US4563708A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for controlling storage time in charge storing photoelectric converter
Assignee: Pentax Corp
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Filing: 1984-04-23
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Granted: 1986-01-07
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Expires: 2004-04-23
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for controlling the storage time of light-detecting elements in a photoelectric converter device wherein a correct charge storing time is automatically established. A plurality of monitor light-detecting elements are provided adjacent the light-detecting elements of the photoelectric converter, with each of the monitor light-detecting elements being positioned adjacent and monitoring a group composed of plural ones of the light-detecting elements of the photoelectric converter. When any one of the monitor light-detecting elements has detected a predetermined amount of light, the storage of charge by the light-detecting elements of the photoelectric converter is terminated.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenzo Ishibashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 00:28
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N25/00; H04N25/50; H04N25/53; H04N25/70; H04N25/701
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
In a method for controlling the storage time in a charge storing photoelectric converter, wherein a plurality of monitor light-detecting elements are positioned adjacent to a group of light-detecting elements for receiving reflected light in the photoelectric converter such that the monitor light-detecting elements and their respective adjacent light-detecting elements receive substantially the same reflected light in a substantially identical optic path, the improvement comprising: terminating storage of charge in the group of light-detecting elements when any one of said monitor light-detecting elements has received a predetermined amount of light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
In a method for controlling the storage time in a charge storing photoelectric converter, wherein a plurality of monitor light-detecting elements are positioned adjacent to a group of light-detecting elements for receiving reflected light in the photoelectric converter such that the monitor light-detecting elements and their respective adjacent light-detecting elements receive substantially the same reflected light in a substantially identical optic path, the improvement comprising: terminating storage of charge in the group of light-detecting elements when any one of said monitor light-detecting elements has received a predetermined amount of light.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for controlling the storage time in a charge storing photoelectric converter, comprising: a plurality of monitor light-detecting elements positioned adjacent to a group of light-detecting elements in the photoelectric converter; a plurality of switch elements for applying a constant voltage to respective monitor light-detecting elements when no charge is being stored in the group of light-detecting elements; a plurality of comparator means for comparing terminal voltages of the respective monitor light-detecting elements with a reference voltage lower than said constant voltage while charges are stored in the group of light-detecting elements; and an OR gate producing the logical sum of the outputs from said comparators.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for controlling the storage time in a charge storing photoelectric converter, comprising: a plurality of monitor light-detecting elements positioned adjacent to a group of light-detecting elements in the photoelectric converter; a plurality of switch elements for applying a constant voltage to respective monitor light-detecting elements when no charge is being stored in the group of light-detecting elements; a plurality of comparator means for comparing terminal voltages of the respective monitor light-detecting elements with a reference voltage lower than said constant voltage while charges are stored in the group of light-detecting elements; and an OR gate producing the logical sum of the outputs from said comparators.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
103 words
The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said comparator means comprises: a dark monitor light-detecting element which is shielded from light and has electrical characteristics equivalent to those of the associated monitor light-detecting element; a switch element which, when no charge is being stored in said group of light-detecting elements, supplies said dark monitor light-detecting elements with a predetermined voltage having a value different from said constant voltage; and a comparator for comparing a terminal voltage of said monitor light-detecting element with a terminal voltage of said dark monitor light-detecting element while charge is stored in said group of light-detecting elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
144 words
The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of said comparator means comprises: a dark monitor light-detecting element which is shielded form light and has electrical characteristics equivalent to those of the associated monitor light-detecting element; a comparator comprising an operational amplifier; first switch element means for supplying, when no charge is being stored in said group of light-detecting elements, one input terminal of said comparator with a predetermined voltage having a value lower than said constant voltage; second switch element means for supplying a terminal voltage of said monitor light-detecting element to said one input terminal of said comparator while charges are being stored; and third switch element means for shorting an output terminal and the other input terminal of said comparator while no charge is being stored, said dark monitor light-detecting element being connected to said other input terminal of said comparator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4174528A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-01-06 | 1989-07-08 | 1990-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-01-06 | 1993-07-08 | 1994-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-01-06 | 1997-07-08 | 1998-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |