The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 13, 2003
Filed:
Mar. 31, 1998
Amir Doron, San Diego, CA (US);
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
A camera which powers up in a default fixed-focus mode and has a capability whereby the photographer can select an auto-focus mode. The camera includes a lens, a shutter and a motor for moving the lens and for opening the shutter. A CCD, electrically interconnected to an analog to digital signal converter, receives image data and transforms the data to analogs for transmission to the converter where a digital output signals is generated. The digital signal is electrically transmitted to a processor which is electrically connected to the motor. In the camera default fixed focus mode, a first control algorithm facilitates a process wherein the processor generates an electrical signal to cause the motor to move the lens directly to a control position. To elect the auto-focus mode of camera operation, the photographer depresses a button and thereby selects a process which functions in accordance with the steps of a second control algorithm wherein the processor generates an electrical signal to cause the motor to move the lens past a focal point, and a second signal to cause the lens to backstep to the focal point. When the auto mode is selected, an icon appears on a data liquid crystal display (LCD) to indicate that auto focus mode is selected.