Abstract: An apparatus for mounting electronic parts and a method of mounting electronic parts capable of effectively performing image capturing at the time of position recognition of the electronic parts. In the apparatus, when images of electronic parts are taken for position recognition of the parts in the mounting of a plurality of the electronic parts held by a mounting head on a circuit board, it is adapted such that pixel signals are output only from specific necessary pixels. More specifically, pixel selecting information for allowing image signals to be selectively output from a plurality of specific pixels of a photodetecting section (10) of a CMOS area sensor is generated based on mounting schedule data (16C) related to a mounting sequence of the electronic parts and part data of the electronic parts stored in data storage (16). A pixel selector (11) is operated in accordance with the pixel selecting information, and thus the image signals are output from the selected specific pixels.

Abstract: When an image object is read using a camera including a line sensor having pixels arrayed in a line, a relative-movement-detecting section detects a movement of a transfer head holding the object in X direction relative to the camera. The detecting section outputs a movement-detecting signal to a camera-controller every time the object moves a given distance corresponding to a scanning space in X direction. The camera-controller controls a pixel-selecting circuit according to the movement-detecting signal and outputs an image signal from pixels selected based on pixel-selecting information. As a result, even if a moving mechanism of the transfer head has an error, a resolution becomes stable and an exact image is obtainable.

Abstract: An image reading device reads an image of an electronic part as an image pickup object with camera 8 having a line sensor. The line sensor comprises a plurality of pixels having a photoelectric transfer element arranged in series. The image reading device selects pixels periodically one by one and outputs image signals. The pixels for outputting image signals are set based on width data of an image pickup area stored on image pickup area storage 10. The image reading device monitors a relative positional relation between the image pickup object and the line sensor using a pulse of encoder 4A, and controls writing of the image signal into an image storage 15 with a storage controller 12 based on length data of the image pickup area. This process can remove uselessness of outputting the image signal from an unnecessary range and storing it, and improve efficient image reading.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting electronic parts and a method of mounting electronic parts capable of effectively performing image capturing at the time of position recognition of the electronic parts. In the apparatus, when images of electronic parts are taken for position recognition of the parts in the mounting of a plurality of the electronic parts held by a mounting head on a circuit board, it is adapted such that pixel signals are output only from specific pixels that are necessary. More specifically, pixel selecting information for allowing image signals to be selectively output from a plurality of specific pixels of photodetecting section 10 of a CMOS area sensor is generated based on mounting schedule data 16C related to a mounting sequence of the electronic parts and part data of the electronic parts stored in data storage 16. Pixel selector 11 is operated in accordance with the pixel selecting information and thus the image signals are output from the selected specific pixels.

Abstract: A microorganism manipulating apparatus that has a low cost and that uses optical trapping to concurrently acquire a plurality of microorganisms, comprises: an optical trapping device, including a single laser beam output unit for emitting a laser beam, an optical system for condensing the laser beam, and a single galvanoscanner for making the laser beam scan and emitting the laser beam to a microorganism to be manipulated to acquire the microorganism; and a multi-trap controller, for controlling a laser output control unit and a galvanoscanner driver so that the optical trap device can concurrently acquire a plurality of microorganisms in a time-sharing manner. With this arrangement, the cost required for equipment of an expensive laser projection system and an expensive scanning/optical system, can be reduced, and inexpensive equipment can be used to perform an efficient microorganism operation.

Abstract: A microorganism manipulating apparatus that has a low cost and that uses optical trapping to concurrently acquire a plurality of microorganisms, comprises: an optical trapping device, including a single laser beam output unit for emitting a laser beam, an optical system for condensing the laser beam, and a single galvanoscanner for making the laser beam scan and emitting the laser beam to a microorganism to be manipulated to acquire the microorganism; and a multi-trap controller, for controlling a laser output control unit and a galvanoscanner driver so that the optical trap device can concurrently acquire a plurality of microorganisms in a time-sharing manner. With this arrangement, the cost required for equipment of an expensive laser projection system and an expensive scanning/optical system, can be reduced, and inexpensive equipment can be used to perform an efficient microorganism operation.

Abstract: When an image object is read using a camera including a line sensor having pixels arrayed in a line, a relative-movement-detecting section detects a movement of a transfer head holding the object in X direction relative to the camera. The detecting section outputs a movement-detecting signal to a camera-controller every time the object moves a given distance corresponding to a scanning space in X direction. The camera-controller controls a pixel-selecting circuit according to the movement-detecting signal and outputs an image signal from pixels selected based on pixel-selecting information. As a result, even if a moving mechanism of the transfer head has an error, a resolution becomes stable and an exact image is obtainable.

Abstract: An image reading device reads an image of an electronic part as an image pickup object with camera 8 having a line sensor. The line sensor comprises a plurality of pixels having a photoelectric transfer element arranged in series. The image reading device selects pixels periodically one by one and outputs image signals. The pixels for outputting image signals are set based on width data of an image pickup area stored on image pickup area storage 10. The image reading device monitors a relative positional relation between the image pickup object and the line sensor using a pulse of encoder 4A, and controls writing of the image signal into an image storage 15 with a storage controller 12 based on length data of the image pickup area. This process can remove uselessness of outputting the image signal from an unnecessary range and storing it, and improve efficient image reading.

Abstract: An image scanner capable of reducing the read time by narrowing the visual field for a small-size electronic component. This image scanner includes a photosensitive element array having a plurality of photosensitive elements arranged in a row which are exposed to light to accumulate charges therein, a shift register for receiving the charges stored in the photosensitive elements and supplying the charges to an output portion, a shift gate for controlling the charges stored in the photosensitive elements to be transferred to the shift register, and a transfer command signal output portion for generating a transfer command signal by which the charges stored in the photosensitive elements are allowed to be transferred to the shift register. In addition, the transfer command signal output portion is able to change the intervals of time at which the transfer command signal is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electronic part includes a reflector located in the rear of an electronic part held by a nozzle on a transferring head, and an image reading device for observing an electronic part held and moved by the transferring head. The image reading device picks up an image from the electronic part. The picked-up image is recognized so as to detect a position of the electronic part with which the motion of the transferring head is controlled. The image reading device includes a line sensor for observing from below the electronic part held by the nozzle of the transferring head, a transmissive illuminating unit for irradiating light onto the reflector so as to make the background of the electronic part bright; a direct illuminating unit for irradiating from below the lower surface of the electronic part passing above the line sensor.

Abstract: A focus detecting device gathers first image data by a couple of linear arrays of photo diodes in a CCD, which are disposed oppositely with respect to an optical axis of an objective, and second image data by a couple of photo diodes arrayed disposed close to one of the photo diode arrays. A CPU calculates a integer part and fractional part of a displacement of first and second images represented by the first image data, and checks if the calculation results are reliable for focus detection, by using the first and second image data. A counter contained in the CPU counts the number of decisions of unreliable. When a count of counter reaches a preset value and when the latest decision of unreliability is made for the integer part calculation result, a subsequent lens drive is prohibited, and the integration by the CCD, and the integer part calculation are repeated, while presenting a display of "Unmeasurable". Further, an additional reliability check is made of the result of the latest integer part calculation.

Abstract: Compensation of a deviation produced in the image forming position of a varifocal lens in consequence of magnification is attained by transforming a compensation amount into a relative amount of movement through arithmetic operation and driving the focusing lens group of the varifocal lens until the actual amount of movement conforms to the value obtained by the transformation.

Abstract: A variable focal lens device having an optical system comprising a variable power lens group and a focusing lens group disposed on one identical optical axis in which a deviation of a focusing position is resulted with an identical object when the focusing lens group is set at a predetermined focusing position from a nearest position to an infinite position on the optical axis corresponding too an object distance from a nearest distance to an infinite distance and then moving the variable power lens group along the optical axis thereby renewing an entire system focal length of the variable power optical system from a first focal length to a second focal length.

Abstract: An auto-focus arithmetic device suitable for use in a photographic camera is provided. The device includes a photographic lens which is movable along a predetermined optical axis and a CCD for detecting light coming from a subject of interest through the lens. An arithmetic unit for determining the direction and amount of movement of the lens with respect to the subject of interest based on a detection signal from the CCD is provided. The arithmetic unit includes an integer portion calculating sub-unit for calculating an integer portion of the detection signal and a fractional portion calculating sub-unit for calculating a fractional portion of the detection signal. The fractional portion calculating sub-unit remains deactivated as long as the detected amount of discrepancy from the in-focus condition is larger than a predetermined level; however, it is activated when the detected amount of discrepancy becomes equal to or less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: An automatic focusing device for use in a camera using photographic lenses having a variable power region in which an entire focal length of a variable power optical system comprising a variable power lens group, a focusing lens group and a macro lens group disposed on an identical optical axis can optionally be set by the variable power lens group between a shortest focal length and a longest focal length, a macro region capable of macro photographing by the macro lens group, a variable power focusing region from an infinite position to a nearest position on the optical axis corresponding to an object distance from an infinite distance to a nearest distance and a macro focusing region capable of macro photographing in a predetermined region disposed from a nearest position on a side opposite to an infinite position.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a motor in a camera including, a motor drive unit for driving the motor in a prescribed sequence, a braking device for applying the brakes on the motor in accordance with the prescribed sequence, and a speed detecting unit for monitoring the speed of the motor and permitting initiation of the next action only after the speed of the motor, in consequence of application of the brakes by the braking device, is brought to a level incapable of obstructing the next action.

Abstract: An automatic focusing control system includes a focus detecting light detector, a rangefinder, a lens driver, a manual range setting unit, a mode setting unit, and a control unit. When a manual mode is selected by the mode setting unit, the control unit applies a lens driving signal from the manual range setting unit to the lens driver unit to drive a lens. When an automatic mode is selected by the mode setting unit, the control unit operates the lens driver unit to drive the lens based on a measured distance at the time distance measurement is possible, applies the lens driving signal from the manual range setting unit to the lens driver unit at the time distance measurement is impossible, and operates the lens driver unit to drive the lens based on the measured distance at the time distance measurement becomes possible from a condition in which distance measurement is impossible.

Abstract: An image signal amplifier circuit includes an amplifier for amplifying an image signal from a focusdetecting self-scanned image sensor, and a monitor photodetector for detecting the brightness of an object to be photographed. The amplification degree of the image signal is controlled by an automatic gain controller in the amplifier based on an output signal from the monitor photodetector so that the image signal as amplified will be of a constant level. An offset voltage is added to an output signal from the amplifier.

Abstract: A charge-coupled device has a plurality of photodiode arrays, a plurality of storage electrodes, a pluratity of shift gates, a plurality of reset terminals, and a plurality of shift terminals, which can be operated at different timings. Object images detected by the charge-coupled device at a certain time interval are compared for camera shake detection.