Patent ID: 8269869
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An imaging apparatus comprising: a photoreceptor element that changes an electric-signal level on an output line thereof in accordance with an intensity of light received, the electric-signal level attenuating from an initial electric-signal level; comparing means for comparing the electric-signal level on the output line of the photoreceptor element with a threshold electric-signal level, and sending an output signal on condition that the electric-signal level on the output line of the photoreceptor element has crossed the threshold electric-signal level; storage means, to which a clock signal is input, for recording information regarding a time of generation of the output signal from the comparing means; and reset-signal input means for inputting a reset signal to the photoreceptor element based on the output signal from the comparing means to reset the electric-signal level on the output line to the initial-setting electric-signal level, wherein the threshold electric-signal level monotonically increases from an initial threshold electric-signal level to a final threshold electric-signal level when the electric-signal attenuates, the initial threshold electric signal being lower than the electric-signal level and the final threshold electric-signal level approaching the initial electric-signal level.