JPH1013747A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently extract only a picture element signal picked up by a light receiving element group corresponding to a desired aspect ratio with a simple configuration. SOLUTION: An area E2 corresponding to a super video graphics array(SVGA) image is set in an area E1 corresponding to a high definition television(HDTV) image, for example, a picture element signal transferred at first among picture element signals picked up in the area E2 is transferred to a horizontal transfer CCD. An output tap O2 is provided newly to the position of the horizontal transfer CCD. The picture element signal in the area E1 is outputted to the HDTV image via an output terminal O1, the picture element signal in the area E2 is transferred to the SVGA image via an output tap O2. In the case of transferring the picture element signal in the area E2, a transfer control section 2 controls only the picture element signal in the horizontal direction in the area E2 to be transferred horizontally and skips reading an undesired area in the horizontal direction located under the area E2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light receiving element group arranged corresponding to an output device having a predetermined aspect ratio. The present invention relates to an imaging device that outputs to an output device, and more particularly to a technique for performing efficient aspect conversion using a light receiving element group corresponding to a predetermined aspect ratio.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a light receiving element group included in a CCD image pickup device or the like is arranged in advance in accordance with a predetermined output device aspect ratio (screen width / screen height ratio).
When outputting an image pickup signal picked up by an image pickup device to an output device having a different aspect ratio, for example, a display device, an aspect conversion process has been performed in advance.

In this conventional aspect conversion processing, all pixel signals read from a single CCD image pickup device or the like having a light receiving element group arranged in advance corresponding to a predetermined aspect ratio are temporarily stored in an image memory. The stored pixel signals are processed by re-reading only the pixel signals in the area corresponding to the desired aspect ratio from the image memory at a predetermined timing among all the stored pixel signals.

[0004]

However, when the aspect conversion is performed in the conventional image pickup apparatus, all the imaged pixel signals are written into the image memory and only the desired pixel signals are read out. It is necessary to newly provide a processing speed and a high-precision element and circuit used for the conversion processing, and there is a problem that the apparatus scale is increased and the cost is increased.

Further, since it is necessary to write and read the imaged pixel signals to and from the image memory,
A / D converter for converting a pixel signal of a captured analog signal into a digital signal, and, when the output device is a device for processing with an analog signal, converting a pixel signal of a digital signal read from an image memory into an analog signal D /
It is necessary to provide an A converter.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and to provide an image pickup apparatus capable of easily and efficiently switching and extracting only pixel signals picked up by a light receiving element group corresponding to a desired aspect ratio. With the goal.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image light from a subject is received by a group of light receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally in a vertical and horizontal direction, and the image light corresponding to the received image light is received. An image pickup apparatus that performs transfer control for repeating vertical transfer and horizontal transfer of pixel signals obtained from each light receiving element in a predetermined procedure, and generates a predetermined image signal from an output terminal of a horizontal transfer register that performs the horizontal transfer An output tap for extracting a pixel signal to be horizontally transferred is provided at a predetermined position in the middle of the horizontal transfer register. A pixel signal in an area corresponding to a different output pixel arrangement is output as an image pickup signal.

That is, since the pixel signal in the predetermined area is extracted from the output tap, it is not necessary to obtain an image signal only in the predetermined area using an image memory or the like, and it is possible to perform imaging efficiently and at high speed.

In a second aspect of the present invention, image light from a subject is received by a group of light receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction corresponding to a predetermined aspect ratio, and the image light corresponding to the received image light is received. An image pickup apparatus that performs transfer control for repeating vertical transfer and horizontal transfer of pixel signals obtained from each light receiving element in a predetermined procedure, and generates a predetermined image signal from an output terminal of a horizontal transfer register that performs the horizontal transfer At
An output tap for extracting a pixel signal to be horizontally transferred is provided at a predetermined position in the horizontal transfer register, and a pixel signal in an area corresponding to an output pixel arrangement having an aspect ratio different from the predetermined aspect ratio is provided from the output tap. It is output as an image pickup signal.

That is, since only pixel signals of a predetermined light receiving element group corresponding to an aspect ratio different from the predetermined aspect ratio can be directly extracted from the output tap provided in the horizontal transfer register, it is efficient and simple. Aspect conversion can be performed.

In a third aspect of the present invention, only a predetermined number of pixel signals in a region corresponding to the output pixel arrangement of the light receiving element group are read out from the output tap and output as an image pickup signal.

That is, when extracting pixel signals in a predetermined area from the output taps, only a predetermined number of pixel signals are extracted from the position of the output tap and control is performed so as not to extract the remaining pixel signals. Only the pixel signals within the pixel can be extracted efficiently and easily.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, switching means for switching between an output from the output terminal of the horizontal transfer register and an output from the output tap is further provided.

That is, a pixel signal in a desired area can be output only by switching to the output terminal of the horizontal transfer register or the output tap corresponding to the output device by the switching means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a first clock for transfer control and a second clock having a frequency different from the first clock are used.
Clock generating means for generating a clock of the horizontal transfer register, the clock generating means interlocking with the switching of the output from the output terminal of the horizontal transfer register and the output from the output tap by the switching means, It is characterized in that the first clock and the second clock are selectively supplied, respectively.

That is, the clock generation means generates
For example, using a first clock for controlling transfer of all pixel signals and a second clock for controlling transfer of pixel signals in a predetermined area, for example, transferring all pixel signals and transferring pixel signals in a predetermined area are performed. Is set to the value specified in each case, so that the imaging time by each light receiving element becomes appropriate despite the switching of the number of output pixel signals, The transfer time to the output device can also be appropriate. Further, the switching means interlocks with the switching between the output from the output terminal of the horizontal transfer register and the output from the output tap, and switches the first clock and the second clock.
, The output is reliably switched.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a pixel signal other than a pixel signal in a region corresponding to the output pixel arrangement is horizontally transferred among a group of pixel signals simultaneously transferred vertically to the horizontal transfer register. The reading is skipped by performing the next vertical transfer before.

That is, the vertical transfer and the horizontal transfer are performed using a predetermined clock. However, the vertical transfer speed is lower than the horizontal transfer speed by the number of pixels that are simultaneously transferred vertically. A vertical transfer of a pixel signal can be skipped by performing a next vertical transfer before performing a horizontal transfer, and only a necessary pixel signal can be output.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, image light from a subject is received by a group of light receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the image light is obtained from each of the light receiving elements corresponding to the received image light. In an image pickup apparatus that performs transfer control in which vertical transfer and horizontal transfer of pixel signals are repeated in a predetermined procedure and generates a predetermined image signal from an output end of a horizontal transfer register for performing the horizontal transfer, a pixel from the light receiving element group is used. Of the signals,
Only a predetermined number of pixel signals in a region corresponding to an output pixel arrangement different from the pixel arrangement of the light receiving element group are read out and output as an imaging signal.

In this case, by performing transfer control for extracting only a predetermined number of pixel signals in an area corresponding to an output pixel arrangement different from the pixel arrangement of the light receiving element group, an output tap is not necessarily placed in the middle of the horizontal transfer register. A desired pixel signal can be obtained without the provision. Of course, output taps may be used together.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, image light from a subject is received by a group of light receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction corresponding to a predetermined aspect ratio. An image pickup apparatus that performs transfer control for repeating vertical transfer and horizontal transfer of pixel signals obtained from each light receiving element in a predetermined procedure, and generates a predetermined image signal from an output terminal of a horizontal transfer register that performs the horizontal transfer At
A pixel signal in a region corresponding to an output pixel arrangement having an aspect ratio different from the predetermined aspect ratio among the pixel signals from the light receiving element group is output as an imaging signal.

Also in this case, by performing transfer control for extracting only pixel signals in an area corresponding to an output pixel arrangement having an aspect ratio different from the predetermined aspect ratio, an output tap is not necessarily provided in the horizontal transfer register. Thus, a desired pixel signal can be obtained. Of course, output taps can be used together.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, a first clock for transfer control and a second clock having a frequency different from the first clock are used.
Clock generating means for generating all the pixel signals received by the light receiving element group or a predetermined number of image signals in an area corresponding to the output pixel arrangement. , The first clock and the second clock can be selectively supplied depending on whether or not is output.

That is, the clock generation means generates
For example, using a first clock for controlling transfer of all pixel signals and a second clock for controlling transfer of pixel signals in a predetermined area, for example, transferring all pixel signals and transferring pixel signals in a predetermined area are performed. Is set to the value specified in each case, so that the imaging time by each light receiving element becomes appropriate despite the switching of the number of output pixel signals, The transfer time to the output device can also be appropriate. Further, the switching means switches between the first clock and the second clock in conjunction with the switching of the transfer control by the transfer control means, so that the output is reliably switched.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a pixel signal other than a pixel signal in a region corresponding to the output pixel arrangement is horizontally transferred from a group of pixel signals simultaneously transferred vertically to the horizontal transfer register. The reading is skipped by performing the next vertical transfer before.

That is, the vertical transfer and the horizontal transfer are performed using a predetermined clock. However, the vertical transfer speed is lower than the horizontal transfer speed by the number of pixels that are simultaneously transferred vertically. A vertical transfer of a pixel signal can be skipped by performing a next vertical transfer before performing a horizontal transfer, and only a necessary pixel signal can be output.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, this imaging device
An imaging unit 1 that captures image light from a subject (not shown), a transfer control unit 2 that performs transfer control of pixel signals captured by the imaging unit 1, and a clock generation that generates a clock used for imaging timing and transfer control of the imaging unit 1. Unit 3, two output amplifiers T1 and T2 for outputting pixel signals corresponding to the aspect ratio of an output device (not shown) from the imaging unit 1, and output from the imaging unit 1 corresponding to the aspect ratio of the output device (not shown). A switching unit SW for switching and switching the output from the transfer control unit 2 and the clock generation unit 3 in response to the switching.

The two output devices having different aspect ratios are, for example, HDTV (Hi-Level) having an aspect ratio of 16: 9.
gh Definition Television) screen (1920 × 1040)
Pixel) and an SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array) screen (1) having an aspect ratio of 4: 3.
(280 × 960 pixels).

The image pickup section 1 is arranged in a lattice and includes light receiving element groups D11 to Dmn implemented by photodiodes, and vertical transfer CCDs (CA1 to CA1) for vertically transferring pixel signals received by the light receiving element groups D11 to Dmn. CAn) and a horizontal transfer CCD (CB) for horizontally transferring pixel signals vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCD. Light receiving element group D11-
Dmn are arranged in m rows and n columns.
This corresponds to a screen aspect ratio of 16: 9 and the number of pixels, and all the light receiving elements (1920 × 1
1040) is output to the HDTV device. Also, the light receiving element group (1280) included in the region E2
× 960) corresponds to the aspect ratio 4: 3 of the SVGA screen.

Each of the light receiving element groups D11 to Dmn includes n
The pixel signals are connected to the vertical transfer CCDs (CA1 to CAn), respectively, and imaged pixel signals are simultaneously output to the vertical transfer CCDs (CA1 to CAn) at a predetermined timing. Also,
The transfer output terminals of the n vertical transfer CCDs (CA1 to CAn) are connected to horizontal transfer CCDs (CB) in accordance with the arrangement, and the vertical transfer CCDs (CA1 to CAn) are synchronized with the horizontal transfer CCDs (CB). And outputs a pixel signal for each column.

The horizontal transfer CCD (CB) has a horizontal transfer CC (CC).
D has two output terminals, an output terminal O1 which is a transfer end terminal and an output terminal O2 which is a tap in the middle of transfer. Area E
When all the pixel signals in 1 are output, the horizontally transferred pixel signals are output via the output terminal O1 and the output amplifier T1. When outputting a pixel signal in the area E2, the pixel signal horizontally transferred is output via the output terminal O2 and the output amplifier T2. The position of the output end O2 on the horizontal transfer CCD is a position where the pixel signals from the light receiving elements D1k to Dmk in one column arranged at the most output side of the area E2 can be immediately and horizontally transferred. That is, the output terminal O2 is connected to the vertical transfer CC.
It is provided at a position where horizontal transfer is performed with the pixel signal transferred from D (CAk) at the top. Therefore, the pixel signal vertically transferred between the output terminal O1 and the output terminal O2 is output from the output terminal O2.
Is not output from.

The output amplifier T1 is connected to a horizontal transfer CCD (C
The pixel signal for HDTV output from the output terminal O1 of B) is amplified and output to the terminal S3a of the switching unit SW. The output amplifier T2 amplifies the SVGA pixel signal output from the output terminal O2 of the horizontal transfer CCD (CB), and amplifies the switching unit SW.
To the terminal S3b.

The transfer control unit 2 controls the image pickup time of the light receiving element group in the image pickup unit 1 and sends a control signal for controlling the vertical transfer and the horizontal transfer of the imaged pixel signal to each light receiving element group D11.
To Dmn, vertical transfer CCDs (CA1 to CAn), and horizontal transfer CCDs (CB). Further, the transfer control unit 2
An HDTV control signal for transmitting a pixel signal in the area E1 to the HDTV apparatus and an SVGA control signal for transmitting a pixel signal in the area E2 to the SVGA apparatus can be transmitted. SW terminal S1a
And the SVGA control signal is supplied to the terminal S of the switching unit SW.
1b.

The clock generation unit 3 generates a clock that is used as a reference for the imaging timing of the light receiving element group in the imaging unit 1 and the vertical / horizontal transfer timing of the pixel signal. The clock generation unit 3 outputs H when outputting a pixel signal to the HDTV device.
A DTV clock and an SVGA clock for outputting a pixel signal to the SVGA device are generated. The HDTV clock is connected to a terminal S2a of the switching unit SW, and the SVGA clock is connected to a terminal S2b of the switching unit SW. Is done.

The switching unit SW switches between the HDTV control signal output from the transfer control unit 2 and the SVGA control signal, and switches between the HDTV clock and the SVGA clock output from the clock generation unit 3. It has a clock switching unit SW2 and a tap switching unit SW3 that switches between the output from the output tap T1 and the output from the output tap T2. Each switching in the switching unit SW operates in conjunction with each other. That is, when the output device is an HDTV device, the tap switching unit SW3 is switched and connected to the terminal S3a side. When this switching connection is performed, the clock switching unit S3 is switched.
W2 is also connected to the terminal S2a side, and the transfer control switching unit SW1
Is also connected to the terminal S1a. Similarly, if the output device is SV
In the case of a GA device, the tap switching unit SW3 is connected to the terminal S3b.
When the switching connection is performed, the clock switching unit SW2 is also connected to the terminal S2b, and the transfer control switching unit SW1 is also connected to the terminal S1b. Since the HDTV device is normally connected, the switching unit SW is connected to the terminals S1a, S2a, and S3a as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the aspect conversion between the HDTV screen and the SVGA screen. In FIG. 2, when an output amplifier T1 is connected, a pixel signal imaged in a region E1 is output to an HDTV device, and an aspect ratio of 1 is output.
Output to the 6: 9 HDTV screen. When the output amplifier T2 is connected, the pixel signal imaged in the area E2 is output to the SVGA device and the pixel signal is output to the SVGA having the aspect ratio of 4: 3.
Output to the VGA screen. Therefore, the horizontal transfer CCD of the imaging unit 1 realized by a single CCD imaging device or the like
Is provided with an output terminal O2 and an output amplifier T2 from the output terminal O2, and by switching between the output amplifier T1 and the output amplifier T2, aspect conversion can be performed.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A transfer control procedure of the transfer control unit 2 when an SVGA device is connected will be described.

In FIG. 3, first, the transfer control section 2 synchronizes the pixel signals picked up by all the light receiving elements D11 to Dmn in the area E1 in the image pickup section 1 and synchronizes the vertical transfer CCDs (CA1
To CAn) (step 101). Thereafter, the vertical transfer CCD synchronously shifts the pixel signal by one stage,
The lowermost pixel signal row imaged by the light receiving elements Dm1 to Dmn is output to the horizontal transfer CCD (CB) (step 10).
2). Here, it is determined whether or not the vertical transfer of the predetermined number of stages has been performed (step 103). If the vertical transfer of the predetermined number of stages has not been performed, the process proceeds to step 102, where the vertical transfer of the predetermined number of stages is performed. I do. This vertical transfer for the predetermined number of stages is for skipping unnecessary pixel signal rows captured by the light receiving elements belonging to the lower part of the area E2. Step 103
When the vertical transfer of a predetermined number of stages is performed, the vertical transfer of one more stage is performed (step 104).

The transfer control unit 2 is provided with a horizontal transfer CCD.
(CB) causes the vertically transferred pixel signal rows to be transferred horizontally and output from the output terminal O2 via the output tap T2 (step 105). Here, the transfer control unit 2 transfers and outputs only a predetermined number of pixel signals from the output terminal O2. That is, the transfer control unit 2 performs horizontal transfer only for the number corresponding to the pixel signals in the horizontal direction in the area E2. After the horizontal transfer, the transfer control unit 2 determines the predetermined number of stages, that is, the area E2
It is determined whether or not horizontal transfer output of the number of stages corresponding to the pixel signal in the vertical direction has been performed (step 106). If horizontal transfer output of a predetermined number of stages has not been performed, the process proceeds to step 104 and proceeds to step 104. The vertical transfer and horizontal transfer processing of the stage are repeated.

On the other hand, when the horizontal transfer output for the predetermined number of stages has been performed, that is, when all the pixel signals picked up by the light receiving elements in the area E2 have been horizontally transferred and output from the output terminal O2, the process proceeds to step 101. Then, the pixel signals of all the light receiving elements that have received the image light of the subject within the predetermined imaging time are output to the vertical transfer CCD, and by repeating the above processing, only the pixel signals imaged in the area E2 are obtained. Output terminal O
2 and the pixel signal group is displayed and output on the SVGA screen.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the predetermined number of stages determined in step 103. Since the number of vertical pixels on the HDTV screen is 1040 pixels and the number of vertical pixels on the SVGA screen is 960 pixels, the difference is 80 pixels.
In FIG. 4, when the center position of the region E1 and the center position of the region E2 are made to coincide with the same position C, the number of steps that are located below the region E2 and not included in the region E2 is 40 pixels corresponding to 40 pixels in the vertical direction. It becomes a step. Therefore, the transfer control unit 2 determines in step 103 that the predetermined number is 40 stages CC.

When the upper and lower portions of the region E2 coincide with the region E1, for example, the region E2 shown in FIG.
When the aspect conversion as shown in FIG. 1 is performed, it is not necessary to perform the determination in step 103, and the transfer control similar to the output to the HDTV device may be performed. However, not all the vertically transferred pixel signals are horizontally transferred and output, but only a predetermined number corresponding to the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the area E21 is horizontally transferred and output as shown in the processing of step 105.

Next, the clock generated by the clock generator 3 and the transfer control of the transfer controller 2 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

First, FIG. 6A is a timing chart when a pixel signal is transferred and output to an HDTV device.
In FIG. 6A, the pixel signals imaged in the area E1 are simultaneously output to the vertical transfer CCD, and the vertical transfer CCD shifts the output pixel signals to the horizontal transfer CCD by one stage and transfers them. Thereafter, the horizontal transfer CCD horizontally transfers and outputs pixel signals for one stage, that is, pixel signals for 1920 pixels, from the output terminal O1. Then, by repeating the vertical transfer and the horizontal transfer, all the pixel signals in the area E1 are transferred and output.

On the other hand, FIG. 6B is a timing chart when the pixel signals in the area E21 in FIG. 5 are output. In FIG. 6B, the pixel signals picked up in the area E1 are simultaneously displayed. Output to the vertical transfer CCD.
The output pixel signal is shifted by one stage to the horizontal transfer CCD and transferred. Thereafter, the horizontal transfer CCD outputs the output terminal O2.
And a predetermined number of pixel signals in one stage are horizontally transferred and output. Then, by repeating the vertical transfer and the horizontal transfer, all the pixel signals in the area E21 are transferred and output.

However, in the timing charts of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the time at which the pixel signal picked up by the light receiving element is output to the vertical transfer CCD again is different.
That is, the all-pixel transfer output time in FIG. 6B is shorter than the all-pixel transfer output time in FIG. 6A, and the imaging period is also shorter. Therefore, the clock generator 3
Is a vertical transfer CCD from all the light receiving elements in FIG.
In order to make the output to the vertical transfer CCD from all the light receiving elements in FIG. 6B the same as that in FIG. 6B, a clock that is slower than the clock in FIG. 6A is generated as shown in FIG. Then, transfer control is performed by the generated clock. The ratio of this clock is inversely proportional to the number of pixel signals transferred and output from the horizontal transfer CCD, that is, the number of light receiving elements in the area E1 and the number of light receiving elements in the area E21. As a result, pixel signals captured during the same imaging period are always output.

Actually, when the pixel signals picked up by the light receiving elements in the area E2 are transferred and output to the SVGA device, it is necessary to perform vertical transfer for 40 stages. However, HDTV
If the same control as the transfer control to the device is performed, it takes too much time for the vertical transfer of 40 stages including the horizontal transfer. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6D, the vertical transfer for 40 stages can be processed using a horizontal transfer clock. That is, the vertical transfer for 40 stages is continuously transferred using 40 clocks. In this case, the horizontal transfer time of one stage requires 1280 pixels, that is, a time of 1280 clocks, and the time of 40 clocks required for the continuous vertical transfer of 40 stages is very small as compared with the time of 1280 clocks. Value. Therefore, the vertical transfer processing of 40 clocks can be performed within the vertical blanking period of the output device.

In this case, the clock generation unit 3
A clock having a cycle that takes into account the time corresponding to the clock may be generated.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the output tap O for cutting out the pixel signal in the middle of the horizontal transfer CCD is used.
Only by providing 2, the single imaging unit 1 can switch and output pixel signals corresponding to two aspect ratios.

Next, an image pickup apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment, the horizontal transfer CCD
Is provided at a predetermined position of the output tap O2.
2, the pixel signals captured in the desired area E2 are transferred and output. However, in the second embodiment, all the pixel signals corresponding to different aspect ratios are transferred and output from one output terminal O1. ing.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device shown in FIG. 7 has the output tap O2 and the output amplifier T which are included in the imaging device shown in FIG.
2 and the tap switching unit SW3 are deleted.
The transfer control of the transfer control unit 21 is also different from the transfer control of the transfer control unit 2 shown in FIG.

The area E4 in the image pickup section 1 is an area corresponding to the aspect ratio of the SVGA screen, and has the same size as the area E2 in FIG. However, the center position of the area E4 does not match the center position of the area E1, and the lower right end on the transfer output side matches.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A transfer control procedure of the transfer control unit 21 that transfers and outputs a pixel signal captured in the area E4 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 8, the transfer control unit 21
All the pixel signals picked up by the light receiving element groups D11 to Dmn in 1 are synchronously output to the vertical transfer CCDs (CA1 to CAn) (step 201). Next, the vertical transfer CCD (CA
1 to CAn) to perform vertical transfer by synchronizing the horizontal pixel signal rows output to the horizontal transfer CCD (CB) side, and transfer the pixel signal group at the lowermost stage to the horizontal transfer CCD.
(CB) (step 202). Next, 1280 pixel signals corresponding to a predetermined number, that is, 1280 pixel signals corresponding to the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the region E4, are output from the output stage O1 through the output amplifier T1. (Step 203).

Next, it is determined whether or not 960 vertical transfers corresponding to the predetermined number of stages, that is, the number of pixels in the vertical direction of the area E4 have been performed (step 204), and the vertical transfer of the predetermined number of stages has not been performed. In this case, the process proceeds to step 202, and the vertical transfer and the associated horizontal transfer process are repeated until a predetermined number of vertical transfers are performed. On the other hand, when the vertical transfer of the predetermined number of steps has been performed, the process shifts to step 201 without performing the vertical transfer of the 80 steps located above the area E4, and the above-described processing is repeated to thereby obtain the pixel on the next imaging surface. Take out the signal.

The transfer output to the HDTV device is the same as the transfer control in the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the predetermined number of steps 203 is 1920 pixels and the predetermined number of steps 204 is 1
The transfer control may be performed with the number of 040 stages.

The HD generated by the clock generation unit 31
The period ratio between the TV clock and the SVGA clock may be a value that is inversely proportional to the number of pixels in the area E1 and the area E4.

Further, the transfer control switching unit S in the switching unit SW
W1 and the clock switching unit SW2 are switched in conjunction with each other.

As described above, in the second embodiment, it is possible to extract only a pixel signal in a predetermined area on the imaging surface.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the output to the HDTV screen and the output conversion to the SVGA screen (1280 × 960 pixels) have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Without, for example, SVGA
Instead of the screen, a VGA (Video GraphicsArch) having the same aspect ratio as the SVGA screen and half the resolution
ray) screen (640 × 480 pixels). In this case, for example, the region E in FIG.
No. 2 is a region where the center position C is the same and the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are each half.

By setting a plurality of areas and providing a plurality of output taps O2 corresponding to the plurality of areas,
Pixel signals corresponding to various aspect ratios can be transferred and output by one imaging unit. Of course, in this case, a plurality of control signals for each transfer control are output,
The clock generation unit may generate a plurality of clocks corresponding to the respective clocks.

[0064]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, an output tap for extracting a pixel signal from a middle position of a horizontal transfer register is provided, and a pixel signal in an area corresponding to a different aspect ratio from the output tap is provided. Is output as an image pickup signal, so that an A / A for writing to and reading from the image memory or the image memory is used.
Aspect conversion can be directly performed with an efficient and simple configuration without the need for a D converter or a D / A converter.

Further, when extracting pixel signals in a predetermined area from the output taps, only a predetermined number of pixel signals are extracted from the positions of the output taps, and control is performed so as not to extract the remaining pixel signals. Thus, only the pixel signals in the predetermined area can be efficiently extracted.

Even when the output tap is not provided in the middle of the horizontal transfer register, transfer control for extracting only a predetermined number of pixel signals in a predetermined area is performed, so that pixel signals in a predetermined area can be efficiently and simply configured. Can be taken out.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory block diagram illustrating an aspect conversion operation between an HDTV screen and an SVGA screen.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer control procedure of a transfer control unit 2 when an SVGA device is connected.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a predetermined number of steps skipped in step 103 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example when there is no predetermined number of steps to be skipped in step 103 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a clock generated by the clock generation unit 3 and a transfer control operation of the transfer control unit 2;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transfer control procedure of a transfer control unit 21 when an SVGA screen is connected.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 imaging unit 2 transfer control unit 3 clock generation unit D11 to Dmn light receiving elements CA1 to CAn vertical transfer CCD CB horizontal transfer CCD T1, T2 output amplifier O1 output terminal O2 output tap SW switching unit SW1: transfer control switching unit SW2: clock switching unit SW3: tap switching unit E1: imaging area corresponding to HDTV screen E2: imaging area corresponding to SVGA screen

Claims (10)

[Claims] An image light from a subject is received by a light receiving element group arranged two-dimensionally in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and a pixel signal obtained from each light receiving element corresponding to the received image light is vertically transferred. An image pickup apparatus that performs transfer control for repeating horizontal transfer in a predetermined procedure and generates a predetermined image signal from an output end of a horizontal transfer register that performs the horizontal transfer. An output tap for extracting a pixel signal to be output is provided. From the output tap, a pixel signal in an area corresponding to an output pixel arrangement different from the pixel arrangement of the light receiving element group among the pixel signals from the light receiving element group is imaged. An imaging apparatus characterized in that the image is output as an image. 2. An image light from a subject is received by a light receiving element group arranged two-dimensionally in a vertical and horizontal direction corresponding to a predetermined aspect ratio, and obtained from each light receiving element corresponding to the received image light. An image pickup apparatus that performs transfer control to repeat vertical transfer and horizontal transfer of the received pixel signal in a predetermined procedure and generates a predetermined image signal from an output terminal of a horizontal transfer register that performs the horizontal transfer. An output tap for extracting a pixel signal horizontally transferred is provided at a predetermined position on the way, and a pixel signal in an area corresponding to an output pixel arrangement having an aspect ratio different from the predetermined aspect ratio is output from the output tap as an imaging signal. An imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only a predetermined number of pixel signals in a region corresponding to the inner output pixel arrangement of the light receiving element group are read out from the output tap and output as an image pickup signal. Imaging device. 4. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit configured to switch between an output from an output terminal of the horizontal transfer register and an output from the output tap. apparatus. 5. A clock generating means for generating a first clock for transfer control and a second clock having a frequency different from that of the first clock, wherein the clock generating means is provided by the switching means. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first clock and the second clock are selectively supplied in conjunction with switching between an output from an output terminal of a horizontal transfer register and an output from the output tap. An imaging device according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. A pixel signal group other than a pixel signal in a region corresponding to the output pixel arrangement in a pixel signal group vertically transferred to the horizontal transfer register at the same time is subjected to the next vertical transfer before performing the horizontal transfer. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the reading is skipped by performing the operation. 7. A light receiving element group arranged two-dimensionally in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction receives image light from a subject, and vertically transfers a pixel signal obtained from each light receiving element corresponding to the received image light. An image pickup apparatus that performs transfer control to repeat horizontal transfer in a predetermined procedure and generates a predetermined image signal from an output end of a horizontal transfer register for performing the horizontal transfer, wherein, among the pixel signals from the light receiving element group, the light receiving element An imaging apparatus characterized in that only a predetermined number of pixel signals in an area corresponding to an output pixel arrangement different from a pixel arrangement of a group are read out and output as an imaging signal. 8. An image light from a subject is received by a group of light receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally in a vertical and horizontal direction corresponding to a predetermined aspect ratio, and is obtained from each light receiving element corresponding to the received image light. An image pickup apparatus that performs transfer control to repeat vertical transfer and horizontal transfer of the obtained pixel signal in a predetermined procedure and generates a predetermined image signal from an output end of a horizontal transfer register that performs the horizontal transfer. An image signal which outputs a pixel signal in an area corresponding to an output pixel arrangement having an aspect ratio different from the predetermined aspect ratio among the pixel signals of the above (1). 9. A clock generating means for generating a first clock for transfer control and a second clock having a frequency different from that of the first clock, wherein the clock generating means includes a light-receiving element group. Depending on whether all the received pixel signals are output or a predetermined number of image signals are output in the area corresponding to the output pixel arrangement,
The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the first clock and the second clock are selectively supplied, respectively. 10. A pixel signal group other than a pixel signal in a region corresponding to the output pixel arrangement in a group of pixel signals simultaneously vertically transferred to the horizontal transfer register is subjected to the next vertical transfer before performing the horizontal transfer. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the reading is skipped by performing the operation.