JP5142694B2 - Imaging device, driving method of imaging device, and imaging system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging apparatus driving method, and an imaging system.

  In recent years, with the widespread use of HDTV (High Definition Television), there has been a demand for an imaging device that captures a moving image with an aspect ratio of 16: 9. On the other hand, still images are required to be photographed with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 because the aspect ratio of photographic paper is approximately 4: 3. Therefore, in order to realize an imaging device that supports both moving images and still images, it is necessary that the aspect ratio can be switched between the 16: 9 mode and the 4: 3 mode. The imaging apparatus has an imaging area with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 as a whole, and reads signals of all pixels in the 4: 3 mode. Further, in the imaging device, in the 16: 9 mode, the pixel at the center (the reading area where the signal from the pixel is read) is read without reading the signals of the upper and lower pixels (the non-reading area where the signal from the pixel is not read). The operation of reading only the signal is performed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a photoelectric conversion element of a pixel included in a non-readout region is reset to suppress an overflow of photocharge from a pixel included in the non-readout region to a pixel included in the read region. In Patent Document 1, a vertical selection switch MOS exists in every pixel.

On the other hand, for pixel reduction, it is necessary to reduce the number of MOS transistors per pixel, and it is required to reduce the vertical selection switch MOS. In Patent Document 2, a pixel is selected by changing an operating point of an input terminal (floating diffusion: FD unit) of a signal amplification unit. That is, the potential of the FD portion of the selected pixel is set to the on potential, and the potential of the FD portion of the non-selected pixel is set to the off potential. As a result, only the output of the selected pixel can be read out to the column signal line.
JP 2000-350103 A JP-A-11-112018

  When a 16: 9 mode operation is performed using the driving method described in Patent Document 1 using the pixel circuit described in Patent Document 2, normal operation cannot be performed simply by combining these two techniques. . When resetting a photoelectric conversion element of a pixel included in the non-readout area in the 16: 9 mode, the potential of the FD portion of the pixel needs to be set to a potential necessary for resetting the photoelectric conversion element. . In addition, since the pixel included in the non-read region in the 16: 9 mode is a non-selected pixel, the potential of the FD portion must be set to an off potential.

  Here, for example, when the amplification transistor is an N-MOSFET, if “off potential <potential required to reset the photoelectric conversion element”, the potential of the FD portion of the pixel included in the non-readout region in the 16: 9 mode. There is a conflict in the settings. When the potential of the FD portion of the pixel included in the non-readout region is set to a potential necessary for resetting the photoelectric conversion element, the potential is necessarily higher than the off potential. Then, the amplification transistors of the pixels included in the non-readout region are turned on, and the signals of the pixels included in the non-readout region are read out to the column signal line.

  Conversely, if the FD potential of the pixel included in the non-readout region is set to the off potential in the 16: 9 mode, the potential of the FD portion is inevitably higher than the potential necessary for resetting the photoelectric conversion element. Becomes a low potential. Then, it becomes impossible to reset the photoelectric conversion elements of the pixels included in the non-reading region, and there is a possibility that the photoelectric charge leaks from the pixels included in the non-reading region to the pixels included in the reading region.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce leakage of photoelectric charges from pixels included in a non-readout region in an imaging device that selects and deselects each pixel by the potential of an input unit of an amplification unit.

  An imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit, an amplification unit that amplifies a signal based on charges generated in the photoelectric conversion unit, an input unit of the amplification unit, and an accumulation in the photoelectric conversion unit. A transfer unit that transfers the generated charge to the input unit, and the potential of the input unit is set to a first potential to be in a selected state, and the potential of the input unit is set to a second potential to be in a non-selected state And a drive unit that drives the plurality of pixels in the pixel array, and the pixel array includes a first mode. In the first mode, the drive unit includes each of the pixels included in the non-readout region, in which the signal is read out from the pixel and the non-readout region in which the signal is not read out from the pixel. In the first period In a second period after the first period, the setting unit resets the photoelectric conversion unit by setting the potential of the input unit to a third potential in a state where the transfer unit can transfer charges. The setting unit is driven so as to set the potential of the input unit to a fourth potential to be in a non-selected state, and the driving unit is configured to perform the operation after the second period in the first mode. Driving each of the pixels included in the readout region so that the charge of the photoelectric conversion unit of the selected pixel among the pixels included in the readout region is transferred to the input unit by the transfer unit; Features.

  An imaging apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit, an amplification unit that amplifies a signal based on charges generated in the photoelectric conversion unit, an input unit of the amplification unit, and an accumulation in the photoelectric conversion unit. A transfer unit that transfers the generated charge to the input unit, and the potential of the input unit is set to a first potential to be in a selected state, and the potential of the input unit is set to a second potential to be in a non-selected state And a drive unit that drives the plurality of pixels in the pixel array, and the pixel array includes a first mode. In the first mode, the driving unit is configured to include the readout region in which the signal is read from the pixel and the non-readout region in which the signal is not read from the pixel. Adjacent to And the setting unit resets the photoelectric conversion unit by setting the potential of the input unit to a third potential in a state where the transfer unit can transfer charges in the first period. In the second period after the period, the setting unit is driven so as to set the potential of the input unit to the fourth potential to be in a non-selected state, and the driving unit is configured to be in the first mode. Then, after the second period, each of the pixels included in the readout region is transferred to the input unit by the transfer unit with charges of the photoelectric conversion unit of the selected pixel among the pixels included in the readout region. It is characterized by driving.

  An imaging apparatus driving method according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit, an amplification unit that amplifies a signal based on charges generated in the photoelectric conversion unit, an input unit of the amplification unit, and the photoelectric conversion. A transfer unit that transfers the charge accumulated in the unit to the input unit, and sets the potential of the input unit to the first potential to be in a selected state, and sets the potential of the input unit to the second potential to A driving method of an imaging apparatus having a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels each including a setting unit to be selected are arrayed in a row direction and a column direction, wherein the pixel array is a signal from a pixel in a first mode. Is read out, and a non-readout region in which no signal is read out from the pixel, and the driving method uses each of the pixels included in the non-readout region in the first mode in the first period. The transfer unit is Each of the pixels included in the non-readout region in the first mode and the setting step of driving so that the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to a third potential in a state where it can be transferred. A non-selection step of driving so that the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to a fourth potential to be in a non-selection state in a second period after the first period; In the mode, after the second period, each of the pixels included in the readout region is charged with the charge of the photoelectric conversion unit of the selected pixel among the pixels included in the readout region by the transfer unit. And a step of driving so as to be transferred.

  An imaging apparatus driving method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit, an amplification unit that amplifies a signal based on charges generated in the photoelectric conversion unit, an input unit of the amplification unit, and the photoelectric conversion. A transfer unit that transfers the charge accumulated in the unit to the input unit, and sets the potential of the input unit to the first potential to be in a selected state, and sets the potential of the input unit to the second potential to A driving method of an imaging apparatus having a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels each including a setting unit to be selected are arrayed in a row direction and a column direction, wherein the pixel array is a signal from a pixel in a first mode. Is read out and a non-read-out region where no signal is read out from the pixel, and the driving method includes: a pixel adjacent to the read-out region among the pixels included in the non-read-out region in the first mode. Pixel A setting step of driving the setting unit to set the potential of the input unit to a third potential in a state where the transfer unit can transfer charges in one period; and the non-reading region in the first mode. Are driven so that the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to a fourth potential in a second period after the first period and puts it into a non-selected state. In the non-selection step and in the first mode, after the second period, each of the pixels included in the readout region is changed to the photoelectric conversion unit of the selected pixel among the pixels included in the readout region. And a step of driving so that charges are transferred to the input unit by the transfer unit.

  An imaging system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention processes the imaging device according to the first aspect of the present invention, an optical system that focuses light onto the pixel array of the imaging device, and an output signal from the imaging device. And a signal processing unit for generating image data.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the imaging device which selects and deselects each pixel with the electric potential of the input part of an amplifier, it can reduce that a photoelectric charge leaks from the pixel contained in a non-reading area | region.

  An imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging apparatus 100 includes a pixel array PA and a drive unit 103 as illustrated in FIG.

  The pixel array PA includes a reading area 101 and non-reading areas 102a and 102b in the first mode. The readout area 101 is an area where signals are read out from the pixels in the first mode. The non-readout areas 102a and 102b are areas where signals are not read from the pixels in the first mode. As a result, the image obtained in the first mode has an aspect ratio of 16: 9 as shown in FIG. Note that the readout region 101 includes selected pixels that are pixels in a row selected to be read out and non-selected pixels that are pixels other than the selected pixels.

  On the other hand, in the pixel array PA, signals are read from all the pixels in the second mode. Thus, the image obtained in the second mode has an aspect ratio of 4: 3 as shown in FIG. Note that all the pixels include a selected pixel that is a pixel in a row selected to be read and a non-selected pixel that is a pixel other than the selected pixel.

  The drive unit 103 is arranged around the pixel array PA. The drive unit 103 drives a plurality of pixels (see FIG. 2) in the pixel array PA. The drive unit 103 is, for example, a vertical scanning circuit that scans the pixel array PA in the vertical direction.

  In FIG. 1, a readout circuit for reading out signals output to the column signal lines 71, 72... (See FIG. 2) of each column and a horizontal scanning circuit for scanning the readout circuit in the horizontal direction. Such illustrations are omitted.

  Next, the pixel array PA in the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the pixel array PA included in the imaging apparatus 100.

  In the pixel array PA, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of pixels (6a1, 6a2,..., 6an,..., 6cn,...) Are arrayed in the row direction and the column direction.

  The pixel 6a1 includes a photoelectric conversion unit 1, an input unit 5, a transfer unit 2a, a setting unit 3a, and an amplification unit 4. Here, the pixel refers to one photoelectric conversion element and a minimum unit of an element set for reading a signal from the photoelectric conversion element to an output line. The adjacent photoelectric conversion elements can share the elements, but in this case as well, the elements are defined by the minimum unit of the element set for reading the signal of one photoelectric conversion element.

  The photoelectric conversion unit 1 generates and accumulates charges according to incident light. The photoelectric conversion unit 1 is, for example, a type of photodiode that accumulates negative charges (electrons).

  The input unit 5 is an input unit of the amplification unit 4 to be described later, and holds the charge accumulated by the photoelectric conversion unit 1. The input unit 5 is, for example, a floating diffusion.

  The transfer unit 2a transfers the charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 1 to the input unit 5 at a predetermined timing. The transfer unit 2a is, for example, a transfer MOS transistor.

  The setting unit 3a sets the potential of the input unit 5 to the first potential (see V1 shown in FIG. 4) and selects it, and sets the potential of the input unit 5 to the second potential (see V2 shown in FIG. 4). Set to deselect. The setting unit 3a is, for example, a reset MOS transistor. The first potential is a potential at which the amplification unit 4 is turned on, and needs to be higher than a potential necessary for resetting the photoelectric conversion unit 1. The second potential is a potential at which the amplification unit 4 is turned off, and needs to be lower than “the potential of the column signal line 71 and the like + the threshold voltage at which the amplification unit 4 (amplification NMOS transistor) is turned on”.

  The amplifying unit 4 amplifies a signal (voltage) due to charges held in the input unit 5. The amplification unit 4 is, for example, an amplification NMOS transistor.

  The other pixels 6a2 and the like are the same as the pixel 6a1.

  Next, the drive unit 103 in the imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a part of the circuit configuration of the drive unit 103. FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram of pulses supplied from the driving unit 103 to the pixels.

  First, a case where the first mode is selected will be described.

  At this time, an H level signal indicating that the first mode has been selected is input to the mode control terminal Nen shown in FIG. Thereby, the transfer gates G1 and G3 are opened, and the transfer gates G2 and G4 are closed. In the first mode, the driving unit 103 supplies the pulse P2a (see FIG. 4) to the transfer unit 2a of the pixels included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b, and the pulse P3a (see FIG. 4) to the setting unit 3a. Supply. Further, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 supplies a pulse P2b (see FIG. 4) to the transfer unit 2b of the selected pixel, and supplies a pulse P3b (see FIG. 4) to the setting unit 3b. In the first mode, the drive unit 103 supplies a pulse P2c (see FIG. 4) to the transfer unit 2c of the non-selected pixel, and supplies a pulse P3c (see FIG. 4) to the setting unit 3c.

  That is, the driving unit 103 sets the potential of the input unit 5 in the state in which the transfer unit 2a can transfer charges in the first period to the pixels included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b in the first mode. Is set to the third potential. This process is called a setting process. The third potential is a potential for turning on the amplifying unit 4 and is equal to the first potential, for example, the potential V1 of the reset power supply signal Vres shown in FIG. The first period is, for example, a “decimated pixel reset period” shown in FIG. Thereby, in each pixel included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b in the first mode, both the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are turned on in the first period, and the photoelectric conversion unit 1 and the input unit 5 are turned on. Reset.

  In the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the selected pixel so that the transfer unit 2b and the setting unit 3b are turned off in the first period. In the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the non-selected pixels so that the transfer unit 2c and the setting unit 3c are turned off in the first period.

  Next, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 sets the pixel included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b, and the setting unit 3a sets the potential of the input unit 5 in the second period after the first period. Driving is performed by setting the fourth potential to a non-selected state. This process is called a non-selection process. The fourth potential is a potential at which the amplifying unit 4 is turned off, and is equal to the second potential described above. For example, the fourth potential is the potential V2 of the reset power supply signal Vres shown in FIG. The second period is, for example, a “non-selected pixel reset period” illustrated in FIG. Thereby, in each pixel included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b in the first mode, the transfer unit 2a is turned off and the setting unit 3a is turned on in the second period. Then, the potential of the input unit 5 becomes the first potential, and the non-selected state in which the state where the amplifier unit 4 is turned off is maintained.

  In the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the selected pixel so that the transfer unit 2b and the setting unit 3b are turned off in the second period. In the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the non-selected pixels so that the transfer unit 2c is turned off and the setting unit 3c is turned on in the first period. Thereby, the potential of the input unit 5 is set to the second potential (for example, V2 shown in FIG. 4), and the non-selected pixel enters the non-selected state.

  Next, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the selected pixel so that the transfer unit 2b is turned off and the setting unit 3b is turned on in a third period after the second period. The third period is, for example, a “selected pixel signal readout period” shown in FIG. Thereby, the potential of the input unit 5 is set to the first potential (for example, V1 shown in FIG. 4), and the selected pixel enters the selected state. In the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the selected pixel so that the transfer unit 2b is turned on and the setting unit 3b is turned off in a third period after the second period. As a result, in the selected pixel, the charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 1 is transferred to the input unit 5, and a signal (voltage) due to the charge held in the input unit 5 is amplified and read out to the output signal line. Note that the driving unit 103 drives each of the pixels included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b in the first mode so that the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are turned off in the third period. In the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the non-selected pixels so that the transfer unit 2c and the setting unit 3c are turned off in the third period.

  Next, the case where the second mode is selected will be described focusing on the differences from the case where the first mode is selected.

  At this time, an L level signal is input to the mode control terminal Nen shown in FIG. Thereby, the transfer gates G2 and G4 are opened and the transfer gates G1 and G3 are closed. Accordingly, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 supplies the pulse P2b (see FIG. 4) to the transfer unit 2a of the selected pixel, and supplies the pulse P3b (see FIG. 4) to the setting unit 3a. Alternatively, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 supplies the pulse P2c (see FIG. 4) to the transfer unit 2a of the non-selected pixels and supplies the pulse P3c (see FIG. 4) to the setting unit 3a.

  That is, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the selected pixel so that the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are turned off in the first period. Alternatively, the driving unit 103 drives the non-selected pixels so that the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are turned off in the first period in the first mode.

  Next, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the selected pixel so that the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are turned off in the second period. In the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the non-selected pixels so that the transfer unit 2c is turned off and the setting unit 3c is turned on in the second period. Thereby, the potential of the input unit 5 is set to the second potential (for example, V2 shown in FIG. 4), and the non-selected pixel enters the non-selected state.

  Next, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the selected pixel so that the transfer unit 2a is turned off and the setting unit 3a is turned on in a third period after the second period. Thereby, the potential of the input unit 5 is set to the first potential (for example, V1 shown in FIG. 4), and the selected pixel enters the selected state. Then, in the first mode, the driving unit 103 drives the selected pixel so that the transfer unit 2a is turned on and the setting unit 3a is turned off in a third period after the second period. As a result, in the selected pixel, the charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 1 is transferred to the input unit 5, and a signal (voltage) due to the charge held in the input unit 5 is amplified and read out to the output signal line. Alternatively, the driving unit 103 drives the non-selected pixels so that the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are turned off in the third period in the first mode.

  The photoelectric conversion element may be a photodiode that accumulates holes, or the amplification transistor may be a P-MOSFET. However, in this case, the polarity of NMOS and PMOS is inverted, so the potential relationship described in this embodiment is also inverted.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the first mode, the photoelectric conversion unit 1 of the pixel included in the non-readout region is preferably reset, and the potential of the input unit 5 is set to the off potential. (Second potential). Therefore, in an imaging device that selects and deselects each pixel according to the potential of the input unit, it is possible to reduce the leakage of photocharge from the pixels included in the non-readout region.

  Next, an example of an imaging system to which the imaging apparatus 100 of the present invention is applied is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging system 90 mainly includes an optical system, the imaging device 100, and a signal processing unit. The optical system mainly includes a shutter 91, a photographing lens 92, and a diaphragm 93. The signal processing unit mainly includes an imaging signal processing circuit 95, an A / D converter 96, an image signal processing unit 97, a memory unit 87, an external I / F unit 89, a timing generation unit 98, an overall control / calculation unit 99, and a recording. A medium 88 and a recording medium control I / F unit 94 are provided. The signal processing unit may not include the recording medium 88.

  The shutter 91 is provided in front of the photographic lens 92 on the optical path and controls exposure.

  The photographic lens 92 refracts the incident light and forms an image of the subject on the imaging device 100.

  The diaphragm 93 is provided between the photographing lens 92 and the imaging device 100 on the optical path, and adjusts the amount of light guided to the imaging device 100 after passing through the photographing lens 92.

  The imaging device 100 converts an image of a subject formed on the pixel array PA into an image signal. The imaging apparatus 100 reads out the image signal from the pixel array PA and outputs it.

  The imaging signal processing circuit 95 is connected to the imaging device 100 and processes an image signal output from the imaging device 100.

  The A / D converter 96 is connected to the imaging signal processing circuit 95 and converts the processed image signal (analog signal) output from the imaging signal processing circuit 95 into a digital signal.

  The image signal processing unit 97 is connected to the A / D converter 96, and performs various kinds of arithmetic processing such as correction on the image signal (digital signal) output from the A / D converter 96 to generate image data. To do. The image data is supplied to the memory unit 87, the external I / F unit 89, the overall control / calculation unit 99, the recording medium control I / F unit 94, and the like.

  The memory unit 87 is connected to the image signal processing unit 97 and stores the image data output from the image signal processing unit 97.

  The external I / F unit 89 is connected to the image signal processing unit 97. Thus, the image data output from the image signal processing unit 97 is transferred to an external device (such as a personal computer) via the external I / F unit 89.

  The timing generation unit 98 is connected to the imaging device 100, the imaging signal processing circuit 95, the A / D converter 96, and the image signal processing unit 97. As a result, the timing signal is supplied to the imaging device 100, the imaging signal processing circuit 95, the A / D converter 96, and the image signal processing unit 97. The imaging device 100, the imaging signal processing circuit 95, the A / D converter 96, and the image signal processing unit 97 operate in synchronization with the timing signal.

  The overall control / arithmetic unit 99 is connected to the timing generation unit 98, the image signal processing unit 97, and the recording medium control I / F unit 94, and the timing generation unit 98, the image signal processing unit 97, and the recording medium control I / F. The unit 94 is controlled as a whole.

  The recording medium 88 is detachably connected to the recording medium control I / F unit 94. As a result, the image data output from the image signal processing unit 97 is recorded on the recording medium 88 via the recording medium control I / F unit 94.

  With the above configuration, if a good image signal is obtained in the imaging apparatus 100, a good image (image data) can be obtained.

  Next, an imaging apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the pixel array PA in the imaging apparatus 200. FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram of pulses that the driving unit 203 supplies to the pixels. Below, it demonstrates centering on a different part from 1st Embodiment, and abbreviate | omits description about the same part.

  The basic configuration of the imaging apparatus 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a drive unit 203.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the drive unit 203 is different from the drive unit 103 of the first embodiment in that it includes a transfer gate G201. Thereby, the operation of the drive unit 203 when the first mode is selected is different as follows.

  That is, an H level signal indicating that the first mode has been selected is input to the mode control terminal Nen shown in FIG. Thereby, the transfer gates G201 and G3 are opened, and the transfer gates G2 and G4 are closed. In the first mode, the driving unit 103 supplies the pulse P2a1 (see FIG. 8) to the transfer unit 2a of the pixels included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b, and the pulse P3a (see FIG. 4) to the setting unit 3a. Supply.

  In other words, the driving unit 103 fixes the pixels included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b in the first mode so that the transfer unit 2a is turned on in the first period, the second period, and the third period. To drive. In other words, in the above setting step and non-selection step, each of the pixels included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b in the first mode is driven so that the transfer unit 2a is fixed in the on state.

  In the first embodiment, both the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are pulse-driven in the pixels included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b in the first mode. Since the input unit 5 is connected to the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a, when these two elements are pulse-driven, the potential of the input unit 5 is thereby changed. When the potential of the input unit 5 fluctuates, the signal output also fluctuates through the amplifying unit 4.

  For example, if the shake amount of the input unit 5 differs greatly between the central part and the peripheral part of the pixel array PA, in-plane shading occurs in the output signal. In addition, when the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are pulse-driven, the reference potential of the photoelectric conversion unit 1 varies through the semiconductor substrate. If it does so, the photoelectric charge accumulate | stored in the photoelectric conversion part 1 will leak out to circumference | surroundings. In particular, when the photoelectric charge is accumulated to near the saturation of the photoelectric conversion unit 1, the charge is likely to leak to the adjacent pixel from the beginning. Leakage will occur.

  In contrast, in the second embodiment, only the setting unit 3a is pulse-driven, and the transfer unit 2a is fixed on. That is, the number of elements (for example, transistors) that are pulse-driven is smaller in the second embodiment than in the first embodiment. As a result, occurrence of in-plane shading in the output signal can be reduced, and leakage of photocharges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 1 to adjacent pixels can be reduced.

  Next, an imaging apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the pixel array PA in the imaging apparatus 300. Below, it demonstrates centering on a different part from 1st Embodiment, and abbreviate | omits description about the same part. Although the basic configuration of the imaging apparatus 300 is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the drive unit 103 of the first embodiment is provided in that the drive unit 303 includes transfer gates G301 and G303. And different. Thereby, the operation of the drive unit 303 when the first mode is selected is different as follows.

  The mode control terminal Nen shown in FIG. 10 receives an H level signal indicating that the first mode has been selected. Thereby, the transfer gates G301 and G303 are turned on, and the transfer gates G2 and G4 are turned off. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in the first mode, the driving unit 303 supplies P2a and P3a to the pixels of the portions 302a1 and 302b1 adjacent to the readout region 101 among the pixels included in the non-readout regions 302a and 302b. . That is, the drive unit 303 is driven so that the setting unit 3a sets the potential of the input unit 5 to the third potential in a state where the transfer unit 2a can transfer charges in the first period.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, in the first mode, all the pixels included in the non-readout regions 102a and 102b are pulse-driven in both the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a in the first period. Yes.

  On the other hand, in the third embodiment, among the pixels included in the non-readout areas 302a and 302b in the first mode, the pixels adjacent to the read area 101 are transferred to the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit in the first period. Both 3a are pulse driven. In the pixels of the other portions 302a2 and 302b2 included in the non-readout regions 302a and 302b, both the transfer unit 2a and the setting unit 3a are fixed off in the first period. That is, the number of elements, for example, transistors, that are pulse-driven in the first period is smaller in the third embodiment than in the first embodiment. Thereby, in-plane shading of the output signal can be reduced.

  Note that the driving unit 303 (for example, a vertical scanning circuit) sequentially selects pixels in the portions 302a1 and 302b1 adjacent to the reading region 101 (pixels to which P2a and P3a are supplied) among the pixels included in the non-reading regions 302a and 302b. You may scan. Accordingly, the driving unit 303 can reset the photocharges of all the pixels included in the portions 302a1 and 302b1 adjacent to the reading region 101 among the pixels included in the non-reading regions 302a and 302b.

  Alternatively, the driving unit 303 is not necessarily required to reset the photocharges of all the pixels included in the portions 302a1 and 302b1 adjacent to the reading region 101 among the pixels included in the non-reading regions 302a and 302b. That is, the drive unit 303 may supply P2a and P3a only to some of the pixels in the vicinity of the readout region 101 in the portions 302a1 and 302b1. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the photocharge from overflowing to the pixels included in the readout region.

1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pixel array in an imaging device. The figure which shows a part of circuit structure of a drive part. The wave form diagram of the pulse which a drive part supplies to a pixel. 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging system to which an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment is applied. The block diagram of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pixel array in an imaging device. The wave form diagram of the pulse which a drive part supplies to a pixel. The block diagram of the imaging device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows a part of circuit structure of a drive part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoelectric conversion part 2a etc. Transfer part 3a etc. Setting part 5 Input part 6a1 etc. Pixel 100,200,300 Imaging device 101 Reading area 102a, 102b Non-reading area 103,203,303 Drive part PA Pixel arrangement

Claims (39)

A photoelectric conversion unit; an amplification unit that amplifies a signal based on the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit; an input unit of the amplification unit; and a transfer unit that transfers charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit to the input unit. A plurality of pixels each including a setting unit that sets a potential of the input unit to a first potential to be in a selected state, and sets a potential of the input unit to a second potential to be in a non-selected state. And a pixel array arranged in the column direction;
A drive unit for driving a plurality of pixels in the pixel array;
With
In the first mode, the pixel array includes a readout region where a signal is read from the pixel and a non-read region where a signal is not read from the pixel,
In the first mode, the driving unit sets the potential of the input unit in the state in which each of the pixels included in the non-readout region is in a state where the transfer unit can transfer charges in the first period. The potential is set to 3 and the photoelectric conversion unit is reset, and in the second period after the first period, the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to the fourth potential and is not selected. To drive and
In the first mode, after the second period, the driving unit converts each of the pixels included in the readout region of the photoelectric conversion unit of the selected pixel among the pixels included in the readout region. Driving so that charges are transferred to the input unit by the transfer unit ;
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The transfer unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
The driving unit turns on the transistor included in the transfer unit of each pixel included in the non-readout region in the first mode in the first period and turns off the transistor in the second period. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is driven. The transfer unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
2. The drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit is driven so that the transistor included in the transfer unit of each of the pixels included in the non-readout region is fixed in an on state in the first mode. The imaging device described in 1. The amplifying unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes an amplifying transistor,
The first potential and the third potential are potentials at which the amplification transistor is turned on, and the second potential and the fourth potential are potentials at which the amplification transistor is turned off. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The third potential is equal to the first potential;
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fourth potential is equal to the second potential. 6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein in the second pixel mode, signals are read from all pixels in the second mode.   The setting unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a reset transistor,
  In the first mode, the driving unit supplies each of the pixels included in the non-readout region to the input unit during the period in which the third potential is supplied to the input unit and the fourth potential to the input unit. Driving so that there is a period during which the reset transistor is turned off between
  The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus.   In the second period of the first mode, the driving unit sets a pixel included in the readout region to a non-selected state by setting the potential of the input unit to the second potential. To drive,
  The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   In the second period of the first mode, the driving unit is configured so that the transfer unit cannot transfer charges to the pixels included in the readout region, and the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to the first mode. Drive to set the potential of 2 to the non-selected state,
  The imaging apparatus according to claim 8. A photoelectric conversion unit; an amplification unit that amplifies a signal based on the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit; an input unit of the amplification unit; and a transfer unit that transfers charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit to the input unit. A plurality of pixels each including a setting unit that sets a potential of the input unit to a first potential to be in a selected state, and sets a potential of the input unit to a second potential to be in a non-selected state. And a pixel array arranged in the column direction;
A drive unit for driving a plurality of pixels in the pixel array;
With
In the first mode, the pixel array includes a readout region where a signal is read from the pixel and a non-read region where a signal is not read from the pixel,
In the first mode, the driving unit is configured so that a pixel adjacent to the readout region among the pixels included in the non-readout region is in a state where the transfer unit can transfer charges in a first period. Sets the potential of the input unit to a third potential and resets the photoelectric conversion unit, and the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to a fourth potential in a second period after the first period. Drive to set to potential and deselect,
In the first mode, after the second period, the driving unit converts each of the pixels included in the readout region of the photoelectric conversion unit of the selected pixel among the pixels included in the readout region. Driving so that charges are transferred to the input unit by the transfer unit ;
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The transfer unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
The driving unit turns on the transistor included in the transfer unit of a pixel adjacent to the readout region among the pixels included in the non-readout region in the first mode in the first period, The imaging apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the imaging apparatus is driven so as to be turned off in the second period. The transfer unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
The driving unit is driven so that the transistor included in the transfer unit of a pixel adjacent to the reading region among the pixels included in the non-reading region in the first mode is fixed in an on state. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10 . The amplifying unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes an amplifying transistor,
The first potential and the third potential are potentials at which the amplification transistor is turned on, and the second potential and the fourth potential are potentials at which the amplification transistor is turned off. The imaging device according to any one of claims 10 to 12 . The third potential is equal to the first potential;
It said fourth potential, the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, equal to said second potential. The pixel array, in the second mode, the imaging apparatus according to 14 any one of claims 10, characterized in that signals are read out from all pixels.   The setting unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a reset transistor,
  In the first mode, the drive unit includes a period in which the third potential is supplied to the input unit for each of the pixels adjacent to the read region among the pixels included in the non-read region. Driving so that there is a period in which the reset transistor is turned off between a period in which the fourth potential is supplied to the input unit;
  The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein   In the second period of the first mode, the driving unit sets a pixel included in the readout region to a non-selected state by setting the potential of the input unit to the second potential. To drive,
  The image pickup apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus.   In the second period of the first mode, the driving unit is configured so that the transfer unit cannot transfer charges to the pixels included in the readout region, and the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to the first mode. Drive to set the potential of 2 to the non-selected state,
  The imaging apparatus according to claim 17.   The driving unit is configured to cause each of the pixels included in the non-readout region to include the pixels of the portion adjacent to the read region among the pixels included in the non-readout region in the first period of the first mode. When the photoelectric conversion unit is reset, among the pixels included in the non-readout region, the transfer unit of other pixels cannot transfer charges, and the pixels included in the non-readout region Driving so that the setting unit of the pixel of the other part does not set the potential of the input unit,
  The image pickup apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. A photoelectric conversion unit; an amplification unit that amplifies a signal based on the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit; an input unit of the amplification unit; and a transfer unit that transfers charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit to the input unit. A plurality of pixels each including a setting unit that sets a potential of the input unit to a first potential to be in a selected state, and sets a potential of the input unit to a second potential to be in a non-selected state. And a driving method of an imaging device having a pixel array arranged in a column direction,
In the first mode, the pixel array includes a readout region where a signal is read from the pixel and a non-read region where a signal is not read from the pixel,
The driving method is:
In each of the pixels included in the non-readout region in the first mode, the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to a third potential in a state where the transfer unit can transfer charges in the first period. The setting process to drive,
In each of the pixels included in the non-readout region in the first mode, the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to a fourth potential in a second period after the first period. A non-selection process to be driven so as to be in a non-selection state;
In the first mode, after the second period, the charge of the photoelectric conversion unit of each pixel included in the readout region is changed from the pixel included in the readout region to the transfer unit. the driving method of an image pickup apparatus characterized by comprising the steps, a driving be transferred to the input section by. The transfer unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
In the setting step, the transistor included in the transfer unit of each of the pixels included in the non-readout region in the first mode is driven so as to be turned on in the first period;
In the non-selection step, the transistor included in the transfer unit of each pixel included in the non-readout region in the first mode is driven so as to be turned off in the second period. The driving method of the imaging apparatus according to claim 20 . The transfer unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
In the setting step and the non-selection step, driving is performed so that the transistor included in each transfer unit of each pixel included in the non-readout region is fixed in an on state in the first mode. The driving method of the imaging device according to claim 20 . The amplifying unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes an amplifying transistor,
The first potential and the third potential are potentials at which the amplification transistor is turned on, and the second potential and the fourth potential are potentials at which the amplification transistor is turned off. The driving method of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 22 . The third potential is equal to the first potential;
It said fourth potential, the driving method of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 23, equal to said second potential. The pixel array, in the second mode, the driving of the image pickup apparatus according to claims 20, characterized in that signal by the input section charge held in the all pixels are read out in any one of 24 Method.   The setting unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a reset transistor,
  In the driving method, in the first mode, each pixel included in the non-readout region is supplied with the fourth potential supplied to the input portion and the period during which the third potential is supplied to the input portion. And a step of driving the reset transistor so that there is a period during which the reset transistor is turned off.
  26. The driving method of an imaging apparatus according to claim 20, wherein   In the second period of the first mode, the pixels included in the readout region are driven so that the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to the second potential and is in a non-selected state. Further comprising the step of:
  27. The driving method of an imaging apparatus according to claim 20, wherein   In the second period of the first mode, the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to the second potential in a state where the transfer unit cannot transfer charges in the pixel included in the readout region. And further including a driving step so as to be in a non-selected state.
  The method of driving an imaging apparatus according to claim 27. A photoelectric conversion unit; an amplification unit that amplifies a signal based on the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit; an input unit of the amplification unit; and a transfer unit that transfers charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit to the input unit. A plurality of pixels each including a setting unit that sets a potential of the input unit to a first potential to be in a selected state, and sets a potential of the input unit to a second potential to be in a non-selected state. And a driving method of an imaging device having a pixel array arranged in a column direction,
In the first mode, the pixel array includes a readout region where a signal is read from the pixel and a non-read region where a signal is not read from the pixel,
The driving method is:
Among the pixels included in the non-readout area in the first mode, the setting section is connected to the input section in a state where the transfer section can transfer charges in the first period. A setting step of driving so as to set the potential to the third potential;
In each of the pixels included in the non-readout region in the first mode, the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to a fourth potential in a second period after the first period. A non-selection process to be driven so as to be in a non-selection state;
In the first mode, after the second period, the charge of the photoelectric conversion unit of each pixel included in the readout region is changed from the pixel included in the readout region to the transfer unit. the driving method of an image pickup apparatus characterized by comprising the steps, a driving be transferred to the input section by. The transfer unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
In the setting step, in the first mode, the transistor included in the transfer unit of the pixel adjacent to the readout region among the pixels included in the non-readout region is turned on in the first period. To drive,
In the non-selection step, in the first mode, the transistor included in the transfer unit of the pixel adjacent to the readout region among the pixels included in the non-readout region is turned off in the second period. 30. The driving method of the imaging apparatus according to claim 29 , wherein the driving is performed as described above. The transfer unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
In the setting step and the non-selection step, in the first mode, among the pixels included in the non-readout region, the transistor included in the transfer portion of the pixel adjacent to the read region is fixed in an on state. 30. The driving method of the imaging apparatus according to claim 29 , wherein the driving is performed as described above. The amplifying unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a transistor,
The first potential and the third potential are potentials at which the amplification unit is turned on,
It said second potential and said fourth potential, the driving method of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 29 31, wherein the amplifying unit is a potential for turning off. The third potential is equal to the first potential;
Said fourth potential, the driving method of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 29 32, characterized in that equal to said second potential. 34. The driving of an imaging device according to claim 29 , wherein the pixel array reads out signals based on charges held in the input units of all pixels in the second mode. Method.   The setting unit of each of the plurality of pixels includes a reset transistor,
  In the first mode, in the first mode, each of the pixels adjacent to the readout region among the pixels included in the non-readout region is supplied with the third potential supplied to the input unit. A step of driving so that there is a period in which the reset transistor is turned off between a period in which the fourth potential is supplied to the input unit;
  35. The method of driving an imaging apparatus according to claim 29, wherein   In the second period of the first mode, the pixels included in the readout region are driven so that the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to the second potential and is in a non-selected state. A driving step of
  36. The method of driving an imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 35.   In the second period of the first mode, the setting unit sets the potential of the input unit to the second potential in a state where the transfer unit cannot transfer charges in the pixel included in the readout region. And further including a driving step so as to be in a non-selected state.
  37. A method for driving an imaging apparatus according to claim 36.   Each of the pixels included in the non-readout area is reset by resetting the photoelectric conversion unit of a pixel adjacent to the read-out area among the pixels included in the non-readout area in the first period of the first mode. Is in a state where the transfer unit of the other part of the pixels included in the non-readout region cannot transfer charges, and the other part of the pixels included in the non-readout region. A step of driving so that the setting unit of the pixel is in a state of not setting the potential of the input unit;
  38. The method of driving an imaging apparatus according to claim 28, wherein The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 ,
An optical system for imaging light onto the pixel array of the imaging device;
A signal processing unit that processes output signals from the imaging device to generate image data;
An imaging system comprising:

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