JP2009153062A - Solid-state imaging device driving method and solid-state imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a solid-state imaging device driving which thins out pixels and can obtain a pixel output of varied colors. <P>SOLUTION: In method for driving a solid-state imaging device which is composed of a plurality of pixels arranged in matrix and having a photo diode and vertical CCD each and a color filter located on a plurality of pixels in buy arrangement, there is provided a set of a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, a fourth pixel, a fifth pixel, and a sixth pixel which are continually lined up in a row direction in the same row. Further, one group includes a plurality of sets which are continually lined up in a row direction in the same row. In one of two groups continually lined up in a row direction, a signal charge is read out only at an even position in the sets, and in the other of the two groups continually lined up in a row direction, the vertical CCD is driven so that the signal charge is read out only at an odd position in the party. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving method of a solid-state imaging device, and more particularly to a driving method of a CCD solid-state imaging device that performs pixel thinning.

  In general, a CCD solid-state imaging device is used as a solid-state imaging device constituting an imaging device such as a video camera and a digital still camera. In a CCD type solid-state imaging device, signal charges generated by a photodiode upon incidence of light are read out to a vertical CCD and transferred to a charge detection unit (FD unit) by a vertical CCD and a horizontal CCD. With regard to such a driving method of the CCD solid-state imaging device, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing pixel thinning to obtain a moving image.

  11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the color filter arrangement of the solid-state imaging device described in Patent Document 1 for 12 vertical pixels. Although not shown, this color filter arrangement is repeated in the vertical and horizontal directions. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, a pixel column in which R and G pixels on which R and G color filters 101 are placed is repeated, and a pixel row in which G and B pixels on which G and B color filters 101 are placed are repeated. They are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction.

  In the driving method of the solid-state imaging device of Patent Document 1, m is an odd number of 3 or more, and a pixel column in which m pixels are one set in the vertical direction is sequentially arranged from the first pixel column to the mth pixel from the top in the vertical direction. The signal charges are read out to the vertical CCD for each pixel column.

  For example, a pixel row of 3 pixels is configured in the vertical direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 11A, the signal charge of the third pixel from the top of each pixel column is read out to the vertical CCD. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11B, the signal charge of the third pixel from the top of one of the continuous pixel columns is read out to the vertical CCD. In this case, only n (n <m) pixels in the pixel array of m pixels have means for reading signal charges from the photodiode to the vertical CCD.

Further, in at least two of the first to m-th pixel columns, the pixel columns to be read out are further thinned to 1/2 to form a 1/6 thinned pixel column, and 1/6 thinned pixels The signal charge for each column is read out to the vertical CCD. In addition, the 1/6 thinned-out pixel column performs thinning by a configuration in which readout of two consecutive pixels in the vertical direction and thinning out of two consecutive pixels are alternately performed in the corresponding field pixel column.
JP 2006-254494 A

  However, the driving method of the conventional solid-state imaging device has a problem that when the pixel column is composed of even-numbered pixels, only the output of the same color (R pixel and G pixel or B pixel and G pixel) can be obtained.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11C, when a pixel row of 6 pixels is configured with m = 6 by the driving method of the solid-state imaging device of Patent Document 1, and the third pixel is read from the top of each pixel row. The output pixels are only R pixels or G pixels. In addition, a pixel array of 6 pixels is configured with m = 6 in the solid-state imaging device of Patent Document 1, and the signal charge of the third pixel from the top of one of the consecutive pixel columns is read to the vertical CCD. In this case, the third pixel from the top of the other of the continuous pixel columns is thinned out, and the output pixel is an output of only the R pixel or the G pixel.

  Therefore, in the driving method of the solid-state imaging device in which the pixel row is composed of even-numbered pixels, there is a problem that only the output of the same color (R pixel and G pixel or B pixel and G pixel) can be obtained.

  Therefore, in view of such a problem, the present invention is a driving method of a solid-state imaging device that performs thinning in which a pixel row is composed of even-numbered pixels, and can be used to obtain pixel outputs of different colors. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the driving method of the solid-state imaging device according to the present invention is arranged in a matrix, each reading a signal charge from the photodiode and the photodiode, and transferring the read signal charge in the column direction. A driving method of a solid-state imaging device comprising a plurality of pixels having a part of a vertical CCD and a Bayer array color filter provided on the plurality of pixels, and sequentially driving from the top in the column direction The first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, the fourth pixel, the fifth pixel, and the sixth pixel in the same column side by side are taken as a set and are continuous in the column direction. The signal charge is read out only in at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the group in one of the two groups continuously arranged in the column direction, with a plurality of groups in the same column arranged in one group. One, the other of the two groups arranged in succession in the column direction, and drives the vertical CCD to occur only readout of the signal charges at least one odd-numbered pixels in the set.

  Thereby, G pixel and B pixel (or R pixel and G pixel) are read out from one of the two groups arranged continuously in the column direction, and from the other of the two groups arranged continuously in the column direction. Since R pixels and G pixels (or G pixels and B pixels) are read out, pixel outputs of different colors can be obtained even when the pixel column is composed of even pixels. In addition, since signal charges are transferred as a set of 6 pixels, a sufficient signal storage capacity in charge transfer can be secured, and a driving method of a solid-state imaging device that can cope with an increase in the number of pixels can be realized.

  Here, in one of the groups in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, signal charges are read out only in a plurality of pixels in a predetermined set, and On the other side of the group, the vertical CCD may be driven so that signal charges are read out only at a plurality of pixels in a predetermined group.

  In addition, the first group and the second group that are sequentially arranged in the column direction sequentially from the top are regarded as one group, and one of the groups in the same column that are continuously arranged in the column direction is the first group. The signal charge is read only at a plurality of pixels in the signal line, and the signal charge is read only at a plurality of pixels in the first group in the other of the same column group continuously arranged in the column direction. The vertical CCD may be driven as is done.

  In addition, the first group, the second group, and the third group that are successively arranged in the column direction sequentially from the top are regarded as one group, and one of the groups in the same column that are continuously arranged in the column direction The signal charge is read out only in a plurality of pixels in the first group, and in the other group of the same column arranged continuously in the column direction, in the plurality of pixels in the first group. The vertical CCD may be driven so that only the signal charge is read out.

  This makes it possible to create a set from which signal charges are not read out, so that an empty packet in which no signal charge is stored can be generated to separate stored packets in which signal charge is present. As a result, noise or smear components can be removed by separating and outputting each packet to the outside of the solid-state imaging device and performing digital signal processing (smear subtraction) after output.

  In addition, in one of the groups in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, the signal charge is read out in the pixels in the plurality of sets, and in the other of the groups in the same column arranged in the column direction. The vertical CCD may be driven so that signal charges are read out in pixels in a plurality of groups.

  In addition, the first group and the second group that are sequentially arranged in the column direction sequentially from the top are regarded as one group, and one of the groups in the same column that are continuously arranged in the column direction is the first group. The signal charges are read out in the pixels in the second group, and the pixels in the first group and the second group in the other group of the same column continuously arranged in the column direction. The vertical CCD may be driven so that the signal charge is read in step (b).

  In addition, the first group, the second group, and the third group that are successively arranged in the column direction sequentially from the top are regarded as one group, and one of the groups in the same column that are continuously arranged in the column direction The signal charges are read out only in the pixels in the first group and the second group, and in the other of the groups in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, the first group and the second group The vertical CCD may be driven so that signal charges are read out only in the pixels in the second group.

  As a result, the spatial distribution of the pixel centroids of the same color pixels to be mixed tends to be uniform, so that the balance is good and the false color is unlikely to occur.

  Further, the present invention is arranged in a matrix, each of which includes a plurality of pixels each including a photodiode, a vertical CCD that reads a signal charge from the photodiode, and transfers the read signal charge in a column direction. A method of driving a solid-state imaging device including a Bayer array color filter provided on a pixel, wherein the first pixel and the second pixel in the same column are sequentially arranged from above in the column direction. , The third pixel, the fourth pixel, the fifth pixel, and the sixth pixel as one set, and a plurality of sets in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction as one group, the column direction In one of the two groups arranged in succession to each other, the signal charge is read only in at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the predetermined set and in at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the set other than the predetermined set. Out The solid-state imaging device driving method is characterized in that the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charge is not read out in the other of the two groups arranged in a row in the column direction. You can also.

  In addition, in one group of the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, signal charges are read out only at a plurality of pixels in a predetermined group and a plurality of pixels in a group other than the predetermined group. The vertical CCD may be driven.

  In addition, the first group and the second group that are sequentially arranged in the column direction sequentially from the top are regarded as one group, and one of the groups in the same column that are continuously arranged in the column direction is the first group. The vertical CCD may be driven so that signal charges are read out in a plurality of pixels in the first group and a plurality of pixels in the second set.

  In addition, the first group, the second group, and the third group that are successively arranged in the column direction sequentially from the top are regarded as one group, and one of the groups in the same column that are continuously arranged in the column direction The vertical CCD may be driven so that signal charges are read out only at a plurality of pixels in the first group and a plurality of pixels in the second group.

  As a result, G pixels and B pixels (or R pixels and G pixels) are read out from a predetermined set of one of the two groups arranged continuously in the column direction, and the two groups arranged continuously in the column direction are read out. Since R and G pixels (or G and B pixels) are read from a group other than a predetermined group in one group, pixel outputs of different colors can be obtained even when the pixel column is composed of even pixels. it can.

  In addition, since a group from which signal charges are not read out can be formed, empty packets in which signal charges are not accumulated can be generated and separated by accumulated packets in which signal charges are present. As a result, noise or smear components can be removed by separating and outputting each packet to the outside of the solid-state imaging device and performing digital signal processing after output.

  The present invention also includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each having a photodiode and a part of a vertical CCD that reads signal charges from the photodiode and transfers the read signal charges in a column direction, A color filter having a Bayer arrangement provided on the plurality of pixels, and a transfer control unit for controlling reading and transfer of signal charges by the vertical CCD, the transfer control unit being sequentially continuous from above in a column direction. The first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, the fourth pixel, the fifth pixel, and the sixth pixel in the same column lined up as a set in the column direction The vertical CCD is controlled by applying a driving pulse to the transfer electrode of the vertical CCD as a group of a plurality of sets in the same row arranged in a row, and the vertical CCD is continuously arranged in the column direction. One of the two groups has a transfer electrode to which an independent drive pulse is applied in the column direction in at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the set, and a common drive pulse is applied in the column direction in the other pixels Transfer in which an independent drive pulse is applied in the column direction in at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the set in the other of the two groups arranged in succession in the column direction. A solid-state imaging device including an electrode and a transfer electrode to which a common drive pulse is applied in the column direction in other pixels may be provided.

  A plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each having a photodiode and a part of a vertical CCD that reads out signal charges from the photodiode and transfers the read signal charges in a column direction; and the plurality of pixels A color filter with a Bayer arrangement provided on the top and a transfer control unit that controls reading and transfer of signal charges by the vertical CCD, and the transfer control unit is successively arranged in the column direction sequentially from above. The first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, the fourth pixel, the fifth pixel, and the sixth pixel in the same column are set as a set and are continuously arranged in the column direction. However, the vertical CCD is controlled by applying a drive pulse to the transfer electrode of the vertical CCD as a group consisting of a plurality of sets in the same column, and the vertical CCD is divided into two groups arranged in the column direction. Transfer in which independent drive pulses are applied in the column direction in at least one of the even-numbered pixels in a predetermined set and at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in a set other than the predetermined set. A transfer electrode to which a common driving pulse is applied in the column direction in the other pixels, and the other of the two groups continuously arranged in the column direction, A solid-state imaging device having only a transfer electrode to which a driving pulse is applied may be provided.

  Accordingly, it is possible to realize a solid-state imaging device that performs pixel thinning and that can obtain pixel outputs of different colors even when the pixel row includes even-numbered pixels.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is a drive method of the solid-state imaging device which performs pixel thinning | decimation, Comprising: The drive method of the solid-state imaging device which can obtain the pixel output of a different color is realizable.

Hereinafter, a solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a solid-state imaging element of the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment.

  This solid-state imaging device has a region in which a plurality of pixels having a photodiode, a readout gate, and a part of a vertical CCD are arranged in a matrix (matrix). Specifically, the solid-state imaging device includes a photodiode 201, a vertical CCD 202, a horizontal CCD 203, an output amplifier 204, and a readout gate 205.

  The photodiodes 201 are arranged in a matrix corresponding to the pixels, and generate signal charges by photoelectrically converting incident light. One of three color filters of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) is disposed on each photodiode 201.

  The vertical CCD 202 is provided for each column of the photodiodes 201, reads signal charges generated by the photodiodes 201, and transfers the read signal charges in the vertical direction (column direction). In the vertical CCD 202, two transfer electrodes are arranged for one photodiode 201. The vertical CCD 202 is a 12-phase drive CCD having transfer electrodes V1A / V1B, V2, V3A / V3B, V4, V5A / V5B, V6, V7A / V7B, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12. Drive pulses φV1A / V1B to φV12 are applied to the transfer electrodes V1A / V1B to V12, respectively, and signal charges are read from the photodiode 201 in accordance with the application of the drive pulses φV1A / V1B to φV12 and transferred in the vertical direction. The transfer electrodes V2, V4, V6, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12 are common electrodes to which a common drive pulse is applied in the column direction, and the transfer electrodes V1A / V1B, V3A / V3B, and V5A / V5B are used. V7A / V7B are independent electrodes to which independent driving pulses are applied in the column direction.

  The horizontal CCD 203 is a two-phase drive CCD having transfer electrodes H1 and H2, receives the signal charge transferred by the vertical CCD 202, and transfers it in the horizontal direction (row direction). Drive pulses φH1 and φH2 are applied to the transfer electrodes H1 and H2, respectively, and signal charges are transferred in the horizontal direction in response to the application of the drive pulses φH1 and φH2.

  The output amplifier 204 converts the signal charge transferred by the horizontal CCD 203 into a voltage signal and outputs it to the outside of the solid-state imaging device.

  The read gate 205 connects the photodiode 201 and the vertical CCD 202, and reads signal charges accumulated in the photodiode 201 to the vertical CCD 202.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the color filter 101 of the solid-state imaging device.
The color filter 101 is disposed above a plurality of pixels and constitutes a Bayer array color filter. In the color filter 101, columns in which R color filters and G color filters are alternately arranged and columns in which G color filters and B color filters are alternately arranged are alternately arranged in the row direction. Is done. Thus, the G color filter is arranged above and to the right of the R color filter, and the B color filter is arranged at the upper right of the R color filter.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera system including the solid-state imaging device having the above structure.

  This camera system is an example of the solid-state imaging device of the present invention, and includes a lens 401, a solid-state imaging device 402, a clock driver 403, an analog signal processing 404, a timing generation circuit 405, a digital signal processing (DSP) 406, a display unit 407, And a memory 408. The clock driver 403 and the timing generation circuit 405 are an example of the transfer control unit of the present invention.

  The lens 401 is disposed so that light incident on the solid-state image sensor 402 is focused while moving to the surface of the solid-state image sensor 402.

  The solid-state imaging device 402 includes a photodiode 201, a vertical CCD 202, a horizontal CCD 203, an output amplifier 204, and a readout gate 205. The solid-state imaging device 402 operates the vertical CCD 202 in accordance with the input of the drive pulses φV1A / V1B to φV12 from the clock driver 403, and operates the horizontal CCD 203 in accordance with the input of the drive pulses φH1 and φH2 from the timing generation circuit 405. The charges are transferred to the vertical CCD 202, the horizontal CCD 203, and the output amplifier 204.

  The clock driver 403 outputs drive pulses φV1A / V1B to φV12 to the vertical CCD 202 of the solid-state image sensor 402, and controls reading and transfer of signal charges by the vertical CCD 202.

  The analog signal processing 404 performs noise suppression, gain control, and digital conversion processing on the voltage signal output from the solid-state imaging device 402.

  The timing generation circuit 405 outputs drive pulses φH1 and φH2 to the horizontal CCD 203 of the solid-state image sensor 402, and controls the transfer of signal charges by the horizontal CCD 203. The timing generation circuit 405 is a circuit that controls the entire camera system synchronously.

  The digital signal processing 406 performs processing for image improvement and conversion to an image storage format on the digital signal output from the analog signal processing 404 in accordance with the synchronization signal from the timing generation circuit 405.

  The display unit 407 outputs the digital signal output from the digital signal processing 406 to an LCD or the like.

  The memory 408 is a device that temporarily stores the digital signal output from the digital signal processing 406.

  In the camera system having the above configuration, the clock driver 403 controls the vertical CCD 202 so that the following signal charge is read out.

  That is, six pixels in the same column sequentially arranged in the column direction from the top, that is, the first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, the fourth pixel, and the fifth pixel The sixth pixel is one set, and k (k ≧ 2: natural number) sets in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction are one group. Then, in one of the two groups continuously arranged in the column direction, a signal is output only in at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the set, that is, the second pixel, the fourth pixel, and the sixth pixel. The charge is read out. In addition, in the other of the two groups that are continuously arranged in the column direction, the signal is output only in at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the set, that is, the first pixel, the third pixel, and the fifth pixel. The charge is read out. In this case, the vertical CCD 202 has an independent electrode in at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the group in one of two groups arranged in a row in the column direction, and a common electrode in the other pixels. Have. At the same time, the vertical CCD 202 has an independent electrode in at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the set, and has a common electrode in the other pixels, in the other of the two groups continuously arranged in the column direction.

  Or, six pixels in the same column sequentially arranged in the column direction from the top, that is, the first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, the fourth pixel, the fifth pixel, and The sixth pixel is set as one set, and k (k ≧ 2: natural number) sets in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction are set as one group. Then, in one of the two groups arranged in a row in the column direction, at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the predetermined group, that is, the second pixel, the fourth pixel, and the sixth pixel, The signal charge is read out only in at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the sets other than the predetermined set, that is, the first pixel, the third pixel, and the fifth pixel. In addition, the signal charge is not read out in the other of the two groups arranged continuously in the column direction. In this case, the vertical CCD 202 includes at least one of even-numbered pixels in a predetermined group and odd-numbered pixels in a group other than the predetermined group in one of two groups arranged in a row in the column direction. At least one has an independent electrode, and other pixels have a common electrode. At the same time, the vertical CCD 202 has only a common electrode in the other of the two groups continuously arranged in the column direction.

  As described above, according to the solid-state imaging device of the present embodiment, the signal charges of all the pixels are not read out in the pixels in the same column, and the pixels are thinned out. In addition, since the signal charges of the even-numbered pixels and the odd-numbered pixels are read out from the pixels in the same column, pixel outputs of different colors can be obtained.

Example 1
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 402 according to the present embodiment and charge transfer there. In FIG. 4, the arrangement of the pixels 500 and the arrangement of the transfer electrodes of the vertical CCD 202 corresponding thereto are shown on the left side, and the state in which the potential distribution of the vertical CCD 202 changes is shown on the right side. In FIG. 4, a hatched portion 501 indicates that a potential for reading signal charges from the photodiode 201 to the vertical CCD 202 is formed, and a hatched portion 502 indicates that a potential well (accumulation packet) is formed. The white portion 503 indicates that a potential barrier is formed.

  In this solid-state imaging device 402, a set of two pixels 500 (first group and second group) that are continuously arranged in the column direction in order from the top is regarded as one group, and is continuously arranged in the column direction. Two groups (a first group and a second group) are formed. The transfer electrodes V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11 and V12 are common electrodes, and the transfer electrodes V1A, V3A, V5A and V7A are independent electrodes.

  In the initial state, middle level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V1 / V1A, V2, V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5A, V6, V7 / V7A and V8 of the vertical CCD 202, and below these transfer electrodes. Is an area where signal charges can be accumulated, that is, accumulated packets are formed. On the other hand, low-level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V9, V10, V11, and V12 of the vertical CCD 202, and a potential barrier that separates regions where signal charges can be accumulated is formed under the transfer electrodes.

  At time t501, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V1A provided corresponding to the first pixel of the first group of the second group, and the first group of the first group of the second group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first group of vertical CCDs 202 in the second group. Here, in the first group of the first group, the second group, and the second group of the second group, signal charges are not read out, so the first group of the first group and The accumulated packets of the second group and the second group of the second group are empty packets. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t502, an accumulation packet is formed from the second pixel to the fifth pixel (under transfer electrodes V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5A, V6, V7 / V7A, V8, V9, and V10) of each set. It is assumed that Then, a high level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V3A provided corresponding to the second pixel of the first group of the first group, and the second group of the first group of the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first set of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t503, a storage packet is formed from the third pixel to the sixth pixel (under the transfer electrodes V5 / V5A, V6, V7 / V7A, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12) of each set. State. Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V5A provided corresponding to the third pixel of the first group of the second group, and the third group of the first group of the second group. The signal charges accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulated packet formed in the first set of vertical CCDs 202 in the second group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t504, the first pixel of the set adjacent to the horizontal CCD 203 direction from the fourth pixel of each set (under transfer electrodes V7 / V7A, V8, V9, V10, V11, V12, V1 / V1A, and V2) It is assumed that a stored packet is formed in Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V7A provided corresponding to the fourth pixel of the first group of the first group, and the fourth group of the first group of the first group. The signal charges accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) are read out.

  In the period from time t504 to t505, drive pulses are generated according to a certain rule, and each accumulation packet is transferred in the direction of the horizontal CCD 203 by three pixels. The signal charge of the accumulated packet near the horizontal CCD 203 is transferred to the horizontal CCD 203.

  The signal charges transferred to the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred to the output amplifier 204 by two-phase drive pulses φH1 and φH2. Thereafter, the signal charge transferred to the output amplifier 204 is converted into a voltage signal and output to the outside of the solid-state imaging device 402.

  At this time, the horizontal transfer of the signal charges by the horizontal CCD 203 will be described in detail. Three columns that are continuous in the row direction for outputting the same color signal (in this embodiment, since the color filter is a Bayer array in this embodiment, the signal of the same color is used. Signal column is read out in a plurality of pixel columns in one set, and the signals of the pixel columns in the same set are output. Charges are mixed by the horizontal CCD 203.

  Specifically, after only the signal charges of the third pixel column are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203, the accumulated packets of the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred by two pixels in the horizontal direction. Then, only the signal charge of the second pixel row is transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the signal charge of the third row already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203, and then the accumulated packet of the horizontal CCD 203 is horizontal. Only two pixels are transferred in the direction. Further, only the signal charges of the first pixel row are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the second and third row signal charges already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203. As a result, signal charges for three horizontal pixels are mixed in the horizontal CCD 203.

  According to the transfer of the signal charge in the vertical CCD 202 shown in FIG. 4, the signal charge is read out only in a plurality of pixels in the first group in the first group, and the second group The signal charge is read out only at a plurality of pixels in the first group. Further, signal charges are read out from a plurality of pixels in one group, and signal charges read out from pixels in the same group are mixed by the vertical CCD.

  Specifically, at time t501, the signal charges of the first pixel in the first group of the second group are read out, and at time t502, the signal charges of the second pixel in the first group of the first group are read out. The signal charge is read out. At time t503, the signal charges of the third pixel in the first group of the second group are read out and mixed with the signal charges of the first pixel in the first group of the second group that have already been read out. Is done. At time t504, the signal charges of the fourth pixel in the first group of the first group are read out, and the signal charges of the second pixel in the first group of the first group that have already been read out Mixed.

  As described above, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, the first set of signal charges of the first group, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is accumulated in the vertical CCD 202 at time t505. The accumulated packet, the empty packet, the first set of signal charges of the second group, that is, the accumulated packet in which the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is accumulated, and the empty packet are sequentially arranged. Therefore, the pixel signal output from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 is a repetition of the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) and the R pixel signal (G pixel signal), and the signal charge in the solid-state imaging device of 12-phase drive. In thinning-out reading (thinning-out reading of signal charges in the preview mode or the like), output in the Bayer arrangement order can be realized.

  Further, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, only the signal charges of the two pixels are read out in the first group and the second group each including 12 pixels, and the signal charges of the two pixels are further read out. Are mixed. Therefore, it is possible to realize reading of signal charges in the vertical direction at a thinning rate of 1/12.

  In the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, at the time t501, the transfer electrodes V1A and V5A provided corresponding to the first pixel and the third pixel of the first group of the second group are simultaneously provided. A high level driving pulse is applied, and at time t502, the high level is simultaneously applied to the transfer electrodes V3A and V7A provided corresponding to the second and fourth pixels of the first group of the first group. A drive pulse may be applied. In this case, it is possible to obtain an effect of suppressing the phenomenon that the accumulated signal charge, which is a phenomenon of the photodiode, decreases with time, and the saturation is lowered.

(Example 2)
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 402 according to the present embodiment and charge transfer there. In FIG. 5A, the arrangement of the pixels 500 and the arrangement of the transfer electrodes of the vertical CCD 202 corresponding thereto are shown on the left side, and the state where the potential distribution of the vertical CCD 202 changes is shown on the right side. In FIG. 5A, a hatched portion 501 indicates that a potential for reading signal charges from the photodiode 201 to the vertical CCD 202 is formed, and a hatched portion 502 indicates that a potential well (accumulation packet) is formed. The white portion 503 indicates that a potential barrier is formed.

  In this solid-state imaging device 402, a set of two pixels 500 (first group and second group) that are continuously arranged in the column direction in order from the top is regarded as one group, and is continuously arranged in the column direction. Two groups (a first group and a second group) are formed. The transfer electrodes V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12 are common electrodes, and the transfer electrodes V1A / V1B and V3A / V3B are independent electrodes.

  In the initial state, middle level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V1 / V1A / V1B, V2, V3 / V3A / V3B, V4, V5 / V5A / V5B, V6, V7 / V7A / V7B and V8 of the vertical CCD 202. A region where signal charges can be stored, that is, a storage packet is formed under these transfer electrodes. On the other hand, low-level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V9, V10, V11, and V12 of the vertical CCD 202, and a potential barrier that separates regions where signal charges can be accumulated is formed under the transfer electrodes.

  At time t601, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V1A provided corresponding to the first pixel of the first group of the second group, and the first group of the first group of the second group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first group of vertical CCDs 202 in the second group. Here, in the first group of the first group, the second group, and the second group of the second group, signal charges are not read out, so the first group of the first group and The accumulated packets of the second group and the second group of the second group are empty packets. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t602, accumulated packets are formed from the second pixel to the fifth pixel (under the transfer electrodes V3 / V3A / V3B, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, and V10) of each set. State. Then, a high level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V3A provided corresponding to the second pixel of the first group of the first group, and the second group of the first group of the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first set of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the direction of the horizontal CCD 203 by five pixels.

  At time t603, accumulated packets are transferred from the first pixel to the fourth pixel (under transfer electrodes V1 / V1A / V1B, V2, V3 / V3A / V3B, V4, V5, V6, V7, and V8) of each set. The state is formed. Then, a high level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V1B provided corresponding to the first pixel of the second group of the second group, and the first group of the second group of the second group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the second group of vertical CCDs 202 in the second group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t604, accumulated packets are formed from the second pixel to the fifth pixel (under the transfer electrodes V3 / V3A / V3B, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, and V10) of each set. State. Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V3B provided corresponding to the second pixel of the second group of the first group, and the second group of the second group of the first group. The signal charges accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) are read out.

  In the period after time t604, drive pulses are generated according to a certain rule, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the direction of the horizontal CCD 203 by 5 pixels. The signal charge of the accumulated packet near the horizontal CCD 203 is transferred to the horizontal CCD 203.

  The signal charges transferred to the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred to the output amplifier 204 by two-phase drive pulses φH1 and φH2. Thereafter, the signal charge transferred to the output amplifier 204 is converted into a voltage signal and output to the outside of the solid-state imaging device 402.

  At this time, the horizontal transfer of the signal charges by the horizontal CCD 203 will be described in detail. Three columns that are continuous in the row direction for outputting the same color signal (in this embodiment, since the color filter is a Bayer array in this embodiment, the signal of the same color is used. Signal column is read out in a plurality of pixel columns in one set, and the signals of the pixel columns in the same set are output. Charges are mixed by the horizontal CCD 203.

  Specifically, after only the signal charges of the third pixel column are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203, the accumulated packets of the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred by two pixels in the horizontal direction. Then, only the signal charge of the second pixel row is transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the signal charge of the third row already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203, and then the accumulated packet of the horizontal CCD 203 is horizontal. Only two pixels are transferred in the direction. Further, only the signal charges of the first pixel row are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the second and third row signal charges already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203. As a result, signal charges for three horizontal pixels are mixed in the horizontal CCD 203.

  According to the signal charge transfer in the vertical CCD 202 shown in FIG. 5A, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the first group, in the plurality of sets, that is, in the pixels in the first set and the second set. Signal charges are read out, and in the second group, signal charges are read out in a plurality of groups, that is, in pixels in the first group and the second group. Further, signal charges are read out from a plurality of pixels in one group, and signal charges read out from pixels in the same group are mixed by the vertical CCD.

  Specifically, at time t601, the signal charges of the first pixel in the first group of the second group are read out, and at time t602, the signal charges of the second pixel in the first group of the first group are read out. The signal charge is read out. At time t603, the signal charges of the first pixels in the second group of the second group are read out, and the signal charges of the first pixels in the first group of the second group that have already been read out Mixed. At time t604, the signal charges of the second pixel in the second group of the first group are read out, and the signal charges of the second pixel in the first group of the first group that have already been read out Mixed.

  As described above, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, at time t604, the vertical CCD 202 has the first set and the second set of signal charges of the first group, that is, the G pixel signal (B Storage packet in which pixel signal) is stored, empty packet, first group in the second group and signal charge in the second group, that is, storage packet in which R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is stored, And empty packets are sequentially arranged. Therefore, the pixel signal output from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 is a repetition of the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) and the R pixel signal (G pixel signal), and the signal charge in the solid-state imaging device of 12-phase drive. In thinning-out reading, output in the Bayer array order can be realized.

  Further, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, only the signal charges of the two pixels are read out in the first group and the second group each including 12 pixels, and the signal charges of the two pixels are further read out. Are mixed. Therefore, it is possible to realize reading of signal charges in the vertical direction at a thinning rate of 1/12.

  Furthermore, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, the interval between pixels from which pixel signals of different colors are read out is uniform at an interval of 11 pixels or 13 pixels. Accordingly, the spatial distribution of the pixel centroids 504 of the mixed pixels 500 as shown in FIG. 6A is not uniform but uniform as shown in FIG. It is done.

(Example 3)
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 402 according to the present embodiment and charge transfer there. In FIG. 7A, the arrangement of the pixels 500 and the arrangement of the transfer electrodes of the vertical CCD 202 corresponding thereto are shown on the left side, and the manner in which the potential distribution of the vertical CCD 202 changes is shown on the right side. In FIG. 7A, a hatched portion 501 indicates that a potential for reading signal charges from the photodiode 201 to the vertical CCD 202 is formed, and a hatched portion 502 indicates that a potential well (accumulation packet) is formed. The white portion 503 indicates that a potential barrier is formed.

  In this solid-state imaging device 402, a set of two pixels 500 (first group and second group) that are continuously arranged in the column direction in order from the top is regarded as one group, and is continuously arranged in the column direction. Two groups (a first group and a second group) are formed. The transfer electrodes V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12 are common electrodes, and the transfer electrodes V1B, V3A, V5B, and V7A are independent electrodes.

  In the initial state, middle level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V1 / V1B, V2, V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7A and V8 of the vertical CCD 202, and below these transfer electrodes. Is an area where signal charges can be accumulated, that is, accumulated packets are formed. On the other hand, low-level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V9, V10, V11, and V12 of the vertical CCD 202, and a potential barrier that separates regions where signal charges can be accumulated is formed under the transfer electrodes.

  At time t701, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V1B provided corresponding to the first pixel in the second group of the first group, and the second group of the second group in the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the second group of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Here, since signal charges are not read out in the first group of the first group, the first group of the second group, and the second group, the first group of the first group The accumulated packets of the first group and the second group of the second group are empty packets. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t702, an accumulation packet is formed from the second pixel to the fifth pixel (under transfer electrodes V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7A, V8, V9, and V10) of each set. It is assumed that Then, a high level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V3A provided corresponding to the second pixel of the first group of the first group, and the second group of the first group of the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first set of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t703, accumulated packets are formed from the third pixel to the sixth pixel (under the transfer electrodes V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7A, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12) of each set. State. Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V5B provided corresponding to the third pixel of the second group of the first group, and the third group of the second group of the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulated packet formed in the second group of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t704, the first pixel of the set adjacent to the horizontal CCD 203 direction from the fourth pixel of each set (transfer electrodes V7 / V7A, V8, V9, V10, V11, V12, V1 / V1B, and V2 below) It is assumed that a stored packet is formed in Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V7A provided corresponding to the fourth pixel of the first group of the first group, and the fourth group of the first group of the first group. The signal charges accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) are read out.

  In the period from time t704 to t705, drive pulses are generated according to a certain rule, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the direction of the horizontal CCD 203 by three pixels. The signal charge of the accumulated packet near the horizontal CCD 203 is transferred to the horizontal CCD 203.

  The signal charges transferred to the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred to the output amplifier 204 by two-phase drive pulses φH1 and φH2. Thereafter, the signal charge transferred to the output amplifier 204 is converted into a voltage signal and output to the outside of the solid-state imaging device 402.

  At this time, the horizontal transfer of the signal charges by the horizontal CCD 203 will be described in detail. Three columns that are continuous in the row direction for outputting the same color signal (in this embodiment, since the color filter is a Bayer array in this embodiment, the signal of the same color is used. Signal column is read out in a plurality of pixel columns in one set, and the signals of the pixel columns in the same set are output. Charges are mixed by the horizontal CCD 203.

  Specifically, after only the signal charges of the third pixel column are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203, the accumulated packets of the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred by two pixels in the horizontal direction. Then, only the signal charge of the second pixel row is transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the signal charge of the third row already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203, and then the accumulated packet of the horizontal CCD 203 is horizontal. Only two pixels are transferred in the direction. Further, only the signal charges of the first pixel row are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the second and third row signal charges already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203. As a result, signal charges for three horizontal pixels are mixed in the horizontal CCD 203.

  According to the signal charge transfer in the vertical CCD 202 shown in FIG. 7A, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the first group, a plurality of pixels in the first group and a plurality of pixels in the second group are used. The signal charges are read out in the pixels, and the signal charges are not read out in the second group. Further, signal charges are read out from a plurality of pixels in one set, and signal charges read out from pixels in the same set are mixed by a vertical CCD.

  Specifically, the signal charges of the first pixels in the second group of the first group are read at time t701, and the second pixels of the first group in the first group are read at time t702. The signal charge is read out. At time t703, the signal charges of the third pixel in the second group of the first group are read out, and the signal charges of the first pixel in the second group of the first group that have already been read out Mixed. At time t704, the signal charges of the fourth pixel in the first group of the first group are read out, and the signal charges of the second pixel in the first group of the first group that have already been read out Mixed.

  As described above, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, the first set of signal charges of the first group, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is accumulated in the vertical CCD 202 at time t705. The accumulated packet, the second set of signal charges of the first group, that is, the accumulated packet in which the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is accumulated, and the two empty packets are sequentially arranged. Therefore, the pixel signal output from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 is a repetition of the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) and the R pixel signal (G pixel signal), and the signal charge in the solid-state imaging device of 12-phase drive. In thinning-out reading, output in the Bayer array order can be realized.

  Further, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, only the signal charges of the four pixels are read out in the first group and the second group including 24 pixels, and the signal charges of the two pixels are further Mixed. Therefore, it is possible to realize reading of signal charges in the vertical direction at a thinning rate of 1/12.

  Furthermore, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7C, empty packets (empty gates) in which signal charges are not accumulated and accumulated packets (signal components) in which signal charges are present are separated. Has been. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect of removing noise or smear components by separating and outputting each packet to the outside of the solid-state imaging device and performing digital signal processing after the output.

Example 4
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 402 according to the present embodiment and charge transfer there. In FIG. 8, the arrangement of the pixels 500 and the arrangement of the transfer electrodes of the vertical CCD 202 corresponding thereto are shown on the left side, and the state in which the potential distribution of the vertical CCD 202 changes is shown on the right side. In FIG. 8, the hatched portion 501 indicates that a potential for reading signal charges from the photodiode 201 to the vertical CCD 202 is formed, and the hatched portion 502 indicates that a potential well (accumulation packet) is formed. The white portion 503 indicates that a potential barrier is formed.

  In this solid-state imaging device 402, a group of three pixels 500 (first group, second group, and third group) that are continuously arranged in the column direction in order from the top is regarded as one group. Two groups (first group and second group) arranged in the direction are configured. The transfer electrodes V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11 and V12 are common electrodes, and the transfer electrodes V1A, V3A, V5A and V7A are independent electrodes.

  In the initial state, middle level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V1 / V1A, V2, V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5A, V6, V7 / V7A and V8 of the vertical CCD 202, and below these transfer electrodes. Is an area where signal charges can be accumulated, that is, accumulated packets are formed. On the other hand, low-level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V9, V10, V11, and V12 of the vertical CCD 202, and a potential barrier that separates regions where signal charges can be accumulated is formed under the transfer electrodes.

  At time t801, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V1A provided corresponding to the first pixel of the first group of the second group, and the first group of the first group of the second group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first group of vertical CCDs 202 in the second group. Here, in the first group of the first group to the third group, and the second group of the second group and the third group of the second group, signal charges are not read out. The accumulated packets of the first group to the third group, the second group of the second group, and the third group are empty packets. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t802, an accumulation packet is formed from the second pixel to the fifth pixel (under transfer electrodes V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5A, V6, V7 / V7A, V8, V9, and V10) of each set. It is assumed that Then, a high level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V3A provided corresponding to the second pixel of the first group of the first group, and the second group of the first group of the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first set of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t803, a storage packet is formed from the third pixel to the sixth pixel (under the transfer electrodes V5 / V5A, V6, V7 / V7A, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12) of each set. State. Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V5A provided corresponding to the third pixel of the first group of the second group, and the third group of the first group of the second group. The signal charges accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulated packet formed in the first set of vertical CCDs 202 in the second group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t804, the first pixel of the set adjacent to the horizontal CCD 203 direction from the fourth pixel of each set (under transfer electrodes V7 / V7A, V8, V9, V10, V11, V12, V1 / V1A, and V2) It is assumed that a stored packet is formed in Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V7A provided corresponding to the fourth pixel of the first group of the first group, and the fourth group of the first group of the first group. The signal charges accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) are read out.

  In the period from time t804 to t805, drive pulses are generated according to a certain rule, and each accumulation packet is transferred in the direction of the horizontal CCD 203 by three pixels. The signal charge of the accumulated packet near the horizontal CCD 203 is transferred to the horizontal CCD 203.

  The signal charges transferred to the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred to the output amplifier 204 by two-phase drive pulses φH1 and φH2. Thereafter, the signal charge transferred to the output amplifier 204 is converted into a voltage signal and output to the outside of the solid-state imaging device 402.

  At this time, the horizontal transfer of the signal charges by the horizontal CCD 203 will be described in detail. Three columns that are continuous in the row direction for outputting the same color signal (in this embodiment, since the color filter is a Bayer array in this embodiment, the same color signal is used. The signal charges are read out in every other pixel column), and the signal charges in the pixel columns in the same group are mixed by the horizontal CCD 203.

  Specifically, after only the signal charges of the third pixel column are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203, the accumulated packets of the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred by two pixels in the horizontal direction. Then, only the signal charge of the second pixel row is transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the signal charge of the third row already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203, and then the accumulated packet of the horizontal CCD 203 is horizontal. Only two pixels are transferred in the direction. Further, only the signal charges of the first pixel row are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the second and third row signal charges already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203. As a result, signal charges for three horizontal pixels are mixed in the horizontal CCD 203.

  According to the transfer of the signal charge in the vertical CCD 202 shown in FIG. 8, the signal charge is read out only in the plurality of pixels in the first group in the first group, and the second group The signal charge is read out only at a plurality of pixels in the first group. Further, signal charges are read out from a plurality of pixels in one group, and signal charges read out from pixels in the same group are mixed by the vertical CCD.

  Specifically, at time t801, the signal charge of the first pixel in the first group of the second group is read out, and at time t802, the signal charge of the second pixel in the first group of the first group is read out. The signal charge is read out. At time t803, the signal charges of the third pixel in the first group of the second group are read out, and the signal charges of the first pixel in the first group of the second group that have already been read out Mixed. At time t804, the signal charges of the fourth pixel in the first group of the first group are read out, and the signal charges of the second pixel in the first group of the first group that have already been read out Mixed.

  As described above, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, the first set of signal charges of the first group, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is accumulated in the vertical CCD 202 at time t805. Storage packet, two empty packets, a first set of signal charges of the second group, that is, an accumulation packet in which R pixel signals (G pixel signals) are accumulated, and two empty packets are arranged side by side. Is done. Therefore, the pixel signal output from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 is a repetition of the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) and the R pixel signal (G pixel signal), and the signal charge in the solid-state imaging device of 12-phase drive. In thinning-out reading, output in the Bayer array order can be realized.

  Further, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, only the signal charges of the two pixels are read out in the first group and the second group each including 18 pixels, and the signal charges of the two pixels are further read out. Are mixed. Accordingly, it is possible to realize reading of signal charges in the vertical direction at a thinning rate of 1/18.

  In the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, at time t801, the transfer electrodes V1A and V5A provided corresponding to the first pixel and the third pixel of the first group of the second group are simultaneously provided. A high level driving pulse is applied, and at time t802, the high level is simultaneously applied to the transfer electrodes V3A and V7A provided corresponding to the second pixel and the fourth pixel of the first group of the first group. A drive pulse may be applied. In this case, it is possible to obtain an effect of suppressing the phenomenon that the accumulated signal charge, which is a phenomenon of the photodiode, decreases with time, and the saturation is lowered.

(Example 5)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 402 according to the present embodiment and charge transfer there. In FIG. 9, the arrangement of the pixels 500 and the arrangement of the transfer electrodes of the vertical CCD 202 corresponding thereto are shown on the left side, and the state in which the potential distribution of the vertical CCD 202 changes is shown on the right side. In FIG. 9, the shaded portion 501 indicates that a potential for reading signal charges from the photodiode 201 to the vertical CCD 202 is formed, and the shaded portion 502 indicates that a potential well (accumulation packet) is formed. The white portion 503 indicates that a potential barrier is formed.

  In this solid-state imaging device 402, a group of three pixels 500 (first group, second group, and third group) that are continuously arranged in the column direction in order from the top is regarded as one group. Two groups (first group and second group) arranged in the direction are configured. The transfer electrodes V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11 and V12 are common electrodes, and the transfer electrodes V1A, V3A, V5B and V7B are independent electrodes.

  In the initial state, middle level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V1 / V1A, V2, V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7B and V8 of the vertical CCD 202, and below these transfer electrodes. Is an area where signal charges can be accumulated, that is, accumulated packets are formed. On the other hand, low-level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V9, V10, V11, and V12 of the vertical CCD 202, and a potential barrier that separates regions where signal charges can be accumulated is formed under the transfer electrodes.

  At time t901, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V1A provided corresponding to the first pixel of the first group of the second group, and the first group of the first group of the second group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first group of vertical CCDs 202 in the second group. Here, in the first group of the first group to the third group, and the second group of the second group and the third group of the second group, signal charges are not read out. The accumulated packets of the first group to the third group, the second group of the second group, and the third group are empty packets. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t902, an accumulation packet is formed from the second pixel to the fifth pixel (under transfer electrodes V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7B, V8, V9, and V10) of each set. It is assumed that Then, a high level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V3A provided corresponding to the second pixel of the first group of the first group, and the second group of the first group of the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first set of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the direction of the horizontal CCD 203 by five pixels.

  At time t903, a storage packet is formed from the third pixel to the sixth pixel (under the transfer electrodes V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7B, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12) of each set. State. Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V5B provided corresponding to the third pixel of the second group of the second group, and the third group of the second group of the second group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the second group of vertical CCDs 202 in the second group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t904, the first pixel of the set adjacent to the horizontal CCD 203 direction from the fourth pixel of each set (under transfer electrodes V7 / V7B, V8, V9, V10, V11, V12, V1 / V1A, and V2) It is assumed that a stored packet is formed in Then, a high level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V7B provided corresponding to the fourth pixel of the second group of the first group, and the fourth group of the second group of the first group. The signal charges accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) are read out.

  In a period after time t904, drive pulses are generated according to a certain rule, and each accumulation packet is transferred in the direction of the horizontal CCD 203 by three pixels. The signal charge of the accumulated packet near the horizontal CCD 203 is transferred to the horizontal CCD 203.

  The signal charges transferred to the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred to the output amplifier 204 by two-phase drive pulses φH1 and φH2. Thereafter, the signal charge transferred to the output amplifier 204 is converted into a voltage signal and output to the outside of the solid-state imaging device 402.

  At this time, the horizontal transfer of the signal charges by the horizontal CCD 203 will be described in detail. Three columns that are continuous in the row direction for outputting the same color signal (in this embodiment, since the color filter is a Bayer array in this embodiment, the signal of the same color is used. Signal column is read out in a plurality of pixel columns in one set, and the signals of the pixel columns in the same set are output. Charges are mixed by the horizontal CCD 203.

  Specifically, after only the signal charges of the third pixel column are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203, the accumulated packets of the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred by two pixels in the horizontal direction. Then, only the signal charge of the second pixel row is transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the signal charge of the third row already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203, and then the accumulated packet of the horizontal CCD 203 is horizontal. Only two pixels are transferred in the direction. Further, only the signal charges of the first pixel row are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the second and third row signal charges already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203. As a result, signal charges for three horizontal pixels are mixed in the horizontal CCD 203.

  According to the transfer of signal charges in the vertical CCD 202 shown in FIG. 9, in the first group, signal charges are read only in a plurality of groups, that is, in pixels in the first group and the second group. In the second group, signal charges are read out only in pixels in a plurality of groups, that is, in the first group and the second group. Further, signal charges are read out from a plurality of pixels in one group, and signal charges read out from pixels in the same group are mixed by the vertical CCD.

  Specifically, at time t901, the signal charges of the first pixel in the first group of the second group are read out, and at time t902, the signal charges of the second pixel in the first group of the first group are read out. The signal charge is read out. At time t903, the signal charge of the third pixel in the second group of the second group is read out, and the signal charge of the first pixel in the first group of the second group that has already been read out Mixed. At time t904, the signal charge of the fourth pixel in the second group of the first group is read out, and the signal charge of the second pixel in the first group of the first group that has already been read out Mixed.

  As described above, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, the signal charges of the first group and the second group of the first group, that is, the G pixel signal (B Storage packet in which pixel signal) is stored, two empty packets, signal charges in the first group and second group in the second group, that is, storage in which R pixel signals (G pixel signals) are stored A packet and two empty packets are sequentially arranged side by side. Therefore, the pixel signal output from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 is a repetition of the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) and the R pixel signal (G pixel signal), and the signal charge in the solid-state imaging device of 12-phase drive. In thinning-out reading, output in the Bayer array order can be realized.

  Further, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, only the signal charges of the two pixels are read out in the first group and the second group each including 18 pixels, and the signal charges of the two pixels are further read out. Are mixed. Accordingly, it is possible to realize reading of signal charges in the vertical direction at a thinning rate of 1/18.

  Furthermore, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, the intervals of pixels from which pixel signals of different colors are read out are uniform at 17 or 19 pixel intervals. Therefore, the spatial distribution of the pixel centroids of the mixed pixels becomes uniform, so that an effect that the balance is good and the false color is hardly generated can be obtained.

(Example 6)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 402 according to the present embodiment and charge transfer there. In FIG. 10, the arrangement of the pixels 500 and the arrangement of the transfer electrodes of the vertical CCD 202 corresponding thereto are shown on the left side, and the state where the potential distribution of the vertical CCD 202 changes is shown on the right side. In FIG. 10, a hatched portion 501 indicates that a potential for reading signal charges from the photodiode 201 to the vertical CCD 202 is formed, and a hatched portion 502 indicates that a potential well (accumulation packet) is formed. The white portion 503 indicates that a potential barrier is formed.

  In this solid-state imaging device 402, a group of three pixels 500 (first group, second group, and third group) that are continuously arranged in the column direction in order from the top is regarded as one group. Two groups (first group and second group) arranged in the direction are configured. The transfer electrodes V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11 and V12 are common electrodes, and the transfer electrodes V1B, V3A, V5B and V7A are independent electrodes.

  In the initial state, middle level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V1 / V1B, V2, V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7A and V8 of the vertical CCD 202, and below these transfer electrodes. Is an area where signal charges can be accumulated, that is, accumulated packets are formed. On the other hand, low-level drive pulses are applied to the transfer electrodes V9, V10, V11, and V12 of the vertical CCD 202, and a potential barrier that separates regions where signal charges can be accumulated is formed under the transfer electrodes.

  At time t1001, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V1B provided corresponding to the first pixel in the second group of the first group, and the second group of the second group in the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the second group of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Here, in the first group of the first group, the third group, and the first group to the third group of the second group, signal charges are not read out. The accumulated packets of the first group, the third group, and the first group to the third group of the second group are empty packets. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t1002, accumulated packets are formed from the second pixel to the fifth pixel (under transfer electrodes V3 / V3A, V4, V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7A, V8, V9, and V10) of each set. It is assumed that Then, a high level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V3A provided corresponding to the second pixel of the first group of the first group, and the second group of the first group of the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is read out to the accumulation packet formed in the first set of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t1003, accumulated packets are formed from the third pixel to the sixth pixel (under the transfer electrodes V5 / V5B, V6, V7 / V7A, V8, V9, V10, V11, and V12) of each set. State. Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V5B provided corresponding to the third pixel of the second group of the first group, and the third group of the second group of the first group. The signal charge accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is read out to the accumulated packet formed in the second group of vertical CCDs 202 in the first group. Subsequently, the drive pulse is changed, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the horizontal CCD 203 direction by one pixel.

  At time t1004, the first pixel of the set adjacent to the horizontal CCD 203 direction from the fourth pixel of each set (lower of transfer electrodes V7 / V7A, V8, V9, V10, V11, V12, V1 / V1B, and V2) It is assumed that a stored packet is formed in Then, a high-level driving pulse is applied to the transfer electrode V7A provided corresponding to the fourth pixel of the first group of the first group, and the fourth group of the first group of the first group. The signal charges accumulated in the first pixel, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) are read out.

  In the period from time t1004 to t1005, drive pulses are generated according to a certain rule, and each accumulated packet is transferred in the direction of the horizontal CCD 203 by three pixels. The signal charge of the accumulated packet near the horizontal CCD 203 is transferred to the horizontal CCD 203.

  The signal charges transferred to the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred to the output amplifier 204 by two-phase drive pulses φH1 and φH2. Thereafter, the signal charge transferred to the output amplifier 204 is converted into a voltage signal and output to the outside of the solid-state imaging device 402.

  At this time, the horizontal transfer of the signal charges by the horizontal CCD 203 will be described in detail. Three columns that are continuous in the row direction for outputting the same color signal (in this embodiment, since the color filter is a Bayer array in this embodiment, the signal of the same color is used. Signal column is read out in a plurality of pixel columns in one set, and the signals of the pixel columns in the same set are output. Charges are mixed by the horizontal CCD 203.

  Specifically, after only the signal charges of the third pixel column are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203, the accumulated packets of the horizontal CCD 203 are transferred by two pixels in the horizontal direction. Then, only the signal charge of the second pixel row is transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the signal charge of the third row already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203, and then the accumulated packet of the horizontal CCD 203 is horizontal. Only two pixels are transferred in the direction. Further, only the signal charges of the first pixel row are transferred from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 and mixed with the second and third row signal charges already transferred to the horizontal CCD 203. As a result, signal charges for three horizontal pixels are mixed in the horizontal CCD 203.

  According to the transfer of signal charges in the vertical CCD 202 shown in FIG. 10, in the first group, signal charges are read only at a plurality of pixels in the first group and a plurality of pixels in the second group. The signal charge is not read in the second group. Further, signal charges are read out from a plurality of pixels in one set, and signal charges read out from pixels in the same set are mixed by a vertical CCD.

  Specifically, at time t1001, the signal charge of the first pixel in the second group of the first group is read out, and at time t1002, the signal charge of the second pixel in the first group of the first group is read out. The signal charge is read out. At time t1003, the signal charge of the third pixel in the second group of the first group is read out, and the signal charge of the first pixel in the second group of the first group that has already been read out Mixed. At time t1004, the signal charges of the fourth pixel in the first group of the first group are read out, and the signal charges of the second pixel in the first group of the first group that have already been read out Mixed.

  As described above, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, the first set of signal charges of the first group, that is, the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) is accumulated in the vertical CCD 202 at time t1005. The accumulated packet, the second set of signal charges of the first group, that is, the accumulated packet in which the R pixel signal (G pixel signal) is accumulated, and four empty packets are sequentially arranged. Therefore, the pixel signal output from the vertical CCD 202 to the horizontal CCD 203 is a repetition of the G pixel signal (B pixel signal) and the R pixel signal (G pixel signal), and the signal charge in the solid-state imaging device of 12-phase drive. In thinning-out reading, output in the Bayer array order can be realized.

  Further, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, only the signal charges of the four pixels are read out in the first group and the second group including 36 pixels, and the signal charges of the two pixels are further Mixed. Accordingly, it is possible to realize reading of signal charges in the vertical direction at a thinning rate of 1/18.

  Furthermore, according to the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment, the empty packet in which the signal charge is not accumulated and the accumulated packet in which the signal charge exists are separated. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect of removing noise or smear components by separating and outputting each packet to the outside of the solid-state imaging device and performing digital signal processing after the output.

  The solid-state imaging device driving method of the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The present invention includes various modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be used for a driving method of a solid-state imaging device, and in particular, can be used for a driving method of a CCD type solid-state imaging device.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the solid-state image sensor of the solid-state imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the color filter of the solid-state image sensor in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of a solid-state imaging device according to Example 1 and charge transfer there. It is a figure which shows pixel arrangement | positioning of the solid-state image sensor concerning Example 2, and electric charge transfer there. It is a figure which shows color filter arrangement | positioning for 24 vertical pixels of the solid-state image sensor which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the spatial distribution of the pixel gravity center of the pixel mixed. It is a figure which shows the spatial distribution of the pixel gravity center of the pixel mixed. It is a figure which shows pixel arrangement | positioning of the solid-state image sensor concerning Example 3, and electric charge transfer there. It is a figure which shows only 24 pixels vertical color filter arrangement | positioning of the solid-state image sensor which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that an empty packet and an accumulation | storage packet are isolate | separated and transferred. It is a figure which shows pixel arrangement | positioning of the solid-state image sensor which concerns on Example 4, and charge transfer there. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a pixel arrangement of a solid-state imaging device according to Example 5 and charge transfer there. It is a figure which shows pixel arrangement | positioning of the solid-state image sensor which concerns on Example 6, and electric charge transfer there. It is a figure which shows color filter arrangement | positioning only for 12 vertical pixels of the solid-state image sensor described in patent document 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows color filter arrangement | positioning only for 12 vertical pixels of the solid-state image sensor described in patent document 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows color filter arrangement | positioning only for 12 vertical pixels of the solid-state image sensor described in patent document 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

101 Color filter 201 Photodiode 202 Vertical CCD
203 Horizontal CCD
204 Output amplifier 205 Read gate 401 Lens 402 Solid-state imaging device 403 Clock driver 404 Analog signal processing 405 Timing generation circuit 406 Digital signal processing (DSP)
407 Display unit 408 Memory 500 Pixel 501, 502 Shaded part 503 White part 504 Pixel center of gravity

Claims (15)

A plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each having a photodiode and a portion of a vertical CCD that reads out signal charges from the photodiode and transfers the read signal charges in the column direction;
A driving method of a solid-state imaging device comprising a Bayer array color filter provided on the plurality of pixels,
A set of the first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, the fourth pixel, the fifth pixel, and the sixth pixel in the same column sequentially arranged in the column direction. As a group, a plurality of sets of the same column arranged in a row in the column direction
In one of the two groups arranged continuously in the column direction, the signal charge is read out only in at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the set, and the two groups arranged in the column direction continuously. On the other hand, the vertical CCD is driven so that the signal charge is read out only in at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the set. One of the groups in the same column arranged continuously in the column direction, the signal charge is read out only in a plurality of pixels in a predetermined group, and the other of the groups in the same column arranged continuously in the column direction. The driving method of the solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charges are read out only at a plurality of pixels in a predetermined group. As a group, the first group and the second group, which are successively arranged in the column direction,
On one side of the group of the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, the signal charge is read out only in a plurality of pixels in the first set, and the group of the same column continuously arranged in the column direction 3. The driving method of the solid-state imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charges are read out only in a plurality of pixels in the first group. The first group, the second group, and the third group that are successively arranged in the column direction as one group,
On one side of the group of the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, the signal charge is read out only in a plurality of pixels in the first set, and the group of the same column continuously arranged in the column direction 3. The driving method of the solid-state imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charges are read out only in a plurality of pixels in the first group. In one of the groups in the same column arranged continuously in the column direction, signal charges are read out in the pixels in the plurality of sets, and in the other of the groups in the same column arranged in the column direction, a plurality of The method for driving a solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charges are read out in pixels in the set. As a group, the first group and the second group, which are successively arranged in the column direction,
In one of the groups in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, signal charges are read out in the pixels in the first group and the second group, and the same column is continuously arranged in the column direction. 6. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charges are read out in the pixels in the first group and the second group in the other of the group of columns. Driving method. The first group, the second group, and the third group that are successively arranged in the column direction as one group,
In one of the groups in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, signal charges are read out only in the pixels in the first group and the second group, and arranged in the column direction continuously. 6. The solid CCD according to claim 5, wherein in the other of the groups in the same column, the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charges are read out only in the pixels in the first group and the second group. Driving method of imaging apparatus. Reading out signal charges at a plurality of pixels in one group; and
The solid-state imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charges read from pixels in the same group are mixed by the vertical CCD. Driving method. A plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each having a photodiode, and a vertical CCD that reads signal charges from the photodiode and transfers the read signal charges in a column direction;
A driving method of a solid-state imaging device comprising a Bayer array color filter provided on the plurality of pixels,
A set of the first pixel, the second pixel, the third pixel, the fourth pixel, the fifth pixel, and the sixth pixel in the same column sequentially arranged in the column direction. As a group, a plurality of sets of the same column arranged in a row in the column direction
In one of the two groups arranged consecutively in the column direction, the signal charge is applied only to at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the predetermined set and at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the set other than the predetermined set. And driving the vertical CCD so that signal charges are not read out in the other of the two groups arranged in a row in the column direction. . In one of the groups in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, the vertical direction is such that signal charges are read only at a plurality of pixels in a predetermined group and a plurality of pixels in a group other than the predetermined group. The method for driving a solid-state imaging device according to claim 9, wherein the CCD is driven. As a group, the first group and the second group, which are successively arranged in the column direction,
In one of the groups in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, the signal charges are read out in the plurality of pixels in the first group and the plurality of pixels in the second group. The method for driving a solid-state imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the CCD is driven. The first group, the second group, and the third group that are successively arranged in the column direction as one group,
In one of the groups in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction, the signal charges are read out only at the plurality of pixels in the first group and the plurality of pixels in the second group. The method for driving a solid-state imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the vertical CCD is driven. Signal charges are read out in a plurality of pixels in one set, and
The solid-state imaging device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the vertical CCD is driven so that signal charges read from pixels in the same group are mixed by the vertical CCD. Driving method. A plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each having a photodiode and a portion of a vertical CCD that reads out signal charges from the photodiode and transfers the read signal charges in the column direction;
A Bayer array color filter provided on the plurality of pixels;
A transfer control unit for controlling reading and transfer of signal charges by the vertical CCD,
The transfer control unit includes a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, a fourth pixel, a fifth pixel, and a sixth pixel in the same column that are successively arranged in the column direction. The first pixel is set as one set, and a plurality of sets in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction is set as one group, and a drive pulse is applied to the transfer electrode of the vertical CCD to control the vertical CCD,
The vertical CCD is
In one of the two groups continuously arranged in the column direction, at least one of even-numbered pixels in the set has a transfer electrode to which an independent drive pulse is applied in the column direction, and in other pixels Having a transfer electrode to which a common drive pulse is applied in the column direction, and
In the other of the two groups successively arranged in the column direction, at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the set has a transfer electrode to which an independent drive pulse is applied in the column direction, and in other pixels A solid-state imaging device having a transfer electrode to which a common drive pulse is applied in a column direction. A plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, each having a photodiode and a portion of a vertical CCD that reads out signal charges from the photodiode and transfers the read signal charges in the column direction;
A Bayer array color filter provided on the plurality of pixels;
A transfer control unit for controlling reading and transfer of signal charges by the vertical CCD,
The transfer control unit includes a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, a fourth pixel, a fifth pixel, and a sixth pixel in the same column that are successively arranged in the column direction. The first pixel is set as one set, and a plurality of sets in the same column continuously arranged in the column direction is set as one group, and a drive pulse is applied to the transfer electrode of the vertical CCD to control the vertical CCD,
The vertical CCD is
The column direction in at least one of the even-numbered pixels in the predetermined group and at least one of the odd-numbered pixels in the group other than the predetermined group, in one of the two groups successively arranged in the column direction A transfer electrode to which an independent drive pulse is applied, and a transfer electrode to which a common drive pulse is applied in the column direction in the other pixels, and
The solid-state imaging device, which has only a transfer electrode to which a common drive pulse is applied in the column direction in the other of the two groups arranged in the column direction.

Images