公开(公告)号：US07209170B2

公开(公告)日：2007-04-24

申请号：US10329464

申请日：2002-12-27

申请人： Naoyuki Nishino ,  Hiroyuki Uchiyama ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Soichiro Kimura

发明人： Naoyuki Nishino ,  Hiroyuki Uchiyama ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Soichiro Kimura

IPC分类号： H04N5/14 ,  H04N5/222 ,  H01L27/00 ,  H01L31/062

CPC分类号： H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/2354 ,  H04N5/3454 ,  H04N5/3456 ,  H04N5/3532 ,  H04N9/045

摘要： In order to reduce the frame rate, when all photodiodes contributing to output of a video signal in a CMOS image sensor must be simultaneously exposed (at the timing of strobe flashing Δts), as in a case where strobe is flashed, readout pixels composing the CMOS type image sensor are thinned such that the number of photodiodes contributing to the video signal outputted from the CMOS type image sensor is reduced. A time period Δtp2 required for processing (of the video signal caused by a row of photodiodes) in an analog processing circuit connected to the succeeding stage of the CMOS type image sensor is shortened, thereby reducing the frame rate.

摘要翻译： 为了降低帧速率，当CMOS图像传感器中有助于输出视频信号的所有光电二极管必须同时被曝光时（在闪光灯闪烁的时刻，Deltats），如闪光灯闪烁的情况那样，组成 CMOS型图像传感器被减薄，使得对从CMOS型图像传感器输出的视频信号有贡献的光电二极管的数量减少。 连接到CMOS型图像传感器的后级的模拟处理电路中处理（由一行光电二极管引起的视频信号）所需的时间段Deltatp2被缩短，从而降低了帧速率。

公开(公告)号：US07064788B2

公开(公告)日：2006-06-20

申请号：US10106492

申请日：2002-03-27

申请人： Yutaka Yoshida ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Naoyuki Nishino

发明人： Yutaka Yoshida ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Naoyuki Nishino

IPC分类号： H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC分类号： H04N5/2354 ,  H04N5/2353

摘要： An electronic camera is provided with an image pickup sensor, a flash repeating an emission of a flashlight plural times according to a light emission timing pulse which repeats plural times, a photographic lens leading photographic light to an image pickup sensor in which the photographic light is composed of external light and a reflected light of a flashlight emitted by the flash, and an MPU generating a light emission timing pulse according to a timing based on a generation timing of an action timing pulse and controlling a timing for emitting a flash light emitted by the flash.

摘要翻译： 电子照相机具有图像拾取传感器，闪光灯根据重复多次的发光定时脉冲多次重复发射手电筒，摄影镜头将照相光引导到摄影传感器，其中照相光是 由外部光和由闪光灯发射的手电筒的反射光组成的MPU，以及根据基于动作定时脉冲的生成定时的定时产生发光定时脉冲的MPU，并且控制发射由 闪光。

公开(公告)号：US06407512B1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-18

申请号：US09710874

申请日：2000-11-14

申请人： Yutaka Yoshida ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Katsumi Motomura ,  Wataru Sasaki ,  Yoshiaki Yamamoto ,  Hiroyuki Uchiyama

发明人： Yutaka Yoshida ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Katsumi Motomura ,  Wataru Sasaki ,  Yoshiaki Yamamoto ,  Hiroyuki Uchiyama

IPC分类号： H05B3700

CPC分类号： H05B41/34 ,  G03B7/16 ,  G03B17/52 ,  G03B19/10

摘要： Flash light is repeatedly emitted in a pulse state by intermittently turning on and off an IGBT. The flash light reflected by a subject is received by a phototransistor to integrate a received light amount with a capacitor. While the IGBT is turned off, a charging voltage of the capacitor is converted to digital data. Based on the obtained data, it is judged whether emitting the flash light is stopped or not.

摘要翻译： 通过间歇地导通和关断IGBT，闪光以脉冲状态重复发射。 由被摄体反射的闪光被光电晶体管接收，以将接收的光量与电容器集成。 当IGBT关断时，电容器的充电电压被转换为数字数据。 基于获得的数据，判断是否停止闪光。

