Patents by Inventor Toshihiko Ishimura

Toshihiko Ishimura 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: 5809344
    Abstract: A camera includes an operation device having a plurality of operation modes for executing an operation, a mode changing device for changing over operation modes, a designation device for designating a desired operation mode as an initial mode, and a reset device for resetting the operation device to the designated initial mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tokuji Ishida, Yasuo Nakanishi, Toshihiko Ishimura, Takehiro Katoh, Kenji Ishibashi, Yoshihiro Hara, Takashi Kondo, Hiroshi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5799215
    Abstract: A camera system comprises a brightness measuring circuit, a exposure line choosing circuit, an operable switch, a film driver and a film driving mode selector. The brightness measuring circuit measures brightness of a photographic scene to send a brightness value. The exposure line choosing circuit chooses one of a plurality of exposure lines in which each lines selects a combination of an aperture value and a shutter speed value at each brightness value. The film driver drives a film in either of a first mode in which the film is wound only one frame in response to the operation of the operable switch and a second mode in which the film is wound frame by frame continuously as long as the operable member is operated. The film driving mode selector selects one of the modes in accordance with the exposure line chosen by the choosing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Katoh, Yoshihiko Azuma, Masayasu Hirano, Naohiro Kageyama, Toshihiko Ishimura, Kenji Tsuji, Hiroshi Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 5682559
    Abstract: A camera which includes an operation button which is capable of being depressed, a lever which is rotatably mounted around the operation button, a memory which stores the camera condition which is presently set in response to the rotation of the lever in a predetermined direction, and a circuit arrangement which changes over the camera condition to the condition which is stored in the memory in response to the depression of the operation button. When the lever is rotated, the camera condition presently set is stored in the memory. Thereafter, the stored contents are resumed when the operation button is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshino, Toshihiko Ishimura, Tatsuro Izumi, Keijiro Tsuchihama, Shigeto Ohmori
  • Patent number: 5576786
    Abstract: A camera system comprises a brightness measuring circuit, a exposure line choosing circuit, an operable switch, a film driver and a film driving mode selector. The brightness measuring circuit measures brightness of a photographic scene to send a brightness value. The exposure line choosing circuit chooses one of a plurality of exposure lines in which each lines selects a combination of an aperture value and a shutter speed value at each brightness value. The film driver drives a film in either of a first mode in which the film is wound only one frame in response to the operation of the operable switch and a second mode in which the film is wound frame by frame continuously as long as the operable member is operated. The film driving mode selector selects one of the modes in accordance with the exposure line chosen by the choosing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Katoh, Yoshihiko Azuma, Masayasu Hirano, Naohiro Kageyama, Toshihiko Ishimura, Kenji Tsuji, Hiroshi Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 5550611
    Abstract: A camera includes an operation device having a plurality of operation modes for executing an operation, a mode changing device for changing over operation modes, a designation device for designating a desired operation mode as an initial mode, and a reset device for resetting the operation device to the designated initial mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokuji Ishida, Yasuo Nakanishi, Toshihiko Ishimura, Takehiro Katoh, Kenji Ishibashi, Yoshihiro Hara, Takashi Kondo, Hiroshi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5539495
    Abstract: A camera system comprises a brightness measuring circuit, a exposure line choosing circuit, an operable switch, a film driver and a film driving mode selector.The brightness measuring circuit measures brightness of a photographic scene to send a brightness value. The exposure line choosing circuit chooses one of a plurality of exposure lines in which each lines selects a combination of an aperture value and a shutter speed value at each brightness value. The film driver drives a film in either of a first mode in which the film is wound only one frame in response to the operation of the operable switch and a second mode in which the film is wound frame by frame continuously as long as the operable member is operated. The film driving mode selector selects one of the modes in accordance with the exposure line chosen by the choosing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Katoh, Yoshihiko Azuma, Masayasu Hirano, Naohiro Kageyama, Toshihiko Ishimura, Kenji Tsuji, Hiroshi Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 5504552
    Abstract: A camera system comprises a brightness measuring circuit, a exposure line choosing circuit, an operable switch, a film driver and a film driving mode selector. The brightness measuring circuit measures brightness of a photographic scene to send a brightness value. The exposure line choosing circuit chooses one of a plurality of exposure lines in which each lines selects a combination of an aperture value and a shutter speed value at each brightness value. The film driver drives a film in either of a first mode in which the film is wound only one frame in response to the operation of the operable switch and a second mode in which the film is wound frame by frame continuously as long as the operable member is operated. The film driving mode selector selects one of the modes in accordance with the exposure line chosen by the choosing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Katoh, Yoshihiko Azuma, Masayasu Hirano, Naohiro Kageyama, Toshihiko Ishimura, Kenji Tsuji, Hiroshi Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 5319413
    Abstract: A camera system comprises a brightness measuring circuit, a exposure line choosing circuit, an operable switch, a film driver and a film driving mode selector.The brightness measuring circuit measures brightness of a photographic scene to send a brightness value. The exposure line choosing circuit chooses one of a plurality of exposure lines in which each lines selects a combination of an aperture value and a shutter speed value at each brightness value. The film driver drives a film in either of a first mode in which the film is wound only one frame in response to the operation of the operable switch and a second mode in which the film is wound frame by frame continuously as long as the operable member is operated. The film driving mode selector selects one of the modes in accordance with the exposure line chosen by the choosing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Katoh, Yoshihiko Azuma, Masayasu Hirano, Naohiro Kageyama, Toshihiko Ishimura, Kenji Tsuji, Hiroshi Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 5245379
    Abstract: A camera system including interchangeable lenses each having a switch to control many functions provided to the camera system. By simply operating one lens switch, the working mode of auto-focusing (AF) functions of the camera system can be changed: single-spot AF/multi-spot AF modes, one-shot AF/continuous AF modes, and focus-locing/non-locking modes. When used with an IC card also attached to the camera body, the lens switch can further control the functions of the camera system added or selected by the IC card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Azuma, Takehiro Katoh, Hiroshi Ootsuka, Toshihiko Ishimura, Masataka Hamada, Katsumi Kozakai, Norio Ishikawa, Masayuki Ueyama
  • Patent number: 5235379
    Abstract: A camera system comprises a selector, an operable switch, a changing circuit and an inhibiting circuit. The selector selects one of a plurality of exposure lines. The changing circuit change as combination of the aperture value and the shutter speed value determine by both the selected exposure line and a brightness value in response to the operation of the operable switch. The inhibiting circuit inhibits the operation of changing circuit when a predetermined exposure line is selected by the selector. In the camera system, a photographer may only select the exposure mode through the operable switch in accordance with his intention and purpose in photography, and then the change of the exposure combination is inhibited in a certain exposure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Katoh, Yoshihiko Azuma, Masayasu Hirano, Naohiro Kageyama, Toshihiko Ishimura, Kenji Tsuji, Hiroshi Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 5223884
    Abstract: A camera includes an object distance detecting device. The detected object distance can be used to calculate magnification which, in turn, can be used to determine an aperture value. The object distance detecting device can be selectively operated depending on, for example, whether flash lighting is being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Katoh, Yoshihiko Azuma, Masayasu Hirano, Naohiro Kageyama, Toshihiko Ishimura, Kenji Tsuji, Hiroshi Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 5218399
    Abstract: A display system for a camera that includes both a segment display portion and a dot matrix display portion. The two different display systems are driven by different duty ratios for assuring clearer presentation and quicker recognition by the photographer. The disclosure also includes an energy-saving control system for such a combination display system where the more energy-consuming dot matrix portion is stopped operating while the less energy-consuming segment portion remains operation after a predetermined time since the last operation of any switch of the camera. The disclosure further includes an elaborate analog display that clearly shows exposure parameters of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuji Izumi, Toshihiko Ishimura, Tatsuya Ishida, Noriyuki Ishii, Hiroshi Yoshino, Katsuyuki Nanba, Hirokazu Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5214464
    Abstract: According to this invention, a camera system has a camera body and a first and second lenses exchangeable to the camera body. The first lens comprises a device for outputting first data which indicates the first lens belongs to a first lens type. The second lens comprises a device for outputting second data which indicates the second lens belongs to a second lens type and third data with respect to the characteristic of the second lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Karasaki, Hiroshi Ootsuka, Norio Ishikawa, Toshihiko Ishimura, Masataka Hamada, Tokuji Ishida, Masayuki Ueyama
  • Patent number: 5142310
    Abstract: A pseudo format camera system comprises a film cartridge including a memory which stores film speed data and limitation data, and a camera including a means for setting pseudo focal length, a means for inputting the film speed data and the limitation data from the memory, a means for controlling exposure based on the film speed data, and a means for limiting the pseudo focal length depending on the limitation data. In this camera system, the pseudo focal length can be limited based on the limitation data stored in the memory in the film cartridge, and therefore it is surely prevented that a picture becomes rough because of a bad grainness of a film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Taniguchi, Manabu Inoue, Toshihiko Ishimura, Toshio Yamaki, Reiji Seki, Atsushi Sumitani
  • Patent number: 5134431
    Abstract: A photographic camera having a photographic operating device including a focus detecting circuit, a shutter control circuit, a light measuring circuit and a light emission control circuit, an adjustment data memory for storing adjustment data based on functional characteristics of the respective circuits of the photographic operating device and an adjustment circuit for adjusting the respective circuits by using adjustment data read from the adjustment data memory. The adjustment data memory is consituted by an EEPROM for making it possible to conveniently and readily rewrite the adjustment data. The adjustment data is calculated from a linear function expression established between a design value and an actual value for avoiding trial-and-error preparatory operations for the adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ishimura, Yasuaki Akada, Hiroshi Ootsuka, Norio Ishikawa, Masaaki Nakai, Manabu Inoue
  • Patent number: 5117251
    Abstract: A reflex camera capable of automatic focus adjustment comprises a motor for driving a lens used for focus adjustment, an electromagnet for lifting-up a mirror to expose a film at the time of shutter release, a battery for operating the motor and the electromagnet, and a controller for controlling power supply such that the power is supplied to the magnet after the lens is moved by the motor to a position such as an in-focus point. Since the power is supplied to the electromagnet after the completion of power supply to the motor, there is no possibility of malfunction of the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ishimura, Reiji Seki, Kenji Ishibashi, Junichi Tanii, Takahisa Shimada
  • Patent number: 5081483
    Abstract: A camera control system is provided having a plurality of microcomputers, each microcomputer operating in conjunction with a respective clock which generates clock pulses at a respective frequency. A first microcomputer controls a second microcomputer after the second microcomputer has stabilized after initial start up. The first microcomputer controls the overall camera operation, and the second microcomputer controls the camera display operation. When a battery is loaded into the camera, both microcomputers are reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ishimura, Yasuaki Akada, Reiji Seki, Nobuyuki Taniguchi, Norio Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5070234
    Abstract: A connecting device for establishing electric connection between an electronic appliance and an IC card loaded in position in the electronic appliance, which can prevent possible operation in error and breakdown of a component circuit of the IC card when the IC card is loaded into the electronic appliance. The device includes several terminals provided on the IC card, corresponding terminals provided on the electronic appliance, and a pair of switch terminals located on the electronic appliance for contact with the IC card. The terminals of the IC card and/or the electronic appliance are arranged such that, upon loading of the IC card, at first supply of power to the IC card from the electronic appliance and resetting of the IC card may take place. Signals of the switch terminals which are operated at a last stage eby the IC card are applied to cause activation of the electronic appliance and initialization of the IC card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriyuki Ishii, Masayasu Hirano, Hideo Kajita, Hirokazu Kuroda, Shuji Izumi, Akihiko Fujino, Toshihiko Ishimura, Reiji Seki
  • Patent number: 5040014
    Abstract: A camera system, having a plurality of light measuring regions respectively corresponding to focus detecting regions, which includes a device for calculating luminance of an object based on measured light values of the light measuring regions and a device for altering the focus detecting regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Hata, Shinichi Nishimura, Toshihiko Ishimura, Takehiro Katoh, Yasuteru Yamano, Masaaki Nakai
  • Patent number: RE35515
    Abstract: A photo signal processing apparatus which comprises a light receiving unit of charge accumulation type for outputting a data corresponding to a condition of light received thereby, a data processor for applying a predetermined processing to the data outputted from the light receiving unit, an accumulation initiating device for causing the light receiving unit to initiate a charge accumulating operation, an accumulation interrupting device for interrupting the charge accumulating operation of the light receiving unit, a counter for counting a time passed during a period subsequent to the start of the charge accumulating operation of the light receiving unit and until the termination of the charge accumulating operation of the light receiving unit, and a control unit for activating the accumulation initiating device at a timing required to interrupt the charge accumulating operation of the light receiving unit at the time of termination of the data processing performed by the data processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Taniguchi, Toshihiko Ishimura, Norio Ishikawa, Reiji Seki, Yasuaki Akada