Patents by Inventor Norio Numako
Norio Numako 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).
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Patent number: 5721986Abstract: Disclosed is a camera provided with a strobe system. The strobe system includes a capacitor to be charged. Charging voltage of the capacitor can be detected through an output terminal. The output terminal can be electrically connected and disconnected to and from the capacitor by a switching element. The circuit has an input terminal which receives a control signal. In response to the control signal, charging operation is enabled, and at the same time, the switching element is controlled to connect the output terminal to the capacitor. While, if the charging voltage has reached an upper limit, the charging operation is disabled and the output terminal is disconnected from the capacitor for a predetermined period of time by changing the status of the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Nomura, Kazuyoshi Azegami, Takamitsu Sasaki, Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Yoshinari Tanimura, Takuma Sato, Masaaki Kishimoto
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Patent number: 5713051Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako
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Patent number: 5673099Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii
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Patent number: 5598240Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara
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Patent number: 5583596Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii
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Patent number: 5475456Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Oukubo, Norio Numako
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Patent number: 5465131Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1994Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Hirofumi Matsuo
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Patent number: 5440369Abstract: A compact camera has a variable focal length photographing optical system, a multisegment photometric system that is separate from the photographing optical system, each segment outputting a brightness level, and a controller that determines an exposure value for exposing a film by using weighting coefficients to calculate a weighted average of the brightness levels outputted by the photometric system. The weighting coefficients vary according to the focal length of the photographing optical system.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Asahi Kogakuogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Kosei Kosako
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Patent number: 5432577Abstract: An electronically controlled camera is disclosed which is capable of being operated in an automatic release mode in which a plurality of shootings can be automatically executed. A period of time between the first shooting, of the plurality of shootings, and the start of the automatic release mode, and another period of time between, each shooting, can be set arbitrarily.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1991Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Kobayshi, Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Katsutoshi Nagai
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Patent number: 5430518Abstract: A remote control camera has a remote controller that emits a remote control signal. A remote control signal receiving device is provided in a camera body to receive the remote control signal emitted from the remote controller. The camera also includes a delaying release circuit which commences an exposure operation after a predetermined delay time, and a control circuit which actuates the delaying release circuit when the remote control signal receiving device receives the remote control signal emitted from the remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1992Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Takuma Sato
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Patent number: 5384617Abstract: An automatic exposure control system for a camera includes selecting either a normal taking mode or an interval taking mode, determining an exposure value according to at least photometry data, setting a lower exposure value limit, wherein the lower exposure value limit in the interval taking mode is lower than the lower exposure value limit in a normal taking mode, and a strobe that operates when the exposure value is lower than the lower limit.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Kobayashi, Takao Nishida, Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Katsutoshi Nagai
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Patent number: 5363164Abstract: An electronically controlled camera having a macro mode operating capability which is disabled in the event predetermined object-distance-information is not obtained which is required for automatically focusing the camera in the macro mode. In this event, the lens is automatically shifted from the macro position to a non-macro position to enable a properly focused photograph to be taken. The shifting of the lens is preferably performed in response to actuation of the shutter release button while the lens is in the macro position, without further actuation of the shutter release button. Further, the camera can be arranged to return the lens to a macro position after the photograph is taken.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1993Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Kobayashi, Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Katsutoshi Nagai, Takao Nishida
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Patent number: 5345288Abstract: An electronically controlled camera is provided capable of being operated in an automatic release mode in which a plurality of shootings can be automatically executed. The camera includes a device for setting the number of shootings to be executed and a device for automatically setting the internal time between each shooting in accordance with the number of shootings set to be executed.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1992Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Kobayashi, Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Katsutoshi Nagai
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Patent number: 5323198Abstract: A film winding apparatus of a camera for winding and/or rewinding a perforated film. The film winding apparatus includes a photoelectric member that is opposed to perforations of the film to detect presence or absence of the perforations in the film. A predetermined reference value, along with an upper threshold value and a lower threshold value, is set in accordance with an initial signal output by the photoelectric member. A second mechanism detects a feed position of the film by comparing a rising output curve and a descending output curve produced by the photoelectric member with the upper and lower threshold values of the predetermined reference value.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Takuma Sato
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Patent number: 5321462Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or closeup photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako
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Patent number: 5317352Abstract: An electronically controlled camera comprises a zoom lens which is capable of being driven to move in the direction of the optical axis thereof within a zooming area between a tele extremity and a wide extremity. A single operation member is provided for instructing the movement direction of the zoom lens, and the zoom lens is driven to move either stepwisely or continuously in accordance with the operating amount of the operation member.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1992Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Kobayashi, Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Katsutoshi Nagai
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Patent number: 5291232Abstract: An electronically controlled camera having a macro mode operating capability which is disabled in the event predetermined object-distance-information is not obtained which is required for automatically focusing the camera in the macro mode. In this event, the lens is automatically shifted from the macro position to a non-macro position to enable a properly focused photograph to be taken. The shifting of the lens is preferably performed in response to actuation of the shutter release button while the lens is in the macro position, without further actuation of the shutter release button. Further, the camera can be arranged to return the lens to a macro position after the photograph is taken.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1992Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Kobayashi, Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Katsutoshi Nagai, Takao Nishida
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Patent number: 5280320Abstract: An electronically controlled camera which takes a picture every time a preset interval passes and displays remaining time available until a picture taking operation is effected on a display portion by reducing the interval time. A display portion displays the taking number and prohibits the display of the remaining time at a time when interval photographing is being performed.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1993Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Kobayashi, Takao Nishida, Yasushi Tabata, Norio Numako, Katsutoshi Nagai
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Patent number: 5280317Abstract: A zoom lens for a camera having a between-the-lens shutter includes a motor for moving the lens along an optical axis in forward and rearward directions. A switch is operable by an operator to control operation of the motor for moving the lens from an initial position on the axis to a final stationary position that establishes the focal length of the lens. Control apparatus is responsive to the setting of the switch for operating the motor such that movement of the lens from its initial position to its final position always ends after the lens travels to its final position in a predetermined direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara
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Patent number: 5276475Abstract: A lens shutter type of camera is disclosed in which a zoom lens is positioned in a lens block (1) which has a sector gear (15) rotatably associated with the lens block and with a rotatable cam ring (14). The cam ring and sector gear are rotatable in a substantially constant axial position. A movable finder optical assembly (8) and a movable strobe assembly (9) are movable in association with movement of the zoom lens. The zoom lens is movable between an extreme telephoto position and an extreme wide angle position, as well a into a fully collapsed lens position beyond the extreme wide angle position and a macro or close-up photographing position beyond the extreme telephoto position. When the camera is in its macro mode, a prism (P1) is inserted into the finder optical assembly to correct for parallax; the strobe assembly is moved to change its illumination angle; and an optical wedge (4e) is pivoted into the path between a light receiver (4) and a light emitter (3e).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Haraguchi, Shinsuke Kohmoto, Takeo Kobayashi, Shigeru Kondoh, Hideki Ohkubo, Norio Numako, Saburo Sugawara, Susao Nakamura, Hirofumi Matsuo, Katsuhiko Nomura, Etsuro Nishio, Haruo Ishii