Dual focal length camera
US5960218A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B17/17
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Compact dual focal length cameras are disclosed having wide angle and telephoto modes of operation. The ratio of telephoto to wide angle ratios is at least 3 to 1, but is typically higher so that the cameras can be used in conjunction with binoculars to take telephoto pictures that give the same visual appearance as when the same scenes are observed through binoculars. Compactness and increased focal length are achieved via four mirror arrangements one preferred embodiment of which wraps around the camera film plane and uses a single constant angular velocity shutter for providing both wide angle and telephoto exposure times. Compact, single-use, medium telephoto cameras are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.