Digital-camera-provided binoculars

• US 7,268,801 B2
• Filed: 11/05/2003
• Issued: 09/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Pentax Corporation (Hoya Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Pentax Corporation (Hoya Corporation)
• Inventors: Kaneko, Atsumi, Hirunuma, Ken
• Primary Examiner(s): Pritchett; Joshua L
• Application Number:
  US10/700,496
• Publication Number:
  US 20040095643A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,406 Days
• Field of Search: 359/407, 359/363, 396324-331, 396/310, 396/312, 348/207.99
• US Class Current: 348/207.99
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/18 for binocular arrangements focusing binocular pairs G02B7/06; adjusting pupillary distance of binocular pairs G02B7/12

Abstract

Binoculars having a digital camera are provided. The digital camera is able to capture an image of an object which is observed through the optical systems of the binoculars. The digital-camera-provide binoculars further comprise a microphone. The microphone is provided on the bottom face of the binoculars.

Claims

1. Digital-camera-provided binoculars, comprising:

a digital camera that is able to capture an image of an object which is observed through optical systems of said binoculars; and

a microphone;

wherein said microphone is provided on a bottom face of said binoculars, and

wherein said digital camera and said microphone are mounted on different surfaces of said binoculars.

2. Binoculars according to claim 1, wherein said bottom face comprises a tripod attaching section to which a tripod is attached.

3. Binoculars according to claim 1, wherein sound information collected by said microphone is recorded in association with an image captured by said digital camera.

4. Binoculars according to claim 1, wherein recording using said microphone is carried out just after an image capturing operation of said digital camera.

5. Binoculars according to claim 1, wherein said microphone is positioned on said bottom face and in the vicinity of a rear face where ocular lenses of said binoculars are provided.

6. Binoculars according to claim 1, wherein said microphone is positioned on said bottom face and between a pair of said optical systems of said binoculars.