History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents

Octavian Baltag

doi:doi:10.11648/j.si.20150301.11

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History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents

Octavian Baltag

Published in Science Innovation (Volume 3, Issue 1)

Received: 12 February 2015 Accepted: 24 February 2015 Published: 2 March 2015

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Abstract

The work presents the evolution of a technical idea concerning the automatic image focusing in photo cameras, TV cameras and camcorder-type recording cameras. The work aims to present both the evolution of the technical solutions, and a Romanian priority concerning the automatic focusing reached by the technologies of the optical and electronic industries of image taking only 15 years after having been patented in Romania the most utilized principles, namely the dynamic analysis of image contrast, a principle used in commercialized cameras after the years ’80.

Published in	Science Innovation (Volume 3, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.si.20150301.11
Page(s)	1-17
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Autofocus, Patents, History, Contrast Image, Phase Contrast, Photocamera

References

[1]	L. G. Simjian, “Self focusing camera” US Patent 1 865 581, 1932.
[2]	G. L. Beers, “Television pickup control system” US Patent 2 403 628, 1946.
[3]	R. K. Orthuber, “Automatic focus adjuster” US Patent 2 831 057, 1958.
[4]	H. W. Salinger, “Focusing adjusting system” US Patent 2838600, 1958.
[5]	W. L. Steiner, “Automatic focus control system and method(\”US Patent 3 211 831, 1965.
[6]	O. Baltag, “Videocaptor devices with automatic focusing” Patent RO 44 177, 1966.
[7]	F. Bidermaer, G. Fauth , F. Jakob, H. P. Simson, E. V. Wasilewski, “Camera focusing devices” US Patent 3 274 914, 1966.
[8]	A. B. Pagel, “Automatic focusing system” US Patent 3 442 193, 1969.
[9]	C.E. Thomas, “Automatic focusing apparatus” US Patent 3 450 883, 1969.
[10]	Martin, G.L., (1973). US Patent 3,708,619, Automatic focusing of optical system
[11]	N. L. Stauffer, “Focus detecting apparatus” US Patent 4 002 899, 1977.
[12]	H. R. Everett, D.E. DeMuth, E. H. Stitz, “Survey of Collision Avoidance and Ranging Sensors for Mobile Robots”, Technical Report 1194, Revision 1, Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center RDT&E Division, San Diego, California pp. 41-42, 1992.
[13]	N.L. Stauffer, “Detecting apparatus for determining when image is in focus”, US Patent 3 836 772, 1974.
[14]	N. L. Stauffer, “Detecting apparatus for determining when image is in focus”, US Patent 3 838 275, 1974.
[15]	N. L. Stauffer, “Auto focus camera”, US Patent 3 860 935, 1975.
[16]	N. L. Stauffer, “Focus detecting apparatus”, US Patent 3 875 401, 1975.
[17]	N. L. Stauffer, “Distance determining and automatic focusing apparatus”, US Patent 3 958 117, 1976.
[18]	N. L. Stauffer, “Autofocus system”, US Patent 4 184 968, 1980.
[19]	N. L. Staufer, “Range determination system”, US Patent 4 185 191, 1980.
[20]	N. L. Staufer, “Spatial low pass filter for range finding systems”, US Patent 4 384 210, 1983.
[21]	N. L. Staufer, „Digital autofocus system utilizing a photodetector array”, US Patent 4 317 991, 1982.
[22]	D. J. Wilwerding, “Continuous focus proportional controller”, US Patent 4 207 461, 1980.
[23]	D. J. Wilwerding, “Contrast sensing apparatus for automatic focus systems”, US Patent 4 247 762, 1981.
[24]	D. J. Wilwerding, “Slit lens autofocus system”, US Patent 4 812 640, 1989.
[25]	G. O. Reynolds, “Focal sensor having optical low pass filter”, US Patent 4 474 446, 1984.
[26]	I. R. Abel, “Autofocus system for infrared imaging device”, US Patent 4 593 322, 1986.
[27]	M. Cavina, “Nikon AF-Nikkor 80 mm f/4,5 del 1971. Rivelazioni, dati, schemi ottici e meccanici, inediti relativi ad una pietra miliare della tecnica fotografica”, 2009, (accessed December 2014}, retrieved from: http://www.nital.it/
[28]	U. A. Tumen, “Faz algilamali otomatik netliğin tarihçesi”, 2012, http://uatumen.blogspot.ro/2012/03/otomatik-netligin-af-tarihcesi.html
[29]	N. Goldberg, Camera Technology, Academic Press, Inc., San Diego pp. 38-39, 1992,
[30]	S. Halgand, S., (accessed December 2014), retrieved from: http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=1519
[31]	C. H. Biber, “Rangefinding and focusing system for photographic cameras and the like” US Patent 3 522 764, 1970.
[32]	R. Cassinis, P. Venuti, “Sonar Range Data Processing and Enhancement”, Universita di Udine, Italy, Internal Report 87/036, (accessed in December 2014), retrieved from: http://www.ing.unibs.it/~arl/docs/papers/03_012.pdf
[33]	J. Borenstein, H. R. Everett, L. Feng, “Where am I? Sensors and Methods for Mobile Robot Positioning”, Univ. of Michigan, 1996.
[34]	E. K. Shenk, “Auto focus movie camera”, US Patent 4 294 532, 1981.
[35]	S. Tamara, et all, “Autofocus camera”, US Patent 4 400 071, 1983.
[36]	K. Araki, “Automatic focusing position detection apparatus”, US Patent 4 387 975, 1983.
[37]	M. Eguki, “Automatic focusing devices”, US Patent 4 381 523, 1983.
[38]	M. Eguchi, et al., “Automatic focusing devices”, US Patent 4 423 935, 1984.
[39]	M. Matsuda, et al., “Camera autofocusing devices”, US Patent 4 199 235, 1980.
[40]	Ibid. [12] pp. 35-36.
[41]	Y. Tomori, Y., “Automatic focus camera with interchangeable lens”, US Patent 4 400 075, 1983.
[42]	Y. Nanba, “Focus detecting device”, US Patent 3 938 894, 1976.
[43]	Y. Nanba, “Focus detecting photoelectric device” US Patent 4 039 824, 1977.
[44]	T. Imura, et al, “Automatic focusing system for use in camera”, US Patent 4 182 555, 1980.
[45]	M. Matsuda, et al, , “Rangefinding system”, US Patent 4 251 144, 1981.
[46]	S. Tamura, et al, “Distance measuring device”, US Patent 4 274 735, 1981.
[47]	O. Baltag, “Focalizarea Automata – Istoric (A Hystory of Autofocus”, The 16-th International Conference Inventica 2012, Iasi, Romania, pp. 107-116, 2012.
[48]	O. Baltag, “Focalizarea Automata - Istoric (The Autmatic Focusing - Hystory)”, Romanian Journal of Industrial Property, no. 3-4, pp. 49-65, 2014.
[49]	O. Baltag, Automatic Focusing - a Romanian Invention, Proc of the 41st ICOHTEC Symposium “Technology in Times of Transition”, pp. 182, Brasov, Romania, 2014.

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Octavian Baltag. (2015). History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents. Science Innovation, 3(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.si.20150301.11

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Octavian Baltag. History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents. Sci. Innov. 2015, 3(1), 1-17. doi: 10.11648/j.si.20150301.11

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Octavian Baltag. History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents. Sci Innov. 2015;3(1):1-17. doi: 10.11648/j.si.20150301.11

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@article{10.11648/j.si.20150301.11,
  author = {Octavian Baltag},
  title = {History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents},
  journal = {Science Innovation},
  volume = {3},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-17},
  doi = {10.11648/j.si.20150301.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.si.20150301.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.si.20150301.11},
  abstract = {The work presents the evolution of a technical idea concerning the automatic image focusing in photo cameras, TV cameras and camcorder-type recording cameras. The work aims to present both the evolution of the technical solutions, and a Romanian priority concerning the automatic focusing reached by the technologies of the optical and electronic industries of image taking only 15 years after having been patented in Romania the most utilized principles, namely the dynamic analysis of image contrast, a principle used in commercialized cameras after the years ’80.},
 year = {2015}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents
AU  - Octavian Baltag
Y1  - 2015/03/02
PY  - 2015
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.si.20150301.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.si.20150301.11
T2  - Science Innovation
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PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-787X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.si.20150301.11
AB  - The work presents the evolution of a technical idea concerning the automatic image focusing in photo cameras, TV cameras and camcorder-type recording cameras. The work aims to present both the evolution of the technical solutions, and a Romanian priority concerning the automatic focusing reached by the technologies of the optical and electronic industries of image taking only 15 years after having been patented in Romania the most utilized principles, namely the dynamic analysis of image contrast, a principle used in commercialized cameras after the years ’80.
VL  - 3
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Author Information

Octavian Baltag

Terraflux Control Ltd., Iasi, Romania

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APA Style

Octavian Baltag. (2015). History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents. Science Innovation, 3(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.si.20150301.11

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ACS Style

Octavian Baltag. History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents. Sci. Innov. 2015, 3(1), 1-17. doi: 10.11648/j.si.20150301.11

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AMA Style

Octavian Baltag. History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents. Sci Innov. 2015;3(1):1-17. doi: 10.11648/j.si.20150301.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.si.20150301.11,
  author = {Octavian Baltag},
  title = {History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents},
  journal = {Science Innovation},
  volume = {3},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-17},
  doi = {10.11648/j.si.20150301.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.si.20150301.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.si.20150301.11},
  abstract = {The work presents the evolution of a technical idea concerning the automatic image focusing in photo cameras, TV cameras and camcorder-type recording cameras. The work aims to present both the evolution of the technical solutions, and a Romanian priority concerning the automatic focusing reached by the technologies of the optical and electronic industries of image taking only 15 years after having been patented in Romania the most utilized principles, namely the dynamic analysis of image contrast, a principle used in commercialized cameras after the years ’80.},
 year = {2015}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - History of Automatic Focusing Reflected by Patents
AU  - Octavian Baltag
Y1  - 2015/03/02
PY  - 2015
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.si.20150301.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.si.20150301.11
T2  - Science Innovation
JF  - Science Innovation
JO  - Science Innovation
SP  - 1
EP  - 17
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-787X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.si.20150301.11
AB  - The work presents the evolution of a technical idea concerning the automatic image focusing in photo cameras, TV cameras and camcorder-type recording cameras. The work aims to present both the evolution of the technical solutions, and a Romanian priority concerning the automatic focusing reached by the technologies of the optical and electronic industries of image taking only 15 years after having been patented in Romania the most utilized principles, namely the dynamic analysis of image contrast, a principle used in commercialized cameras after the years ’80.
VL  - 3
IS  - 1
ER  -

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