Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US5819121?dq=mezick
Timestamp: 2014-03-13 08:21:59
Document Index: 694421757

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 7', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 5', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'arts 11', 'art 11', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'arts 12', 'art 13', 'art 15', 'art 15', 'art 19', 'art 21', 'art 19', 'art 12', 'art 21', 'art 16', 'art 12', 'art 28', 'art 25', 'art 15', 'art 6', 'art 16', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'arts 201', 'art 305', 'art 424', 'art 424', 'art 424', 'art 424', 'art 425', 'art 424']

Patent US5819121 - Magnification change-over device for camera - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA magnification change-over device is arranged to be highly suitable for a camera of the kind having a photo-taking lens and a viewfinder arranged independently of each other. The device includes the photo-taking lens having an image magnification which is variable; the viewfinder which is arranged to...http://www.google.com/patents/US5819121?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5819121 - Magnification change-over device for cameraAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS5819121 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 08/484,622Publication dateOct 6, 1998Filing dateJun 7, 1995Priority dateMay 14, 1985Fee statusLapsedAlso published asUS5752095, US5774749, US5940632Publication number08484622, 484622, US 5819121 A, US 5819121A, US-A-5819121, US5819121 A, US5819121AInventorsTakayuki TsuboiOriginal AssigneeCanon Kabushiki KaishaExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (26), Referenced by (2), Classifications (26), Legal Events (5) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMagnification change-over device for cameraUS 5819121 AAbstract A magnification change-over device is arranged to be highly suitable for a camera of the kind having a photo-taking lens and a viewfinder arranged independently of each other. The device includes the photo-taking lens having an image magnification which is variable; the viewfinder which is arranged to have an image magnification thereof also variable; an operating device for varying the image magnification of the viewfinder; a detecting device for detecting the magnifying state of the viewfinder; and a driving apparatus for driving the photo-taking lens according to a detection signal of the detecting device when a shutter release operation is performed. After a magnification setting operation is performed on the viewfinder, the change-over device changes the magnification of the photo-taking lens according to the magnification of the viewfinder when a photographing operation is actually performed.
What is claimed is: 1. An optical unit control apparatus, comprising:(a) an operating device which moves an optical unit in relation to magnification change; and (b) a control device which automatically starts said operating device after completion of a photographing operation and causes said operating device to stow the optical unit moved out in relation to magnification change. 2. A camera, comprising:(a) an operating device which moves an optical unit in relation to magnification change; and (b) a control device which automatically starts said operating device after completion of a photographing operation and causes said operating device to stow the optical unit moved out in relation to magnification change. 3. An optical unit control apparatus, comprising:a) an operating device which moves an optical unit in relation to magnification change; and (b) a control device which causes said operating device to stow the optical unit moved out in relation to magnification change in connection with operation of a shutter release member. 4. A camera, comprising:(a) an operating device which moves an optical unit in relation to magnification change; and (b) a control device which causes said operating device to stow the optical unit moved out in relation to magnification change in connection with operation of a shutter release member. 5. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising:an indicating device which externally indicates to the magnification change. 6. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein said control device includes means for automatically starting said operating device after completion of a photographing operation.
7. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said control device includes means for not automatically causing said operating device to stow the optical unit while performing a photographing operation.
8. An apparatus or camera according to claim 6, further comprising:an indicating device which externally indicates to the magnification change. 9. An apparatus or camera according to claim 7, further comprising:an indicating device which externally indicates to the magnification change. 10. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said control device includes means for causing said operating device to move the optical unit onto a stowed domain.
11. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said control device includes means for causing said operating device to move the optical unit onto a stowed domain, different from a domain in relation to the magnification change.
12. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said operating device includes a driving unit for moving the optical unit.
13. An apparatus or camera according to claim 12, wherein said driving unit includes a motor.
14. An apparatus or camera according to claim 13, wherein said operating device includes a screw member for transmitting a driving force of said motor to the optical unit.
15. An apparatus or camera according to claim 13, wherein said operating device includes a cam member for transmitting a driving force of said motor to the optical unit.
16. An apparatus or camera according to claim 13, wherein said operating device includes a bar member for transmitting a driving force of said motor to the optical unit.
17. An apparatus or camera according to claim 16, wherein said bar member is arranged to pass through beside a shutter.
18. An apparatus or camera according to claim 16, wherein said bar member is arranged to pass through beside a diaphragm.
19. An apparatus or camera according to claim 12, wherein said driving unit includes a stepping motor.
20. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said apparatus or camera includes the optical unit.
21. An apparatus or camera according to claim 20, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for focus adjustment.
22. An apparatus or camera according to claim 20, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for the magnification change.
23. An apparatus or camera according to claim 20, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for focus adjustment and the magnification change.
24. An apparatus or camera according to claim 20, wherein the optical unit includes a lens.
25. An apparatus or camera according to claim 20, wherein the optical unit includes a unit for photography.
26. An apparatus or camera according to claim 20, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit so as to change focal length.
27. An apparatus or camera according to claim 20, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit so as to change focal length continuously.
28. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said operating device which moves the optical unit include s a moving device which moves the optical unit for focus adjustment.
29. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for the magnification change.
30. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for focus adjustment and the magnification change.
31. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the optical unit includes a lens.
32. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the optical unit includes a unit for photography.
33. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit so as to change focal length.
34. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said operation device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit so as to change focal length continuously.
35. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising:(c) a measuring device which automatically measures information in relation to a distance to an object; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) indicating means for causing said operating device to move the optical unit according to said first and second determining means. 36. An apparatus or camera according to claim 35, wherein said operating device includes a motor.
37. An apparatus or camera according to claim 35, wherein said operating device includes a stepping motor.
38. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising:(c) a measuring device which automatically measures information in relation to a distance to an object; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) indicating means for causing said operating device to move the optical unit according to said first and second determining means; and (h) a detector which detects a condition of the optical unit according to said first determining means and also detects a condition of the optical unit according to said second determining means. 39. An apparatus or camera according to claim 38, wherein said operating device includes a motor.
40. An apparatus or camera according to claim 38, wherein said operating means includes a stepping motor.
41. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising:(c) a measuring device which automatically measures information in relation to a distance to an object; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) third determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit by combining the movement of the optical unit determined by said first determining means and the movement amount of the optical unit determined by said second determining means. 42. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the optical unit includes a photographic optical unit.
43. An apparatus or camera according to claim 42, further comprising:(c) a measuring device which automatically measures information in relation to a distance to an object; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) relation means for relating a condition of a finder and the signal of said signal output device, and not relating the condition of the finder and the signal outputted from said measuring device. 44. An apparatus or camera according to claim 43 wherein said apparatus or camera includes the finder.
45. An apparatus or camera according to claim 43, wherein said relation means includes means for changing magnification of the finder in relation to the signal outputted from the signal output device.
46. An apparatus or camera according to claim 43, wherein the finder is arranged to visualize an object.
47. An apparatus or camera according to claim 42, further comprising:(c) a signal forming device which forms a signal in relation to focus adjustment; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) relation means for relating a condition of a finder and the signal of said signal output device, and not relating the condition of the finder and the signal outputted from said signal forming device. 48. An apparatus or camera according to claim 47, wherein said apparatus or camera includes the finder.
49. An apparatus or camera according to claim 47, wherein said apparatus or camera includes means for changing magnification of the finder in relation to the signal outputted from the signal output device.
50. An apparatus or camera according to claim 47, wherein the finder is arranged to visualize an object.
51. An apparatus or camera according to claim 42, further comprising:(c) a measuring device which automatically measures information in relation to a distance to an object; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) separating means for separating movement of the photographic optical unit and an action of the finder. 52. An apparatus or camera according to claim 51, wherein said device or camera includes the finder.
53. An apparatus or camera according to claim 51, wherein said relation means includes means for changing magnification of the finder in relation to the signal outputted from the signal output device.
54. An apparatus or camera according to claim 51, wherein the finder is arranged to visualize an object.
55. An apparatus or camera according to claim 42, further comprising:(c) a signal forming device which forms a signal in relation to focus adjustment; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) separating means for separating the movement of the photographic optical unit and an action of the finder. 56. An apparatus or camera according to claim 55, wherein said apparatus or camera includes the finder.
57. An apparatus or camera according to claim 55, wherein said relation means includes means for changing magnification of the finder in relation to the signal outputted from the signal output device.
58. An apparatus or camera according to claim 55, wherein the finder is arranged to visualize an object.
59. An apparatus or camera according to claim 42, further comprising:(c) a measuring device which automatically measures information in relation to a distance to an object; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining the way of movement of the photo-taking optical unit according to the signal outputted from the signal output means; and (g) separating means for operating a finder without moving the photographic optical unit. 60. An apparatus or camera according to claim 59, wherein said apparatus or camera includes the finder.
61. An apparatus or camera according to claim 59, wherein said relation means includes means for changing magnification of the finder in relation to the signal outputted from the signal output device.
62. An apparatus or camera according to claim 59, including means is arranged to visualize an object.
63. An apparatus or camera according to claim 42, further comprising:(c) a signal forming device which forms a signal in relation to focus adjustment; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) separating means for operating a finder without moving the photographic optical unit. 64. An apparatus or camera according to claim 63, wherein said device or camera includes the finder.
65. An apparatus or camera according to claim 63, wherein said relation means includes means for changing magnification of the finder in relation to the signal outputted from the signal output device.
66. An apparatus or camera according to claim 63, wherein the finder is arranged to visualize an object.
67. An apparatus or camera according to claim 42, further comprising:(c) a measuring device which automatically measures information in relation to a distance to an object; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) separating means for moving the photographic optical unit without operating a finder. 68. An apparatus or camera according to claim 67, wherein said apparatus or camera includes the finder.
69. An apparatus or camera according to claim 67, wherein said relation means includes means for changing magnification of the finder in relation to the signal outputted from the signal output device.
70. An apparatus or camera according to claim 67, wherein the finder is arranged to visualize an object.
71. An apparatus or camera according to claim 42, further comprising:(c) a signal forming device which forms a signal in relation to focus adjustment; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device; and (g) separating means for moving the photographic optical unit without operating a finder. 72. An apparatus or camera according to claim 71, wherein said device or camera includes the finder.
73. An apparatus or camera according to claim 71, wherein said relation means includes means for changing magnification of the finder in relation to the signal outputted from the signal output device.
74. An apparatus or camera according to claim 71, wherein the finder is arranged to visualize an object.
75. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising:(c) a measuring device which automatically measures information in relation to a distance to an object; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; and (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device. 76. An apparatus or camera according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising:(c) a signal forming device which forms a signal in relation to focus adjustment in response to an operation of a shutter release member; (d) a signal output device which outputs a signal in relation to the magnification change; (e) first determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said measuring device; (f) second determining means for determining a movement amount of the optical unit according to the signal outputted from said signal output device. 77. An apparatus or camera according to claim 38, wherein said detector includes a position detection device which detects both a moving position of the optical unit according to said first determining means and a moving position of the optical unit according to said second determining means.
78. An optical unit control apparatus, comprising:(a) an operating device which moves an optical unit in relation to magnification change; and (b) a stowing device which automatically starts the optical unit moved out in relation to magnification change by said operating device after completion of a photographing operation and moves the optical unit in a stowed direction. 79. A camera, comprising:(a) an operating device which moves an optical unit in relation to magnification change; and (b) a stowing device which automatically starts the optical unit moved out in relation to magnification change by said operating device after completion of a photographing operation and moves the optical unit in a stowed direction. 80. An optical unit control apparatus, comprising:a) an operating device which moves an optical unit in relation to magnification change; and (b) a stowing device which moves the optical unit moved out in relation to magnification change by said operating device in a stowed direction in connection with operation of a shutter release member. 81. A camera, comprising:(a) an operating device which moves an optical unit in relation to magnification change; and (b) a stowing device which stows the optical unit moved out in relation to magnification change by said operating device in a stowed direction in connection with operation of a shutter release member. 82. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, further comprising:an indicating device which externally indicates to the magnification change. 83. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 80 or 81, wherein said stowing device includes means for automatically starting after completion of a photographing operation.
84. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said stowing device includes means for not automatically starting to move the optical unit in a stowed direction while performing a photographing operation.
85. An apparatus or camera according to any of claim 83, further comprising:an indicating device which externally indicates to the magnification change. 86. An apparatus or camera according to claim 84, further comprising:an indicating device which externally indicates to the magnification change. 87. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said stowing device includes means for moving the optical unit onto a stowed domain.
88. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said stowing device includes means for moving the optical unit onto a stowed domain, different from a domain in relation to the magnification change.
89. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said operating device includes a driving unit for moving the optical unit.
90. An apparatus or camera according to claim 89, wherein said driving unit includes a motor.
91. An apparatus or camera according to claim 90, wherein said operating device includes a screw member for transmitting a driving force of said motor to the optical unit.
92. An apparatus or camera according to claim 90, wherein said operating device includes a cam member for transmitting a driving force of said motor to the optical unit.
93. An apparatus or camera according to claim 90, wherein said operating device includes a bar member for transmitting a driving force of said motor to the optical unit.
94. An apparatus or camera according to claim 93, wherein said bar member is arranged to pass through beside a shutter.
95. An apparatus or camera according to claim 93, wherein said bar member is arranged to pass through beside a diaphragm.
96. An apparatus or camera according to claim 89, wherein said driving unit includes a stepping motor.
97. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said apparatus or camera includes the optical unit.
98. An apparatus or camera according to claim 97, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for focus adjustment.
99. An apparatus or camera according to claim 97, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for the magnification change.
100. An apparatus or camera according to claim 97, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for focus adjustment and the magnification change.
101. An apparatus or camera according to claim 97, wherein the optical unit includes a lens.
102. An apparatus or camera according to claim 97, wherein the optical unit includes a unit for photography.
103. An apparatus or camera according to claim 97, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit so as to change focal length.
104. An apparatus or camera according to claim 97, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit so as to change focal length continuously.
105. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said operating device which moves the optical unit includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for focus adjustment.
106. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for the magnification change.
107. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit for focus adjustment and the magnification change.
108. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein the optical unit includes a lens.
109. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein the optical unit includes a unit for photography.
110. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said operating device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit so as to change focal length.
111. An apparatus or camera according to any one of claims 78-81, wherein said operation device includes a moving device which moves the optical unit so as to change focal length continuously.
This is a continuation application of Ser. No. 08/383,534, filed Feb. 1, 1995, (abandoned), which in turn is a continuation application of Ser. No. 08/237,952, filed May 3, 1994 (abandoned); which in turn is a continuation application of Ser. No. 07/921,187, filed Jul. 28, 1992 (abandoned); which in turn is a divisional application of Ser. No. 07/831,074, filed Feb. 5, 1992 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,873; which in turn is a divisional application of Ser. No. 07/453,056, filed Dec. 13, 1989 (abandoned); which in turn is a continuation application of Ser. No. 07/296,928, filed Jan. 11, 1989 (abandoned); which in turn is a continuation application of Ser. No. 07/125,734, filed Nov. 30, 1987 (abandoned); and which in turn is a continuation application of Ser. No. 06/862,798, filed May 13, 1986 (abandoned).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to the solution of the above-stated problems of the prior art device. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a magnification change-over device which is advantageously adapted for a camera of the type having a photo-taking lens and a viewfinder arranged independently of each other. To attain this object, a magnification change-over device which is adapted according to this invention for a camera of the type having the photo-taking lens and a viewfinder arranged independently of each other comprises a photo-taking lens having an image magnification which is variable; a viewfinder having an magnification which is also variable; operating means for varying the image magnification of the viewfinder; detecting means for detecting the magnifying state of the viewfinder; and driving means for driving the photo-taking lens according to the detection signal of the detecting means in taking a photograph. The device is thus arranged such that, after a magnification setting operation on the viewfinder, the magnification of the photo-taking lens is changed according to the set magnification of the viewfinder when a photo-taking operation is actually performed. While the image magnification of the viewfinder which must be changed for the camera operator whenever the magnification of the camera is to be changed from one value to another is thus arranged to be always shiftable, that of the photo-taking lens is arranged to be shiftable only when a photo-taking operation is to be actually carried out. Therefore, in changing the magnification of the camera, the magnification change-over device arranged according to this invention effectively obviates any unnecessary operation on the camera. Therefore, the device is highly suited for a camera of the type having the photo-taking lens and the viewfinder arranged independently of each other.
A viewfinder block 2 is formed in one body with the camera body 1. The block 2 is provided with a shaft 2a which is in fitting engagement with a holder part 5a of a change-over lens unit 5 and is arranged to guide the latter. The shaft 2a is further arranged to carry an objective lens 4-1 and an eye piece 4-2.
The change-over lens unit 5 consists of a lens part 5c and a change-over part 5b and is urged to move by a spring, respectively which is not shown, respectively in the counterclockwise direction as viewed on the drawing. A magnification change-over knob 6 is arranged to cover the slot 7a of an external cover part 7 and to be vertically slidable as viewed on the drawing. The knob 6 is provided with a tongue part 6a which is located inside the camera. The tongue part 6a is formed in one unified body with an electric contact piece 8 and a pin 6b which abuts on the above-stated change-over part 5b of the change-over lens unit 5. Patterns 9a, 9b and 9c are formed on a substrate which is not shown. The pattern 9a is ground part. The pattern 9b is connected to a WIDE control terminal of a logic control IC (hereinafter referred to as IC for short) which will be described later herein. The pattern 9c is connected to a TELE control terminal of the IC. The above-stated contact piece 8 is arranged to slide over the patterns, accordingly as the magnification change-over knob 6 is operated and thus to transmit a signal representative of the position of the knob 6 to the IC.
A photo-taking lens unit 10 is provided with an arm 10e. A guide bar 10a is secured to the arm 10e and is slidably fitted into the camera body 1. A guide key 10c, which is provided on the opposite side of the lens unit 10, engages a key way 11g and is arranged to be movable only in the vertical direction. The lens unit 10 is urged to move downward as viewed in the drawing by a spring, respectively which is not shown, respectively but is stopped at a point where a focus adjustment screw 10b screwed into the arm 10e is abutting on a cam part 12b of a distance adjustment ring 12. At an adjustment stage during assembly work, the position of the photo-taking lens 10d relative to the film plane or surface 1a is adjustable by turning the focus adjustment screw 10b.
A zoom frame 11 forms a lens barrel base plate unit. A female helicoidal face 11a of the zoom frame 11 engages a helicoidal bar 13 on the left-hand side relative to the optical axis of the photo-taking lens as viewed on the drawing. On the right-hand side of the zoom frame 11, a key part 11f of the frame 11 engages a key way 1e provided in the body 1. The frame 11 is thus arranged to move up and down straight as viewed in the drawing, accordingly as the helicoidal bar 13 turns round. The zoom frame 11 is provided with a shaft part 11c which carries a lid part 11b and the distance adjustment ring 12; a shutter part 11d; two guide parts 11e which are arranged to engage the guide bar 10a of the lens barrel unit 10; and the above-stated key way 11g. The distance adjustment ring 12 is provided with a hole 12a which is fitted on the shaft part 11c of the zoom frame 11. The ring 12 is thus rotatably carried by the shaft part 11c and is arranged to have its cam part 12b abut on the focus adjustment screw 10b of the lens barrel unit 10. Claw parts 12c to 12j are formed along the periphery of the ring 12 as shown in FIG. 5.
The above-stated helicoidal bar 13 is rotatably carried by the camera body 1 at its upper and lower ends 13a. The bar part 13c of the bar 13 has a guide part 15a of a rear lens unit 15 attached thereto by means of a screw 14. The guide part 15a is thus arranged to turn round in one body with the helicoidal bar 13. A reference numeral 15 denotes a rear lens which is a concave lens.
A relay gear 19 is rotatably connected by a shaft 19a to the zoom frame 11. A small gear part 19b of the relay gear 19 engages the gear part 21b of a charge gear 21. A large gear part 19c of the relay gear 19 engages the gear part 12k (see FIG. 6) of the distance adjustment ring 12. An electrical contact piece 20 is attached to the relay gear 19 in one unified body with the gear. The contact piece 20 slides over a printed board, respectively which is not shown, respectively accordingly as the distance adjustment ring 12 rotates. The contact piece 20 is thus arranged to give information on the shifted position of the photo-taking lens to the IC. A charge gear 21 is rotatably carried by the zoom frame 11 through a shaft 21a and is provided with a charge part 21c. A spring 22 urges the charge gear 21 to move counterclockwise. However, in the case of FIG. 5, the gear 21 is kept in a charging state with the claw part 16c of the stop pawl 16 engaging the claw part 12c of the distance adjustment ring 12.
When the photographer pushes the manual operation knob 28 from the outside of the camera to the left as viewed on the drawing, the right end part 28a of the knob 28 pushes the armature part of the W-shaped carrying pawl 25. This disengages the claw part 25b from the claw part 15c of the rear lens unit 15. Then, the rear lens or concave lens 15b of the rear lens unit 15 can be manually inserted into the photo-taking optical path of the camera. At the same time, the helicoidal pin 13 is rotated so that the zoom frame 11 can be moved forward to a position as shown in FIG. 4.
With the camera in the state as shown in FIG. 1, when the photographer pulls the change-over knob 6 to a position as shown in FIG. 3 for the purpose of changing the magnification of the camera while watching the inside of the viewfinder, the tongue part 6a and the pin 6b also move together with the knob. Then, the change-over lens unit 5 is caused to turn round counterclockwise by the force of the spring which is not shown. The lens 5c enters the inside of the view finder to change the magnification of the viewfinder from a wide angle state over to a telephoto state. Since this change-over is effected by just moving the knob 6 and the change-over unit 5, the operation, unlike the conventional zoom lens, does not give any heavy feeling. Therefore, the excellent operability of the embodiment enables the photographer to freely compose a picture by varying the magnification of the viewfinder between the wide angle state and the telephoto state while watching the viewfinder. Following this, when the photographer pushes a shutter release button to a first stroke point thereof, preliminary distance and light measurement is accomplished and information on the distance and brightness of an object to be photographed is displayed within the viewfinder.
During, respectively or before or after, respectively the above-stated operation, the magnet 17 is energized to attract the stop pawl 16. This disengages the claw part 16c of the pawl 16 from the claw part 12c. With the claw part 12c disengaged, the distance adjustment ring 12 is caused to turn round counterclockwise as viewed on FIG. 5 by the force of the spring 22 which is urging the charge gear 21 interlocked with the ring 12 via gears 12k, 19c, 19b and 21a. The cam part 12b of the ring 12 then moves the lens barrel 10 forward as shown in FIG. 4.
In the event of use of the camera on the telephoto side thereof under such a condition that allows absolutely no vibrations as in the case of photomicrography, the manual operation knob 28 is operated to the left as viewed on FIG. 5 before the photographing operation. Then, the end face 28a of the knob 28 pushes the W-shaped carrying pawl 25 to cause it to turn counter-clockwise, so that the photo-taking lens system can be manually set into a telephoto state.
FIG. 9 shows another example of arrangement of the viewfinder magnification change-over device. The illustration includes a moving lens unit 111 for the view finder. The lens unit 111 is arranged to be movable up and down, respectively as viewed in the drawing, respectively by some external operation member such as the knob 6 of FIG. 1. An electrical contact piece 111a is secured to the lens unit and is arranged to be slidable over a pattern 113. The contact piece 111a thus transmits information to the IC about the magnification value (or focal length) being selected at the view finder. A reference numeral 112 denotes a fixed lens. Since the photographer is required only to move the view finder optical system in relation to the object, the embodiment also excels in operability. Meanwhile, the photo-taking lens system can be always kept in a compact state with the exception of a brief period of time for photographing. The embodiment thus can be readily stowed. It also has the energy saving advantage and excels in light shielding capability in the same manner as the preceding example of embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows a further example wherein an electrostriction lens 201 is employed in place of the photo-taking lens unit of FIG. 8. The lens 201 is made of such a material (LiNbO.sub.3 or the like) that has its refractive index variable with a voltage applied between electrode parts 201a and 201b provided on both sides of the lens. For example, a variable resistor 202 is arranged to vary its resistance value according as the magnification of the view finder is adjusted by means of the change-over knob mentioned in the foregoing. This arrangement of the variable resistor in combination with the electrostriction lens 201 permits continuous zooming. The illustration of FIG. 10 includes a power supply 203 and a switch 204 which is arranged to be responsive to a shutter release operation and thus to have a power supply only when a photo-taking operation is actually performed. Therefore, this embodiment also excels in giving an energy saving effect.
When a shutter release button L is pushed to its first stroke by the photographer for initiating a photographing operation, a power supply switch 302 for the circuit is closed. A power supply is then effected to a logic control IC 301 which is composed of a microcomputer, etc. Then, power supply voltage is checked (a known battery check operation). A light measurement circuit 306 performs a light measuring operation. Information on the brightness of the object to be photographed is displayed by a display circuit 307. A distance measurement circuit 305 measures a distance to the object in a known manner. Information on the distance measurement is stored at a memory part 305-1 which is disposed within the distance measurement circuit 305. At the same time, the information on the object distance is produced from the circuit 305 and is displayed by the display circuit 307. After confirmation of the data thus displayed, when the shutter release button L is further pushed by the photographer to the extent of the second stroke thereof, another switch 303 is closed. The logic control IC 301 then latches a current thus supplied and, at the same time, initiate a photographing operation. First, the voltage levels of the output terminals of the patterns 9b and 9c shown in FIG. 1 are read out. If the level of the pattern 9b is found to be at a low level as shown in FIG. 11, the camera is considered to be in a wide angle state. In this instance, the level of the base terminal of a transistor 309 is kept at a low level to have the transistor 309 in a non-conductive state. In case that the output terminal of the other pattern 9c is found at a low level, the camera is considered to be in a telephoto state. In that instance, the transistor 309 is rendered conductive. Then, the magnet 27 (see FIG. 5) is excited to cause the W-shaped carrying pawl 25 of FIG. 5 to turn round counterclockwise. This brings the rear lens unit 15 into the photo-taking optical path. Concurrently with this, the zoom frame 11 is moved forward as shown in FIG. 4.
This is followed by known exposure effecting and film winding operations. After completion of these operations, the camera return to the state of FIG. 5.
TABLE 1______________________________________Focal    Signal from              Signal from Input signallength   processing              detecting   supplied to com-of the lens    circuit 415              circuit 414 parator 412a______________________________________35 mm    10        8 m      0    10              4 m      1    11              &#8747;        &#8747;              0.6 m    9    1440 mm    20        8 m      0    20              &#8747;        &#8747;              &#8747;        &#8747;              0.6 m    9    2945 mm    30        8 m      0    30              &#8747;        &#8747;              &#8747;        &#8747;              0.6 m    9    3950 mm    40        8 m      0    40              4 m      1    41              &#8747;        &#8747;              0.6 m    9    4957 mm    50        8 m      0    50              &#8747;        &#8747;              &#8747;        &#8747;              0.6 m    9    5964 mm    60        8 m      0    60              &#8747;        &#8747;              &#8747;        &#8747;              0.6 m    9    6970 mm    70        8 m      0    70              &#8747;        &#8747;              &#8747;        &#8747;              0.6 m    9    79______________________________________
FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) respectively show the details of operation of the zooming operation member 418 and that of the viewfinder lens shifting device 419 performed under the conditions shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b). The illustrations include an objective lens 421, a moving lens 422 and an eyepiece 423. The moving lens 422 is provided with a zoom pin 422a and is arranged to be movable to the left and the right as viewed in the drawings in a known manner. A spring, which is not shown, urges the moving lens to move to the left and keeps it in a state of abutting on the idling part 424c of a zooming cam lever 424. The zooming cam lever 424 is arranged to be vertically slidable as viewed in the drawings and is guided by pins which are fitted into slots 424a formed in the lever 424. The lever 424 is provided with a cam part 424b, the idling part 424c and an end face part 424d. One end of a zooming operation knob 425 is arranged to push the lever 424 while a spring, respectively which is not shown, respectively is arranged to urge the lever to move upward as viewed in the drawings.
The zooming operation knob is provided for a manual operation by the photographer. A suitable degree of friction is imparted by a known method to the manual operation in sliding the knob 425 in the vertical direction as viewed on the drawings. The zooming operation knob 425 is provided with a brush 425b which slides together with the knob when the lower end part 425a pushes the end face part 424d of the above-stated zoom cam lever 424. A pattern 426 is formed with a resistor on a substrate which is not shown. Circuit connection to the pattern 426 is made from above as viewed in the drawings. The resistance pattern short-circuits when the brush 425b is caused to slide thereon by the above-stated zooming operation and thus generates a position signal representing the position of the zooming operation knob 425.
After the lapse of a predetermined period of time, a start signal from the logic control circuit 416 is applied to the motor control circuit 411. In response to this signal, the motor 416 is caused to rotate forward. The forward rotation of the motor causes the zoom ring 406 to rotate from a wide angle position toward the telephoto side. The rotation of the zoom ring 406 is converted by a pulse plate 409 pulse signal and is produced from the pulse plate 409. The rotation is then detected by the pulse detecting circuit 410. A detection signal thus produced from the circuit 410 is applied to the comparator 412a. Then, the pulses of the pulse signal are produced up to ten pulses when the photo-taking lens is to be moved forward to the position of FIG. 14(a) from the stowed positions of the lens units 401 and 403. With the motor 408 rotated forward, the zoom ring moves from the position of FIG. 14(a) to the position of FIG. 14(b). The pulse plate 409 then produces position signals, one after another, accordingly as the zoom ring moves. When the number of pulses reaches 41, the output level of the comparator 412 changes and an end signal is produced. The zoom ring rotation computing circuit 413 then produces a motor short-circuiting signal and supplies it to the motor control circuit 411. The motor control circuit 411 applies electrical brake to the motor 408 to bring the rotation of it to a stop by short-circuiting the two terminals thereof.
Further, in accordance with this invention, the guide means, such as a cam groove, for shifting the magnification of the photo-taking lens and the cam groove for focus adjustment are continuously and alternately arranged with each other. The invention thus simplifies the conventional complex device wherein cam grooves are provided separately for changing the magnification of the photo-taking lens and for adjustment of the focal point of the lens. Further, in this case, the magnification of the photo-taking lens varies in a non-continuous manner. However, with the invented device applied to a camera having the photo-taking lens and the viewfinder arranged independently of each other, it causes no inconvenience to the photographer as the viewfinder is arranged to have its magnification continuously variable. Meanwhile, the magnification of the photo-taking lens can be adjusted most closely to the selected magnification of the viewfinder. Therefore, this invention makes the simplification of the structural arrangement and improvement in operability compatible with each other.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing stepwise, respectively the operation of the first embodiment.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3972056 *Dec 4, 1974Jul 27, 1976Minolta Camera Kabushiki KaishaVarifocal lens assemblyUS4083057 *Nov 8, 1976Apr 4, 1978Honeywell Inc.Focus size compensationUS4314748 *May 19, 1980Feb 9, 1982Canon Kabushiki KaishaCamera having a semi-automatic focus adjusting deviceUS4597657 *Oct 9, 1984Jul 1, 1986Nippon Kogaku K. K.Compact camera capable of encasing a phototaking optical systemUS4725864 *Oct 16, 1985Feb 16, 1988Canon Kabushiki KaishaVari-focal cameraUS5005038 *Jun 27, 1990Apr 2, 1991Canon Kabushiki KaishaFocal length changeable cameraJP5626631A * Title not availableJP5836727A * Title not availableJP5840735A * Title not availableJP38026629A * Title not availableJP46039315A * Title not availableJPH0631108A * Title not availableJPS512439A * Title not availableJPS4942361A * Title not availableJPS5117045A * Title not availableJPS5266445A * Title not availableJPS5874260A * Title not availableJPS6011312A * Title not availableJPS6053907A * Title not availableJPS6079314A * Title not availableJPS6080812A * Title not availableJPS55134809A * Title not availableJPS59109007A * Title not availableJPS59143111A * Title not availableJPS59206820A * Title not availableJPS60216338A * Title not available* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6088538 *Feb 26, 1999Jul 11, 2000Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaZoom finderUS6493510 *Mar 30, 2001Dec 10, 2002Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Camera having zoom flash device* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification396/80, 396/84, 396/88International ClassificationG02B15/02, G02B7/10, G02B13/12, G03B13/12, G03B13/20, G03B19/07, G02B15/04Cooperative ClassificationG02B15/02, G02B7/102, G03B13/12, G02B15/04, G03B19/07, G02B13/12, G03B13/20, G02B7/10European ClassificationG02B7/10A, G02B15/02, G03B13/20, G02B13/12, G02B15/04, G02B7/10, G03B13/12, G03B19/07Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionNov 23, 2010FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20101006Oct 6, 2010LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesMay 10, 2010REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedMar 13, 2006FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Mar 14, 2002FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google