CN102629994B - Image sensing apparatus and image capture system - Google Patents
Image sensing apparatus and image capture system Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
The present invention discloses a kind of image sensing apparatus and image capture system, and described image sensing apparatus comprises: pixel cell, has the array of multiple groups, and each group is included in multiple pixels that line direction and column direction arrange; And addition unit, the homochromy picture element signal be configured in the middle of for the picture element signal exported from the multiple pixels arranged in group is added.Addition unit has the common pixels amplifier being jointly connected to same color pixel for each group.Addition unit in the grid part of common pixels amplifier by the picture element signal of same color pixel be added, thus the space center of gravity of the pixel be added in group in the row direction with at least one direction in column direction on equidistantly to arrange.
Description
The divisional application that present patent application is priority date is on April 3rd, 2007, the applying date is on April 2nd, 2008, application number is 200810090081.3, denomination of invention is the application for a patent for invention of " image sensing apparatus and image capture system ", it is all incorporated herein by reference at this.
Technical field
The present invention relates to a kind of image sensing apparatus and image capture system of catching object images.
Background technology
Mainly for the nearest digital still camera use of still image shooting and more than 10,000,000 image capturing component that pixel is corresponding.Video camera mainly for moving image capture also uses the image capturing component corresponding with mega pixel.For these application purposes, usually, a large amount of pixel is used to perform the high-resolution high-resolution shooting of needs.If resolution can be lower, then use a small amount of pixel to perform shooting.In high-resolution shooting, read output signal from nearly all pixel of image capturing component.In the shooting of low resolution, read while execution pixel decimation (decimation) drives or picture element signal is added, thus prevent battery from exhausting in the camera, add the quantity of photographic images, and high-speed capture (Japanese Patent Publication 9-46596 and No. 2001-36920) is performed to moving image.
No. 9-46596th, Japanese Patent Publication disclose a kind of on public pixel amplifier to the technology that the signal of different colours is added.
No. 2001-36920th, Japanese Patent Publication discloses and a kind of to be added same chrominance signal, thus in the block of each 4 × 4 pixels, after making addition color spatial color arrangement be added before the technology matched.
The technology that No. 9-46596th, Japanese Patent Publication does not adopt homochromy addition, can not obtain the signal of each color.Therefore, high-resolution image cannot be obtained.
In No. 2001-36920th, Japanese Patent Publication, because the space center of gravity of the pixel after addition is not arranged as equidistantly, so produce ripple.
As mentioned above, in routine techniques, be difficult to obtain high-resolution image by being added process.
Summary of the invention
Considering the problems referred to above and carried out the present invention, the invention provides a kind of pixel with size reduction also can obtain high-definition picture image sensing apparatus and image capture system by being added process.
According to a first aspect of the invention, provide a kind of image sensing apparatus, comprising: pixel cell, have the array of multiple groups, each group is included in multiple pixels that line direction and column direction arrange; And addition unit, the homochromy picture element signal be configured in the middle of for the picture element signal exported from the multiple pixels arranged in group is added, wherein, addition unit has the common pixels amplifier being jointly connected to same color pixel for each group, and be added at the picture element signal of grid part to same color pixel of common pixels amplifier, thus the space center of gravity of the pixel be added in group equidistantly arranges in the row direction with at least one direction in column direction.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a kind of image capture system is provided, comprises: image sensing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention; Optical system, is configured to the image forming light in image sensing apparatus; Register system, is configured to record the signal exported from image sensing apparatus; And system, control circuit, be configured to control whole system.
The present invention can provide a kind of to be had the pixel of size reduction and can process and extract by carrying out addition to picture element signal the image sensing apparatus and image capture system that process and obtain high-definition picture.
By following (with reference to the accompanying drawing) description to exemplary embodiment, further feature of the present invention will become clear.
Accompanying drawing explanation
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of image sensing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is the view of the layout of the color of the pixel cell illustrated in the image sensing regions in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is the view of the example of the layout of the pixel cell illustrated in image sensing regions according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4 is the view of another example of the layout of the pixel cell illustrated in image sensing regions according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 5 is the view of another example of the layout of the pixel cell illustrated in image sensing regions according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is the view of the addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7 is the view of another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 8 is the view of the another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 is the view of the another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 is the view of the another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11 is the view of the another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 is the view of the another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 13 is the view of another example of the layout of the pixel cell illustrated in image sensing regions according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14 is the view of the addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 15 is the view of another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 16 is the view of the another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 17 is the view of the another addition method illustrated according to this preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 18 is the circuit diagram of a part for the read output signal treatment circuit that the picture element signal that the image sensing regions for the treatment of the unit picture element amplifier from the embodiment according to Fig. 1 reads is shown;
Figure 19 is the explanatory using mechanical shutter;
Figure 20 is the sequential chart that picture element signal is added;
Figure 21 is the sequential chart reading all picture element signals; And
Figure 22 is the block diagram of the illustrative arrangement of the image capture system of the image sensing apparatus used according to this preferred embodiment of the invention.
Embodiment
Now describe embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of image sensing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.With reference to Fig. 1, image sensing regions have in the row direction with multiple pixel cells (also referred to as pixel) of arranging on column direction, each in them comprises for the photodiode of opto-electronic conversion and the pixel amplifier shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described after a while.Pixel cell from the driving pulse control image sensing regions that vertical scanning circuit (V.SR) 10 exports.The vertical line V2n-1 (n: integer, n >=1) of the odd-numbered in image sensing regions is connected to reading circuit 20-1, and described reading circuit 20-1 comprises CDS circuit, amplifying circuit and memory.The vertical signal line V2n of even-numbered is connected to reading circuit 20-2, and described reading circuit 20-2 comprises CDS circuit, amplifying circuit and memory.In the following description, signal R and G (see Fig. 2) of the row of odd-numbered is by the circuit be sequentially sent on the upside of the image sensing regions of Fig. 1.Signal G and B (see Fig. 2) of the row of even-numbered is by the circuit be sequentially sent on the downside of image sensing regions.These circuit have identical layout.Here by the circuit on the downside of only Description Image sensing region, and the circuit not on the upside of Description Image sensing region.
CDS circuit in reading circuit 20-1 removes noise from signal (picture element signal), and described signal exports from the pixel cell image sensing regions, and amplifying circuit is amplifying signal component only.Signal is temporarily stored in the memory of reading circuit 20-1.In this embodiment, correcting circuit (not shown) can be provided to tackle the offset differences between amplifying circuit.Below description is not operated but the image sensing apparatus operated under progressive scanning mode under addition readout mode.In this case, according to scanning impulse φ hn (the φ hn (1) from horizontal scanning circuit (H.SR), φ hn (3), φ hn (5) and φ hn (7)) and the signal be stored in the memory of reading circuit 20-1 is read into output signal line.Under addition readout mode, the signal be stored in the memory of reading circuit 20-1 is directed to adder circuit 30-1.The homochromy picture element signal be stored in the memory of reading circuit 20-1 is added by adder circuit 30-1.According to the scanning impulse φ hn (φ hn (a1) and φ hn (a2)) from horizontal scanning circuit (H.SR), the picture element signal be added by adder circuit 30-1 is read into output signal line.
Fig. 2 is the view of the layout of the color of the pixel cell illustrated in the image sensing regions of Fig. 1.With reference to Fig. 2, the photodiode of pixel cell is arranged colour filter G (green), R (red) and B (indigo plant).In this example, arrange G pixel with tessellated pattern, and arrange R and B pixel with line order.That is, 2x2=4 the pixel corresponding with R, G, G and B pixel is arranged according to two-dimensional approach, and the pixel color as a unit is arranged.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, some pixel cell arranged in image sensing regions is periodically extracted and is driven, the picture element signal exported from the homochromy pixel cell image sensing regions is added, thus obtains homochromy layout as shown in Figure 2.Picture element signal after addition is stored in memory, is then read out from image sensing regions.Sometimes outsidely in image sensing regions to drive and picture element signal combines and performs these and operate with extracting.
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is the view of the example of the layout of the pixel cell illustrated in image sensing regions according to this preferred embodiment of the invention.Fig. 3 illustrates the example of unit picture element amplifier, the pixel amplifier MSF that described unit picture element amplifier comprises the photodiode PD corresponding with pixel cell and amplifies the signal from photodiode PD.Fig. 4 illustrates an example of common pixels amplifier, and described common pixels amplifier comprises three photodiodes PD1, PD2 and PD3 and common pixels amplifier MSF '.Three photodiodes PD1, PD2 and PD3 in Fig. 3 are adjacent to arrange in a column direction.
Pixel cell shown in Fig. 3 comprises photodiode PD, transmits switch MTX, reset switch MRES and selector switch MSEL.Photodiode PD is used as photoelectric conversion unit, and light is converted to signal charge by it.Transmit the grid part (diffusion of floating) that the signal charge be stored in photodiode PD is sent to pixel amplifier MSF by switch MTX.Residual charge in the grid part (input terminal) of pixel amplifier MSF resets by reset switch MRES.Selector switch MSEL is by the signal of the reset after reset or be sent to vertical signal line Vn from the picture element signal of photodiode PD from pixel amplifier MSF.The current supply switch MRV of pixel amplifier is provided in the outside of image sensing regions.
When performing extraction in the pixel arrangement at Fig. 3 and driving, do not read picture element signal from the pixel that will be extracted.Perform in the outside of pixel region to be added and drive.
In the pixel cell shown in Fig. 4, photodiode PD1, PD2 and PD3 and control signal electric charge are commonly connected to the grid part of common pixels amplifier MSF ' to transmission switch MTX1, MTX2 and MTX3 of the transmission of the grid part of common pixels amplifier MSF ' from photodiode.When arranging multiple photodiode for a pixel amplifier, reduce relative to the area of the pixel amplifier of a photodiode, therefore, the aperture opening ratio of photodiode increases.
Should note, although the common pixels amplifier shown in Fig. 4 comprises three photodiodes and a pixel amplifier, but the present invention is not limited to this, may correspond to and connect common pixels amplifier in 2n+1 (1≤n) individual photodiode (group).As an alternative solution, may correspond to and connect common pixels amplifier in 2n (1≤n) individual photodiode (group).
When performing extraction in the pixel arrangement at Fig. 4 and driving, from the pixel that will be extracted, do not read electric charge.In addition drives, the electric charge from respective pixel is sent to grid part and is added.More particularly, under combined mode, transmit switch one of MTX1, MTX2 and MTX3 and be switched on, with by signal charge from the corresponding grid part being sent to common pixels amplifier MSF ' photodiode PD1, PD2 and PD3, perform addition thus.For high-resolution image, reset switch MRES and transmission switch MTX1, MTX2 and MTX3 are switched in alternation, with difference read output signal electric charge.Control Enable/Disable the signal charge from photodiode is added by common pixels amplifier MSF ' by carrying out on/off to transmission switch MTX1, MTX2 and MTX3 in this manner.By jointly connecting the common pixels amplifier that pixel forms the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 in vertical direction.But, as shown in Figure 5, form common pixels amplifier by (line direction) in the horizontal direction upper common pixel that connects.
Then drive with reference to Fig. 6 to Figure 12 extraction described according to this preferred embodiment of the invention and be added the example driven.In Fig. 6 to Figure 12, blank cell represents the pixel be extracted, and the cell indicated by color symbol (R, G, B) represents the pixel after addition.In Fig. 6 to Figure 12, as shown in Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, use the common pixels amplifier MSF ' being jointly connected to multiple photodiode to perform and be added process.
In figure 6, three pixels of three row form one group, and a pixel (OK) in them is extracted.This by row cutting time shorten to 2/3.In addition drives, two of group 1 G-signal are added by common pixels amplifier MSF ', also two of group 2 R signal are added.In this pixel, the electric charge of two pixels is added by common pixels amplifier MSF ', and a pixel (a line) is extracted.This by row cutting time shorten to about 1/3.Owing to being added within the pixel, so the noise after common pixels amplifier MSF ' can be reduced.In addition, the space center of gravity (space pel spacing) of the signal (picture element signal) after the addition of each color is equidistantly arranged in a column direction.This prevents ripple.
In the figure 7, except the method shown in Fig. 6, the block respectively comprising the group of multiple pixel also stands to extract and drives.More particularly, group 2 is extracted, and common pixels amplifier MSF ' is added the electric charge of each in group 1 and group 3.Then, group 1 and group 3 are added by the addition unit 30-1 in Fig. 1.Compared with the method shown in Fig. 6, the driving period is reduced to 1/2 by above-mentioned process, and susceptibility is increased to 2 times.
In fig. 8, group 2 and group 3 are extracted, and the common pixels amplifier MSF ' of each be connected in group 1 and group 4 performs addition.Compared with the method shown in Fig. 6, driving time is shortened to 1/3 by further.
In fig .9,9 pixels that 3 row x3 arrange form one group, 4 homochromy pixel addition often in group.More particularly, be connected to the G1 in group 1,1, G1,3, G3,1 and G3, the picture element signal of these three pixels is added by the common pixels amplifier MSF ' of 3.As a result, four pixels are added.Similarly, be connected to the R4 in group 2,1, R4,3, R6,1 and R6, the picture element signal of these four pixels is added by the common pixels amplifier MSF ' of 3 or adder circuit 30-1.Equally, in remaining group 3 and group 4, according to identical mode, the picture element signal of four pixels is added.In this way, the vertical of pixel and horizontal direction perform and extracts driving, four pixels are added.Compared with the method shown in Fig. 6, susceptibility is increased to 2 times by above-mentioned process.
In Fig. 10,3 row x5 row formation one group.In the middle of often in group, row is extracted, and the horizontal pixel overlapped in space is added.More particularly, be connected to the G1 in group 1,1, G1,3, G1,5, G3,1, G3,3 and G3, the picture element signal of these pixels is added by the common pixels amplifier MSF ' etc. of 5.As a result, six pixels are added.Similarly, be connected to the B1 in group 2,4, B1,6, B1,8, B3,4, B3,6 and B3, the picture element signal of these six pixels is added by the common pixels amplifier MSF ' etc. of 8.Equally, in remaining group, according to identical mode, the picture element signal of six pixels is added.In the present embodiment, because the extraction on not executive level direction drives, so can increase susceptibility further.In addition, due to the quantity by being added the reading pixel decreased in horizontal direction, so driving time can be shortened further.
In fig. 11,25 pixels that 5 row x5 arrange form one group, and 9 picture element signals with color pixel in every group are added by common pixels amplifier MSF '.More particularly, be connected to the R1 in group 1,1, R1,3, R1,5, R3,1, R3,3, R3,5, R5,1, R5,3 and R5, the picture element signal of these pixels is added by the common pixels amplifier MSF ' of 5.As a result, nine pixels are added.Similarly, be connected to the G6 in group 2,1, G6,3, G6,5, G8,1, G8,3, G8,5, G10,1, G10,3 and G10, the picture element signal of these pixels is added by the common pixels amplifier MSF ' of 5.As a result, nine pixels are added.Equally, in remaining group, according to identical mode, the picture element signal of nine pixels is added.In the present embodiment, for every 5 pixels, two pixels (OK) are extracted, and nine picture element signals are added.Pixel column driving time can be shortened to about 1/5 by the common pixels amplifier MSF ' of five pixels.
In fig. 12,25 pixels that 5 row x5 arrange form one group, as shown in figure 11.The picture element signal of two same color pixels (OK) in every group is only added by common pixels amplifier MSF '.Compared with the method shown in Figure 11, this further shorten driving time.
In the examples described above, in common pixels amplifier, pixel cell has odd number photodiode.Then will another example using even number photodiode be described.In the pixel cell shown in Figure 13, for a common pixels amplifier provides four photodiode PD1 to PD4, these are different from the example of Fig. 4, in the example of fig. 4, for a common pixels amplifier provides three photodiodes.4th photodiode is PD4.The transmission switch controlled to the transmission of the grid part of common pixels amplifier MSF ' is MTX4.
The basic operation of pixel cell is identical with the example shown in Fig. 4, will not carry out repeated description to it.When arranging four photodiodes for a common pixels amplifier, compared with Fig. 4, for a photodiode, the area of pixel amplifier reduces, and therefore, the aperture opening ratio of photodiode increases.The quantity of photodiode is suitably set according to the system requirements (such as, susceptibility, pixel quantity and signal reading speed) of image sensing apparatus.
In fig. 14,4 row x5 row formation one group.The vertical pixel being connected to two homochromy row in the often group of common pixels amplifier is driven and is added.Then, spatially adding of overlap, is added with signal in the horizontal direction.Process is added by describing about the group 4 in Figure 14.Two homochromy signal plus in 4 photodiodes of a common pixels amplifier will be connected in the grid part of common pixels amplifier.Adder circuit 30-1 is further by adding and signal plus in three homochromy row.As a result, two vertical pixels and three horizontal pixels, that is, six pixels are added altogether.Equally, in remaining group, according to identical mode, the picture element signal of six pixels is added.In the present embodiment, because the extraction on not executive level direction drives, so do not waste pixel in the horizontal direction.Pixel addition in common pixels amplifier will read the time shorten of vertical signal to about 1/4 from pixel amplifier.The time shorten that horizontal signal also reads by signal plus is to about 1/3.
The pixel addition of three row of horizontal direction can use another to be added ratio.Such as, when in three broomrapes, by between intermediate pixel with last be added ratio be set to 2: 1 time, the susceptibility ratio of pixel overlapping between group reduces.Therefore this improves resolution.
Figure 15, Figure 16 and Figure 17 illustrate other example of addition method.Figure 15 and Figure 17 does not illustrate the addition in horizontal direction.
In fig .15, adjacent in vertical direction group stands to be added and drives.As a result, compared with lining by line scan, the signal in vertical direction shortens to about 1/4 readout time.In addition, because the addition of same chrominance signal increases, so susceptibility increases.
Figure 16 illustrates the example that the extraction of execution group in vertical direction drives.Compared with the example shown in Figure 15, the signal in vertical direction shortens to 1/2 readout time.
Figure 17 illustrates that a common pixels amplifier is by the example of the signal plus of each in two kinds of colors.In this example, first, common pixels amplifier is added R signal and reads.After this, common pixels amplifier is added G-signal and reads.Carry out by common pixels amplifier the signal be added vertical direction and shorten to 1/2 readout time.
As mentioned above, when providing four photodiodes for a common pixels amplifier, common pixels amplifier can process adding of two kinds of colors and signal.In the type of 3 photodiodes, adder circuit 30-1 must perform in the row direction and be added process.But this prevents the increase of any noise due to the addition process generation in pixel amplifier.
In the type of 4 photodiodes of above-mentioned example, adding with the space center of gravity of pixel not equidistantly to arrange on line direction.In the example depicted in fig. 13, preferably, add, with signal, there is the spatial separation corresponding with four pixels.But, compared with odd number photodiode group, add with in signal in even number photodiode group, space gravity motion pixel.When while changing the weighting on line direction by the signal making signal processing circuit (describing after a while) process this even number set come correction space move time, can ripple be reduced.
The object of the invention is add in common pixels amplifier or extract multiple picture element signal, and further the picture element signal in the group of pixel cell or between the group of pixel cell is added, thus improve picture element signal reading driving frequency or susceptibility.As an alternative solution, the group respectively comprising 2n+1 pixel column or pixel column is formed, and extracts in group or between group or be added these pixel columns or pixel column.Only need by the spatial separation of the pixel of each color (space center of gravity) at least in the row direction or column direction is arranged as equidistantly.Therefore, if can realize above-mentioned process, then the present invention is not limited to said method, can apply other method any.The quantity of the order that the group in this embodiment is added and group is only example, and the present invention is not limited to these.
The object of the invention is to be formed the group respectively comprising 2n+1 pixel column or pixel column, and extract in group or between group or be added these pixel columns or pixel column, thus improve picture element signal reading driving frequency or susceptibility.Only need by the spatial separation of the pixel of each color (space center of gravity) at least in the row direction or column direction is arranged as equidistantly.Therefore, if can realize above-mentioned process, then the present invention is not limited to said method, can apply other method any.The quantity of the order that the group in this embodiment is added and group is only example, and the present invention is not limited to these.
Figure 18 is the circuit diagram of a part for the read output signal treatment circuit that the picture element signal that the image sensing regions for the treatment of the unit picture element amplifier from the first embodiment according to Fig. 1 reads is shown.Describe from pixel cell read output signal and signal plus with reference to Figure 18.
The example that four picture element signals with color pixel in being arranged by 3 row x3 by read output signal treatment circuit shown in description Figure 18 are added.With reference to Figure 18, circuit comprises electric capacity C1, C3 and C5 of being connected to vertical signal line V1, V3 and V5, clamp switch MC1, MC3 and MC5, reference voltage source Vr and amplifier Amp1, Amp3 and Amp5, described circuit is the CDS circuit (by omitting the description to CDS operation) removing noise from the signal of pixel cell.To read and through the signal R1 of CDS from pixel, 1 and R1,3 are stored in memory capacitor Ct1 and Ct3.By these signal plus in the memory capacitor Ca1 of adder circuit.Similarly, to read and through the signal R3 of CDS from pixel, 1 and R3,3 are stored in memory capacitor Ct1 and Ct3, and are added in memory capacitor Ca2.According to from horizontal scanning circuit scanning impulse (φ hn (a1), φ hn (a2) ...) adding in memory capacitor Ca1 and Ca2 is outputted to horizontal signal lines Sout with signal.As a result, four pixels (R1,1, R1,3, R3,1 and R3,3) are added.In a comparable manner, pixel decimation and addition is carried out between the groups.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the pixel of unit picture element amplifier has been described.In common pixels amplifier MSF ', owing within the pixel two vertical pixels being added, so memory capacitor Ca1 and Ca2 is unnecessary.
Figure 19 is the view using mechanical shutter.In this case, all pixels in image sensing regions are reset in the lump.After mechanical shutter completes exposure, picture element signal is added by arbitrary addition unit.Then, in a horizontal sweep period, export described signal from memory 2 outside.The use of mechanical shutter makes it possible to obtain image by exposing all pixels in the identical time for exposure.
By according to the sequential chart in Figure 20, above-mentioned process is described.When any exposure period is through out-of-date, under the control of each pulse, the residual charge in the grid of pixel circuit unit is reset.At time t1, the grid part of pixel amplifier MSF resets by pulse φ RES, and memory Ct resets by pulse φ C1 and φ TS1, and memory capacitor Ca1 and Ca2 resets by pulse φ AD1 to φ AD3 and φ C2.At time t2, clamp capacitor C carries out clamper to common pixels amplifier noise under the off state of pulse φ C1, and according to pulse φ TX, via pixel amplifier, the electric charge in photodiode is input to clamp capacitor C1, C3 and C5.
As a result, CDS removes pixel noise, and memory stores the signal of gained via amplifier Amp temporarily.
At time t3, pulse φ SEL and φ TS1 declines, and the transmission of the photoelectric conversion signal of pixel completes.At time t4, according to pulse φ TS2 and φ AD1, by the signal plus in memory in memory Ca1.
By identical scanning and operation, at time t5, memory Ca2 stores the picture element signal of the row be added thereafter.At time t6, the signal from memory capacitor Ca is output at output signal line Sout phase adduction.
Under the addition readout mode of above-mentioned 4 pixels, SN ratio (signal is to light shot noise ratio) increases to double.Therefore, Systematical control exposure, and incident light quantity is set to about 1/4.This shows that the photoelectric conversion signal in each photodiode drops to 1/4.When image capturing component is CCD, even if incident light quantity is 1/4, because 4 pixel charge are added, the signal charge amount after addition also can not change.This generates the problem that signal is saturated, and susceptibility and saturation characteristic has compromise relation.
The mean value of signal voltage is added by the cmos sensor of the present embodiment.For this reason, when ignoring the decline of signal level due to capacitive division, even if after four picture element signals are added, signal level is also large about 1/4.This shows that signal is saturated and enhances 4 times.But if signal level is low, then the noise being connected to the output amplifier (not shown in figure 1) of horizontal output line becomes outstanding.In order to prevent this problem, in the present invention, under addition readout mode, the gain amplifier of the amplifying circuit Amp after CDS is set to about 4 times under progressive scanning mode.Which reduce the noise of output amplifier.Therefore, it is possible to increase susceptibility by picture element signal phase Calais, increasing reading speed by reducing the quantity reading pixel, keeping wider dynamic range, and realizing low power system.
Figure 21 is the sequential chart reading all picture element signals.At time t1, pixel amplifier, addition unit and memory are reset.At time t2, the noise current potential of pixel amplifier is by clamper.At time t3, the transmission of photoelectric conversion signal terminates, and signal is stored in memory Ca.From time t4, signal is directly outputted to horizontal output line Sout from memory Ca.
Figure 22 is the block diagram of the illustrative arrangement that the image capture system using image sensing apparatus is shown.Image capture system comprises image sensing apparatus 700, and this image sensing apparatus 700 comprises transducer 72, signal processing circuit 73 and timing sequence control circuit 75.As shown in figure 22, the object light inputted via optical system 71 forms image on transducer 72.Optical information is converted to the signal of telecommunication by the pixel of arranging on a sensor.Signal processing circuit 73 performs the conversion process of the signal of telecommunication according to preordering method.Signal after register system and communication system 74 use information record carrier to carry out recording processing or send described signal.Reproduced or show the signal that institute records or transmits by playback system and display system 77.Timing control circuit 75 controls transducer 72 and signal processing circuit 73.System, control circuit 76 for controlling whole image capture system controls timing control circuit 75, register system and communication system 74 and playback system and display system 77.Timing control circuit 75 is selected progressive scanning mode or is added readout mode.
Above-mentioned progressive scanning mode and addition readout mode use different horizontal and vertical driving pulses.Therefore, the quantity changing transducer driving timing, the resolution processes of signal processing circuit and institute's recording pixel of register system between readout mode is necessary.According to readout mode, realize described control by system, control circuit 76.In addition, between readout mode, the susceptibility of addition changes.System, control circuit controls to stop (not shown).In high-resolution shooting, system performs according to the control impuls (not shown) from timing control circuit and lines by line scan.In low resolution shooting, the extraction by performing pixel drives and carries out the realization of phase Calais to picture element signal in pixel groups or between pixel groups to be had high sensitive high speed readout or not to have ripply high image quality.
Although describe the present invention with reference to exemplary embodiment, it should be understood that: the present invention is not limited to disclosed exemplary embodiment.The scope of following claim should be given the widest explanation, thus comprises all this amendments and equivalent structure and function.
Claims (4)
1. an image sensing apparatus, comprising:
Pel array, in this pel array, multiple first colored pixels that is alternately arranged in a first direction and multiple second colored pixels, wherein the color of the second colored pixels is different from the color of the first colored pixels; And
Multiple amplifier (MSF '),
Wherein, the signal of first group of first colored pixels in described multiple first colored pixels is sent to amplifier corresponding with first group of first colored pixels in described multiple amplifier, the signal of first group of first colored pixels is added up,
Wherein, the signal of second group of second colored pixels in described multiple second colored pixels is sent to amplifier corresponding with second group of second colored pixels in described multiple amplifier, the signal of second group of second colored pixels is added up,
Wherein, the signal of the 3rd group of the first colored pixels in described multiple first colored pixels be sent in described multiple amplifier with the 3rd group of amplifier that the first colored pixels is corresponding, the signal of the 3rd group of the first colored pixels is added up,
Wherein, the region that first group of first colored pixels that the region that second group of second colored pixels that signal is sent to the amplifier corresponding with second group of second colored pixels arranges and signal are sent to the amplifier corresponding with first group of first colored pixels arranges and signal are sent to overlapping with the 3rd of the 3rd group of amplifier that the first colored pixels is corresponding the group of area part that the first colored pixels arranges
Wherein, first center of gravity that is alternately arranged in a first direction and the second center of gravity, equidistantly to arrange the center of gravity comprising the first center of gravity and the second center of gravity, wherein, each in first center of gravity is that signal is sent to the center of gravity of first group of first colored pixels of the amplifier corresponding with first group of first colored pixels and signal is sent to and one of center of gravity of the 3rd of the 3rd group of amplifier that the first colored pixels is corresponding the group of the first colored pixels, and second each in center of gravity be the center of gravity that signal is sent to second group of second colored pixels of the amplifier corresponding with second group of second colored pixels.
2. image sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the region that first group of first colored pixels being sent to the amplifier corresponding with first group of first colored pixels at signal arranges, the first colored pixels is not had to be extracted, in the region that second group of second colored pixels being sent to the amplifier corresponding with second group of second colored pixels at signal arranges, the second colored pixels is not had to be extracted, and be sent to the 3rd of the 3rd group of amplifier that the first colored pixels is corresponding the group of region that the first colored pixels arranges at signal, the first colored pixels is not had to be extracted.
3. image sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the signal by being produced by the signal plus of the 4th group of the first colored pixels is also added to by the signal produced by the signal plus of first group of first colored pixels, 4th group is aligned to adjacent with first group in a second direction, and
Wherein, be also added to the signal by being produced by the signal plus of the 5th group of the second colored pixels by the signal produced by the signal plus of second group of second colored pixels, the 5th group is aligned to adjacent with second group in a second direction.
4. image sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, by the signal plus of at least three the first colored pixels, and by the signal plus of at least three the second colored pixels.
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| JP2007-097630 | 2007-04-03 | ||
| JP2007097630 | 2007-04-03 | ||
| JP2007-309334 | 2007-11-29 | ||
| JP2007309334A JP2008278453A (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2007-11-29 | Image sensing apparatus and image capturing system |
| CN2008100900813A CN101282484B (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2008-04-02 | Image sensing apparatus and image capturing system |
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| CN2008100900813A Division CN101282484B (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2008-04-02 | Image sensing apparatus and image capturing system |
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| CN102629994B true CN102629994B (en) | 2015-10-28 |
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| CN2008100900813A Expired - Fee Related CN101282484B (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2008-04-02 | Image sensing apparatus and image capturing system |
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| JP5404194B2 (en) * | 2009-06-05 | 2014-01-29 | キヤノン株式会社 | Solid-state imaging device, imaging system, and solid-state imaging device driving method |
| JP5475482B2 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2014-04-16 | キヤノン株式会社 | Imaging device and imaging apparatus |
| JP2012175600A (en) | 2011-02-24 | 2012-09-10 | Sony Corp | Imaging apparatus, imaging apparatus control method, and program |
| EP2940992A4 (en) * | 2012-12-25 | 2016-06-08 | Sony Corp | Solid state image-sensing element, method of driving same, and electronic device |
| CN105809153A (en) * | 2016-04-18 | 2016-07-27 | 成都艾德沃传感技术有限公司 | Chip circuit and fingerprint collection system |
| JP7039221B2 (en) * | 2017-09-08 | 2022-03-22 | キヤノン株式会社 | Control method of image processing device, image pickup device and image processing device |
| EP3783884A1 (en) | 2019-06-20 | 2021-02-24 | Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd. | Readout circuit, image sensor and electronic device |
| CN110324548B (en) * | 2019-06-27 | 2021-11-09 | Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 | Pixel unit circuit, signal processing method and storage medium |
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| US6765616B1 (en) * | 2000-01-11 | 2004-07-20 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Electric camera |
| JP2005045435A (en) * | 2003-07-25 | 2005-02-17 | Minolta Co Ltd | Driving method for imaging element, and imaging apparatus |
| CN1292599C (en) * | 2003-09-10 | 2006-12-27 | 佳能株式会社 | Image device for adding signals including same color component |
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| JP3501682B2 (en) * | 1999-05-31 | 2004-03-02 | キヤノン株式会社 | Color imaging apparatus and imaging system using the same |
| JP2005092085A (en) * | 2003-09-19 | 2005-04-07 | Canon Inc | Focus detecting method and focusing method, and focus detecting device and focusing device |
| JP4677228B2 (en) * | 2003-12-25 | 2011-04-27 | キヤノン株式会社 | Imaging device |
| JP4086798B2 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2008-05-14 | シャープ株式会社 | Amplification type solid-state imaging device |
| JP2006041912A (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2006-02-09 | Canon Inc | Color imaging apparatus and color imaging system |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US6765616B1 (en) * | 2000-01-11 | 2004-07-20 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Electric camera |
| JP2005045435A (en) * | 2003-07-25 | 2005-02-17 | Minolta Co Ltd | Driving method for imaging element, and imaging apparatus |
| CN1292599C (en) * | 2003-09-10 | 2006-12-27 | 佳能株式会社 | Image device for adding signals including same color component |
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| CN101282484A (en) | 2008-10-08 |
| JP2008278453A (en) | 2008-11-13 |
| RU2008112755A (en) | 2009-10-10 |
| CN101282484B (en) | 2012-05-30 |
| RU2378791C2 (en) | 2010-01-10 |
| CN102629994A (en) | 2012-08-08 |
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