公开(公告)号：US5386263A

公开(公告)日：1995-01-31

申请号：US157436

申请日：1993-11-26

申请人： Takaaki Kotani ,  Seiji Takada ,  Shigenori Goto ,  Tatsuo Saito

发明人： Takaaki Kotani ,  Seiji Takada ,  Shigenori Goto ,  Tatsuo Saito

IPC分类号： G02B7/32 ,  G03B3/00 ,  G03B13/18

CPC分类号： G02B7/32

摘要： A multi-beam type rangefinding method and device uses three LEDs arranged along a line perpendicular to a base line, and a PSD for receiving light reflected from three measurement regions of a photographic scene. In the gain determining procedure, a selected LED emits light at least once. In the rangefinding procedure, it emits light a plurality of times. Light reflected from an object is received by the PSD which outputs two channel signals. The two channel signals are amplified by two gain control amplifiers which are adjusted to have the same gain. The gain is adjusted to be an optimum value for the two channel output signal levels. Upon changing the gain, light projection by a selected LED is stopped until the output of each gain control amplifier becomes stable. If one of the two channel output signals saturates during the rangefinding procedure, the light projection/measurement is repeated at the same gain after a lapse of predetermined delay time. If the number of times when the output signal saturates becomes a predetermined number during the rangefinding procedure, the rangefinding procedure is recommenced.

摘要翻译： 多光束型测距方法和装置使用沿着垂直于基线的线布置的三个LED和用于接收从摄影场景的三个测量区域反射的光的PSD。 在增益确定过程中，所选择的LED至少发光一次。 在测距过程中，多次发光。 从物体反射的光被PSD接收，PSD输出两个通道信号。 两个通道信号由被调整为具有相同增益的两个增益控制放大器放大。 增益被调整为两通道输出信号电平的最佳值。 在改变增益时，所选择的LED的光投影停止，直到每个增益控制放大器的输出稳定。 如果两个通道输出信号之一在测距过程中饱和，则在经过预定的延迟时间之后，以相同的增益重复光投射/测量。 如果在测距过程期间输出信号饱和的次数变为预定数，则重新开始测距过程。

公开(公告)号：US06345153B1

公开(公告)日：2002-02-05

申请号：US09627297

申请日：2000-07-27

申请人： Takaaki Kotani ,  Shuichi Ishii ,  Seimei Ushiro

发明人： Takaaki Kotani ,  Shuichi Ishii ,  Seimei Ushiro

IPC分类号： G03B1300

CPC分类号： G01C3/08 ,  G02B7/32

摘要： There are disclosed a distance measuring equipment capable of performing a distance measurement with greater accuracy suppressing cost up, and a camera. In case of the short distance area and the middle distance area, switches 61 and 62 are set up to the turn-off state, and switch 63 is set up to take the contact 63a side, so that photo-current signals I1 and I2 from PSD 30 are fed to input terminals 41 and 42 to perform a usual ratio arithmetic processing. In case of the long distance area, the switches 61 and 62 are set up to the turn-off state and the turn-on state, respectively, and the switch 63 is set up to take the contact 63b side, so that photo-current signal the I1 and fixed current signal Ir are fed to the input terminals 41 and 42 to perform a ratio arithmetic processing based on the fixed current signal. In case of the longest distance area, the switches 61 and 62 are set up to the turn-on state and the turn-off state, respectively, and the switch 63 is set up to take the contact 63b side to form a first signal transmission path, so that an addition value of the photo-current signals I1 and I2 and the fixed current signal Ir are fed to the input terminals 41 and 42 to perform a ratio arithmetic processing based on light quantity to determine focusing data.

摘要翻译： 公开了能够以更高的精度抑制成本进行距离测量的距离测量设备和照相机。 在短距离区域和中间距离区域的情况下，开关61和62被设置为关断状态，并且设置开关63以接触触点63a侧，使得光电流信号I1和I2从 PSD 30被馈送到输入端子41和42以执行通常的比率运算处理。 在长距离区域的情况下，开关61和62分别被设置为关断状态和导通状态，并且开关63被设置为接触63b侧，使得光电流 信号I1和固定电流信号Ir被馈送到输入端子41和42，以基于固定电流信号执行比率运算处理。 在最长距离区域的情况下，开关61和62分别被设置为导通状态和关断状态，并且开关63被设置为使触点63b侧形成第一信号传输 使得光电流信号I1和I2的附加值和固定电流信号Ir被馈送到输入端子41和42，以基于光量执行比率运算处理以确定聚焦数据。

公开(公告)号：US06285832B1

公开(公告)日：2001-09-04

申请号：US09559541

申请日：2000-04-28

申请人： Shuichi Ishii ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Seimei Ushiro

发明人： Shuichi Ishii ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Seimei Ushiro

IPC分类号： G02B728

CPC分类号： G02B7/32 ,  G01C3/085

摘要： A camera is provided with an SPD and a PSD suitable for implementing a camera capable of enhancing an accuracy of focusing and/or reducing a cost with a small scale of circuit. In the event that a photography is performed at a relatively short distance, a switch is switched by an MPU to offer a low impedance state. An AF-dedicated photo detector circuit determines a distance I1 and I2 obtained through a pair of signal electrodes of the PSD. On the other hand, in case of a relatively long distance, the MPU switches the switch to offer a high impedance state in accordance with distance data representative of the determined distance, so that an AF-dedicated photo detector circuit determines a distance up to the camera subject in accordance with photo-current I3 obtained from one of the signal electrodes of the PSD. In this manner, in the event that a photography is performed at a relatively long distance, there is performed a processing of determining a distance up to the subject in accordance with a total quantity of light.

摘要翻译： 相机配有SPD和PSD，适用于实现能够提高聚焦精度和/或降低小规模电路成本的相机。 在相对较短的距离进行拍摄的情况下，通过MPU切换开关以提供低阻抗状态。 AF专用光电检测器电路确定通过PSD的一对信号电极获得的距离I1和I2。 另一方面，在相对长的距离的情况下，MPU根据表示所确定的距离的距离数据来切换开关以提供高阻抗状态，使得AF专用光电检测器电路确定到 根据从PSD的信号电极之一获得的光电流I3的相机对象。 以这种方式，在相对长的距离进行拍摄的情况下，执行根据总光量确定到被摄体的距离的处理。

公开(公告)号：US5257060A

公开(公告)日：1993-10-26

申请号：US779881

申请日：1991-10-21

申请人： Takaaki Kotani ,  Seiji Takada ,  Shigenori Goto ,  Tatsuo Saito

发明人： Takaaki Kotani ,  Seiji Takada ,  Shigenori Goto ,  Tatsuo Saito

IPC分类号： G02B7/32 ,  G03B13/36

CPC分类号： G02B7/32

摘要： A CPU writes in a RAM various data obtained in a rangefinding procedure, e.g. offset values, gain values, data actually measured using a series of rangefinding LEDs, corresponding distance data obtained from each of the measurement data, and the optimum distance data used for setting a taking lens. When specifying an inspection mode, a microcomputer reads these written data out of the RAM to indicate them on an LCD numerically. Light emitting diode displays output the write data as light signals in intermittent light emission. To correct an error in the mounting position of the rangefinding LEDs, correction data are generated and written beforehand in an erasable ROM.

摘要翻译： CPU在RAM中写入在测距过程中获得的各种数据，例如。 偏移值，增益值，使用一系列测距LED实际测量的数据，从每个测量数据获得的相应距离数据和用于设置拍摄镜头的最佳距离数据。 当指定检查模式时，微型计算机从RAM中读取这些写入的数据，以数字方式在LCD上指示它们。 发光二极管显示器将写入数据作为间歇发光中的光信号输出。 为了校正测距LED的安装位置的错误，校正数据被预先生成并写入可擦除的ROM中。

公开(公告)号：US5148211A

公开(公告)日：1992-09-15

申请号：US600821

申请日：1990-10-22

申请人： Takaaki Kotani ,  Seiji Takada ,  Shigenori Goto ,  Tatsuo Saito

发明人： Takaaki Kotani ,  Seiji Takada ,  Shigenori Goto ,  Tatsuo Saito

IPC分类号： G01S11/12 ,  G01S17/46

CPC分类号： G01S17/46 ,  G01S11/12 ,  G01S7/4814

摘要： A range finding device having a plurality of LEDs for projecting toward a scene to be photographed a plurality of spot beams of light disposed in a horizontal line, and a PSD for receiving light reflected from the object. Two channel signals from the PSD are amplified by gain control amplifiers and converted into digital signals. The two channel digital signals are obtained for each LED, and the ratio between the two digital signals is used for calculating a distance datum. Of a plurality of distance data obtained for respective LEDs, an optimum one is selected. For the calculation of a distance datum, there is used a microcomputer which controls an image taking sequence. The gain of the gain control amplifier is automatically adjusted by the measured data obtained in accordance with pulsed light emitted during the initial period of driving the LED. Digital signals obtained prior to the light emission of the LED are used for calculating an offset correction value. Each LED emits a pulsed light beam at a predetermined interval. An average value of digital signals for the pulsed light beams is used for calculating a distance datum. Several pulsed light beams during the initial period are not used for range finding or gain control. If the gain of the gain control amplifier is not proper, the range finding is interrupted and a distance datum specific to the then-existing gain value is used.

