US4377742A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image sharpness detecting system
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1980-05-20
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Granted: 1983-03-22
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Expires: 2000-05-20
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is an image sharpness detecting system in which an image formed by an image forming optical system is received by an array of a plurality of optical-electronic transducer elements, and an illumination difference in each individual minute compartment of the above-described image is detected on the basis of the concurrently obtained output signal from a corresponding one of the optical-electronic transducer elements, while all the illumination differences are summed up over the entire area of a sensing region of the above-described image, whereby is obtained a signal representing the degree of sharpness of the image on the above-described array of optical-electronic transducer elements. In this system, the signal representative of the illumination difference in each individual minute compartment of the above-described image is at least non-linearly transformed by utilizing the non-linear characteristics for output versus input of a semiconductor element such as a transistor, and the signal representative of the degree of sharpness of the above-described image is obtained on the basis of the non-linearly transformed signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Takashi Kawabata
- 👤 Kazuya Hosoe
- 👤 Nobuhiko Shinoda
- 👤 Shinji Sakai
- 👤 Takao Kinoshita
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:37
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/28; G03; G03B; G03B3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 94
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image sensing means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) illuminance difference detecting means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance difference in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image sensing means; (C) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means, said signal transforming means having at least one semi-conductor element embodying signal non-linear transformation characteristics, whereby said electrical signals are at least non-linearly transformed by utilizing said semi-conductor; and (D) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
192 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image sensing means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) illuminance difference detecting means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance difference in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image sensing means; (C) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means, said signal transforming means having at least one semi-conductor element embodying signal non-linear transformation characteristics, whereby said electrical signals are at least non-linearly transformed by utilizing said semi-conductor; and (D) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor element in said signal transforming means is a transistor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 2, wherein said transistor is a field effect transistor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system according to claim 3, wherein said field effect transistor is equipped with signal square transformation characteristics, and said signal transforming means utilizes said field effect transistor in non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signal provided by said illuminance difference detecting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 4, wherein said field effect transistor has a MOS (Metal Oxide Semi-conductor) structure.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
87 words
A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: transformation control means for controlling signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means, said transformation control means controlling the signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to perform different transformation between those of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means which correspond to a predetermined detection region of the area of said image and the other electrical signals which correspond to the outside of said prescribed detection region.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system according to claim 6, wherein said transformation control means controls the signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means so that the output of said signal transforming means for the signals corresponding to the outside of said predetermined detection region becomes substantially zero.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system according to claim 7, wherein said transformation control means controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to further differ the non-linear transformation of the signals corresponding to the said predetermined detection region with different positions of the individual minute image compartments within said prescribed detection region.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system according to claim 8, wherein said transformation control means controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to give a higher emphasis to the signals corresponding to a central portion of said predetermined detection region than to the signals corresponding to the marginal portion of said prescribed detection region.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 7, wherein said transformation control means has means sensible to the change of ambient temperature, and controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for th signals corresponding to at least said predetermined detection region to further accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system according to claim 6, wherein said transformation control means controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to further differ the non-linear transformation of the signals corresponding to the said predetermined detection region with different positions of the individual minute image compartments within said prescribed detection region.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system according to claim 11, wherein said transformation control means controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to give a higher emphasis to the signals corresponding to a central portion of said predetermined detection region than to the signals corresponding to the marginal portion of said prescribed detection region.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 12, wherein said transformation control means has means sensible to the change of ambient temperature, and controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for the signals corresponding to at least said predetermined detection region to further accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive element.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 11, wherein said transformation control means has means sensible to the change of ambient temperature, and controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for the signals corresponding to at least said predetermined detection region to further accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive element.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 11, wherein said transformation control means has means sensible to the change of ambient temperature, and controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of siad signal transforming means for the signals corresponding to at least said predetermined detection region to further accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive element.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
87 words
A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: transformation control means for controlling the signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means, said transformation control means controlling the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to differ non-linear transformation of those of the signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means which correspond to a predetermined detection region for said image with respect to the different positions of the individual minute image compartments within said predetermined detection region.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system according to claim 16, wherein said transformation control means controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to give a higher emphasis to the signals corresponding to a central portion of said predetermined detection region than to the signals corresponding to the marginal portion of said prescribed detection region.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 17, wherein said transformation control means has means sensible to the change of ambient temperature, and controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for the signals corresponding to at least said predetermined detection region to further accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 16, wherein said transformation control means has means sensible to the change of ambient temperature, and control the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for the signals corresponding to at least said predetermined detection region to further accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive element.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
80 words
A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: transformation control means for controlling the signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means, said transformation control means having means sensible to the change of ambient temperature and controlling the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for the electrical signal provided by said iluminance difference detecting means to accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said illuminance difference detecting means is constructed in the form of a differentiation circuit means comprising, in combination, a condenser and a resistor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
79 words
A system according to claim 21, further comprising: differentiating operation control means for controlling the signal differentiating operation of said differentiation circuit means, said differentiating operation control means rendering operative said differentiation circuit means in only a time when those of the outputs from said image sensing means which correspond to a predetermined detection region previously set to said image are applied to said differentiation circuit means, and rendering substantially inoperative said differentiation circuit means except in that time.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
50 words
A system according to claim 20, wherein said differentiation circuit means is arbitrarily adjustable in its differentiation constant, and said system further including: differentiation constant adjusting means for adjusting the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the various optical factors of said image forming optical means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 23, wherein said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said optical means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the aperture ratio of said image forming optical means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system according to claim 24, wherein said image forming optical means is equipped with diaphragm means capable of arbitrarily adjusting the size of opening thereof, and said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said diaphragm means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the size of opening of said diaphragm means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system according to claim 23, wherein said image forming optical means is equipped with diaphragm means capable of arbitrarily adjusting the size of opening thereof, and said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said diaphragm means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the size of opening of said diaphragm means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
110 words
A system according to claim 1, further comprising: image signal level adjusting means provided between said image sensing means and said illuminance difference detecting means to adjust the level of the image signal to be applied to said illuminance difference detecting means, said image signal level adjusting means receptive of the output of said image sensing means for adding its electrical signals for every desired number of consecutive elements in said array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements to produce signals which are then applied to said illuminance difference detecting means, whereby the level of the image signal to be applied to said illuminance difference detecting means is adjusted.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 27, further comprising: addition control means responsive to the level of output of said image sensing means for controlling the number of radiation sensitive elements whose electrical signals are added together in said image signal level adjusting means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
58 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said radiation sensitive elements in said image sensing means are signal integration and storing type radiation sensitive elements, and said system further comprising: integration time control means for controlling the signal integration time of said radiation sensitive elements on the basis of the illuminance of said image on said image-sensing means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 29, wherein said integration time control means is arranged to control said signal integration time on the basis of the level of output of said image-sensing means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system according to claim 30, wherein said integration time control means is arranged upon comparison of the level of output of said-image sensing means with a predetermined standard level to control said signal integration time based on said comparison result.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
107 words
A system according to claim 31, wherein said image-sensing means further comprises signal output means for putting out the electrical signals of said respective radiation sensitive elements in a time-seriated manner, and said system further comprising: standard level setting means for obtaining said predetermined standard level through said signal output means in said image-sensing means, and wherein said integration time control means is arranged upon comparison of the level of output of said image-sensing means with said predetermined standard level obtained through said signal output means in said image sensing means by said standard level setting means to control said integration time based on said comparison result.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
67 words
A system according to claim 31, wherein said integration time control means comprises: peak detecting means for detecting the peak level of output of said image sensing means; comparing means for comparing the peak level detected by said peak detecting means with a predetermined standard level; and integration time adjusting means for adjusting the said signal integration time based on the comparison result of said comparing means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
100 words
A system according to claim 33, wherein said image sensing means further comprises signal output means for putting out the electrical signals of said respective radiation sensitive elements in a time-seriated manner, and said system further comprising: standard level setting means for obtaining said predetermined standard level through said signal output means in said image sensing means, and wherein said comparing means in said integration time control means compares said peak level detected by said peak detecting means with said predetermined standard level obtained through said signal output means in said image sensing means by said standard level setting means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
