WO1993013452A1 - Appareil photographique a mise au point automatique, mecanisme de visee et procede - Google Patents

Appareil photographique a mise au point automatique, mecanisme de visee et procede Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993013452A1
WO1993013452A1 PCT/US1992/010746 US9210746W WO9313452A1 WO 1993013452 A1 WO1993013452 A1 WO 1993013452A1 US 9210746 W US9210746 W US 9210746W WO 9313452 A1 WO9313452 A1 WO 9313452A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hght
camera
pattern
light
emitting device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1992/010746
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David G. Capper
Original Assignee
Capper David G
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Capper David G filed Critical Capper David G
Publication of WO1993013452A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993013452A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/28—Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals
    • G02B7/30—Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals using parallactic triangle with a base line
    • G02B7/32—Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals using parallactic triangle with a base line using active means, e.g. light emitter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
    • G03B17/02—Bodies
    • G03B17/06—Bodies with exposure meters or other indicators built into body but not connected to other camera members

Definitions

  • This invention relates to cameras. More particularly, the invention relates to cameras that include an aiming mechanism and an autofocus system, and to methods of aiming and focusing cameras.
  • a camera is a device for taking still or moving pictures. It typically includes a body or enclosure, a lens and film. Light enters the camera through the lens and strikes the film to record an image. In a video camera, light strikes a sensor or mechanism which, in turn, records the image on magnetic tape.
  • a viewfinder is a small lens attached to a camera to indicate the extent of the camera's field of view.
  • the camera's field of view is what the camera sees or what will be included in a photograph taken by the camera.
  • Light may enter the viewfinder itself, or it may enter a lens and be reflected to the viewfinder.
  • a person looks through the viewfinder, positions the camera until the desired scene is shown, and then takes the picture.
  • Umits the person's ability to take pictures because the camera must be held near the person's eye. Holding a camera near an eye makes it difficult for a person to take photographs around moving obstructions or of moving subjects because the camera's field of view hmits the person's field of view. It is also difficult for people who wear glasses to hold and properly aim a camera near an eye because of the camera's construction.
  • This invention addresses those shortcomings and provides a mechanism and method to aim and properly focus a camera without having to look through the camera's viewfinder.
  • the invention allows a photographer to hold a camera in any physical position, for example, over the photographer's head, and still properly to aim and focus the camera, and take accurate photographs.
  • the invention includes a camera having a field of view and a light emitting device attached to, integrated in or used in conjunction with the camera.
  • the light emitting device projects a light beam into the camera's field of view to produce a light pattern visible on an object within the field of view.
  • the light emitting device may be, for example, a laser, a light emitting diode, an incandescent light, a halogen hght or any other high intensity light source.
  • the light beam may be a laser beam and the light pattern may be a dot, circle or line of light.
  • the camera often includes an autofocus system, a shutter and a shutter trigger that is connected to the hght emitting device and the autofocus system.
  • the shutter trigger when it is contacted or depressed a certain distance, actuates the light emitting device and the autofocus system. Contacting or depressing the shutter trigger further causes the camera to take a picture.
  • the hght emitting device and autofocus system are deactivated before taking of the picture.
  • the autofocus system which is incorporated with the camera may take any of a number of different systems with the particular details of the autofocus system therefore being subject to variation.
  • Describing systems that have been proposed in the past, these include systems for evaluating the contrast of focused and nonfocused images, systems for measuring the angle of one or more beams of hght projected from the camera to the object, systems for analyzing the frequency components of an image as a function of focus, systems for comparing the positions or the distribution of the hght patterns of auxiliary images on separate multi-element hght detectors and certain mechanical systems- Systems have also been proposed which depend upon the transmission of waves such as sound waves from the camera to the object being photographed.
  • the invention may also include a mirror or a mechanism for reflecting the hght beam in such a way that the hght beam produces a line of hght or outlines a predetermined region, such as a circle or rectangle framing the field of view.
  • the hght emitting device may itself move and direct the hght beam.
  • the hght beam may also communicate information to the user relating to the position, workings or other functions or characteristics of the camera itself.
  • the invented method of aiming and focusing a camera includes the steps of pointing the camera toward an object, causing a hght emitting device to project a light beam, directing the light beam toward an object to produce a hght pattern visible on the object, and determining the camera's aim by noting the location of the hght pattern on the object.
  • the method also includes focusing the camera with the camera aimed toward the object to be photographed and before actuation of the camera's shutter mechanism.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a still-photograph camera constructed according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a side plan view of the camera depicted in Figure 1 showing a focused hght beam striking an object.
  • Figure 2a is a plan view of two hght patterns.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a simplified view of a light emitting device and mirror.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a simplified view of a mirror /motor combination.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of a camera projecting a circle of hght.
  • Figure 8 is a simplified view showing different arrangements of rnirrors.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 is a circuit diagram showing a possible electrical connection of a light emitting device.
  • Figure 11 illustrates a circuit which produces activation of a hght emitting device and also the photographic function of focusing the camera, the hght emitting and focusing functions being activated with the shutter trigger depressed partially and not fully to a position where the shutter mechanism is actuated.
  • Figure 12 shows a circuit including a hght beam characteristic control.
  • the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a camera, such as the 35mm camera shown in Figure 1 at 10.
  • Camera 10 includes a body 12, a lens 14, a shutter trigger 16 and a viewfinder 18.
  • the basic construction and operation of camera 10 is well known. Other types of cameras, including movie cameras and video cameras, may be used.
  • Figure 2 shows a side plan view of camera 10.
  • the bottom portion of body 12 is broken away to show a hght emitting device 20 mounted within the camera.
  • light emitting device 20, in the preferred embodiment, is a laser.
  • an incandescent hght source a hght emitting diode, a halogen hght or any other high intensity hght source can work instead of a laser.
  • Light emitting device 20 projects a hght beam 22 out from the camera through an aperture 24, shown in both Figures 1 and 2.
  • light beam 22, in the preferred embodiment is a focused hght beam.
  • Aperture 24 may be covered by a transparent sheet or a lens, or it may be uncovered.
  • light beam 22 is directed toward a predetermined point within the camera's field of view.
  • dashed line 26 illustrates the center of the camera's field of view. Both hght beam 22 and field of view line 26 strike a target 28.
  • Target 28 is simply an object within the camera's field of view, it is not necessarily the main subject within the field of view.
  • Camera 10 is aimed by pointing it toward an object.
  • the person using the camera then causes the hght emitting device to project a hght beam.
  • the user directs the hght beam toward the object.
  • the hght beam strikes the object, it produces a hght pattern visible on the object.
  • the object may be the subject of the photograph, something beside the subject, or any other object in the field of view.
  • the hght pattern will be a dot or hne of hght.
  • a representative dot of hght is shown at 27 in Figure 2a.
  • a representative line of hght is shown at 29. Any other orientation of line 29 is also possible.
  • line 29, or other predetermined patterns may be made by projecting a line, by moving hght emitting device 20 or by using reflectors.
  • Mechanism 25 in Figure 2 represents any known mechanism to move light emitting device 20. Dot 27 and line 29 are shown as they would appear on object 28.
  • the user can determine the camera's aim by noting the location of the light pattern on the object. In this manner, the user can aim the camera from virtually any position without looking through the viewfinder. For example, a reporter could hold camera 10 above his head to take a photograph of an individual surrounded by other people. By noting the hght pattern produced by the hght emitting device, the reporter can know where the camera is aimed.
  • the hght patterns produced by the light beams may also be used to communicate information to the user.
  • the camera may sense ambient light conditions and project a predetermined hght pattern telhng the user that there is not enough light for the camera.
  • Other patterns may convey other information, such as low batteries, out of film, etc.
  • a unique pattern may act as a "signature" for the camera to distinguish it from other similarly equipped cameras.
  • other characteristics of the light beam such as color, intensity, or size, may communicate information.
  • the hght beams characteristics may be controlled by a mechanism in the camera.
  • the mechanism may signal the hght source to project red or green light, or to produce a predete ⁇ nined light pattern.
  • Figure 12 is a simple circuit showing a mechanism 260 that signals a light source 218 to project a hght beam with predete ⁇ nined characteristics.
  • the mechanism interprets information from camera 262 to control light source 218.
  • Iight beam 22 in Figure 2 is directed toward a predetermined point in the camera's field of view. If object 28 were positioned closer to or farther away from the camera, then hght beam 22 may be adjusted.
  • hght beam 22 could be projected parallel to line 26, or even superimposed over line 26.
  • hght emitting device 20 can be positioned above, beside, adjacent or in any other position near camera 10. Figures 3 through 5 show different embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a camera 30 with a lens 32 and a viewfinder 34.
  • An aim g mechanism 36 is attached to the bottom of camera 30.
  • Aiming mechanism 36 may be constructed integrally with camera 30 or it may be constructed as a separate unit connectable to and removable from camera 30.
  • Aiming mechanism 36 includes a hght emitting device 38 shown in dashed lines.
  • light emitting device 38 projects a hght beam 40 toward a first mirror 42.
  • Mirror 42 reflects hght beam 40 toward a second mirror 44, which in turn reflects the hght beam out from the aiming mechanism through an aperture 46.
  • the hght beam is then directed toward an object 48 within camera 30's field of view.
  • the invention allows a user to aim a camera and take a photograph from virtuahy any position, such as from position A in Figure 3.
  • the construction of aiming mechanism 36 and the arrangement of mirrors allows for a compact mechanism.
  • aiming mechanism 36 could include the configuration shown in Figure 4.
  • Figure 4 shows a hght emitting device 50 projecting a hght beam 52 toward a mirror 54.
  • Mirror 54 directs the hght beam 52 out from the camera toward an object. That configuration uses only one stationary mirror.
  • Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the invention including a single lens reflex camera 56.
  • Camera 56 has a lens 58 and a mirror 60 (shown in dashed lines).
  • light enters the camera through lens 58 and strikes mirror 60.
  • a portion or side of ⁇ irror 60 directs the hght to a viewfinder typically located on the back of the camera (not shown in Figure 5).
  • a viewfinder typically located on the back of the camera (not shown in Figure 5).
  • a user looks through the viewfinder and sees the camera's field of view through the camera's lens.
  • mirror 60 is retracted so that hght entering the lens can pass by it and strike the film.
  • Camera 56 also includes an aiming mechanism 62.
  • the ainiing mechanism includes, as in the other embodiments, a hght emitting device 64 which projects a light beam 66.
  • the light beam is reflected off mirror 68 toward rnirror 60, which in turn reflects the light beam out of lens 58 into the camera's field of view.
  • the light beam is parallel with a line drawn from lens 58 to the center of the camera's field of view.
  • light emitting device 64 may be positioned to project light directly out of lens 58 without any intervening mirrors.
  • Figures 1-5 all show various embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 6 shows one arrangement of mirrors.
  • Figure 6 includes a light emitting device 100 which projects a light beam 102. The light beam strikes a first rnirror 104 and is reflected to a second mirror 106.
  • Mirror 106 is a planar mirror held at an angle and mounted to a motor 108. Motor 108 spins or rotates mirror 106 so that at one point during each revolution mirror 106 occupies the position shown by dashed lines at 110.
  • Mirror 106 reflects the hght beam into a camera's field of view. Because mirror 106 is held at an angle and because it spins, it reflects the hght beam in different directions.
  • hght emitting device 100 could project hght beam 102 directly at mirror 106 without mirror 104.
  • mirror 106 causes hght beam 102 to outline a circle, as shown at 112.
  • the circle can be used to surround or frame a subject being photographed.
  • mirror 104 can rock back and forth, thereby directing hght beam 102 to different positions on mirror 106.
  • Mirror 104 may also be offset or moved so that it does not block any hght reflected from mirror
  • Figure 7 shows a combination of mirrors that may be used with a camera having a zoom lens.
  • a zoom lens is a lens that, typically, moves in and out to change the magnification of the lens. By increasing the magnification, the camera can zoom in on an object to be photographed.
  • a zoom camera is shown at 120 in Figures 8 and 9 with a zoom lens 122 and an arrow 124 indicating the movement of lens 122. Camera 120 will be discussed in more detail below in relation to another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 shows a light beam 130 projected from a hght emitting device (not shown).
  • light beam 130 strikes a mirror 132 which in turn reflects the hght beam off a mirror 134 mounted for rotation on a motor 136.
  • Mirror 134 is rotated around an axis 138.
  • a second position of mirror 132 is shown at 140 in dashed lines. As is shown, position 140 is closer than mirror 132 to axis 138. The closer mirror 132 moves toward axis 138, the smaller the pattern outlined by the hght beam reflected from mirror 134. Thus, by moving mirror 132 toward and away from axis 138, the size of a pattern outlined by hght beam 132 can be changed.
  • Mirror 132 in Figure 7 can be operatively connected to the zoom lens in a zoom camera so that when the lens moves in and out, the mirror also moves in and out a predetermined distance, thereby adjusting the hght pattern surrounding the camera's field of view. Any known control connection, both manually and electrically powered, between the zoom lens and mirror 132 can be used. Alternatively, mirror 132 can rock back and forth to direct hght beam 130 toward different positions on mirror 134.
  • Figure 8 shows a zoom camera that includes the mirror mechanism shown in Figure 7.
  • Figure 9 shows still another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 9 includes a camera 120 with a zoom lens 122.
  • An aiming mechanism 142 is attached to the bottom of camera 120.
  • the embodiment shown in Figure 9 is different from the previous embodiments because it includes an optical path which directs or sphts a hght beam into four separate beams, as shown at 144, 146, 148 and 150. Any known optical path for directing or splitting a light beam can be used.
  • the four hght beams are projected toward different points in the camera's field of view, thus outlining or framing an object to be photographed. Of course, other light patterns may be used.
  • FIG 10 shows a simple circuit diagram illustrating how a light emitting device can be electrically connected to a camera's shutter trigger.
  • a shutter trigger is shown at 200.
  • the shutter trigger is mounted to a camera (not shown).
  • Shutter trigger 200 has three positions, an off position, a project position and a shoot position. In the off position, the hght emitting device does not project a light beam, nor does the camera take a picture. In the project position, the hght emitting device projects a hght beam, but the camera does not take a picture. In the shoot position, the hght emitting device does not project a hght beam but the camera does take a picture.
  • Shutter trigger 200 is mounted for reciprocation on a rod 202.
  • Shutter trigger 200 is biased to the off position by a spring 204. The shutter moves to the project and shoot positions when a user presses the trigger down.
  • Shutter trigger 200 is positioned adjacent a spring member 206 and an electrical contact 208.
  • Spring member 206 includes a projection 210 for contacting a second projection 212 on shutter trigger 200.
  • Electrical contact 208 is connected to two 1.5-volt AA batteries, 214 and 216 respectively. The batteries themselves are connected in series and, in turn, connected to hght emitting device 218.
  • light emitting device 218 is also connected to spring member 206, thus completing the circuit when spring member 206 touches electrical contact 208.
  • shutter trigger 200 When shutter trigger 200 is depressed to the shoot position, projection 212 slides past projection 210 and spring member 206 returns to the position shown in Figure 10, breaking the conductive path with electrical contact 208.
  • a camera including the circuit shown in Figure 10 will project a hght beam when the shutter trigger is depressed to a first position, but will deactivate the hght beam and take a picture when the shutter trigger is depressed to a second position. This feature allows a user to take a photograph without taking a picture of the hght pattern produced by the hght emitting device. In other words, when the camera takes the picture, the hght pattern produced by the hght beam will not be visible.
  • the hght source may be activated by a separate trigger, and only deactivated by the shutter trigger.
  • the hght beam may also be activated by simply touching the trigger rather than depressing it, as is known in the art.
  • different photographic functions such as focusing, can be activated when the shutter trigger is depressed to the project or first position.
  • Fig. 11 which shows a circuit where autofocus is part of trigger mechanism function
  • shutter trigger 200 when shutter trigger 200 is partially depressed, its projection 212 engages projection 210 to close a circuit across autofocus system shown at 230.
  • a distinctive signal is apphed to an output lead of the autofocus system, illustrated herein by the lead shown at 232.
  • Lead 232 connects with motor control system 234.
  • the control system controls operation of focus motor 236. Operation of the focus motor operates a mechanical system, shown at 240, for adjusting the position of the lens system in the camera, shown schematically by the lens at 250.
  • the motor control system In operation, with a closed circuit produced for the focus system 230, the motor control system is actuated to adjust the position of lens system 250. With optimum focus obtained, a distinctive signal is apphed to lead 232 which operates the motor control system so at that time to stop adjustment of the lens system.
  • the system described may produce adjustment of the lens system in the camera at the same time or at another time related to the time that the hght emitting diode in the camera is actuated. Focusing occurs before the shutter trigger is fully depressed, and put in its shoot position, where projection 212 slides beyond projection 210. With the shutter trigger in the fully depressed shoot position, the shutter mechanism in the camera is actuated. Included within the invention is the apparatus disclosed, which produces focusing of the camera with the camera aimed as aided by the hght beam which projects from the camera. Also part of the invention is the method of aiming the camera as aided by the light beam, and focusing the camera as part of the function produced by operation of the shutter trigger.
  • the circuits shown in Figures 10 and 11 may be modified to include control of a mirror directing the light beam, or a mechanism moving the hght emitting device itself. It may also be modified in any way known to include the previously discussed zoom feature.
  • This invention is applicable to the photography industry. Specifically, it is applicable to still-photograph cameras, motion picture and video cameras. Several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed but changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Focusing (AREA)

Abstract

Appareil photographique (10) possédant une source lumineuse (20) émettant un faisceau lumineux (22) dans le sens de visée de l'appareil (10). Un motif lumineux produit par le réfléchissement du faisceau lumineux (22) par un objet indique à l'utilisateur le point visé par l'appareil (10). L'actionnement d'un déclencheur d'obturateur (16) désactive la source lumineuse (20) puis déclenche le mécanisme d'obturateur de l'appareil (10), l'appareil (10) étant à cet instant correctement orienté. Le déclencheur de l'obturateur (16) peut également actionner un système de mise au point automatique (230).
PCT/US1992/010746 1991-12-23 1992-12-11 Appareil photographique a mise au point automatique, mecanisme de visee et procede WO1993013452A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US81337391A 1991-12-23 1991-12-23
US07/813,373 1991-12-23

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993013452A1 true WO1993013452A1 (fr) 1993-07-08

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AU (1) AU3248793A (fr)
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Cited By (10)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5471046A (en) * 1994-02-25 1995-11-28 Eastman Kodak Company Camera auto-focusing system with designator using a volume holographic element
US5485235A (en) * 1994-05-19 1996-01-16 Eastman Kodak Company Pointing system for correctly aiming an image recording apparatus towards a human subject
US5500702A (en) * 1994-05-27 1996-03-19 Eastman Kodak Company Device for identifying a perimeter of a scene to be recorded by an image recording apparatus
EP0709703A2 (fr) 1994-10-31 1996-05-01 Eastman Kodak Company Caméra à focalisation automatique
US5541697A (en) * 1994-11-29 1996-07-30 Eastman Kodak Company Camera with orientation indicator
US5543889A (en) * 1994-05-16 1996-08-06 Eastman Kodak Company Camera with pointing aid
US5546156A (en) * 1994-02-25 1996-08-13 Eastman Kodak Company Camera with pointing aid
US5569904A (en) * 1994-07-19 1996-10-29 Eastman Kodak Company Multispot autofocus system having a radiation emitter which emits radiation that is divided into a plurality of discrete beams
US5589905A (en) * 1995-01-24 1996-12-31 Eastman Kodak Company Camera with illumination source
US5628034A (en) * 1996-02-27 1997-05-06 Eastman Kodak Company Image recording apparatus with movement detector and laser emitter

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Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5471046A (en) * 1994-02-25 1995-11-28 Eastman Kodak Company Camera auto-focusing system with designator using a volume holographic element
US5546156A (en) * 1994-02-25 1996-08-13 Eastman Kodak Company Camera with pointing aid
US5543889A (en) * 1994-05-16 1996-08-06 Eastman Kodak Company Camera with pointing aid
US5485235A (en) * 1994-05-19 1996-01-16 Eastman Kodak Company Pointing system for correctly aiming an image recording apparatus towards a human subject
US5500702A (en) * 1994-05-27 1996-03-19 Eastman Kodak Company Device for identifying a perimeter of a scene to be recorded by an image recording apparatus
US5569904A (en) * 1994-07-19 1996-10-29 Eastman Kodak Company Multispot autofocus system having a radiation emitter which emits radiation that is divided into a plurality of discrete beams
EP0709703A2 (fr) 1994-10-31 1996-05-01 Eastman Kodak Company Caméra à focalisation automatique
US5530512A (en) * 1994-10-31 1996-06-25 Eastman Kodak Company Autofocus camera
EP0709703A3 (fr) * 1994-10-31 1997-07-30 Eastman Kodak Co Caméra à focalisation automatique
US5541697A (en) * 1994-11-29 1996-07-30 Eastman Kodak Company Camera with orientation indicator
US5589905A (en) * 1995-01-24 1996-12-31 Eastman Kodak Company Camera with illumination source
US5628034A (en) * 1996-02-27 1997-05-06 Eastman Kodak Company Image recording apparatus with movement detector and laser emitter

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