摘要翻译： 一种测距装置，具有多个LED，用于朝向要拍摄的场景投射多个设置在水平线上的点光束;以及PSD，用于接收从物体反射的光。 来自PSD的两通道信号由增益控制放大器放大并转换为数字信号。 对于每个LED获得双通道数字信号，并且使用两个数字信号之间的比率来计算距离数据。 在针对各个LED获得的多个距离数据中，选择最佳的距离数据。 对于距离数据的计算，使用控制图像拍摄序列的微型计算机。 增益控制放大器的增益通过根据在驱动LED的初始周期期间发射的脉冲光获得的测量数据自动调整。 在LED的发光之前获得的数字信号用于计算偏移校正值。 每个LED以预定间隔发射脉冲光束。 用于脉冲光束的数字信号的平均值用于计算距离基准。 初始阶段的几个脉冲光束不用于测距或增益控制。 如果增益控制放大器的增益不正确，则范围查找被中断，并且使用与当时存在的增益值特定的距离数据。

公开(公告)号：US5017955A

公开(公告)日：1991-05-21

申请号：US467134

申请日：1990-01-18

申请人： Takaaki Kotani

发明人： Takaaki Kotani

IPC分类号： G02B7/28 ,  G03B7/16 ,  G03B13/36 ,  G03B15/03 ,  G03B15/05

CPC分类号： G03B7/16

摘要： A camera is provided with a data table memory which stores control data for controlling not only the position of a taking lens but also the aperture size of a program shutter. The data also determines whether a flash unit is to be actuated depending on the subject distance as well as the subject brightness, so that the depth of field and hence the focusable range can be enlarged by stopping down the aperture and using a flash light. The data table memory further stores flash timing data for controlling the timing of flashing of the flash unit.

摘要翻译： 相机设置有数据表存储器，其存储用于不仅控制拍摄镜头的位置的控制数据，而且控制节目快门的光圈大小。 数据还确定是否根据被摄体距离以及被摄体亮度来驱动闪光灯单元，从而可以通过停止光圈并使用闪光灯来增大景深和因此可调焦范围。 数据表存储器还存储用于控制闪光单元的闪烁定时的闪光定时数据。

公开(公告)号：US06516150B1

公开(公告)日：2003-02-04

申请号：US09595015

申请日：2000-06-16

申请人： Shuichi Ishii ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Seimei Ushiro

发明人： Shuichi Ishii ,  Takaaki Kotani ,  Seimei Ushiro

IPC分类号： G03B1336

CPC分类号： G02B7/32

摘要： There is disclosed a distance measuring equipment capable of performing efficiently a greater accuracy of focusing without troubling an operator, and a camera incorporating thereinto such a distance measuring equipment. By the use of the first focusing algorithm switches 61, 62 and 63 set up to the turn-off state, the turn-off state and the contact 62a side, respectively, so that AF-dedicated photo detector circuit 40 performs once a ratio arithmetic processing in accordance with photo-currents I1 and I2 from the PSD 30. In case of the short distance area, they are dealt with as the focusing data. In case of the middle distance area, the ratio arithmetic processing is performed by n times. In case of the long distance area, by the use of the second focusing algorithm switches 61, 62 and 63 set up to the turn-off state, the turn-on state and the contact 62b side, respectively, so that the ratio arithmetic processing is performed in accordance with the photo-current I1 and the constant current Ir from the constant current source 50. In case of the longest distance area, by the use of the third focusing algorithm switches 61, 62 and 63 set up to the turn-on state, the turn-off state and the contact 62b side, respectively, so that the light quantity arithmetic processing is performed in accordance with the additional values of the photo-currents I1 and I2 and the constant current Ir to determine focusing data.

摘要翻译： 公开了一种距离测量设备，其能够有效地执行更高的聚焦精度，而不会使操作者困扰，并且将相机并入其中的这种距离测量设备。 通过使用分别设置为关断状态的第一聚焦算法开关61,62和63，关断状态和接触62a侧，使得AF专用光电检测器电路40执行一次比率算术 根据来自PSD 30的光电流I1和I2进行处理。在短距离区域的情况下，它们被作为聚焦数据处理。 在中间距离区域的情况下，比率算术处理执行n次。 在长距离区域的情况下，通过分别使用设置为截止状态的第二聚焦算法开关61,62和63，导通状态和触点62b侧，使得比率算术处理 根据来自恒流源50的光电流I1和恒定电流Ir进行。在最长距离区域的情况下，通过使用设置为转向电流的第三聚焦算法开关61,62和63， 导通状态，关断状态和触点62b侧，使得根据光电流I1和I2的附加值和恒定电流Ir执行光量算术处理以确定聚焦数据。