Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera having an automatic focus adjusting device, being characterized in that the motor for the focus adjustment is not provided particularly, whereby the motor for the shutter operation and the film feeding is changed over by means of a clutch so as to be used for the focus adjustment.

Abstract: The optical elements of a copier are automatically aligned by positioning the elements under the control of signals from an image-dissecting scanner. The scanner, mounted to receive the image normally presented to the photoconductor, examines a master document placed in the position normally occupied by a document to be copied. Optical adjustments are made as a function of the examination of lines on the master document by the scanner. The contrast between a line and its background is maximum when optical elements between the master document and the scanner provide the sharpest focus of the line image to the scanner. Signals from the scanner for a plurality of lines on the master document determine optimum positioning of the optical elements. The scanner determines the apparent spacing between lines, which are a known distance apart on the master document, to position the optical elements for a desired magnification.

Abstract: Upon termination of shooting, the exposure objective of a still or motion-picture camera is automatically returned to a predetermined starting position, such as at the middle of the available range of distance-settings. If the camera's focussing system is fully automatic, this is preferably achieved by overriding normal operation of the focussing system by a command signal indicating that the objective is to be brought to starting position and substituted for the normal-operation command signal generated in dependence upon physically measured camera-to-subject distance. If the normal-operation command signal of the system is manually selected, as in the case of a closed-loop positioning system wherein the command transducer is manually adjusted, or as in the case of an open-loop positioning system in which the actuating signal of the system is manually established, the signal commanding or actuating a return to starting setting is likewise substituted for the normal-operation command or actuating signal.

Abstract: A first photodetector arrangement comprises three adjoining photodetectors, and a second comprises six. First and second optics, and the two photodetector arrangements, are located immovable on the camera, and the optics project onto the first arrangement an image of a subject which is to form the basis of a subject-distance measurement, without shift between image and photodetectors of the first arrangement so long as the subject-distance is within one of the ranges the system is to furnish; whereas the image projected onto the second photodetector arrangement shifts relative thereto in dependence upon the distance to the subject. The six photodetectors of the second arrangement are subdivided, for signal-processing purposes, into four successive groups, respectively comprised of the first, second and third photodetector, the second, third and fourth, the third, fourth and fifth, etc.

Abstract: A still camera or motion picture camera wherein the means for monitoring the brightness of a portion of or entire scene transmits signals to an automatic focusing mechanism as well as to the exposure controls. The connection between the output or outputs of the monitoring means and the exposure controls includes elements which can transmit signals denoting the peak value, the integral value or the average value of signals denoting the scene brightness.

Abstract: The operational range of an adjustable focus lens is subdivided into a plurality of focus zones, of finite size, by a lens control system that produces a plurality of discrete signals representative of said focus zones, said control system utilizing bidirectional drive means to position the movable element of said lens to one of said focus zones from any position within said operational range in order to focus an image of a remote object at an image plane. The present invention optimally increases the focusing of said control system while equalizing and minimizing the focusing error introduced into said control system resulting from the use of such focus zones with bidirectional drive means, by anticipating the arrival of said movable lens element at the desired focus zone and then interrupting the driving force provided by said drive means for a limited period of time prior to the time that said lens element arrives at said desired focus zone.

Abstract: A system for performance of photographing with moving picture cameras, still picture cameras or television cameras, particularly of direct sound - movie picture photography, whereby a signal receptor - and/or transmitting - device is coordinated to each photographic object, and the running time between the photographic object, and respectively, between the signal receptor - and/or transmitting - device and the camera is used for determining the distance of the photographic object from the camera and under the circumstances for the automatic distance setting of its camera taking lens.

