Patents by Inventor Hidenori Miyamoto

Hidenori Miyamoto has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5687409
    Abstract: A display device for a camera to accurately display distance information and depth of field information. The camera includes a focusing control device to drive a photographic optical system to an in-focus position in relation to a photographic subject. A distance region identification device identifies a distance region to which the photographic subject belongs from among a plurality of predetermined distance regions into which the photographic distance range which can be achieved by photographic optical systems has been divided, according to information derived by a focus control operation by the focusing control device. A distance information display modifies the display conditions of one part of a display having multiple display segments to indicate one part of the photographic distance range which can be achieved by the photographic optical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5682560
    Abstract: A camera capable of operating in a red-eye prevention mode. The camera has an electronic flash device which is activated by a drive circuit in synchronization with the exposure. The electronic flash device also serve as a pre-light-emission device capable of performing pre-light-emission for the purpose of preventing red-eye effect. When it is judged from the photographing condition that red-eye effect may occur, a controller activates the electronic flash device to effect a pre-light-emission for reducing the size of pupils of eyes of to be photographed, before the main flashing which is executed in synchronization with the exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Hara, Norikazu Yokonuma, Hidenori Miyamoto, Hideya Inoue, Toshio Sosa
  • Patent number: 5680251
    Abstract: A zoom lens barrel containing a support member for supporting a vibration compensation lens and a vibration compensation drive unit thereof. The support member is held inside the lens barrel so that it is moveable in the direction of the optical axis. The support member is formed from a mold, with the molded support member including multiple gear shafts and cam followers. The multiple gear shafts are positioned on the molded support member in a row and in a direction which is perpendicular to the optical axis. The cam followers are positioned on the support member in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The multiple shafts are positioned on the support member at different angles from the cam followers so that the respective die extraction angles are different. The multiple gear shafts support a gear train which is positioned near an interior surface of the lens barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kato, Yoshio Imura, Hidenori Miyamoto, Junichi Omi
  • Patent number: 5678083
    Abstract: A camera capable of automatic film rewinding into the magazine, comprises an information recording device for recording at least information on use in an information recording portion formed at a predetermined position of the magazine loaded in the magazine chamber of the camera, an information detecting device capable of detecting recorded information of the magazine when it is loaded, prohibition device for prohibiting the photographing operation in response to a detection signal corresponding to information, indicating that all the film is already used, detected by the information detecting device and a control device for controlling the information recording device, information detecting device and prohibition device in such a manner that the detection by the information detecting device is conducted prior to the recording of information of use by the information recording means, and that the photographing operation is prohibited in response to the detection of information indicating that all the film is
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Imura, Hidenori Miyamoto, Noriyasu Kotani, Hideya Inoue
  • Patent number: 5678085
    Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device includes a generally triangular space adjacent a film spool. A roller, used to conform the film to the film spool is urged into the triangular space when the film diameter on the roller approaches a maximum diameter. A portion of an optical system for the data imprinting device is also located in the triangular space. The periods of film drive pulses are averaged to establish periods of data imprinting pulses. A plurality of the data imprinting pulses are generated for each film drive pulse. In a full size mode of operation, a first set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record imprinting data. In a panorama mode of operation, a second set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record the imprinting data. The second set of data imprinting pulses contains more data imprinting pulses than the first set of data imprinting pulses, whereby the data imprinted in panorama mode occupies a shorter length of the film than does the data imprinted in full size mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi
  • Patent number: 5678080
    Abstract: A compact viewfinder device suitable for use in a camera. The viewfinder device includes an image-forming optical system to form a subject image on an image-forming plane, and a fiber optical plate having a plane of incidence and an exit plane and which transmits the optical image which has entered the plane of incidence to the exit plane. The plane of incidence of the fiber optical plate is positioned on the image-forming plane of the image-forming optical system, and the fiber optical plate transmits the optical image which has entered the plane of incidence so that it is rotated around an exit axis of the exit plane. The fiber optical plate may also enlarge the optical image entering the plane of incidence so that an enlarged image is transmitted to the exit plane. Further, the exit plane of the fiber optical plate may be tilted with respect to the plane of incidence and perpendicular to the exit axis to allow ease of viewing the viewfinder image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5666563
    Abstract: A camera having a hand tremor correction mechanism with improved positioning of the hand tremor correction mechanism. The camera includes a photographic lens which moves along the optical axis of the photographic optical system. A vibration detection unit detects camera vibration, such as from hand tremor, and produces a corresponding output signal. A vibration correction mechanism, coupled to the external periphery of the photographic lens and electrically connected to the vibration detection unit via a flexible printed circuit board, receives the output signal of the vibration detection unit and compensates for the vibration detected by the vibration detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Iijima, Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi, Minoru Kato, Junichi Omi, Hiroshi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 5659806
    Abstract: A shake preventing apparatus comprises a shaking sensor for detecting a shake, a shaking preventive optical system for preventing an image shake by this optical system being shifted in a direction substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of a principal optical system, motors for driving this shaking preventive optical system to prevent the shake detected by the shaking sensor, photo interrupters for detecting a shift position of the shaking preventive optical system and a control circuit for controlling the motors on the basis of detection signals from the photo interrupters. The photo interrupters are disposed within a range so as not to exceed a thickness of the shaking preventive optical system in an optical-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Yoshio Imura, Junichi Omi, Isao Soshi, Minoru Kato
  • Patent number: 5655166
    Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device has a plurality of in-line LEDs producing light focused by an optical system upon a photographic film at a first and a second position, corresponding to a full size format and a panorama size format, respectively. The focused light imprints data images upon the film at the first position are larger than data images imprinted at the second position. The optical system has first and second prisms, with integrated lenses, for reflecting and focusing the light upon the film at the first and second positions, respectively. A shutter plate is selectively positioned over apertures through which the light is focused, thus blocking the light and allowing only a selected imprint to be made upon the film. A vertical pattern of the data image is created by a controller selectively illuminating the in-line LEDs while a horizontal pattern is produced by the controller illuminating the LEDs in coordination with the movement of the film past the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi, Hiroshi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 5649252
    Abstract: A camera capable of automatic film rewinding into the magazine, comprises an information recording device for recording at least information on use in an information recording portion formed at a predetermined position of the magazine loaded in the magazine chamber of the camera, an information detecting device capable of detecting recorded information of the magazine when it is loaded, a prohibition device for prohibiting the photographing operation in response to a detection signal corresponding to information, indicating that all the film is already used, detected by the information detecting device and control means for controlling the information recording device, information detecting device and prohibition device in such a manner that the detection by the information detecting device is conducted prior to the recording of information of use by the information recording means, and that the photographing operation is prohibited in response to the detection of information indicating that all the film is a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Tsugio Takahashi, Hitoshi Aoki, Yoshio Imura, Hidenori Miyamoto, Daiki Tsukahara, Noriyasu Kotani, Hideya Inoue, Jun Nagai
  • Patent number: 5634143
    Abstract: A camera, which detects and compensates for vibrations affecting the camera, has improved positioning of vibration detection sensors. The camera includes a camera body having an outer cover and a lens barrel. The lens barrel has a substantially cylindrical outer portion and is positioned on the camera body to divide the camera body into a first portion and a second portion with the lens barrel therebetween. A rangefinding unit is positioned in the camera body and is covered by the outer cover of the camera body. The rangefinding unit has a surface which has a portion opposing the circumference of the outer portion of the lens barrel. A first space exists in the first portion of the camera body and has borders defined by the circumference of the outer portion of the lens barrel, the surface of the rangefinding unit and the outer cover of the camera body. A flash generation device is positioned in the second portion of the camera body and a vibration detection sensor positioned in the first space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Kitagawa, Yoshio Imura, Hidenori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5623704
    Abstract: A camera with a vibration correction function provided with a continuous shot mode for carrying out continuous photographing, has a vibration detecting device for detecting vibration of the camera, a vibration correcting device for correcting the vibration of the camera at the time of photographing based on a signal from the vibration detecting device, a film feeding device for feeding a photographic film loaded in the camera, a film end detecting device for detecting an end of the photographic film, and a control device for stopping the operation of the vibration detecting device and making the film feeding device start rewinding the photographic film when receiving a film end detection signal from the film end detecting device during photographing under the continuous shot mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Yoshio Imura
  • Patent number: 5614974
    Abstract: A camera having improvements in (a) the placement of anti-vibration sensors, (b) the connection between components of an anti-vibration mechanism, (c) the connection between the anti-vibration mechanism and external testing devices and (d) the connection of the camera to a tripod. The camera body has first and second ends and a photographic lens which is positioned on the camera body between the first end and the second end. A battery compartment, first and second anti-vibrations sensors and a main capacitor are all positioned in the first end of the camera body. The first anti-vibration sensor is positioned between the battery compartment and the photographic lens. The first and second anti-vibration sensors reside on the same sensor card and the sensor card has a connector mounted thereon. An anti-vibration CPU resides on a separate, flexible printed circuit card and is connected to the anti-vibration sensors by inserting a portion of the flexible printed circuit card into the connector on the sensor card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Soshi, Hidenori Miyamoto, Minoru Kato, Junichi Omi, Tatsuo Amanuma, Jirou Asami
  • Patent number: 5614972
    Abstract: A camera is equipped with a photographic lens and a drive for moving the lens relative to the camera body. If an external or other force prevents the lens from moving to a prescribed position within a set time interval, for example, the drive changes the drive speed of the lens from a first-drive speed to a slower, second drive speed. When the external or other force is removed and normal movement of the lens again is possible, the drive changes the drive speed of the lens from the slower, second drive speed to the first drive speed, without requiring complicated restorative action on the part of the operator. Thus, damage to the drive and other components of the camera is prevented, without complicating operation of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Wakabayashi, Hidenori Miyamoto, Toshiyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5606391
    Abstract: There is disclosed an exposure control apparatus for a camera, enabling appropriate exposure control for varied photographing situations. The apparatus determines the optimum exposure value, referring to various conditions including the season and time of photographing, photographing location, sunrise/sunset times and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Aoki, Hiroshi Wakabayashi, Daiki Tsukahara, Hidenori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5600401
    Abstract: A camera including a viewfinder having an objective lens with a first optical axis, and an eyepiece lens with a second optical axis. The objective lens and the eyepiece lens create an offset space in the camera because the lenses are located such that their optical axes differ. Components within the camera are mounted on a printed board positioned adjacent to the viewfinder such that the electrical components are located in the offset space. The camera is smaller in size because the space due to the offset portion of the viewfinder is efficiently utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kato, Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi
  • Patent number: 5598246
    Abstract: A camera capable of reducing image blur according to the present invention comprises a vibration detection device that detects the quantity of camera vibration, an image blur reducing device that, based upon the detection output from the vibration detection device, electrically drives an image blur reducing optical system in a direction different from the direction of the optical axis in order to reduce blurring of the photographic image, a flash photographing device that, when flash photographing conditions are present, performs photographing by emitting an illuminating light to illuminate the photographic subject, a pre-light emission device that, prior to flash photographing, performs pre-light emission in order to reduce the red eye phenomenon and a control device that, when flash photographing conditions are present, causes the image blur reducing device and the flash photographing device to operate after the pre-light emission by the pre-light emission device is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Tatsuo Amanuma, Toshiyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5598242
    Abstract: A vibration compensation mode selection apparatus and associated visual display for a camera which allows a photographer to enable or disable a vibration compensation unit while receiving visual feedback regarding the operation state of the vibration compensation unit and information regarding the vibrations detected within the camera. A vibration detection unit is provided to output a signal indicating the amount and direction of vibrations experienced by the camera. A vibration compensation unit drives the vibration compensation lens perpendicular to the optical axis of a photographic lens system to correct for the vibrations detected by the vibration detection unit. A button is provided on the front face of the camera to enable the photographer to disable the vibration compensation unit by pressing the button. A display unit is provided to indicate to the photographer whether the vibration compensation system has been enabled or disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Omi, Hiroshi Wakabayashi, Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi, Minoru Kato, Tatsuo Amanuma, Yoshio Imura
  • Patent number: 5596383
    Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device has a plurality of in-line LEDs producing light focused by an optical system upon a photographic film at a first and a second position, corresponding to a full size format and a panorama size format, respectively. The focused light imprints data images upon the film at the first position are larger than data images imprinted at the second position. The optical system has first and second prisms, with integrated lenses, for reflecting and focusing the light upon the film at the first and second positions, respectively. A shutter plate is selectively positioned over apertures through which the light is focused, thus blocking the light and allowing only a selected imprint to be made upon the film. A vertical pattern of the data image is created by a controller selectively illuminating the in-line LEDs while a horizontal pattern is produced by the controller illuminating the LEDs in coordination with the movement of the film past the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi, Hiroshi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 5594515
    Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device has a plurality of in-line LEDs producing light focused by an optical system upon a photographic film at a first and a second position, corresponding to a full size format and a panorama size format, respectively. The focused light imprints data images upon the film at the first position are larger than data images imprinted at the second position. The optical system has first and second prisms, with integrated lenses, for reflecting and focusing the light upon the film at the first and second positions, respectively. A shutter plate is selectively positioned over apertures through which the light is focused, thus blocking the light and allowing only a selected imprint to be made upon the film. A vertical pattern of the data image is created by a controller selectively illuminating the in-line LEDs while a horizontal pattern is produced by the controller illuminating the LEDs in coordination with the movement of the film past the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi, Hiroshi Wakabayashi