JP2008022099A - Control device of solid-state electronic imaging device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To aim at gaining both high-speed read and power saving. <P>SOLUTION: Two FDAs are provided in the horizontal transfer path of a CCD. When a shutter release button is pressed, it is determined whether a successive shooting mode is selected (step 51). When it is determined that the successive shooting mode is selected (YES in step 51), signal charge stored in the CCD by exposure is read from the two FDAs (step 54). The signal charge is read from the two FDAs, thus achieving high-speed read. When the successive shooting mode is not selected (NO in step 51), the signal charge stored in the CCD by the exposure is read from one FDA (step 52). Power can be saved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for a solid-state electronic image sensor and a control method therefor.

A solid-state electronic image sensor such as a CCD may require high-speed reading. For this purpose, for example, there is a technique in which the light receiving area is divided into upper and lower areas and horizontal transfer paths are provided above and below (Patent Document 1). The signal charge accumulated in the area above the light receiving area is output from the upper horizontal transfer path, and the signal charge accumulated in the area below the light receiving area is output from the lower horizontal transfer path. In addition, there is a technique that divides a light receiving area into a plurality of areas and outputs signal charges accumulated in a selected area (Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-103421 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-194023

  However, no attempt is made to save power in either case.

  An object of the present invention is to achieve both high-speed reading and power saving.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control apparatus for a solid-state electronic image sensor, which is arranged adjacent to each column of a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, and stored in the photoelectric conversion elements. A vertical transfer path for transferring the signal charge in the vertical direction, a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical direction, and a horizontal transfer path in the horizontal direction. A solid-state electronic imaging device including n output amplifiers (n is an integer of 2 or more) for outputting signal charges from the horizontal transfer path, and a plurality of output amplification circuits of n or less based on the imaging mode. A control circuit for controlling the solid-state electronic image pickup device so as to output the signal charge using the output amplifier circuit, or to output the signal charge using a smaller number of output amplifier circuits than the plurality of output amplifier circuits.

  The first invention also provides a control method suitable for the control device for the solid-state electronic image sensor. That is, in this method, in the solid-state electronic image sensor, a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction are arranged adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements and accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements. A vertical transfer path for transferring signal charges in the vertical direction, a horizontal transfer path for transferring signal charges transferred in the vertical direction on the vertical transfer paths in the horizontal direction, and a signal transferred in the horizontal direction on the horizontal transfer paths N output amplifier circuits (n is an integer of 2 or more) for outputting electric charges from the horizontal transfer path are included, and the control circuit uses a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits based on the imaging mode. The solid-state electronic image pickup device is controlled so as to output signal charges or output signal charges using a smaller number of output amplifier circuits than the plurality.

  According to the first invention, n output amplifier circuits are provided in the horizontal transfer path of the solid-state electronic image sensor. Based on the imaging mode, switching between the case where signal charges are output using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits and the case where signal charges are output using a smaller number of output amplifier circuits is switched. When high-speed readout is required, such as when the imaging mode is set to the continuous shooting mode, signal charges are output using a plurality of output amplifier circuits. When high-speed readout is not always required, such as when the imaging mode is set to single shooting mode, signal charges are output using a plurality of output amplifier circuits. When high-speed reading is not required, signal charges are not output using a plurality of output amplifier circuits but signal charges are output using less than a plurality of output amplifier circuits, so that power saving can be achieved. Moreover, it can cope with the case where high-speed reading is required.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control apparatus for a solid-state electronic image pickup device, wherein a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction are arranged adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements and stored in the photoelectric conversion elements. A vertical transfer path for transferring the signal charge in the vertical direction, a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical direction, and a horizontal transfer path in the horizontal direction. A solid-state electronic image sensor that includes n output amplifier circuits (n is an integer of 2 or more) that outputs signal charges from the horizontal transfer path, and temperature detection that detects the temperature during imaging using the solid-state electronic image sensor The signal charge is output using any one of 2 to n output amplifying circuits based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the temperature detecting means, or the signal charge is output using one output amplifying circuit. Characterized in that it comprises a control circuit for controlling the solid-state electronic image sensing device to output.

  The second invention also provides a control method suitable for the control device of the solid-state electronic image sensor. That is, in this method, in the solid-state electronic image sensor, a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction are arranged adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements and accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements. A vertical transfer path for transferring signal charges in the vertical direction, a horizontal transfer path for transferring signal charges transferred in the vertical direction on the vertical transfer paths in the horizontal direction, and a signal transferred in the horizontal direction on the horizontal transfer paths N output amplifying circuits for outputting electric charges from the horizontal transfer path (n is an integer of 2 or more) are included, and the temperature detecting means detects and controls the temperature at the time of imaging using the solid-state electronic imaging device. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, the circuit outputs a signal charge using any one of 2 to n output amplifier circuits, or outputs a signal charge using one output amplifier circuit. Output Sea urchin and controls the solid-state electronic image sensing device.

  Also in the second invention, n output amplifier circuits are provided in the horizontal transfer path of the solid-state electronic image sensor. The temperature at the time of imaging is detected, and based on the detected temperature, the signal charge is output using one of the output amplifier circuits and one of the output amplifier circuits from 2 to n. The output can be switched. When the temperature during imaging increases, a lot of dark current may be generated. When signal charges are output using a plurality of output amplifier circuits, there may be a difference in output level between the plurality of output amplifier circuits. For this reason, when the temperature at the time of imaging becomes high, signal charges can be output using one output amplifier circuit. In addition, power can be saved. If the temperature at the time of imaging is not high, signal charges are output using any one of 2 to n output amplifier circuits in order to perform high-speed reading. High-speed reading can be achieved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device for a solid-state electronic image pickup device, wherein a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a shutter release button and in a column direction and a row direction and store signal charges in response to depression of the shutter release button. , Adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements, a vertical transfer path for transferring the signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements in the vertical direction, and a signal charge transferred in the vertical direction on the vertical transfer path. A horizontal transfer path for transferring in the horizontal direction and n output amplifier circuits (n is an integer of 2 or more) for outputting signal charges transferred in the horizontal direction through the horizontal transfer path from the horizontal transfer path are included. In response to the solid-state electronic image sensor and the shutter release button being continuously pressed for a certain period, signal charges are output using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits. To, or characterized by comprising a control circuit for controlling the solid-state electronic image sensing device so as to output the signal charge using the output amplifier circuit of fewer than the plurality.

  The third invention also provides a control method suitable for the control device for the solid-state electronic image sensor. That is, in this method, a solid-state electronic image sensor is arranged in a column direction and a row direction, and a large number of photoelectric conversion elements that store signal charges according to depression of a shutter release button, and each column of the photoelectric conversion elements. And a vertical transfer path for transferring the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element in the vertical direction, and a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charges transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical direction in the horizontal direction. , And n output amplifier circuits (n is an integer of 2 or more) for outputting signal charges transferred in the horizontal direction on the horizontal transfer path from the horizontal transfer path. Depending on the fact that the release button has been pressed continuously for a certain period of time, signal charges are output using a plurality of output amplifier circuits of n or less, or the number of output increases is less than the above-mentioned plurality. And it controls the solid-state electronic image sensing device so as to output a signal charge by using a circuit.

  Also in the third invention, according to the first invention, n output amplifier circuits are provided in the horizontal transfer path of the solid-state electronic imaging device. If the shutter release button is continuously pressed for a certain period, it can be considered as a continuous shooting mode. For this reason, high-speed reading is required, and signal charges are output using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits. If the shutter release button is not pressed continuously for a certain period, the continuous shooting mode is not considered, so high-speed reading is not necessarily required. The signal charge is output using a smaller number of output amplifier circuits than the plurality. When high-speed readout is not required, signal charges are output using a number of output amplifier circuits that are smaller than a plurality of signal amplifiers without using a plurality of output amplifier circuits of n or less. Can be achieved. Moreover, it can cope with the case where high-speed reading is required.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control apparatus for a solid-state electronic image pickup device, wherein a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction are arranged adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements and stored in the photoelectric conversion elements. A vertical transfer path for transferring the signal charge in the vertical direction, a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical direction, and a horizontal transfer path in the horizontal direction. Does the solid state electronic imaging device include n output amplifier circuits (n is an integer of 2 or more) for outputting signal charges from the horizontal transfer path, and whether the remaining capacity of the battery for driving the solid state electronic imaging device is large? Based on the determination means for determining whether or not the remaining capacity of the battery is determined to be large by the determination means, a signal charge is output using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits, or Characterized in that it comprises a control circuit for controlling the solid-state electronic image sensing device so as to output the signal charge using the output amplifier circuit of fewer than the plurality.

  The fourth invention also provides a control method suitable for the control device for the solid-state electronic image sensor. That is, in this method, a solid-state electronic image sensor is arranged adjacent to each column of a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, and the signal stored in the photoelectric conversion element. A vertical transfer path for transferring charges in the vertical direction, a horizontal transfer path for transferring signal charges transferred in the vertical direction on the vertical transfer paths in the horizontal direction, and a signal charge transferred in the horizontal direction on the horizontal transfer paths N output amplifier circuits (n is an integer of 2 or more) are output from the horizontal transfer path, and the determination means determines whether the remaining capacity of the battery for driving the solid-state electronic image pickup device is large. And determining that the control circuit outputs a signal charge using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits based on the determination means that the remaining capacity of the battery is large. So as to output the signal charge using the output amplifier circuit a small number so as to control the solid-state electronic image sensing device.

  Also in the fourth aspect of the invention, n output amplifier circuits are provided in the horizontal transfer path of the solid-state electronic image sensor. Based on the remaining capacity of the battery, the case where signal charges are output using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits and the case where signal charges are output using a smaller number of output amplifier circuits are switched. When the remaining capacity of the battery is large, signal charges are output using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits so that high-speed reading is performed. When the remaining capacity of the battery is small, signal charges are output using a smaller number of output amplifier circuits than the plurality. Since the number of output amplifier circuits used for signal charge output is reduced, power saving can be achieved.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a CCD.

  In the CCD, a large number of photodiodes (photoelectric conversion elements) 1 are arranged in the column direction and the row direction. In this embodiment, the photodiodes 1 are arranged in odd rows for odd columns and in even rows for even columns, but are arranged in even rows for odd columns and odd rows for even columns. It may be arranged. Of course, the photodiodes 1 may be arranged in all rows and columns.

  A vertical transfer path 3 is formed on the right side of each column of the photodiodes 1. A transfer gate 2 is formed between the vertical transfer path 3 and the photodiode 1. In the vertical transfer path 3, vertical transfer electrodes V1 to V8 are formed.

  A first horizontal transfer path 5 and a second horizontal transfer path 6 are connected to a lower end portion of the vertical transfer path 3 via a line memory 4. The first horizontal transfer path 5 is provided corresponding to the left side of the light receiving area of the CCD, and the second horizontal transfer path 6 is provided corresponding to the right side of the light receiving area of the CCD. A first FDA (floating diffusion amplifier) 7 is connected to the left end of the first horizontal transfer path 5. A second FDA 8 is connected to the right side of the second horizontal transfer path 6.

  When the photodiode 1 is exposed, signal charges are accumulated in the photodiode 1 in accordance with the exposure amount. The signal charge accumulated in the photodiode 1 is shifted to the vertical transfer path 3 when a gate pulse is applied to the transfer gate 2. The signal charge shifted to the vertical transfer path 3 is transferred in the vertical direction by applying vertical transfer pulses to the vertical transfer electrodes V1 to V8. The signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical transfer path 3 is applied to the first horizontal transfer path 5 or the second horizontal transfer path 6 via the line memory 4. The signal charge is output as a video signal via the first FDA 7 or the second FDA 8.

  In this embodiment, when the imaging mode is set to the continuous shooting mode, high-speed readout is necessary. Therefore, the signal charge given to the first horizontal transfer path 5 is output from the first FDA 7 and the second The signal charge given to the horizontal transfer path 6 is output from the second FDA 8. Since the video signal is output using the two FDAs 7 and 8, the output time of the video signal is shortened. The continuous shooting interval can be shortened. When the imaging mode is set to the single shooting mode, high-speed readout is not necessarily required. Therefore, the signal charges applied to the first horizontal transfer path 5 and the second horizontal transfer path 6 are both FDA. Is output from the first FDA 7 (may be output from the second FDA 8). Since it is not necessary to drive the second FDA 8, power saving can be realized.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital still camera.

  The entire operation of the digital still camera is controlled by the CPU 10.

  For digital still cameras, set the shutter release button 11 of the two-stroke type, the mode selector switch 12 for switching between the imaging mode and the playback mode, and the imaging mode such as continuous shooting mode and single shooting mode. A menu button 13 is provided. Output signals from these buttons and the like are input to the CPU 10.

  In addition, a battery 42 is attached to the digital still camera, and power is supplied to each circuit of the digital still camera by the battery 42.

  Further, the digital still camera includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface 31 for connection to a personal computer or the like. Furthermore, the digital still camera also includes a temperature detection circuit 40 for detecting the temperature at the time of imaging.

  The digital still camera is provided with the CCD 23 described above. The CCD 23 is driven by a vertical transfer pulse, a horizontal transfer pulse, a gate pulse or the like given from the timing generator 16. The timing generator 16 drives the CCD 23 based on the clock pulse output from the clock pulse switching circuit 17.

  A diaphragm 21 and an imaging lens 22 are provided in front of the CCD 23. The diaphragm 21 is driven by the motor driver 14 so as to obtain a desired diaphragm value. The imaging lens 22 is positioned by the motor driver 15 so that a subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 23.

  When the imaging mode is set by the mode selector switch 12, the subject is imaged and a video signal representing the subject image is output from the CCD 23 (a video signal for displaying a moving image for determining a camera angle, Video signal output for displaying a so-called through image). A video signal for displaying a through image is output from one of the two FDAs 7 and 8. The output video signal is input to a CDS (correlated double sampling) amplifier circuit 24, subjected to correlated double sampling, and input to an analog / digital conversion circuit 25. The video signal is converted into digital image data by the analog / digital conversion circuit 25.

  The image data is input to the image signal processing circuit 29 via the image input controller 28, and predetermined signal processing such as gamma correction is performed. By applying the signal processed image data to the video / LCD encoder 32, a subject image (through image) is displayed on the display screen of the image display device 33.

  When the shutter release button is pressed in the first stage, the image data obtained as described above is input to an AF (automatic focus control) detection circuit 34. The AF detection circuit 34 extracts a high frequency component from the input image data, and generates focus control data. The generated focus control data is input to the CPU 10 and the position of the imaging lens 22 is controlled. The image data is also input to an AE (automatic exposure control) / AWB (automatic white balance) / left / right difference detection circuit 35. In the AE / AWB / left / right difference detection circuit 35, luminance data for automatic exposure adjustment is generated. The generated luminance data is input to the CPU 10, and the CPU 10 controls the aperture value of the aperture 21 and the shutter speed of the CCD 23 so that the subject image has an appropriate brightness. In the AE / AWB / left / right difference detection circuit 35, white balance adjustment is also performed.

  When the shutter release button is pressed in the second stage, as described above, in the continuous shooting mode, the CCD 23 is read at high speed, and video signals are output from the first FDA 7 and the second FDA 8 respectively. Is done. The first video signal output from the first FDA 7 is input to the first CDS amplifier circuit 24. The second video signal output from the second FDA 8 is input to the second CDS amplifier circuit 26. The first video signal is converted into first digital image data by the first analog / digital conversion circuit 25 and input to the image input controller 28. The second video signal is converted into second digital image data by the second analog / digital conversion circuit 25 and input to the image input controller 28.

  The first image data and the second image data input to the image input controller 28 are given to the memory 36 and temporarily stored. The first image data and the second image data are read from the memory 36 and input to the shading correction circuit 39 so that a single subject image is formed. The image data is subjected to shading correction by the shading correction circuit 39, and is again given to the memory 36 and stored therein. The image data is read from the memory 36 and input to the compression processing circuit 30, where the data is compressed in the compression processing circuit 30. The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 38 under the control of the memory controller 37.

  When the playback mode is set by the mode switch 12, the image data recorded on the memory card 38 is read. The read image data is given to the image display device 33 via the video / LCD encoder 32. An image represented by the image data recorded on the memory card 38 is displayed on the display screen of the image display device 33.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the digital still camera performed in response to pressing of the second step of the shutter release button.

  As described above, when the shutter release button is pressed in the second stage, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is set (step 51).

  If the continuous shooting mode is set (YES in step 51), exposure is performed (step 54), and the CCD 23 is driven so that signal charges are read out using the two FDAs 7 and 8 (step 54). 55). Since the signal charges are read out using the two FDAs 7 and 8, high-speed reading according to continuous shooting can be realized.

  If the continuous shooting mode is not set (NO in step 51), exposure is performed (step 52), and the signal charge is read using one of the two FDAs 7 and 8 and the first FDA 7. Thus, the CCD 23 is driven (step 53). Since the other second FDA 8 is not used, power saving can be achieved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CCD 23 is provided with two FDAs 7 and 8. However, three or more FDAs may be provided. In the continuous shooting mode, the CCD is driven to use less FDA than that used in the single shooting mode.

  FIG. 4 shows a modification and is a schematic diagram showing a part of a CCD. In this figure, the same components as those shown in FIG.

  In the CCD shown in FIG. 1, two horizontal transfer paths 5 and 6 are provided. However, in the CCD shown in FIG. 4, one horizontal transfer path 9 is connected to the vertical transfer path 3 via the line memory 4. Connected to the bottom. A first FDA 61 and a second FDA 62 are connected to the left end of the horizontal transfer path 9.

  The signal charge transferred from the horizontal transfer path 9 is read from the first FDA 61 or the second FDA 62. High-speed reading can be achieved by reading out signal charges using both the first FDA 61 and the second FDA 62. By reading the signal charge using one of the first FDA 61 and the second FDA 62, power can be saved.

  FIG. 5 shows another embodiment, and is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the shutter release button is pressed in the second stage.

  When the shutter release button is pressed in the second stage, the temperature of the CCD (temperature at the time of imaging) is detected by the temperature detection circuit (step 71). Then, it is determined whether the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined set value (threshold value) (step 72).

  If it is equal to or higher than the predetermined set value (YES in step 72), it is considered that the amount of dark current generated in the CCD increases because the temperature during imaging is high. If two FDAs are used to output video signals from the respective FDAs, reading out the signal charges of the video signals output from the respective FDAs may cause a level difference between the video signals. Therefore, when exposure is performed (step 73), the CCD is driven so that signal charges are read from one FDA (step 74).

  If the detected temperature is not equal to or higher than a predetermined set value (NO in step 72), the amount of dark current generated in the CCD is relatively small because the temperature during imaging is not high. For this reason, when exposure is performed (step 75), signal charges are read using both of the two FDAs (step 76). High-speed reading can be realized.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the digital still camera, which is another example of realization.

  When the shutter release button is pressed in the second stage (YES in step 81), exposure is performed (step 82). After the exposure, the pressing state of the shutter release button is confirmed (step 83). Although it is confirmed whether or not the second stage of the shutter release button is being pressed, it may be confirmed whether or not the first stage of the shutter release button is being pressed.

  If the shutter release button is kept pressed (ON in step 83), it is determined that the continuous shooting mode is set. Then, since high-speed reading is necessary, signal charges are read using two FDAs (step 85).

  If the shutter release button is not pressed (OFF in step 83), it is determined that the single-shot mode is selected. Since high-speed reading is not necessary, signal charges are read using one FDA (step 84).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the digital still camera when the second step of the shutter release button is pressed, showing still another embodiment.

  When the shutter release button is pressed in the second stage, the remaining battery level is detected (step 91). It is determined whether the detected remaining battery level is greater than a predetermined specified value (threshold value) (step 92).

  If the remaining amount of the battery is greater than the predetermined specified value (YES in step 92), it is considered that there is no need for power saving, so exposure is performed (step 95) and a signal is transmitted using two FDAs. The charge is read (step 96). High-speed reading is realized.

  If the remaining amount of the battery is not greater than the predetermined specified value (NO in step 92), it is considered that power saving is necessary, so exposure is performed (step 93) and one FDA is used. The signal charge is read out. Of the two FDAs, one FDA is not used, so power can be saved.

It is a part of schematic diagram of CCD. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a digital still camera. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a digital still camera. It is a part of schematic diagram of CCD. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a digital still camera. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a digital still camera. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a digital still camera.

Explanation of symbols

1 Photodiode 3 Vertical transfer path 5, 6, 9 Horizontal transfer path 7, 8, 61, 62 FDA (output amplifier circuit)
16 Timing generator (control circuit)
23 CCD

Claims (8)

A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, a vertical transfer path disposed adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements and transferring a signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements in a vertical direction; A horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical transfer path in the horizontal direction, and an output amplifier circuit for outputting the signal charge transferred in the horizontal direction in the horizontal transfer path from the horizontal transfer path; Based on the solid-state electronic image sensor included in n and the imaging mode, the signal charge is output using a plurality of output amplifier circuits of n or less, or the number of output amplifier circuits is smaller than the plurality of output amplifier circuits. A control circuit for controlling the solid-state electronic image sensor so as to output a signal charge;
A control device for a solid-state electronic imaging device. A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, a vertical transfer path disposed adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements and transferring a signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements in a vertical direction; A horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical transfer path in the horizontal direction, and an output amplifier circuit for outputting the signal charge transferred in the horizontal direction in the horizontal transfer path from the horizontal transfer path; n solid-state electronic image sensors,
Temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature at the time of imaging using the solid-state electronic imaging device, and signal charge using any of 2 to n output amplifier circuits based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means A control circuit for controlling the solid-state electronic image sensor so as to output a signal charge using one output amplifier circuit,
A control device for a solid-state electronic imaging device. Shutter release button,
A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that are arranged in a column direction and a row direction and store signal charges in response to depression of the shutter release button, are arranged adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements, and are arranged on the photoelectric conversion elements. A vertical transfer path for transferring the accumulated signal charges in the vertical direction, a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charges transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical direction, and a horizontal transfer path for transferring the horizontal transfer paths in the horizontal direction A solid-state electronic image pickup device including n output amplifiers for outputting the signal charges received from the horizontal transfer path, and the shutter release button being continuously pressed for a certain period of time. Thus, the solid-state electric power is output so that signal charges are output using a plurality of output amplifier circuits of n or less, or signal charges are output using a smaller number of output amplifier circuits than the plurality of output amplifier circuits. A control circuit for controlling the child image sensor,
A control device for a solid-state electronic imaging device. A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, a vertical transfer path disposed adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements and transferring a signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements in a vertical direction; A horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical transfer path in the horizontal direction, and an output amplifier circuit for outputting the signal charge transferred in the horizontal direction in the horizontal transfer path from the horizontal transfer path; n solid-state electronic image sensors,
A determination means for determining whether or not the remaining capacity of the battery for driving the solid-state electronic imaging device is large; and a plurality of n or less based on the determination means that the remaining capacity of the battery is determined to be large A control circuit for controlling the solid-state electronic image pickup device so as to output a signal charge using an output amplifier circuit or to output a signal charge using a number of output amplifier circuits smaller than the plurality of output amplifier circuits;
A control device for a solid-state electronic imaging device. In the solid-state electronic image sensor, a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction are arranged adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements, and signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements are vertically transmitted. A vertical transfer path for transferring, a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical transfer path in the horizontal direction, and a signal charge transferred in the horizontal direction in the horizontal transfer path for the horizontal transfer path N output amplifying circuits are included.
The control circuit outputs signal charges using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits based on the imaging mode, or outputs signal charges using a smaller number of output amplifier circuits than the plurality of output amplifier circuits. Control the solid-state electronic image sensor,
A method for controlling a solid-state electronic imaging device. In the solid-state electronic image sensor, a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction are arranged adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements, and signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements are vertically transmitted. A vertical transfer path for transferring, a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical transfer path in the horizontal direction, and a signal charge transferred in the horizontal direction in the horizontal transfer path for the horizontal transfer path N output amplifying circuits are included.
The temperature detection means detects the temperature at the time of imaging using the solid-state electronic image sensor,
Based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, the control circuit outputs a signal charge using any one of 2 to n output amplifying circuits, or uses one output amplifying circuit to output the signal charges. Control the solid-state electronic image sensor to output
A method for controlling a solid-state electronic imaging device. The solid-state electronic image sensor is arranged in the column direction and the row direction, and is arranged adjacent to each column of the photoelectric conversion elements, and a large number of photoelectric conversion elements that accumulate signal charges in response to pressing of the shutter release button. A vertical transfer path for transferring the signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element in the vertical direction, a horizontal transfer path for transferring the signal charge transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical direction, and the horizontal transfer path N output amplifier circuits for outputting the signal charges transferred in the horizontal direction from the horizontal transfer path are included,
The control circuit outputs a signal charge using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits in response to the shutter release button being continuously pressed for a certain period, or from the plurality Controlling the solid-state electronic image sensor to output signal charges using a small number of output amplifier circuits,
A method for controlling a solid-state electronic imaging device. A solid-state electronic image sensor is arranged adjacent to each column of a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, and transfers signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements in a vertical direction. A vertical transfer path, a horizontal transfer path for transferring signal charges transferred in the vertical direction in the vertical transfer path in a horizontal direction, and a signal charge transferred in horizontal directions in the horizontal transfer path from the horizontal transfer path. N output amplifier circuits to output are included,
A determination means for determining whether the remaining capacity of the battery for driving the solid-state electronic image sensor is large;
Based on the determination that the remaining capacity of the battery is large by the determination means, the control circuit outputs a signal charge using a plurality of n or less output amplifier circuits, or outputs a smaller number than the plurality Controlling the solid-state electronic image sensor to output a signal charge using an amplifier circuit;
A method for controlling a solid-state electronic imaging device.

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