Patent · US Expired

Automatic focusing system for use in cameras having zooming function

US5267044A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
7References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 10, 1991
Grant dateNov 30, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 10, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B7/36
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An auto focus apparatus for a camera comprising a group of lenses which include a focus lens and a zoom lens. The auto focus apparatus also comprises a focus detector, a motor and a controller. The focus detector detects whether the camera is in focus or not. The motor drives the focus lens and zoom lens. The controller controls the motor for driving the zoom lens and the focus lens. When the focus detector does not detect a focused image through the focus lens, the zoom lens is then driven to focus the camera. A method of auto focusing comprises the step of driving a focus lens so as to obtain a focusing point. The method of auto focusing also comprises the steps of detecting whether the camera is in focus or not, and driving the zoom lens when a focusing point is not achieved by the focus lens.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.