Abstract: A comparator in an AD conversion part performs, under the control of reading part, a first comparison processing outputting a digitized first comparison result signal with respect to a voltage signal corresponding to an overflow charge overflowing from a PD1 to an FD1 in an integration period and a second comparison processing outputting a digitized second comparison result signal with respect to a voltage signal corresponding to a accumulated charge of the PD1 transferred to the FD1 in a transfer period after the integration period and, in the first comparison processing, starts an AD conversion processing comparing the voltage signal of the output buffer part and the reference voltage and outputting the digitized comparison result signal with a delay from the starting time of the first comparison processing. The comparator lowers a power consumption and suppresses an influence of a dark current of the FD and deterioration of an image.

Abstract: A comparator in an AD conversion part performs, under the control of reading part, a first comparison processing outputting a digitized first comparison result signal with respect to a voltage signal corresponding to an overflow charge overflowing from a PD1 to an FD1 in an integration period and a second comparison processing outputting a digitized second comparison result signal with respect to a voltage signal corresponding to a accumulated charge of the PD1 transferred to the FD1 in a transfer period after the integration period and, in the first comparison processing, starts an AD conversion processing comparing the voltage signal of the output buffer part and the reference voltage and outputting the digitized comparison result signal with a delay from the starting time of the first comparison processing. The comparator lowers a power consumption and suppresses an influence of a dark current of the FD and deterioration of an image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for obtaining electrical characteristics and moisture content of dried objects having different shapes and sizes through impedance and electrostatic capacity measurements are provided. Measuring the moisture content of dried objects comprises the steps of: introducing dried objects of different sizes and shapes into a container, inserting four electrode terminals into the container, measuring electrical characteristics between two electrodes based on the dried objects and inputting measurement results into a high impedance voltmeter. An apparatus is provided comprising: a container for accommodating dried objects having different sizes and shapes, four electrode terminals inserted into the container, an AC signal having a predetermined voltage to be applied to the terminals, and a high impedance voltmeter for measuring and receiving electrical characteristics between two terminals based on the dried objects.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide means for measuring electric characteristics of dried objects having different shapes and characters, and means which, by measuring an impedance and an electrostatic capacity, non-destructively and high accurately measures a moisture content of the dried objects of different shapes and characters, using an appropriate regression manner. In detail, this invention is to provide a method of non-destructively measuring a moisture content of dried objects, comprising the steps of: introducing dried objects having different characters and shapes into a predetermined container; inserting four electrode terminals into the container; measuring electrical characteristics between two electrodes based on the dried objects and inputting measurement results into a high impedance voltmeter; and non-destructively measuring the moisture content of the dried objects.