Patent US5604562A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5604562A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Auto-zoom camera
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1996-01-29
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Granted: 1997-02-18
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Expires: 2016-01-29
Abstract
Abstract A camera incorporating an auto-zoom function and a multi-focus detecting device. In this camera, the auto-zoom function is inhibited when a focus detection area selected is an area other than a central area, thereby performing a proper focus detection.
Inventors
- 👤 Keisuke Aoyama
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 04:06
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/02; G02B7/04; G02B7/10; G02B7/102; G02B7/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 94
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit having a first mode for a photographer to select an arbitrary area among the plurality of different areas and a second mode for automatically selecting a predetermined area among the different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when said selecting circuit selects the first mode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit having a first mode for a photographer to select an arbitrary area among the plurality of different areas and a second mode for automatically selecting a predetermined area among the different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when said selecting circuit selects the first mode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The camera according to claim 1, further comprising a control circuit for making the auto-zoom function operative on the basis of the signal outputted for the specific area independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit when said selecting circuit selects the second mode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The camera according to claim 2, wherein the specific area is a central area.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with a signal output by the detecting device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with an object distance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
95 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and a circuit for permitting the auto-zoom function when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, said circuit inhibiting the auto-zoom function when the specific area is not selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
95 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and a circuit for permitting the auto-zoom function when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, said circuit inhibiting the auto-zoom function when the specific area is not selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The camera according to claim 6, wherein said selecting circuit causes the photographer to select an arbitrary area among the respective areas.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 6, wherein said selecting circuit automatically selects a predetermined area among the respective areas.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The camera according to claim 6, wherein the specific area is a central area.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The camera according to claim 7, wherein said selecting circuit has an auto selection mode for automatically selecting a predetermined area among the respective areas and makes the auto-zoom function operative in the auto selection mode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The camera according to claim 6, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with a signal output by the detecting device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 6, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with an object distance.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
101 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, said inhibiting circuit permitting the auto-zoom function when an area other than the specific area is selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
101 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, said inhibiting circuit permitting the auto-zoom function when an area other than the specific area is selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The camera according to claim 13, wherein said selecting circuit causes the photographer to select an arbitrary area among the respective areas.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 13, wherein said selecting circuit automatically selects a predetermined area among the respective areas.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The camera according to claim 13, wherein the specific area is an area in the most peripheral portion.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The camera according to claim 13, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with a signal output by the detecting device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 13, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with an object distance.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
85 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for making the auto-zoom function operative on the basis of a signal outputted for a specific area independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
85 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for making the auto-zoom function operative on the basis of a signal outputted for a specific area independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 19, wherein said selecting circuit automatically selects a predetermined area among the respective areas.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The camera according to claim 19, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with a signal output by the detecting device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 19, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with an object distance.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
95 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the respective areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when a signal outputted for the area selected by said selecting circuit and a signal outputted for a specific area different from said one area have a predetermined relationship.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
95 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the respective areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when a signal outputted for the area selected by said selecting circuit and a signal outputted for a specific area different from said one area have a predetermined relationship.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The camera according to claim 23, wherein said inhibiting circuit inhibits the auto-zoom function when the signals corresponding to the selected area and the one area are different by a predetermined value or larger.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The camera according to claim 24, wherein the specific area is a central area.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The camera according to claim 23, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with a signal output by the detecting device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 23, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with an object distance.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
117 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: a determining circuit for determining whether or not a signal is detectable in a specific area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when said determining circuit determines that the signal is undetectable for the specific area, said circuit inhibiting the auto-zoom function when the signal is undetectable for the specific area, even when the signal is detectable for an area other than the specific area.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
117 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: a determining circuit for determining whether or not a signal is detectable in a specific area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when said determining circuit determines that the signal is undetectable for the specific area, said circuit inhibiting the auto-zoom function when the signal is undetectable for the specific area, even when the signal is detectable for an area other than the specific area.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The camera according to claim 28, wherein the specific area is a central area.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The camera according to claim 29, further comprising a selecting circuit for automatically selecting one area among the respective areas.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The camera according to claim 28, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with a signal output by the detecting device.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 28, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with an object distance.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
111 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selecting circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and a processing circuit for causing the auto-zoom function to be performed when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, said circuit setting a limit on a zoom amount for the auto-zoom function, and performing the auto-zoom function when an area other than the specific area is selected.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
111 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selecting circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and a processing circuit for causing the auto-zoom function to be performed when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, said circuit setting a limit on a zoom amount for the auto-zoom function, and performing the auto-zoom function when an area other than the specific area is selected.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 33, wherein said processing circuit performs zoom control when the specific area is selected.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The camera according to claim 33, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with a signal output by the detecting device.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 33, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with an object distance.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
81 words
A camera having an auto-focus mode and a manual focus mode, comprising: selecting means for selecting one of the auto-focus mode and the manual focus mode; an auto-zoom circuit for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state; and a control circuit for inhibiting an operation of said auto-zoom circuit when the manual focus mode is selected by said selecting means, said circuit permitting the operation of said auto-zoom circuit when the auto-focus mode is selected by said selecting means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
81 words
A camera having an auto-focus mode and a manual focus mode, comprising: selecting means for selecting one of the auto-focus mode and the manual focus mode; an auto-zoom circuit for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state; and a control circuit for inhibiting an operation of said auto-zoom circuit when the manual focus mode is selected by said selecting means, said circuit permitting the operation of said auto-zoom circuit when the auto-focus mode is selected by said selecting means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
79 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selecting circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and a control circuit for causing said selection circuit to select a specific area when making the auto-zoom function operative.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
79 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas and, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selecting circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and a control circuit for causing said selection circuit to select a specific area when making the auto-zoom function operative.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The camera according to claim 38, wherein the specific area is a central area.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The camera according to claim 38, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with a signal output by the detecting device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The camera according to claim 38, wherein the auto-zoom function performs zoom control in accordance with an object distance.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
212 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for a photographer to select at least one arbitrary focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a mode switching means for switching over a first photographing mode for effecting photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said first selecting means and a second photographing mode for effecting the photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said second selecting means; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for inhibiting a drive by said zoom driving means when said mode switching means sets the second photographing mode.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
212 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for a photographer to select at least one arbitrary focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a mode switching means for switching over a first photographing mode for effecting photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said first selecting means and a second photographing mode for effecting the photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said second selecting means; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for inhibiting a drive by said zoom driving means when said mode switching means sets the second photographing mode.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
209 words
A camera comprising: a focus detecting means for calculating distance information of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for manually selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a mode switching means for switching over a first photographing mode for effecting photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said first selecting means and a second photographing mode for effecting the photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said second selecting means; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with the distance information of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for inhibiting a drive by said zoom driving means when said mode switching means sets the second photographing mode.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
209 words
A camera comprising: a focus detecting means for calculating distance information of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for manually selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a mode switching means for switching over a first photographing mode for effecting photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said first selecting means and a second photographing mode for effecting the photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said second selecting means; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with the distance information of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for inhibiting a drive by said zoom driving means when said mode switching means sets the second photographing mode.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
165 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for manually selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for inhibiting a drive by said zoom driving means when said second selecting means selects the focus detection area other than the central focus detection area.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
165 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for manually selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for inhibiting a drive by said zoom driving means when said second selecting means selects the focus detection area other than the central focus detection area.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
245 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for manually selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a mode switching means for switching over a first photographing mode for effecting photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said first selecting means and a second photographing mode for effecting the photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said second selecting means; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimal focal length of the photographing lens; an outside operating means for giving an indication to change the focal length; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means or a focal length position indicated by said outside operating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for permitting said outside operating means to change the focal length but inhibiting an operation of said focal length calculating means when said mode switching means sets the second photographing mode.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
245 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for manually selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a mode switching means for switching over a first photographing mode for effecting photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said first selecting means and a second photographing mode for effecting the photography on the basis of the focus detection area selected by said second selecting means; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimal focal length of the photographing lens; an outside operating means for giving an indication to change the focal length; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means or a focal length position indicated by said outside operating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for permitting said outside operating means to change the focal length but inhibiting an operation of said focal length calculating means when said mode switching means sets the second photographing mode.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
200 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for manually selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; an outside operating means for giving an indication to change the focal length; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means or a focal length position indicated by said outside operating means; and a control means for permitting said outside operating means to change the focal length but inhibiting an operation of said focal length calculating means when said second selecting means selects the focus detection area other than the central focus detection area.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
200 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a first selecting means for causing said camera to automatically select at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a second selecting means for manually selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the selected focus detection area; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; an outside operating means for giving an indication to change the focal length; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means or a focal length position indicated by said outside operating means; and a control means for permitting said outside operating means to change the focal length but inhibiting an operation of said focal length calculating means when said second selecting means selects the focus detection area other than the central focus detection area.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
148 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a detected defocus quantity; an object distance calculating means for calculating a distance to an object; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens on the basis of the distance to the object from the central part among the plurality of focus detection areas by obtaining a distance to the object from the central part using said object distance calculating means after said defocus detecting means has detected a defocus of the central part; and a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
148 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of focus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a detected defocus quantity; an object distance calculating means for calculating a distance to an object; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens on the basis of the distance to the object from the central part among the plurality of focus detection areas by obtaining a distance to the object from the central part using said object distance calculating means after said defocus detecting means has detected a defocus of the central part; and a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
157 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of defocus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a selecting means for automatically selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the focus detection area selected by said selecting means; an object distance calculating means for calculating a distance to an object; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for inhibiting the zoom drive by said zoom driving means when the focus detection area selected by said selecting means is not a central focus detection area.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
157 words
A camera comprising: a defocus detecting means for detecting defocus states of a plurality of defocus detection areas including at least a central part within a scene; a selecting means for automatically selecting at least one focus detection area from the plurality of focus detection areas; a focus driving means for making a focus adjustment by driving a photographing lens in accordance with a defocus quantity of the focus detection area selected by said selecting means; an object distance calculating means for calculating a distance to an object; a focal length calculating means for calculating an optimum focal length of the photographing lens; a zoom driving means for automatically driving the photographing lens to a focal length position obtained by said focal length calculating means; and a zoom inhibiting means for inhibiting the zoom drive by said zoom driving means when the focus detection area selected by said selecting means is not a central focus detection area.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
92 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit having a first mode for manually selecting an arbitrary area among the respective areas and a second mode for automatically selecting a predetermined area among the respective areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when said selecting circuit selects the first mode.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
92 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit having a first mode for manually selecting an arbitrary area among the respective areas and a second mode for automatically selecting a predetermined area among the respective areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when said selecting circuit selects the first mode.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
97 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one predetermined area among the respective areas; and a circuit for permitting the auto-zoom function when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, said circuit inhibiting the auto-zoom function when an area other than the specific area is selected by said area selecting circuit.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
97 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one predetermined area among the respective areas; and a circuit for permitting the auto-zoom function when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, said circuit inhibiting the auto-zoom function when an area other than the specific area is selected by said area selecting circuit.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
86 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selecting circuit for selecting at least one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for making the auto-zoom function operative on the basis of the outputted signal for a specific area independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
86 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom function for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, said camera comprising: an area selecting circuit for selecting at least one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for making the auto-zoom function operative on the basis of the outputted signal for a specific area independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
99 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one predetermined area among the respective areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when a signal corresponding to the focusing information detected in the area selected by said selecting circuit and a signal corresponding to the focusing information detected in the specific area have a predetermined relationship.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
99 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one predetermined area among the respective areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when a signal corresponding to the focusing information detected in the area selected by said selecting circuit and a signal corresponding to the focusing information detected in the specific area have a predetermined relationship.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
121 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: a determining circuit for determining whether or not the focusing information is detectable in a specific area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when said determining circuit determines that the focusing information is undetectable in the specific area, said circuit inhibiting the auto-zoom function when the focusing information is undetectable in the specific area, even when the focusing information is detectable in an area other than the specific area.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
121 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: a determining circuit for determining whether or not the focusing information is detectable in a specific area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the auto-zoom function when said determining circuit determines that the focusing information is undetectable in the specific area, said circuit inhibiting the auto-zoom function when the focusing information is undetectable in the specific area, even when the focusing information is detectable in an area other than the specific area.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
108 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one predetermined area among the plurality of different areas; and a processing circuit for causing the auto-zoom function when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, and said circuit setting a limit on a zoom amount by the auto-zoom function and performing a zoom function when an area other than the specific area is selected.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
108 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one predetermined area among the plurality of different areas; and a processing circuit for causing the auto-zoom function when the area selected by said selecting circuit is a specific area, and said circuit setting a limit on a zoom amount by the auto-zoom function and performing a zoom function when an area other than the specific area is selected.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
78 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one predetermined area among the plurality of different areas; and a control circuit for causing said selection circuit to select a specific area when making the auto-zoom function operative.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
78 words
A camera incorporating a multi-point auto focus device, the device inputting focusing information for independently focusing each object in a plurality of different areas, the camera having an auto-zoom mechanism for automatically shifting a zoom state to a predetermined state, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one predetermined area among the plurality of different areas; and a control circuit for causing said selection circuit to select a specific area when making the auto-zoom function operative.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
89 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit having a first mode for a photographer to select an arbitrary area among the plurality of different areas, and a second mode for automatically selecting a predetermined area from among the respective areas; and a regulation circuit for regulating the zoom function in accordance with a selected mode.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
89 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit having a first mode for a photographer to select an arbitrary area among the plurality of different areas, and a second mode for automatically selecting a predetermined area from among the respective areas; and a regulation circuit for regulating the zoom function in accordance with a selected mode.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
68 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and a regulation circuit for regulating the zoom function in accordance with the selected area.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
68 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and a regulation circuit for regulating the zoom function in accordance with the selected area.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
121 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: a determining circuit for determining whether or not the signal output from the detecting device is detectable for a specific area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the zoom function when said determining circuit determines that the signal is undetectable for the specific area, said circuit inhibiting the zoom function when the signal is undetectable for the specific area even when said determining circuit determines that a signal is detectable for an area other than the specific area.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
121 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: a determining circuit for determining whether or not the signal output from the detecting device is detectable for a specific area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the zoom function when said determining circuit determines that the signal is undetectable for the specific area, said circuit inhibiting the zoom function when the signal is undetectable for the specific area even when said determining circuit determines that a signal is detectable for an area other than the specific area.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
83 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for making the zoom function operative on the basis of the signal outputted by the detecting device for a specific area independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
83 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for making the zoom function operative on the basis of the signal outputted by the detecting device for a specific area independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
99 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the zoom function when a signal outputted by the detecting circuit for the area selected by said selecting circuit and a signal outputted by the detecting circuit for a specific area different from the selected area have a predetermined relationship.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
99 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the plurality of different areas; and an inhibiting circuit for inhibiting the zoom function when a signal outputted by the detecting circuit for the area selected by said selecting circuit and a signal outputted by the detecting circuit for a specific area different from the selected area have a predetermined relationship.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
52 words
A camera having an auto-focus mode and a manual focus mode, comprising: selecting means for selecting one of the auto-focus mode and the manual focus mode; a zoom circuit for shifting a zoom state of the camera; and a regulation circuit for regulating said zoom circuit in accordance with a selected mode.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
52 words
A camera having an auto-focus mode and a manual focus mode, comprising: selecting means for selecting one of the auto-focus mode and the manual focus mode; a zoom circuit for shifting a zoom state of the camera; and a regulation circuit for regulating said zoom circuit in accordance with a selected mode.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
71 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for causing said selection circuit to select a specific area when making the zoom function operative.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
71 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for causing said selection circuit to select a specific area when making the zoom function operative.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
90 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for making the zoom function operative on the basis of the signal outputted by the detecting device for a specific area, different from the selected area, independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
90 words
A camera having a detecting device, the detecting device outputting respective signals for focusing respective objects located at a plurality of different areas, the camera having a zoom function for performing a zoom operation, the camera comprising: an area selection circuit for selecting at least one area among the respective areas; and a control circuit for making the zoom function operative on the basis of the signal outputted by the detecting device for a specific area, different from the selected area, independently of the area selected by said selecting circuit.
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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) | 2000-02-18 | 2000-08-19 | 2001-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-02-18 | 2004-08-19 | 2005-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-02-18 | 2008-08-19 | 2009-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |