Abstract: A pixel output line (14) is independently provided for each of the pixels arranged in a two-dimensionally array within a pixel area so that pixel signals can be sequentially written in a plurality of memory sections (22) through the pixel output lines (14). When a plurality of frames of pixel signals are held in the memory sections (22), the pixel signals corresponding to two arbitrarily selected frames are read and respectively stored in sample-and-hold circuits (61 and 62), and their difference is obtained. Then, the difference signals corresponding to a predetermined range of the image are integrated, and the integrated value is compared with a threshold. If the integrated value exceeds the threshold, it is presumed that a change in an imaging object has occurred, and a pulse generation circuit (66) generates a trigger signal.

Abstract: A floating diffusion (331) is created substantially at center of the light-receiving surface of an embedded photodiode (31), with a gate electrode of a transfer transistor (32) surrounding the floating diffusion. The concentration (or depth) of impurities in a p+-type semiconductor region, n-type semiconductor region or p-well region is changed in an inclined form so that a potential gradient being inclined downwards from the circumference to the center is created when an appropriate bias voltage is applied to the pn junction. The photocharges produced by incident light are rapidly moved along the potential gradient toward the center. Even in the case where the photocharge storage time is short, the photocharges can be efficiently collected since the maximum moving distance from the circumference of the photodiode (31) to the floating diffusion (331). Thus, the photocharges produced by the photodiode (31) are efficiently utilized, whereby the detection sensitivity is improved.

Abstract: In an image sensor of this invention, each image information detecting unit has one photoelectric converter, eight signal fetch gates for fetching signal charges from the photoelectric converter, and eight store and forward CCD arrays extending parallel to one another and connected to the signal fetch gates, respectively, for storing the signal charges. Only one of the eight signal fetch gates is switched ON in each electronic shuttering cycle synonymous with a photography cycle, to deliver a signal charge to a corresponding one of the store CCD arrays. When signal charges have been stored in all the first cells of the store CCD arrays after eight electronic shuttering cycles, the eight store CCD arrays perform one transfer operation all at once, to forward, in parallel, the eight signal charges to the next cells. This operation is repeated to perform high-speed photography at eight times the transfer speed of the store CCD arrays.

Abstract: A two-color radiation thermometer includes an image pickup device having micro photo receiving units arranged two-dimensionally; a light diverging device for diverging incident light coming from a measuring object into two paths and irradiating the light on two different areas on a two-dimensional light receiving surface of the image pickup device; a wavelength limitation device for limiting wavelengths of the light irradiated on the two different areas to first and second wavelengths, respectively; and a temperature calculation device. The calculation device receives image signals corresponding to the first and second wavelengths respectively from the micro photo receiving units located at the two different areas, and calculates the temperature of the measuring object based on the two image signals.

Abstract: In an image sensor of this invention, each image information detecting unit has one photoelectric converter, eight signal fetch gates for fetching signal charges from the photoelectric converter, and eight store and forward CCD arrays extending parallel to one another and connected to the signal fetch gates, respectively, for storing the signal charges. Only one of the eight signal fetch gates is switched ON in each electronic shuttering cycle synonymous with a photography cycle, to deliver a signal charge to a corresponding one of the store CCD arrays. When signal charges have been stored in all the first cells of the store CCD arrays after eight electronic shuttering cycles, the eight store CCD arrays perform one transfer operation all at once, to forward, in parallel, the eight signal charges to the next cells. This operation is repeated to perform high-speed photography at eight times the transfer speed of the store CCD arrays.

Abstract: A two-color radiation thermometer includes an image pickup device having micro photo receiving units arranged two-dimensionally; a light diverging device for diverging incident light coming from a measuring object into two paths and irradiating the light on two different areas on a two-dimensional light receiving surface of the image pickup device; a wavelength limitation device for limiting wavelengths of the light irradiated on the two different areas to first and second wavelengths, respectively; and a temperature calculation device. The calculation device receives image signals corresponding to the first and second wavelengths respectively from the micro photo receiving units located at the two different areas, and calculates the temperature of the measuring object based on the two image signals.

