angle of said photographic screen, said field angle changing means having a photographic optical system with a variable focal length; calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said photographic screen in accordance with field angle information supplied from said field angle changing means, said calculating means calculating the distance measurement in order to enable a focus area on a basis of the information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user; and display means for displaying a focus area on the basis of an output from said calculating means and an output from said visual axis direction detecting means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
148 words
A camera capable of a measuring a distance of an object located within a predetermined field angle on a photographic screen, said camera comprising: field angle changing means for changing a field angle of said photographic screen, said field angle changing means having trimming setting means for setting a trimming range which is subjected to trimming, and calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said photographic screen in accordance with field angle information supplied from said field angle changing means, said calculating means calculating the distance measurement enable focus area on a basis of the trimming range set by said trimming setting means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a ussr; and display means for displaying a focus area on the basis of an output from said calculating means and an output from said visual axis direction detecting means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
148 words
A camera capable of a measuring a distance of an object located within a predetermined field angle on a photographic screen, said camera comprising: field angle changing means for changing a field angle of said photographic screen, said field angle changing means having trimming setting means for setting a trimming range which is subjected to trimming, and calculating means for calculating a distance measurement enable area in said photographic screen in accordance with field angle information supplied from said field angle changing means, said calculating means calculating the distance measurement enable focus area on a basis of the trimming range set by said trimming setting means; visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a ussr; and display means for displaying a focus area on the basis of an output from said calculating means and an output from said visual axis direction detecting means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
154 words
A camera capable of measuring distances in a plurality of areas in a photographic screen, said camera comprising: visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user directed to a finder; determining means for determining whether or not a distance measurement enable area is located in an area in said finder which is detected by said visual axis direction detecting means; display means for displaying this area when said determining means determines that a distance measurement enable area is located; said camera having an auxiliary light means for projecting an auxiliary light having a predetermined radiation angle to an object and a photographic optical system having a variable focal length; and said determining means including calculating means for calculating the distance measurement enable area on a basis of information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
154 words
A camera capable of measuring distances in a plurality of areas in a photographic screen, said camera comprising: visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user directed to a finder; determining means for determining whether or not a distance measurement enable area is located in an area in said finder which is detected by said visual axis direction detecting means; display means for displaying this area when said determining means determines that a distance measurement enable area is located; said camera having an auxiliary light means for projecting an auxiliary light having a predetermined radiation angle to an object and a photographic optical system having a variable focal length; and said determining means including calculating means for calculating the distance measurement enable area on a basis of information representing a field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
144 words
A camera capable of measuring distances in a plurality of areas in a photographic screen, said camera comprising: visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user directed to a finder; determining means for determining whether or not a distance measurement enable area is located in an area in said finder which is detected by said visual axis direction detecting means; display means for displaying this area when said determining means determines that a distance measurement enable area is located; said camera having trimming setting means for setting a trimming range which is subjected to trimming; and said determining means having a calculating means for calculating the distance measurement enable area in said finder on a basis of information representing the field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
144 words
A camera capable of measuring distances in a plurality of areas in a photographic screen, said camera comprising: visual axis direction detecting means for detecting a visual axis direction of a user directed to a finder; determining means for determining whether or not a distance measurement enable area is located in an area in said finder which is detected by said visual axis direction detecting means; display means for displaying this area when said determining means determines that a distance measurement enable area is located; said camera having trimming setting means for setting a trimming range which is subjected to trimming; and said determining means having a calculating means for calculating the distance measurement enable area in said finder on a basis of information representing the field angle of said photographic optical system and information representing the radiation angle of said auxiliary light means.
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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) | 1997-11-14 | 1998-05-16 | 1998-11-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-14 | 2002-05-16 | 2002-11-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-14 | 2006-05-16 | 2006-11-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |