JP5750918B2 - Solid-state imaging device and imaging apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device and an imaging apparatus using the same.

  In the solid-state imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a focus detection pixel having a photoelectric conversion unit divided into two is provided in addition to an imaging pixel having a non-divided photoelectric conversion unit. One part and the other part of the two-divided photoelectric conversion unit of the focus detection pixel both receive incident light and perform photoelectric conversion. In this solid-state imaging device, at the time of focus detection, the signal of one part and the signal of the other part of the two-part photoelectric conversion unit of the focus detection pixel are individually read out. Then, according to the principle of the pupil division phase difference method, the focus adjustment state of the photographing lens is detected based on these signals.

  In general, a solid-state imaging device is provided with light-shielded pixels (so-called OB pixels) that have the same configuration as the effective pixels but are shielded from light, from the top, and the left and right of the effective pixel region. Then, it is assumed that the signal from the light-shielded pixel is a dark current component included in the signal from the effective pixel, and the dark current component is reduced by subtracting the signal from the light-shielded pixel from the signal from the effective pixel. It is corrected to.

JP 2009-158800 A

  Even in the solid-state imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, the above-described light-shielded pixels (OB pixels) are provided above, below, and to the left and right of the effective pixel region, and the signal from the light-shielded pixel is subtracted from the signal from the effective pixel. It is conceivable to perform correction so that the dark current component is reduced.

  However, in this case, when there is a variation in dark current (hereinafter referred to as “dark current unevenness”) in each pixel in the effective pixel region, signals from light-shielded pixels arranged above and below the effective pixel region and on the left and right sides. Is considered to be a dark current component included in the signal from the effective pixel, the accuracy of the signal from the light-shielded pixel indicating the dark current component included in the signal from the effective pixel is reduced. End up. For this reason, even if correction for reducing the dark current component is performed based on the signal from the light-shielding pixel, the dark current component cannot always be sufficiently reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a solid-state imaging device capable of performing correction that can further reduce a dark current component while utilizing a pixel for obtaining a focus detection signal, And it aims at providing an imaging device using the same.

  The following aspects are presented as means for solving the problems. The solid-state imaging device according to the first aspect includes a plurality of first pixels having a photoelectric conversion unit that receives and photoelectrically converts incident light, and a region on one side and a region on the other side that are divided by a dividing line in plan view. Each having a first photoelectric conversion unit and a second photoelectric conversion unit from which signals are read out independently of each other, wherein the first photoelectric conversion unit receives incident light and performs photoelectric conversion, The second photoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of second pixels that are shielded from light.

  A solid-state imaging device according to a second aspect is the solid-state imaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the second photoelectric conversion units of a pair of adjacent pixels among the plurality of second pixels are electrically connected to each other. is there.

  In the solid-state imaging device according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the total area of the second photoelectric conversion units electrically connected to each other in a plan view is the photoelectric conversion of the first pixel. This is the same as the area of the part in plan view.

  An imaging apparatus according to a fourth aspect includes a solid-state imaging element according to any one of the first to third aspects, an optical system that forms a subject image on the solid-state imaging element, and the first photoelectric conversion unit. A detection processing unit that outputs a detection signal indicating a focus adjustment state of the optical system based on a signal; an adjustment unit that performs focus adjustment of the optical system based on the detection signal from the detection processing unit; And a correction processing unit that corrects the signal from the photoelectric conversion unit of the first pixel so that the dark current component is reduced based on the signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit.

  The imaging device according to a fifth aspect is the imaging device according to the fourth aspect, wherein each of the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels is divided into a plurality of sections that form a two-dimensionally arranged region. One or more pixels of a plurality of first pixels and one or more pixels of the second pixels are arranged, and the correction processing unit is configured to change the second in the partition for each partition. The signal from the photoelectric conversion unit of the first pixel in the section is corrected based on the signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit of the pixel so that the dark current component is reduced. .

  In the imaging device according to a sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the correction processing unit is configured to output the signal from the photoelectric conversion unit of the first pixel obtained when the light-shielding state is obtained, and the The correction is performed based on the ratio of the second pixel to the signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit.

  According to the present invention, a solid-state imaging device capable of performing correction that can further reduce the dark current component while utilizing a pixel for obtaining a focus detection signal, and an imaging apparatus using the solid-state imaging device are provided. can do.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the electronic camera as an imaging device by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows schematic structure of the solid-state image sensor in FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows typically the solid-state image sensor in FIG. It is the schematic enlarged view which expanded a part in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the principal part of the pixel for imaging in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the principal part of the predetermined AF pixel in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the principal part of the other predetermined AF pixel in FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the pixel for an imaging of the solid-state image sensor in FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the pixel for AF of the solid-state image sensor in FIG. 2 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the solid-state imaging device in FIG. 1. It is a partially expanded schematic plan view of the solid-state image sensor used with the electronic camera by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating a pair of adjacent AF pixels in FIG. 11.

  Hereinafter, a solid-state imaging device and an imaging device using the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an electronic camera 1 as an imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The electronic camera 1 is equipped with a photographing lens 2 as an optical system for forming a subject image. The photographing lens 2 is driven by a lens control unit 2a for focus and diaphragm. In the image space of the photographic lens 2, the imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device 3 is arranged.

  The solid-state imaging device 3 is driven by a command from the imaging control unit 4 and outputs a signal. The signal output from the solid-state imaging device 3 detects an imaging signal for forming an image signal indicating a subject image, a focus detection signal for detecting the focus adjustment state of the photographing lens 2, and a dark current component. One of the dark current component detection signals. In any of the embodiments, the signal is processed through the signal processing unit 5 and the A / D conversion unit 6 and then temporarily stored in the memory 7. The memory 7 is connected to the bus 8. The bus 8 is also connected with a lens control unit 2a, an imaging control unit 4, a microprocessor 9, a focus calculation unit (detection processing unit) 10, a recording unit 11, an image compression unit 12, an image processing unit 13, and the like. In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 13 also functions as a correction processing unit 13a described later. The microprocessor 9 is connected to an operation unit 9a such as a release button. A recording medium 11a is detachably attached to the recording unit 11 described above. For example, the imaging control unit 4, the signal processing unit 5, and the A / D conversion unit 6 may be mounted on the same chip as the solid-state imaging device 3.

  FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of the solid-state imaging device 3 in FIG. The solid-state imaging device 3 includes a plurality of pixels 20 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and a peripheral circuit for outputting a signal from the pixels 20. An effective pixel area (imaging area) in which the pixels 20 are arranged in a matrix is indicated by reference numeral 31. In FIG. 2, the number of pixels indicates 16 pixels of 4 rows horizontally and 4 rows vertically. However, in the present embodiment, the number of pixels is much larger than that. However, in the present invention, the number of pixels is not particularly limited.

  In the present embodiment, the solid-state imaging device 3 includes three types of pixels 20A, 20L, and 20R, which will be described later, as pixels, but in FIG. Show. These pixels 20 output any one of an imaging signal, a focus detection signal, and a dark current component detection signal in accordance with a drive signal of the peripheral circuit. In addition, all the pixels 20 can be reset so that the photoelectric conversion unit is simultaneously reset to have the same exposure time and timing, or can be a so-called rolling shutter that reads out one row at a time.

  The peripheral circuit includes a vertical scanning circuit 21, a horizontal scanning circuit 22, driving signal lines 23 and 24 connected thereto, a vertical signal line 25 for receiving a signal from the pixel 20, and a constant current source connected to the vertical signal line 25. 26, a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS circuit) 27, a horizontal signal line 28 for receiving a signal output from the CDS circuit 27, an output amplifier 29, and the like.

  The vertical scanning circuit 21 and the horizontal scanning circuit 22 output drive signals based on a command from the imaging control unit 4 of the electronic camera 1. Each pixel 20 is driven by receiving a drive signal output from the vertical scanning circuit 21 from a predetermined drive signal line 23, and outputs an imaging signal, a focus detection signal, or a dark current component detection signal to the vertical signal line 25. . There are a plurality of drive signals output from the vertical scanning circuit 21, and accordingly, a plurality of drive wirings 23. These will be described later.

  The signal output from the pixel 20 is subjected to predetermined noise removal by the CDS circuit 27. Then, a signal is output to the outside through the horizontal signal line 28 and the output amplifier 29 by the drive signal of the horizontal scanning circuit 22.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view schematically showing the solid-state imaging device 3 (particularly, its effective pixel region 31) in FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the effective pixel region 31 of the solid-state imaging device 3 is provided with four focus detection regions 32 to 35 extending linearly in the X-axis direction so as to be aligned vertically. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis that are orthogonal to each other are defined. The direction of the arrow in the X-axis direction is called the + X direction or + X side, and the opposite direction is called the -X direction or -X side, and the same applies to the Y-axis direction. A plane parallel to the XY plane coincides with the imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the solid-state imaging device 3. The arrangement in the X-axis direction is a row, and the arrangement in the Y-axis direction is a column. Incident light is incident from the front side of the drawing in FIG. These points are the same for the drawings described later.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view in which the vicinity of the focus detection region 32 in FIG. 3 is enlarged. As described above, the solid-state imaging device 3 includes the three types of pixels 20 </ b> A, 20 </ b> L, and 20 </ b> R as the pixels 20. In FIG. 4, the photodiodes 41, 45, and 46 that are not shielded from light are indicated by white squares, and the light-shielded photoelectric conversion portions 45 and 46 are indicated by hatched squares. This also applies to FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 7A described later.

  The pixel 20 </ b> A is an imaging pixel (first pixel) that outputs an imaging signal for forming an image signal indicating a subject image formed by the photographing lens 2. FIG. 5A is a schematic plan view schematically showing the main part of the imaging pixel 20A, and FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X2 in FIG. 5A.

  The imaging pixel 20A includes a photodiode 41 as a photoelectric conversion unit, a microlens 42 formed on-chip on the photodiode 41, and R (red) and G (provided on the light incident side of the photodiode 41). A color filter 60 of either green) or B (blue). Although not shown in the drawing, the color of the color filter 60 is set in accordance with a Bayer array or the like. As shown in FIG. 5, a light shielding layer 43 such as a metal layer as a light shielding portion is formed on a substantially focal plane of the microlens 42. The light shielding layer 43 also serves as a wiring layer as necessary. In the light shielding layer 43, a square opening 43a concentric with the optical axis O of the microlens 42 of the imaging pixel 20A is formed in the imaging pixel 20A. The photodiode 41 of the pixel 20A has a size capable of effectively receiving all the light that has passed through the opening 43a. An interlayer insulating film or the like is formed between the light shielding layer 43 and the microlens 42 or between the substrate 44 and the light shielding layer 43.

  In the present embodiment, in the imaging pixel 20 </ b> A, the opening 43 a is formed in the light shielding layer 43 disposed substantially at the focal plane of the microlens 42, so that the photodiode 41 of the pixel 20 </ b> A can be A light beam from the exit pupil region (corresponding to a projection image by the microlens 42 of the opening 43a) that is not substantially decentered from the center of the exit pupil is received and photoelectrically converted.

  The pixels 20L and 20R are focus detection pixels (second pixels, hereinafter) that output a focus detection signal for detecting the focus adjustment state of the photographing lens 2 and a dark current component detection signal for detecting a dark current component. , Referred to as “AF pixels”). FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view schematically showing the main part of the AF pixel 20L, and FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X4 in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view schematically showing the main part of the AF pixel 20R, and FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X5-X6 in FIG. 7A. 6 and 7, the same or corresponding elements as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

  The AF pixel 20L has two photodiodes 45 and 46 as two photoelectric conversion units that are divided into two instead of one photodiode 41 as one photoelectric conversion unit. . The two photodiodes 45 and 46 are divided into a region on the −X side and a region on the + X side, which are divided by the dividing line Y3-Y4 in the Y axis direction in a plan view as viewed from the normal direction (Z axis direction) of the substrate 44. , Each is arranged. The microlens 42 is arranged so that the optical axis O passes through the intersection of the dividing line Y3-Y4 and the center line of the photodiodes 45 and 46 in the Y-axis direction. In the AF pixel 20L, the light shielding layer 43 includes a concentric square (a square having the same size as the opening 43a) with respect to the optical axis O of the micro lens 42 of the AF pixel 20L (−X side). ) A rectangular opening 43b having a half size is formed. For this reason, the incident light guided from the microlens 42 is divided into pupils, and only one light beam thereof is incident on the photodiode 45, and the other light beam is shielded by the light shielding layer 43 and is not incident on the photodiode 46. That is, in the pixel 20L, the photodiode 45 selectively and effectively receives the light beam from the exit pupil region decentered from the center of the exit pupil of the photographing lens 2 to the + X side, and the photodiode 46 includes the light shielding layer 43. The light is shielded by the light and is not received. For example, in the pixel at the center of the effective pixel region, the microlens 42 is arranged so that the optical axis O passes through the intersection point, while in the pixel at the peripheral portion of the effective pixel region, the microlens 42 is positioned at the optical axis. You may arrange | position so that O may pass through the position which shifted | deviated from the said intersection.

  Further, the color filter 60 is not provided in the AF pixel 20L. In order to increase the amount of incident light with respect to the AF pixel 20L and increase the focus detection accuracy, it is preferable not to provide the color filter 60 in the pixel 20L, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

  The AF pixel 20R is different from the AF pixel 20L in that the AF pixel 20R is just a concentric square (a square having the same size as the opening 43a) with respect to the optical axis O of the microlens 42 of the AF pixel 20L. A rectangular opening 43b having a half size on the left side (−X side) is formed, whereas in the AF pixel 20R, a concentric square (opening) with respect to the optical axis O of the microlens 42 of the AF pixel 20L. The only difference is that a rectangular opening 43c that is half the size of the right side (+ X side) of (a square having the same size as 43a) is formed. Therefore, in the AF pixel 20R, the photodiode 46 selectively receives light from the exit pupil region decentered to the −X side from the center of the exit pupil of the photographing lens 2, and the photodiode 45 It is shielded by the light shielding layer 43 and does not receive light.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the AF pixels 20 </ b> L and 20 </ b> R are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction in the focus detection region 32. The focus detection areas 33 to 35 are the same as the focus detection area 32. An imaging pixel 20 </ b> A is arranged in an area other than the focus detection areas 32 to 35 in the effective pixel area 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the effective pixel region 31 includes 4 × 4 partitions 1 to 16, and any one of the focus detection regions 32 to 35 is arranged in each partition 1 to 16. Yes. Accordingly, one or more (or two or more) imaging pixels 20A and one or more (or two or more) AF pixels 20L and 20R may be disposed in each of the sections 1 to 16. In the present invention, the effective pixel region 31 may be divided into two or more arbitrary numbers of partitions, and the shape of each partition is not necessarily limited to a rectangular shape. Further, the number and arrangement of the focus detection areas 32 to 35 are not limited to the above-described example, and the arrangement of the AF pixels 20L and 20R is not necessarily limited to the straight alternate arrangement.

  FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the imaging pixel 20A of the solid-state imaging device 3 in FIG. Each imaging pixel 20A includes a photodiode 41 as a photoelectric conversion unit that generates and accumulates charges according to incident light, and a floating capacitance unit 47 as a charge-voltage conversion unit that receives the charges and converts the charges into voltages. A transfer transistor 48 for transferring charge from the photodiode 41 to the floating capacitor 47, a pixel amplifier 49 as an amplifier for outputting a signal corresponding to the voltage of the floating capacitor 47, and resetting the voltage of the floating capacitor 47 A reset transistor 50 as a reset unit to be selected, and a selection transistor 51 as a selection unit for selecting the pixel 20A. In FIG. 8, VDD is a power supply, and 235 is a power supply wiring for connecting to the power supply VDD.

  FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the AF pixels 20L and 20R of the solid-state imaging device 3 in FIG. These pixels 20L and 20R have the same circuit configuration. 9, elements that are the same as or correspond to those in FIG. 8 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. The AF pixels 20L and 20R are different from the imaging pixel 20A in terms of circuit configuration in place of one photodiode 41 as one photoelectric conversion unit as two photoelectric conversion units that are divided into two. The two photodiodes 45 and 46 are included, and the two transfer transistors 52 and 53 that can operate independently of each other are replaced with the one transfer transistor 48 instead. The transfer transistor 52 transfers charge from the photodiode 45 to the floating capacitor 47, and the transfer transistor 53 transfers charge from the photodiode 46 to the floating capacitor 47. Thereby, the signals of the photodiodes 45 and 46 are read out independently of each other.

  The gate electrode of the transfer transistor 48 of the imaging pixel 20A and one of the transfer transistors 52 of the AF pixels 20L and 20R is connected in common to each pixel row, and the wiring 231 among the drive wirings 23 is connected from the vertical scanning circuit 21. The drive signal φTGA is supplied through the via. The gate electrodes of the other transfer transistors 53 of the AF pixels 20L and 20R are connected in common to each pixel row, and a drive signal φTGB is supplied from the vertical scanning circuit 21 via the wiring 232 of the drive wiring 23. .

  The gate electrodes of the selection transistors 51 of the pixels 20 </ b> A, 20 </ b> L, and 20 </ b> R are commonly connected to each pixel row, and the drive signal φS is supplied from the vertical scanning circuit 21 via the wiring 233 of the drive wirings 23. The gate electrodes of the reset transistors 50 of the pixels 20 </ b> A, 20 </ b> L, and 20 </ b> R are commonly connected to each pixel row, and the drive signal φR is supplied from the vertical scanning circuit 21 via the wiring 234 of the drive wiring 23.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an operation example of the solid-state imaging device 3. In this operation example, the signal from the photodiode 41 of the imaging pixel 20A (imaging signal), the signal from the photodiode 45 not shielded from the AF pixel 20L (focus detection signal), and the shielding of the AF pixel 20R. The signal from the photodiode 46 (focus detection signal) that has not been processed, the signal from the photodiode 46 that is shielded from the AF pixel 20L (dark current component detection signal), and the photodiode that is shielded from the AF pixel 20R All signals from 45 (dark current component detection signal) are read out. Note that a transistor included in each pixel is an NMOS transistor, and is turned on in response to a high level (high) driving signal.

  First, in the period T1, φTGA and φTGB of all rows are set to high, and the transfer transistors 48, 52, and 53 of all the pixels 20A, 20L, and 20R are turned on. At this time, φR of all rows is set high and the reset transistors 50 of all the pixels 20A, 20L, and 20R are turned on, so that the photodiodes 41, 45, and 46 of all the pixels 20A, 20L, and 20R are turned on during the period T1. And the floating capacitor 47 is reset. ΦTGA and φTGB of all the rows are set to low after the period T1, and the transfer transistors 48, 52, and 53 of all the pixels 20A, 20L, and 20R are turned off.

  In a period T2 after the period T1, a mechanical shutter (not shown) is opened. This period T2 is an exposure period.

  Next, in a period T3, φS in the first row is set high. As a result, the selection transistor 51 in the first row is turned on, the row selection in the first row is started, and the source follower readout by the pixel amplifier 49 in the first row is started.

  The period T11 is started after a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the period T3. In the period T11, φR in the first row is set low, the reset transistor 50 in the first row is turned off, and the resetting of the floating capacitor unit 47 in the first row is completed. Between the start time of the period T11 and the start time of the period T14, the dark level in the first row (the signal output from the pixel amplifier 49 in the first row corresponding to the reset state of the floating capacitor 47) is the pixel. Clamped (stored) in the CDS circuit 27 from the amplifier 49 via the vertical signal line 25. This dark level is due to the signal charge transferred from the photodiodes 41 and 45 (denoted as PDA in FIG. 10) in response to the φTGA in the first row because the next read signal is the photodiode. Used as the dark level for 41, 45 (PDA).

  In the period T14, φTGA in the first row is set high, and the transfer transistors 48 and 52 in the first row are turned on. As a result, the signal charge accumulated in the photodiode 41 of the imaging pixel 20A in the first row and the signal charge accumulated in one photodiode 45 of the AF pixels 20L and 20R in the first row become the pixel. Are transferred to the floating capacitor 47. Then, at the end of the period T14, φTGA in the first row is set low, and the transfer transistors 48 and 52 in the first row are turned off. Between the end point of the period T14 and the end point of the period T11 (start point of the period T12), potential fluctuation due to the charge transferred to the floating capacitor portion 47 in the first row is transmitted from the pixel amplifier 49 via the vertical signal line 25. And is clamped to the CDS circuit 27. That is, signal reading of the photodiodes 41 and 45 (PDA) is performed. Then, the CDS circuit 27 acquires a difference signal between this signal relating to the photodiodes 41 and 45 (PDA) and the previous dark level relating to the photodiodes 41 and 45 (PDA). Among the difference signals, a signal related to the photodiode 41 of the imaging pixel 20A is an imaging signal. Among the difference signals, a signal related to the photodiode 45 of the AF pixel 20L (that is, the photodiode 45 that is not shielded from light) is a focus detection signal. Among the difference signals, a signal related to the photodiode 45 of the AF pixel 20R (that is, the light-shielded photodiode 45) is a dark current component detection signal.

  In the period T12, φR in the first row is set high, the reset transistor 50 in the first row is turned on, and the floating capacitor portion 47 in the first row is reset.

  Period T13 starts from the end of period T12. In the period T13, φR in the first row is set low, the reset transistor 50 in the first row is turned off, and the resetting of the floating capacitor unit 47 is completed. Between the start time of the period T13 (end time of the period T12) and the start time of the period T15, the dark level in the first row (output from the pixel amplifier 49 in the first row corresponding to the reset state of the floating capacitor 47) Signal) is clamped (stored) from the pixel amplifier 49 to the CDS circuit 27 via the vertical signal line 25. This dark level is due to the signal charge transferred from the photodiode 46 (indicated as PDB in FIG. 10) in response to the φTGB in the first row for the next read signal. Used as dark level for PDB).

  In period T15, φTGB in the first row is set high, and the transfer transistor 53 in the first row is turned on. As a result, the signal charge accumulated in the other photodiode 46 of the AF pixels 20L and 20R in the first row is transferred to the floating capacitor 47 of the pixel. Then, at the end of the period T15, φTGB in the first row is set low and the transfer transistor 53 in the first row is turned off. Between the end point of the period T15 and the end point of the period T13 (end point of the period T3), the potential fluctuation due to the charge transferred to the floating capacitor portion 47 in the first row passes through the vertical signal line 25 from the pixel amplifier 49. And is clamped to the CDS circuit 27. That is, signal reading of the photodiode 46 (PDB) is performed. Then, the CDS circuit 27 acquires a difference signal between this signal relating to the photodiode 46 (PDB) and the previous dark level relating to the photodiode 46 (PDB). Of these difference signals, a signal related to the photodiode 46 of the AF pixel 20R (that is, the photodiode 46 that is not shielded from light) is a focus detection signal. Among the difference signals, a signal related to the photodiode 46 of the AF pixel 20L (that is, the light-shielded photodiode 46) is a dark current component detection signal.

  After that, at the end of the period T3 (end of the period T13), φR in the first row is set high, the reset transistor 50 in the first row is turned on, and resetting of the floating capacitor unit 47 in the first row is started. At the same time, φS in the first row is set low, the selection transistor 51 in the first row is turned off, and the row selection in the first row is completed.

  Next, the process proceeds to the selection operation period T4 of the next second row through the horizontal blanking period. Since the same operation as the first line is repeated in the second and subsequent lines, the description thereof is omitted here. In this way, when signals are read from all rows, the read operation is terminated.

  In the operation example shown in FIG. 10 described above, as described above, all of the imaging signal, the focus detection signal, and the dark current component detection signal are read out. However, only the focus detection signal needs to be read out in the focus detection mode, and only the image pickup signal and the dark current component detection signal need be read out in the image pickup mode. Therefore, in each mode, the operation example shown in FIG. 10 described above may be appropriately modified in order to avoid unnecessary signal reading as much as possible and to increase the speed.

  Here, an example of the operation of the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  When the half-press operation of the release button of the operation unit 9a is performed, the microprocessor 9 in the electronic camera 1 drives the imaging control unit 4 in synchronization with the half-press operation. The imaging control unit 4 reads an imaging signal for subject confirmation from all the pixels of the imaging pixel 20A or a predetermined pixel and stores it in the memory 7 by a known method predetermined for confirming the subject. At this time, when all the pixels are read out, for example, the same operation as that shown in FIG. 10 is performed. Then, the image processing unit 13 recognizes the subject from the signal using image recognition technology. For example, in the face recognition mode, a face is recognized as a subject. At this time, the image processing unit 13 obtains the position and shape of the subject.

  Thereafter, the microprocessor 9 should be used for focus detection, which is optimal for accurately detecting the focus adjustment state for the subject from the focus detection regions 32 to 35 according to the position and shape of the subject obtained previously. A focus detection area corresponding to the autofocus line sensor is set. Further, the microprocessor 9 sets shooting conditions (aperture, focus adjustment state, shutter time, etc.) for focus detection based on the recognition result and the like.

  Subsequently, the microprocessor 9 operates the lens control unit 2a so as to satisfy the previously set conditions such as the aperture, and the AF pixels in the focus detection area set previously under the conditions such as the previously set shutter time. By driving the imaging control unit 4 in accordance with the coordinates of the pixel rows 20L and 20R, the focus detection signal is read and stored in the memory 7. At this time, the focus detection signal is read out by an operation in the focus detection mode (for example, an operation similar to the operation shown in FIG. 10 described above or an operation obtained by modifying the operation).

  Next, the microprocessor 9 picks up the focus detection signals from the AF pixels 20L and 20R in the focus detection area set in advance from the signals of all the pixels acquired and stored in the memory 7, The focus detection calculation unit 10 is made to calculate the defocus amount by causing the focus detection calculation unit 10 to perform calculation (focus adjustment state detection processing) according to the pupil division phase difference method based on these signals.

  Next, the microprocessor 9 causes the lens control unit 2a to adjust the photographing lens 2 so that the in-focus state is obtained according to the previously calculated defocus amount. Thus, the lens control unit 2a functions as an adjustment unit that adjusts the focus of the photographing lens 2. Subsequently, the microprocessor 9 sets shooting conditions (aperture, shutter time, etc.) for the main shooting.

  Next, the microprocessor 9 operates the lens control unit 2a so as to satisfy the conditions such as the aperture set for the main shooting, and for the main shooting in synchronism with the full pressing operation of the release button of the operation unit 9a. By driving the imaging control unit 4 under the conditions such as the shutter time set to, the image signal is read out and actual imaging is performed. At this time, the imaging signal and the dark current component detection signal are read out by an operation in the imaging mode (for example, an operation similar to the operation shown in FIG. The imaging control unit 4 accumulates the imaging signal and the dark current component detection signal in the memory 7.

  Next, the microprocessor 9 causes the image processing unit 13 to perform a function as a correction processing unit 13a that corrects the imaging signal based on the dark current component detection signal so that the dark current component is reduced. The corrected signal is stored in the memory 7 as an image signal.

  In the present embodiment, at this time, the correction processing unit 13a for each of the sections 1 to 16 is for imaging in the section based on the dark current component detection signals from the AF pixels 20L and 20R in the section. The imaging signal from the pixel 20A is corrected so that the dark current component is reduced. More specifically, for example, the correction processing unit 13a calculates an average value of the dark current component detection signals from the AF pixels 20L and 20R in the section 1, and corrects the average value by multiplying by a predetermined coefficient. A value is calculated, the correction value is subtracted from each imaging signal from the imaging pixel 20A in the section 1, and the subtracted imaging signal is used as a corrected imaging signal. 1 is performed.

  In the present embodiment, as can be understood from the above description, the area (area in plan view as viewed from the Z-axis direction) a of the light-shielded photodiodes 45 and 46 of the AF pixels 20L and 20R is the imaging pixel 20A. The area of the photodiode 41 (area in a plan view as viewed from the Z-axis direction) b is smaller. Therefore, the dark current component indicated by the dark current component detection signal corresponds to a dark current component included in the imaging signal of the imaging pixel 20A, which is reduced in proportion to the area ratio between the two. In order to correct this, the predetermined coefficient is used. As the predetermined coefficient, an area ratio (a / b) between the two may be used, but a ratio (c /) between the imaging signal c and the dark current component detection signal d obtained when the light is actually blocked. It is preferable to use d). In the latter case, it is preferable to use the ratio of the average value of the imaging signal obtained when the light is actually blocked and the average value of the dark current component detection signal. In this case, you may obtain | require the said predetermined coefficient for every division 1-16.

  In addition, the correction process by the correction process part 13a is not restricted to the process for every division 1-16 as mentioned above. For example, an average value of dark current component detection signals from all the AF pixels 20L and 20R is calculated, a correction value obtained by multiplying the average value by a predetermined coefficient is calculated, and imaging from all the imaging pixels 20A is performed. For the signal for use, the correction value may be subtracted from each image pickup signal, and the image pickup signal after the subtraction may be used as the image pickup signal after correction.

  After the correction processing by the correction processing unit 13a, the microprocessor 9 performs a desired process in the image processing unit 13 or the image compression unit 12 as necessary based on a command from the operation unit 9a, and performs processing on the recording unit 11 after processing. A signal is output and recorded on the recording medium 11a.

  As can be seen from the above description, in the present embodiment, the AF pixels 20L and 20R distributed in the effective pixel region 31 are not only light-shielded photodiodes (one of the photodiodes 45 and 46). The light-shielding photodiode (the other of the photodiodes 45 and 46) has a function as a light-shielding pixel (OB pixel). That is, according to the present embodiment, the AF pixels 20L and 20R distributed in the effective pixel region 31 output a dark current component detection signal in addition to the focus detection signal.

  Therefore, when dark current unevenness exists, a signal from the OB pixel in a case where light-shielding pixels (OB pixels) are provided on the upper and lower sides and the left and right sides of the effective pixel region 31 indicates a dark current component included in the signal from the effective pixel. Compared to the accuracy, the dark current component detection signal obtained from the AF pixels 20L and 20R distributed in the effective pixel region 31 in the present embodiment is included in the signal from the effective pixel (imaging pixel 20A). The accuracy indicating the dark current component is higher.

  For this reason, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform correction that can further reduce the dark current component as compared with the case where light-shielding pixels (OB pixels) are provided on the upper and lower sides and the left and right sides of the effective pixel region 31.

  And in this Embodiment, since the process for every divisions 1-16 as mentioned above is performed as a correction process by the correction process part 13a, not only a dark current component can be reduced more, but all As compared with the case where the above-described correction processing using the average value of the dark current component detection signals from the AF pixels 20L and 20R is performed, dark current unevenness can be reduced. However, in the present invention, as described above, the correction processing using the average value of the dark current component detection signals from all the AF pixels 20L and 20R may be performed. The advantage that the current component can be further reduced is obtained.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the AF pixels 20L and 20R have both functions as OB pixels, it is not necessary to provide an OB pixel separately from the AF pixels 20L and 20R. 20L and 20R can be used effectively.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged schematic plan view of a solid-state imaging device used in an electronic camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a pair of adjacent AF pixels 20L and 20R in FIG. 11, and corresponds to FIG. 11 and 12, elements that are the same as or correspond to elements in FIGS. 4 and 9 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. In FIG. 11, the electrical connection relationship by the wiring layer 70 is schematically described for easy understanding.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that in each pair of adjacent AF pixels 20L and 20R, the photodiode 46 and the AF pixel 20R which are shielded from the AF pixel 20L are shielded from light. The photodiodes 45 are electrically connected to each other by the wiring layer 70, and the total area of these photodiodes 46 and 45 (area in plan view as viewed from the Z-axis direction) is the photo of the imaging pixel 20A. The area of the diode 41 is the same as the area of the diode 41 as viewed from the Z-axis direction.

  In the present embodiment, the sum of the signals of the photodiodes 46 and 45 of the pair of adjacent AF pixels 20L and 20R is read as a dark current component detection signal. Therefore, the predetermined coefficient used in the correction processing unit 13a can be set to 1. However, also in the present embodiment, the ratio (c / d) between the imaging signal c and the dark current component detection signal d obtained when the light is actually shielded may be used as the predetermined coefficient. .

  Also in this embodiment, the same advantages as those in the first embodiment can be obtained. In each pair of adjacent AF pixels 20L, 20R, instead of electrically connecting the photodiodes 46, 45 by the wiring layer 70, the photodiodes 46, 45 are integrally formed continuously, Both may be electrically connected.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, in the effective pixel region 31, in addition to the focus detection region extending in the X-axis direction, a focus detection region extending in the Y-axis direction may be added, or in the X-axis direction. A focus detection region extending in the Y-axis direction may be provided without providing the extended focus detection region. In these cases, for example, in the focus detection region extending in the Y-axis direction, the AF pixel 20L is rotated 90 ° clockwise around the Z axis, and the AF pixel 20R is rotated 90 ° around the Z axis. The AF pixels rotated to the right may be alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction.

  In the present invention, it may be configured for black and white, and in that case, a color filter may not be provided in the imaging pixel 20A. Further, even when configured for color, it is not limited to the Bayer arrangement as described above.

3 Solid-state imaging device 20A Imaging pixel (first pixel)
20L, 20R AF pixel (second pixel)
Photodiode 41, 45, 46

Claims (11)

A plurality of first pixels each having a photoelectric conversion unit that receives incident light and performs photoelectric conversion;
Having a first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit independently of each other signal resides respectively in the region and the other side region of one side is read, the first photoelectric conversion unit is the incident light While receiving light and performing photoelectric conversion, the second photoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of light-shielded second pixels,
A solid-state imaging device comprising:   2. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second photoelectric conversion units of a pair of adjacent pixels among the plurality of second pixels are electrically connected to each other.   The total area of the second photoelectric conversion units electrically connected to each other in plan view is the same as the area of the first pixel in plan view of the photoelectric conversion unit. 2. The solid-state imaging device according to 2. A solid-state imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An optical system for forming a subject image on the solid-state imaging device;
A detection processing unit that outputs a detection signal indicating a focus adjustment state of the optical system based on a signal from the first photoelectric conversion unit;
An adjusting unit that adjusts the focus of the optical system based on the detection signal from the detection processing unit;
A correction processing unit that corrects the signal from the photoelectric conversion unit of the first pixel based on the signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit so that the dark current component is reduced;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Each of the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels is divided into a plurality of sections constituting a region in which the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels are two-dimensionally arranged. One or more pixels of the second pixel are disposed;
The correction processing unit, for each of the sections, based on a signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit of the second pixel in the section, from the photoelectric conversion unit of the first pixel in the section Is corrected so that the dark current component is reduced.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4. Wherein the correction processing section, the ratio of the signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit of the signal and the second pixel from the photoelectric conversion portion of the first pixel obtained when it is in the light shielding state 6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the correction is performed based on the correction. A first pixel having a photoelectric conversion unit that receives incident light and performs photoelectric conversion;
A first photoelectric conversion unit and a second photoelectric conversion unit, which are arranged in one side region and the other side region, respectively, from which signals are independently read out, receive incident light. And the second photoelectric conversion unit is shielded from light-shielded second pixels;
A solid-state imaging device comprising: A plurality of the second pixels;
The solid-state imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the second photoelectric conversion units of a pair of adjacent pixels among the plurality of second pixels are electrically connected to each other. The total area of the second photoelectric conversion units electrically connected to each other in plan view is the same as the area of the first pixel in plan view of the photoelectric conversion unit. 8. The solid-state image sensor according to 8. A solid-state imaging device according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
An optical system for forming a subject image on the solid-state imaging device;
A detection processing unit that outputs a detection signal indicating a focus adjustment state of the optical system based on a signal from the first photoelectric conversion unit;
An adjusting unit that adjusts the focus of the optical system based on the detection signal from the detection processing unit;
A correction processing unit that corrects the signal from the photoelectric conversion unit of the first pixel based on the signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit so that the dark current component is reduced;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The correction processing unit calculates a ratio between a signal from the photoelectric conversion unit of the first pixel and a signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit of the second pixel obtained when the light is blocked. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the correction is performed based on the correction.

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