JPH0955889A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device which is capable of high-speed photographing and can be used for a video camera and can obtain the number of pictures consecutively. SOLUTION: A light reception face consists of plural picture elements provided with sensor parts 23 which generate electric signals in accordance with the luminance of incident light. Linear CCDs 24A to 24F for signal storage and read which are provided with plural electric charge storage parts and are extended across picture elements 20 are connected to sensor parts 23 and are individually arranged within the width of each picture element 20. At the time of photographing, electric signals generated in sensor parts are transferred in one direction in parallel by plural CCDs for signal storage and read, and are stored in respective electric charge storage parts of CCDs for signal storage and read. At the time of signal read, electric signals stored in electric charge storage parts of CCDs for signal storage and read are transferred in parallel in the same direction as photographing and are read out to the outside of the light reception face.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographing device,
In particular, the present invention relates to an imaging device capable of high-speed imaging suitable for scientific measurement of ultra-high-speed moving objects such as rockets, explosion, destruction, turbulence, discharge phenomenon, chemical reaction phenomenon, and movement of microorganisms under a microscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image pickup apparatus of this type, for example, an image converter type multi-framing camera (hereinafter referred to as an image converter type camera) has been conventionally provided. In this image converter type camera,
By irradiating an image converted into electrons on the photocathode with an electron gun onto the fluorescent screen to obtain an image, the fluorescent screen is divided into a plurality of regions, and the plurality of regions are sequentially irradiated with an electron stream. , It adopts a method of displaying continuous images on one screen. In this image converter type camera, in most cases, a micro channel plate type image intensifier (hereinafter abbreviated as MCP type II) is arranged in front of the photocathode or in front of the phosphor screen to enhance the incident light. And the shooting speed is 3 × 10 ⁷ images /
The number of images that can be continuously captured (the number of continuous images) is approximately 10 seconds.

The Applicant also has an MCP type II,
The electric signals read out in parallel from the pixels are stored in a memory by a so-called drifting method without forming an image, and the signals stored in this memory are converted into an image after the image capturing, so that high-speed image capturing at 4,500 frames / second can be performed. We have already provided a high-speed video camera that makes it possible. (“4500 frames / sec high-speed video camera”; Takeharu Eto; Television Society Journal Vo
l. 46, No. 5 (1992))

Furthermore, the present applicant has previously filed Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-33.
In Japanese Patent No. 6420, a plurality of electric signal accumulators are provided in each pixel forming the light receiving surface, and an electric signal generated in a sensor unit according to the brightness of incident light is accumulated in the electric signal accumulator at the time of photographing, and the photographing ends. We have proposed an imaging device that enables high-speed imaging by reading out later.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a signal storage C having nine charge storage portions 3a to 3i.
An image pickup apparatus has been proposed which includes an image pickup device in which pixels 2 provided with a CD 1 are arranged in a matrix. The signal storage CCD 1 is bent and folded four times, and each pixel 2
It is provided in a polygonal line inside. At the time of shooting, one of the nine charge storage units 3a to 3i functions as a sensor unit that converts incident light into an electric signal, and the electric signals generated in the charge storage unit 3a are sequentially processed. The charges are transferred and accumulated in the other charge accumulators 3b to 3i. After the photographing is completed, the electric signals stored in the charge storage units 3a to 3i of each pixel 2 are
The signals are read by the signal reading CCDs 4A and 4B.
("THE STUDY OF A PHOTOSITE FOR SNAPSHOT VIDE
O ”； M.Elloum, E.Fauvet, E.Goujou, P.Gorria, G.Cathebr
as ； 21st International congress on high speed phot
ography and photonics (AUG.29-SEPT.2,1994), TECHN
(ICAL PROGRAM & ABSTRACTS)

Further, in US Pat. No. 5,355,165, as shown in FIG. 26, 5 × 4 charge storage units 8, 8 ... Which are arranged in a matrix with the sensor unit 7 in each pixel 6 are provided.
An image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device provided with a signal storage CCD 9 including The sensor unit 7 at the time of shooting
The electric signal generated at 1 is first transferred to the four charge accumulating portions 8 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) in the figure, as indicated by arrow X. Next, the transfer direction of the electric signal is bent, and is transferred from the four charge storage units 8 in the vertical direction (up and down direction) as shown by the arrow Y, and is stored in each charge storage unit 8. Further, at the time of reading, the electric signal stored in the pixel 8 of the signal storing CCD 9 of each pixel 6 is directed to the signal reading CCD 10 provided outside the light receiving surface.
The signal is transferred in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow Y, and further transferred in the direction indicated by the arrow X by the CCD for signal reading.

[0007]

In the imaging device for scientific measurement as described above, firstly, high-speed imaging is possible,
Secondly, it is required to obtain a moving image for a certain period of time, that is, to be able to be used as a video camera.

First, regarding the first condition, as a result of a questionnaire survey conducted by the present inventor to a researcher who is a user of an imaging device for scientific measurement, as shown in FIG.
It was confirmed that if a shooting speed of ⁶ frames / second is obtained, the requirements of the majority of users (95% or more) will be satisfied.
("Questionnaire survey on high-speed shooting applications and 3,000
Proposal of a video camera with a capacity of 0,000 frames per second ”; Goji Eto, Yukio Takehara, Midori Kawajiri; General Symposium on High-speed Shooting and Photonics 1993 (December 16, 1993, 17
Japanese) Lecture Proceedings)

Regarding the second condition, the reproduction speed of a general video camera is 25 to 30 images / sec, but the minimum speed at which a human can recognize continuous movement is about 4 to 5 images / sec. Therefore, if about 35 to 50 continuous images are reproduced at a reproduction speed of about 4 to 5 images / sec, a moving image of about 10 seconds can be obtained although the smoothness of the movement in the image is somewhat lacking. Can be used as a video camera for scientific measurement. As described above, the imaging device for scientific measurement used as a high-speed video camera is required to have an imaging speed of 10 ⁶ images / sec and a minimum number of continuous images of 35 to 50 images. .

However, although the image converter type camera described above has a sufficiently high shooting speed, the number of continuous images is 10
The number of continuous images is insufficient for use as a video camera. Further, in the case of the image converter type camera, there is a problem that the device becomes large and relative distortion occurs between consecutive images.

Further, as described above, the high-speed video camera of 4,500 images / sec cannot sufficiently meet the user's demand concerning the above-mentioned photographing speed.

Further, in the image pickup apparatus of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-336420, it is necessary to control a large number of transistors at a time in order to transfer an electric signal to the electric signal accumulating portion at the time of image pickup, so that it is possible to reduce the power consumption during switching. Power is large, and noise generated during switching affects electric signals.

Furthermore, in the image pickup apparatus including the pixels 2 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the shortage of light amount and the relative distortion between continuous images do not occur, but the number of continuous images is 9
Since it is a single sheet, it cannot be used as a video camera.

Further, in this photographing apparatus, since the charge accumulating portions 3a to 3i of the signal accumulating CCD 1 are arranged in a polygonal line shape as described above, a driving circuit for operating the charge accumulating portions 3a to 3i is formed. There is also a problem that the structure becomes complicated. That is, as shown in FIG. 25, the transfer direction of the electric signal from the charge storage unit 3a to the charge storage unit 3c and the transfer direction of the electric signal from the charge storage unit 3g to the charge storage unit 3i, as shown by arrow X1, and the arrow X2. Since the transfer directions of the electric signal from the charge storage section 3d to the charge storage section 3f are opposite to each other, it is necessary to apply drive voltages having symmetrical waveforms as indicated by V1 and V2. Therefore, the charge storage units 3a to
An electric wire 5a for applying a driving voltage to the charge accumulating portions 3g to 3i and an electric wire 5b for applying a driving voltage to the electric charge accumulating portions 3g to 3i are different from each other and are respectively shown in FIG. It is necessary to apply a voltage having a desired waveform. Further, the transfer directions of electric signals from the charge storage unit 3c to the charge storage unit 3d and from the charge storage unit 3f to the charge storage unit 3g shown by the arrow Y are orthogonal to the directions shown by the arrows X1 and X2. It is necessary to provide the electric wire 5c for applying the drive voltage to the storage portions 3d and 3f separately from the electric wires 5a and 5b.

Further, as described above, the signal storage CCD 1
Since there is a polygonal line, there is a portion where the electric signal transfer direction is bent, and the electric signal remains in the charge accumulating portions 3c, 3d, 3f, 3g, 3i at the bent portion in the transfer direction, which causes deterioration of the pixel. Become.

Furthermore, in this photographing apparatus, it is necessary to provide the signal reading CCD 4A in the light receiving surface. In general, the size of the light-receiving surface of the image sensor is about 10 mm × 10 mm. On the other hand, in order to obtain the minimum resolution, the number of pixels cannot be reduced below a certain number, and the area of one pixel is above a certain level. Can't be big. Therefore, in order to increase the number of signal storage CCDs and charge storage portions arranged in each pixel, the structure in the light receiving surface should be as simple as possible to secure a space for arranging the signal storage CCDs in each pixel. There is a need to. Therefore, when the signal reading CCD 4A is arranged in the light receiving surface and the driving circuit of the signal accumulating CCD 1 is complicated as in the image pickup apparatus of FIGS. 24 and 25, the dimensions and shape of the CCD are devised. However, it is difficult to set the number of charge accumulating portions 3a to 3i of the signal accumulating CCD 1 to about 35 to 50 for each pixel, and it is not possible to obtain a desired number of continuous images.

If the structure shown in FIG. 26 is adopted, each pixel 6
It is possible to set the number of the charge storage portions 8 of the signal storage CCD 9 to about 35 to 50 per pixel 6. However, since the electric signal generated by the sensor unit 7 is transferred in the direction indicated by the arrow X and then in the direction indicated by the arrow Y orthogonal thereto, the same as in the image capturing apparatus shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. Moreover, the driving circuit of the signal storage CCD becomes complicated.

The electric signal generated by the sensor unit 7 as described above is first transferred in the direction indicated by the arrow X, and then,
Since it is transferred in the direction indicated by the arrow Y, there is a portion where the transfer direction of the electric signal sharply bends, as in the case of the structure shown in FIG. 24 and FIG.
However, there is a problem that the electric signal remains and the pixel deteriorates.

On the other hand, with a photographing device for scientific measurement, it is possible to obtain an image at a desired moment even if a sufficient photographing speed is obtained and the number of continuous images that can form a moving image is obtained. If not, there is a problem in practice. For example, when shooting an explosion phenomenon or a destruction phenomenon, it is not practical unless the images before and after the occurrence of this phenomenon can be reliably shot.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems in the conventional photographing apparatus, and high-speed photographing that can sufficiently meet the demand of the user who uses the photographing apparatus for scientific measurement. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographing device which is suitable for scientific measurement and which can be used as a video camera because the number of continuous images that can form a moving image can be obtained. Another object of the present invention is to provide a high-speed photographing device that can surely obtain an image at a desired moment.

[0021]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the photographing apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of pixels each having a sensor section for generating an electric signal in accordance with the brightness of incident light, to constitute a light-receiving surface. The sensor section is provided with a plurality of charge storage sections and connected to a linear signal storage / readout CCD extending across the plurality of pixels, and the linear signal storage / readout is also used within the width of each pixel. A plurality of CCDs are arranged in parallel, and at the time of photographing, the electric signal generated in the sensor portion of each pixel is transferred in parallel in one direction by the signal storage / readout CCD, and each signal storage / readout CCD is transferred.
The electric signals generated in the sensor unit are accumulated in the respective charge accumulating units, while at the time of signal reading, the electric signals accumulated in the respective charge accumulating units of the signal accumulating / reading CCD are arranged in parallel in the same direction as in the accumulation. The image pickup device is configured so that the image is transferred to the outside of the light receiving surface and read out from the light receiving surface (claim 1).

In the photographing apparatus of the present invention, the electric signal generated in the sensor section of each pixel is transferred in parallel in one direction by the signal storage / readout CCD which is provided in parallel at the time of photographing so as to be used for each signal storage / readout. Since the electric signal is stored in each charge storage portion of the CCD, high-speed shooting of about 10 ⁶ sheets / sheet is possible. Further, by setting the total number of charge storage sections of the signal storage / readout CCD connected to the sensor section to a desired number, the desired number of continuous images can be achieved. That is, when the total number of charge storage units of the signal storage / readout CCD connected to the sensor unit of one pixel at the time of shooting is A, electric signals corresponding to A continuous images are stored and stored. It is stored in the read / write CCD. Therefore, for example, if the total number of charge storage units of the CCD for signal storage and readout that is connected to the sensor unit of one pixel at the time of shooting is 36, the number of continuous images becomes 36 that can be used as a video. Further, at the time of signal reading, the electric signals accumulated in the charge accumulating portions of the signal accumulation and readout CCDs provided in parallel are transferred in parallel in the same direction as that at the time of photographing and are read out from the light receiving surface. It is not necessary to provide a CCD for reading out a signal in addition to a CCD for both signal storage and reading in the plane. Furthermore, since a plurality of CCDs for both signal storage and readout are provided in parallel as described above, and the transfer directions of electrical signals are the same during shooting and signal readout, the signal storage and readout C
The structure of the circuit for driving the CD is simple.

It is preferable that the signal storing / reading CCD is provided on a surface different from the surface on which the sensor section is provided (claim 2).

It is preferable to partially provide a meandering portion in the CCD for both signal storage and reading (claim 3).

Brightness monitoring means for monitoring the brightness of the incident light incident on the entire area or a part of the area of the light receiving surface, and outputting a detection signal when detecting a rapid change in the brightness. When a detection signal is input from the brightness monitoring unit, a trigger signal generation unit that outputs a trigger signal for instructing to stop or start shooting at the same time as the input of the detection signal or after a lapse of a required time is provided. Preferred (Claim 4).

In this case, when a sudden change occurs in the brightness of the entire area or a part of the area of the light receiving surface, the trigger signal is output from the trigger signal generating means to the photographing means to stop or start the photographing. An image including before and after the moment when such a change occurs can be reliably obtained.

Further, it is preferable that a means for outputting an electric signal generated in the sensor section to the luminance monitoring means is provided in at least a part of pixels constituting the light receiving surface of the image pickup device. (Claim 5).

The means for outputting an electric signal provided in the pixel divides the sensor portion into a first portion and a second portion, and connects the first portion to the signal storing / reading CCD side. Preferably, the second part is connected to the brightness monitoring means (claim 6).

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, the present invention will be described in more detail based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. 1 to 10
2 shows an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this photographing apparatus, a main body 3 is provided with an image pickup unit 2 for converting incident light imaged by a lens 1 into an electric signal,
The analog signal output from this imaging unit 2
After being amplified by, the signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 5 and sent to the main memory 6. The image processing means 7 connected to the main memory 6 includes a buffer memory 7a, and processes the digital signal stored in the main memory 6 to reproduce an image. 9 in the figure
Is a monitor display for displaying the image reproduced by the image processing means 7. In addition, the imaging unit 2
Is connected to the brightness monitoring means 13 via the amplifier 11 and the A / D converter 12, and the brightness monitoring means 13 is connected to the trigger signal generating means 14. Further, this photographing apparatus is provided with the amplifier means 4, the A / D converter 5,
The control means 15 is connected to the main memory 6 and the like, and the control means 15 controls the entire photographing apparatus. Illumination means 16 for illuminating the subject with illumination light is connected to the control means 15, and the illumination means 16 illuminates the subject with illumination light in synchronization with the operation of the imaging unit 2 at the time of photographing. ing.

The image pickup unit 2 has an image pickup device 18 as shown in FIGS. This image sensor 1
8 has a light receiving surface 21 in which 46,656 square pixels 20 are arranged in a matrix of 216 rows × 216 columns. N _ij (i = 1~216 to each pixel 20 in FIG. 2,
j = 1 to 216), the subscript i indicates the position (row) of the pixel 20 from the upper side in the drawing, and the subscript j indicates the pixel 20 from the left side in FIG. Indicates whether it is the second (column). For example, the pixel 20 of n ₂ and ₂₁₅ is the second row from the upper side in the figure, and is 215 from the left side in the figure.
It is located in the row.

As shown in FIG. 4, each pixel 20 has a lens 1
The sensor unit 23 is provided for converting the light beam imaged by the above into an analog electric signal corresponding to the brightness thereof. Further, each pixel 20 is provided with six signal storing / reading CCDs 24A to 24F so as to fit in the widthwise dimension (horizontal dimension in the drawing) of the pixel 20. That is,
On the right side of the sensor section 23 of the pixel 20 in the figure, a first signal storage / readout CCD 24A, a second signal storage / readout CCD 24B, and a third signal storage / readout CCD.
In addition to providing three CCDs 24C, a CCD 24 also serving as a fourth signal storage and readout is provided on the left side of the sensor unit 23 in the figure.
D, fifth signal storage / readout combined CCD 24E and sixth
Three CCDs, which are CCDs 24F for both signal storage and reading, are provided, and a total of 6 CCDs are arranged in each pixel 20. These first to sixth signal accumulating and reading C
The CDs 24A to 24F store and store electric signals generated in the sensor unit 23 as described later, and transfer these electric signals. Further, each pixel 20 is provided with first and second switching means 30A and 30B, which are MOS type transistors.

The first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F have the same structure, and the first to sixth charge storage portions 25a are arranged in order from the upper side in the figure.
Linear C with 6 to 25f charge storage units in series
It is a CD. In addition, the first to third signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24 provided on the right side of the sensor unit 23 in the figure.
The fourth to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24D to 24F provided at C and the left side are arranged in parallel and at equal intervals.

As shown in FIG. 5, six CCDs 24A to 24C for both signal storage and readout are connected in series to the sensor section 23 of each pixel 20 at the time of image capturing described later, while at the time of signal readout described later, as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the vertical direction (first to sixth signal storage / readout CCD 2
First to sixth signal storage between vertically adjacent pixels 20 so that the first to sixth signal storage / readout combined CCDs 24A to 24F continuous in 4A to 24F) are connected in series. And read-only CCD 24A-
24F are connected in series by a lead wire 26, and first and second switching means 30A and 30B are provided at predetermined locations.

Although the drawing shows the structure of the pixel 20 in a plan view, the elements and electric wires in the pixel 20 may have a laminated structure, and the first and second switching means 3 may be used.
The positions of 0A and 30B are not limited to those shown in the figures, and may be arranged, for example, on the lower side of the sensor section 23 in the figure. In the drawing, the sensor unit 23 and the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F to the pixel 2 are also used.
The dimensions such as the distance to the boundary of 0 are exaggerated, and in reality, these elements are arranged in a dense state in the pixel 20.

Hereinafter, with respect to the pixels 20 with j = 1, that is, the pixels 20 forming the leftmost column of the light receiving surface 21 in FIG.
The connection structure of the CDs 24A to 24F will be described. J
Of the pixels 20, 20 ... That form the columns of = 2 to j = 216 have the same structure and the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24 of the pixels 20 that are vertically adjacent to each other
F is connected in series. In the following description, j =
1 pixel 20, 20, ... Is the pixel 20 from i = 1 to i = 6
(Pixels forming the upper region I of the light receiving surface 21 in FIG. 2), pixels i = 7 to i = 210 (pixels 20 forming the central region II of the light receiving surface 21 in FIG. 2) and i = 21
1 to i = 216 pixels 20 (light receiving surface 21 in FIG.
The connection structure will be described separately for the pixels 20) constituting the lower region III of FIG.

First, the central region II (i = 7 to i = 2)
The pixel 20) of 10 has a structure as shown in FIG.
A to 24F are connected.

The pixels 20 of the pixel most located on the upper side of the central region II 20 (n _{7, 1} pixel 20) and the pixel 20 from the pixel 20 every 6 th (i = 7,13 ... 199,205 2), the sensor unit 23 and the first charge storage unit 25a of the first signal storage / readout CCD 24A are connected by the lead wire 28. Further, these i = 7, 13 ... 19
In the pixels 20 of 9, 205, the sixth charge accumulating portion 25f of the second CCD 24B for accumulating and reading signals and the pixel 20 of the pixels 20 (i = 8, 14, ... CCD24B for dual signal storage and reading
To the lead wire 26 connecting to the first charge storage portion 25a of
First switching means 30 composed of an OS type transistor
A is installed. Also, i = 7, 13 ... 199, 20
Second signal storage / readout CCD 2 in pixel 5
A signal discharge line 31 having a second switching means 30B composed of a MOS transistor is connected to the sixth charge storage section 25f of 4B.

Next, the pixel 20 (n ₈ , ₁ pixel) located second from the uppermost side of the central area II and this pixel 20
From the 6th pixel to the 20th pixel (i = 8, 14 ... 200, 2
In the pixel 20) of No. 06, the sensor section 23 and the first charge accumulation section 25a of the second signal accumulation / readout CCD 24B are connected by the lead wire 28. Also, these i = 8,1
4, ... 200, 206, the sixth charge storage section 24f of the third signal storage / readout CCD 24C in the pixel 20 and the pixel 20 (i = 9, 15 ... 201, 20
CC for the third signal accumulation and readout of the pixel 20) of 207
The first switching means 30A is provided on the lead wire 26 connecting to the first charge storage portion 25a of D24C. Further, the signal discharge line 31 provided with the second switching means 30B is connected to the sixth charge storage section 25f of the CCD 24C for both third signal storage and readout of the pixels 20 of i = 8, 14 ... 200, 206. ing.

Pixel 20 (n ₉ , pixel ₁ of 20) located at the third position from the uppermost side of central region II and every 20th pixel 20 (i = 9, 15 ... 201, 20) from this pixel 20.
In the pixel 20) of No. 7, the sensor section 23 is connected to the first charge storage section 25a of the third signal storage / readout CCD 24C by the lead wire 28. Also, these i = 9,15
... 201, 207 and the sixth charge storage section 25f of the fourth signal storage / readout CCD 24D in the pixel 20 and the pixel 20 (i = 10, 16 ... 202, 2) adjacent in the vertical direction in the drawing.
CCD for the fourth signal accumulation and readout of the pixel 20) of 08
Lead wire 2 for connecting to the first charge storage portion 25a of 24D
6 is provided with a first switching means 30A. Also, the fourth pixel in the pixel 20 of i = 9, 15 ... 201, 207
The signal discharge line 31 provided with the second switching means 30B is connected to the sixth charge storage section 25f of the signal storage / readout CCD 24D.

Pixel 20 (pixel of n ₁₀ , ₁ ) located fourth from the uppermost side of central area II and pixel 20 (i = 10, 16 ... 202, 20) every 6th pixel from this pixel 20.
In the pixel 20) of No. 8, the sensor section 23 and the first charge storage section 25a of the fourth CCD 24D for storing and reading signals are connected by the lead wire 28. Also, these i = 10,1
6 ... 202, 208, the fifth charge storage / readout CCD 24E in the pixel 20 and the sixth charge storage portion 25f, and the pixel 20 (i = 11, 17, ... 203,
CC for the fifth signal accumulation and readout of the pixel 20) of 209
The first switching means 30A is provided on the lead wire 26 connecting to the first charge storage portion 25a of D24E. Further, the signal discharge line 31 provided with the second switching means 30B is connected to the sixth charge storage section 25f of the CCD 24E for both fifth signal storage and readout in the pixel 20 of i = 10, 16 ... 202, 208. ing.

Pixel 20 (pixel of n ₁₁ , ₁ ) located at the 5th position from the uppermost side of central region II and every 20th pixel from this pixel 20 (i = 11, 17, ... 203, 20)
In the pixel 20 of 9), the sensor section 23 is connected to the first charge storage section 25a of the fifth CCD 24E for storing and reading signals by the lead wire 28. Also, these i = 11,1
7 ... 203, 209 and the sixth charge storage section 25f of the sixth signal storage / readout CCD 24F in the pixel 20 and the pixel 20 (i = 12, 18 ...
CC for the sixth signal accumulation and readout of the pixel 20) of 210
The first switching means 30A is provided on the lead wire 26 connecting to the first charge storage portion 25a of D24F. Further, the signal discharge line 31 provided with the second switching means 30B is connected to the sixth charge storage portion 25f of the CCD 24F for sixth signal storage / reading in the pixel 20 of i = 11, 17 ... 203, 209. ing.

A pixel 20 (n ₁₂ , ₁ pixel) located at the sixth position from the uppermost side of the central region II and every 20th pixel 20 (i = ₁₂ , 18 ... 204, 21) from this pixel 20.
In the pixel 20) of 0, the sensor section 23 and the first charge storage section 25a of the sixth signal storage / readout CCD 24F are connected by the lead wire 28. Also, these i = 12,1
8 ... 204, 210, the sixth charge storage section 25f of the first signal storage / readout CCD 24A in the pixel 20 and the pixel 20 (i = 13, 19 ...
CC for the first signal accumulation and reading of the pixel 20) of 211
The first switching means 30A is provided on the lead wire 26 connecting to the first charge storage section 25a of D24A. Further, the sixth pixel 20 of i = 12, 18, ...
The signal discharge line 31 provided with the second switching means 30B is connected to the sixth charge storage section 25f of the signal storage / readout CCD 24F.

As will be described later, at the time of photographing, the pixel 20
Since the first switching means 30A is opened, i = 1,7,13 ... 199,2 as shown in FIG.
Sensors 23 of the pixels 20 of 05 and 211 are connected in series with the signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of six pixels 20 in the vertical direction in the drawing from the pixel 20.
For example, in the pixel 20 of n ₇ , ₁ , i = 7 to 6
CCD 24 for both the first signal storage and readout of the individual pixels 20
A is connected in series. In this way, each pixel 2
Six of the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F are connected in series to the sensor unit 23 of 0, and the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F are respectively connected. Since the six charge storage units 25a to 25f are provided, each pixel 2
The sensor unit 23 of 0 has a total of 36 charge storage units 25a to
25f is connected.

As shown in FIG. 8, a region above the light receiving surface 21.
The pixel of the pixel 20 (n ₁ , ₁ ) located on the uppermost side of I is provided with only the first signal storage / readout CCD 24A and the second to sixth signal storage / readout CCD 24B.
~ 24F is not provided. In addition, the pixel 20 (n ₂ , ₁ pixel) located at the second position from the uppermost side of the upper region I has the first signal storage / readout CCD 24A and the second signal storage / readout CCD 24A.
A CCD 24B for both signal storage and reading is provided.
Third to sixth signal storage / readout combined CCDs 24C-2
4F is not provided. Hereinafter, similarly, n ₃ , ₁ , n ₄ , ₁ ,
The number of CCDs for both signal storage and readout is increased one by one in the order of the pixels 20 of n ₅ , ₁ , n ₆ , and ₁ . The pixel 20 in the upper region I has such a structure because, for example, the light receiving surface 21
In the case of the pixel 20 of n ₁ and ₁ located on the uppermost side of, since the pixel 20 does not exist above the pixel 20 of n ₁ and ₁ ,
It is not necessary to provide the second signal storage / readout CCD 24B to the sixth signal storage / readout CCD 24F.
This is because only the first signal storage / readout CCD 24A connected to the sensor unit 23 needs to be provided. The pixel 20 in the upper region I and the connection structure thereof are the same as the pixel 20 in the central region II except this point.

In the lower region III of the light receiving surface 21 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the uppermost side (light receiving surface 21) of the lower region III.
Pixel 6 (n ₂₁₁ , pixel 2 of ₁ ) from the bottom of the
0) is provided with the sensor section 23, but this n ₂₁₁ , ₁
N ₂₁₂ , ₁ , n ₂₁₃ , ₁ , located below the pixel 20 of
The sensor unit 23 is not provided in the pixels 20 of n ₂₁₄ , ₁ , n ₂₁₅ , ₁ and n ₂₁₆ , ₁ . Also, in this lower region III,
n _212, which reduces one by one signal storage and read-out combined CCD from ₁ pixel 20 in the order of n _{216, 1} pixel 20, for example, n _{216, 1} pixel 20, first signal storage and read-out combined Only the CCD 24A is provided. To that pixel 20 of the lower region III with such a structure, the pixels from n _{216, 1} of the pixel 20 located closest to the lower side of the light-receiving surface 21 to n _{212, 1} pixel 20, the pixel 20 This is because there are only 5 or less pixels 20 on the lower side of 6 and therefore, even if the sensor section 23 is provided, 6 signal storage / readout CCDs cannot be connected in series.

As shown in FIG. 10, first to sixth scanning CCDs 32A to 3 are provided at a lower position outside the light receiving surface 21.
2F are provided in parallel with each other. Each of the first to sixth scanning CCDs 32A to 32F has a linear shape, and has the number of columns of pixels 20 (j = 1 to 1) forming the light receiving surface 21.
216) corresponding to 216), and is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the first to sixth signal storage / readout combined CCDs 24A to 24F in each pixel 20, that is, in the left-right direction in the drawing. It is arranged.

These first to sixth scanning CCDs 32A to
In each of the charge storage units 33 of 32F, the first to sixth signal storage / readout Cs of the pixels 20 forming the column of i = 216 are used.
The sixth charge storage section 25f of the CDs 24A to 24F is connected. For example, the sixth charge storage portion 25f of the first signal storage and read-out combined CCD24A of n _{216, 1} pixel 20, M
Third switching means 30 composed of OS type transistor
The first scanning CCD 32 is provided by the lead wire 34 provided with C
It is connected to the first charge storage unit 33 from the left side of A in the figure. Further, the n _{216, 1} of the pixel 20 as described above, but no second signal storage and read-out combined CCD24B～24F, constituting the same column (j = 1) and the n _{216, 1} pixel The second signal storage / readout combination CCD 24B provided in the pixel 20 (the second signal storage / readout combination C of the pixel 20 of n ₂₁₁ , ₁ )
CD24B) is connected to the first charge storage section 33 from the left side of the second scanning CCD 32B in the figure by a lead wire 34 provided with a third switching means 30C. Less than,
Similarly, the third to sixth pixels 20 forming the column of j = 1
Among the CCDs 24C to 24F for both signal storage and readout, the sixth charge storage section 25f, which is located at the lowermost side, is connected from the third scanning CCD 32C to the sixth scanning by the lead wire 34 provided with the third switching means 30C. C
It is connected to the first charge storage unit 33 of the CD 32F. Similarly, in the row of i = 216, the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 2 of the pixels 20 of j = 2 to 216 are also used.
4A to 24F of the sixth charge accumulating portion 25f is accumulated by the lead wire 34 provided with the third switching means 30C from the left to the second to the 216th charge of the first to sixth scanning CCDs 32A to 32F, respectively. It is connected to the part 33.

As shown in FIG. 2, the 216th charge storage section 33 (the rightmost charge storage section 33 in the figure) of the first to sixth scanning CCDs 32A to 32F is connected to the light receiving surface 2.
1 is connected to the first to sixth charge accumulating portions 36a to 36f of the reading CCD 35 provided outside. Further, the sixth charge accumulating portion 36f of the reading CCD 35 is connected to the main memory 6 by the lead wire 40 via the amplifier 4 and the A / D converter 5 shown in FIG.

As described above, the pixel 2 with i = 1, 7, 13, ...
0 second signal storage / readout CCD 24B, i =
CCD 24C for both third signal accumulation and reading of pixels 20 of 2, 8, 14, ..., Fourth of pixels 20 of i = 3, 9, 15 ,.
CCD 24D for both signal accumulation and reading, i = 4, 10,
CCD for the fifth signal storage and readout of the pixels 20 of 16 ...
24E, i = 5, 11, 17 ,.
A signal discharge line 31 is connected to. As shown in FIG. 3, the light-receiving surface 21 is divided into four equal parts in the vertical direction (row direction) and four equal parts in the horizontal direction (column direction), so that the same number (2,916) of pixels 2 are formed.
The signal discharge line 31 of each pixel 20 included in each of the regions A1 to A16 is connected to one monitor line 37 by being divided into 16 square regions A1 to A16 including 0. For example, in the area A1 at the left end of the uppermost stage of the light-receiving surface 21, there are 54 pixels (i = 1 to 54) in the vertical direction and 54 pixels (j = 1 to 54) in the horizontal direction, for a total of 2,916 pixels 20. The signal discharge lines 31 of these pixels 20 are included and are connected to one monitor line 37.

On the right side in FIG. 3 outside the light-receiving surface 21, there is provided a monitor CCD 39 consisting of a linear CCD having 16 charge storage portions 38, and areas A1 and A2 are provided.
2, A3 ... A15, A16 are connected to the monitor lines 37 from the first charge accumulation section 38 to the sixteenth charge accumulation section 38 on the upper side in the drawing of the monitoring CCD 39, respectively.

The sixteenth charge accumulating portion 38 of the monitor CCD 39 is a luminance monitoring means via the amplifier 11 and the A / D converter 12 by the read line 41 provided with the fourth switching means 30D composed of a MOS type transistor. It is connected to 13. In addition, the monitor CCD 39
The drain wire 42 provided with the fifth switching means 30E formed of a MOS transistor is connected to the sixteenth charge accumulating section 38.

The brightness monitoring means 13 controls the pixels 2 in each of the 16 areas A1 to A16 at the time of monitoring which will be described later.
The sum of the outputs of the sensor unit 23 of 0 is monitored, and when the brightness of any one of the areas A1 to A16 suddenly changes, a detection signal is sent to the trigger signal generating means 14. Output. Trigger signal generating means 14
When receiving the detection signal, outputs a trigger signal instructing to stop monitoring to the image sensor 18 and the control unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image pickup device 18 includes a first drive circuit 44A for activating the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F provided in each of the pixels 20 at the time of photographing and a setting described later. A second drive circuit 44B for driving the CCDs 24A to 24F for both signal storage and reading is provided. In the present embodiment, the first driving circuit 44A is used as the first to sixth signal accumulating and reading C of each pixel 20 so that the electric signal is transferred at an interval of 10 ⁻⁶ seconds.
The second drive circuit 4 is operated while operating the CDs 24A to 24F.
4B actuates the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of each pixel 20 so that the electric signal is transferred at a required time interval longer than 10 ^-6 . Also,
The image sensor 18 includes the first to sixth scanning CCDs 32A to 3C.
3rd drive circuit 45 which operates 2F, CCD3 for reading
Fourth drive circuit 46 for operating 5 and CCD 3 for monitoring
Fifth drive circuit 47 for operating 9 (illustrated in FIG. 3)
It has.

The first to sixth signal reading CCDs 24A to 24F provided in each pixel 20 as described above are linear and arranged in parallel with each other, and as will be described later, signal reading is also performed at the time of photographing. At the same time, the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20
The electric signals generated in the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F are transferred in the lengthwise direction, that is, in the vertical direction (the direction indicated by the arrow Y).
Also, the circuit structures of the second drive circuits 44A and 44B can be simplified. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, one pixel 20 (e.g., n _{7, 1} pixel 20) first from the first to the sixth signal storage and read-out combined CCD24A~24D
In order to supply the drive voltage to the charge storage unit 25a, the three electric wires 29a, 29b, 2 are connected to the first charge storage unit 25a.
9c may be connected and a drive voltage having a desired waveform may be applied to each of the electric wires 29a, 29b, 29c. Further, although not shown in FIG. 4, the first to sixth electric storage units 25a to 25f of the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of the pixels 20 forming the same column have the same 3 units. It suffices to connect two electric wires and apply a drive voltage having the same waveform.

Next, the operation of the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. This photographing apparatus is configured to perform monitoring and output a trigger signal to start photographing when a change occurs in a subject.

First, during the monitoring, the first switching means 30A of each pixel 20 is in the open state and the second switching means 30B is in the closed state. In addition, the fourth switching means 30D is closed and the fifth switching means 30E is
Is opened. In this state, as shown in FIG.
The sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 forming the light receiving surface 21 has
CCD 1 for both first to sixth signal storage and readout
Any one of 4A to 24F is connected in series, and the six CCDs 24A to 12C for both signal storage and reading are connected.
The sixth charge storage portion 25f of the lowermost one of 24F is connected to the monitor CCD 39 via the signal discharge line 31 and the monitor line 37. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the sensor section 23 of the n _{7, 1} pixel 20, n _{7, 1}
From the pixel 20 of n ₁₂ to the pixel 20 of n ₁₂ , ₁ are connected in series with the six CCDs 24A for both first signal storage and reading,
CC for both first signal accumulation and reading of the pixel 20 of n ₁₂ , ₁
The sixth charge storage unit 25f of D24A is connected to the monitor CCD 39 via the signal discharge line 31 and the monitor line 37.

In this state, the first drive circuit 44A causes the CCD 24 for both the first to sixth signal storage and readout of each pixel 20.
The fifth drive circuit 47 operates the monitor CCD 39 while operating A to 24F. In addition, in synchronization with the operation of the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F, the illumination means 16 intermittently irradiates the subject with light rays. An analog electric signal generated in the sensor unit 23 in accordance with the brightness of the light incident on the light receiving surface 21 via the lens 1 is stored in the sensor unit 23 in series with the six signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F. The first to sixth charge storage units 25a to 25f are sequentially transferred. At this time, the first drive circuit 44A operates the first to sixth signal storage / readout combined CCDs 24A to 24F so that the electric signals are transferred at intervals of 10 ⁻⁶ seconds.

[0058] Electrical signals generated in the sensor section 23 of the n _{7, 1} pixel 20, as shown by the arrow Y, n _{7, 1} pixel 20
First signal storage and read combined sixth charge storage portion from the first CCD 24A 25a to 25f, the first of the first signal storage and read-out combined CCD 24A of n _{8, 1} pixel 20 sixth
Charge accumulation section 25a to 25f, n _9, the first of the first signal storage and read-out combined CCD24A of ₁ pixel 20 sixth charge storage section 25a to 25f, the first signal storage and reading of n _{10, one} pixel 20 sixth charge from the first combined CCD24A storage section 25a to 25f, n _{11, 1} of the first signal storage and the first read combined CCD24A sixth charge accumulation portion of the pixel 2
5a~25f, n _{12, 1} of the first signal storage and first to sixth charge storage portion of the read-out combined CCD24A pixels 20 25
a to 25f are sequentially transferred, and the _first pixel of the pixel 20 of n ₁₂ , ₁ is transferred.
It is sent to the signal discharge line 31 from the sixth charge storage section 25f of the CCD 24A for both signal storage and reading. As described above, the signal discharge line 31 of the pixel 20 included in each of the areas A1 to A16.
Are respectively connected to one monitor line 37, the electric signal sent from the sensor section 23 of the pixel 20 of n ₇ , ₁ to the signal discharge line 31 is the other pixel 20 existing in the area A1. CCD for monitoring through the monitor line 37 together with the electric signal sent from the sensor unit 23 of the above to the signal discharge line 31.
It is transferred from the upper side of 39 to the first charge storage section 38. The electric signal transferred to the monitor CCD 39 is sent to the amplifier 11 and the A / D converter 12 via the monitor line 41, amplified and A / D converted, and then the brightness monitoring means 13 is provided.
Sent to.

[0059] Electrical signals generated in the sensor section 23 of the n _{7, 1} pixel 20, when sent to the first charge accumulation portion 25a of the first signal storage and read-out combined CCD24A of this n _{7, 1} pixel, it until n _{7, 1} from n _{12, 1} of the electric signal charge storage portion of the one lower in view from the first accumulated in the sixth charge storage section 25a to 25f of the pixel 20 25a to 25f
Is transferred to the CCD 24A for both sixth signal storage and reading.
The electric signal stored in the sixth charge storage unit 25f of
CC for both first signal accumulation and reading of the pixel 20 of n ₁₂ , ₁
From the sixth charge storage unit 25f of D24A to the signal discharge line 31,
It is sent to the monitor CCD 39 via the monitor line 37.

The brightness monitoring means 13 has 16 areas A
When it is determined that a rapid change in brightness has occurred in any of 1 to A16, the detection signal is transmitted to the trigger signal generating means 14, and the trigger signal generating means 14 transmits the trigger signal to the image pickup unit 2 and the control means 15. . Imaging unit 2
When the trigger signal is received, the fourth switching means 30D is opened and the fifth switching means 30E is closed to start photographing. In this state, as in the case of the above-described monitoring state, the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 forming the light receiving surface 21 has a first to a sixth portion, respectively.
Six of the signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F are connected in series, and one of the six signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F is located at the lowermost side in the figure. 25f is connected to the monitor CCD 39 via the signal discharge line 31 and the monitor line 37, and the sixteenth charge storage section 38 from above the monitor CCD 39 is connected to the drain line 42 side. Further, the first driving circuit 44A operates the CCDs 24A to 24F for both first to sixth signal storage and reading of each pixel 20 at intervals of 10 ^-6 seconds.

An analog electric signal generated in the sensor portion 23 of each pixel 20 in accordance with the brightness of the light incident on the light receiving surface 21 through the lens 1 is serially connected to each sensor portion 23 as in the above monitoring. The six signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F connected to the first to sixth charge storage units 25a to 25f are transferred in parallel to the signal discharge line 3.
1, discharged from the drain wire 42 through the monitor wire 37 and the monitor CCD 39.

At the time of this photographing, the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 25a to 24f of each pixel 20 are operated by the first drive circuit 44A at intervals of 10 ^-6 seconds as described above, and therefore 10 ^-6. An electric signal generated in the sensor unit 23 every second is a CCD for both the first to sixth signal accumulation and reading.
The images are transferred to the first charge accumulation unit 25a of 24A to 24F, and the photographing speed becomes 10 ⁶ images / sec. Also, during shooting, pixel 2
First and second switching means 30A, 3 provided in 0
Since 0B is not operated, it is possible to prevent noise generated during these operations from affecting the output from the sensor unit 23.

When the photographing is stopped, the operations of the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F are stopped and the second switching means 30B is switched to the open state. In this state, the sensor unit 2 of each pixel 20
CC for accumulating and reading signal from 1 to 6 connected to 3
D24A to 24F first to sixth charge storage units 25a to 2
In 5f, electric signals corresponding to 36 images before the shooting is stopped are accumulated. For example, the first signal storage / readout combined CCD 24A of the six pixels 20 connected to the sensor unit 23 of the n ₇ , ₁ pixel 20 described above has the first signal storage / readout combined use of the n ₁₂ , ₁ pixel 20. From the sixth charge storage unit 25f of the CCD 24A to the first charge storage units 25a, n ₁₁ ,
First signal storage and read-out combined in _one pixel 20 CCD 24
A sixth charge storage unit 25f to first charge storage unit 25a,
CC for both first signal accumulation and reading of the pixel 20 of n ₁₀ , ₁
From the sixth charge storage unit 25f of D24A to the first charge storage unit 2
5a, n ₉ , ₁ of the first signal accumulating and reading CCD 24A of the pixel 20 of the first charge accumulating section 25f of the pixel 20 of the first charge accumulating section 25a, n ₈ , ₁ of the CCD 24A of the first signal accumulating and reading. 6 first charge accumulation portion 25a from the charge storage portion 25f, n _7, first ₁ pixel 20 signal storage and read-out combined sixth charge storage portion first from 25f of CCD24A
The electric charge is stored in order of the electric charge accumulating portion 25a from the electric signal corresponding to the image having the earlier photographing time.

Next, when the electric signals stored and stored in the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of each pixel 20 are read out, the first switching means 30A of each pixel 20 is closed. In the open state, the second switching means 30B is opened, and the lead wire 3
The third switching means 30C provided in 4 is closed. In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of the pixels 20 arranged in the vertical direction are all connected in series.
For example, in the column of j = 1, the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F from the pixel 20 of n ₁ , _{1 to} the pixel 20 of n ₂₁₆ , ₁ are connected in series, respectively.

The third driving circuit 45 uses the first to sixth scanning Cs.
When the fourth drive circuit 46 operates the readout CCD 35 while operating the CDs 32A to 32F, the charge accumulation units 33 and 33 of the first to sixth scanning CCDs 32A to 32F.
The charges are transferred to ..., And the transferred charges are transferred to the 216th charge storage section 33 side in the first to sixth scanning CCDs 32A to 32F, as indicated by the arrow X in FIG. Further, the read CCD 35 is transferred to the first to sixth charge storage units 36a to 36f. CCD for reading
The electric signal transferred to 35 is further transferred to the side of the sixth charge storage section 36f as shown by the arrow Y in FIG. After that, it is stored in the main memory 6 as a digital image signal. The image signals stored in the main memory 6 are rearranged by the image processing means 7 so as to form the first to 36th images, and then formed on the monitor display 9 as images.

As described above, in the image pickup apparatus of the first embodiment,
At the time of shooting, each of the six charge storage units 25a to 25f
First to sixth signal storage / readout CCD 2 including
By connecting any one of 4A to 24F in series to one sensor unit 23, a total of 36 continuous images can be obtained, and the first to sixth signal storage / readout combined CCs can be obtained.
By driving D24A to 24F by the first drive circuit 44A, it is possible to shoot at a shooting speed of 10 ⁶ frames / sec. Therefore, this photographing apparatus can obtain a photographing speed that can be sufficiently used for scientific measurement, and can obtain the number of continuous images that can be used as a video camera. For example, 4 sheets /
If it is played back at a speed of 2 seconds, a moving image of 9 seconds can be obtained.

Further, in this photographing apparatus, the electric signals generated in the sensor section 23 of each pixel 20 as described above at the time of photographing are stored in the first to sixth signal accumulation / readout CCDs 24A to 24C.
The CCDs 24A used for storing and reading the signals are arranged in parallel in the same direction and are stored and stored in the memory 24F, while at the time of reading, as shown in FIG.
To 24F are connected in series, and the electric signals stored in the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F are transferred in parallel in the same direction and provided on the outer side of the light receiving surface 21 from the first to sixth. The scanning CCDs 32A to 32F are configured to read out. That is, in this photographing apparatus, the electric signals generated by the sensor unit 23 are transferred in parallel in the same direction at the time of photographing and at the time of reading the signal, and the electric signals are transferred in the same direction at the time of photographing and at the time of reading the signal. . Therefore, the CCDs 24A to 24A for both 1st to 6th signal storage and reading
First and second drive circuits 44A, 4 for operating F
The structure of 4B has a simple structure, and the light receiving surface 21 does not need to be provided with a CCD for reading signals. Therefore, the area within the light receiving surface 21 can be effectively used,
While sufficiently securing the area of the sensor portion 23, the CCDs 24A to 24A for both first to sixth signal storage and reading are provided for each pixel 20.
24F can be provided. Further, since the moving direction of the electric signal is not bent at the time of photographing and reading the signal, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the pixel 20 due to the residual electric signal.

When the photographing apparatus of the first embodiment is used, it is necessary to perform a work for adjusting the photographing range (setting work) so that a subject (not shown) is surely included in the photographing range. is there. During this setting work,
The first switching means 30A is in the closed state, the second switching means 30B is in the open state, and the third switching means 30.
C is closed. In this state, the second drive circuit 44B
Then, the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A-
24F is operated, and the third and fourth drive circuits 4
5, 46, the scanning CCDs 32A to 32F and the reading CCD 35 are actuated, and the electric signals generated in the sensor unit 23 are used as first to sixth signal storage and reading CCDs.
24A to 24F, scanning CCDs 32A to 32F, and CCD 35 for reading, output to the amplifier unit 4 and the A / D converter 5, and the image signal stored in the main memory 6 is displayed on the monitor by the image processing unit 7. Display on 9. As described above, in the present embodiment, the setting work can be easily performed by immediately displaying the captured image on the monitor display 9.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the electric signal generated in the sensor portion 23 is stored as charge in the CCD and transferred. However, the charge stored in the CCD can be read out as another electric signal such as voltage. .

Next, the high-speed photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11 will be described. In the photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment, a light splitting means 50 including a beam splitting prism is arranged behind the lens 1, and the 1/3 reflection film 51 and the 1/2 reflection film provided in the light splitting means 50 are arranged. 52 is used to divide the light beam incident from the subject through the lens 1 into three equal parts.

Further, first, second and third photographing means 2A, 2B and 2C are arranged on the emission surface side of the light splitting means 50, respectively, and the incident light split by the light splitting means 50 is imaged. The means 2A, 2B and 2C are made to enter.

The first, second and third photographing means 2A, 2B,
2C has a configuration similar to that of the image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, and includes a light receiving surface 21 in which pixels 20 of 216 rows × 216 columns are arranged in a matrix, and First to sixth linear first to sixth charge storage units 25a to 25f provided on both sides of the sensor unit 23
CCDs 24A to 24F for both signal storage and reading are provided, and CCDs for both first to sixth signal storage and reading are provided.
The electrical signals stored in 24A to 24F are transferred to the first to sixth
The electrical signals read and read by the scanning CCDs 32A to 32F and the reading CCD 35 are amplified by the amplifier means 4 and A /
It is configured to be stored in the main memory 6 via the D converter 5.

Further, in this photographing apparatus, as in the first embodiment, the light receiving surface 21 is divided into 16 areas A1 to A16, and the monitor line 37 of each area A1 to A16 is used as a monitor C.
It is connected to the brightness monitoring means 13 and the trigger signal generating means 14 via the CD 39, the amplifier 11 and the A / D converter 12. A synchronizing signal is input to each of the photographing means 2A, 2B and 2C from the control means 15, and the synchronizing signal causes a predetermined time delay in the operation of each of the photographing means 2A, 2B and 2C as described later. It is configured to operate. The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and in FIG. 11, the same elements as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, during shooting, the first to third
Of the three image pickup units 2A to 2C, any one of the image pickup units 2A to 2C is used for the first to sixth signal accumulation / readout CCD 2 for the electric signal generated in the sensor unit 23.
5A to 25F is stored (shooting mode), and the other one of the shooting means 2A to 2C is used to store and read the electric signals generated by the sensor unit 23 from the first to sixth signals.
While accumulating in 5A to 24F, an electric signal is input from the monitor CCD 39 to the brightness monitoring means 13 to monitor the brightness of incident light (shooting / monitoring mode), and the remaining one shooting means 2A to 2C is a CCD 24A for storing and reading first to sixth signals in each pixel 20.
The electric signals accumulated in the first to sixth charge accumulating portions 25a to 25f of 24F are held (holding mode), and as shown in FIG. 12, three photographing means 2A, 2B, 2C alternately take photographing modes. , Is configured to perform shooting by performing shooting / monitoring mode and holding mode.
Focusing on one of the image capturing means 2A to 2B, each mode is repeated in the order of image capturing mode → image capturing / monitoring mode → holding mode.

Further, as described above, each pixel 20 is provided with the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F each having the six charge storage portions 25a to 25f, and the sensor portion 23 of one pixel 20 is provided. 6 signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F are connected in series, and one sensor unit 23 has a total of 36 charge storage units 25.
Since a to 25f are connected, the first drive circuit 44A is used in the photographing mode or the photographing / monitoring mode.
Is a CCD 24A for both first to sixth signal storage and reading
24F is switched 36 times.

In the photographing mode, the first switching means 30A is in the open state, the second switching means 30B is in the closed state, the third switching means 30C is in the open state, and the fourth switching means 30C is in the open state.
The switching means 30D is opened and the fifth switching means 30E is closed. In this state, the first drive circuit 4
4A activates the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of each pixel 20, and
The drive circuit 47 operates the monitor CCD 39.
The electric signal generated in the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 according to the brightness of the incident light is the first signal connected to the sensor unit 23 in series.
To sixth signal storage / readout CCD 24A to 24F
Are sequentially transferred to the six first to sixth charge storage units 25a to 25f, and before that, the first to sixth charge storage units 2 of the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F.
The electric signals stored in 5a to 25f are sequentially discharged to the drain line 42 via the signal discharge line 31, the monitor line 37, and the monitor CCD 39.

In the shooting / monitoring mode, the first
The switching means 30A is in the open state, the second switching means 30B is in the closed state, the third switching means 30C is in the open state, the fourth switching means 30D is in the closed state, and the fifth switching means 30E is in the open state. CCDs 24A to 2 for both 1st to 6th signal storage and reading
4F is operated, and the monitor CCD 39 is also operated. The electric signal generated in the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 is sequentially transferred to the first to sixth charge storage units 25a to 25f of the six signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F connected in series to the sensor unit 23. , Before that, CCDs 24A to 24 for both 1st to 6th signal storage and reading
The electric signals accumulated in the first to sixth charge accumulating units 25a to 25f of F are transmitted through the signal discharge line 31, the monitor line 37, the monitor CCD 39, the amplifier unit 11 and the A / D converter 12 to the brightness monitoring unit. 13 are sequentially input.

In the holding mode, both the first switching means 30A and the second switching means 30B are opened, and the operation of the CCDs 24A to 24F for both the first to sixth signal accumulation and readout of each pixel 20 is stopped. The first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs
First to sixth charge storage units 25a to 2 in 24A to 24F
It holds the electrical signal stored in 5f.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the operation of the second embodiment. In this example, the first photographing means 2A is in "photographing mode", the second photographing means 2B is in "photographing / monitoring mode", 3 The photographing means 2C is set to the "holding mode" (hereinafter, this state is referred to as the "first state") and the operation is started.

At time t ₀ , the photographing apparatus is started, and at this time t ₀
From until the time t ₁ is the first state. In the first state, the electric signals generated in the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 of the first image pickup unit 2A are the first to sixth charge storage units 25a of the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F.
It is sequentially transferred to ~ 25f. Also, during this period, the signal discharge line 31 and the monitor line 37 from the sixth charge storage unit 25f of the first to sixth signal storage / readout combined CCDs 24A to 24F.
Also, electrical signals are sequentially discharged to the drain line 42 via the monitor CCD 39.

On the other hand, in the second photographing means 2B in the photographing / monitoring mode in the first state, the electric signals generated in the sensor portion 23 of each pixel 20 are stored in the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F. The charge is sequentially transferred from 1 to the sixth charge storage units 25a to 25f. Also, during this time,
First to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 2
Electrical signals are sequentially input from the sixth charge storage section 25f of 4F to the luminance monitoring means 13 via the signal discharge line 31, the monitor line 37, the monitor CCD 39, the amplifier 11, and the A / D converter 12.

Further, in the first state, the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of each pixel 20 of the third photographing means 2C in the holding mode are in the inoperative state, and the first to sixth signals. CCD24A for both storage and readout
The electric signals stored in the first to sixth charge storage units 25a to 25f of 24 F to 24 F are held without being transferred.

Next, from time t ₁ to time t ₂ , the first photographing means 2A is in the monitoring mode, the second photographing means 2B is in the holding mode, and the third photographing means 2C is in the photographing mode (second state). In this second state, the first photographing means 2A, which was in the photographing mode in the first state, is in the photographing / monitoring mode, so that the electric signal generated by the sensor unit 23 becomes the first state.
To sixth signal storage / readout CCD 24A to 24F
Of the first to sixth charge storage units 25a to 25f, the first to sixth pixels 20 of the first image pickup unit 2A are transferred.
Electrical signals corresponding to 36 images captured during the time t _{0 to} t ₁ held in the signal accumulation / readout CCDs 24A to 24F are sequentially input to the brightness monitoring means 13 via the monitor CCD 39. . Further, the image during the second state is the CCD 24 for both the first to sixth signal accumulation and readout of each pixel 20 of the third photographing means 2C in the photographing mode.
First to sixth electric signal accumulating units 25a to 25 of A to 24F
It is also accumulated in f.

Next, from time t ₂ to time t ₃ , the first photographing means 2A is in the holding mode, the second photographing means 2B is in the photographing mode, and the third photographing means 2C is in the photographing / monitoring mode (third state). ). In the third state, the third image capturing means 2C that was in the image capturing mode in the second state becomes the monitoring mode, so that the electric signal generated by the sensor unit 23 of the pixel 20 of the third image capturing means 2C changes from the first to the first. While being transferred to the sixth signal accumulation / readout CCDs 24A to 24F, electric signals corresponding to the images photographed between t ₁ and t ₂ are sequentially input to the luminance monitoring means 13.

[0085] In the following, but to continue shooting from the first state by repeating the third state, for example, the time t 'that has elapsed by the time △ t from time t ₆ is at the start of the third state, shooting / monitoring mode 1 of the light receiving surface 21 of the photographing means 2B in
When the brightness monitoring means 13 determines that a sudden change in brightness has occurred in any of the six areas A1 to A16, the brightness monitoring means 13 outputs a detection signal to the trigger signal generating means 14, which causes the trigger signal generating means 14 to operate. The trigger signal is output to the first to third photographing means 2A to 2C. First photographing means 2
When the trigger signal is input to A, the shooting mode is switched to the holding mode. The third photographing means 2C is maintained in the holding mode even if the trigger signal is input.
On the other hand, when a trigger signal is input to the second image capturing means 2B, the image capturing / monitoring mode is switched to the image capturing mode, and the time Δ from the time t _{7 when} the third state ends.
The photographing mode is set until time t ₇ + Δt after the lapse of t.
The photographing ends at this time t ₇ + Δt, and the first to third photographing means 2A to 2C all enter the holding mode.

At the time t ₇ + Δt, which is the time when this photographing is completed, the time t ₄ + Δt is changed to the time t _{5 in} the first photographing means 2A.
And electrical signals for 36 images corresponding to time t ₆ to time t ′ are stored. Further, the electric signals for 36 images from time t ′ to time t ₇ + Δt are accumulated in the second photographing means 2B. Further, the electric signals for 36 images from time t ₅ to time t ₆ are accumulated in the third photographing means 2C. Therefore, at time t ₇ + Δt,
At the first to third photographing means 2A to 2C, time t ₄ + Δt
From, an electric signal corresponding to the image at time t ₇ + Δt is obtained. The time when the trigger signal is output is the time t ′ between the time t ₆ and the time t ₇ as described above, but the image between the time t ₅ and the time t ₆ is displayed between the time t ₆ and the time t _7. Since the corresponding electric signal is input to the brightness monitoring means 13, it is between time t ₆ and time t ₇ that the subject actually changes. Therefore, if an electrical signal corresponding to the image from the time t ₄ + Δt to the time t ₇ + Δt is obtained as described above, 108 continuous images including the moment when the brightness changes abruptly can be obtained. .

At the time of signal reading, the first switching means 30 of the pixels 20 of the first to third photographing means 2A to 2C.
The scanning CCDs 32A to 32F and the signal reading CCD 35 are operated by setting A to the closed state, the second switching means 30B to the open state, and the third switching means 30C to the closed state. The CCD 24 for both the first to sixth signal storage and readout of each pixel 20 of the first to third photographing means 2A to 2C.
The electric signals stored in A to 24F are the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of the pixels 20 forming the row of i = 216. ~ 32F and C for reading
It is output to the amplifier 4 and the A / D converter 5 via the CD 35, and is stored in the main memory 6 after amplification and A / D conversion. At the time of image reproduction, the image processing means 7 is operated as described above.
The signal in the image stored in the main memory 6 is processed according to, and displayed on the monitor display 3 at an appropriate reproduction speed.

In the photographing mode and the photographing / monitoring mode, the first to sixth photographing means 2A to 2C are used.
Since the CCDs 2A to 2F for both signal storage and readout are operated at intervals of 10 ^-6 seconds, the shooting speed is 10 ⁶ images / second, and a sufficiently high shooting speed suitable for scientific measurement can be obtained. Also,
As described above, since the first to third photographing means 2A to 2C are used for photographing, a total of 108 continuous images can be obtained. If the playback speed is set to 4 frames / second, the playback time will be 27 seconds, and it can be sufficiently used as a video camera.

When performing the setting work with the image pickup apparatus of the second embodiment, any one of the first to third image pickup means 2A to 2C is closed with the first switching means 30A and the second switching means 30B is opened. State, the third switching means 30C is closed. In this state, the second drive circuit 44B combines the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCs.
D24A to 24F are operated, and the scanning CCDs 32A to 32F are driven by the third and fourth drive circuits 45 and 46.
Also, the CCD for reading 35 is actuated, and the electric signals generated in the sensor unit 23 are transferred to CCDs 24A to 24F for both first to sixth signal storage and reading, and CCDs for scanning 32A to 32F.
F, amplifier means 4, A / D via read CCD 35
The image signal input to the main memory 6 via the converter 5 and stored in the main memory 6 is formed into an image by the image processing means 7 and is displayed on the monitor display 9.

In the image taking apparatus of this embodiment, color filters are attached to the image taking means 2A, 2B and 2C, respectively, and the image taking means 2A, 2B and 2C are taken in perfect synchronization to take a color image. You can also do it. Further, a trigger signal generating means is provided separately from the photographing means 2A, 2B, 2C, and when the trigger signal is input, 3
It is also possible to take pictures one by one by the picture taking means 2A, 2B, 2C one by one, and take pictures with the remaining picture taking means stopped.

FIG. 14 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first switching means 30A and the second switching means 30B are eliminated, and the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of the pixels 20 forming the same column are used. All are in series, and the state shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, at the time of shooting, shooting is started when a trigger signal from a trigger signal generating means provided outside the shooting device is input.
At the time when six images have been captured (at the time when charges are just accumulated in all of the first to sixth charge accumulating portions 25a to 25f of the first to sixth signal accumulation / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of each pixel 20). ) To stop shooting. At the time of signal reading, as in the first embodiment, the first to sixth
Scanning CCDs 32A to 32F and signal reading CCD 3
5, the electric signals may be read in parallel for each column.

In the third embodiment, since the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F of the pixels 20 forming the same column are all in series as described above, the same as in the first embodiment. Since it is not possible to overwrite the signal, it is necessary to input the trigger signal from the outside, but it is not necessary to provide any switching means in each person's pixel 20, and the structure of the pixel 20 is further simplified.

15 and 16 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the above-described first to third embodiments, the first to the sixth provided in the pixels 20 forming the same column, respectively.
The signal storage and readout CCDs 24A to 24F are connected in series by a lead wire 26.
In the embodiment, long linear signal storage / readout CCDs 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> D including a large number of charge storage units 55 are provided so as to extend across the pixels 20.

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, a first signal storage / readout CCD 54A and a second signal storage / readout CCD 54B are provided on the right side of the sensor section 23 of each pixel 20 forming the same column in the drawing. , Sensor unit 2
The third signal storage / readout CC is shown on the left side in FIG.
D54C and fourth signal accumulation / readout CCD 54D
Is provided.

The first to fourth signal storage / readout CCDs 54A to 54D are linear CCDs having a large number of charge storage sections 55, and the pixels 20 forming the same column.
The light receiving surface 21 extends from the upper end side to the lower end side of the light receiving surface 21. In addition, the first to fourth signal storage / readout CCDs
54A to 54D are provided in parallel with each other.

CCD 54A for both first signal storage and reading
In the vertical direction, the sensor unit 23 of the pixel 20 for every fourth pixel
Are connected by a lead wire 26. The electric storage unit 55 to which the sensor unit 23 of the first signal storage / readout CCD 54A is connected, and the charge storage unit 55 to which the sensor unit 23 adjacent to the upper side or the lower side of the charge storage unit 55 is connected.
There are 27 charge accumulating portions 55 in each period. Second to fourth signal storage / readout CCD 54
B to 54D are also connected to the sensor units 23 of every four pixels 20 in the vertical direction, and the charge storage unit 55 to which one sensor unit 23 is connected and this sensor unit 23 are adjacent to the upper side or the lower side. There are 27 charge storage units 55 between each of them and the charge storage unit 55 to which the sensor unit 23 is connected.

Further, M is provided in the charge accumulating section 55 two above the charge accumulating section 55 to which the sensor section 23 of the first to fourth signal accumulating and reading CCDs 54A to 54D is connected.
The signal discharge line 31 provided with a switching means 57 composed of an OS type switch is connected.

At the time of photographing, of the charge accumulation units 55 of the first to fourth signal accumulation / readout CCDs 54A to 54D, the charge accumulation unit 55 to which the lead wire 26 is connected is the first charge accumulation unit on the upper side in the drawing. The potential of the portion 55 (pixels shaded in FIG. 15) is set higher than that of the other charge storage portions 55, and the shaded charge storage portion 55 is set.
Prevents electrical signals from being transmitted through. Therefore, at the time of shooting, as schematically shown in FIG. 16, 27 charge storage units 55 of any one of the first to fourth signal storage / readout CCDs 54A to 54D are connected to the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20. It will be in the state of being. Further, at the time of photographing, the switching means 5 provided on the signal discharge line 31.
Close 7

The signal generated in the sensor section 23 at the time of photographing is
As shown by the arrow Y in FIG.
1st to 4th signal storage / readout CCD connected to
The charge accumulation units 55 of 54A to 54D are sequentially transferred in parallel downward in the drawing. Since the high potential of the shaded charge storage unit 55 is raised as described above, the electric signal is discharged from the signal discharge line 31 without being transferred to the shaded charge storage unit 55. The signal discharge line 31 is connected to a brightness monitoring means (not shown) via an amplifier, an A / D converter and the like as in the first embodiment, and the brightness monitoring means detects a change in brightness, When the trigger signal generating means outputs the trigger signal, the photographing is stopped.

When the photographing is stopped, the first to fourth signal storage / readout CCDs 54A to 54D store electric signals generated by the sensor section 23 of each pixel corresponding to 27 images.

At the time of reading a signal, the switching means 57 provided on the signal discharge line 31 is opened, and the shaded charge storage section 55 which is set to a high potential at the time of photographing is set to the same potential as another charge storage section 55. return. In this state, the first
To fourth signal accumulation and readout CCDs 54A to 54D
Is a long straight line extending from the upper side to the lower side of the light receiving surface 21. When the first to fourth signal storage / readout CCDs 54A to 54D are operated, the electric signals stored in these charge storage sections 55 are indicated by arrows Y in the figure.
As shown by, the scanning CCD (not shown), which is sequentially transferred from the upper side to the lower side, is provided outside the light receiving surface 21.
And is output from the reading CCD to the main memory through the amplifier and the A / D converter.

In the fourth embodiment, the electric signals are linear and parallel to each other as described above, the first to the fourth signal accumulating and reading CCDs 54A to 54D both during photographing and during signal reading. Are transferred in parallel from the upper side to the lower side, and the transfer direction of the electric signal is the same during photographing and during signal reading. Therefore, the photographing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is also used as the first to fourth signal storage / readout C.
The structure of the drive circuit for operating the CDs 54A to 54D is simple.

Further, since the first to fourth signal storage / readout combined CCDs 54A to 54D can both store the electric signals at the time of photographing and transfer the electric signals at the time of reading, the signals are read out into the light receiving surface 21. CCD for use in the above
To fourth signal accumulation and readout CCDs 54A to 54D
There is no need to provide it separately. Therefore, while the area of the sensor unit 23 is ensured so that a sufficient amount of light can be obtained, the charge storage unit 5 of each signal storage / readout CCD 54A to 54D.
The number of 5 can be increased. Furthermore, since the transfer direction of the electric signal in the pixel 20 is not bent, the deterioration of the pixel 20 due to the remaining electric signal can be prevented. In the fourth embodiment, 27 charge storage units 55 are connected to the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 at the time of shooting, but the number of the charge storage units 55 is 35.
It is possible to set the number to about 50, and in this case, it is possible to realize the number of continuous images required to form the above-described moving image. Other structures and operations of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment.

17 to 19 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the first to fourth embodiments, the light rays converged by the lens system 1 are incident on the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20, but in the fifth embodiment, the incident light is converted into an electron stream. Each pixel 2
0 is input to the sensor unit 23.

The image pickup unit 2 in the fifth embodiment is
The structure is as shown in FIG. 17A, and MCP type II6
The image pickup device 18 is attached to 0.

The MCP type II 60 is provided with an entrance window member 62 made of fiber glass in an opening at one end side of a tube member 61 whose inside is evacuated, and a photoelectric surface 63 and a micro channel plate ( MCP) 65
And are provided. Further, the casing 18a of the image pickup device 18 is attached to the opening portion on the other end side of the pipe member 61, and the light receiving surface 21 of the image pickup device 18 is opposed to the MCP 65 at a position separated by a required distance.

The light ray L incident on the image pickup unit 2 from the lens 1 is incident on the front surface of the incident window member 62, strikes the photocathode 63, and is converted into an electron stream L ′ having an intensity corresponding to the quantity of the light, and then the MCP 65. Incident. The MCP 65 has a well-known structure, and as shown in FIG.
are provided, and a potential difference is provided between the front surface 65b side and the rear surface 65c side. The photocathode 63
The photoelectrons that make up the electron flow incident from the electron beam pass through the hole 65a and collide with the wall portion of the hole 65a at this time to cause an avalanche phenomenon in which a large number of secondary electrons are emitted, thereby increasing the number of electrons. . Further, the photoelectrons are accelerated by the electric field provided in the MCP 65. The electron flow thus enhanced enters the light receiving surface 21 of the image sensor 18.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a large number of square pixels 20 are arranged in a matrix on the light receiving surface 21 of the image pickup device 18. In addition, the sensor unit 23
The sensor section 2 is provided with a laminated structure in which the CCDs 64A to 63D for both signal storage and reading are provided on different surfaces.
The area of 3 is set large. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, a sensor unit 23 is provided in each pixel 20 on the side (surface) of the light-receiving surface 21 on which the electron flow L ′ is incident. The sensor portion 23 is made of a metal electrode and has a square shape having substantially the same area as that of each pixel 20.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19, the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64D are provided on the surface (rear surface) opposite to the above surface of the light receiving surface 19. CCD 64A for both first to eighth signal storage and reading
64H is a linear shape having a large number of charge accumulating portions 55, and the pixel 2 is arranged in the vertical direction in the drawing of the light receiving surface 21.
It is provided so as to extend over 0. That is, the plurality of pixels 20 and 2 that are arranged in the vertical direction and form the same column
First to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H are arranged in parallel from the left side on the back surface side of the sensor unit 23 of 0 ...

As shown in FIG. 19, the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H cover almost the entire back surface of the pixels 20 forming the same column. Switching charge storage units 72A, 7
In order to provide the clearance 69 for arranging 2B, the second
To 8th signal storage / readout CCD 64B to 64H
A meandering portion 68 is partially provided in the. The meandering portion 68 is gently curved with a small curvature.

The bending structure of the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H will be described below for the column of j = 1, but the same structure is also applied to the columns of j = 2 and thereafter for the first to eighth signals. CCD 64A-6 for both storage and reading
A meandering portion 68 is provided at 4H. First, in the bending structure of the first to eighth signal storage / readout combined CCDs 64A to 64H, the eight pixels 20, 20 ...
Pixels 20 that form a unit (unit u) and form the same column
Repeat this unit u with.

As shown in FIG. 20, the pixel 20 is divided into nine sections s1 to s9 having the same width in the lateral direction, and each section s1 to s1.
CCD6 for both 1st to 8th signal storage and readout for every s9
4A to 64H are arranged. Since eight signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H are arranged in these nine sections s1 to s9, one section s1 to s9 remains.
Utilizing the remaining sections s1 to s9, the second to eighth signal storage / readout combined CCD signal storage / readout combined CC
D64B to 64H are partially arranged obliquely.

For example, of the unit u of the eight pixels 20 arranged in the vertical direction, the pixel 20 located on the uppermost side in FIG. 19 is as shown in FIGS.
The first signal storage / readout CCD 64A is linear and passes through the first section s1. The third to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64C to 64H are also linear and pass through the fourth to ninth sections s4 to s9, respectively. On the other hand, the second signal storage / readout CCD 64B is provided with meandering portions 68, 68 on the upper end side and the lower end side of the pixel 20, respectively, and the upper end side of the pixel 20 passes through the third section s3.
At the lower end side, it passes through the second section s2.

In addition, of the unit u of the eight pixels 20 arranged in the vertical direction, 2 from the uppermost side in FIG.
In the pixel 20 located at the second position, the first and second signal storage / readout CCDs 64A and 64B and the fourth to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64E to 64H are arranged linearly, while the third signal storage / readout is used. CCD64
The meandering portions 68, 68 are provided in C so that the upper end side of the pixel 20 passes through the fourth section s4 and the lower end side passes through the second section s5. In the same manner, the eight vertically arranged
In the unit u of the individual pixels 20, the third to seventh pixels 20 from the uppermost side in FIG. 19 include the fourth to eighth signal accumulation / readout CCDs 64D to 64D, respectively.
The meandering portions 68, 68 are provided in the order of 64H and the gap 69 is provided in the pixel 20. Furthermore, 8 arranged in the vertical direction
In the pixel 20 located in the eighth from the uppermost side in FIG. 19 among the unit u of the individual pixels 20, the meandering portions 68 and 68 are provided in the second to eighth signal accumulation / readout CCDs 64B to 64H, respectively. A gap 69 is provided in 20. The bending angle θ of the meandering portion 68 of each of the second to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64B to 64H is preferably 10 ° or less.

Eight pixels 20 arranged in the vertical direction
In the first to seventh pixels 20, 20, ... From the upper side of the unit u, a gap 69 is formed on both sides of the signal accumulation and readout CCDs 64B to 64H provided with the meandering portion 68. For example, in the case of the uppermost pixel 20 of the unit u of the pixel 20, the second signal storage / readout CCD 64B provided with the meandering portions 68 and 68 and extended from the second section s2 to the third section s3. Gap 6 on both sides in the figure
9,69 are formed. Of the unit u of the eight pixels 20 arranged in the vertical direction, the eighth pixel 2 from the upper side
0, the gaps 69, 69 are formed on the left side of the second signal storage / readout CCD 64B and on the right side of the eighth signal storage / readout CCD 64 in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the first pixel 20 among the pixels 20 of one unit u, the upper gap 69 is formed.
In, a conductive portion 71 protruding from the sensor portion 23 to the back surface side of the pixel 20 is provided. Further, in this gap 69, there is provided a first switching charge storage portion 72A projecting laterally from one of the charge storages 55 of the first signal storage / readout CCD 64A, and the conductive portion 71 is connected to this first storage charge storage portion 72A. It is connected to one switching charge storage unit 72A.

Further, in the gap portion 69 on the lower side of the uppermost pixel 20 of the pixels 20 of the unit u, it projects laterally from one of the electric storage portions 65 of the second signal storage / readout CCD 64B. Second switching charge storage section 7
2A is provided. The signal discharging line 31 (illustrated only in FIG. 20) is connected to the second switching charge storage section 72A as in the first embodiment.
Is connected to the luminance monitoring means via a monitor line, a monitor CCD, an amplifier and an A / D converter.

Similarly, in the second to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64B to 64H of the pixel 20 of the unit u, the first gap is provided in the upper space 69 of each pixel 20 in the drawing.
The switching charge storage section 72A is provided, and the second switching charge storage section 72B is provided in the lower space 69.
Is provided.

Therefore, focusing on the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H, every eighth pixel 20 is connected to the sensor unit 23 via the first switching charge storage unit 72A, and In the drawing of the pixel 20 provided with the first switching charge storage section 72A, the second switching charge storage section 72B is provided in the pixel 20 on the upper side.

During the monitoring, the first switching charge storage section 72A is closed, and the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 6 from the sensor section 23 are closed.
The charge is transferred to 4H and exists between the charge storage unit 55 connected to the first switching charge storage unit 72A and the charge storage unit 55 connected to the second switching charge storage unit 72A. Individual charge storage units 55 (see FIG. 2).
At 0, the voltage of the charge storage part 55) with hatching is increased to prevent electric signals from being transferred. Further, the second switching electric storage section 72B is closed to output an electric signal to the luminance detecting means. In this state, the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 is provided with the charge storage unit 55 corresponding to any one of eight pixels 20 of the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H. It is connected. CCDs 64A to 64 for both first to eighth signal storage and reading
H has 11 charge storage units for each pixel 20, and the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 has a total of 88 charge storage units.
The individual charge storage units 55 are connected. Among these, as described above, the charge storage portion 55 shaded in FIG.
Since the electric signals are not transferred as a high potential, the electric signals corresponding to the 87 images generated in the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20 are transferred to the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64. Accumulated. In addition, during monitoring, the first to eighth signal storage / readout combined C
Gating is performed by operating the CDs 64A to 64H and switching on and off of the voltage applied to the MCP 65 of the MCP type II 60 in synchronization with this operation.

During the monitoring, when the brightness detecting means detects a change in brightness, photographing is started. At the time of this photographing, as in the case of the above-mentioned gating, the MCP is synchronized with the operation of the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H.
Gating type II60 MCP65. Also,
At the time of photographing, the CCDs 64A to 64H for both the 1st to 8th signal accumulation and readout are driven and MCP at 10 ^-6 second intervals.
Gating type II60 MCP65.

At the time of reading the signal after the end of photographing, the first
By opening the switching hand 72A, the CCD 6 for both the first to eighth signal storage and reading from the sensor unit 23 of each pixel 20
Prevent electrical signals from being transferred to 4A-64H. Also, the gating of the MCP 65 is stopped. Further, the second switching means 72B is opened, and the electric charge accumulating portion 55 shown by hatching in FIG. 20, which is set to a high electric potential at the time of photographing, is set to the other electric potential accumulating portion 55 at the same electric potential. At this time, in the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H, the charge storage portions 55 are connected in series from the upper end side to the lower end side of the light receiving surface 21.

In this state, the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H are operated to operate the first to eighth CCDs.
The electric signals stored in the charge storage section 55 of the CCDs 64A to 64H for both signal storage and reading are sequentially transferred in parallel from the upper side to the lower side as indicated by an arrow Y in the figure. Similar to the first embodiment, a scanning CCD is provided below the light receiving surface 21, and the charge storage portions located at the lowermost side of the light receiving surface 21 of the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H. An electric signal is transferred from 55 to the main memory through the scanning CCD, the reading CCD, the amplifier, and the A / D converter.

At the time of the above setting work, the MCP 65 is gated so that the electron flow is incident on the light receiving surface 21 for every 1/30 second for 10 ⁻⁶ seconds, and an image at the same time as in the case of the first embodiment is displayed. Do this while checking on the monitor display. When the electron stream is irradiated without being converted into light as in the fifth embodiment, the sensor section 23 with which the electrons collide is severely deteriorated, so that the sensor section 23 is exposed to the electron stream for the shortest possible time. Better. Since the time required for the above-mentioned photographing is relatively short, the deterioration of the image pickup device is not so affected. On the other hand, the monitoring and setting work takes a longer time than the time required for shooting, but in the fifth embodiment, since the time interval of the gatein at the time of monitoring and setting work is long as described above, the image pickup is performed. The life of the element 18 can be extended. In the fifth embodiment, the first to eighth signal storage / readout CCDs 64A to 64H may be linear.

FIG. 22 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sixth embodiment has the same structure as the first embodiment, but the structure of the sensor unit 23 of the pixel 20 is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, in the sixth embodiment, the sensor portion 23 of each pixel 20 is divided into a first portion 23a for photographing and a second portion 23b for monitoring, and the second portion 2
3b are respectively connected to signal discharge lines 76a provided with switching means 75. This signal discharge line 76a is
Similar to the first embodiment, a plurality of areas obtained by dividing the light receiving surface 21 are connected to a monitor line, and the monitor line is used as a brightness monitoring unit via a monitor CCD, a read line, an amplifier, and an A / D converter. Connected. On the other hand, the first portion 23
The signal discharge line 76b connected to a is connected to any of the first to sixth signal storage / readout CCDs 24A to 24F.

In the sixth embodiment, each of the sensor units 2
Since the luminance can be monitored by the output of the second portion 23a of No. 3, it is not necessary to drive the first to sixth signal storage / readout combined CCDs 24A to 24F during the monitoring. It is not necessary that the sensor units 23 of all the pixels 20 forming the light receiving surface 21 have the above-described divided structure, and only the required number of pixels arranged at required intervals out of all the pixels arranged in a matrix. May have a structure in which the sensor unit is divided as described above. Further, instead of monitoring the brightness of all the areas of the light receiving surface 21, for example, as shown in FIG. Area A6, A7,
A10, A11) signal discharge line 36a of the pixel 20 belonging to
While the output of is input to the brightness monitoring means to monitor the brightness,
(A1 to A5, A8, A9, A12 to A1 in the peripheral area
The structure of 6) may not be monitored.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made. For example,
In the first to fourth embodiments, the light beam enhanced by the MCP type II described above may be configured to be incident on the image sensor. In the first embodiment, the charge of the pixel 20 is read out by the six scanning CCDs 32A to 32F, but the charge can be read out even if only one scanning CCD is used. Furthermore, the first
In the embodiment, the first and second switching means 30A,
Although 30B is a MOS transistor, the switching means may be configured by the charge storage section of the CCD as in the fifth embodiment.

Furthermore, the pixels do not have to be arranged in a matrix, and may be in a staggered pattern or a checkerboard pattern. Further, in the fifth embodiment described above, the sensor portion 23 may be provided in the gap portion 69. Further, in general, the CCD is provided with a drain line for eliminating the residual charge, so that the luminance may be monitored by inputting the output from the drain line to the luminance monitoring means.

[00129]

As is apparent from the above description, in the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, a linear signal having a plurality of charge accumulating portions in the vicinity of the sensor portion that generates an electric signal according to the brightness of incident light. A plurality of storage and readout CCDs are provided in parallel, and the sensor unit of each pixel is connected to one of a plurality of signal storage and readout CCDs. In order to transfer the electric signals generated in the sensor section of each pixel in one direction in parallel and accumulate the electric signals in each charge storage section of each signal storage / readout CCD, high-speed shooting of about 10 ⁶ sheets / sheet Is possible.

Further, by setting the total number of charge storage sections of the signal storage / readout CCD connected to the sensor section to a desired number, the desired number of continuous images can be achieved. That is, when the total number of charge storage units of the signal storage / readout CCD connected to the sensor unit of one pixel at the time of shooting is A, electric signals corresponding to A continuous images are stored and stored. Since it is stored in the read / write CCD, if A is set to, for example, 36, the number of continuous images required to form a moving image can be achieved.

Further, at the time of signal reading, the electric signals stored in the respective charge storage portions of the signal storing and reading CCDs provided in parallel are transferred in parallel in the same direction as that at the time of photographing and read out to the outside of the light receiving surface. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a signal reading CCD in the light receiving surface in addition to the signal storing and reading CCD.

Furthermore, since a plurality of CCDs for both signal storage and readout are provided in parallel as described above, and the electric signal transfer directions are the same during photographing and signal readout, signal storage and readout are performed. The structure of the circuit that drives the dual-purpose CCD is simple.

Luminance monitoring means for monitoring whether or not there is a sudden change in the luminance of the incident light incident on the whole area of the light receiving surface or a part thereof, and the photographing is stopped when a detection signal is input from the luminance monitoring means. When the trigger signal generating means for outputting the trigger signal for instructing to the image sensor is provided, it is possible to reliably obtain the moment when the brightness changes abruptly and the images before and after this moment.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram showing an image capturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an image sensor.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a connection between a monitor CCD and a signal discharge line.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view showing a light receiving surface at the time of photographing.

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view showing a light receiving surface during signal reading.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing a central region of a light receiving surface.

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing a region above a light receiving surface.

9 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing a lower region of a light receiving surface.

10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2 showing a lower region of a light receiving surface.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an image capturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a mode cycle of the photographing means of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view showing the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view showing the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the light receiving surface of the fourth embodiment.

17A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an MCP type II of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 17B is a schematic view for explaining the avalanche effect.

FIG. 18 is a partial enlarged view showing a surface of a light receiving surface of the image pickup apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a partial enlarged view showing the back surface of the light receiving surface of the image capturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

20 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

21 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged view showing a light receiving surface of the image pickup apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a region for monitoring for trigger signal output.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional imaging device.

FIG. 25 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a conventional imaging device.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shooting speed of the shooting device and the ratio of users requesting the shooting speed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4, 11 Amplifier 5, 12 A / D converter 6 Main memory 7 Image processing means 13 Luminance monitoring means 14 Trigger signal generating means 20 Pixel 23 Sensor section 24, 64 CCD for both signal storage and reading 25 Charge storage section 32 Scanning CCD 35 CCD for reading 39 CCD for monitoring 68 Meandering part

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A light-receiving surface is configured by a plurality of pixels including a sensor unit that generates an electric signal according to the brightness of incident light,
Each sensor section has a plurality of charge storage sections, and a linear signal storage / readout CCD extending across the plurality of pixels.
And a plurality of linear signal storage / readout CCDs arranged in parallel within the width of each pixel, and at the time of photographing, the electric signal generated in the sensor section of each pixel is stored and read out. The dual-purpose CCD transfers the signals in parallel in one direction to accumulate the electric signals generated in the sensor section in the respective charge storage sections of the dual-purpose signal storage / read-out CCDs, while at the time of signal readout, the respective signal storage / read-out CCDs.
An image pickup device having an image pickup device configured to transfer the electric signals accumulated in the respective charge accumulating portions in parallel in the same direction as in the accumulation and read out to the outside of the light receiving surface. 2. The CCD for both signal storage and reading,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is formed on a surface different from a surface on which the sensor unit is provided. 3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the CCD for both signal storage and readout is partially provided with a meandering portion. 4. Luminance monitoring means for monitoring the luminance of incident light incident on the entire area or a partial area of the light receiving surface and outputting a detection signal when it is detected that a sudden change occurs in the luminance. When a detection signal is input from the brightness monitoring means,
4. A trigger signal generating means for outputting to the image sensor a trigger signal for instructing to stop shooting or start shooting at the same time as the input of the detection signal or after a lapse of a required time, the trigger signal generating means. The image capturing apparatus according to item 1. 5. A means for outputting an electric signal generated in the sensor section to the luminance monitoring means is provided in at least a part of the pixels constituting the light receiving surface of the image pickup device. The imaging device according to claim 4, which is characterized in that 6. The means for outputting an electric signal provided in the pixel divides the sensor portion into a first portion and a second portion, and connects the first portion to the signal storage / readout CCD. On the other hand, the photographing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second portion is connected to the brightness monitoring means.