Photography – Camera detail – Lens cover
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-11
2001-01-23
Mathews, Alan A. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Camera detail
Lens cover
C396S348000, C396S534000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176626
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The picture-taking lens of a camera defines a certain field of view. Light outside of this field of view, if allowed to reach the lens, can degrade the quality of the photographs taken by the camera. The imperfections that appear on finished photographic prints due to this phenomenon are known in the art as “flare” and “glare.”
The problem of flare and glare is usually addressed by the use of a light hood. A light hood typically comprises some type of barrier that is placed around the optical axis of the picture-taking lens, directly forward of the lens. A light hood isolates the lens from light outside the field of view of the lens. When properly sized and positioned, the hood performs this function without attenuating or interfering with the desired field of view of the lens.
Light hoods may be fixed in a single position. Alternatively, a light hood may be adapted to retract or otherwise translate into a stored position when the camera is not in use. This feature is often employed in compact cameras, where minimal external dimensions are considered a highly desirable characteristic. Accommodating a stored hood, however, typically necessitates some increase in the dimensions of a camera in relation to a comparable camera that does not utilize a light hood.
Physical damage and contamination represent another common problem that affects the picture-taking lens. Physical damage, e.g., cracking or scratching, can occur when relatively hard objects come into contact with the lens. Lens contamination may be caused by factors such as dust and dirt. Fingerprints are another common form of lens contamination. Contamination and physical damage of the picture-taking lens can significantly degrade the quality of the photographs taken through the lens.
The picture-taking lens of most cameras is protected by some type of cover. The use of a protective lens cover is a virtual necessity in most compact cameras due to the proximity of the lens and the front surface of the camera. Lens covers are also utilized to prevent unintentional exposure of the photographic film when the camera's shutter is inadvertently actuated. The lens cover is positioned in front of the picture-taking lens when the camera is not in use. A lens cover may comprise a cap that is completely removed from the camera prior to use. Alternatively, a lens cover may be integrated into the body of the camera in a manner that allows the cover to translate away from the lens while remaining attached to the camera. This type of cover is often used in compact cameras, where ease of operation and portability are highly valued. Integral covers typically necessitate some increase in the external dimensions of a camera.
Integrating the functions of a light hood and a lens cover into a single assembly offers the potential for a reduction in the external dimensions of a camera in relation to a design in which these functions are performed by separate components. Thus, a need exists for a camera with an assembly that performs the functions of both a light hood and a lens cover. The assembly should effectively block light outside the field of view of the camera's picture-taking lens. The assembly should also be adapted to form a protective barrier in front of the lens. The barrier should isolate the lens from light, external objects, and contaminants. An assembly of minimal size is desirable. Furthermore, the assembly should be integrated with the body of the camera in a manner that minimizes the camera's overall dimensions. The assembly should be of minimal complexity, and should have a relatively low parts count and production cost. The present invention achieves these and other goals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a camera having an integrated, i.e., single-piece, lens cover/light hood. The cover/hood is incorporated into a barrier assembly coupled to a front portion of the camera. The barrier assembly is movable between an “open” and a “closed” position. The assembly functions as a light hood when disposed in the open position. When closed, the assembly forms a protective surface in front of the picture-taking lens of the camera.
The integrated cover/hood defines an aperture. A preferred embodiment of the barrier assembly further comprises a rectangular door. The dimensions of the door are about equal to those of the cover/hood aperture. The door is disposed within the aperture when the barrier assembly is closed. The cover/hood and the door form a substantially continuous surface forward of the picture-taking lens when disposed in this manner. The assembly thereby protects the lens from physical damage and contamination. Additionally, the design of the assembly causes the cover/hood and the door to lie substantially flush with a front surface of the camera when the barrier assembly is in the closed position.
The cover/hood translates along an arcuate path as the barrier assembly is moved to the open position. Thus, the cover/hood translates axially, in a direction away from the front portion of the camera. The cover/hood also translates laterally in relation to the front portion. In a preferred embodiment, the cover/hood is rotatably coupled to the door. Another portion of the door is rotatably coupled to a front portion of the camera. This arrangement causes the door to rotate in relation to the hood and the front portion. Specifically, the door rotates through an arc of about 90 degrees as the barrier assembly translates between the closed and open positions. The door thereby moves out of the cover/hood aperture as the assembly translates to the open position.
The cover/hood aperture is substantially aligned with the optical axis of the picture-taking lens when barrier assembly reaches the open position. The aperture thereby allows ambient light to reach the lens. Furthermore, the arcuate path of the cover/hood as it moves from the closed to the open positions causes the aperture to be disposed at a distance from the lens. Separating the aperture and the lens by this distance isolates the lens from unwanted light. More particularly, the cover/hood and the door form an opaque structure that surrounds the optical axis of the lens. The dimensions of the aperture, and the distance between the aperture and the lens are optimized in a manner that causes the cover/hood to isolate the lens from light outside the field of view of the lens. Furthermore, the cover/hood and the door perform this blocking function without attenuating or interfering with the desired field of view of the lens.
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Concord Camera Corporation
Mathews Alan A.
Woodcock Washburn Kurtz Mackiewicz & Norris LLP
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