US5570156A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Camera utilizing detection of visual line
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1994-07-08
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Granted: 1996-10-29
•
Expires: 2014-07-08
Abstract
Abstract A camera includes an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image, a visual line detection unit for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of the electronic viewfinder, and a display processing unit for displaying on the electronic viewfinder a photographing-related information involved in a camera photographing. In such a camera, the display processing unit controls a display position of the photographing-related information in accordance with an output of the visual line detection unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Takashi Arai
- 👤 Hirofumi Nakano
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 10:42
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B13/00; G03B13/02; H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/60; H04N23/63; H04N23/633; H04N23/634; H04N23/61; G03B2213/00; G03B2213/02; G03B2213/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 80
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means including settable timer means for temporarily displaying on said electronic viewfinder photographing-related information involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the photographing-related information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means including settable timer means for temporarily displaying on said electronic viewfinder photographing-related information involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the photographing-related information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein said display processing means provides such a control that a display of said photographing-related information disappears after the lapse of a predetermined time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein said visual line detection means includes light source means for projecting light on an operator's eyeball, and detects the operator's visual line by using a reflected light from the operator's eyeball.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A camera according to claim 3, wherein a spectral characteristic of light emitted from said electronic viewfinder is set to have no influence on a spectral characteristic of light emitted from said light source means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A camera according to claim 1, further comprising recording means for recording the photographing image.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 5, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said recording means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A camera according to claim 6, wherein said photographing-related information is remaining amount information of a recording medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 1, further comprising image pick-up means for converting an image of a subject into an electrical signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A camera according to claim 8, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said image pick-up means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A camera according to claim 9, wherein said photographing-related information is exposure information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for a focus control.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 1, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for an exposure control.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
81 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means for displaying on said electronic viewfinder camera defective information, involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the camera defective information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
81 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means for displaying on said electronic viewfinder camera defective information, involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the camera defective information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
A camera according to claim 13, wherein said display processing means provides such a control that a display of said photographing-related information disappears after the lapse of a predetermined time.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
A camera according to claim 13, wherein said visual line detection means includes light source means for projecting light on an operator's eyeball, and detects the operator's visual line by using a reflected light from the operator's eyeball.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
A camera according to claim 13, further comprising recording means for recording the photographing image.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 16, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said recording means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 13, further comprising image pick-up means for converting an image of a subject into an electrical signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 13, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for a focus control.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 13, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for an exposure control.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
A camera according to claim 18, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said image pick-up means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
83 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual Line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means for displaying on said electronic viewfinder power source warning information, involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the power source warning information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
83 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual Line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means for displaying on said electronic viewfinder power source warning information, involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the power source warning information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
A camera according to claim 22, wherein said display processing means provides such a control that a display of said photographing-related information disappears after the lapse of a predetermined time.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
A camera according to claim 22, wherein said visual line detection means includes light source means for projecting light on an operator's eyeball, and detects the operator's visual line by using a reflected light from the operator's eyeball.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
A camera according to claim 22, further comprising recording means for recording the photographing image.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 25, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said recording means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 22, further comprising image pick-up means for converting an image of a subject into an electrical signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 22, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for a focus control.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 22, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for an exposure control.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
A camera according to claim 27, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said image pick-up means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
93 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means for displaying on said electronic viewfinder photographing mode information, said photographing mode information being mode information indicating an automatic photographing mode or a manual photographing mode, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the photographing mode information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
93 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means for displaying on said electronic viewfinder photographing mode information, said photographing mode information being mode information indicating an automatic photographing mode or a manual photographing mode, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the photographing mode information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
A camera according to claim 31, wherein said photographing mode information includes a focus mode.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
A camera according to claim 31, wherein said display processing means provides such a control that a display of said photographing-related information disappears after the lapse of a predetermined time.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
38 words
A camera according to claim 31, wherein said visual line detection means includes light source means for projecting light on an operator's eyeball, and detects the operator's visual line by using a reflected light from the operator's eyeball.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
A camera according to claim 31, further comprising recording means for recording the photographing image.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 35, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said recording means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 31, further comprising image pick-up means for converting an image of a subject into an electrical signal.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 31, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for a focus control.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 31, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for an exposure control.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
A camera according to claim 37, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said image pick-up means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
83 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means for displaying on said electronic viewfinder white balance mode information, involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the white balance mode information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
83 words
A camera comprising: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (C) display processing means for displaying on said electronic viewfinder white balance mode information, involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the white balance mode information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
A camera according to claim 41, wherein said display processing means provides such a control that a display of said photographing-related information disappears after the lapse of a predetermined time.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
38 words
A camera according to claim 41, wherein said visual line detection means includes light source means for projecting light on an operator's eyeball, and detects the operator's visual line by using a reflected light from the operator's eyeball.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
A camera according to claim 41, further comprising recording means for recording the photographing image.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
A camera according to claim 44, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said recording means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 41, further comprising image pick-up means for converting an image of a subject into an electrical signal.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 41, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for a focus control.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 41, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for an exposure control.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
