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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT
This invention relates to a still video camera, particularly to a still
video camera capable of reproducing a photographed image at a
photographing spot with the use of a printer or TV.
There has been conventionally known a still video camera which converts a
light image into an electric signal with the use of a photoelectric
conversion element and stores image information electrically. An image
photographed by this still video camera can be readily reproduced any time
after the photographing operation with the use of a TV reproduction device
or a printer. In view of this, it has been recently designed to produce a
multifunction still video camera with a TV reproduction device, a printer
or like device provided therein so as to increase added value thereof and
attain higher quality.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-189785 discloses
a still video camera provided with a built-in printer and a roll of
recording sheet therein and capable of printing a stored image on the
recording sheet. Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-204575
discloses a still video camera including a reproduction/display unit
removably attachable to a camera main body in which a stored image can be
reproduced in the reproduction/display unit.
Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-26771 discloses a
thermal printing device having two print modes of the sublimation type and
the melt-out type, the print mode being changeable one over the other, in
which a color image is printed in the selected print mode.
In the camera provided with a printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 or
commercially available, one type of print mode, for example, a thermal
transfer mode, is adopted. However, this camera neither teaches a concept
of changing a print mode from one to the other, nor has a construction for
that purpose accordingly.
The thermal printing device disclosed in JPP No. 2-26771 is capable of
printing mainly the color image of a computer, and is not directly
pertinent to a camera. Accordingly, the device has no such a construction
as to be incorporated into the camera.
Also, the above thermal printing device having two changeable print modes
is only capable of selecting a recording sheet corresponding to an ink
ribbon mounted thereto, or displaying an indication indicative of the
absence of a recording sheet in the case where the corresponding recording
sheet is not mounted therein. However, this device does not determine
compatibility of the ink ribbon and the recording sheet.
The camera provided with a printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 or
commercially available prints the photographed image on the rolled
recording sheet provided in the camera.
However, this camera does not have a printer whose construction allows the
photographed image to be printed on an external recording sheet.
It is convenient to provide a printer capable of printing the image also on
the external recording sheet in a camera main body since various print
modes can be used depending on the applications. However, in the printer
capable of printing the image on the external recording sheet, in the case
where the recording sheet is not placed properly relative to a printer
head, a printing position may be dislocated. Particularly, in case of
color printing, respective color images may not be superimposed properly
one over another.
Further, if a printer is capable of printing a stored image freely on plain
paper of an unspecified size, it will increase readiness for confirmation
and easy recording of photographed images, and recording sheet costs can
be reduced, thereby further improving convenience of a printing function
of a camera provided with a built-in printer. However, in the camera
provided with a printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 or commercially
available, the photographed image is recorded on the rolled recording
sheet provided in the camera, and therefore the type and the size of
recording sheet is subject to limitation. Further, in the case where a
melting transfer print mode is adopted, the image can be printed on plain
paper. However, in the existing camera provided with a built-in printer,
the recording sheet in use is limited to a rolled sheet of a specified
size, and accordingly the image cannot be printed freely on plain paper of
an unspecified size.
Moreover, some of the cameras provided with a built-in printer include a
storage capacity for storing image data for one frame and a printer for
printing the stored image any time. Some include a memory capable of
storing image data for a plurality of frames and a printer for printing
the desired stored image(s) when it is necessary.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-868 discloses a digital still
camera including a semiconductor memory for storing a plurality of frames
of photographed images.
Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-21482 discloses a
still image transfer system in which a plurality of still images are read
out of a first storage medium and outputted to TV as a multi-image on a
picture screen, from which desired still images are selected, and the
selected still images are transferred from the first storage medium to
another one.
The camera provided with a built-in printer disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785
is capable of storing the image data only for one frame, and therefore
cannot output a multi-image.
The digital still camera disclosed in JPP No. 64-868 includes the
semiconductor memory for storing image data for more than one frame.
However, this camera is not provided with a printer for printing the
images stored in the memory.
Further, the above still image transfer system is designed to facilitate
transfer of the stored images from one storage medium to the other, and
does not relate to a camera provided with a built-in printer capable of
printing the photographed image.
It has been considered to provide peripheral devices such as a printer
unit, a TV reproduction unit, and a CRT display unit in a main body of a
still video camera in order to produce a multifunction camera. However,
this makes the camera larger and heavier, which in turn reduces
operability of the camera during the photographing operation. Also, there
are a variety of reproduction devices for reproducing the stored images.
However, it is uneconomical to provide such devices which are not normally
in use. Accordingly, in a still video camera, it is more practical to form
an image forming function, TV reproduction function, display function, and
printing function into respective units which can be generally and widely
used, and combine some of these units according to needs to be systemized
into a camera.
The still video camera disclosed in JPP No. 61-189785 is a camera provided
integrally with a printer, and does not teach a concept of forming a
systematic camera from units. Also, in JPP No. 1-204575, the display
function is formed into the display unit removably attachable to the
camera main body. However, this document neither teaches formation of the
printing function into a unit, nor indicates a concept of systemizing the
still video camera.
In a still video camera, a photographed image is converted into an electric
signal and stored in a storage medium electrically or magnetically,
obviating the need for providing a film take-up device as in a silver-salt
camera. Therefore, an interior of the camera can be designed more freely.
In a still video camera disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication No. 1-186069, an external recording medium mounting portion is
provided between an image forming section, in which an optical system of
the camera is arranged, and a release section, in which operation buttons
and the like of the camera are arranged. It is thereby designed to make
the camera smaller-sized and utilize the space in the camera main body
effectively.
In the case where a printer of the thermal transfer type or heat sensitive
type is incorporated into the still video camera, the image forming
section is adversely affected by the heat generated from a printer head at
the time of printing. Accordingly, it is preferable to provide the image
forming section including a photoelectric conversion element as far away
from the printer as possible.
However, in the still video camera with the built-in printer disclosed in
JPP No. 61-189785, the printer section is provided below the image forming
section. This suggests the likelihood that the image forming section is
adversely affected by the heat generated from the printer section, and
thereby the photographed image is deteriorated.
Further, in the camera disclosed in JPP No. 1-186069, the image forming
section and the release section are spaced away from each other by
providing the external recording medium mounting portion therebetween.
However, this arrangement is designed only to utilize the space in the
camera main body effectively. This document does not disclose any
arrangement in order to solve the aforementioned drawback in the case
where the printer is provided internally in the camera main body.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a still video camera
which has overcome the foregoing drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a camera of the present invention comprises means for
photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image
of the object, said printing means having a plurality of selectable
printing modes, image data provision means for respectively processing the
photographed image to a plurality of sorts of image data corresponding to
the plurality of selectable printing modes and supplying the image data to
said printing means, selection means for selecting a desired printing mode
of said printing means, and controller means responsive to said selection
means for controlling said image data provision means so as to provide the
sort of image data suitable for the selected printing mode to said
printing means.
Also, a camera of the present invention comprises means for photographing
an object, printing means for printing a photographed image of the object,
said printing means having a plurality of selectable printing modes, paper
feeder means for feeding print paper to said printing means, selection
means for selecting a desired printing mode of said printing means, and
controller means responsive to said selection means for controlling said
paper feeder means so as to feed the print paper under a feeding condition
suitable to the selected printing mode.
Further, a camera of the present invention comprises means for
photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image
of the object, said printing means having a first portion for carrying an
ink ribbon, a second portion for carrying print paper, and a plurality of
printing modes, first detector means for detecting whether an ink ribbon
is carried or not, second detector means for detecting whether print paper
is carried or not, and determining means for determining a printing mode
based on the detection result of said first and second detector means.
Furthermore, a camera of the present invention comprises means for
photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image
of the object, said printing means having a first portion for carrying an
ink ribbon, a second portion for carrying print paper, and a plurality of
printing modes, first detector means for detecting what kind of ink ribbon
is carried by the first portion, second detector means for detecting what
kind of print paper is carried by the second portion, and determining
means for determining a printing mode based on the detection result of
said first and second detector means.
Moreover, a camera of the present invention comprises means for
photographing an object, printing means for printing a photographed image
of the object, said printing means having a first portion for carrying an
ink ribbon, a second portion for carrying print paper, and a plurality of
printing modes, first detector means for detecting what kind of ink ribbon
is carried by the first portion, second detector means for detecting what
kind of print paper is carried by the second portion, discriminating means
for discriminating what combination of ink ribbon and print paper is
carried by said printing means based on the detection result of said first
and second detector means, and controller means responsive to said
discriminating means for controlling said printing means.
A camera system according to another aspect of the present invention has a
photographing portion including a taking lens and photoelectric conversion
elements to pick up an image of an object and generate corresponding image
data; a mount portion for carrying a memory card, the memory card serving
to store generated image data; and a reproduction portion adapted to
produce an image from the stored image data. For the present invention,
the mount portion is disposed between the photographing portion and the
reproduction portion, thereby efficiently utilizing that space within the
camera while also providing a means of minimizing the adverse effects upon
the photographing portion from thermal energy generated by the
reproduction portion.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following
detailed description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a still video camera provided with a
built-in printer embodying the invention;
FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the power supply relationship of a power
supply unit of the camera;
FIG. 2B is a diagram showing control lines between a CPU and a DC/DC
converter;
FIG. 2C is a diagram showing a supply relationship of the power supplied to
a camera section;
FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the camera of the invention;
FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an arrangement of a memory card mounting
portion, an image forming section, and a printer section of the camera;
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are detailed block diagrams combinedly showing a
signal processing unit;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a printer section;
FIG. 6 is a front view in section of the printer section;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII--VII in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII--VIII in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ink ribbon of the
sublimation type;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ink ribbon of the
melt-out type;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a recording sheet of the sublimation type with
markers affixed to specified positions thereon;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a recording sheet of the thermal type with
markers affixed to specified positions thereon;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an ink ribbon of the hand scanning type;
FIG. 14 is a plan view in section showing a construction of the printer
section used for printing an image on a precut recording sheet;
FIG. 15 is a plan view in section showing a construction of the printer
section for use in a hand scanning mode;
FIG. 16 is a plan view in section showing a construction of the printer
section used for printing an image on a roll of thermal recording sheet;
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified recording sheet inlet according to
the invention;
FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of a thermal head;
FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing input timings of print signals in a
melting transfer or a hand scanning mode;
FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing input timings of print signals in a
sublimation or a thermo-sensitive mode;
FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing a time-divided driving of the thermal
head;
FIGS. 22A and 22B are flow charts combinedly showing a main routine of the
camera;
FIG. 23A and 23B are flow charts combinedly showing a "S1 ROUTINE";
FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing an "EXPOSURE ROUTINE";
FIG. 25A and 25B are flow charts combinedly showing a "REPRODUCTION
ROUTINE";
FIGS. 26A to 26E are flow charts combinedly showing a "PRINT ROUTINE";
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a camera provided with a built-in printer
embodying the invention as a second embodiment;
FIGS. 28 to 30 are diagrams respectively showing arrangements of a memory
card mounting portion, an image forming section, and a printer section;
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a camera unit;
FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a TV reproduction unit;
FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a display unit;
FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a printer unit;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a state in which the printer unit is
connected to the camera unit;
FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display unit is
connected to the camera unit;
FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a state in which the TV reproduction
unit is connected to the camera unit; and
FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a state in which the camera unit,
display unit, and printer unit are connected.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a still video camera provided with a
built-in printer of the present invention.
In FIG. 3A, indicated at 1 is a camera main body, and at 2 a printer case
removably attachable to the camera main body 1 and having a construction
necessary for a printing operation, to be described hereinafter,
incorporated therein. On a front portion of the camera main body 1 are
provided a taking lens 3, a viewfinder 4, an autofocus projector
(hereinafter referred to as an AF projector) 5, a light emission window of
an electronic flash 6, and a release/print start button 7. The AF
projector 5 is adapted for projecting light on an object so as to
automatically detect an object distance.
On an upper face of the camera main body 1 are provided various kinds of
operable members as follows. An operation mode changeover switch 8 is
adapted for changing one operation mode to another among the following
four modes, "OFF" mode, "RECORD" mode, "REPRODUCTION" mode and "PRINT"
mode. A protect switch 9 is adapted for preventing already stored images
from being inadvertently erased by an operator. A multi-image output
switch 10 is adapted for outputting a plurality of stored images as one
multi-image. A flash mode changeover switch 11 is adapted for changing one
flash mode to another among the following three modes, "non-flash (OFF)
mode," "automatic flash (AUTO) mode," and "forcible flash (ON) mode." A
date setting switch 12 is adapted for allowing a state where a
photographing date can be set. A photographing mode changeover switch 13
is adapting for changing a photographing mode from one photographing mode
to another among the following three modes, "SINGLE" mode, "SELF-TIMER"
mode and "CONTINUOUS" mode each time it is turned on. "SINGLE" mode is a
photographing mode in which a single frame photograph is obtained each
time the release start button 7 is pressed. "SELF-TIMER" mode is a
photographing mode in which the photographing operation is executed with
the use of a self-timer. "CONTINUOUS" mode is a photographing mode in
which a plurality of frames of photographs are continuously obtained at a
predetermined speed while the release start button 7 is pressed. A forward
access button 14 is adapted for advancing (UP) stored images one by one
each time it is turned on. A reverse access button 15 is adapted for
reversing (DOWN) the stored images one by one each time it is turned on. A
macro/binary photographing mode changeover switch 16 is slidable in a
lateral direction of the camera and adapted for changing from a
macrophotographing mode to a binary photographing mode, and vice versa, by
being slid. An indicator 17 comprises, for example, a liquid crystal
display (LCD), and is adapted for displaying a date, a frame number in a
photographing or printing operation, and other set modes thereon. A memory
card inlet 18 is formed in the shape of a slit, and adapted for inserting
an external storage medium (hereinafter referred to as a memory card) into
the camera main body 1 therethrough. Television (TV) output terminals 19
are provided in specified positions on a front surface of the camera main
body 1. A printer case detaching button 20 is operated so as to detach the
printer case 2. A recording sheet inlet 21 is adapted for introducing
therethrough a precut recording sheet into a printer provided in the
printer case 2.
FIG. 3B shows an arrangement of a memory card mounting portion, a printer
section 111, an image forming section 202 provided in the camera main body
1. The memory card mounting portion is provided substantially between the
printer section 111 and the image forming section 202. With this
arrangement, the space within the camera main body can be effectively
utilized. In addition, it can be prevented that the heat generated by the
printer section 111 adversely affects the image forming section 202.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall construction of the camera.
A system controller (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 100 is adapted for
controlling overall operations of the camera, including the printing
operation. An object image formed through the taking lens 3 is picked up
by a solid photoelectric conversion element (hereinafter referred to as
CCD) 101 to be converted into an image signal. The image signal is sent
from the CCD 101 to a signal processing unit 102 to be processed therein.
The signal processing unit 102 will be described more in detail below. A
lens driving unit 103 is adapted for controllably moving the taking lens 3
so as to attain an in-focus condition based on a measured object distance.
A distance measuring unit 104 is adapted for measuring a distance to an
object by using, for example, a phase difference detecting method. Based
on the measured distance, lens driving unit 103 calculates a driving
amount for the taking lens 3. A light measuring unit 105 is adapted for
measuring luminance of the light illuminating the object and sending data
representative of the measured luminance of the object to the CPU 100. An
exposure controller 106 is adapted for executing an exposure control of
the camera upon receipt of an exposure time (shutter speed) Tv and an
aperture value Av from the CPU 100, both of which are obtained based on
the measured object distance and the measured luminance of the object. A
display unit 107 comprises the indicator 17 and a device for driving the
indicator 17. An electronic flash device 108 is controlled in accordance
with a booster control signal and a flash control signal for charging from
the CPU 100, and emits flash light through the light emission window. A
power supply unit 109 is adapted for supplying a high voltage of a
predetermined level to the CCD 101, and a lower voltage of a predetermined
level to other individual circuit elements. The power supply unit 109 will
be described more in detail below. A battery checking circuit (hereinafter
referred to as a BC circuit) 110 is connected to a main battery EB
provided in the power supply unit 109, and adapted for checking the amount
of power source in the main battery EB. The result of the battery checking
is outputted to the CPU 100. The printer section 111 is controllably
driven by the CPU 100, and adapted for printing an image on a recording
sheet upon receipt of the image signal from the signal processing unit
102. The printer section 111 will be described more in detail below. A
memory card 112 is a storage medium comprising, for example, a static
random access memory (SRAM) and capable of storing a plurality of images.
The memory card 112 is removably attachable to the camera main body 1.
Indicated at Vout is a terminal corresponding to the TV output terminal
19.
Next, there will be described switches Soff to Smode.
Soff: A switch Soff is turned on when the operation mode changeover switch
8 is in the "OFF" mode position, to prohibit any camera operation.
Srec: A switch Srec is turned on when the operation mode changeover switch
8 is in the "RECORD" mode position, to enable a photographing operation.
Srep: A switch Srep is turned on when the operation mode changeover switch
8 is in the "REPRODUCTION" mode position, to enable a reproduction
operation.
Spri: A switch Spri is turned on when the operation mode changeover switch
8 is in the "PRINT" mode position, to enable a printing operation of the
stored images.
S1: A switch S1 is turned on when a release/print start button 7 is pressed
halfway, to prepare for the photographing operation.
S2: A switch S2 is turned on when a release/print start button 7 is pressed
all the way, to execute an exposure operation in the "RECORD" mode.
It should be noted that the switch S1 and the switch S2 are turned on to
prepare for the printing operation and execute the printing operation in
the "PRINT" mode respectively.
Sup: A switch Sup is turned on each time the forward access button 14 is
pressed, to sequentially reproduce the stored images in a forward order.
Sdown: A switch Sdown is turned on each time the reverse access button 15
is pressed, to sequentially reproduce the stored images in a reverse
order.
Spro: A switch Spro is actuated each time the protect switch 9 is pressed.
The switch Spro is turned on to protect the stored images while being
turned off to release protection of the stored images.
Smal: A switch Smal, corresponding to the multi-image output switch 10, is
turned on to enable a multi-image output.
Smac: A switch Smac is a macrophotographing switch which is turned on when
the macro/binary photographing mode changeover switch 16 is depressed, to
enable macrophotography by inserting and placing an unillustrated macro
lens on an optical axis.
Smono: A switch Smono is a binary photographing switch which is turned on
when the macro/binary photographing mode changeover switch 16 is slid
while being depressed, to enable character photographing or the like.
Scard: A switch Scard is turned on when the memory card is mounted within
the camera main body 1.
Sfl: A switch Sfl is turned on when the flash mode changeover switch 11 is
pressed, to cyclically change from one flash mode to another among "OFF"
mode, "AUTO" mode, and "FORCIBLE ON" mode.
Sadj: A switch Sadj is a switch corresponding to the date setting switch
12.
Smode: A switch Smode is turned on each time the photographing mode
changeover switch 13 is pressed, to cyclically change from one
photographing mode to another among "SINGLE" mode, "SELF-TIMER" mode, and
"CONTINUOUS" mode.
FIG. 2A, 2B, and 2C respectively show a power supply relationship between
the individual elements in the camera provided with a built-in printer.
FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a construction of the power supply unit 109
and power supply relationship thereof with other elements. FIG. 2B is a
diagram showing control lines between the CPU 100 and a direct
current/direct current (DC/DC) converter 200. FIG. 2C is a diagram showing
the power supply relationship in a camera section 203.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a main battery EB, a back-up battery EC for
backing up the camera section 203, a memory 204 provided in the camera
main body 1, and the memory card 112. The memory 204 corresponds to
memories 311, 312 shown in FIG. 4B. The DC/DC converter 200 is adapted for
producing various voltages and supplying the same to the printer section
111, an image forming section 202, and the camera section 203 in
accordance with a control signal Dcon from the CPU 100. The DC/DC
converter 200 produces and supplies a high voltage E1, e.g., 24 V, to the
printer section 111 so as to drive a printer head provided therein. The
DC/DC converter 200 produces and supplies a voltage E2, e.g., 15 V, to the
image forming section 202 so as to drive the CCD 101 provided therein. The
DC/DC converter 200 produces and supplies a voltage E3 to the camera
section 203 so as to drive the taking lens 3 or the like. The control
signal Dcon consists of two bits, and is sent from the CPU 100 to the
DC/DC converter 200 through two control lines provided therebetween as
shown in FIG. 2B.
Table-1 below shows respective commands represented by the control signal
Dcon. When the control signal Dcon is "00," it renders the DC/DC converter
200 inoperative, and thereby a drive voltage is not supplied to any of the
printer section 111, image forming section 202, and camera section 203.
When the control signal Dcon is "01," it renders the DC/DC converter 200
to produce the voltage E3 and supply the same only to the camera section
203. When the control signal Dcon is "10," it renders the DC/DC converter
200 to produce the voltages E2, E3 and supply the same to the image
forming section 202 and the camera section 203, respectively. When the
control signal Dcon is "11," it renders the DC/DC converter 200 to produce
the voltages E1, E3 and supply the same to the printer section 111 and the
camera portion 203, respectively.
TABLE 1
______________________________________
Dcon PRINTER SEC.
IMAGE FORMING SEC.
CAMERA SEC.
______________________________________
00 X X X
01 X X O
10 X O O
11 O X O
______________________________________
X: OFF,
O: ON
Referring back to FIG. 2A, indicated at 201 is a power regulator for
regulating the power supplied from the main electric battery EB to a
voltage of, e.g., 5 V and supplying the regulated voltage to the CPU 100,
indicator 107 or the like provided in the camera section 203 so as to
drive it. In addition, the power regulator 201 supplies the regulated
voltage to the memory 204 and the memory card 112 provided in the camera
main body 1. The power is supplied to the flash device 108 directly from
the main battery EB. The supplied power is used for charging a main
capacitor C or other purposes.
As will be seen from FIG. 2C, the power is supplied from the power
regulator 201 to a liquid crystal portion of the indicator 107 and the CPU
100, both of which can be driven at a low voltage and consume relatively
small power. The power is supplied from the DC/DC converter 200 to a
portion of the CPU 100, the distance measuring unit 104, the light
measuring unit 105, the exposure controller 106, and a portion of the
indicator 107, any of which has a relatively large power consumption. The
power is supplied from the main battery EB to the lens driving unit 103
having a large power consumption.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams combinedly showing the signal processing
unit 102 in detail.
In FIG. 4A, the CCD 101 is a color photoelectric conversion element having
striped filters of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) and is driven by a CCD
driver 301. A CCD-TG 302 is a timing generator for supplying a control
signal and a control pulse to individual circuits in the signal processing
unit 102 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 100. The CCD-TG
302 sends clocks .phi. v, .phi. h to the CCD driver 302 to cause it to
drive the CCD 101 to send an image signal to a CDS 303 to be described
below. The CCD driver 301 controls the start of charging and reading out
of the stored charges of the CCD 101. In this way, the CCD controls the
amount of stored charges. Further, the CCD-TG 302 sends a timing pulse to
the CDS 303 and clock pulses CK to other circuits. The CDS 303 is adapted
for executing sampling so as to apply double correlation to the image
signal from the CCD 101. A gain controller (GC) 304 is adapted for
adjusting the gain of the image signal. The image signal having the gain
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