Lens cap detection
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorsLarry R. Bigler, Jerry W. Swinford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lens cap detection system and method for an image capturing device are provided according to the invention. The lens cap detection system in one embodiment includes a lens apparatus and a lens cap detector that is capable of detecting the presence of a lens cap on the lens apparatus and outputting a signal indicative thereof. The lens cap detection system further includes a processor that communicates with the lens cap detector. The processor generates an alert if the lens cap is detected by the lens cap detector, and does not generate an alert if the lens cap is not detected.
Claims20
A lens cap detection system for an image capturing device, comprising:
- a lens apparatus;
- a lens cap detector that is capable of detecting the presence of a lens cap on said lens apparatus and outputting a signal indicative thereof;
- and
- a processor communicating with said lens cap detector;
- wherein said processor generates an alert if said lens cap is detected by said lens cap detector and does not generate an alert if said lens cap is not detected.
A lens cap detection system for an image capturing device, comprising:
- a lens drive motor;
- a movable lens apparatus that is moved by said lens drive motor;
- an electronic imaging device lens cap detector that measures a level of light received in said image capturing device through said movable lens apparatus and generates a light level measurement;
- a memory storing a predetermined light threshold value;
- and
- a processor communicating with said memory and with said electronic imaging device lens cap detector and controlling said lens drive motor;
- wherein said processor receives said light level measurement from said electronic imaging device lens cap detector, compares said light level measurement to said predetermined light threshold, and controls said lens drive motor to extend said movable lens apparatus if said light level measurement is greater than said predetermined light threshold, and controls said lens drive motor to remain inoperative if said light level measurement is less than or equal to said threshold.
A computer-implemented lens extension method for extending a retracted movable lens apparatus of an image capturing device, comprising the steps of:
- detecting a lens cap on said retracted movable lens apparatus of said image capturing device, with said detection being performed by a lens cap detector and a processor of said image capturing device;
- and
- extending said movable lens apparatus if said lens cap is not detected and maintaining said movable lens apparatus in a retracted state if said lens cap is detected, said processor controlling movement of said lens apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.