Abstract: The operational range of an adjustable focus lens is subdivided into a plurality of focus zones, of finite size, by a lens control system that produces a plurality of discrete signals representative of said focus zones, said control system utilizing bidirectional drive means to position the movable element of said lens to one of said focus zones from any position within said operational range in order to focus an image of a remote object at an image plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which automatically focus a television camera or motion picture camera, or the like, in applications where, for any given camera-pointing direction, the desired subject will lie at a single-valued and predetermined distance from the camera such as on a planar surface. In one embodiment, a mechanical linkage enables a camera, shooting downward onto a flat playing field, to self-focus on any point in that field. In an electronic embodiment, a learn mode is included that handles events on more complicated terrains such as mountainous terrain in skiing events. In these cases, the self-focusing action is instantaneous, continuous and accurate.

Abstract: A photographic copying apparatus wherein a composite mask is installed between the plane of photographic paper and a variable-focus optical unit which images a light source or an original into the plane of photographic paper. The movable sections of the mask carry pairs of photodiodes. A control unit adjusts the optical unit when the latter projects light onto both photodiodes of each pair in a direction to reduce the projected image and in the opposite direction when none of the photodiodes are illuminated. The adjustment is terminated when the size of the projected image is such that only one diode of each pair is illuminated.

Abstract: A camera having a zoom function includes a camera body, a lens system, a grip for supporting the camera by hand, a photo-operation button which is manually depressible, a photo-operation member which is displaceable by the photo-operation button in a linear direction for operating the camera and is further displaceable in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first displacement for zoom-up or zoom-down operation, and an additional operation member for varying the zooming speed in response to the amount of displacement of the photo-operation member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic ranging system for a camera includes an ultrasonic transducer responsive to a keying pulse for transmitting a frequency modulated burst of ultrasonic energy toward a subject. The leading half of the burst is a chirp whose frequency varies from a higher to a lower value; during the trailing half of the burst, the frequency remains substantially constant. The system also includes a receiver for processing an echo signal produced by the transducer on receipt of an echo within a predetermined time interval following the burst, and producing a range signal with a characteristic linearly related to the distance of a subject being photographed from the camera. A variable Q filter in the receiver filters echo signals produced by the transducer eliminates the need for a matched filter.

Abstract: A focusing mechanism for a camera includes a drive arrangement for displacing the camera lens in accordance with the contents of a counter into which the output of a pulse generator is gated during a range pulse whose duration is directly related to the distance of a subject from the camera. The pulse generator is programmed so that its pulse repetition rate matches the time-derivative of the function relating the subject distance to the lens position at which a subject is in focus. Integration of the generator output is carried out by gating the generator pulses into a counter during the range pulse such that at the trailing edge of the range pulse, the contents of the counter will be the integral of the time-derivative evaluated between the limits of the range pulse, i.e., a definite integral representative of the lens position at which a subject will be in focus when located at a distance defined by the duration of the range pulse.

Abstract: System for measuring the relative position and/or velocity of two objects with respect to each other and/or with respect to a common reference system, such as the ground, according to the magnitude and direction thereof, using electro-optical measuring means, the improvement comprising:(1) producing images of the object to be measured in at least two different spatial positions;(2) producing A.C. electrical signals of different frequency proportional to the relative movements of these images to at least one optical correlation system; and(3) evaluating these signals, with the use of the trigonometrical relationships of the perspective imaging, in a computer to determine the measured values.

Abstract: Slide projectors with automatic focusing systems consisting of a scanning auxiliary projecting system and a position control focusing the slide and comprising a light sensor detecting the reflections from the slide are improved by mounting the light sensor outside the scattered light zone generated when the main projection beam passes through the slide. The light source of the auxiliary projecting system is operated at less than rated voltage and silicon cells are used as light detectors. The light course comprises a lens which is mounted in the same manner as the light sensor on holders and the holders are pivotably supported for the purpose of adjustments.

Abstract: A camera having a zoom lens with a focusing range changeover device for selectively permitting photography in either one of the ordinary zoom and macro-zoom modes. An automatic focus adjustment is effected by measuring a distance from the camera to an object to be photographed through an optical system outside the zoom lens. When the camera is switched by the changeover device from the ordinary zoom mode to the macro-zoom mode, the automatic focus adjustment device is excluded automatically, or the film winding and shutter cocking mechanism are caused to be simultaneously inoperative. Upon movement of a knob from the autofocusing position, the mechanism is caused to be operative with manual focusing to thereby avoid reduction of image sharpness due to the parallax error which is greatly increased in macro-photography.

Abstract: In a color television camera, a color separation optical system includes a first relay lens behind a taking lens of the camera, color separation optical elements such as prism blocks or dichroic mirrors, and a set of second relay lenses. Image pick-up tubes for three colors are provided behind the second relay lenses. The pick-up tubes are mounted in coil assemblies. Each coil assembly is provided with a rotating device for conducting a position adjustment of the tube with respect to the associated second relay lens to make perfect registration between images of the three tubes. A focus adjusting device for conducting a focus adjustment between each second relay lens and the associated image pick-up tube is provided in each second relay lens. The focus adjusting devices are operable from outside the camera for sliding the second relay lenses in the direction of their optical axes.

Abstract: In a motion picture camera, the response of a device for automatic focus adjustment is retarded, so that the change in the focus condition of the camera and the resultant change in angle of view and magnification of the image do not take place so rapidly during the photographing. An integrating circuit is provided to retard a signal indicative of out-of-focus condition, or a pulse generator is provided to intermittently power a drive motor for focus adjustment. The integrating circuit and the pulse generator are actuated concurrently with commencement of photographing.

Abstract: A movie camera is shown with a zoom lens capable of automatic focus by movement of the lens system closest to the camera body instead of the front objective. As a result the system is more efficient because the heavy large front objective is fixed during automatic focusing and the focusing system need only move a smaller lens or group of lenses which are closer to the camera body. The variator, the compensator, the fourth lens group or any combination of them can be adjusted for automatic focusing.

Abstract: A rangefinder mechanism is shown in which the scanning mirror has been replaced with a movable scanning optic. The automatic rangefinder system includes a pair of optical paths, one a reference path and the other a scanned path, which are lead to impinge upon a photosensitive surface for comparison purposes. The output of the photosensitive surface is used to adjust the main lens of the camera. The range of the movable optic is coordinated with the position of the main lens of the camera as feedback and adjustment of the rangefinder.

Abstract: In an automatic focus detecting device in which a vibrating prism is provided on the focal plane of an objective of an optical instrument such as a camera, a photodetector element used for detecting focus is composed of a central element functioning as a main photodetector and a marginal element or elements functioning as a sub-photodetector. The marginal element detects the vibration of the image of a non-principal subject matter existing in the vicinity of a principal subject matter. The central element detects the vibration of the image of the principal subject matter. The output of the marginal element is used to compensate for the noise in the output of the central element.

Abstract: An automatic focussing apparatus is provided with a contrast sensor which senses the contrast of reflective light from an object being photographed and produces a signal indicative of the incapability of a focussing operation whenever the sensed result represents a low contrast.

Abstract: A hand held motion picture viewer includes a housing having a recess formed in one end of the housing for carrying a film cartridge, and a viewing aperture in the opposite end of the housing through which the images on the film in the cartridge may be viewed. The housing carries a film driving mechanism for engaging and advancing the film within the cartridge past the viewing aperture. The film driving mechanism includes a battery operated motor, a claw journaled for rotation within the housing and positioned to engage sprocket holes in the film when the cartridge is carried within the recess of the viewer, and a gear transmission means connected between the motor and the claw for rotating the claw in discrete arcuate steps when the motor is energized to produce intermittent film advance. An actuating lever and movable contact means are provided for selective electrical connection of the motor with the battery for selective energization of the motor and film advance.

Abstract: The correlated positions of two axially shiftable components of a varifocal objective, i.e., a variator and a compensator, throughout a zoom range are stored in a memory from which they can be read out to control respective drives during a zooming operation. The readout rate is determined by a speed selector which sets a frequency for the pulsing of a control unit that scans successive memory addresses. The memory may also contain data for focusing control, either through axial adjustment of a front component of the objective or through modification of the positional correlation of the two shiftable components, as well as for an adjustment of a diaphragm with changes in the overall focal length.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective which is adjustable in response to optical and electronic components of the system for determining object distance of a remote subject by comparing images of scanning and reference optical systems. The scanner of the optical system is driven oscillatably across an angle to detect a subject between infinity and the minimum focus condition of the objective lens. The scanner is adjustable in response to the focus condition of the lens for alignment of the angle scanned with the subject when the lens is in perfect focus by means of an electronic and mechanical interconnecting feedback between the lens focusing ring and the aiming device for the scanning system.The present invention relates to improvements in an automatic focusing system's for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective which is adjustable in response to optical and electronic components of the system for determining object distance of a remote subject by comparing images of scanning and reference optical systems. The scanner of the optical system is driven oscillatably across an angle to detect a subject between infinity and the minimum focus condition of the objective lens. The present invention relates to improvements in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective. More particularly, the improvement relates to driving the focusing system to a preset fixed focus setting when the system senses difficult conditions for focus detection as those having low contrast or complex subject matter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which automatically focus a television camera or motion picture camera, or the like, in applications where, for any given camera-pointing direction, the desired subject will lie at a single-valued and predetermined distance from the camera such as on a planar surface. In one embodiment, a mechanical linkage enables a camera, shooting downward onto a flat playing field, to self-focus on any point in that field. In an electronic embodiment, a learn mode is included that handles events on more complicated terrains such as mountainous terrain in skiing events. In these cases, the self-focusing action is instantaneous, continuous and accurate.

Abstract: A variable focus lens capable of being moved within and outside of its normal focusing range by a manual and an automatic focus control system is provided with spring force biasing means to urge said lens into its normal focusing range to avoid the possibility of said lens being misfocused by said automatic focus control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens unit construction for motion picture and other type projectors. The unit is provided with a motion picture projecting lens construction, a mantle cover to be fixed on the fixing position of the motion picture projector body, a guide device for slidingly guiding and holding the lens construction holding device on the device plate in such a manner that the construction holding device is slidable only along the direction of the optical axis of the lens construction and an adjusting device for operating the slide motion of the construction holding device. The construction holding device or the adjusting device is provided with a cam follower pin while the other is provided with a focus adjusting cam groove in which the cam follower pin is engaged.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in an automatic focusing system for use with an optical instrument having a focusable objective which is adjustable in response to optical and electrical components of the system determining object distance of a remote subject by comparing images of scanning and reference optical systems. The scanner of the optical system is driven oscillatably across an angle to detect a subject between infinity and the minimum focus condition of the objective lens. The scanner is adjustable in response to the focus condition of the lens whereby the bisector of the angle is aligned with the subject.

Abstract: A motion picture camera with variable focal length lens wherein the zooming collar and the distance selecting or focusing collar on the lens barrel are rotatable to neutral positions by an actuating member which is movable at right angles to or in parallelism with the optical axis of the lens. In such neutral positions of the collars, the focal length of the lens is satisfactory for the making of exposures in daylight or artificial light, and the distance setting corresponds to a distance of 4 to 6 meters to thus guarantee an acceptable depth of field for exposures of subjects located anywhere between closeup and infinity. The actuating member can further close a master switch to allow for starting of the camera motor in immediate response to depression of the release trigger.

Abstract: A movie camera is provided with an automatic focusing adjustment mechanism which is responsive to a control signal which is generated by an ultrasonic range finder attached to the camera. The camera is automatically kept in focus as the distance of the subject from the camera is varied.

Abstract: A focussing apparatus is disclosed comprising a mask plate disposed in the path of light to a camera rangefinder and having a plurality of apertures of like configuration which are offset from the optical axis of the rangefinder. Light passing through the respective apertures forms on the focal plane of the rangefinder a number of separate images of an object photographed which are equal in number to the number of the apertures. Focussing is achieved by a displacement of a focussing lens in the taking lens system in the direction of the optical axis in a manner to bring the separate images into a single aligned image.

Abstract: For use in a sound motion picture camera adapted to handle both sound and lent film and having a driven capstan at the sound station thereof, the capstan drive motor is used to power a driven component of an automatic focusing system by which a focusable objective lens can be focused automatically on a remote subject. By a control switch, associated with the camera operation control member, either manual or automatic focusing modes can be selected, the automatic mode being further selectable as being continuous during film transport operation or limited to a period before film transport operation begins.

Abstract: An automatic continuous focus system includes means for inhibiting movement of the primary lens unless each focus control signal within a predetermined time requires position correction in the same direction.

Abstract: A zoom lens system is shown for use in conjunction with the normal optical elements of an automatic focusing camera to correct the change in magnification which occurs when a lens system focused on a far subject is refocused on a nearer subject or vice versa.

Abstract: A camera having a forward lens unit including a displaceable lens for providing a variable focal length, a film plane, a base objective having a fixed focal length, and an aperture diaphragm between the displaceable lens and the film plane together with automatic drive means for displacing the base objective axially in direct proportion to the diaphragm stop of the aperture diaphragm to thereby shift the image plane defined by the forward lens unit and the base objective and provide a substantially constant circle of diffusion at the film plane.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the quality and sharpness of images and for using the measurement results to control parameters such as camera and projector focusing, range finding, optical system modifications and the like. In one embodiment, an image is formed on a medium which has an electrical property that varies predictably with the sharpness of an image incident on it. The property is measured and the derived electrical signal controls automatic focusing of objective and projection lenses, range finder settings, and the like. The invention relies on the discovery of an interaction between images, strain waves and electrical properties in certain devices which allows deriving an electrical signal whose magnitude corresponds to high spatial frequency Fourier components of the image. In addition to other useful characteristics, the electrical signal is at a maximum when the overall sharpness of the image is high and drops off significantly as the image becomes blurred.

Abstract: A focusing device for providing an indication of the in-focus condition of a lens relative to a scene and a focal plane, F.sub.0. An a.c. bridge circuit includes photoelectric elements in two legs thereof; the elements being physically positioned just in front and just behind, respectively, of focal planes F.sub.1, F.sub.2 which are optically at the same distance from the lens as focal plane F.sub.0. An a.c. input voltage is applied to the bridge, and the output therefrom is an a.c. voltage which has a phase and an amplitude dependent upon the differential amount of light impinging on the first and second photoelectric elements. As the focal plane of the lens moves from a plane in front of F.sub.0 to a plane behind F.sub.0, the a.c. amplitude goes from maximum at phase 0.degree. to minimum at phase 180.degree., passing through zero amplitude when the lens is positioned to cause the light from the scene to be focused exactly at F.sub.0.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system is provided to process amplitude and phase signals of image motion in an image plane. The camera includes a focusable objective lens, optical means, oscillating means, sensing means, and a servo. Light rays reflected from an object to be focused upon are received and refracted by the objective lens to the optical means which has a rear nodal point. The optical means receives and refracts the light rays to form an image of the object in an image plane. The optical means is oscillated about the rear nodal point by the oscillating means. While the optical means is being oscillated the image remains stationary in the image plane when the objective lens is focused upon the object, but is transversely displaced and oscillates in the image plane when the objective lens is not focused upon the object. The sensing means detects and processes amplitude and phase signals generated by image motion in the image plane and directs the servo to drive the objective lens into focus.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation intensity comparator is disclosed for providing an indication of differences between electromagnetic radiation intensities occurring at different photodetectors.

Abstract: This invention relates to photographic apparatus having means for automatically moving a lens along an axis for properly focusing on an object. The apparatus includes a light emitter for transmitting a train of light signals toward the object at a constant angle relative to the axis, and a pair of movable photoreceptors disposed in spaced relationship with the emitter in the apparatus. The photoreceptors are adapted to receive the light signals upon reflection thereof from the object, and are further adapted to produce electrical signals corresponding to the amount of light received. An operational amplifier is adapted to receive the electrical signals produced by the photoreceptors, and produce a difference signal corresponding to the difference in strength of the electrical signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting visibility of the image of an object for adjusting the focus of an optical system. The invention is especially suitable to an optical instrument such as camera, using photo-electric conversion elements having non-linear resistance -- intensity of illumination characteristics such as cadmium sulfide CdS or cadmium selenide CdSe, etc. The invention is characterized in that the photo-electric effect of the above mentioned photo-electric conversion elements will have mutually reverse characteristics depending on the properties inherent to the photo-electric conversion elements, to the arrangement of the electrode and the electric circuit, and further on the state of the image of an object formed on said photo-electric conversion elements. An electric circuit to enhance object image visibility is disclosed which makes use of these characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transparency projector, such as a slide or motion picture projector including a compact focusing mechanism having an objective lens carried within a lens barrel supported within a sleeve which is carried within the projector housing for axial reciprocal displacement along the optical axis. The sleeve is provided with means for engaging a guide rod supported within the projector housing for limiting movement of the sleeve to axial movement. A reversible electric motor is supported on the sleeve for movement therewith and is energized in response to slide position error signals received from an automatic focusing system of the type well known in the art. The electric motor operates to drive a disc rotatably carried on the sleeve. The disc is provided with a spiral groove on one face.

Abstract: In an optical instrument such as a camera or a telescope, a first optical component is mounted to a housing and an inertially stabilized second optical component for compensation is mounted on gimbals. The gimbals are provided with an electric motor which has a rotor in the form of an annular magnet rotatably supported with the axis of rotation aligned with the optical axis of the optical instrument. The rotor serves as an inertial member to inertially stabilize the second optical component for compensation.

Abstract: Focusing apparatus for use in optical systems, such as photographing cameras, is disclosed. The focusing apparatus of the invention comprises an electronic system for developing, through either a single or two separate channels, pulse trains, the number of pulses contained in the pulse trains being related to the brightness of the image forming light received by the optical system as focused on photoconductive elements. The electronic system further includes a comparing subsystem for comparing the number of pulses included in the two pulse trains and, in accordance therewith, generating an information output signal related to the focus state of the optical system. Alternatively, the output signal may control a drive system adapted to move the imaging lens portion of the optical system toward focus.

Abstract: In the system disclosed, a cylindrical lens or mirror compresses the image of an object illuminated by a beam, and a movable mirror coupled to the lens barrel of a lens system reflects the compressed image onto the dividing line between two photosensors. The unbalance between the outputs of the photosensors indicates the defocus of the lens system. A servo responds to the unbalance to refocus the system by moving the lens barrel and the mirror until the photosensor outputs are balanced.

Abstract: A varifocal lens assembly of a type including at least two lens groups, a first lens group being axially movable parallel to the optical axis of the varifocal lens assembly for varying the focal length of the optical system of the varifocal lens assembly. An automatic focusing device is associated with the varifocal lens assembly to axially move the lens groups as a whole, the other or second lens group or a part of lens elements of the other or second lens group a predetermined distance to compensate for the image shift which takes place during the adjustment of the focal length effected by axially moving the first lens group.

Abstract: Means to manually or power focus the adjustable lens unit of the projector. The power adjustment can be made irrespective of the position of the adjustable lens unit and safety features are incorporated which prevent locking and possible damage to the adjustment means when the limit of adjustment of the lens unit in a given direction has been reached.

Abstract: A distance detecting device utilizable in an optical device such as a camera and the like requiring focusing operation of the optical system thereof. The detecting device enables the adjustment of the relative optical length between the group of light receiving elements arranged adjacent to the image forming plane of the object to be measured by the distance measuring optical system and the distance measuring optical system. The detecting device is characterized in that the output of each of the light receiving elements of the groups is introduced through an electric switching device for effecting the time seriation of the outputs of the respective light receiving elements into a common signal processing circuit, so as to adjust the relative optical length by means of a motor provided in responsive relationship to the output of the signal processing circuit thereby permitting the focusing of the image on the groups of the light receiving elements to be made to the most proper condition.