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Imaging system including an auto zoom controller

  • US 5,892,543 A
  • Filed: 06/05/1995
  • Issued: 04/06/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/05/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An imaging system, comprising:

  • a detector comprising an array of pixels positioned to receive light from an object;

    a read-out circuit connected to said detector to obtain data signals from said pixels and to form in a memory device an image of said object at varying object distances;

    an auto focus lens system including at least one auto focus lens, and an auto focus motor for moving said auto focus lens;

    an auto focus controller providing operating commands to said auto focus motor responsive to characteristics of said image, and outputting an auto focus status signal;

    a zoom lens system comprising at least one zoom lens and a zoom motor for moving said zoom lens;

    said auto focus status signal being approximately linearly related to the object distance for a range of zoom lens positions; and

    an auto zoom controller operative to set said zoom lens within said range of positions and operative responsive to said auto focus status signal to provide zoom commands to said zoom motor to maintain an approximately constant image resolution when said zoom lens position is within said range;

    said auto focus controller continuing to move said auto focus lens while said auto zoom controller is operative.

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