JP2002359782A - Drive method for solid-state imaging device and camera employing it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drive method for a solid-state image pickup device by which deterioration in an image due to vertical shading is suppressed in high sensitivity processing for a video camera by summing vertical lines and high sensitivity is realized. SOLUTION: In the drive method for the solid-state image pickup device including a photoelectric conversion section 15, a vertical transfer section 16 that transfers signal charges from the photoelectric conversion section 15, a horizontal transfer section 17 that transfers signal charges of the vertical transfer section 16 in a horizontal direction, and a signal charge detection section 18 that converts the signal charges from the horizontal transfer section 17 into an electric signal, when the transfer operation of the horizontal transfer section 17 is stopped, the vertical transfer section 16 transfers the signal charges to the horizontal transfer section 17 by n (n is an integer of 2 or over) lines, after the horizontal transfer section 17 mixes the signal charges, the horizontal transfer section 17 transfers the signal charges for one horizontal transfer period to the signal charge detection section 18 for each period shorter than a period of n times of one horizontal period.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for driving a solid-state imaging device capable of high-sensitivity imaging and a camera using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) has been developed.
With the advancement of technologies such as solid-state imaging devices,
Various performance improvements of a small and lightweight camera-integrated VTR have been advanced, and the sensitivity has reached a level at which there is no problem in normal photographing.

However, in news gathering and the like, the number of nighttime shootings is extremely large, and further improvement in the sensitivity of the camera is required. Therefore, development of a camera having a high-sensitivity function capable of shooting at low illuminance is desired.

[0004] As a conventional method for enabling high-sensitivity photography at low illuminance, there is a method of electrically amplifying, but in this case, a noise component is also amplified in addition to a signal. Thus, excessive gain up is not practical.

[0005] As one method of increasing the sensitivity without increasing the noise, n adjacent pixels inside a solid-state image pickup device (CCD) are used.
A method has been proposed in which signal charges for (n: an integer of 2 or more) lines are added (mixed) to increase the video signal to increase the sensitivity (see JP-A-3-166875).

Hereinafter, the conventional driving method will be described.
Here, as an example, a case where signal charges for two lines (n = 2) are added will be described using an interline transfer CCD as an example.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a configuration diagram of an interline transfer CCD. This interline transfer C
The CD includes a photoelectric conversion unit 15, a vertical transfer unit 16 for transferring signal charges from the photoelectric conversion unit 15, a horizontal transfer unit 17 for transferring the signal charges of the vertical transfer unit 16 in the horizontal direction, and a horizontal transfer unit 17. And a signal charge detection unit 18 for converting the signal charge into an electric signal. The vertical transfer section 16 has four V1 to V4.
The horizontal transfer unit 17 includes H1 and H
2, two transfer electrodes.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a method of driving a conventional solid-state imaging device.
6A is a composite blanking signal, FIG. 6B is a vertical transfer signal applied to the transfer electrode V1 of the vertical transfer unit 16, and FIG.
FIG. 6C shows a horizontal transfer signal applied to the transfer electrode H1 of the horizontal transfer unit 17, and FIG. 6D shows an output signal from the CCD.

First, during the vertical blanking period 3, the signal charges stored in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 are read out by the read pulse 6.
To the vertical transfer unit 16.

Next, once every two horizontal periods, two vertical transfer pulses 7 are applied during the horizontal blanking period 4. As a result, the signal charges held in the vertical transfer unit 16 are reduced by 2
The lines are transferred to the horizontal transfer unit 17 and mixed.

Then, a horizontal transfer pulse 8 for one horizontal video period is applied to the horizontal transfer section 17, and the mixed signal charges are transferred to the signal charge detection section 18.

As a result, as shown in the output signal from the CCD in FIG. 6D, an output signal is obtained in which signals for two lines are added every other line. By performing the interpolation process every other line, video signals of all lines can be obtained.

As described above, by using the above driving method, it is possible to obtain about twice the sensitivity as compared with the normal case.

[0014]

By the way, the signal charges transferred from the photoelectric conversion unit 15 to the vertical transfer unit 16 by the readout pulse 6 are transferred to the horizontal transfer unit 17 by the vertical transfer pulse 7 during the vertical period. It is held in the transfer unit 16.

During the holding period, dark current charges are generated by heat in the vertical transfer section 16 and are added to the held signal charges.

Since the dark current charge increases in proportion to the temperature and time, the dark current charge increases as it is held in the vertical transfer unit 16 for a longer time.

At this time, of the signal charges held in the vertical transfer unit 16, the signal charge of the first line located near the horizontal transfer unit 17 and the signal charge of the last line located far from the horizontal transfer unit 17 The difference between the charge and the held time is one vertical video period depending on the output timing from the CCD. As a result, the amount of dark current charge generated is small in the signal charge of the first line and increased in the signal charge of the last line, causing a difference in the amount of dark current charge in the vertical direction of the CCD, causing image unevenness in the vertical direction of the video screen. Appears. The image quality is significantly deteriorated due to the shading that is the image unevenness.

In the conventional method of driving a solid-state imaging device, signal charges are held in the vertical transfer unit 16 for one vertical period, and then signal charges for two lines are added. Therefore, dark current charges are also added for two lines. About twice as much. As a result, CC
The difference between the amount of dark current charge added to the first signal output from D and the amount of dark current charge added to the final signal also doubles, increasing shading and deteriorating image quality.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and to provide a driving method of a solid-state imaging device capable of suppressing shading in a vertical direction of a screen and increasing sensitivity, and to realize a camera. Aim.

It is another object of the present invention to suppress an increase in circuit scale due to the need for a line delay circuit for line interpolation processing in the camera.

[0021]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of driving a solid-state image pickup device for solving the above-mentioned problems. Either the charges are mixed in the horizontal transfer means, or the signal charges for a plurality of lines are mixed in the vertical transfer means when transferring the signal charges from the photoelectric conversion means to the vertical transfer means, or a mixture of the two is used. When transferring such mixed signal charges from the horizontal transfer means to the signal charge detection means, the same amount of signal charges is transferred within a shorter time period as compared with the related art. . As a result, the signal charge retention period in the vertical transfer means can be shortened as compared with the related art, so that an increase in dark current charge can be suppressed, and as a result, shading in the screen vertical direction (video screen vertical direction) Image unevenness) can be suppressed, and high sensitivity can be achieved.

The present invention for a camera includes an analog / digital conversion unit, a storage unit, a pulse generation unit, and the like in addition to a solid-state imaging device driven by the above-described driving method. It is configured to be driven by the driving method described above, so that it is possible to shoot with high sensitivity even at low illuminance such as at night, and to reduce shading current through reduction of dark current charge included in the video signal. The occurrence can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the image quality of the image obtained by shooting can be suppressed.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be generally described.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving method for a solid-state image pickup device, wherein a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion means and a signal charge from the photoelectric conversion means adjacent to the photoelectric conversion means are vertically transferred. And a vertical transfer means for transferring the signal charges from the vertical transfer means in the horizontal direction, and a signal charge detection means for converting the signal charges from the horizontal transfer means into an electric signal. A driving method of an image pickup apparatus, wherein when the transfer operation of the horizontal transfer unit is stopped, the vertical transfer unit transfers signal charges for n (n: an integer of 2 or more) lines from the vertical transfer unit to the horizontal transfer unit. After transferring and mixing the signal charges by the horizontal transfer means, the signal charges of the horizontal transfer means are transferred to the signal charge detection means for one horizontal transfer period for each period shorter than n times one horizontal period. To do And it features.

The first invention in comparison with a fifth invention described later.
The feature of the invention is that the signal charges for n lines are mixed in the horizontal transfer means.

The operation of the first invention is as follows. Since the signal charges for n lines are mixed by the horizontal transfer means, high sensitivity can be achieved, and the operation of transferring the signal charges for one horizontal transfer period of the horizontal transfer means to the signal charge detection means is performed for one horizontal period. This is performed every period shorter than n times the period of the signal. Therefore, compared to the conventional driving method (signal charges for one horizontal transfer period are transferred in n times the period of one horizontal period), the signal in the vertical transfer means is reduced. The charge holding time can be shortened by the shortened time, and the dark current charge included in the video signal can be reduced. Further, as a result, it advantageously works to suppress the occurrence of shading and the deterioration of image quality.

The second invention of the present application relates to a camera, and includes a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion means,
A vertical transfer unit that is adjacent to the photoelectric conversion unit and transfers the signal charge from the photoelectric conversion unit in the vertical direction; a horizontal transfer unit that transfers the signal charge from the vertical transfer unit in the horizontal direction; and A solid-state imaging device comprising signal charge detection means for converting the signal charge of the solid-state imager into an electric signal, an analog / digital conversion means for converting an output signal from the solid-state imaging device into a digital signal, and the analog / digital conversion means A camera comprising: a storage unit for storing a signal from the storage unit; and a pulse generation unit for generating a control pulse for the storage unit and a transfer pulse applied to a transfer electrode of the vertical transfer unit and the horizontal transfer unit. The solid-state imaging device is configured to be driven by the driving method of the first invention.

That is, when the transfer operation of the horizontal transfer means is stopped, n (n: an integer of 2 or more) is used by the vertical transfer means.
After transferring the signal charges for the lines from the vertical transfer means to the horizontal transfer means, and mixing the signal charges by the horizontal transfer means, the horizontal transfer means is connected to the horizontal transfer means at intervals of less than n times one horizontal period. The signal charge is transferred to the signal charge detecting means for one horizontal transfer period. Such driving is performed by adjusting transfer pulses applied to the transfer electrodes of the vertical transfer unit and the horizontal transfer unit in the solid-state imaging device by the pulse generation unit.

A second aspect in comparison with a sixth aspect of the invention described below.
The feature of the invention is that the signal charges for n lines are mixed in the horizontal transfer means.

The operation of the second invention is as follows. Since the solid-state imaging device is configured to be driven by the driving method according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform high-sensitivity shooting even at low illuminance such as at night or the like, and to obtain darkness included in a video signal. The occurrence of shading can be suppressed by reducing the current charge, and the deterioration of the image quality of an image obtained by shooting can be suppressed.

The camera according to a third aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the second aspect, wherein the output of the video signal for one horizontal transfer period from the storage means is n (n: an integer of 2 or more) in one horizontal period.
It is configured to be performed once every double period. In this case, a line delay circuit is used to obtain video signals for all lines in one vertical video period.

In the camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the output of the video signal for one horizontal transfer period from the storage means is n (n: an integer of 2 or more) in one horizontal period. ) It is configured to be performed repeatedly within the double period. According to this fourth aspect, 1
Since the video signal for the horizontal transfer period is repeatedly output,
A line delay circuit is not required to obtain video signals for all lines in the vertical video period, and an increase in circuit size can be suppressed.

The fifth invention of the present application relates to a method for driving a solid-state image pickup device, wherein a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion means, and a signal from the photoelectric conversion means adjacent to the photoelectric conversion means. Vertical transfer means for transferring charges in the vertical direction, horizontal transfer means for transferring the signal charges from the vertical transfer means in the horizontal direction, and signal charge detection means for converting the signal charges from the horizontal transfer means to an electric signal; Wherein the signal charges transferred from the photoelectric conversion means to the vertical transfer means are mixed for m (m: an integer of 2 or more) lines by the vertical transfer means, The signal charge from the vertical transfer means is transferred to the horizontal transfer means, and the signal charge of the horizontal transfer means is transferred to the signal charge detection means for one horizontal transfer period for each period shorter than m times one horizontal period. transfer And wherein the Rukoto.

A feature of the fifth invention in comparison with the first invention is that mixing of signal charges for m lines is performed by the vertical transfer means.

The operation of the fifth invention is as follows. Since the signal charges for m lines are mixed by the vertical transfer means, high sensitivity can be achieved, and the operation of transferring the signal charges for one horizontal transfer period of the horizontal transfer means to the signal charge detection means is performed for one horizontal period. Since the period is shorter than m times as long as the conventional driving method (signal charges for one horizontal transfer period are transferred in m times of one horizontal period),
The signal charge holding time in the vertical transfer means can be shortened by the shortened time, and the dark current charge included in the video signal can be reduced. Further, as a result, it advantageously works to suppress the occurrence of shading and the deterioration of image quality.

The sixth invention of the present application relates to a camera, and includes a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion means,
A vertical transfer unit that is adjacent to the photoelectric conversion unit and transfers the signal charge from the photoelectric conversion unit in the vertical direction; a horizontal transfer unit that transfers the signal charge from the vertical transfer unit in the horizontal direction; and A solid-state imaging device comprising signal charge detection means for converting the signal charge of the solid-state imager into an electric signal, an analog / digital conversion means for converting an output signal from the solid-state imaging device into a digital signal, and the analog / digital conversion means A camera comprising: a storage unit for storing a signal from the storage unit; and a pulse generation unit for generating a control pulse for the storage unit and a transfer pulse applied to a transfer electrode of the vertical transfer unit and the horizontal transfer unit. The solid-state imaging device is configured to be driven by the driving method of the fifth invention. That is, the signal charges transferred from the photoelectric conversion means to the vertical transfer means are mixed by the vertical transfer means for m (m: an integer of 2 or more) lines, and the signal charges from the vertical transfer means are horizontally transferred. And transferring the signal charges of the horizontal transfer means to the signal charge detection means for one horizontal transfer period for each period shorter than m times a horizontal period. Such driving is performed by adjusting transfer pulses applied to the transfer electrodes of the vertical transfer unit and the horizontal transfer unit in the solid-state imaging device by the pulse generation unit.

A feature of the sixth invention in comparison with the second invention is that signal charges for m lines are mixed in the vertical transfer means.

The operation of the sixth invention is as follows. Since the solid-state imaging device is configured to be driven by the driving method according to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to perform high-sensitivity shooting even at low illuminance, such as at night, and to obtain darkness included in a video signal. The occurrence of shading can be suppressed by reducing the current charge, and the deterioration of the image quality of an image obtained by shooting can be suppressed.

The camera according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the sixth aspect, wherein the output of the video signal for one horizontal transfer period from the storage means is m (m: an integer of 2 or more) in one horizontal period.
It is configured to be performed once every double period. In this case, a line delay circuit is used to obtain video signals for all lines in one vertical video period.

The camera according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the camera according to the sixth aspect, wherein the output of the video signal for one horizontal transfer period from the storage means is m (m: an integer of 2 or more) in one horizontal period.
It is configured to be performed repeatedly within twice the period. According to the eighth aspect, a video signal for one horizontal transfer period is repeatedly output, so that a line delay circuit is not required to obtain video signals for all lines in one vertical video period. The increase can be suppressed.

(Specific Embodiment) Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of a method of driving a solid-state imaging device and a camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) A method of driving a solid-state imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below. Here, a case where signal charges for two lines (n = 2) are added (mixed) will be described using the interline transfer CCD of FIG. 5 described above as an example.

FIG. 1 is a timing chart for explaining a method of driving the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a composite blanking signal, and FIG. 1C shows a vertical transfer signal applied to the transfer electrode V1 of the horizontal transfer unit 17, FIG. 1C shows a horizontal transfer signal applied to the transfer electrode H1 of the horizontal transfer unit 17, and FIG. 1D shows an output signal from the CCD.

First, during the vertical blanking period 3, the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 are read out by the read pulse 6.
To the vertical transfer unit 16.

Next, once during one horizontal period, two vertical transfer pulses 7 are applied during the horizontal blanking period 4. Thus, the signal charges held in the vertical transfer unit 16 are transferred to the horizontal transfer unit 17 for two lines at a time and mixed. The horizontal blanking period 4 is a period in which the horizontal transfer unit 17 stops the transfer operation. Up to this point, the driving method is the same as that of the conventional example, except that two vertical transfer pulses 7 are applied once in one horizontal period (in the conventional example, once in two horizontal periods).

Then, a horizontal transfer pulse 8 of one horizontal video period is applied to the horizontal transfer unit 17 every horizontal period, and the signal charge is transferred to the signal charge detection unit 18.

Thus, as shown in the output signal from the CCD in FIG. 1D, a signal obtained by adding two lines is obtained continuously for each line.

At this time, since the vertical transfer pulse 7 is applied in each horizontal period, the period during which the output signal from the CCD is obtained is half the period of one conventional vertical video period.

As a result, the signal charge holding time in the vertical transfer section 16 can be reduced by half compared with the conventional driving method, so that the dark current charge included in the video signal is also reduced by half.
As a result, the occurrence of shading is also suppressed, and deterioration in image quality can be suppressed.

As described above, by using the driving method of the solid-state imaging device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality and to obtain twice the sensitivity.

(Embodiment 2) Next, an embodiment of the configuration of a camera using the driving method of the solid-state imaging device according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This camera is CC
D9 and an amplifier 10 for amplifying an output signal from the CCD 9
An A / D converter 11 for converting an output signal from the amplifier 10 into a digital signal; an image memory 12 for storing a digital output from the A / D converter 11; It comprises a pulse generator 13 for generating a pulse and a signal processing unit 14 for processing an output signal from the image memory 12.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
(A) is a composite blanking signal, and (b) of FIG.
FIG. 3C shows an output signal from the image memory 12.

The CCD 9 operates according to the driving method of the first embodiment, and its driving pulses (vertical transfer pulse and horizontal transfer pulse) are generated by the pulse generator 13.

For example, the same 2 (n = 2) as in the first embodiment
When signals for the lines are added, as shown in FIG. 3B, a signal added for two lines is continuously obtained from the CCD 9 during a half of one vertical video period.

This signal is amplified by the amplifier 10, converted to a digital output by the A / D converter 11, and stored in the image memory 12.

Then, the image memory 12 is controlled by the control pulse from the pulse generator 13, and FIG.
As shown in (1), a signal for one horizontal period is output from the image memory 12 every other line. As a result, it is possible to obtain a signal stretched in one vertical video period.

Thereafter, the signal processing section 14 performs an interpolation process using a one-line delay circuit based on the signals of the preceding and succeeding lines, thereby obtaining video signals of all lines.

As described above, since the signal charge holding time in the vertical transfer section can be shortened, the increase in dark current charge can be suppressed, shading in the vertical direction of the screen can be suppressed, and the sensitivity is doubled. Can be realized.

(Embodiment 3) A camera according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below.

The configuration block diagram of the camera shown in FIG. 2 is common to the third embodiment. FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 (a) is a composite blanking signal, FIG. 4 (b) is an output signal from the CCD 9, and FIG. c) is an image memory 12
3 shows an output signal from the first embodiment.

For example, 2 (n
= 2) When signals for lines are added, as shown in FIG. 4B, signals added for two lines are continuously obtained from the CCD 9 during a half of one vertical video period.

This signal is amplified by the amplifier 10, converted into a digital output by the A / D converter 11, and stored in the image memory 12. The operation up to this point is the same as in the second embodiment.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, the image memory 12 is controlled by the control pulse from the pulse generator 13, and a signal for one horizontal period is repeatedly output from the image memory 12 for two consecutive lines. . This gives 1
Signals can be obtained for all lines in the vertical video period.

At this time, since a one-line delay circuit for interpolation processing as in the second embodiment is not required,
An increase in circuit scale can be suppressed.

Thereafter, the image signal of all lines can be obtained by performing simple filter processing and various kinds of signal processing in the signal processing section 14.

As described above, the video signals of all lines can be obtained without increasing the circuit scale, and at the same time, the signal charge holding time in the vertical transfer section can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to realize a camera that suppresses the occurrence of shading in the vertical direction of the screen and has twice as high sensitivity.

In each of the above embodiments, 2 (n =
2) The case where signals for lines are added by the horizontal transfer unit 17 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the vertical transfer unit 16 uses m (m: an integer of 2 or more). ) The signal charges for the lines may be added, or the horizontal transfer unit 17 and the vertical transfer unit 1 may be added.
6, the signal charges for n (n: an integer of 2 or more) lines and the signal charges for m (m: an integer of 2 or more) lines may be added.

In each of the above embodiments, the all-pixel readout type interline transfer CCD has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to the interlace readout type CCD. An imaging device such as a CCD or a MOS type having a unit may be used. Further, the configuration does not depend on a single plate, multiple plates, black and white, color, the presence or absence of an on-chip lens, and the like.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, the signal charge holding period in the vertical transfer section can be shortened, so that an increase in dark current charge can be suppressed, and shading (in the vertical direction of the image screen) can be achieved. Image unevenness)
And high sensitivity can be realized.

When performing line interpolation processing of a video signal in reading a video signal from an image memory, high sensitivity can be realized without increasing the circuit scale. Is big.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a timing chart illustrating a method for driving a solid-state imaging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera according to Embodiments 2 and 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining an operation in a driving method of the solid-state imaging device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining an operation in a driving method of the solid-state imaging device according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an interline transfer CCD.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a driving method of a conventional solid-state imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 vertical period 2 vertical video period 3 vertical blanking period 4 horizontal blanking period 5 horizontal period 6 read pulse 7 vertical transfer pulse 8 horizontal transfer pulse 9 CCD 10 amplifier 11 A / D converter 12 image memory 13 pulse generator 14 signal Processing unit 15 Photoelectric conversion unit 16 Vertical transfer unit 17 Horizontal transfer unit 18 Signal charge detection unit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of photoelectric conversion means arranged two-dimensionally, a vertical transfer means adjacent to the photoelectric conversion means and vertically transferring a signal charge from the photoelectric conversion means, and the vertical transfer means A horizontal transfer means for transferring the signal charge from the horizontal transfer means in a horizontal direction; and a signal charge detection means for converting the signal charge from the horizontal transfer means into an electric signal. When the transfer operation of the device is stopped, n (n: an integer of 2 or more) is used by the vertical transfer device.
After transferring the signal charges for the lines from the vertical transfer means to the horizontal transfer means, and mixing the signal charges by the horizontal transfer means, the horizontal transfer means is connected to the horizontal transfer means at intervals of less than n times one horizontal period. A method for driving a solid-state imaging device, comprising transferring signal charges to the signal charge detection means for one horizontal transfer period. 2. A plurality of photoelectric conversion means arranged two-dimensionally, a vertical transfer means adjacent to the photoelectric conversion means and vertically transferring signal charges from the photoelectric conversion means, and the vertical transfer means. A solid-state imaging device including horizontal transfer means for transferring the signal charges from the horizontal transfer means in the horizontal direction, and signal charge detection means for converting the signal charges from the horizontal transfer means into an electric signal; and an output from the solid-state imaging device. Analog / digital conversion means for converting a signal into a digital signal; storage means for storing a signal from the analog / digital conversion means; transfer pulses applied to transfer electrodes of the vertical transfer means and the horizontal transfer means; A pulse generating means for generating a control pulse of the means, wherein when the transfer operation of the horizontal transfer means is stopped,
The vertical transfer means transfers signal charges for n (n: an integer of 2 or more) lines from the vertical transfer means to the horizontal transfer means, and mixes the signal charges by the horizontal transfer means.
A camera characterized in that the signal charges of the horizontal transfer means are transferred to the signal charge detection means for one horizontal transfer period every period shorter than n times the horizontal period. 3. The output of a video signal for one horizontal transfer period from the storage means is performed once every n (n: an integer of 2 or more) times one horizontal period. 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein: 4. A structure in which output of a video signal for one horizontal transfer period from said storage means is repeated within a period of n (n: an integer of 2 or more) times one horizontal period. 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein: 5. A plurality of photoelectric conversion means arranged two-dimensionally, a vertical transfer means adjacent to the photoelectric conversion means and vertically transferring signal charges from the photoelectric conversion means, and the vertical transfer means. A driving method for a solid-state imaging device, comprising: a horizontal transfer means for transferring a signal charge from the horizontal transfer means in a horizontal direction; and a signal charge detection means for converting the signal charge from the horizontal transfer means into an electric signal. Means for mixing the signal charges transferred to the vertical transfer means by m (m: an integer of 2 or more) lines by the vertical transfer means, and transferring the signal charges from the vertical transfer means to the horizontal transfer means; A method for driving a solid-state imaging device, wherein the signal charges of the horizontal transfer means are transferred to the signal charge detection means for one horizontal transfer period for each period shorter than m times one horizontal period. 6. A plurality of photoelectric conversion means arranged two-dimensionally, a vertical transfer means adjacent to the photoelectric conversion means and vertically transferring a signal charge from the photoelectric conversion means, and the vertical transfer means. A solid-state imaging device including horizontal transfer means for transferring the signal charges from the horizontal transfer means in the horizontal direction, and signal charge detection means for converting the signal charges from the horizontal transfer means into an electric signal; and an output from the solid-state imaging device. Analog / digital conversion means for converting a signal into a digital signal; storage means for storing a signal from the analog / digital conversion means; transfer pulses applied to transfer electrodes of the vertical transfer means and the horizontal transfer means; And a pulse generating means for generating a control pulse of the means, wherein the signal signal transferred from the photoelectric conversion means to the vertical transfer means is provided. The load is transferred to the vertical transfer means by m (m:
The signal charges from the vertical transfer unit are transferred to the horizontal transfer unit, and the signal charge of the horizontal transfer unit is reduced by 1 for each period shorter than m times one horizontal period. A camera configured to transfer to the signal charge detecting means for a horizontal transfer period. 7. A configuration in which the output of the video signal for one horizontal transfer period from the storage means is performed once every m (m: an integer of 2 or more) times one horizontal period. 7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein: 8. A configuration wherein output of a video signal for one horizontal transfer period from the storage means is repeated within a period of m (m: an integer of 2 or more) times one horizontal period. 7. The camera according to claim 6, wherein: