throbber
United States Patent (19)
`Ishida et al.
`
`11
`45
`
`Patent Number:
`Date of Patent:
`
`4,831,403
`May 16, 1989
`
`54 AUTOMATIC FOCUS DETECTION SYSTEM
`(75) Inventors: Tokuji Ishida, Daito; Masataka
`Hamada, Minamikawachi; Kenji
`Ishibashi, Sakai; Nobuyuki Taniguchi,
`Nishinomiya; Hiroshi Ootsuka,
`Sakai; Toshio Norita, Sakai;
`Toshihiko Karasaki, Sakai, all of
`Japan
`Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha,
`Osaka, Japan
`21 Appl. No.: 51,138
`22 Filed:
`May 15, 1987
`
`73) Assignee:
`
`63
`
`Related U.S. Application Data .
`Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 946,578, Dec. 22,
`1986, abandoned.
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`30)
`Dec. 27, 1985 JP
`Japan ................................ 60-298035
`Dec. 27, 1985 (JP)
`Japan .....
`... 60-298036
`May 16, 1986 JP
`Japan ................................ 60-113315
`51) Int. Cl."........................... G03B3/00; G03B 1/00
`52 U.S. C. .................................... 354/402; 354/403;
`354/430; 354/173.1; 354/406; 354/432
`58 Field of Search ............... 354/402, 403, 406, 407,
`354/408,409, 430, 173.1; 250/201 R, 201 PF,
`204
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,523,829 6/1985 Eguchi et al........................ 354/406
`4,561,749 12/1985 Utagawa ............................. 354/406
`4,573,784 3/1986 Suzuki ................................. 354/406
`4,633,073 12/1986 Horikawa ............................ 354/406
`4,636,624 1/1987 Ishida et al. .................... 250/204 X
`4,734,571 3/1988 Hamada et al. ................. 354/406 X
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`60-4913 1/1985 Japan.
`Primary Examiner-W. B. Perkey
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Price, Gess & Ubell
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A camera with an automatic focusing device has an
`objective lens mounted on a camera. An image formed
`by the objective lens is divided into a plurality of zones.
`In each Zone, a brightness distribution is obtained so as
`to detect a rough focusing condition in each zone,
`thereby producing a plurality of rough focusing condi
`tion data. Based on the result of the rough focusing
`condition data, one zone is selected. Furthermore, a
`precise focusing condition is detected in the selected
`Zone based on the light contained in the selected zone,
`So as produce a precise focusing condition data. Based
`on the precise focusing condition data obtained from
`the selected zone, the object lens is driven to an infocus
`condition.
`
`14 Claims, 42 Drawing Sheets
`
`-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`
`
`MAGE
`SENSOR
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CALCUL.
`MEA, NS
`
`CALCUL.
`MEANS
`
`DEFOCUS AMOUNT
`
`DEFOCUS AMOUNT
`
`SELECT.
`MEANS
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 1 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 1 of 68
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`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
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`US. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 1of 42
`
`4,831.403
`4,831,403
`
`
`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 2 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 2 of 68
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`TESLA,INC.
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 2 of 42
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`4,831,403
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
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`Sheet 3 of 42
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`4,831,403
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`US. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 40f42
`
`4,831,403
`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 5 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 5 of 68
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 5 of 42
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`4,831.403
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 6 of 42
`
`4,831,403
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg.
`
`Sheet 8 of 42
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`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 9 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 9 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. // (a )
`
`Sheet 9 of 42
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`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 10 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 10 of 68
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`

`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`4,831,403
`Sheet 10 of 42
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`
`Ex.1036 / Page 11 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 11 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 11 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
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`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 12 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 12 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 12 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
`A fg. / 2
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`
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`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 13 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 13 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. /4
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`Sheet 13 of 42
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`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 14 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 14 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. / 5
`
`sheet 14 of 42
`
`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 15 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 15 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. / 6
`
`Sheet 15 of 42
`
`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 16 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 16 of 68
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`Sheet 16 of 42
`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`A/g. / 7 (a )
`
`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 17 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 17 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`4,831,403
`Sheet 17 of 42
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`Ex.1036 / Page 18 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 18 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. / 7 (c)
`
`Sheet 18 of 42
`
`4,831,403
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`
`Ex.1036 / Page 19 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 19 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. /8 (a )
`
`Sheet 19 of 42
`
`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 20 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 20 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`(From it 155)
`
`
`
`4,831,403
`Sheet 20 of 42
`Afg. /9 (A
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`(To #285)
`
`
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. /3 (c)
`
`(Fr on it 28O)
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`Sheet 21 of 42
`
`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 22 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 22 of 68
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 22 of 42
`
`4,831.403
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`
`
`
`
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`US. Patent
`
`May16, 1989
`
`Sheet 23 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 24 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 24 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
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`Sheet 24 of 42
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`4,831.403
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. 22 b
`
`
`
`Sheet 25 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`4,831.403
`
`
`
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`
`Ex.1036 / Page 27 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 27 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. 24
`
`Sheet 27 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 28 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 28 of 68
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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. 25 a
`INTA
`#30 ( INTERRUPTION
`
`Sheet 28 of 42
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`4,831,403
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`Ex.1036 / Page 29 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 29 of 68
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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 16, 1989
`Afg. 25 A
`
`Sheet 29 of 42
`
`4,831.403
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`
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`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
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`

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`Sheet 30 of 42
`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. 26
`
`4,831,403
`
`Do to initial Prosessing
`i37.
`
`i:5 RD:Spys
`
`
`
`Initio
`Correotion
`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 31 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 31 of 68
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`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
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`

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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. 27
`
`Sheet 31 of 42
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`4,831,403
`
`Initial Correlation
`
`
`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 32 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 32 of 68
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`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
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`

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`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 32 of 42
`
`4,831,403
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`
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`
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`
`
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 33 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 33 of 68
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`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 33 of 42
`
`
`
`4,831.403
`
`
`
`63 º 6 / -y.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`Ex.1036 / Page 34 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 34 of 68
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`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
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`US. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 34 0f 42 4,831,403
`
`Fig. 30
`
`ct
`
`
`
`YES
`
`FF 10
`NO
`.
`PP=P+i|H(P)=Min{HU)---H(-Atth
`
`#102 -
`
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`
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`
`[NO
`#103
`When H(Pu-2H(PN+!)
`
`=Putt. H(Pu-i)-H(Puti)|
`Xm=Pat > H(Puc)-H(PM) LBi
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`= 4 H(PM-1)-H (PM+)) )
`XM=PHt > Hean-HPH)
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`XM=sPM
`YM=H(PH)
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`#106-3
`[NO
`Ne
`%= B+i
`
`#106-2—_—
`
`YES
`
` To #108KG=12>#106-4 NO To #112
`
`#106-5
`<< No
`#106-6 <6>XM=ZM, Bia
`ZM =xM
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`#106-7
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`To'108
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`ToHl2
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`
`Ex.1036 / Page 35 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 35 of 68
`Ex.1036 / Page 35 of 68
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`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`TESLA,INC.
`
`

`

`US. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 35 of 422
`
`4,831,403
`
`96
`
`.
`
`Fig. Sl
`
` H(P)= 31D(BU-RDj+p-1(Bi)|
`
`i:
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`<Fet-4ioves
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`NO
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`#101
`HCP)=Min{H(1),(2-4+1)}
`
`vesttlO2
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`#105
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`When H(Pm-1)2 H(PM#1)
`t H(PM-1)-H(Pm+t)
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`M=PMt ZHma)-H(em) Ce
`XM=Put—: ——_———-
`When H(Pm-i)<H (Patt)
`X= Peed HOPHHne)
`2 H(Pptt)-H (PM)
`HIO47Y= (Pm)-¥%|H(Pat1)-H(Pm-1) |
`
`YM = H(PM)
`
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`
`#106-2
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`GoF=17>+107
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`##106-4
`To #112 —
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`To +
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`
`Ex.1036 / Page 36 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 36 of 68
`Ex.1036 / Page 36 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`TESLA,INC.
`
`

`

`AGCOS4 | {|ea DOS
`
`MOS
`
`PAR4
`
`SH4
`
`SH3
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`
`AGCOS
`
`US. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`4,831,403
`
`Sheet 36 of 422
`PAR2
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`om
`a
`
`PAR!
`
`MP2PAL2
`
`
`MPtPALI
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 37 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 37 of 68
`Ex.1036 / Page 37 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`TESLA,INC.
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 37 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
`
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 38 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 38 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. 33
`
`.
`
`Sheet 38 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
`DOS C
`
`AGCOS3 O
`SH o
`
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`
`
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`
`TNT
`TNT
`
`TNT2
`
`- TNT3
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 39 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 39 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. 34
`
`Sheet 39 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
`ICG --
`SH - F -
`
`SH2
`
`SH 3
`
`
`
`SH 4
`
`TNT
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 40 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 40 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`
`

`

`Sheet 40 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`N |
`
`c)
`N
`
`S.
`lu
`
`E
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 41 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 41 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`
`Sheet 41 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
`
`
`5.
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 42 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 42 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent May 16, 1989
`Afg. 37
`
`Sheet 42 of 42
`
`4,831,403
`
`zs
`IC G
`
`AGCOS 1
`
`AGCOS 2
`
`Ist Zone
`Integ Time
`
`2nd Zone
`Integ Time
`
`2
`3rd Zone
`Inted Time
`
`V4
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`
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`
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`
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`
`56
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 43 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 43 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`
`

`

`1.
`
`AUTOMATIC FOCUS DETECTION SYSTEM
`This application is a continuation-in-part application
`in connection with U.S. patent application Ser. No.
`946,578 filed on Dec. 22, 1986 now abandoned, in the
`names of Tokuji ISHIDA, Masataka HAMADA, Kenji
`ISHIBASHI, Nobuyuki TANIGUCHI and Hiroshi
`OOTSUKA and assigned to Minolta Camera Kabushiki
`kaisha.
`f
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention generally relates to an auto
`matic focus control system for use in a photographic
`camera and more particularly, to an automatic focus
`detection system in which two A/D converters which
`convert analog data representing defocus amounts into
`digital data are provided respectively for one bit and for
`a plurality of bits so as to be properly used, thereby to
`reduce processing time to be shorter than that in the
`20
`conventional arrangement employing an A/D con
`verter only for eight bits.
`Conventionally, there has been proposed an auto
`matic focus detecting arrangement including an image
`sensor which produces an analog signal corresponding
`25
`to an image of a target object to be photographed, trans
`mitted through a lens assembly, and an A/D converting
`means which converts the analog signal from said image
`sensor into a digital signal of eight bits so as to calculate
`a defocus amount from the eight bit digital signal for
`30
`effecting the focus detection. In the above known ar
`rangement, however, the defocus amount is calculated
`exclusively through employment of only the digital
`signal of eight bits, without effecting the calculation of
`the defocus amount by the digital signal of one bit (bi
`35
`nary signal).
`Meanwhile, there has also been conventionally pro
`posed another automatic focus detecting arrangement
`which is adapted to effect the focus detection by the
`digital signal of one bit as disclosed for example, in
`40
`Japanese Patent Laid-Open Application Tokkaisho No.
`59-165012. In this known arrangemen, the image signal
`in the analog form is converted into the digital signal of
`one bit for processing, and as a first step, the analog
`image signal is read by thinning-out. By way of exam
`ple, in pixels of "a" pieces, data for CCD for each pixel
`is read out for A/D conversion so as to obtain a defocus
`amount through calculation, and thus, the lens assembly
`is driven by this defocus amount. After completion of
`the driving, the continuous analog image signals in
`50
`'a' pieces are read out for calculation to obtain a new
`defocus amount. The above prior art arrangement is
`intended to cover variation in size of the tagget object
`in a field to be photographed when a zoom lens is em
`ployed.
`55
`In the first prior art as referred to earlier, although
`accuracy for the focus detection is high when the defo
`cus amount is small since signal processing for eight bits
`is effected at all times, there has been such a problem
`that it takes a long time before arrival at a final focus
`60
`detection due to wasteful procedures involved, owing
`to the fact that the signal processing for eight bits is not
`necessarily required in the case where the defocus
`amount is large as in a first focus detection. Meanwhile,
`as in the photographing after the first exposure in a
`65
`continuous photographing mode, the signal processing
`for eight bits is effected at all times even when such
`signal processing for eight bits is not necessary, thus
`
`5
`
`O
`
`15
`
`4,831,403
`2
`requiring much time for the focus detection, with a
`consequent limitation to the speed in the continuous
`photographing. Moreover, as described later, there are
`also many cases where the signal processing for eight
`bits is not required or where such eight bit signal pro
`cessing is not preferable, and in the prior art technique
`as referred to above, since the eight bit signal processing
`is effected for all of these cases, the focus detecting
`speed is undesirably limited.
`On the other hand, in the second prior art as referred
`to earlier, although signal processing for one bit is dis
`closed, this is not a technique related to the high speed
`focus detection, and thus, the problems in the above
`first prior art can not be solved thereby.
`In order to overcome the disadvantages in the prior
`art techniques as described above, the present inventors
`have thought of an arrangement in which, in a prior art
`automatic focus detection system, a data processing
`means for one bit is provided apart from the data pro
`cessing means for eight bits in order to increase the
`processing speed for the focus detection, thereby to
`properly utilize these two data processing means
`through change-over therebetween. In this case, when
`the data processing for one bit is selected, the calculat
`ing speed is of course increased due to the small number
`of bits, but it has been further studied by the present
`inventors as to whether or not there are any othe points
`in which one bit and eight bits can be exchanged,
`thereby to increase the processing speed for the overall
`focus detection. As a result, it has been found that the
`processing speed in one bit may be increased with re
`spect to the following two points.
`(a) Since the data only for one bit is required, the
`information (output voltage) of the CCD image
`sensor may be smaller than that in the case where
`data in eight bits is employed. In other words, the
`output voltage thereof may be lower. This means
`that the integration time for obtaining the CCD
`information may be short.
`(b) Time required for the A/D conversion may be
`short as compared with that in the case of eight
`bits. Accordingly, it becomes possible to accelerate
`the period for the data taking-in, with a consequent
`reduction of time required for the data reading-in.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Accordingly, an essential object of the present inven
`tion is to provide an improved automatic focus detec
`tion system which is capable of effecting focus detec
`tion in a shorter time, and at the same accuracy as in the
`conventional arrangements through improvement of
`such prior art automatic focus detection system.
`Another important object of the present invention is
`to provide an automatic focus detection system of the
`above described type which is so arranged that, in the
`case where the digital signal of one bit or a plurality of
`bits for the defocus amount calculation is to be obtained
`from the analog signal of an image sensor, the integra
`tion time of the image sensor and signal transfer clock
`are changed over during one bit processing so as to
`increase the processing speed with respect to the pro
`cessing other than that for the calculation time.
`In accomplishing these and other objects, according
`to one preferred embodiment of the present invention,
`there is provided as shown in FIG. 1, an automatic
`focus detection system which includes an image sensor
`which outputs an analog signal corresponding to an
`image of a target object to be photographed, transmit
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 44 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 44 of 68
`
`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`
`

`

`4,831,403
`3
`4.
`ted through a lens assembly, a first A/D converting
`description taken in conjunction with the preferred
`means for converting the analog signal from the image
`embodiment thereof with reference to the accompany
`sensor into a digital signal of one bit, a first calculating
`ing drawings, in which:
`means for calculating the digital signal from the first
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a fundamental
`A/D converting means to obtain a defocus amount, a
`arrangement for an automatic focus detection system
`second A/D converting means for converting the ana
`according to the present invention (already referred to);
`log signal from the image sensor into a digital signal of
`FIG. 2 is an electrical circuit diagram showing an
`more than two bits, a second calculating means for
`overall construction of an automatic focus detection
`calculating the digital signal from the second A/D con
`system according to a first preferred embodiment of the
`verting means to obtain a defocus amount, and a select
`present invention;
`10
`ing means for selecting which of the digital signal of one
`FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an optical system to
`bit or the digital signal of more than two bits is to be
`be employed for the embodiment of FIG.2;
`FIG. 4 is an electrical circuit diagram representing a
`used.
`As described above, according to the present inven
`general construction of a photo-electric conversion
`tion, the analog signal from the image sensor is con
`circuit to be employed in the embodiment of FIG. 2;
`15
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary circuit diagram for explaining
`verted by the first or second A/D converter into the
`digital signal of one bit or more than two bits, and the
`the principle of a photo-sensor to be employed in the
`defocus amount is obtained by the above digital signal
`embodiment of FIG. 2;
`through the first or second calculating means. The digi
`FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a CCD
`tal signal of one bit and the digital signal of more than
`shift register employed in the embodiment of FIG. 2;
`20
`two bits are properly used by the selecting means, and
`FIG. 7 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing
`in the case where the focus detection by the digital
`construction of an interface circuit to be employed in
`signal of more than two bits is not required, it is possible
`the embodiment of FIG. 2;
`to effect the focus detection by the digital signal of one
`FIG. 8 is a fragmentary circuit diagram representing
`bit, whereby the focus detecting speed may be increased
`constructions of a gain control circuit and again vari
`25
`able amplification circuit to be employed in the embodi
`as the number of bits is reduced.
`In another modification of the present invention,
`ment of FIG. 2;
`there is also provided as shown in FIG. 20, an automatic
`FIG. 9 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing
`focus detection system which includes an image sensor
`structure of a release signal generating circuit to be
`of an integration type which outputs an analog signal
`employed in the arrangement of FIG. 2;
`30
`corresponding to an image of a target object to be pho
`FIG. 10 is a graph showing the variation with time of
`tographed which has transmitted through a lens assem
`an output voltage of a brightness monitor circuit to be
`bly, an integration time setting means for setting the
`employed in the embodiment of FIG. 2;
`integration time of the imag sensor, a signal outputting
`FIGS. 11(a) through 11(c), which are continuous, and
`means for outputting the analog signal of the image
`FIGS. 12 to 16 are flow-charts for explaining function
`35
`sensor through sequential synchronization with clock, a
`ing of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
`clock setting means for setting frequency of the clock, a
`FIGS. 17(a) through 17(c) represent a continuous
`first A/D converting means for converting an analog
`flow-chart showing functions of a modification of the
`signal read out from the signal outputting means into a
`embodiment of FIG. 2;
`digital signal of one bit, a second A/D converting
`FIGS. 180a) through 18(c), which are continuous, and
`means for converting the analog signal read out from
`FIG. 19 are flow-charts showing functions of another
`the signal output means into a digital signal of more than
`modification of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
`two bits, asselecting means for selecting which of the
`FIG. 20 is a block diagram representing a fundamen
`digital signal of one bit or the digital signal of more than
`tal arrangement for an automatic focus detection system
`two bits is to be used for calculation of defocus amount,
`according to another modification of the present inven
`45
`and a control means for effecting at least one of a first
`tion (already referred to);
`control for shortening the integration time by the inte
`FIG. 21a is a view explanatory of a zone for carrying
`gration time setting means as compared with the case
`out the focus detection and an object light measure
`where the digital signal of more than two bits is em
`ment;
`ployed upon selection to use the digital signal of one bit
`FIG.21b is a view explanatory of zones for carrying
`50
`by the selecting means, and a second control for raising
`out the focus detection and an object light measure
`the frequency of the clock by the clock setting means.
`ment, according to a second embodiment of the present
`As described above, according to the modification of
`invention;
`the present invention, in order to increase the process
`FIGS. 22a-22d are views explanatory of the optical
`ing speed for the focus detection in the conventional
`system employed in a camera according to the preferred
`55
`automatic focus detecting arrangements, the data pro
`embodiment of the present invention;
`cessing section for one bit is provided apart from the
`FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an entire circuit
`data processing section of eight bits, while moreover, it
`employed in the camera of FIG.22;
`is arranged to change over the integration time of the
`FIG. 24 is a flow-chart showing an operation of a
`image sensor necessary for obtaining data for one bit
`microcomputer employed in the circuit of FIG. 23;
`and transfer clock from those in the case for eight bits,
`FIGS. 25a and 25b taken together as shown in FIG.
`whereby as described earlier with reference to items (a)
`25 show a flow-chart of an operation of an AF mi
`and (b), th processing speed may also be increased in the
`crocomputer employed in the circuit of FIG. 23;
`processing other than that during the calculating time.
`FIGS. 26-29 are flow-charts respectively showing
`operations of the data initial processing routine, the
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`initial correlation routine, the initial correlation low
`These and other objects and features of the present
`contrast detection routine and the priority setting rou
`invention will become apparent from the following
`tine of the zones;
`
`65
`
`
`Ex.1036 / Page 45 of 68Ex.1036 / Page 45 of 68
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`TESLA, INC.TESLA, INC.
`
`

`

`5
`
`20
`
`4,831,403
`6
`5
`completion of the exposure, and turned off upon comi
`FIG. 30 is a flow-chart showing an operation of a
`pletion of winding-up of a film by one frame. During
`precise correlation routine according to the preferred
`the winding-up of the film by one frame referred to
`embodiment of the present invention;
`above, charging of the release mechanism is effected,
`FIG. 31 is a modification of the flow-chart shown in
`and at the time point when the winding-up of the film
`FIG. 10;
`FIGS. 32a and 32b are diagrammatic views respec
`by one frame is completed, the charging of the release
`tively showing examples of a structure of a CCD;
`mechanism has been already completed. The switch S4
`is a one frame/continuous photographing change-over
`FIG.33 is a circuit diagram showing one example of
`a driving circuit for driving the CCD of FIG. 32a,
`switch, and is in the continuous photographing mode
`upon turning on.
`FIG. 34 is a timing chart showing an operation of the 10
`The exposure calculation and control circuit 1 which
`circuit of FIG. 33;
`is coupled to the micro-computer 8 calculates optimum
`FIG. 35 is a timing chart showing an integration
`diaphragm aperture value and shutter speed based on a
`procedure carried out for a selected zone at step #27 of
`signal fed from the micro-computer 8 and correspond
`FIG. 25;
`ing to a fully open diaphragm aperture value of the lens
`FIG. 36 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a 15
`assembly, a signal fed from the light measuring circuit 3
`driving circuit for driving the CCD of FIG. 32b, and
`and corresponding to the brightness of the target object
`FIG. 37 is a timing chart showing an operation of the
`to be photographed, a signal supplied from the film
`circuit of FIG. 36.
`sensitivity setting circuit 4 and corresponding to the
`film sensitivity, and a signal fed from the photographing
`mode setting circuit 5 and corresponding to the set
`photographing mode, and thus, by inputting the release
`signal, effects the exposure control based on the opti
`mum diaphragm aperture value and shutter speed calcu
`lated as described above. The motor control circuit 2 is
`arranged to control a motor M1 for effecting the one
`frame winding-up of the film by a signal from the expo
`sure calculation an control circuit 1. The release signal
`forming circuit 6 is intended to apply the release signal
`to the micro-computer 8 in different manners according
`to the one frame photographing mode or continuous
`photographing mode. Meanwhile, the lens circuit 7
`provided within an interchangeable lens includes a
`ROM having information intrinsic to each lens stored
`therein, and a control circuit necessary for reading out
`the content from the ROM, and is coupled to the micro
`computer 8 through corresponding terminals.
`The micro-computer 8 for the automatic focus detec
`tion and control is so arranged to apply a control signal
`to the interface circuit 10 for receiving, through the
`interface circuit 10, the image signals from the photoe
`lectric conversion circuit 12 composed of the CCD
`sensor so as to effect the focus detection. Based on the
`result of the focus detection, the microcomputer 8 con
`trols the display circuit 9 coupled to the micro-com
`pute

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