Focus assembly for camera
AssigneeFluke Corporation
InventorsMichael E. Loukusa, Justin M. Sheard, Brian R. Gattman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for adjusting the focus of a camera. A rotatable focus member, when rotated, effects movement of an indicator element. The position of the indicator element is sensed by a sensing element and is passed to a controller within the camera. The controller prompts a motor to drive a focusing element of the camera in response to changes in the sensed position of the indicator element. The focus member effects movement of the indicator element by way of rolling resistance as opposed to sliding friction, allowing for more consistent and controlled manipulation.
Claims30
A focus assembly for a camera, the focus assembly comprising:
- a base portion for securing the assembly to the camera;
- a rotatable focus member adjoining the base;
- an indicator element;
- and
- at least one engagement member coupled to the indicator element and engaging the rotatable focus member such that rotating the rotatable focus member about a first axis causes the at least one engagement member and the indicator element to rotate coaxially about a second axis, the second axis being different from the first.
A camera comprising:
- a housing for containing components of the camera;
- a motor;
- a focal plane array;
- a light sensor for sensing electromagnetic radiation;
- a lens for focusing electromagnetic radiation on the light sensor;
- an optical sensor;
- and
- a focus assembly, the assembly comprising:
- a base member secured to the camera;
- a rotatable focus member adjoining the base;
- and
- an indicator element;
- the focus assembly configured such that;
- when rotated, the rotatable focus member causes the indicator element to rotate;
- the optical sensor senses the position of the indicator element;
- and
- the motor moves of at least one of the lens and the light sensor relative to one another in response to changes in the sensed position.
A method for changing the focus of a camera, the camera comprising a motor, a lens, and a light sensor;
- and wherein at least one of the lens and the light sensor is positionable by the motor;
- the method comprising:
- rotating a rotatable focus member about a first axis, the rotatable focus member engaging at least one engagement member and the engagement member engaging at least one indicator element such that rotating the rotatable focus member about the first axis causes the indicator element to rotate about a second axis separate from the first;
- sensing, by a sensing element, the position of the indicator element;
- comparing changes in the sensed position to a threshold level;
- and
- in the event that the changes in the sensed position meet the threshold level;
- driving at least one of the lens and the light sensor with the motor in response to changes in the sensed position of the indicator element in order to change the focus of the camera.
A focus assembly for a camera, the focus assembly comprising:
- a base portion for securing the assembly to the camera;
- a rotatable focus member adjoining the base;
- an indicator element;
- and
- at least one engagement member coupled to the indicator element and engaging the rotatable focus member such that rotating the rotatable focus member causes the at least one engagement member and the indicator element to rotate;
- and wherein
- the at least one engagement member engages the rotatable focus member in such a way so that the resistance to initiating and maintaining rotation of the rotatable focus member is substantially the same throughout operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.