Abstract: In an apparatus according to this invention, a single synchronous photography timing controller supplies cameras for synchronous photography, with an external clock signal for controlling progress of a photographic sequence, an external reset signal for resetting the photographic sequence, and an external trigger signal for starting high-speed photography, all in a coordinated manner. Consequently, a timewise corresponding relationship is maintained between the external clock signals and between the external reset signals being supplied. The external reset signals reset photographic sequences of the respective cameras, so that the photographic sequences also progress in a timewise corresponding relationship. The high-speed photography of the cameras started by the external trigger signals supplied in the coordinated manner progress in a strictly timewise corresponding relationship. Thus, the cameras are synchronized accurately to perform the high-speed photography.

Abstract: A process for producing a lithium niobate single crystal which comprises restricting the variation of the Curie point due to the effect of impurities within a specific range in the accurate evaluation of the composition of the lithium niobate single crystal by the use of the Curie point. To produce a lithium niobate single crystal by using, singly or in combination, lithium carbonate having a purity of 99.99% or higher and simultaneously satisfying the condition that the contents therein of elements Na, K, Mg, and A1 are 5.0 ppm or less, 2.0 ppm or less, 0.5 ppm or less, and 0.9 ppm or less, respectively, and niobium pentoxide having a purity of 99.99% or higher and simultaneously satisfying the condition that the contents therein of elements Na, K, Mg, Al, and Cl are 3.0 ppm or less, 1.0 ppm or less, 0.5 ppm or less, 0.9 ppm or less, and 3.0 ppm or less, respectively, according to an ordinary method.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an engine, to which evaporated fuel in a canister is supplied, is used for feedback controlling an air-fuel ratio based on a feedback control value calculated according to the quantity of evaporated fuel supplied to the engine. A calculation is made, in a first range of engine operating conditions, of a difference of a first control value between the first control value determined during supplying of the evaporated fuel to the engine and the first control value determined during not supplying of the evaporated fuel to the engine in the first range. A second control value for a second range of engine operating conditions is established different from the first range based on a feedback control value for controlling an air-fuel ratio of fuel in the first range, a ratio of the quantity of intake air into the engine between the first and second ranges, and a ratio of the supplying quantity of the evaporated fuel into the engine between the first and second ranges.

Abstract: A fuel supply control system for use in an engine includes a feeder for supplying fuel to the engine in an amount suitable for operating conditions of the engine, a detector for detecting a decelerating state of the engine, and a correcting device for, upon detecting the deceleration, increasing a rate of fuel supply so that combustion may be stabilized to prevent car-bucking. The system further includes a brake detector for detecting an operative state of a brake device of the vehicle, and a limiter for, upon operation of the brake device, limiting the increase of fuel supply whereby the fuel consumption efficiency can be improved. During operation of the break device, car-bucking is restricted by a braking force so that substantially no vibration is transmitted to a driver.

Abstract: In a cooling arrangement for an internal combustion engine, adapted to control a circulating amount of cooling water between a water jacket of the engine and a radiator, it is so arranged that control gain is variable according to the state of operations of the engine in order to achieve a compatibility between the response in control and prevention of hunting phenomenon.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave filter device in which a capacitative coupling means is provided to couple at least one of the terminals of the SAW input transducer to at least one of the terminals of the output transducer, in order to equalize the levels of signals which are induced on the pair of output terminals of said output transducer without assuming the form of surface acoustic waves. The stray inductive coupling which normally occurs between the input and output terminals of the SAW filter degrades filter performance. Since the inductive coupling to the two output terminals is normally unequal, the inductively coupled unfiltered signals cannot be completely rejected by a balanced differential amplifier. By equalizing the levels of unfiltered signals at the output terminal, effective rejection by a differential amplifier is possible.