Abstract: A focus detection signal is generated from the video signal produced by a video camera by deriving higher frequency components of that video signal, detecting when those higher frequency components exceed a minimum threshold level, sensing when the video signal exceeds a maximum threshold, and integrating those higher frequency components which exceed the minimum threshold, except during an interval when the video signal exceeds the maximum threshold, thereby producing the focus detection signal.

Abstract: A zoom tracking apparatus of a focusing lens in which a position of a focusing lens is controlled to an in-focus position so as to follow a motion of a zoom lens. The apparatus includes components for wobbling the focusing lens or an image pickup device in the front and back directions; and components for controlling front and back wobbling amounts of the focusing lens or the image pickup device, wherein the front and back wobbling amounts of the focusing lens or the image pickup device are changed in accordance with a relation between the position of the zoom lens and the in-focus position of the focusing lens.

Abstract: A lens focusing system in which predetermined signal components in a video signal are detected for focusing an image by maximizing the predetermined signal components, includes a lens for focusing an image on an image pickup device operative to convert light from the lens into electric signals; a signal processing circuit for processing the output electric signals from the image pickup device to obtain video signals; a filter which has a transfer characteristic approximating that of a lens system which is out of focus; and a subtracting circuit for eliminating video signal components which pass through the filter from the electric signals output by the image pickup device. Novel digital filters particularly adapted for use with such lens focusing systems also are provided.

Abstract: In a color video camera providing color video signal components corresponding to a light image projected on an image pickup, only the levels of the color video signals components which correspond to at least substantially white regions of the light image are detected, and such detected levels of the color video signal components are integrated so as to obtain average values thereof as white-balance detection signals. The color video signal components which correspond to at least substantially white regions of the light image, and thus have their levels detected, may be those which occur during intervals corresponding to a white-balance detecting area positioned to correspond with a selected white area of the light image. Alternatively, the color video signal components may be sampled to provide pixel-by-pixel values thereof, whereupon, only those pixel-by-pixel values which are determined to be within a predetermined range of white as defined by a black body radiation curve are subjected to integration.

Abstract: A sampling frequency conversion filter circuit permits the same auto focus circuit to be used with CCD imagers having different numbers of pixels per line.

Abstract: A color video camera providing a digital video signal has an auto-focus detector, an auto-exposure detector and an auto-white balance detector formed as sections of an optical detector circuit which further has serial input and output ports common to the auto-focus, auto-exposure and auto-white balance detectors, and a system controller which is common to the auto-focus, auto-exposure and auto-white balance detectors and provides control signals therefor through the serial input port while receiving focus, exposure and white-balance detection signals through the serial output port from the respective detectors. Further, an improved exposure control system is provided which compensates for abnormal lighting conditions, such as, back-lighting or excessive front-lighting of the scene in the field of view of the camera.

Abstract: A lens focusing system in which predetermined signal components in a video signal are detected for focusing an image by maximizing the predetermined signal components, includes a lens for focusing an image on an image pickup device operative to convert light from the lens into electric signals; a signal processing circuit for processing the output electric signals from the image pickup device to obtain video signals; a filter which has a transfer characteristic approximating that of a lens system which is out of focus; and a subtracting circuit for eliminating video signal components which pass through the filter from the electric signals output by the image pickup device. Novel digital filters particularly adapted for use with such lens focusing systems also are provided.

Abstract: In a camera having a lens for focussing incident light onto a light reception surface of a pick-up so that the latter outputs a camera signal, a stop for limiting the amount of the incident light, and a variable gain amplifier for correcting the level of the camera signal; there is provided a control circuit which controls a focus of the lens, the stop and a gain of the variable gain amplifier on the basis of the output of the variable gain amplifier, thereby simplifying the construction of the camera as a whole.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing an information signal, such as, a PCM (pulse-code modulated) signal and the like, in slant tracks on a recording tape by means of rotary heads, and in which, when an index signal is recorded in, or erased from an area adjacent a part of a slant track in which the PCM signal is recorded, an index area signal which specifies the area for recording or reproducing the index signal is formed on the basis of address data in the reproduced PCM signal. Therefore, the index signal area always has a predetermined positional relation to a recording area of the PCM signal so that when the index signal is recorded in or erased from the index signal area, erasure of the adjacent PCM signal is prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator in response to a horizontal synchronizing signal of a video signal comprises a frequency divider for dividing the frequency of the output of the oscillator and a control for phase-comparing the output of the frequency divider with the horizontal synchronizing signal and controlling the frequency of the oscillator in response to the result of the phase comparison. The control comprises a circuit for forming a control signal by using a first pulse signal having a first signal level and a second pulse signal having a second signal level in response to the phase difference between the horizontal synchronizing signal and the output of the oscillator. A correcting signal is added to the control signal when the phase of the horizontal synchronizing signal is beyond a predetermined range.

Abstract: A flyback transformer includes a bobbin and first and second holders mounted on the bobbin in a predetermined spaced relationship with each other, for holding a circuit element such as a diode. The first holder has a first surface facing the second holder and a first step formed between the first surface and the bobbin. Similarly, the second holder has a second surface facing the first holder and a second step formed between the second surface and the bobbin. Thus, the element is pressure fitted between the first and second surfaces with the opposite ends of the element being seated on the first and second steps.

Abstract: A flyback transformer has a primary coil on the bobbin and has fitting holders provided at both sides of a skirt formed integrally with a lower end of the primary coil bobbin. A U-shaped positioning fitting is provided at the center with a through bore and is fitted onto said skirt and fixed at both ends to the holders respectfully. A spring is fitted onto cores having legs inserted into the primary coil bobbin and abutting each other, and a grounding pin bent from the lower end of the spring is fitted into the bore of the positioning fitting. By this structure, the grounding pin is positioned properly with respect to the terminal pins for the primary winding with improved positioning accuracy, and insuring mounting of the grounding pin accurately on a printed substrate.