74 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said image sharpness output means comprises signal integrating means for integrating those of the electrical signals non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed by said signal transforming means which correspond to a predetermined detection region previously set to said image; said image sharpness output means provides said output representing said image sharpness on said image sensing means on the basis of the integration signal of said signal integrating means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
89 words
A system according to claim 35, wherein said image sharpness detecting means further comprises: integration control means for causing the integration signal of said signal integrating means to damp at a rate having a predetermined characteristic; and wherein said image sharpness output means provides said output representing the sharpness of said image on said image sensing means on the basis of the time measured from the start of damping of the integration signal of said signal integrating means and necessary for said integration signal to attain a predetermined level.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
236 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image-sensing means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) illuminance difference detecting means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance differences in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means; (C) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means; (D) transformation control means for controlling the signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means, said transformation control means controlling the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to differ non-linear transformation of those of the signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means which correspond to a predetermined detection region previously set to said image with respect to the different positions of the individual minute image compartments within said predetermined detection region; and (E) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
236 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image-sensing means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) illuminance difference detecting means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance differences in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means; (C) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means; (D) transformation control means for controlling the signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means, said transformation control means controlling the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to differ non-linear transformation of those of the signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means which correspond to a predetermined detection region previously set to said image with respect to the different positions of the individual minute image compartments within said predetermined detection region; and (E) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system according to claim 37, wherein said transformation control means controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means so as to give a higher emphasis to the signals corresponding to a central portion of said prescribed detection region than to the signals corresponding to the marginal portion of said prescribed detection region.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
63 words
A system according to claim 37 or 38, wherein said transformation control means has means sensible to the change of ambient temperature, and controls the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for the signals corresponding to at least said prescribed detection region to further accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive element.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
228 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image-sensing means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) illuminance difference detecting means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance differences in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means; (C) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means; (D) transformation control means for controlling the signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means, said transformation control means having means sensible to the change of ambient temperature and controlling the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for the electrical signal provided by said illuminance difference detecting means to accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive means; and (E) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
228 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image-sensing means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) illuminance difference detecting means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance differences in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means; (C) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means; (D) transformation control means for controlling the signal transforming operation of said signal transforming means, said transformation control means having means sensible to the change of ambient temperature and controlling the signal non-linear transforming operation of said signal transforming means for the electrical signal provided by said illuminance difference detecting means to accord with the ambient temperature on the basis of the output of said temperature sensitive means; and (E) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
228 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image sensing-means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) differentiating circuit means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance difference in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means; (C) differentiating operation control means for controlling the signal differentiating operation of said differentiation circuit means, said differentiating operation conrol means rendering operative said differentiation circuit means in only a time when those of the outputs from said image-sensing means which correspond to a predetermined detection region previously set to said image are applied to said differentiation circuit means and rendering substantially inoperative said differentiation circuit means except in that time. (D) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said differentiation circuit means; and (E) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
228 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image sensing-means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) differentiating circuit means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance difference in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means; (C) differentiating operation control means for controlling the signal differentiating operation of said differentiation circuit means, said differentiating operation conrol means rendering operative said differentiation circuit means in only a time when those of the outputs from said image-sensing means which correspond to a predetermined detection region previously set to said image are applied to said differentiation circuit means and rendering substantially inoperative said differentiation circuit means except in that time. (D) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said differentiation circuit means; and (E) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
50 words
A system according to claim 41, wherein said differentiation circuit means is arbitrarily adjustable in its differentiation constant, and said system further comprising: differentiation constant adjusting means for adjusting the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the various optical factors of said image forming optical means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 42, wherein said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said optical means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the aperture ratio of said image forming optical means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
64 words
A system according to claim 42 or 43, wherein said image forming optical means is equipped with diaphragm means capable of arbitrarily adjusting the size of opening thereof, and said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said diaphragm means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the size of opening of said diaphragm means.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
194 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image sensing-means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiation incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) differentiating circuit means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance difference in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means, said differentiation circuit means having its differentiation constant arbitrarily adjustable; (C) differentiation constant adjusting means for adjusting the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the aperture ratio of said image forming optical means; (D) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said differentiation circuit means; and (E) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
194 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image sensing-means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiation incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) differentiating circuit means for providing electrical signals representing illuminance difference in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means, said differentiation circuit means having its differentiation constant arbitrarily adjustable; (C) differentiation constant adjusting means for adjusting the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the aperture ratio of said image forming optical means; (D) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said differentiation circuit means; and (E) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 45, wherein said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said optical means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the aperture ratio of said image forming optical means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
64 words
A system according to claim 45 or 46, wherein said image forming optical means is equipped with diaphragm means capable of arbitrarily adjusting the size of opening thereof, and said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said diaphragm means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the size of opening of said diaphragm means.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
272 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image sensing means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiation incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) illuminance difference detecting means for providing electrical signal representing illuminance difference in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means; (C) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means; and (D) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means, said image sharpness output means comprising signal integrating means for integrating those of the electrical signals non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed by said signal transforming means which correspond to a predetermined detection region previously set to said image; and integration control means for causing the integration signal of said signal integrating means to damp at a rate having a predetermined characteristic whereby said image sharpness output means provides said output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means on the basis of the time measured from the start of damping of the integration signal of said signal integrating means and necessary for said integration signal to attain a predetermined level.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
272 words
A system for detecting the sharpness of an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image sensing means for sensing the image formed by said optical means, said image-sensing means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiation incident thereon, and said image-sensing means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) illuminance difference detecting means for providing electrical signal representing illuminance difference in the individual minute compartments of said image based on the output of said image-sensing means; (C) signal transforming means for non-linear transformation and absolute-value transformation of the electrical signals provided by said illuminance difference detecting means; and (D) image sharpness output means for providing an output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means based on the non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed electrical signals by said signal transforming means, said image sharpness output means comprising signal integrating means for integrating those of the electrical signals non-linearly transformed and absolute-value transformed by said signal transforming means which correspond to a predetermined detection region previously set to said image; and integration control means for causing the integration signal of said signal integrating means to damp at a rate having a predetermined characteristic whereby said image sharpness output means provides said output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means on the basis of the time measured from the start of damping of the integration signal of said signal integrating means and necessary for said integration signal to attain a predetermined level.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
175 words
A system for scanning an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image scanning means for scanning the image formed by said optical means, said image scanning means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image scanning means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; and (B) image signal level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the image signal obtained by the output of said image scanning means, said image signal level adjusting means receptive of the output of said image scanning means for adding its electrical signals for every arbitrary number of consecutive elements in said array of the plurality of radiation sensitive elements in said image scanning means to produce output signals, whereby said added signals are produced as said image signal to adjust the level of said image signal given on the basis of the output of said image scanning means.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
175 words
A system for scanning an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image scanning means for scanning the image formed by said optical means, said image scanning means having an array of a plurality of radiation sensitive elements, the individual elements producing electrical signals corresponding to the radiations incident thereon, and said image scanning means having as its output to provide the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; and (B) image signal level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the image signal obtained by the output of said image scanning means, said image signal level adjusting means receptive of the output of said image scanning means for adding its electrical signals for every arbitrary number of consecutive elements in said array of the plurality of radiation sensitive elements in said image scanning means to produce output signals, whereby said added signals are produced as said image signal to adjust the level of said image signal given on the basis of the output of said image scanning means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 49, further comprising: addition control means responsive to the level of output of said image scanning means for controlling the number of radiation sensitive elements whose electrical signals are added together in said image signal level adjusting means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 49 or 50, wherein said radiation sensitive elements in said image scanning means are signal integration and storing type radiation sensitive elements, and said system further comprising: integration time control means for controlling the signal integration time of said radiation sensitive elements on the basis of the illuminance of said image on said image scanning means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system according to claim 51, wherein said integration time control means is arranged to control said signal integration time on the basis of the level of output of said image scanning means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system according to claim 52, wherein said integration time control means is arranged upon comparison of the level of output of said image scanning means with a predetermined standard level to control said signal integration time based on said comparison result.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
109 words
A system according to claim 53, wherein said image scanning means further comprises signal output means for putting out the electrical signals of said respective radiation sensitive elements in a time-seriated manner, and said system further comprising: standard level setting means for obtaining said predetermined standard level through said signal output means in said image scanning means, and wherein said integration time control means is arranged upon comparison of the level of output of said image-sensing means with said predetermined standard level obtained through said signal output means in said image scanning means by said standard level setting means to control said integration time based on said comparison result.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
67 words
A system according to claim 53, wherein said integration time control means comprises: peak detecting means for detecting the peak level of output of said image scanning means; comparing means for comparing the peak level detecting by said peak detecting means with a predetermined standard level; and integration time adjusting means for adjusting the said signal integration time based on the comparison result of said comparing means.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
100 words
A system according to claim 55, wherein said image scanning means further comprises signal output means for putting out the electrical signals of said respective radiation sensitive elements in a time-seriated manner, and said system further comprising: standard level setting means for obtaining said predetermined standard level through said signal output means in said image scanning means, and wherein said comparing means in said integration time control means compared said peak level detected by said peak detecting means with said predetermined standard level obtained through said signal output means in said image scanning means by said standard level setting means.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for scanning an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image scanning means for scanning the image formed by said image forming optical means, said image scanning means comprising: a plurality of signal integrating and storing type radiation sensitive elements, each element providing an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of incident radiation integrated; and signal output means for putting out the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) standard level setting means for obtaining a standard level through said signal output means in said image scanning means; and (C) integration time control means for controlling the signal integration time of said radiation sensitive elements in said image scanning means, said integration time control means comparing the level of output of said image scanning means with said standard level obtained by said standard level setting means through said signal output means in said image scanning means and controlling said signal integration time based on said comparison result.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for scanning an image formed by an image forming optical means, comprising: (A) image scanning means for scanning the image formed by said image forming optical means, said image scanning means comprising: a plurality of signal integrating and storing type radiation sensitive elements, each element providing an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of incident radiation integrated; and signal output means for putting out the electrical signals of the respective elements in a time-seriated manner; (B) standard level setting means for obtaining a standard level through said signal output means in said image scanning means; and (C) integration time control means for controlling the signal integration time of said radiation sensitive elements in said image scanning means, said integration time control means comparing the level of output of said image scanning means with said standard level obtained by said standard level setting means through said signal output means in said image scanning means and controlling said signal integration time based on said comparison result.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
66 words
A system according to claim 57, wherein said integration time control means comprises: peak detecting means for detecting the peak level of output of said image scanning means; comparing means for comparing the peak level detected by said peak detecting means with a predetermined standard level; and integration time adjusting means for adjusting said signal integration time based on the comparison result of said comparing means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 36, wherein said damping rate has a characteristic such that the rate is constant with respect to the change in time.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 36, wherein said damping rate has a characteristic such that the rate varies in dependence upon the change in time.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 48, wherein said damping rate has a characteristic such that the rate is constant with respect to the change in time.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 48, wherein said damping rate has a characteristic such that the rate varies in dependence upon the change in time.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 60, wherein said integration control means is arranged to exponentially damp said integration signal of said signal integrating means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
94 words
A system according to claim 36 or 37 or 59 or 60, wherein said image sharpness output means further comprises: digitalizing means for converting said time measured from the start of damping of the integration signal of said signal integrating means and necessary for said integration signal to attain a predetermined level to a corresponding number of pulses; and said image sharpness output means provides said output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means on the basis of the output of said digitalizing means in the form of a digital word.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system according to claim 64, wherein said signal integrating means is a dual-slope integrating means, said dual-slope integrating means having first and second slope modes, whereby when in said first slope mode, the signal corresponding to said predetermined detection region is integrated, and when in said second slope mode, said integration signal is reverse-integrated as is damping at said damping rate.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system according to claim 36 or 63 or 59 or 60, wherein said signal integrating means is a dual-slope integrating means, said dual-slope integrating means having first and second slope modes, whereby when in said first slope mode, the signal corresponding to said predetermined direction region is integrated, and when in said second slope mode, said integration signal is reverse-integrated as is damping at said damping rate.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 62, wherein said integration control means is arranged to exponentially damp said integration signal of said signal integrating means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
94 words
A system according to claim 48 or 67 or 61 or 62, wherein said image sharpness output means further comprises: digitalizing means for converting said time measured from the start of damping of the integration signal of said signal integrating means, and necessary for said integration signal to attain a predetermined level to a corresponding number of pulses; and said image sharpness output means provides said output representing the sharpness of said image on said image-sensing means on the basis of the output of said digitalizing means in the form of a digital word.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system according to claim 68, wherein said signal integrating means is a dual-slope integrating means, said dual-slope integrating means having first and second slope modes, whereby when in said first slope mode, the signal corresponding to said predetermined detection region is integrated, and when in said second slope mode, said integration signal is reverse-integrated as is damping at said damping rate.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
67 words
A system according to claim 48 or 67 or 61 or 62, wherein said signal integrating means is dual-slope integrating means, said dual-slope integrating means having first and second slope modes, whereby when in said first slope mode, the signal corresponding to said predetermined detection region is integrated, and when in said second slope mode, said integration signal is reverse-integrated as is damping at said damping rate.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
55 words
A system according to claim 48 or 61 or 62 or 67, wherein said image sharpness output means further comprises: comparing means for comparing the integration signal of said signal integration means with said predetermined level to detect whether the integration signal attains the predetermined level at the time of damping of the integration signal.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 71, wherein said image sharpness output means further comprises: compensating means for compensating for the offset voltage of said signal integration means and said comparing means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 72, wherein said compensating means includes: a memory element for memorizing, as an offset compensation signal, the output of the comparing means at the time of resetting the signal integration means.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system according to claim 72, wherein said signal integration means includes a memory element for memorizing the integration signal; and said compensating means includes a feed-back circuit for providing said memory element in the signal integration means with the output of the comparing means at the time of resetting the signal integrating means.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system according to claim 69, wherein said image sharpness output means further comprises: comparing means for comparing the integration signal of said signal integration means with said predetermined level to detect whether the integration signal attains the predetermined level at the time of damping of the integration signal.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 75, wherein said image sharpness output means further comprises: compensating means for compensating for the offset voltage of said signal integrating means and said comparing means.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 76, wherein said compensating means includes: a memory element for memorizing, as an offset compensation signal, the output of the comparing means at the time of resetting the signal integration means.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system according to claim 76, wherein said signal integration means includes a memory element for memorizing the integration signal; and said compensating means includes a feed-back circuit for providing said memory element in the signal integration means with the output of the comparing means at the time of resetting the signal integrating means.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system according to claim 70, wherein said image sharpness output means further comprises: comparing means for comparing the integration signal of said signal integration means with said predetermined level to detect whether the integration signal attains the predetermined level at the time of damping of the integration signal.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 79, wherein said image sharpness output means further comprises: compensating means for compensating for the offset voltage of said signal integration means and said comparing means.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 80, wherein said compensating means includes: a memory element for memorizing, as an offset compensation signal, the output of the comparing means at the time of resetting the signal integration means.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system according to claim 81, wherein said signal integration means includes a memory element for memorizing the integration signal; and said compensating means includes a feed-back circuit for providing said memory element in the signal integration means with the output of the comparing means at the time of resetting the signal integrating means.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
50 words
A system according to claim 21, wherein said differentiation circuit means is arbitrarily adjustable in its differentiation constant, and said system further including: differentiation constant adjusting means for adjusting the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the various optical factors of said image forming optical means.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as in claim 83, wherein said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said optical means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the aperture ratio of said image forming optical means.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
64 words
A system as in claim 84, wherein said image forming optical means is equipped with diaphragm means capable of arbitrarily adjusting the size of the opening thereof, and said differentiation constant adjusting means is operatively related to said diaphragm means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the size of the opening of said diaphragm means.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
64 words
A system as in claim 83, wherein said image forming optical means is equipped with diaphragm means capable of arbitrarily adjusting the size of the opening thereof, and said differentiation constant adjustment means is operatively related to said diaphragm means so as to adjust the differentiation constant of said differentiation circuit means in accordance with the size of the opening of said diaphragm means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-03-21 | 1986-09-20 | 1987-03-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-03-21 | 1990-09-20 | 1991-03-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-03-21 | 1994-09-20 | 1995-03-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |