JP2012085013A - Solid state image pickup device and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a solid state image pickup device and an imaging apparatus that can acquire a corrective image for reducing dark current noise in an image acquired by global exposure and can update a live view image even in the period of acquisition of the corrective image.SOLUTION: The solid state image pickup device comprises: a pixel section comprising a plurality of pixels in two-dimensional matrix array each having a photoelectric conversion section for converting incident light into a signal charge, a storage section for storing the signal charge generated by the photoelectric conversion section, a transfer section for transferring the signal charge to the storage section, an amplification section for amplifying the signal charge in the storage section to output it as a pixel signal, a first reset section for resetting the charge in the storage section, and a second reset section for resetting the photoelectric conversion section; and a signal reading section for sequentially reading out pixel signals output from the pixel section row by row. The signal reading section reads out first pixel signals, second pixel signals, reset signals, noise signals, and display pixel signals on a time division basis.

Description

  The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device and an imaging device.

In recent years, CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type imaging devices (hereinafter referred to as “MOS type imaging devices”) have attracted attention and are put into practical use as solid-state imaging devices.
Unlike a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor, this MOS type image sensor can be driven by a single power source. In addition, a CCD type image pickup device requires a dedicated manufacturing process, whereas a MOS type image pickup device can be manufactured using the same manufacturing process as other LSIs. It is easy to deal with and enables multi-functionalization of the solid-state imaging device.
In addition, since the MOS type image pickup device amplifies signal charges in each pixel by providing an amplification circuit in each pixel, the influence of noise from a signal transmission path is small. Further, the signal charge of each pixel can be selected and taken out (selection method), and in principle, the signal accumulation time and readout order can be freely controlled for each pixel.

  An example of an imaging apparatus using a MOS type imaging device (hereinafter referred to as “image sensor”) is a single-lens reflex camera (hereinafter referred to as “digital camera”). Some digital cameras do not have a mechanical shutter for shielding the image sensor, and perform global exposure in which all pixels of the image sensor are exposed simultaneously.

  An image sensor mounted on a digital camera that performs global exposure includes, for each unit pixel, a photodiode PD that generates charges according to incident light and a floating diffusion FD that stores charges generated by the photodiode PD. . In addition, the configuration includes a function of resetting the photodiode PD based on the control signal and a function of transferring charges generated in the photodiode PD to the floating diffusion FD. The digital camera performs global exposure by simultaneously controlling the exposure of all unit pixels in the image sensor.

  A digital camera that performs global exposure as described above has a drawback that it is difficult to remove reset noise with a configuration in which the number of transistors is suppressed. In such an image sensor, for example, a technique as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been devised. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for removing reset noise in global exposure.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an outline of signal readout timing in the conventional image sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1. A case where global exposure is performed will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. Note that “ΦPR” shown in FIG. 6 is a control signal (PD reset pulse) for resetting the photodiode PD. “ΦTX” is a control signal (pixel transfer pulse) for transferring the charge generated in the photodiode PD to the floating diffusion FD. “Reset frame readout” shown in FIG. 6 is a reset signal readout operation for each pixel, which is performed when the floating diffusion FD is reset. “Video frame reading” is a video signal reading operation for each pixel, which is performed after the charge generated in the photodiode PD is transferred to the floating diffusion FD by the pixel transfer pulse ΦTX.

  As shown in FIG. 6, at the signal readout timing in the conventional image sensor, the PD reset pulse ΦPR is set to “High” level to reset the photodiodes PD in all the unit pixels. Then, the reset signal of each pixel is read by reset frame reading, and the read reset signal is stored in the memory. Thereafter, the PD reset pulse ΦPR is set to the “Low” level, so that all the unit pixels start exposure simultaneously. After the arbitrarily set accumulation period has elapsed, the charges generated in the photodiodes PD of all the unit pixels by the “High” level of the pixel transfer pulse ΦTX are transferred to the floating diffusion FD. After the charge is transferred, the video signal of each pixel is read out by video frame readout, and the difference signal with the reset signal stored in the memory is applied to obtain an image from which reset noise is removed. .

JP 2005-65184 A

  However, when an image signal for a still image is acquired from the image sensor by global exposure as in the above-described sequence, the darkness in the floating diffusion FD is lost during the floating diffusion FD standby time (FD standby period shown in FIG. 6). Current noise increases. The increased dark current noise also becomes a factor of degrading the image quality of the obtained image. That is, a high-quality image cannot be obtained only by removing the reset noise. For this reason, as a measure for reducing the influence of dark current noise on the image, it is conceivable to obtain a correction image in succession to the above-described global exposure sequence.

  In recent imaging apparatuses, in order to check a subject to be photographed, for example, a so-called “live view” function of displaying a moving image on a display unit of the imaging apparatus is realized. However, when the image sensor mounted on the imaging device is driven in the global exposure sequence as described above, the display of the live view (image display) is updated during a series of shooting operations for obtaining a still image. I can't. For this reason, during the period when the image pickup device acquires the image signal for the still image from the image pickup device according to the above-described sequence, the image display apparatus freezes continuously displaying the same image on the display unit, or blackout performs black display. The live view image is not displayed.

  In particular, in the global exposure sequence described above, both a reset signal readout operation for all pixels before exposure of a still image and a video signal readout operation after exposure are necessary. The period of one sequence required for the shooting operation becomes longer. Further, recent image sensors have an increased number of pixels, so that the time required for the operation of reading signals from all the pixels tends to be longer. For this reason, it is becoming a more important issue that the period during which an image for live view cannot be acquired becomes even longer. In the signal readout timing shown in FIG. 6, all the periods of the reset frame readout period, the accumulation period, and the video frame readout period are periods during which a live view image cannot be acquired.

  In such a situation, if a sequence for acquiring a correction image for reducing dark current noise is added, the period during which an image for live view cannot be acquired becomes further longer, and the above-described problems become more prominent. There is a problem of appearing in.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above problem recognition, and can acquire a correction image for reducing dark current noise of an image acquired by global exposure, and a correction image acquisition period. It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid-state imaging device and an imaging device that can update a live view image.

  In order to solve the above problems, a solid-state imaging device of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit that converts incident light into signal charges, a storage unit that stores the signal charges generated by the photoelectric conversion units, and a storage unit. A transfer unit that transfers the signal charge; an amplification unit that amplifies the signal charge stored in the storage unit and outputs the amplified signal charge to an output signal line; and a first reset unit that resets the charge of the storage unit And a second reset unit that resets the photoelectric conversion unit, a pixel unit in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and the pixel signal output from the pixel unit A signal readout unit that sequentially reads out each row, and the signal readout unit includes a first pixel signal obtained by amplifying the charge of the storage unit when the reset unit is reset by the amplification unit. The first After the reset by the reset unit is released, the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit in a predetermined exposure period is transferred to the storage unit by the transfer unit, and the transferred signal charge is The second pixel signal amplified by the amplification unit, the charge of the storage unit when reset by the first reset unit, the reset signal amplified by the amplification unit, and the reset by the first reset unit After canceling, the noise conversion signal generated in the storage unit is amplified by the amplification unit and reset by the second reset unit, and then the photoelectric conversion unit in a predetermined exposure period. The signal charge generated in step 1 is transferred to the storage unit by the transfer unit, and the transferred signal charge is amplified by the amplification unit. And a pixel signal for display, the read time-divided respectively, and wherein the.

  Further, the signal readout unit of the present invention reads the reset signal and the noise signal from the first row of the pixel unit, sequentially reads the display pixel signal from the second row of the pixel unit, After the readout of the reset signal and the noise signal from the first row and the readout of the pixel signal for display from the second row are completed, the reset signal and the noise from the second row are completed. A signal is read, and the display pixel signal is sequentially read from the first row.

  The signal readout unit of the present invention is characterized in that after the reset signal is completely read out, the noise signal is read out after a predetermined adjustment time has elapsed.

  The adjustment time of the present invention is the time from the time when the reset signal is read by the signal reading unit to the time when the reading of the noise signal starts to read the first pixel signal by the signal reading unit. The time is determined so as to be the same as the time from when the second pixel signal starts to be read.

  The second reset unit of the present invention simultaneously resets the photoelectric conversion units of the pixels in a plurality of rows, and the transfer unit generates the signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion units of the pixels in the plurality of rows. Are simultaneously transferred to each of the storage portions of the plurality of pixels.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit that converts incident light into a signal charge, a storage unit that stores the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit, and a transfer that transfers the signal charge to the storage unit. An amplification unit that amplifies the signal charge accumulated in the accumulation unit and outputs the amplified signal charge to the output signal line as a pixel signal, a first reset unit that resets the charge in the accumulation unit, and the photoelectric conversion unit A pixel unit having a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a signal readout that sequentially reads out the pixel signal output from the pixel unit for each row of the pixel unit A solid-state imaging device, a storage unit that stores the pixel signal output from the solid-state imaging device, and a signal that generates an image signal calculated based on the pixel signal stored in the storage unit A processing unit; The signal readout unit cancels the reset by the first pixel signal amplified by the amplification unit and the reset by the second reset unit when the charge of the storage unit is reset by the first reset unit. Then, the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit in a predetermined exposure period is transferred to the storage unit by the transfer unit, and the transferred signal charge is amplified by the amplification unit. The pixel signal, the reset signal obtained by amplifying the charge of the storage unit when reset by the first reset unit by the amplification unit, and the storage unit after releasing the reset by the first reset unit After the noise signal generated by the amplification unit is reset by the noise signal amplified by the amplification unit and the second reset unit, the charge is predetermined. The signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion unit during the exposure period are transferred to the storage unit by the transfer unit, and the transferred pixel charges are amplified by the amplification unit, and a display pixel signal is obtained. Each time-division is read out, and the storage unit outputs the first pixel signal, the second pixel signal, and the second pixel signal output from the solid-state imaging device, and then outputs the solid-state imaging. The reset signal and the noise signal output from the device are stored, respectively, and the signal processing unit is based on the first pixel signal and the second pixel signal stored in the storage unit. Generating a first image signal, and further generating a corrected image signal for correcting the first image signal based on the reset signal and the noise signal stored in the storage unit. Said first One image signal is corrected based on the generated corrected image signal.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to acquire a correction image for reducing dark current noise of an image acquired by global exposure, and to update a live view image even during a correction image acquisition period. The effect that it can be obtained.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed schematic structure of the image sensor in this embodiment. It is the circuit diagram which showed schematic structure of the unit pixel in the image sensor of this embodiment. 5 is a timing chart showing first signal readout timing in a digital camera equipped with the image sensor of the present embodiment. 5 is a timing chart showing second signal readout timing in a digital camera equipped with the image sensor of the present embodiment. It is a timing chart which showed the outline of the signal read-out timing in the conventional image sensor.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital camera (for example, a single-lens reflex digital camera) according to the present embodiment. A digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a lens unit 2, a solid-state imaging device (image sensor) 3, a light emitting device 4, a memory 5, a recording device 6, a display device 7, an image signal processing device 8, a lens control device 9, The image sensor control device 10, the light emission control device 11, and the camera control device 12 are configured.

The lens unit 2 is driven and controlled by the lens control device 9 such as zoom, focus, and diaphragm, and forms a subject image on the image sensor 3.
The image sensor 3 is a MOS type imaging device that is driven and controlled by the image sensor control device 10 and converts subject light incident on the digital camera 1 through the lens unit 2 into an image signal. A detailed description of the image sensor 3 will be described later.
The light emitting device 4 is a device such as a strobe or a flash that is controlled by the light emission control device 11 and emits light to the subject by emitting light.

The image signal processing device 8 performs processing such as signal amplification, conversion to image data, various corrections, and image data compression on the image signal output from the image sensor 3. The image signal processing device 8 uses the memory 5 as a temporary storage unit for image data in each process.
The recording device 6 is a detachable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, and records or reads image data.
The display device 7 is a display device such as a liquid crystal that displays an image based on image data imaged on the image sensor 3 and processed by the image signal processing device 8 or image data read from the recording device 6.

  The camera control device 12 is a control device that performs overall control of the digital camera 1. In addition, the camera control device 12 controls the image sensor control device 10 and the light emission control device 11 to cooperatively control the image sensor 3 and the light emission device 4.

  Next, the image sensor provided in the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image sensor 3 in the present embodiment. 2, the image sensor 3 includes an image sensor control signal generation circuit 31, a vertical scanning circuit 32, a horizontal readout circuit 33, a pixel array unit 34, a unit pixel 35, a vertical signal line 36, an FD reset line 37, and a pixel transfer line 38. , A pixel selection line 39 and a PD reset line 310. In the image sensor 3 illustrated in FIG. 2, an example of a pixel array unit 34 in which a plurality of unit pixels 35 are two-dimensionally arranged in 9 rows and 9 columns is illustrated. Depending on the configuration of the image sensor 3, an operation is performed at a read timing described later.

In the image sensor 3 shown in FIG. 2, numbers and symbols in “(): parentheses” shown after each symbol are a row number and a column number corresponding to the unit pixel 35 arranged in the image sensor 3. Represents. The first number in “(): brackets” indicates the row number, and the last number indicates the column number. For example, the unit pixel 35 in the second row and the third column is represented as a unit pixel 35 _{(2, 3)} . In addition, when only one of the row number or the column number, that is, the same row number or column number is represented, the same row number or column number is represented by a number, and the non-identical row number or column number is represented by “*”. : Asterisk For example, the vertical signal line 36 in the third column is represented as a vertical signal line 36 _{(* 3)} . Further, when both the row number and the column number are not specified, “(): parenthesis” after each code is not written.

The image sensor control signal generation circuit 31 controls the vertical scanning circuit 32 and the horizontal readout circuit 33 according to the control from the image sensor control device 10.
The vertical scanning circuit 32 controls each unit pixel 35 in the pixel array unit 34 and outputs a pixel signal of each unit pixel 35 to the vertical signal line 36. The vertical scanning circuit 32 controls the control signal lines (FD reset line 37, pixel transfer line 38, pixel selection line 39, PD reset line 310) to control signals (FD reset pulse ΦFR, pixel transfer). Pulse ΦTX, pixel selection pulse ΦSE, PD reset pulse ΦPR) is output for each row of the unit pixels 35 arranged in the pixel array unit 34. The unit pixel 35 is controlled by the vertical scanning circuit 32 according to the level of the control signal output to each of the control signal lines.

  The horizontal readout circuit 33 sequentially reads out pixel signals output to the vertical signal line 36. Under the control of the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31, the vertical scanning circuit 32, and the horizontal readout circuit 33, the image sensor 3 outputs an image signal of incident subject light.

  Next, unit pixels provided in the image sensor of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of the unit pixel 35 in the image sensor 3 of the present embodiment. The unit pixel 35 is a circuit that outputs a pixel signal obtained by converting incident light into an electric signal to the vertical scanning line 36. Each unit pixel 35 includes a photodiode PD, a floating diffusion FD, an FD reset transistor M1, a transfer transistor M2, an amplification transistor M3, a selection transistor M4, and a PD reset transistor M5.

  The photodiode PD is a photoelectric conversion unit that generates charges according to incident light. The floating diffusion FD is an accumulation unit that accumulates charges. Based on the pixel transfer pulse ΦTX input from the vertical scanning circuit 32, the transfer transistor M2 transfers charges generated in the photodiode PD to the floating diffusion FD connected to the gate terminal of the amplification transistor M3. The charges transferred by the transfer transistor M2 are accumulated in the floating diffusion FD. The amplification transistor M3 outputs a voltage corresponding to the electric charge accumulated in the floating diffusion FD. The FD reset transistor M1 resets the floating diffusion FD to the power supply voltage Vdd based on the FD reset pulse ΦFR output from the vertical scanning circuit 32. The PD reset transistor M5 resets the photodiode PD to the power supply voltage Vdd based on the PD reset pulse ΦPR input from the vertical scanning circuit 32. Based on the pixel selection pulse ΦSE output from the vertical scanning circuit 32, the selection transistor M4 outputs the voltage output from the amplification transistor M3 to the vertical scanning line 36 as a pixel signal output from the unit pixel 35.

  When global exposure is performed in the digital camera 1 equipped with the image sensor 3 having such a pixel configuration, all the unit pixels 35 in the image sensor 3 are controlled simultaneously. More specifically, the photodiode PD is reset by the PD reset pulse ΦPR, and after that, when the reset of the photodiode PD by the PD reset pulse ΦPR is released, exposure in the photodiode PD is started. Then, after an arbitrary exposure time has elapsed, the charge generated in the photodiode PD is transferred to the floating diffusion FD by the pixel transfer pulse ΦTX. Thus, global exposure is performed by simultaneously controlling the PD reset pulse ΦPR and the pixel transfer pulse ΦTX of all the unit pixels 35.

  In order to remove fixed pattern noise such as reset noise of the image sensor 3, the image signal processing device 8 uses pixel signals (hereinafter referred to as “video signals”) of each unit pixel 35 accumulated by incident subject light. Then, a difference process with a pixel signal (hereinafter referred to as “reset signal”) in a state where the floating diffusion FD in each unit pixel 35 is reset is performed.

<First signal readout timing>
Next, the read timing of the digital camera 1 equipped with the image sensor of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the first signal readout timing in the digital camera 1 equipped with the image sensor 3 of the present embodiment. In the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. 4, the digital camera 1 performs global exposure, and further, a correction image (correction image) for correcting the dark current noise increased during the standby time of the floating diffusion FD. ) Shows the timing when acquiring. In the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the image signal processing device 8 performs a difference process between a video signal for a still image and a reset signal to obtain a still image from which reset noise has been removed, and then a corrected image. The noise of the dark current contained in the still image is corrected by performing the difference processing with the above.

  “ΦRelease” shown in FIG. 4 is a release pulse signal indicating the start of photographing, and is interlocked with the shutter button of the digital camera 1. “ΦVD” is a vertical synchronization signal, and when the vertical synchronization signal ΦVD is at “High” level, an image signal for one image (frame) is read from the image sensor 3. “Reading out 1st to 9th rows” represents the timing of reading out pixel signals from the unit pixels 35 of each row (line) in the image sensor 3, and at the “High” level, the corresponding unit pixel of the pixel array unit 34. From 35, pixel signals for one row are read out.

  Also, “Reset frame reading” shown in FIG. 4 is a timing for reading a reset signal for still images from each unit pixel 35, and “Video frame reading” is a video for still images obtained during the still image exposure period. The timing at which a signal is read from each unit pixel 35 is shown. The image signal for the still image obtained according to the incident subject light is acquired by the series of photographing operations by the “reset frame readout”, “video frame readout”, and global exposure. In the following description, the still image reset signals from the first row to the last row of the pixel array unit 34 obtained by reset frame reading are collectively referred to as a “still image reset frame”. In addition, the still image video signals from the first row to the last row of the pixel array unit 34 obtained by the video frame reading are collectively referred to as a “still image video frame”.

  Further, “correction reset frame readout” shown in FIG. 4 is a timing at which a reset signal for a correction image is read from each unit pixel 35, and “correction video frame readout” is a correction obtained during the correction standby period. The timing at which the image video signal (dark current noise signal) is read from each unit pixel 35 is shown. By the corrected image acquisition operation including “correction reset frame reading” and “correction video frame reading”, the image signal for the correction image for correcting the dark current noise increased during the standby time of the floating diffusion FD is obtained. Have acquired. In the following description, correction image reset signals from the first row to the last row of the pixel array unit 34 obtained by reading the correction reset frame are collectively referred to as a “correction image reset frame”. Further, the video signals for the corrected images from the first row to the last row of the pixel array unit 34 obtained by reading the correction video frame are collectively referred to as a “corrected image video frame”.

  Also, the “electronic shutter” shown in FIG. 4 represents a timing at which the charge of the photodiode PD is reset at an arbitrary timing and each unit pixel 35 starts exposure for live view. The exposure time for live view can be changed by the timing of the electronic shutter. “Live view frame readout” represents the timing for reading out a pixel signal for live view image (hereinafter referred to as “live view signal”) obtained during the live view exposure period. With this “electronic shutter” and “live view frame readout”, an image signal for a live view image to be displayed on the display device 7 (hereinafter referred to as “live view frame”) is acquired.

  Here, details of the operation at the first signal readout timing will be described with reference to FIGS. At the first signal read timing shown in FIG. 4, the correction reset frame read and the correction video frame read are divided into two times to acquire the image signal for the correction image. Further, the live view image is updated by acquiring the live view frame during the period of acquiring the image signal for the corrected image. Note that the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31 in the image sensor 3 controls the vertical scanning circuit 32 and the horizontal readout circuit 33 in accordance with the control from the image sensor control device 10, but in the following description, image sensor control The description will be made assuming that the signal generation circuit 31 controls the vertical scanning circuit 32 and the horizontal readout circuit 33.

  At time t1, when the release pulse ΦRelease becomes “High” level in response to the operation of the shutter button and still image shooting starts, readout of a reset frame for acquiring a still image reset frame is started. In reset frame readout, a reset signal in a state in which the floating diffusion FD is reset is read out as a still image reset signal.

  More specifically, in reset frame reading, first, the vertical scanning circuit 32 sets the FD reset pulse ΦFR to the “High” level under the control of the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31. As a result, the FD reset transistor M1 is turned on, and the floating diffusion FD is reset to the power supply voltage Vdd. After that, after the FD reset pulse ΦFR is set to “Low” level, the pixel selection pulse ΦSE is set to “High” level and the selection transistor M4 is turned on, so that the reset signal in the state where the floating diffusion FD is reset is It is output to the signal line 36. The horizontal readout circuit 33 sequentially selects the reset signal for each column output to the vertical signal line 36 under the control of the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31, and sequentially outputs the reset signal for the selected column. In this way, by performing reset frame reading for each row of the pixel array unit 34, reset signals of all unit pixels 35 are read. Then, the image signal processing device 8 stores the reset signal output from the image sensor 3 in the memory 5 as a still image reset frame.

  Subsequently, at time t2, global exposure for acquiring a still image is started. More specifically, in the still image exposure period, the vertical scanning circuit 32 first sets the PD reset pulses ΦPR of all the unit pixels 35 to the “High” level simultaneously under the control of the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31. As a result, the PD reset transistors M5 of all the unit pixels 35 in the image sensor 3 are turned on, and the photodiodes PD of all the unit pixels 35 are simultaneously reset to the power supply voltage Vdd. Thereafter, the PD reset pulse ΦPR of all the unit pixels 35 is simultaneously set to the “Low” level. Thereby, the reset of the photodiode PD is released, and the photodiodes PD of all the unit pixels 35 simultaneously start exposure for acquiring a still image.

  At time t3 when an arbitrary still image exposure period has elapsed, the vertical scanning circuit 32 controls the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31 to simultaneously set the pixel transfer pulses ΦTX of all the unit pixels 35 to the “High” level. To. As a result, the transfer transistor M2 is turned on, and the charges generated in the photodiode PD are transferred all at once to the floating diffusion FD via the transfer transistor M2. Thereby, the exposure of the photodiodes PD of all the unit pixels 35 is completed at the same time.

  Thereafter, readout of a video frame for acquiring a still image video frame is started. In the video frame reading, the pixel signal (video signal) corresponding to the charge transferred to the floating diffusion FD, that is, the charge generated in the photodiode PD is read as a video signal for a still image.

  More specifically, in the video frame reading, first, the vertical scanning circuit 32 sets the pixel selection pulse ΦSE to the “High” level under the control of the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31. As a result, the selection transistor M4 is turned on, and a video signal corresponding to the charge transferred to the floating diffusion FD is output to the vertical signal line. Then, the horizontal readout circuit 33 sequentially selects the video signal of each column output to the vertical signal line 36 under the control of the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31, and sequentially outputs the video signal of the selected column. In this way, video frames are read out for each row of the pixel array unit 34, whereby the video signals of all the unit pixels 35 are read out. Then, the image signal processing device 8 stores the video signal output from the image sensor 3 in the memory 5 as a still image video frame.

  After acquiring the still image video frame, the image signal processing device 8 performs a difference process between the acquired still image video frame and the still image reset frame already stored in the memory 5 to remove the reset noise. A still image (hereinafter also referred to as “still image frame”) is generated. The still image generated here is a still image having the same image quality as a still image obtained by a conventional sequence.

  Here, noise of dark current that increases during the standby time of the floating diffusion FD will be described. When the video signal is read from the unit pixel 35 of each line, after the reset frame reading is completed and an arbitrary still image exposure period elapses, the pixel transfer pulse ΦTX of all the rows of the pixel array unit 34 is set to the “High” level. As a result, the charges generated in the photodiodes PD in all the unit pixels 35 are transferred to the floating diffusion FD all at once. Thereafter, a video signal obtained by amplifying the voltage corresponding to the charge transferred to the floating diffusion FD by the amplification transistor M3 is read out by video frame reading. As described above, after the FD waiting period including an arbitrary still image exposure period has elapsed after the reset frame reading is completed, reading of the video signal from each unit pixel 35 is started. Due to the dark current during the FD standby period, the noise component accumulated in the floating diffusion FD increases. That is, the dark current noise increased in the floating diffusion FD is not included in the reset signal, but is included only in the video signal. For this reason, even if the image signal processing device 8 performs the difference process between the still image video frame and the still image reset frame, the reset noise can be removed, but the dark current noise cannot be removed. This is a cause of degrading the image quality.

  Therefore, the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment acquires a correction image for correcting the dark current noise accumulated in the floating diffusion FD during the FD standby period when taking a still image. Note that the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment has only a dark current noise component accumulated in the floating diffusion FD during the FD standby period by the same corrected image acquisition operation as that of global exposure when a still image is taken. Get the corrected image.

  When the video frame reading is completed, the correction reset frame reading of the unit pixels 35 in the odd-numbered rows of the pixel array unit 34 is started at time t4. In the correction reset frame readout, the reset signal in the state in which the floating diffusion FD is reset is sequentially read out from the odd-numbered unit pixels 35 as the reset signal for the correction image. Note that the driving method of the unit pixel 35 in the correction reset frame reading and the operation of the components in the image sensor 3 are the same as those in the reset frame reading except that the reset signal to be read is a reset signal from the odd-numbered unit pixels 35. Since the driving method and the operation are the same, the description thereof is omitted. Further, the image signal processing apparatus 8 stores the reset signal output from the image sensor 3 from the odd-numbered unit pixels 35 in the memory 5 as an odd-numbered corrected image reset frame.

  Subsequently, the operation waits during the correction adjustment period from time t5 to time t6. This adjustment period for correction is a period for adjustment so that the correction standby period until the next reading of the correction video frame is the same as the FD standby period for acquiring a still image. The correction adjustment period is a period provided for the following reason. When obtaining a corrected image, exposure by the photodiode PD is not performed. However, in order to correct the dark current noise in the floating diffusion FD accumulated during the FD standby period when capturing a still image, the floating diffusion FD is made to wait for the same period as the FD standby period, and the acquired correction is performed. The image needs to include a dark current noise component at the same level as the still image. For this reason, the adjustment period for correction is set, and the correction standby period is adjusted to be the same time as the FD standby period.

  Then, at the time t6 when an arbitrary correction adjustment period has elapsed, the correction video frame readout of the unit pixels 35 in the odd-numbered rows of the pixel array unit 34 is started. In the correction video frame readout, the dark current noise component image signal (video signal) accumulated in the floating diffusion FD during the correction standby period from the odd-numbered unit pixels 35 is used as the correction image video signal. Are read sequentially. The driving method of the unit pixel 35 in the correction video frame reading and the operation of the components in the image sensor 3 are the same as those in the video frame reading except that the video signal to be read is a video signal from the odd-numbered unit pixels 35. Since the driving method and the operation are the same, the description thereof is omitted. Further, the image signal processing device 8 stores the video signal output from the image sensor 3 from the odd-numbered unit pixels 35 in the memory 5 as an odd-numbered corrected image video frame.

  In addition, during the period of acquiring the corrected image after time t4, the live view frame is sequentially acquired using the unit pixels 35 in the even-numbered rows of the pixel array unit 34. The live view frame is acquired by a normal rolling shutter operation (electronic shutter and live view frame reading) in the image sensor 3. Thereby, the live view image displayed on the display device 7 can be updated.

  More specifically, in the rolling shutter operation, in the electronic shutter, first, the vertical scanning circuit 32 is controlled by the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31 to “High” the PD reset pulse ΦPR of the unit pixels 35 in the second row. The photodiode PD in the unit pixel in the second row is reset to the power supply voltage Vdd. Thereafter, the PD reset pulse ΦPR of the unit pixel 35 in the second row is set to the “Low” level to release the reset of the photodiode PD, whereby the photodiode PD of the unit pixel 35 in the second row acquires a live view signal. To start exposure. When an arbitrary live view exposure period elapses, the vertical scanning circuit 32 controls the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31 to set the pixel transfer pulse ΦTX of the unit pixels 35 in the second row to the “High” level. The charge generated in the photodiode PD is transferred to the floating diffusion FD via the transfer transistor M2. Thereby, the exposure of the photodiode PD of the unit pixel 35 in the second row is completed. Thereafter, in the live view frame readout, the vertical scanning circuit 32 sets the pixel selection pulse ΦSE to the “High” level under the control of the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31, and converts the live view signal transferred to the floating diffusion FD into the vertical signal. Output to line 36. Then, the horizontal readout circuit 33 outputs the live view signal of the second row output to the vertical signal line 36 under the control of the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31. In this way, the electronic shutter and live view frame reading is performed on the even-numbered rows of the pixel array unit 34, thereby sequentially reading the live view signals from the even-row unit pixels 35 by the rolling shutter operation.

  After acquiring the live view signal for one screen, the image signal processing device 8 generates a live view frame (live view image) based on the acquired live view signal and displays it on the display device 7.

  When the odd-numbered correction video frame reading is completed, from time t7 to time t9, the correction reset frame reading of the unit pixels 35 in the even-numbered row of the pixel array unit 34, the standby of the operation during the correction adjustment period, the pixel array The correction video frame is read from the unit pixels 35 in the even-numbered rows of the unit 34. Since the operation in the image sensor 3 from time t7 to time t9 is the same as the operation in the image sensor 3 from time t4 to time t6 except that the rows of the unit pixels 35 are different, description thereof is omitted. Further, the image signal processing device 8 stores the reset signal output from the image sensor 3 from the unit pixels 35 in the even rows in the memory 5 as a corrected image reset frame in the even rows, and the even signals output from the image sensor 3. The video signal from the unit pixel 35 in the row is stored in the memory 5 as the corrected image video frame in the even row.

  After acquiring the even-line correction image reset frame, the image signal processing apparatus 8 combines the acquired even-line correction image reset frame with the odd-line correction image reset frame already stored in the memory 5. Processing is performed to generate one corrected image reset frame. Further, after acquiring the even-line corrected image video frame, the image signal processing apparatus 8 combines the acquired even-line corrected image video frame with the odd-numbered corrected image video frame already stored in the memory 5. Processing is performed to generate one corrected image video frame. Then, the image signal processing device 8 performs difference processing between the generated corrected image video frame and the corrected image reset frame to generate a corrected image from which reset noise has been removed (hereinafter also referred to as “corrected image frame”). . The corrected image generated here is an image including only the dark current noise component accumulated in the floating diffusion FD.

  In addition, the image signal processing device 8 further performs a difference process between the still image frame and the corrected image frame to generate a final still image. Thereby, in the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain a still image with less noise and high quality by removing the noise component of the dark current accumulated in the floating diffusion FD during the FD standby period. it can.

  In addition, during the period when the corrected image after time t7 is acquired, the live view frame is sequentially acquired using the odd-numbered unit pixels 35 of the pixel array unit 34. The acquisition of the live view frame is the same as the acquisition of the live view frame using the unit pixels 35 of the even-numbered rows after time t4 except that the rows of the unit pixels 35 are different. Thereby, the update of the live view image displayed on the display device 7 can be continued.

  As described above, at the first signal readout timing in the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, a corrected image can be acquired following acquisition of a still image by global exposure. Thereby, it is possible to correct the dark current noise accumulated in the floating diffusion FD during the FD standby period when a still image is captured by global exposure. As a result, the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment can acquire a high-quality still image with less noise.

  Also, at the first signal readout timing, the correction reset frame readout and the compensation video frame readout are each divided into two times to obtain the image signal for the compensation image. Thereby, at the first signal readout timing, the acquisition of the correction image and the acquisition of the live view signal can be performed during the same period (period in which the correction image is acquired). A conventional digital camera cannot display a live view image during a sequence for acquiring an image. For example, when acquiring two images, a live view image cannot be displayed for a period until acquisition of the two images is completed. On the other hand, at the first signal readout timing, when two images of a still image and a corrected image are acquired, a live view signal can be acquired during a period in which the corrected image is acquired. . Thereby, it is possible to display the live view image on the display device 7 during the period of acquiring the corrected image. Therefore, in the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the period during which a live view image cannot be displayed can be a period for one still image acquisition period, and as described above. The quality of the acquired still image can be improved.

  At the first signal readout timing, the electronic shutter is performed during the period during which the video frame is being read out, but the video signal has already been read out from the unit pixel 35 in the row where the electronic shutter is being performed. Therefore, the electronic shutter can be performed without any problem. However, since the live view frame readout after the electronic shutter uses the vertical signal line 36 common to the unit pixels 35 in each row of the pixel array unit 34, the video signal is read from the unit pixels 35 in all rows. It becomes.

<Second signal readout timing>
Next, another reading timing of the digital camera 1 equipped with the image sensor of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the second signal readout timing in the digital camera 3 equipped with the image sensor 3 of the present embodiment. The second signal readout timing shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. 4. The digital camera 1 performs global exposure, and the dark signal increased during the waiting time of the floating diffusion FD. The timing in the case of acquiring a corrected image for correcting current noise is shown.

  In each readout operation at the second signal readout timing, the driving method of the unit pixel 35 and the operation of the components in the image sensor 3 are the same as in each readout operation at the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. The driving method of the unit pixel 35 and the operation of the components in the image sensor 3 are almost the same. Therefore, in the description of the second signal read timing, only the operation different from the first signal read timing shown in FIG. 4 is described, and the detailed description is omitted.

  At the second signal readout timing shown in FIG. 5, the correction reset frame readout and the compensation video frame readout are each divided into three times to obtain the image signal for the compensation image. Further, the live view image is updated by acquiring the live view frame during the period of acquiring the image signal for the corrected image.

  At time t1, the release pulse ΦRelease becomes “High” level in response to the operation of the shutter button, and when still image shooting is started, reset frame readout for acquiring a still image reset frame, global exposure, and Video frame reading is performed to generate a still image frame from which reset noise has been removed.

  When the video frame reading is completed, at time t2, the correction reset frame reading of the unit pixels 35 in the first row, the fourth row, and the seventh row (hereinafter referred to as “1/3 row”) of the pixel array unit 34 is performed. Then, waiting for the operation during the adjustment period for correction, reading out the video frame for correction, and storing the corrected image reset frame of 1/3 row and the corrected image video frame of 1/3 row in the memory 5.

  When the reading of the 1 / 3-row correction video frame is completed, at time t3, the unit pixels in the second row, the fifth row, and the eighth row (hereinafter referred to as “2/3 row”) of the pixel array unit 34 35 correction reset frames are read out, the operation is waited during the correction adjustment period, and the correction video frames are read out. The 2/3 line correction image reset frame and the 2/3 line correction image video frame are stored in the memory 5. Remember.

  When reading of the 2/3 row correction video frame is completed, at time t4, unit pixels in the 3rd row, 6th row, and 9th row (hereinafter referred to as “3/3 row”) of the pixel array unit 34 35 correction reset frames are read out, the operation is waited during the correction adjustment period, and the correction video frames are read out. The 3/3 line correction image reset frame and the 3/3 line correction image video frame are stored in the memory 5. Remember.

  After acquiring the 3/3 line correction image reset frame, the image signal processing apparatus 8 corrects the acquired 3/3 line correction image reset frame and the 1/3 line correction already stored in the memory 5. By combining the image reset frame and the 2 / 3-line corrected image reset frame, one corrected image reset frame is generated. Further, after acquiring the 3/3 line corrected image video frame, the image signal processing device 8 corrects the acquired 3/3 line corrected image video frame and the 1/3 line correction already stored in the memory 5. By combining the image video frame and the 2 / 3-line corrected image video frame, one corrected image video frame is generated. Then, the image signal processing device 8 performs a difference process between the generated corrected image video frame and the corrected image reset frame to generate a corrected image frame from which the reset noise is removed.

  Then, the image signal processing device 8 further performs a difference process between the still image frame and the corrected image frame to generate a final still image. As a result, it is possible to obtain a still image with less noise and a higher image quality in which the noise component of the dark current accumulated in the floating diffusion FD during the FD standby period is removed.

  In addition, during the period of acquiring the corrected image after time t2, live view frames are sequentially acquired using the unit pixels 35 of the pixel array unit 34 that are not used for acquiring the corrected image. In FIG. 5, the unit pixels 35 of 2/3 rows are used from time t2, the unit pixels 35 of 3/3 rows are used from time t3, and the unit pixels 35 of 1/3 row are used from time t4. An example in which the live view frames are sequentially acquired using them is shown.

  As described above, at the second signal readout timing in the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, a corrected image can be acquired following acquisition of a still image by global exposure. As a result, similar to the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to acquire a still image with higher image quality and with less noise.

  Further, at the second signal readout timing, the correction reset frame readout and the correction video frame readout are each divided into three times to obtain the image signal for the corrected image. As a result, similarly to the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. 4, the live view image can be displayed on the display device 7 even during the period during which the corrected image is acquired.

  Further, at the second signal readout timing, the image signal for the corrected image is acquired by dividing it into three times, so the time required to acquire one live view frame is the first time shown in FIG. This time can be shorter than the signal read timing. In the case where a line connecting live view frame readings for acquiring one live view frame is assumed, the second signal reading timing and the first signal reading timing shown in FIG. This second signal readout timing can also be seen from the fact that the imaginary line has a steeper slope. That is, at the second signal readout timing, the live view frame can be acquired earlier than the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. Thus, at the second signal readout timing, the update rate of the live view image displayed on the display device 7 can be increased, and the live signal smoother than the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. A view can be displayed.

  In the second signal readout timing, the correction adjustment period is longer than the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. This is because the time required to acquire one live view frame is shorter than the first signal readout timing shown in FIG. 4 by acquiring the image signal for the corrected image by dividing into three times. It is because it has become. That is, it is necessary to set the correction standby period when acquiring the corrected image frame to the same time as the FD standby period when acquiring the still image, which means that the time required for acquiring the live view frame is shortened. Since the same applies to the case, the result is that the adjustment is performed by the adjustment period for correction, because the time required for obtaining the live view frame is shortened.

  As described above, according to the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, when a still image is captured by global exposure, the dark current noise that increases during the standby time of the floating diffusion FD of each unit pixel is reduced. A correction image for correction can be acquired. The still image can be corrected using the acquired correction image. This makes it possible to acquire a high-quality still image with less noise.

  Moreover, according to the form for implementing this invention, the image of a live view can be acquired also during the period which has acquired the correction image. Accordingly, the live view image can be displayed without increasing the period during which the live view image cannot be displayed on the display device, and the quality of the acquired still image can be improved.

  Moreover, according to the form for implementing this invention, the time required for acquisition of one live view image can be shortened by changing the division | segmentation number at the time of acquiring a correction image. Thereby, the update speed of the live view image displayed on the display device can be increased, and a smoother live view can be displayed.

  In the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, an example in which a live view image is displayed on the display device 7 after acquiring a still image has been described. For example, a single still image is captured by the digital camera 1. In the case of so-called “single shooting”, a still image frame obtained by performing a difference process between a still image video frame and a still image reset frame that have been acquired can be displayed on the display device 7. The sequence may be such that a corrected image is acquired in the digital camera 1 while the still image frame is displayed on the display device 7.

  In the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, the case where the correction reset frame reading and the correction video frame reading are divided into two or three times to acquire the image signal for the correction image has been described. However, the number of divisions when acquiring the image signal for the corrected image is not limited to the form for carrying out the present invention. For example, the number of divisions when acquiring the image signal for the corrected image can be determined in consideration of the resolution of the still image and the live view image, and further the frame rate of the live view image. Thereby, for example, the frame rate of the live view image during the period during which the corrected image is acquired can be set to the same frame rate as the frame rate of the live view image before and after capturing a still image.

  In the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, the case where one live view frame is acquired in each of the period during which the corrected image reset frame is acquired and the period during which the corrected image video frame is acquired has been described. The number of live view frames acquired in the above period is not limited to the form for carrying out the present invention. For example, a plurality of live view frames may be acquired in a period during which a corrected image reset frame is acquired and a period during which a corrected image video frame is acquired. However, since there is no change in the correction standby period when acquiring the corrected image frame needs to be the same as the FD standby period when acquiring the still image, the adjustment is made according to the correction adjustment period. Within the range that can be performed.

  In the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, the image sensor control signal generation circuit 31 according to the control of the image sensor control device 10 controls the vertical scanning circuit 32 and the horizontal readout circuit 33 to drive the unit pixel 35. However, the method for driving the unit pixel 35 is not limited to the mode for carrying out the present invention. For example, components such as the camera control device 12 and the image signal processing device 8 in the digital camera 1 may be configured to control driving of the unit pixel 35.

  In addition, the specific configuration of the circuit configuration and the driving method in the present invention is not limited to the mode for carrying out the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. . For example, even when the pixel components and the driving method are changed, for example, the driving method can be changed according to the components and circuit configuration in the image sensor 3 and the unit pixel 35.

  Further, the arrangement of the pixels in the row direction and the column direction is not limited to the mode for carrying out the present invention, and the number of pixels in the row direction and the column direction in which the pixels are arranged without departing from the gist of the present invention. Can be changed.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes various modifications within the scope of the present invention. It is.

1. Digital camera (imaging device)
2 ... Lens unit 3 ... Image sensor (solid-state imaging device)
4... Light emitting device 5... Memory (storage unit)
6... Recording device 7... Display device 8... Image signal processing device (signal processing unit)
9 ... Lens control device 10 ... Image sensor control device (signal reading unit)
11... Light emission control device 12... Camera control device (signal reading unit)
31... Image sensor control signal generation circuit (signal reading unit)
32... Vertical scanning circuit (signal reading unit)
33 ... Horizontal readout circuit (signal readout section)
34 ... Pixel array part (pixel part)
35 ... Unit pixel (pixel)
36 ... Vertical signal line (output signal line)
37 FD reset line 38 Pixel transfer line 39 Pixel selection line 310 PD reset line PD Photodiode (photoelectric converter)
FD: Floating diffusion (storage unit)
M1... FD reset transistor (first reset unit)
M2: Transfer transistor (transfer unit)
M3: Amplifying transistor (amplifying part)
M4... Selection transistor M5... PD reset transistor (second reset unit)

Claims (6)

A photoelectric conversion unit that converts incident light into a signal charge; a storage unit that stores the signal charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit; a transfer unit that transfers the signal charge to the storage unit; and a storage unit that stores the signal charge. An amplifying unit that amplifies the signal charge and outputs it to an output signal line as a pixel signal; a first reset unit that resets the charge of the storage unit; a second reset unit that resets the photoelectric conversion unit; A pixel portion in which a plurality of pixels having a two-dimensional matrix are arranged;
A signal readout unit that sequentially reads out the pixel signal output from the pixel unit for each row of the pixel unit;
With
The signal readout unit is
A first pixel signal obtained by amplifying the charge of the storage unit when reset by the first reset unit by the amplification unit;
After the reset by the second reset unit is released, the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit in a predetermined exposure period is transferred to the storage unit by the transfer unit, and the transferred signal charge A second pixel signal amplified by the amplifying unit;
A reset signal obtained by amplifying the charge of the storage unit when reset by the first reset unit by the amplification unit;
After canceling the reset by the first reset unit, the noise signal generated in the storage unit, the noise signal amplified by the amplification unit,
After the reset by the second reset unit, the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit in a predetermined exposure period is transferred to the storage unit by the transfer unit, and the transferred signal charge is A display pixel signal amplified by the amplifying unit;
Are read out in a time-sharing manner,
A solid-state imaging device. The signal readout unit is
Read the reset signal and the noise signal from the first row of the pixel unit,
Sequentially reading out the pixel signals for display from the second row of the pixel portion;
After reading the reset signal and the noise signal from the first row and reading the pixel signal for display from the second row,
Reading the reset signal and the noise signal from the second row;
Sequentially reading out the pixel signals for display from the first row;
The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1. The signal readout unit is
After reading out the reset signal, after a predetermined adjustment time has elapsed, start reading out the noise signal.
The solid-state imaging device according to claim 2. The adjustment time is
From the time when the reset signal is read by the signal reading unit to the time to start reading the noise signal,
A time determined to be the same as the time from the time when the first pixel signal is read by the signal reading unit to the time when the reading of the second pixel signal is started.
The solid-state imaging device according to claim 3. The second reset unit includes:
Simultaneously resetting the photoelectric conversion units of the pixels in a plurality of rows;
The transfer unit
Simultaneously transferring the signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion units of the pixels of the plurality of rows to each of the storage units of the pixels;
The solid-state imaging device according to claim 4. A photoelectric conversion unit that converts incident light into a signal charge; a storage unit that stores the signal charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit; a transfer unit that transfers the signal charge to the storage unit; and a storage unit that stores the signal charge. An amplifying unit that amplifies the signal charge and outputs it to an output signal line as a pixel signal; a first reset unit that resets the charge of the storage unit; a second reset unit that resets the photoelectric conversion unit; A solid-state imaging device comprising: a pixel unit in which a plurality of pixels having a pixel shape are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix; and a signal readout unit that sequentially reads out the pixel signal output from the pixel unit for each row of the pixel unit When,
A storage unit for storing the pixel signal output from the solid-state imaging device;
A signal processing unit that generates an image signal calculated based on the pixel signal stored in the storage unit;
With
The signal readout unit is
A first pixel signal obtained by amplifying the charge of the storage unit when reset by the first reset unit by the amplification unit;
After the reset by the second reset unit is released, the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit in a predetermined exposure period is transferred to the storage unit by the transfer unit, and the transferred signal charge A second pixel signal amplified by the amplifying unit;
A reset signal obtained by amplifying the charge of the storage unit when reset by the first reset unit by the amplification unit;
After canceling the reset by the first reset unit, the noise signal generated in the storage unit, the noise signal amplified by the amplification unit,
After the reset by the second reset unit, the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit in a predetermined exposure period is transferred to the storage unit by the transfer unit, and the transferred signal charge is A display pixel signal amplified by the amplifying unit;
Are read out in time division,
The storage unit
Output from the solid-state imaging device,
The first pixel signal;
The second pixel signal;
The reset signal output from the solid-state imaging device after outputting the second pixel signal;
The noise signal;
, Respectively,
The signal processing unit
Generating a first image signal based on the first pixel signal and the second pixel signal stored in the storage unit;
Furthermore, a corrected image signal for correcting the first image signal is generated based on the reset signal and the noise signal stored in the storage unit,
Correcting the generated first image signal based on the generated corrected image signal;
An imaging apparatus characterized by that.

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