Camera

Details Camera Camera

1999-11-12

2001-09-04

Perkey, W. B. (Department: 2851)

Photography

With object illumination for exposure

Having flash built into camera

C396S206000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06285833

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A camera often requires various switches for its operation. Where the camera includes a pop-up strobe flash unit, these switches usually include a main power switch, a pop-up strobe flash unit release switch, a pop-up detection switch that disables the strobe flash when the strobe flash unit is in a stored state, a mode switch that allows the user to select among various camera modes and so on. Typically, the mode switch allows the user to select from among a fully automatic mode, a shutter speed priority mode, a stop priority mode, a portrait mode, a landscape mode, a close-up mode, a sports mode, etc. Among these switches, switches such as the main power switch, the pop-up strobe flash unit release switch, and the mode switch are usually positioned on the camera body surface so that they can be readily operated by the user. On the other hand, the pop-up detection switch need not be operated by the user and is usually positioned within the body of the camera. The various switches that are positioned on the camera body surface need to be arranged considering ease of operability (defined herein as requiring the switch be arranged in a position so that it is easy to use, is not likely to be pressed unintentionally, does not adversely affect one's ability to hold the camera comfortably), as well as considering the external design and appearance of the camera.
Because cameras being sold are becoming more miniaturized due to progress in electronic technology, it is becoming increasingly difficult to arrange the various switches that are normally found on the camera body surface so that all these conditions are satisfied.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a camera that enables the user to control two or more camera functions using a single mechanism that, heretofore, have been controlled by the user operating separate switches. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a mechanism that controls both the pop-up state of a strobe flash unit and the main power. Either a latching mechanism or a locking mechanism is provided within the camera body in order to hold the pop-up strobe flash unit (which is biased by a spring to pop-up when released) within the camera body when in the stored state. As in the prior art, a pop-up detection switch is provided within the camera body to detect whether the pop-up strobe flash unit is in the stored state or the popped-up state. By designing the camera such that, instead of merely controlling power to the strobe flash unit as in the prior art, the state of deployment of the strobe flash unit also controls the camera main power switch. Thus, when the strobe flash unit is in the stored state, power to the camera is automatically turned off. Likewise, when the strobe flash unit is in the popped-up state, power to the camera is automatically turned on. Therefore the mechanism that controls the pop-up state of the strobe flash unit also controls whether the main power is turned on or off
In a first embodiment of the invention, pressing a top surface of the pop-up strobe flash unit towards the camera body surface until it latches causes the strobe flash unit to be stored within the camera body. Pressing the top surface of the pop-up strobe flash unit again then releases a latching mechanism so that the pop-up unit pops up from the camera surface. The popping-up of the strobe flash unit automatically turns on the main power. Likewise, placing the strobe flash unit in the stored state automatically turns off the main power.
In a second embodiment of the invention, a lock release button is provided on the top surface of the pop-up strobe flash unit. Rather than the strobe flash unit being pressed a second time to cause the strobe flash unit to pop-up and the camera power to be energized, in this embodiment the strobe flash unit is locked in position such that a second pressing on the top surface of the pop-up strobe flash unit has no effect. Instead, in order to release the strobe flash unit to its popped-up state, it is necessary to press a lock release button.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5749003 (1998-05-01), Tanabe
patent: 5822638 (1998-10-01), Yoshida et al.
patent: 6104882 (2000-08-01), Inazuka

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