Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprises an array of picture elements and a horizontal CTD shift register. In a horizontal blanking period, two or more sets of signals from vertical signal output lines coupled to the picture element array are stored in the horizontal CTD shift register. In a horizontal scanning period, the horizontal CTD shift register operates in a 3-phase (or 4-phase) driving fashion to deliver picture image information signal to its output part.

Abstract: A camera capable of AE-lock photography wherein an output of a light measuring circuit is stored in response to a manual operation at an arbitrary time prior to a shutter release operation, and exposure is controlled in accordance with the stored output. AE-lock switch is interposed between a light measuring circuit and a first storage capacitor, while a buffer circuit is interposed between the first storage capacitor and a second storage capacitor. Exposure is controlled in accordance with the charged voltage of the second storage capacitor. The above mentioned buffer circuit is connected with a switch means which supplies power for a given short period at an initial stage in conjunction with a shutter release operation whereby the second storage capacitor is charged to the voltage of the first storage capacitor during that given period.

Abstract: An automatic diaphragm control camera of the T. T. L light measurement type sets a diaphragm to a fully opened aperture in the case of daylight photographing with a low brightness condition by generating a diaphragm stopping-down prevention signal which serves to deactivate an electromagnetic diaphragm stopping-down release device. Upon receipt of a flash readiness signal from an electronic flash device, however, the camera, in preference to the generation of the diaphragm stopping-down prevention signal, activates the electromagnetic diaphragm stopping-down release device in response to a camera release operation.

Abstract: An exposure control arrangement for use in photographic cameras employing digital circuitry and a microprocessor for practical and rational exposure control of the photographic camera through simple construction at high reliability. The arrangement utilizes a single A-D converter to digitize various analog signals corresponding to the measured light value, set exposure time, set film sensitivity, etc. A single timer circuit to generate substantially all of the time references is used by the arrangement. The microprocessor, connected to the timer circuit and A-D converter controls the operation of the arrangement. The commonality of usage of the A-D converter, timer circuit, and microprocessor decreases the arrangement's size, cost, and complexity while increasing the arrangement's overall reliability.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter for cameras generates a digital output signal representing the difference between a pair of analog input signals by converting a generated variable digital signal into a variable analog signal, combining a first analog input signal with the variable analog signal to provide a calculated analog signal and comparing the calculated analog signal with a second analog input signal to determine whether or not such signals have a predetermined relationship with respect to one another such that the variable digital signal is fixed when the aforementioned predetermined relationship is determined to exist.

Abstract: A controlling device that determines the diaphragm aperture of the camera in accordance with an output of a light measuring circuit, which detects a light from an object to be photographed being illuminated by a light which includes an alternatingly changing component and has its intensity maintained constant in effect for a given time period. The device is equipped with a smoothing circuit for smoothing the ripple component in the photoelectric output. The smoothing circuit is set to have a charge time constant smaller than the discharge time constant and generates an output equivalent to the peak value of the ripple component. The light that illuminates the photographic object can be generated from the electronic flash and the photoelectric detector may be arranged within the body of a camera to receive the light from the photographic object that passes through the diaphragm aperture of the camera.

Abstract: A camera with a voice command system includes a switch which selectively brings the voice command system to one of learning and working modes. During the learning mode, various command voices spoken into a microphone and each registered in the camera at a designated section. During the working mode, a spoken command voice is compared with each one of the registered command voices and recognized by the one that correlates mostly for generating a control signal relying on the identified section.

Abstract: An electromechanical device such as a camera diaphragm control device includes a compensation means which compensates for a time lag from generation of a stop signal to actual stoppage of a movable member such as a diaphragm or a diaphragm drive member. The amount of compensation is varied in accordance with determination of the amount of the movement of the movable member from an initial end position to a position where the movable member is to be stopped. In the case of automatic diaphragm control, the amount to be determined may be the steps from the full open position to a position corresponding to a diaphragm aperture to be determined.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device wherein a MOS sensor is employed for a photosensor part, a CTD shift register is employed for a read-out circuit, first and second transfer gates are connected between vertical signal output lines and the CTD, and a reset gate is connected between a juncture of the first and second transfer gates and a reset voltage line. A method is adopted in which signal outputs of a plurality of rows are transferred to the CTD in a horizontal blanking period, and signals of a plurality of rows are simultaneously read out in a horizontal scanning period. At the signal transfer, bias charges are dumped into the vertical signal output lines from the CTD, and mixed charges consisting of the bias charges and signal charges are transferred to the CTD. Thereafter, the signals are read out.

Abstract: A camera capable of informing a photographer of conditions of a camera by means of human voice, which is adapted to arrange improper camera operating conditions in a predetermined order, and to give them as warnings in a sequential manner. Further, prior to every warning statement, precursory sounds are adapted to be given, to call attention of the photographer. In addition, a camera capable of narrating the explanation of the way to handle the camera is disclosed.

Abstract: In a programmed exposure control system a signal indicative of the aperture value or the time value is automatically produced in accordance with a programmed relationship with a signal including information of the light measurement of an object. The former signal is optionally stored and either the aperture size or the exposure time is determined in accordance with the latter signal and the stored signal. The other of the aperture size or the exposure time is determined commensurate with the previously determined aperture size or exposure time.Both the aperture size and exposure time are adapted to be automatically controlled according to a predetermined program in response to light measurement. An aperture value signal and a time value signal are produced according to light measurement in a programmed relationship.

Abstract: An exposure control arrangement for use in photographic cameras employing digital circuitry and a microprocessor for practical and rational expsoure control of the photographic camera through simple construction at high reliability. The arrangement utilizes a single A-D converter to digitize various analog signals corresponding to the measured light value, set exposure time, set film sensitivity, etc. A single timer circuit to generate substantially all of the time references is used by the arrangement. The microprocessor, connected to the timer circuit and A-D converter controls the operation of the arrangement. The commonality of usage of the A-D converter, timer circuit, and microprocessor decreases the arrangement's size, cost, and complexity while increasing the arrangement's overall reliability.

Abstract: An electric self-timer device for a camera includes a timer circuit sequentially generating first and second signals, with respective predetermined delays in response to a trigger signal of the device, an oscillator responsive to the trigger signal to generate a first oscillating signal of a predetermined frequency and also responsive to the first signal to generate a second oscillating signal having a frequency distinguishably higher than that of the first oscillating signal, a light emitting diode energized by the first and second oscillating signals, a circuit responsive to the second signal to cease the oscillation or actuation of the oscillator, and an electromagnetic release device also responsive to the second signal to release the camera shutter.

Abstract: A circuit for generating scanning pulses comprising a plurality of stages of basic circuits connected in series, said each basic circuit comprising first, second and third insulated gate field-effect transistors (MISTs) each of which has first and second terminals each being either of source and drain terminals and a gate terminal, said first terminal of said first MIST being used as a clock pulse-applying terminal, said gate terminal of said first MIST being used as an input terminal, said second terminal of said first MIST and said first terminal and said gate terminal of said second MIST being connected and used as a scanning pulse output terminal, said second terminal of said second MIST and said first terminal of said third MIST being connected and used as an output terminal, said second terminal of said third MIST being used as a ground terminal, said gate terminal of said third MIST being used as a feedback input terminal.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device which is horizontally scanned by a discontinuous scanning pulse train, wherein an output signal of the device is integrated by a signal processing circuit which comprises an emitter follower (source follower) circuit and a capacitor disposed in parallel with the emitter follower (source follower) circuit, whereby noise components are canceled so as to derive only a video signal. With this solid-state imaging device, fixed pattern noise can be eliminated, and a good picture quality can be achieved.

Abstract: In a solid-state imaging device having on an identical semiconductor substrate a plurality of photodiodes which are arrayed in two dimensions, vertical and horizontal switching MOSFETs which select the positions of the photodiodes, and vertical and horizontal scanning circuits which provide scanning pulses for controlling the operations of the vertical and horizontal switching MOSFETs; the improvement therein comprising a clamping circuit which is made up of a diode, a MOSFET or the like and which is disposed between the photodiode and a vertical scanning line of the succeeding stage, so that excess charges overflowing the photodiode are drawn out from the vertical scanning line through the clamping circuit, whereby the blooming can be prevented.

Abstract: In camera control circuitry including an exposure control circuit for controlling exposure factor or exposure factors, e.g. exposure time and/or diaphragm aperture, in accordance with an output of a light measuring circuit and further including an electromagnetic means for initiating the camera operation, a delay circuit delays the actuation of the exposure control circuit and the electromagnetic means for a short time period. A power supply circuit for the exposure control circuit, the light measuring circuit, the electromagnetic means and the delay circuit, is closed by the closure of a manually controlled switch and the closing condition of the power supply circuit is maintained through a self-maintaining circuit. When the scene brightness is outside of an available range for the exposure control circuit, a detecting circuit generates an output to make inoperative the delay circuit and the self-maintaining circuit so that the exposure control circuit and the electromagnetic means are not actuated.

Abstract: In a still or motion picture camera including an electric circuit such as a light measuring circuit, an exposure control circuit, a sound recording circuit, or a capstan driving circuit, the shutter release button is provided with a piezo-electric element for developing an electric charge or potential difference when an external pressure is applied thereon. The pressure responsive piezo-electric element is connected in the electric circuit in response to the pressure applied on the pressure responsive element, whereby the electric circuit is enabled prior to the commencement of the exposure.

Abstract: In a photographic camera control circuitry which energizes an electromagnetic means for initiating a camera operation or an exposure sequence, measures brightness of the scene to be photographed and controls exposure time automatically in accordance with the scene brightness measured and stored in a storing device, a sequence control circuit arrangement includes a first energization circuit responsive to a closure of a release or trigger switch to at first energize the light measuring circuit and a delay circuit which outputs a signal after a lapse of given time from the closure of the release switch, and further includes a second energization circuit for energizing the electromagnetic means and an exposure control circuit in response to the signal from the delay circuit.

Abstract: A protective circuit comprises a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) to be protected, and a depletion-type MOSFET the gate and source of which are connected to each other and the souce of which is connected to the gate of the MOSFET to be protected, whereby the protective circuit which is suitable for a high-speed operation is completed.