A camera according to claim 46, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said image pick-up means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
96 words
A camera comprises: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder and providing output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) means for generating signals containing character display data indicative of camera operation information; and (D) display processing means receiving said detection means output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying on said electronic viewfinder said display data at said detected position of said operator's visual line.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
96 words
A camera comprises: (A) an electronic viewfinder adapted to electrically display a photographing image; (B) visual line detection means for detecting the position of a camera operator's visual line on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder and providing output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) means for generating signals containing character display data indicative of camera operation information; and (D) display processing means receiving said detection means output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying on said electronic viewfinder said display data at said detected position of said operator's visual line.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
A camera according to claim 56, further comprising recording means for recording the photographing image, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said recording means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
18 words
A camera according to claim 51, wherein said photographing-related information is remaining amount information of a recording medium.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
34 words
A camera according to claim 56, further comprising image pick-up means for converting an image of a subject into an electric signal, wherein said photographing-related information includes information related to said image pick-up means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
A camera according to claim 53, wherein said photographing-related information is exposure information.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
116 words
A camera comprising: (A) image pick-up means for converting an image of a camera subject into an electric signal; (B) recording means for recording a video signal output from said image pick-up means; (C) an electronic viewfinder for displaying the video signal output from said image pick-up means; (D) visual line detection means for detecting a camera operator's visual line position on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (E) display processing means including settable timer means for temporarily displaying on said electronic viewfinder photographing-related information involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the photographing-related information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
116 words
A camera comprising: (A) image pick-up means for converting an image of a camera subject into an electric signal; (B) recording means for recording a video signal output from said image pick-up means; (C) an electronic viewfinder for displaying the video signal output from said image pick-up means; (D) visual line detection means for detecting a camera operator's visual line position on a picture plane of said electronic viewfinder; and (E) display processing means including settable timer means for temporarily displaying on said electronic viewfinder photographing-related information involved in a camera photographing, wherein said display processing means controls a display position of the photographing-related information in accordance with an output of said visual line detection means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 55, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for a focus control.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
22 words
A camera according to claim 55, wherein an output signal of said visual line detection means is used for an exposure control.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
103 words
An electronic apparatus, comprising: (A) display means for displaying an image; (B) detecting means for detecting a position of a line of sight of an observer on a picture plane of said display means and generating output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) means for generating signals containing character display data indicative of a warning of an abnormal condition concerning an operation of said electronic apparatus; and (D) display processing means receiving said detection means output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying said display data on said display means at said detected position of said observer's visual line.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
103 words
An electronic apparatus, comprising: (A) display means for displaying an image; (B) detecting means for detecting a position of a line of sight of an observer on a picture plane of said display means and generating output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) means for generating signals containing character display data indicative of a warning of an abnormal condition concerning an operation of said electronic apparatus; and (D) display processing means receiving said detection means output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying said display data on said display means at said detected position of said observer's visual line.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said display data ms power source information.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said display data is speed information.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
98 words
An electronic apparatus, comprising: (A) display means for displaying an image; (B) detecting means for detecting a position of a line of sight of an observer on a picture plane of said display means and providing output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) means for generating..signals containing character display data indicative of an operation state of said electronic apparatus; and (D) display processing means receiving said detecting means output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying said display data on said display means at said detected position of said observer's visual line of sight.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
98 words
An electronic apparatus, comprising: (A) display means for displaying an image; (B) detecting means for detecting a position of a line of sight of an observer on a picture plane of said display means and providing output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) means for generating..signals containing character display data indicative of an operation state of said electronic apparatus; and (D) display processing means receiving said detecting means output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying said display data on said display means at said detected position of said observer's visual line of sight.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said display data is power source information.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said display data ms speed information.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
117 words
An electronic apparatus, comprising: (A) display means for displaying an image; (B) detecting means for detecting position of a line of sight of an observer on a picture plane of said display means and generating output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) means for generating signals containing display data indicative of a control state of said electronic instrument; and (D) display processing means receiving said detecting means output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying said display data on said display means at said detected position of said observer's line of sight and maintaining display of said display data for a predetermined time if the observer's line of sight leaves the detected position.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
117 words
An electronic apparatus, comprising: (A) display means for displaying an image; (B) detecting means for detecting position of a line of sight of an observer on a picture plane of said display means and generating output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) means for generating signals containing display data indicative of a control state of said electronic instrument; and (D) display processing means receiving said detecting means output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying said display data on said display means at said detected position of said observer's line of sight and maintaining display of said display data for a predetermined time if the observer's line of sight leaves the detected position.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic apparatus according to claim 64, wherein said display data ms power source information.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic apparatus according to claim 64, wherein said display data ms speed information.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
124 words
An electronic apparatus, comprising: (A) display means; (B) line of sight detecting means for detecting a position of a line of sight of an observer on a picture plane of said display means and generating output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal condition of said apparatus and generating signals containing display data indicative of the abnormal condition of said apparatus; and (D) display processing means receiving said output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying said display data on said display means at said detected position of said observer's line of sight and maintaining display of said display data for a predetermined time if the observer's line of sight leaves the detected position.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
124 words
An electronic apparatus, comprising: (A) display means; (B) line of sight detecting means for detecting a position of a line of sight of an observer on a picture plane of said display means and generating output signals indicative of said detected position; (C) abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal condition of said apparatus and generating signals containing display data indicative of the abnormal condition of said apparatus; and (D) display processing means receiving said output signals and said signals containing said display data for displaying said display data on said display means at said detected position of said observer's line of sight and maintaining display of said display data for a predetermined time if the observer's line of sight leaves the detected position.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
An electronic apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said display data is power source information.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electronic apparatus according to claim 67, wherein said display data is speed information.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-04-29 | 2000-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-29 | 2004-04-29 | 2004-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-29 | 2008-04-29 | 2008-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |