JPH02210994A - Color solid-state image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To widen the frequency band of each color required for color reproduction and to improve picture quality by forming filters of same kind adjacent to each other integrally among filters corresponding to the same color component light. CONSTITUTION:A micro color filter is provided to a light receiving face of each image pickup element of a photodetection region 1 to generate a color video signal. The filter is provided with N-sets of mosaic minute color filters in the horizontal scanning direction X and M-set of mosaic minute color filters in the vertical scanning direction corresponding to the arrangement of image pickup elements. First, 4th, 5th and 8th row filters are stripe filters corresponding to a color G, and 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th row filters are filters corresponding to colors R, B in each filter arrangement of eight rows and they are arranged alternately according to the arrangement of the image pickup elements. At the manufacture of the filters, the same kinds of filters in the adjacent to each other among the filters corresponding to the same color component light are formed integrally.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a color solid-state imaging device that generates color video signals, and more particularly to an array of optical micro color filters provided in an imaging element.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, CCD (Charge Coupled De
vice), BBD (Bucket Brigade)
Device), photodiode array, MO
The development of solid-state imaging devices with extremely fine imaging elements using SIC, etc. has become active, and color video signals are generated by providing optical micro color filters in each imaging element of these solid-state imaging devices. Color solid-state imaging devices have been developed.

Such color solid-state imaging devices are widely used in various fields, and examples of their use in the field of video equipment include so-called video cameras for capturing moving images and so-called electronic stills for capturing still images.・An example is a camera. In order to realize a color solid-state imaging device that can electronically process images and provide images that are deceptively clear and satisfying to humans, it is necessary to further miniaturize the imaging elements that correspond to pixels. In addition to improving the resolution, research and development on the array of optical micro color filters provided in these imaging elements are important issues, and the former resolution will be improved dramatically as semiconductor manufacturing technology improves. While progress is being made, the purpose of the latter is not simply to obtain a large amount of information, but the important issue is how to obtain the optimal arrangement of video data, and it is difficult to research and develop it. It can be said that it is inherent.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As described above, the present invention relates to an array of optical micro color filters provided in a color solid-state imaging device, as well as a low-resolution solid-state imaging device, in particular,
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical micro color filter having an arrangement suitable for a high-resolution solid-state imaging device.

[Means to solve the problem]

To achieve such an object, the present invention provides a color solid-state imaging device that generates color video signals by providing color filters in a plurality of imaging elements arranged in a matrix in the horizontal scanning direction and the vertical scanning direction. In this system, each group consists of eight rows of imaging elements arranged in the vertical scanning direction, and unique filter arrays correspond to the odd and even groups, that is, the specific types of fine filters necessary to reproduce the image are connected to each other in resolution. They were arranged so as to be adjacent to each other, taking into consideration that this would not cause a decrease in

[Effect]

According to the color solid-state imaging device of the present invention provided with a color filter having such a configuration, it is possible to widen the frequency band of each color necessary for color reproduction, and it is possible to improve image quality. In addition, instead of providing separate filters for each imaging element, filters of the same type are arranged adjacent to each other and are molded together, which reduces the manufacturing density of the imaging element. In comparison, the manufacturing density of the filter can be lowered, and the occurrence of false colors due to misalignment of the filter can be reduced.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the color solid-state imaging device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention applies to COD, BBD, etc. for solid-state imaging device bodies equipped with imaging elements.
, photodiode arrays, MOSICs, etc., and the main point of the invention is the arrangement and configuration of optical micro color filters for adding functions as color solid-state imaging devices to these solid-state imaging devices. Here, we will mainly explain the structure of this optical micro color filter.

First, the structure of the solid-state imaging device body applied to this example will be explained with reference to FIG. The device in the figure is I L
A T (tnterltne transfer) type charge-coupled solid-state imaging device is shown, in which a large number of imaging elements shown as squares are arranged in a matrix in the horizontal scanning direction X and the vertical scanning direction Y in the light receiving region 1, and Each column arranged in Y (X=1.2,3
,4. ..., N-1, N) vertical charge transfer paths 21 to 2N are formed adjacent to the imaging elements. Vertical charge transfer path! 1~! A first horizontal charge transfer path 2 and a second horizontal charge transfer path 3 which are parallel to each other are formed at the terminal ends of the horizontal charge transfer path 8, and an output amplifier 4.5 is provided at the output end of each horizontal charge transfer path 2.3. is provided. A micro color filter, which will be described later, is provided on the light receiving surface of each imaging element.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a color signal separation circuit, which reproduces a video signal from a video signal obtained by reading out the signal charge generated in the imaging element via the vertical charge transfer path 11=1-, l and the horizontal charge transfer path 2.3. For example, red (R), blue (
B) and green (G) color signals and output them to a specific output terminal.

This solid-state imaging device is basically an ILT type charge-coupled solid-state imaging device, but has the following characteristics. In other words, there are 800 imaging elements (N=800) in the horizontal scanning direction X, and 1ooo imaging elements (M=1) in the vertical scanning direction Y.
The number of scanning lines is 525 in the well-known NTSC system, and it is possible to obtain a vertical resolution approximately twice that of the 525 scanning lines in the well-known NTSC system. As a result of obtaining approximately twice the resolution, for example, when printing a still image using a hard copy, etc., the signal charge of each imaging element can be sequentially read out using the well-known signal scanning readout method. But, N
When reproducing an image on a CRT or the like in accordance with the TSC method, it takes about 2 seconds to read out the signal charges transferred from the vertical charge transfer path one column at a time sequentially through the horizontal charge transfer path as in the conventional method. Only 1/100% of the images can be played back.

In other words, a device has been devised to reproduce images in accordance with the NTSC system based on a video signal whose vertical resolution has been increased to approximately twice that of the previous video signal.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, a pair of horizontal charge transfer paths 2.
By providing 3, vertical charge transfer path! The structure is such that the signal charges transferred from 1 to 1N are simultaneously output in parallel for two lines at a time, and all signal charges can be read out by horizontal scanning readout a number of times substantially equal to the number of scanning lines in the NTSC system. has been done. Furthermore, vertical scanning direction Y
The imaging element groups of two rows each are made into one set, and each set is divided into odd field A and even field B every other field, and the signal charge is read out for each field to enable NTSC interlaced scanning. There is.

A color solid-state imaging device that generates color video signals is finally formed by providing a micro color filter, which will be described later with reference to the drawings, on the light-receiving surface of each IT image element of the solid-state imaging device having such a configuration.

Next, a first embodiment of the micro color filter will be described based on FIG. N (N=800) in the horizontal scanning direction X, corresponding to the arrangement of the imaging elements not shown in FIG.
M (M-1000) mosaic-like minute color t-filters in the vertical scanning direction Y. Then, in the vertical scanning direction Y, IM each two rows in order from the top.
i, and one row in each set is a green (G) stripe.
The other row is formed by a mosaic filter in which fine filters of red (R) and blue (B) are arranged alternately.

If such a filter array is explained in more detail based on FIG. 2, it has filter arrays that are arranged in the same manner corresponding to eight rows of imaging elements arranged in the vertical scanning direction. Then, each filter array has the first . 4th.
The fifth and eighth rows are striped filters corresponding to green (G); Third. The 6th and 7th rows are red (
The filters correspond to R) and blue (B), and are composed of minute filters arranged alternately according to the arrangement of the imaging elements.

In the manufacturing process for forming color filters for the solid-state imaging device main body, filters of the same type that are adjacent to each other among filters corresponding to the same color component light are integrally molded. In other words, the 4th and 5th rows, the 8th and 9th rows, etc. in FIG. 2, where the filters related to green (G) are adjacent to each other, are not formed independently, but are adjacent to each other. form a single unit. The red (R) and blue (B) filters are formed in the same manner. As a result, the manufacturing density of color filters can be reduced to about half of that of imaging elements, improving positioning accuracy and greatly reducing the occurrence of false colors. can do.

Then, one line of green (G) in the vertical scanning direction Y, and one line of red and blue (
A pair of filters each consisting of one row of R/B) is made into a set, and each set is divided into odd fields A and even fields B at every other field in the same way as in Figure 1, and the signal is divided into each field. By reading out the charges, interlaced scanning of the NTSC system is enabled, and the color signal separation circuit 6 shown in FIG.
The high frequency green (
G) color signal and red (R) and blue (B) color signals with higher frequencies than before can be output simultaneously, and the NTS
It is possible to realize clear image reproduction in accordance with the C method.

Next, a second embodiment of the micro color filter will be described based on FIG. N (N-800) in the horizontal scanning direction X, corresponding to the arrangement of the imaging elements shown in FIG.
M (M-1000) mosaic-like minute color filters in the vertical scanning direction Y. Then, in the vertical scanning direction Y, two rows from the top are made into one set, one row in each set is formed with a green (G) stripe filter, and the other row is formed with a red (R) and blue ( B) It is formed by a mosaic filter in which fine filters are arranged alternately.

Furthermore, to explain the filter arrangement in detail with reference to FIG. 3, one group consists of eight rows of imaging elements arranged in the vertical scanning direction.
It is composed of unique filters each having a different filter array corresponding to the odd number group and the even number group. That is, the unique filter corresponding to the odd number group is the first one. , 4th. The fifth and eighth rows are composed of filters corresponding to green (G), and the second, third, and third rows are composed of filters corresponding to green (G). The 6th and 7th rows are red (R) and blue (B
), which consists of minute filters arranged alternately according to the arrangement of the imaging elements.

On the other hand, the unique filters corresponding to the even number group are the first and fourth filters.
．． The fifth and eighth rows consist of filters corresponding to green (G), and the second. Third. 6th and 7th rows are blue (B)
and red (R), which are arranged alternately according to the arrangement of the imaging elements, and which correspond to the even-numbered group of red (R).
) and blue CB) are made up of minute filters that are in opposite phase to the filter array corresponding to the filters corresponding to blue CB).

In the manufacturing process for forming color filters for the solid-state imaging device main body, filters of the same type that are adjacent to each other among filters corresponding to the same color component light are integrally molded. In other words, the 4th and 5th rows, the 8th and 9th rows, etc. in FIG. 3, where the filters related to green (G) are adjacent to each other, are not formed independently, but are adjacent to each other. form a single unit. The red (R) and blue (B) filters are formed in the same manner. As a result, the manufacturing density of color filters can be reduced to about half of that of imaging elements, improving positioning accuracy and greatly reducing the occurrence of false colors. can do.

Then, one line of green (G) in the vertical scanning direction Y, and one line of red and blue (
A pair of filters each consisting of one row of R/B) is made into a set, and each set is divided into odd fields A and even fields B at every other field in the same way as in Figure 1, and the signal is divided into each field. By reading out the charges, interlaced scanning of the NTSC system is enabled, and the color signal separation circuit 6 shown in FIG.
The high frequency green (
G) color signal and red (R) and blue (B) color signals with higher frequencies than before can be output simultaneously, and the NTS
It is possible to realize clear image reproduction in accordance with the C method.

C. Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, a color image signal is generated by providing color filters in a plurality of imaging elements arranged in a matrix in the horizontal scanning direction and the vertical scanning direction. In a solid-state imaging device, each eight rows of imaging elements arranged in the vertical scanning direction are
As a group, unique filter arrays corresponding to the odd number group and the even number group, that is, specific types of filters necessary to reproduce the image, are placed adjacent to each other while taking into consideration that the resolution will not decrease. Since they are arrayed, it is possible to widen the frequency band of each color necessary for color reproduction, and it is possible to improve image quality.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a structural explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of a solid-state imaging device body applied to an embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 2 and 3 are implementation diagrams illustrating the structure of a color filter applied to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an example explanatory diagram. Symbols in the figure: 1; Light receiving area 2; First horizontal charge transfer path; 3; Second horizontal charge transfer path; 4.5; Output amplifier 6; Color signal separation circuit j! ! '=lH; Vertical charge transfer path G; Green filter R; Red filter B; Blue filter

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) Multiple imaging elements arranged in a matrix in the horizontal and vertical scanning directions are
In a color solid-state imaging device that generates a color video signal by providing a color filter, the optical micro color filter has a filter array that is arranged in the same manner corresponding to eight rows of imaging elements arranged in the vertical scanning direction. and each filter array has the above 8
The first, fourth, fifth and eighth rows are stripe filters corresponding to the first color component light, and the second, third, sixth and seventh rows are stripe filters corresponding to the first color component light. This filter corresponds to the color component light of No. 3 and consists of minute filters arranged alternately according to the arrangement of the imaging elements, and among the filters corresponding to the same color component light, filters of the same type that are adjacent to each other are integrated. A color solid-state imaging device characterized by being molded into. (2) Multiple imaging elements arranged in a matrix in the horizontal and vertical scanning directions are
In a color solid-state imaging device that generates a color video signal by providing a color filter, the optical micro color filter has a group of eight rows of imaging elements arranged in the vertical scanning direction, and an odd number group and an even number group. It is composed of different unique filter arrays corresponding to each group, and the unique filters corresponding to the above-mentioned odd-numbered groups are the first, fourth,
The fifth and eighth rows are filters corresponding to the first color component light, and the second, third, sixth and seventh rows are filters corresponding to the second and third color component light. The unique filters corresponding to the even-numbered groups are arranged such that the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth rows correspond to the first color component light. The second, third, sixth, and seventh rows are filters corresponding to the second and third color component lights, which are arranged alternately according to the arrangement of the imaging elements, and which are arranged alternately according to the arrangement of the imaging elements, and are arranged alternately according to the arrangement of the imaging elements. It consists of minute filters arranged in an opposite phase to the array of filters corresponding to the second and third color component lights, and among the above-mentioned filters corresponding to the same color component light, the same type of filters are adjacent to each other. A color solid-state imaging device characterized by an integrally molded filter.