WO2015133323A1 - 撮像素子、制御方法、並びに、撮像装置 - Google Patents
撮像素子、制御方法、並びに、撮像装置 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2015133323A1 WO2015133323A1 PCT/JP2015/055140 JP2015055140W WO2015133323A1 WO 2015133323 A1 WO2015133323 A1 WO 2015133323A1 JP 2015055140 W JP2015055140 W JP 2015055140W WO 2015133323 A1 WO2015133323 A1 WO 2015133323A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/40—Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/40—Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled
- H04N25/44—Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled by partially reading an SSIS array
- H04N25/445—Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled by partially reading an SSIS array by skipping some contiguous pixels within the read portion of the array
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/40—Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled
- H04N25/46—Extracting pixel data from image sensors by controlling scanning circuits, e.g. by modifying the number of pixels sampled or to be sampled by combining or binning pixels
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/70—SSIS architectures; Circuits associated therewith
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/70—SSIS architectures; Circuits associated therewith
- H04N25/71—Charge-coupled device [CCD] sensors; Charge-transfer registers specially adapted for CCD sensors
- H04N25/75—Circuitry for providing, modifying or processing image signals from the pixel array
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/70—SSIS architectures; Circuits associated therewith
- H04N25/76—Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
- H04N25/767—Horizontal readout lines, multiplexers or registers
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/70—SSIS architectures; Circuits associated therewith
- H04N25/76—Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
- H04N25/77—Pixel circuitry, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components
- H04N25/772—Pixel circuitry, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components comprising A/D, V/T, V/F, I/T or I/F converters
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/70—SSIS architectures; Circuits associated therewith
- H04N25/76—Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
- H04N25/77—Pixel circuitry, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components
- H04N25/778—Pixel circuitry, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components comprising amplifiers shared between a plurality of pixels, i.e. at least one part of the amplifier must be on the sensor array itself
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/10—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof for transforming different wavelengths into image signals
- H04N25/11—Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]; Filter mosaics
- H04N25/13—Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]; Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements
- H04N25/134—Arrangement of colour filter arrays [CFA]; Filter mosaics characterised by the spectral characteristics of the filter elements based on three different wavelength filter elements
Definitions
- the present technology relates to an imaging element, a control method, and an imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an imaging element, a control method, and an imaging apparatus that can realize more various data outputs more easily.
- CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
- ADC Analog Digital Converter
- the present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to more easily realize various data output.
- a plurality of signal lines that transmit pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and each of the plurality of signal lines in each column has different modes of reading the pixel signals.
- a pixel array to which pixels corresponding to the mode are allocated and connected to each column of the pixel array, and reading out pixel signals from the pixels connected to the signal line corresponding to the pixel signal reading mode in the mode.
- a control unit that controls the read pixel signal to be transmitted via the signal line.
- the control unit can control to read out a pixel signal from the pixel at a frame rate of the mode corresponding to the pixel.
- the control unit can further perform control so that the main shutter operation and the pre-shutter operation of each column are performed at the frame rate of the mode.
- the number of pixels allocated to each signal line can be different from each other.
- Each column further includes a selection unit that selects a signal line corresponding to a pixel signal readout mode from the plurality of signal lines, and the control unit includes one of the selection units in the selection unit.
- a signal line is selected, a pixel signal is read from the pixel connected to the signal line selected by the selection unit in the mode, and the read pixel signal is transmitted via the signal line selected by the selection unit. Can be controlled.
- the control unit can control the selection unit to sequentially switch the signal lines to be selected and read out the pixel signals in a plurality of modes in a time division manner.
- a dummy pixel corresponding to the mode corresponding to the signal line is further connected to each of the plurality of signal lines of each column of the pixel array, and the control unit is configured to output a pixel signal for each column of the pixel array.
- the pixel signal can be controlled to be read in the mode from the dummy pixel connected to the signal line corresponding to the reading mode.
- the control unit can further control to perform the shutter operation of the dummy pixels in the mode.
- Each column of the pixel array may further include an A / D conversion unit that A / D converts the pixel signal transmitted via the signal line.
- Each column of the pixel array further includes a selection unit that selects a signal line corresponding to a pixel signal readout mode from the plurality of signal lines, and the A / D conversion unit is selected by the selection unit.
- the pixel signal read out from the pixel connected to the signal line can be A / D converted.
- a plurality of the A / D conversion units are provided for each column of the pixel array, and the selection unit can further select the A / D conversion unit used for A / D conversion of a pixel signal.
- the control unit causes the selection unit to select a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of A / D conversion units for each column of the pixel array, and each signal selected by the selection unit for each column of the pixel array. It is possible to perform control so that pixel signals in the mode are read out from pixels connected to a line in parallel between the signal lines.
- the exposure time of each pixel can be set for each mode corresponding to the signal line to which the pixel is connected.
- a plurality of signal lines that transmit pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and the reading of the pixel signals is different from each other in the plurality of signal lines of each column.
- the pixel signal is read in the mode from the pixel connected to the signal line corresponding to the pixel signal reading mode, In the control method, the read pixel signal is transmitted through the signal line.
- One aspect of the present technology further includes an imaging unit that images a subject, and an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, and the imaging unit reads pixel signals from pixels.
- a plurality of signal lines for transmitting the pixel are assigned to each column, and a different mode for reading the pixel signal is assigned to each of the plurality of signal lines in each column, and pixels corresponding to the mode are connected.
- a pixel signal is read from the pixel connected to the signal line corresponding to a pixel signal reading mode in the mode, and the read pixel signal is transmitted via the signal line.
- an image pickup apparatus including a control unit that controls the transmission.
- a plurality of signal lines that transmit pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and the pixels of each column are assigned to any of the plurality of signal lines assigned to the columns.
- a connected pixel array, a plurality of A / D converters for A / D converting pixel signals transmitted via different signal lines of each column of the pixel array, and different A / D converters The pixel signals are read in parallel from a plurality of pixels allocated to the different signal lines of each of the plurality of compression units and each column of the pixel array that compress the A / D converted pixel signals, and the plurality of lines
- the plurality of lines of pixel signals read from the pixels are transmitted in parallel using the signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and the plurality of lines of pixel signals are transmitted using the plurality of signal lines.
- a / D conversion is performed in parallel using the plurality of A / D conversion units, and pixel signals of different lines that are A / D converted by the different A / D conversion units are paralleled using the plurality of compression units. It is an image pick-up element provided with the control part which controls so that it may compress.
- the plurality of compression units can compress the pixel signals of each line so that the compressed data size of the pixel signals of the plurality of lines is equal to or less than a size that can be transmitted within one unit period.
- the control unit can read out the image signal by two lines, and the plurality of compression units can compress the pixel signals of each line so that the data size is halved.
- the compression unit can compress the pixel signal at a predetermined bit rate.
- a plurality of signal lines that transmit pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and a pixel of each column is one of the plurality of signal lines assigned to the column.
- the pixels of the plurality of lines read out in parallel from the pixels of the plurality of lines that are read in parallel from the pixels of the plurality of lines allocated to the different signal lines in each column of the pixel array connected to each other A signal is transmitted in parallel using the signal line corresponding to the pixel, and the plurality of lines of pixel signals transmitted using the plurality of signal lines are A / D-converted in parallel.
- the converted pixel signals of different lines are compressed in parallel.
- Another aspect of the present technology further includes an imaging unit that images a subject and an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, and the imaging unit is a pixel read from a pixel
- a plurality of signal lines for transmitting signals are assigned to each column, and a pixel array in which pixels in each column are connected to one of the plurality of signal lines assigned to the column, and each column of the pixel array
- a plurality of A / D converters for A / D converting pixel signals transmitted through different signal lines, and a plurality of A / D converters for compressing the pixel signals A / D converted by the different A / D converters A plurality of lines of pixels read in parallel from the plurality of lines of pixels assigned to the different signal lines of each column of the pixel array.
- Each of the signals is transmitted in parallel using the signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and the plurality of lines of pixel signals transmitted using the plurality of signal lines are transmitted using the plurality of A / D conversion units.
- a control unit that performs A / D conversion in parallel and controls the pixel signals of different lines that have been A / D converted by the different A / D conversion units to be compressed in parallel using the plurality of compression units; It is an imaging device provided.
- Still another aspect of the present technology provides a plurality of A / D conversions for A / D conversion of a pixel array and each pixel signal assigned to each column of the pixel array and read from the pixels of the column. And a plurality of latches assigned to each A / D conversion unit, each of which stores the pixel signal A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit, and each column of the pixel array
- the pixel signal is read from the pixel of the processing target line
- the pixel signal read from the pixel is A / D-converted using the A / D conversion unit assigned to the column
- the A / D The pixel signal subjected to A / D conversion by the D conversion unit is stored in any or all of a plurality of latches corresponding to the A / D conversion unit according to a reading mode of the pixel signal, Depending on the mode, of the plurality of latches
- control unit Further comprising an arithmetic unit that adds or subtracts the pixel signals read from the plurality of latches, the control unit, the pixel signals read from the plurality of latches according to the mode, It can control to add or subtract using the said calculating part.
- a pixel signal is read from a pixel on a processing target line of the column, and the pixel signal read from the pixel is A / D converted.
- the A / D converted pixel signal is stored in any or all of the plurality of latches according to the pixel signal reading mode, and according to the mode, among the plurality of latches. This is a control method for reading out the pixel signal stored in any or all of the above.
- Still another aspect of the present technology further includes an imaging unit that images a subject, and an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, the imaging unit including a pixel array, A plurality of A / D conversion units that are assigned to each column of the pixel array and each A / D convert pixel signals read from the pixels of the column, and a plurality of A / D conversion units A plurality of latches that store the pixel signals that are allocated one by one and are each A / D converted by the A / D converter, and read out the pixel signals from the pixels of the line to be processed in each column of the pixel array
- the pixel signal read from the pixel is A / D converted using the A / D converter assigned to the column, and the A / D converted pixel signal is A / D converted by the A / D converter.
- the pixel signal readout mode In response, the pixel is stored in any or all of the plurality of latches corresponding to the A / D converter, and the pixel is stored in any or all of the plurality of latches according to the mode.
- An imaging apparatus including a control unit that controls to read a signal.
- a pixel array is assigned to each column of the pixel array, and each pixel signal read from the pixel of the column is converted into an A / D signal using different ramp signals.
- a plurality of A / D conversion units to be converted and the offset of the ramp signal of each A / D conversion unit are set to different values from each other, and in each column of the pixel array, pixel signals are read from the pixels of the processing target line, And a control unit that controls the pixel signals read from the pixels to perform A / D conversion using the plurality of A / D conversion units assigned to the column.
- the control unit can set an offset of the ramp signal of each A / D conversion unit according to the magnitude of the slope of the ramp signal.
- the control unit is set so that the difference in the offset of the ramp signal of each A / D converter is small, and when the ramp signal has a small slope, each A / D converter It is possible to set so that the difference in the offset of the ramp signal becomes large.
- a plurality of pixels are assigned to each column of the pixel array, and each A / D-converts pixel signals read from the pixels of the column using different ramp signals.
- the offsets of the ramp signals of the A / D converters of the A / D converters are set to different values from each other, and in each column of the pixel array, the pixel signal is read from the pixel of the processing target line, and is read from the pixel.
- the pixel signals are A / D converted by the plurality of A / D conversion units assigned to the column.
- the imaging unit includes a pixel array; A plurality of A / D conversion units that are assigned to each column of the pixel array and A / D convert pixel signals read from the pixels of the column using different ramp signals, and each A The offset of the ramp signal of the / D conversion unit is set to a different value, and in each column of the pixel array, the pixel signal is read from the pixel of the processing target line, and the pixel signal read from the pixel is And a control unit that controls to perform A / D conversion using the plurality of A / D conversion units assigned to a column.
- a plurality of signal lines for transmitting pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and a different mode for reading pixel signals is assigned to each of the plurality of signal lines of each column.
- the pixel signal is read and read in the mode from the pixel connected to the signal line corresponding to the pixel signal reading mode. Pixel signals are transmitted via signal lines.
- a plurality of signal lines that transmit pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and the pixels of each column are connected to one of the plurality of signal lines assigned to the column.
- the pixel signals are read out in parallel from the pixels of a plurality of lines assigned to different signal lines in each column of the pixel array, and the pixel signals of the plurality of lines read out from the pixels of the plurality of lines are respectively pixels.
- a pixel signal is read from a pixel of a column to be processed, and the pixel signal read from the pixel is A / D converted,
- the D-converted pixel signal is stored in any or all of the plurality of latches depending on the pixel signal readout mode, and is stored in any or all of the plurality of latches depending on the mode.
- the pixel signal is read out.
- a plurality of A's are assigned to each column of the pixel array, and each A / D-converts pixel signals read from the pixels of the column using different ramp signals.
- the offset of each ramp signal of the / D conversion unit is set to a different value, and in each column of the pixel array, the pixel signal is read from the pixel of the processing target line, and the pixel signal read from the pixel is A / D conversion is performed on a plurality of A / D converters assigned to the column.
- the subject can be imaged.
- more various data output can be realized more easily.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a part of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor that is an embodiment of an imaging device to which the present technology is applied.
- CMOS image sensor 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an imaging device that captures an image of a subject and obtains digital data of a captured image.
- CMOS image sensor will be described as an example, but the present technology can also be applied to an image sensor other than a CMOS image sensor, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.
- CCD Charge Coupled Device
- the CMOS image sensor 100 includes a pixel array unit 111, a reading unit 112A, a reading unit 112B, and a D / A conversion unit 113.
- the pixel array unit 111 is a pixel region in which pixel configurations (unit pixels) having photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes are arranged in a planar shape or a curved shape. Each unit pixel of the pixel array unit 111 receives light from a subject, photoelectrically converts the incident light, accumulates charges, and outputs the charges as pixel signals at a predetermined timing.
- the unit pixels are arranged in a matrix (array), for example.
- a signal line (vertical signal line) for transferring a pixel signal is assigned to each unit pixel for each column (column) of the unit pixel.
- operations related to reading out pixel signals are controlled for each line (row) of unit pixels.
- the pixel array may have any configuration as long as each unit pixel can be classified (grouped) into two different directions, and NxM arrays arranged in two linear directions orthogonal to each other. It may not be a typical matrix configuration. That is, for example, a line (row) or a column (column) of unit pixels may not be a straight line like a honeycomb structure. In other words, the unit pixels of each line and each column need not be arranged in a straight line, and the unit pixel line and the column need not be orthogonal.
- the pixel array unit 111 has as many column pixel units 121 each having a configuration corresponding to one column (column) of unit pixels as many as the number of columns of the pixel array.
- FIG. 1 shows only the configuration for one column (column).
- the pixel array unit 111 includes P column pixels. Part 121.
- the column pixel unit 121 has a plurality of signal lines (vertical signal lines) for transmitting pixel signals read from unit pixels of the column (for example, N (N is 2)). Have a natural number)). That is, a plurality of (for example, N) pixel signals can be read out from the column pixel unit 121 in parallel.
- the reading unit 112A reads the pixel signal from the pixel array unit 111, performs signal processing such as A / D conversion, and outputs the signal.
- the reading unit 112A includes a selection unit 122A and a column A / D conversion unit 123A for each column (each column pixel unit 121) of the pixel array unit 111. That is, FIG. 1 shows only one column (column) configuration. For example, when the pixel array unit 111 has P column unit pixels, the reading unit 112A includes P selection units 122A and a column A. It has a / D converter 123A.
- the selection unit 122A selects a signal line for supplying a pixel signal to the column A / D conversion unit 123A from a plurality (for example, N) of vertical signal lines of the column pixel unit 121 corresponding to the selection unit 122A. That is, the selection unit 122A controls the connection between the vertical signal line of the column pixel unit 121 (unit pixel connected to the vertical signal line) and the column A / D conversion unit 123A.
- the column A / D conversion unit 123A performs A / D conversion on the pixel signal (analog data) transmitted from the column pixel unit 121 via the selection unit 122A corresponding to the column A / D conversion unit 123A.
- the column A / D conversion unit 123A has a plurality of (for example, M (for example, M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2; M ⁇ N)) A / D conversion units, and a plurality of (for example, column A / D conversion units 123A) M pixel signals can be A / D converted in parallel. That is, the selection unit 122A can select, for example, M vertical signal lines from among N and connect them to the column A / D conversion unit 123A.
- Column A / D converter 123A uses the ramp signal supplied from D / A converter 113 to A / D convert the pixel signal. Details will be described later.
- the reading unit 112A further includes a horizontal transfer unit 124A.
- the horizontal transfer unit 124A sequentially outputs the pixel signal (digital data) output from each column A / D conversion unit 123A, that is, the pixel signal of each column of the pixel array unit 111.
- the horizontal transfer unit 124A includes PxM pixels. Signals are supplied in parallel.
- the horizontal transfer unit 124A sequentially transmits the PxM pixel signals.
- the pixel signal output from the horizontal transfer unit 124A is supplied to a subsequent processing unit (not shown) such as a signal processing unit, for example.
- the subsequent processing unit may be provided inside the CMOS image sensor 100 or may be provided outside.
- the reading unit 112B is a processing unit similar to the reading unit 112A, has the same configuration as the reading unit 112A, and performs the same processing as the reading unit 112A. That is, the reading unit 112B includes a selection unit 122B and a column A / D conversion unit 123B for each column of unit pixels of the pixel array unit 111, and further includes a horizontal transfer unit 124B.
- the selection unit 122B is a processing unit similar to the selection unit 122A, has the same configuration as the selection unit 122A, and performs the same processing as the selection unit 122A.
- the column A / D conversion unit 123B is the same processing unit as the column A / D conversion unit 123A, has the same configuration as the column A / D conversion unit 123A, and has the same processing as the column A / D conversion unit 123A. I do.
- the horizontal transfer unit 124B is a processing unit similar to the horizontal transfer unit 124A, has the same configuration as the horizontal transfer unit 124A, and performs the same processing as the horizontal transfer unit 124A.
- reading unit 112A and the reading unit 112B are simply referred to as the reading unit 112.
- selection unit 122A and the selection unit 122B they are simply referred to as the selection unit 122.
- column A / D converter 123A and the column A / D converter 123B are simply referred to as the column A / D converter 123 when there is no need to distinguish them from each other.
- horizontal transfer unit 124A and the horizontal transfer unit 124B separately from each other they are simply referred to as the horizontal transfer unit 124.
- the D / A converter 113 supplies a predetermined ramp signal to each column A / D converter 123.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 has two paths for reading out pixel signals from the pixel array unit 111. That is, in the case of the example in FIG. 1, the reading unit 112 has two configurations of the reading unit 112A and the reading unit 112B. However, the number of paths is arbitrary, and may be one system or three or more systems. That is, the reading unit 112A and the reading unit 112B may be configured as one reading unit 112, for example, a reading unit 112A, a reading unit 112B, a reading unit 112C (not shown), and so on. The reading unit 112 may have three or more configurations.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 further includes a sensor controller 131, a vertical scanning unit 132, and a horizontal scanning unit 133.
- the sensor controller 131 controls the operation of each processing unit of the CMOS image sensor 100. For example, the sensor controller 131 controls reading of pixel signals from the pixel array unit 111 by controlling the vertical scanning unit 132 and the horizontal scanning unit 133.
- the vertical scanning unit 132 is controlled by the sensor controller 131 to drive each unit pixel of each column of the pixel array unit 111 for each line to read out a pixel signal.
- the vertical scanning unit 132 includes an address decoder 141 and a pixel driving unit 142.
- the address decoder 141 decodes the address designation information supplied from the sensor controller 131 and supplies a control signal to a configuration corresponding to the designated address of the pixel driver 142.
- the pixel driving unit 142 is controlled by the sensor controller 131 to supply a control signal for driving each unit pixel of the pixel array unit 111.
- the pixel driver 142 has a configuration for supplying a control signal for each line of the pixel array.
- the pixel driving unit 142 uses the configuration specified by the address decoder 141 to send a control signal corresponding to the control content specified by the sensor controller 131 to the pixel array unit 111 (that is, the line specified by the sensor controller 131). To each unit pixel).
- the horizontal scanning unit 133 controls the operation of the reading unit 112 and sequentially transmits the pixel signals of each column supplied from the pixel array unit 111 to the subsequent stage.
- FIG. 1 An example of the main configuration of the column pixel unit 121 is shown in FIG. As described above, a plurality of (for example, N (N is a natural number of 2 or more)) vertical signal lines are allocated to the column pixel unit 121. Each unit pixel of the column pixel unit 121 (that is, each unit pixel in the column of the pixel array) is connected to one of the plurality of vertical signal lines. Further, the number of unit pixels included in the column pixel unit 121 is arbitrary.
- each vertical signal line VSL0, VLS1, VSL2, VSL3
- unit pixels unit pixel 151A, unit pixel 151B, unit pixel 151C, unit pixel 151D
- the unit pixel 151A is connected to the vertical signal line VSL0
- the unit pixel 151B is connected to the vertical signal line VSL1
- the unit pixel 151C is connected to the vertical signal line VSL2
- the unit pixel 151D is connected to the vertical signal line VSL3.
- the column pixel unit 121 has five or more unit pixels
- the other unit pixels are similarly connected to any of the four vertical signal lines (VSL0, VLS1, VSL2, VSL3).
- unit pixels 151 when it is not necessary to distinguish the unit pixels from each other.
- vertical signal lines VSL when there is no need to distinguish the vertical signal lines from each other, they are simply referred to as vertical signal lines VSL.
- the unit pixel 151 includes a photodiode 161, a read transistor 162, a reset transistor 163, an amplification transistor 164, and a select transistor 165.
- the photodiode (PD) 161 photoelectrically converts the received light into a photocharge (here, photoelectrons) having a charge amount corresponding to the light quantity, and accumulates the photocharge.
- the anode electrode of the photodiode 161 is connected to the ground (pixel ground) of the pixel region, and the cathode electrode is connected to the floating diffusion (FD) via the read transistor 162.
- the reading transistor 162 controls reading of the photocharge from the photodiode 161.
- the read transistor 162 has a drain electrode connected to the floating diffusion and a source electrode connected to the cathode electrode of the photodiode 161. Further, a control signal TRG is supplied from the pixel driver 142 to the gate electrode of the reading transistor 162.
- the control signal TRG that is, the gate potential of the reading transistor 162
- the control signal TRG that is, the gate potential of the read transistor 162
- the control signal TRG that is, the gate potential of the read transistor 162
- the control signal TRG that is, the gate potential of the read transistor 162
- the photocharge accumulated in the photodiode 161 is read and supplied to the floating diffusion (FD).
- the reset transistor 163 resets the potential of the floating diffusion (FD).
- the reset transistor 163 has a drain electrode connected to the power supply potential and a source electrode connected to the floating diffusion (FD).
- a control signal RST is supplied from the pixel driver 142 to the gate electrode of the reset transistor 163. When the control signal RST (that is, the gate potential of the reset transistor 163) is off, the floating diffusion (FD) is disconnected from the power supply potential. When the control signal RST (that is, the gate potential of the reset transistor 163) is on, the charge of the floating diffusion (FD) is discarded to the power supply potential, and the floating diffusion (FD) is reset.
- the amplification transistor 164 amplifies the potential change of the floating diffusion (FD) and outputs it as an electric signal (analog signal).
- the amplification transistor 164 has a gate electrode connected to the floating diffusion (FD), a drain electrode connected to the power supply potential, and a source electrode connected to the drain electrode of the select transistor 165.
- the amplification transistor 164 outputs the potential of the floating diffusion (FD) reset by the reset transistor 163 to the select transistor 165 as a reset signal (reset level).
- the amplification transistor 164 outputs the potential of the floating diffusion (FD) to which the photocharge has been transferred by the read transistor 162 to the select transistor 165 as a light accumulation signal (signal level).
- the select transistor 165 controls the output of the electric signal supplied from the amplification transistor 164 to the vertical signal line VSL.
- the select transistor 165 has a drain electrode connected to the source electrode of the amplification transistor 164 and a source electrode connected to the vertical signal line VSL.
- a control signal SEL is supplied from the pixel driver 142 to the gate electrode of the select transistor 165.
- the control signal SEL that is, the gate potential of the select transistor 165
- the amplification transistor 164 and the vertical signal line VSL are electrically disconnected. Therefore, in this state, no pixel signal is output from the unit pixel.
- the control signal SEL that is, the gate potential of the select transistor 165) is on, the unit pixel is selected.
- the amplification transistor 164 and the vertical signal line VSL are electrically connected, and a signal output from the amplification transistor 164 is supplied to the vertical signal line VSL as a pixel signal of the unit pixel. That is, a pixel signal is read from the unit pixel.
- the configuration of the unit pixel 151 is arbitrary and is not limited to the example of FIG.
- the read transistor 162 may be omitted.
- the number of pixels per unit pixel is arbitrary, and may be one pixel as in the example of FIG. 3 or a plurality of pixels.
- FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a unit pixel in the case of having a plurality of pixels.
- the unit pixel 151 includes four photodiodes 161 (photodiode 161-0, photodiode 161-1, photodiode 161-2, and photodiode 161-3). That is, in this case, the unit pixel 151 includes four pixels.
- the photodiodes 161 may have the same characteristics as each other, but may have different characteristics. For example, some or all of these photodiodes 161 may photoelectrically convert incident light in a wavelength band different from others.
- the photodiodes 161-0 to 161-3 are arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns, and the upper left photodiode 161-0 photoelectrically converts mainly the red (R) band, and the upper right photodiode 161-1.
- the lower left photodiode 161-2 mainly photoelectrically converts the green (GB) band
- the lower right photodiode 161-3 mainly converts blue (B).
- This band may be photoelectrically converted.
- the unit pixel 151 can constitute one unit of the Bayer array.
- the unit pixel 151 includes four read transistors 162 (read transistor 162-0, read transistor 162-1, read transistor 162-2, read transistor 162-3).
- the read transistor 162-0 controls the reading of the photocharge from the photodiode 161-0 based on the control signal TRG (TR0) supplied from the pixel driver 142.
- the read transistor 162-1 controls reading of the photocharge from the photodiode 161-1 based on the control signal TRG (TR1) supplied from the pixel driver 142.
- the read transistor 162-2 controls reading of photocharge from the photodiode 161-2 based on the control signal TRG (TR2) supplied from the pixel driving unit 142.
- the read transistor 162-3 controls the reading of the photocharge from the photodiode 161-3 based on the control signal TRG (TR3) supplied from the pixel driver 142.
- the configuration of the floating diffusion (FD), the reset transistor 163, the amplification transistor 164, the select transistor 165, and the like is shared within the unit pixel.
- the pixel signals of the pixels (photodiode 161-0, photodiode 161-1, photodiode 161-2, photodiode 161-3) are transmitted through the same vertical signal line VSL.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the selection unit 122.
- FIG. 5A shows a configuration example of the selection unit 122A.
- FIG. 5B shows a configuration example of the selection unit 122B.
- the selection unit 122 is provided for each column pixel unit 121, and the N vertical signal lines of the column pixel unit 121 and the M A / D conversion units (M vertical signal lines) of the column A / D conversion unit 123. Control connection with.
- the selection unit 122A selects any two of the four vertical signal lines (VSL0 to VSL3) of the column pixel unit 121 corresponding to the selection unit 122A, and performs column A / D conversion. Connected to the two vertical signal lines (VSLA0, VSLA1) of the unit 123A.
- the selection unit 122B has basically the same configuration as the selection unit 122A. That is, in the example of FIG. 5B, the selection unit 122B selects any two of the four vertical signal lines (VSL0 to VSL3) of the column pixel unit 121 to which the selection unit 122B corresponds, and selects the column A / Connected to the two vertical signal lines (VSLB0, VSLB1) of the D converter 123B.
- the selection unit 122 selects the vertical signal line VSL corresponding to the pixel signal readout mode from the plurality of vertical signal lines VSL assigned to the column.
- the sensor controller 131 causes the selection unit 122 to select one of the vertical signal lines VSL, and outputs the pixel signal from the pixel connected to the vertical signal line VSL selected by the selection unit 122 in that mode.
- the pixel signal read out is controlled to be transmitted through the signal line selected by the selection unit 122.
- the selection unit 122 may be omitted. For example, when the column A / D conversion unit 123 includes N A / D conversion units that operate in parallel, the selection unit 122 is not necessary.
- FIG. 1 An example of the main configuration of the column A / D conversion unit 123B is shown in FIG.
- the column A / D conversion unit 123 includes M A / D conversion units.
- the column A / D conversion unit 123B includes a current source 181-0, a comparator 182-0, and a counter 183-0 as an A / D conversion unit of the vertical signal line VSLB0.
- a current source 181-0 represents a load of a peripheral circuit connected to the vertical signal line VSLB0.
- the current source 181-0 is connected to the vertical signal line VSLB0 and the ground.
- the D / A converter 113 supplies a ramp signal to each system of the column A / D converter 123B.
- the column A / D converter 123B the D / A converter 113 supplies the ramp signal to the A / D converter of the system of the vertical signal line VSLB0, and the D / A converter 113-0.
- a D / A converter 113-1 for supplying a ramp signal to the A / D converter of the system of the vertical signal line VSLB1.
- the comparison unit 182-0 supplies the pixel signal transmitted from the unit pixel 151 of the pixel array unit 111 via the vertical signal line VSL, the selection unit 122B, and the vertical signal line VSLB0 from the D / A conversion unit 113-0.
- the comparison result (information indicating which value is larger) is supplied to the counter 183-0.
- the counter 183-0 counts the period from the start of counting until the value of the comparison result changes, and outputs the count value as digital data of the pixel signal to the horizontal transfer unit 124B when the value of the comparison result changes. .
- the column A / D conversion unit 123B includes a current source 181-1, a comparator 182-1, and a counter 183-1 as an A / D conversion unit of the vertical signal line VSLB1.
- the current source 181-1 has the same configuration as the current source 181-0. That is, the current source 181-1 represents the load of the peripheral circuit connected to the vertical signal line VSLB1.
- the current source 181-1 is connected to the vertical signal line VSLB1 and the ground.
- the comparison unit 182-1 has the same configuration as the comparison unit 182-0 and performs the same processing as the comparison unit 182-0. That is, the comparison unit 182-1 converts the pixel signal transmitted from the unit pixel 151 of the pixel array unit 111 through the vertical signal line VSL, the selection unit 122B, and the vertical signal line VSLB1 to the D / A conversion unit 113-1. And the comparison result (information indicating which value is greater) is supplied to the counter 183-1.
- the counter 183-1 has the same configuration as the counter 183-0 and performs the same processing. That is, the counter 183-1 counts the period from the start of counting until the value of the comparison result changes, and when the value of the comparison result changes, the counter 183-1 receives the count value as digital data of the pixel signal to the horizontal transfer unit 124B. Output.
- the column A / D converter 123A has the same configuration as the column A / D converter 123B and performs the same processing. That is, regardless of the number of configurations of the column A / D conversion unit 123, each column A / D conversion unit 123 has the same configuration as the example of FIG. 6 and performs the same processing. .
- the number of A / D conversion units included in the column A / D conversion unit 123 is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. Regardless of the number of systems, the D / A converter 113 supplies ramp signals to each system independently of each other. That is, for example, when the column A / D converter 123 includes M A / D converters, the D / A converter 113 may include M independent D / A converters. .
- FIG. 7 shows an example of the main configuration of the address decoder 141.
- the address decoder 141 has a logic circuit configured as shown in FIG. 7 for each line of the pixel array.
- the address decoder 141 includes an address (ADD_X) for selecting a pixel, a read latch reset (RLRST), a read latch set (RLSET_X), an electronic shutter latch reset (SLRST), and an electronic shutter latch set (SLSET_X).
- a control signal for designating an address is input from the sensor controller 131.
- the address decoder 141 outputs a value “H (high)” as a read latch (RLQ) or an electronic shutter latch (SLQ) in the logic circuit of the line designated by the sensor controller 131 based on these input signals 142. Output to.
- the NOT_read latch (XRLQ) and NOT_electronic shutter latch (XSLQ) are pulses with their control signals made negative logic.
- FIG. 8 A main configuration example of the pixel driving unit 142 is shown in FIG.
- the pixel driver 142 has a logic circuit configured as shown in FIG. 8 for each line of the pixel array.
- Fig. 8 shows the equivalent circuit diagram and timing chart of the pixel drive timing drive circuit.
- Read latch output pulse RLQ supplied from the address decoder 141, electronic shutter latch SLQ, read transfer pulse RTR, electronic shutter transfer pulse STR, electronic shutter reset pulse SRST, read reset pulse RRST supplied from the sensor controller 131
- various control signals such as the read selection pulse RSEL, the control signal TRG, the control signal SEL, and the control signal RST are supplied to each transistor of each unit pixel 151 of the line.
- FIG. 9 shows an example of a timing chart of various control signals for driving such a CMOS image sensor 100.
- the sensor controller 131 includes an address (ADD) for selecting a pixel, a read latch reset (RLRST) of the address decoder 141, a read latch set (RLSET), an electronic shutter latch reset (SLRST), An arbitrary address can be driven by inputting a control signal such as an electronic shutter latch set (RLSET) to the address decoder 141.
- ADD address
- RLRST read latch reset
- RLSET read latch set
- SLRST electronic shutter latch reset
- the sensor controller 131 includes a transfer pulse (RTR) for reading, a reset pulse (RRST) for reading, a selection pulse (RSEL) for reading, a transfer pulse (STR) for electronic shutter, and a reset pulse (SRST) for electronic shutter.
- RTR transfer pulse
- RRST reset pulse
- RSEL selection pulse
- STR transfer pulse
- SRST reset pulse
- FIG. 10 shows an example of a timing chart of various control signals output from the address decoder 141 for these control signals.
- An example of a timing chart of various control signals output from the pixel driving unit 142 is shown in FIG.
- pixel signals are read from each unit pixel of the pixel array.
- the read pixel signals are A / D converted in each column A / D converter 123 as shown in the timing chart of FIG.
- CMOS image sensor 100 As described above, pixel signals can be read by various reading methods (reading modes) using a plurality of vertical signal lines and a plurality of A / D conversion units in each column. For example, two-stream reading that realizes simultaneous output of two lines of data, parallel reading that uses all column columns for faster reading, and multi-sampling for realizing dynamic range improvement are realized. be able to.
- pixel signal readout control may become complicated. For example, every time the unit pixel line to be driven is switched (for each horizontal synchronization), the vertical signal line used for the pixel signal has to be designated. In particular, when a plurality of readout modes are used in combination, the vertical signal line designated for each mode has to be changed, which makes control more complicated.
- the unit pixel and the vertical signal line VSL are connected according to the readout mode. That is, a plurality of signal lines for transmitting pixel signals read out from the pixels are assigned to each column, and a predetermined mode for reading out pixel signals is assigned to each of the plurality of signal lines in each column.
- the pixel corresponding to the mode of the column is connected, and for each column of the pixel array, the pixel signal is read and read from the pixel connected to the signal line corresponding to the pixel signal reading mode.
- the pixel signal is controlled to be transmitted through the signal line.
- one of the vertical signal lines VSL is assigned to each readout mode, and a unit pixel that reads out a pixel signal in the readout mode is connected to the vertical signal line VSL.
- the number of vertical signal lines VSL assigned to this read mode is arbitrary, and may be one or more. Further, the assignment of the vertical signal lines may be overlapped between the read modes. For example, one vertical signal line VSL may be assigned to a plurality of read modes.
- FIG. 13 An example is shown in FIG. In the case of the example of FIG. 13, in readout mode 1, pixel signals are read out from unit pixel A, unit pixel C, unit pixel E, and unit pixel G, and in readout mode 2, unit pixel B and unit pixel D are read out. , The pixel signal is read from the unit pixel F and the unit pixel H. As shown in FIG. 13, the unit pixel A, the unit pixel C, the unit pixel E, and the unit pixel G are connected to different vertical signal lines from the unit pixel B, the unit pixel D, the unit pixel F, and the unit pixel H. Has been.
- the selection unit 122 may select the vertical signal line to which the unit pixel A, the unit pixel C, the unit pixel E, and the unit pixel G are connected at the beginning of the vertical synchronization. Conversely, when reading in read mode 2, the selection unit 122 may select a vertical signal line to which the unit pixel B, the unit pixel D, the unit pixel F, and the unit pixel H are connected at the beginning of the vertical synchronization. There is no need to switch the selection of the vertical signal line for each horizontal synchronization.
- the sensor controller 131 controls the selection unit 122 of each column via the horizontal scanning unit 133 in step S101, and selects a vertical signal line for each column according to the reading mode.
- the sensor controller 131 performs this process at the beginning of the vertical synchronization when starting the reading or switching the reading mode.
- step S102 the sensor controller 131 reads out the pixel signal from the unit pixel corresponding to the selected vertical signal line in the reading mode corresponding to the vertical signal line. That is, the sensor controller 131 controls the address decoder 141 and the pixel driving unit 142 of the vertical scanning unit 132 to select a unit pixel corresponding to the reading mode of each column, and from that unit pixel, a pixel signal in the reading mode is selected. Is read. The sensor controller 131 performs this process for each horizontal synchronization.
- the sensor controller 131 can realize operations in more various readout modes. That is, the CMOS image sensor 100 can realize more various data outputs more easily.
- Fig. 15 shows an example of 2-stream access (in XVS units).
- pixel signals are read in two reading modes, mode 1 and mode 2. For example, it operates at 30 fps when mode 1 is the monitoring mode, and operates at 240 fps when mode 2 is the AF mode.
- the readout of the pixel signal from the pixel may be controlled so as to be performed at the frame rate of the mode corresponding to the pixel.
- the vertical signal line VSL1 and the vertical signal line VSL3 are assigned to the mode 1, and the vertical signal line VSL0 and the vertical signal line VSL2 are assigned to the mode 2. Therefore, even when reading out pixel signals in two readout modes having different frame rates, the vertical signal line VSL is allocated to each readout mode. Therefore, in reading out pixel signals in each readout mode, pixels and vertical signals are read out.
- the signal line VSL does not collide. Therefore, the CMOS image sensor 100 can more easily realize reading in the two reading modes without affecting the image quality.
- FIG. 16 shows an example of 2-stream access (XHS unit).
- XHS unit 2-stream access
- pixel signals are read out in two readout modes, mode 1 and mode 2.
- mode 1 is a 30 fps monitoring mode
- mode 2 is a 240 fps AF mode.
- the vertical signal line VSL1 and the vertical signal line VSL3 are assigned to the mode 1
- the vertical signal line VSL0 and the vertical signal line VSL2 are assigned to the mode 2.
- the vertical signal line VSL is distributed to both the main shutter, the lead, and the pre-shutter, so that the pixel and the vertical signal line VSL are read in the pixel signal readout in each readout mode. It can suppress hitting. Therefore, good image quality equivalent to that of a conventional CMOS image sensor can be obtained in two systems.
- Fig. 17 shows an example of 2/8 decimation addition + 2/8 decimation addition.
- pixel signals are read out in two readout modes, mode 1 and mode 2.
- mode 1 is a 30 fps monitoring mode
- mode 2 is a 240 fps AF mode.
- the vertical signal line VSL1 and the vertical signal line VSL3 are assigned to the mode 1
- the vertical signal line VSL0 and the vertical signal line VSL2 are assigned to the mode 2.
- the addition mode for example, two of the eight pixel lines (that is, a line in which R and GR pixels are arranged (R / GR) and a line in which GB and B pixels are arranged (GB / B)) are read two by two.
- the two lines (R / GR lines and GB / B lines) are added.
- a highly sensitive image can be obtained.
- the addition method of pixel signals is arbitrary. For example, methods such as counter addition, comparator capacitance addition, and addition in the logic can be considered.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 distributes the vertical signal lines VSL to each reading mode, so that pixels and vertical signal lines VSL are read in reading pixel signals in each reading mode. It can suppress hitting.
- Fig. 18 shows an example of 4/16 decimation + 4/16 decimation.
- pixel signals are read out in two readout modes, mode 1 and mode 2.
- mode 1 is a 30 fps monitoring mode
- mode 2 is a 240 fps AF mode.
- the vertical signal line VSL1 and the vertical signal line VSL3 are assigned to the mode 1
- the vertical signal line VSL0 and the vertical signal line VSL2 are assigned to the mode 2.
- 4/16 decimation is performed as mode 1 (monitoring mode) to read out 4 lines for every 16 lines of pixels. That is, in mode 1 (monitoring mode), reading is performed in “4/16 decimation 30 fps mode”.
- 4/16 thinning is performed in mode 2 (AF mode). That is, in mode 2 (AF mode), reading in “4/16 thinning 240 fps mode” is performed.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 distributes the vertical signal lines VSL to each reading mode, so that pixels and vertical signal lines VSL are read in reading pixel signals in each reading mode. It can suppress hitting.
- Fig. 19 shows an example of 4/8 decimation + 4/8 decimation. Also in the case of the example of FIG. 19, pixel signals are read out in two readout modes, mode 1 and mode 2. Mode 1 is a 30 fps monitoring mode, and mode 2 is a 120 fps AF mode. Similarly to the example of FIG. 15, the vertical signal line VSL1 and the vertical signal line VSL3 are assigned to the mode 1, and the vertical signal line VSL0 and the vertical signal line VSL2 are assigned to the mode 2.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 distributes the vertical signal lines VSL to each reading mode, so that pixels and vertical signal lines VSL are read in reading pixel signals in each reading mode. It can suppress hitting.
- Fig. 20 shows an example of 8/16 decimation + 8/16 decimation.
- pixel signals are read out in two readout modes, mode 1 and mode 2.
- mode 1 is a 30 fps monitoring mode
- mode 2 is a 120 fps AF mode.
- the vertical signal line VSL1 and the vertical signal line VSL3 are assigned to the mode 1
- the vertical signal line VSL0 and the vertical signal line VSL2 are assigned to the mode 2.
- 8/16 thinning is performed as mode 1 (monitoring mode) to read out 8 lines for every 16 lines of pixels. That is, in mode 1 (monitoring mode), reading is performed in “8/16 thinning-out 30 fps mode”. 8/16 thinning is also performed in mode 2 (AF mode). That is, in mode 2 (AF mode), reading is performed in “8/16 thinning 120 fps mode”. In the case of the example in FIG. 20, addition between lines is not performed.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 distributes the vertical signal lines VSL to each reading mode, so that pixels and vertical signal lines VSL are read in reading pixel signals in each reading mode. It can suppress hitting.
- the ratio of the pixel lines read in each mode may not be the same. That is, in each column, the number of pixels assigned to each signal line may be different from each other. For example, the thinning ratio may be different between mode 1 and mode 2. Further, the number of vertical signal lines VSL assigned to each mode may be different from each other. For example, the number of vertical signal lines VSL assigned to mode 1 may be different from the number of vertical signal lines VSL assigned to mode 2.
- Fig. 21 shows an example of 4/16 decimation + 12/16 decimation.
- pixel signals are read in two reading modes, mode 1 and mode 2.
- mode 1 is a 30 fps monitoring mode
- mode 2 is a 90 fps AF mode.
- the vertical signal line VSL3 is assigned to mode 1
- the vertical signal line VSL0, vertical signal line VSL1, and vertical signal line VSL2 are assigned to mode 2.
- mode 1 (monitoring mode)
- 4/16 thinning is performed to read out 4 lines for every 16 lines of pixels. That is, in mode 1 (monitoring mode), reading is performed in “4/16 decimation 30 fps mode”.
- mode 2 12/16 thinning is performed to read out 12 lines for every 16 lines of pixels. That is, in mode 2 (AF mode), reading in “12/16 thinning 90 fps mode” is performed.
- the addition of lines is not performed.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 performs pixel signal readout in each readout mode by allocating the vertical signal line VSL to each readout mode. It is possible to prevent the pixels and the vertical signal line VSL from colliding with each other.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 can more easily realize various data outputs.
- the read mode is arbitrary and is not limited to the above-described example.
- the number of read modes to be used in combination and the combination pattern are arbitrary, and are not limited to the examples described above. For example, control is possible even when the non-addition mode and the addition mode are mixed, such as 2/8 decimation addition + 4/16 decimation addition.
- the thinning rate can be arbitrarily set as long as it is 2N times the number of vertical signal lines VSL.
- the combined use of the read mode may be performed according to the number of systems of the A / D converters of the column A / D converter 123, but may be realized by time division as in the example shown in FIG. Good.
- two readout modes are realized using two A / D conversion units of the column A / D conversion unit 123 by reading out pixel signals in each readout mode as in pattern 2 in FIG. be able to.
- pattern 1 by shifting the read timing of each mode, one system of A / D converters can be time-divided and used in two read modes. That is, the number of read modes equal to or greater than the number of systems of the A / D converters of the column A / D converter 123 can be realized.
- the sensor controller 131 controls the selection unit 122 to sequentially switch the signal lines to be selected and to read out the pixel signals in a plurality of modes in a time division manner.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 can realize more various data outputs more easily by allocating the vertical signal lines VSL to each readout mode.
- the distribution of the vertical signal line VSL to the read mode may be performed not only for the effective pixels but also for the dummy pixels. That is, the dummy pixel may be connected to the vertical signal line VSL corresponding to the reading mode.
- FIG. 23 shows an example of the behavior of dummy addresses and dummy shutters in each readout mode.
- FIG. 24 shows a dummy address arrangement example.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 performs a read or shutter operation in order to equalize the load even during an ineffective period or a blanking period.
- the pixels used at this time are dummy pixels. For example, in the case of the two streams described above, there is a time zone in which the blanking period of mode 2 and the effective period of mode 1 overlap, and if the vertical signal line VSL of the dummy address hits at this time, image quality degradation such as horizontal stripes in mode 1 May lead to
- the dummy address is controlled by distributing the vertical signal line VSL in the same manner as the effective address. That is, for each column of the pixel array unit 111, the sensor controller 131 controls the pixel signal to be read in the mode from the dummy pixel connected to the vertical signal line VSL corresponding to the pixel signal reading mode.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 can obtain a good image quality even in a period overlapping with the blanking period of mode 1 or mode 2. That is, the CMOS image sensor 100 can realize more various data outputs more easily.
- the sensor controller 131 may further control to perform the shutter operation of the dummy pixel in that mode.
- FIG. 25 shows a V access image of normal speed reading. In this reading mode, two pixels are read out in one horizontal synchronization period (1XHS).
- Fig. 26 shows the V access image of double speed reading.
- Fig. 27 shows the V access image of quadruple speed reading.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 is generally made of a silicon (Si) substrate, and can also perform near infrared (for example, wavelength range of 1 ⁇ m or less) photoelectric conversion from its band gap.
- near infrared for example, wavelength range of 1 ⁇ m or less
- the R pixel has the highest sensitivity around 1um, and only the R pixel is set to quadruple speed readout to support near infrared.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 can be realized. Further, by providing a plurality of A / D conversion units per column, the CMOS image sensor 100 can realize a frame rate twice as high as that at the normal reading speed.
- Fig. 28 shows the control method for high S / N readout.
- the high S / N readout proposed so far can be easily realized.
- FIG. 28 by dividing the shutter system by long-time accumulation and short-time accumulation, long-time accumulation and short-time accumulation can be realized every two rows by a control method equivalent to two streams.
- the exposure time of each pixel may be set for each mode corresponding to the signal line to which the pixel is connected.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 can more easily realize various data outputs.
- Second Embodiment> ⁇ Transfer of pixel signal in high-speed readout mode>
- one A / D converter is mounted per column.
- a / D conversion is performed while sequentially scanning pixels in line units. This is called a rolling shutter system. Due to this scanning method, the A / D conversion timing is shifted for each line. For this reason, distortion occurs when a moving object is imaged. This is called rolling shutter distortion. Since the A / D conversion speed depends on the settling time of the D / A converter, it is difficult to achieve extreme speedup. Therefore, it has been difficult to reduce rolling shutter distortion.
- a / D conversion units are provided per column, and A / D conversion for two lines is performed in parallel to reduce rolling shutter distortion. be able to.
- a plurality of A / D converters are provided per column so that a plurality of lines of pixel signals can be A / D converted in parallel to reduce rolling shutter distortion. Furthermore, the pixel signals for two lines subjected to A / D conversion in parallel are compressed to reduce the bandwidth required for transfer. As a result, data transfer can be performed within 1H. By doing so, a large-capacity buffer can be eliminated, and an increase in cost and power consumption can be suppressed.
- FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a part of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor that is an embodiment of an imaging device to which the present technology is applied.
- CMOS image sensor 200 shown in FIG. 29 is an image sensor that images a subject and obtains digital data of a captured image, as in the CMOS image sensor 100.
- a CMOS image sensor will be described as an example.
- the present technology is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.
- the present invention can also be applied to image sensors other than CMOS image sensors.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 has the same configuration as the CMOS image sensor 100.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 includes a column A / D converter 123A-0 (column A / D converter 123A-0-1 to column A / D converter 123A-0-P) and a column A / D converter 123B-0.
- the pixel signals read from the pixel array unit 111 are A / D converted by these column A / D conversion units 123.
- the pixel signals (digital data) A / D converted by these column A / D converters 123 are supplied to the horizontal transfer unit 124.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 includes a horizontal transfer unit 124A-0 and a horizontal transfer unit 124B-0, and a horizontal transfer unit 124A-1 and a horizontal transfer unit 124B-1.
- the pixel signal A / D converted in the column A / D converter 123A-0 (column A / D converter 123A-0-1 to column A / D converter 123A-0-P) is converted into a horizontal transfer unit 124A- 0 is supplied.
- the pixel signal A / D converted in the column A / D converter 123B-0 (column A / D converter 123B-0-1 to column A / D converter 123B-0-P) is converted into a horizontal transfer unit 124B- 0 is supplied.
- the pixel signal A / D converted in the column A / D converter 123A-1 (column A / D converter 123A-1-1 to column A / D converter 123A-1-P) is converted into a horizontal transfer unit 124A- 1 is supplied.
- the pixel signal A / D converted in the column A / D converter 123B-1 (column A / D converter 123B-1-1 to column A / D converter 123B-1-P) is converted into a horizontal transfer unit 124B- 1 is supplied.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 includes a horizontal processing unit 221A and a horizontal processing unit 221B. When there is no need to distinguish between them, the horizontal processing unit 221 is simply referred to.
- the horizontal transfer unit 124A-0 and the horizontal transfer unit 124B-0 supply pixel signals to the horizontal processing unit 221A.
- the horizontal transfer unit 124A-1 and the horizontal transfer unit 124B-1 supply pixel signals to the horizontal processing unit 221B.
- the horizontal transfer unit 124 outputs the pixel signals to the horizontal processing unit 221 in parallel as two systems.
- the horizontal processing unit 221A and the horizontal processing unit 221B perform predetermined signal processing on the pixel signals of the respective systems.
- the horizontal processing unit 221 may be configured as one processing unit that performs signal processing on the pixel signals of each system independently of each other. Further, the horizontal processing unit 221 may be omitted.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 further includes a compression unit 222A and a compression unit 222B.
- a compression unit 222A When there is no need to distinguish between the compression unit 222A and the compression unit 222B, they are simply referred to as the compression unit 222.
- the horizontal processing unit 221A supplies the signal-processed pixel signal to the compression unit 222A.
- the horizontal processing unit 221B supplies the pixel signal subjected to signal processing to the compression unit 222B.
- the compression unit 222A and the compression unit 222B compress the pixel signals of the respective systems. At that time, the compression unit 222A and the compression unit 222B compress the pixel signals until the data amount is such that the pixel signals of all systems can be transferred within a predetermined unit period (for example, one horizontal synchronization period). To do.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 further includes an output unit 223.
- the compression unit 222A and the compression unit 222B supply the compressed pixel signal to the output unit 222.
- the output unit 223 outputs the supplied compressed pixel signals of all systems to the outside of the CMOS image sensor 200.
- the compression unit 222 may be configured as a single processing unit that performs compression processing on pixel signals of each system independently of each other.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 can output a plurality of pixel signals without increasing the transfer band.
- the pixel signal is read out as two lines, but the number of lines of reading is arbitrary as long as it is plural.
- the compression units 222 may be prepared for the number of systems. However, if the number of systems increases, it is necessary to increase the compression ratio accordingly. For example, when reading is performed with N systems, N compression units 222 may be prepared, and compression may be performed in each compression unit until the data size of the pixel signal is 1 / N or less.
- N compression units 222 may be prepared, and compression may be performed in each compression unit until the data size of the pixel signal is 1 / N or less.
- FIG. 30 is a timing chart for explaining the state of data output of the CMOS image sensor 200.
- CMOS image sensor 200 When pixel signals are read as in the section 231 in FIG. 30, one line of pixel signals can be output per unit time.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 by compressing and outputting the pixel signals of each system as shown in the example of FIG. 29, it is possible to output the pixel signals for two lines in one system per unit time as in the section 232. it can. Therefore, the CMOS image sensor 200 can output an image with small focal plane distortion without exceeding the bandwidth of the output interface.
- FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of main configurations of the horizontal processing unit 221A and the horizontal processing unit 221B.
- the horizontal processing unit 221A includes an interface (I / F) 241A, a horizontal rearrangement unit 242A, a clamp amount calculation unit 243A, a digital clamp 244A, a horizontal addition unit 245A, a gain adjustment unit 246A, and a black level.
- a correction unit 247A is included.
- the horizontal processing unit 221B includes an interface (I / F) 241B, a horizontal rearrangement unit 242B, a clamp amount calculation unit 243B, a digital clamp 244B, a horizontal addition unit 245B, a gain adjustment unit 246B, and a black level correction unit 247B.
- the interface (I / F) 241A and the interface (I / F) 241B are simply referred to as an interface (I / F) 241.
- the horizontal rearrangement unit 242A and the horizontal rearrangement unit 242B are simply referred to as a horizontal rearrangement unit 242 when there is no need to distinguish between them.
- the clamp amount calculation unit 243A is simply referred to as a clamp amount calculation unit 243.
- the digital clamp 244A and the digital clamp 244B are simply referred to as a digital clamp 244.
- the horizontal adder 245A When there is no need to distinguish between the horizontal adder 245A and the horizontal adder 245B, the horizontal adder 245A is simply referred to as a horizontal adder 245.
- the gain adjustment unit 246A and the gain adjustment unit 246B are simply referred to as the gain adjustment unit 246.
- the black level correction unit 247B When there is no need to distinguish between the black level correction unit 247A and the black level correction unit 247B, the black level correction unit 247B is simply referred to as a black level correction unit 247.
- the signal processing performed by the horizontal processing unit 221 is arbitrary. Therefore, the configuration of the horizontal processing unit 221 is not limited to the example of FIG.
- the output unit 223 includes a FIFO buffer 251 and a differential output interface (I / F) 252.
- I / F differential output interface
- the compression unit 222 sufficiently compresses the pixel signal, the occurrence of overflow of the FIFO buffer 251 can be suppressed, and a plurality of lines of pixel signals can be output in one system within a unit time. it can.
- the structure of the output part 223 is arbitrary and is not limited to the example of FIG.
- FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the compression unit 222 in that case.
- the structure of the compression part 222 is arbitrary and is not limited to the example of FIG.
- the CMOS image sensor 200 can output a plurality of pixel signals without increasing the transfer band, it is possible to more easily realize various data outputs.
- ⁇ Data latch> In the case of an image sensor in which one SingleSlope type A / D converter is assigned to one column of the pixel array, the count value (A / D) counted by the A / D converter for that one A / D converter.
- One data latch for storing the converted pixel signal (digital data) is provided. By storing the count value in the data latch, the count value can be transferred to the logic unit while reading the next row and performing A / D conversion.
- a line memory for storing data in different rows is required when it is desired to add or output differential data with other rows.
- the circuit area (ie, manufacturing cost) and power consumption may increase.
- a plurality of data latches for storing a count value (pixel signal after A / D conversion (digital data)) counted by the A / D conversion unit are provided for one SingleSlope type A / D conversion unit.
- the pixel signals (pixel signals of a plurality of lines) can be transferred in parallel (within one unit time).
- FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a main configuration of the CMOS image sensor in that case.
- a CMOS image sensor 300 shown in FIG. 33 is an image sensor that captures a subject and obtains digital data of the captured image, as in the CMOS image sensor 100 and the CMOS image sensor 200.
- a CMOS image sensor will be described as an example, but the present technology can also be applied to an image sensor other than a CMOS image sensor, such as a CCD image sensor.
- the CMOS image sensor 300 includes a pixel array unit 311, an A / D conversion unit 312, a horizontal transfer path 313, an amplification unit 314, a calculation unit 315, and an image processing unit 316.
- the CMOS image sensor 300 includes a control unit 331, a vertical scanning unit 332, and a horizontal scanning unit 333.
- the pixel array unit 311 is a pixel region in which a pixel configuration (unit pixel) 321 having a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode is arranged in a planar shape or a curved shape.
- Each unit pixel 321 of the pixel array unit 111 is controlled by the vertical scanning unit 332 to receive light from the subject, photoelectrically convert the incident light, accumulate electric charges, and store the electric charges at a predetermined timing. Output as a signal.
- the pixel signal output from each unit pixel 321 is transmitted to the A / D conversion unit 312 for each column through a vertical signal line VSL (for example, VSL0, VSL1, etc.) assigned to the column.
- VSL vertical signal line
- the A / D conversion unit 312 has a column A / D conversion unit that performs A / D conversion on the pixel signal of the column for each column.
- the A / D conversion unit 312 is controlled by the horizontal scanning unit 333 and performs A / D conversion on the pixel signal of each column of the pixel array using each column A / D conversion unit.
- the pixel signal (digital data) A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit 312 is supplied to the amplification unit 314 through the horizontal transfer path 313, amplified by the amplification unit 314, and supplied to the calculation unit 315.
- the calculation unit 315 performs a predetermined calculation (for example, addition or subtraction of pixel signals of a plurality of lines) on the supplied pixel signals of the plurality of lines as necessary under the control of the control unit 331.
- the calculation unit 315 supplies the supplied pixel signal or calculation result to the image processing unit 316.
- the image processing unit 316 performs predetermined image processing, signal processing, and the like using the pixel signal supplied from the calculation unit 315.
- the control unit 331 controls each processing unit of the CMOS image sensor 300.
- the control unit 331 controls the vertical scanning unit 332 to control driving of the unit pixel 321.
- the control unit 331 controls the A / D conversion unit 312 to perform A / D conversion (more specifically, A / D converted pixels) of the pixel signal read from the pixel array unit 311. Signal latching).
- the control unit 331 controls the horizontal scanning unit 333 to read out and transfer pixel signals from the A / D conversion units 312 (more specifically, data latches) of each column, which are A / D converted.
- the control unit 331 controls the calculation unit 315 to control calculation processing using the pixel signal.
- the vertical scanning unit 332 is controlled by the control unit 331 to control the driving of each unit pixel 321 of the pixel array unit 311 so that the pixel signal is read from the unit pixel 321.
- the horizontal scanning unit 333 is controlled by the control unit 331 to control the A / D conversion unit 312 to perform A / D conversion of the pixel signal read from the pixel array unit 311 or perform A / D conversion. Transfer the pixel signal.
- the amplification unit 314, the calculation unit 315, and the image processing unit 316 may be omitted.
- FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the A / D conversion unit 312.
- the A / D converter 312 has a column A / D converter for each column.
- the A / D converter 312 includes a D / A converter 351 that supplies a ramp signal to each column A / D converter.
- the column A / D conversion unit for A / D converting the pixel signal supplied via the vertical signal line VSL0 includes a comparison unit 352-0, a counter 353-0, a selector 354- 0, data latch 355A-0, and data latch 355B-0.
- a column A / D conversion unit for A / D converting a pixel signal supplied via the vertical signal line VSL1 includes a comparison unit 352-1, a counter 353-1, a selector 354-1, and a data latch 355A-1. And a data latch 355B-1.
- each column A / D conversion unit includes a comparison unit 352, a counter 353, a selector 354, a data latch 355A, and a data latch 355B.
- a comparison unit 352 when there is no need to separately describe the configuration of each column, they are referred to as a comparison unit 352, a counter 353, a selector 354, a data latch 355A, and a data latch 355B.
- the configuration of the column A / D conversion unit of column X is configured by comparing unit 352-X, counter 353-X, selector 354-X, data latch 355A- X, referred to as data latch 355B-X.
- the data latch 355A and the data latch 355B are referred to as a data latch 355 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.
- the comparison unit 352 compares the magnitude of the pixel signal supplied via the vertical signal line VSL of the column and the ramp signal supplied from the D / A conversion unit 351, and the comparison result is sent to the counter 353. Supply.
- the counter 353 counts the period from the start of the comparison by the comparison unit 352 until the comparison result changes, and outputs the count value to the selector 354.
- the selector 354 supplies the count value (pixel signal digital data) supplied from the counter 353 to at least one of the data latch 355A and the data latch 355B according to the control of the control unit 331.
- the data latch 355 latches the pixel signal (digital data) supplied from the selector 354.
- the data latch 355 supplies the latched pixel signal (digital data) to the horizontal transfer path 313 under the control of the horizontal scanning unit 333 and transfers it to the amplification unit 314.
- the A / D converter 312 has a column A / D converter for each column of the pixel array, and has two data latches 355 in each column A / D converter. Therefore, the A / D conversion unit 312 can latch the two lines of pixel signals (digital data). Accordingly, the horizontal scanning unit 333 can arbitrarily select and transfer one or both of the pixel signals of the two lines in one unit time (for example, one horizontal synchronization period).
- the CMOS image sensor 300 can realize pixel signal calculation between lines while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost and power consumption. Further, since the horizontal scanning unit 333 can select and transfer pixel signals of an arbitrary line, the CMOS image sensor 300 can output pixel signals in more various modes.
- control unit 331 controls each unit pixel 321 of the pixel array unit 311 via the vertical scanning unit 332 in step S301, and starts from the unit pixel 321 of the current row (current line) to be processed.
- the pixel signal is read out.
- step S302 the control unit 331 controls the A / D conversion unit 312 to perform A / D conversion on the pixel signal read from the unit pixel.
- step S303 the control unit 331 controls the A / D conversion unit 312 (more specifically, the selector 354), and according to the operation mode (readout mode), the A / D converted pixel data of the current row ( The data latch 355 for storing the pixel signal digital data) is selected.
- step S304 the control unit 331 controls the A / D conversion unit 312 to store the pixel data in the data latch 355 selected in step S303.
- step S305 the control unit 331 controls the horizontal scanning unit 333 to read out pixel data from the desired data latch 355 according to the operation mode.
- step S306 the control unit 331 controls the calculation unit 315 to calculate pixel data between lines according to the operation mode. If no calculation is required, the processing in this step can be omitted.
- step S307 the control unit 331 controls the image processing unit 316 to output pixel data subjected to image processing to the outside of the CMOS image sensor 300.
- step S308 the control unit 331 determines whether to read out pixel signals of other lines (rows). If there is an unprocessed line and it is determined that the pixel signal of another line (row) is read, the process returns to step S301 and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is determined in step S308 that pixel signals for other lines are not read, the reading process is terminated.
- the CMOS image sensor 300 can realize calculation of pixel signals between lines while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost and power consumption as necessary. Further, the CMOS image sensor 300 can output pixel signals in more various modes.
- the CMOS image sensor 300 can read out pixel signals as shown in FIG. 36, for example.
- data obtained by adding the preceding and succeeding rows can be output.
- each processing unit may be configured as in the example of FIG. 36A, and pixel signals may be read out, latched, and transferred as in the timing chart of the example of FIG. 36B.
- the Nth row data is stored in both the data latch 355A and the data latch 355B, and the next N + 1 row data is stored only in the data latch 355B.
- the data latch 355A keeps storing N rows of data.
- the addition data can be output by adding the two data by the arithmetic unit 315.
- the data before addition can be output by reading the data in the data latch 355B. Further, for example, the above-described addition data output and pre-addition data output can be performed in parallel.
- the arithmetic unit 315 adds the data stored in the data latch 355A and the data stored in the data latch 355B, and outputs the addition result (A + B) every other unit time.
- the data (B) stored in the data latch 355B can be output in each unit time. By doing so, it is possible to output pixel signals by more various methods.
- the CMOS image sensor 300 can read out pixel signals as shown in FIG. 37, for example.
- data difference data
- each processing unit may be configured as in the example of FIG. 37A, and pixel signals may be read, latched, and transferred as in the timing chart of the example of FIG. 37B.
- the Nth row data is stored only in the data latch 355A, and the next N + 1th row data is stored only in the data latch 355B. That is, the data latch 355 that latches data is switched for each row. By doing so, two consecutive rows of data are stored in the data latch 355A and the data latch 355B. By subtracting these two data by the calculation unit 315, it becomes possible to output difference data.
- the data before subtraction can be output by alternately reading the data stored in the data latch 355A and the data stored in the data latch 355B. Furthermore, for example, the above-described output of difference data and the output of data before subtraction can be performed in parallel.
- the arithmetic unit 315 subtracts the data stored in the data latch 355A and the data stored in the data latch 355B, In each unit time, the subtraction result (AB or BA) is output.
- the data (A) stored in the data latch 355A and the data (B) stored in the data latch 355B are It is possible to output alternately every unit time. By doing so, it is possible to output pixel signals by more various methods.
- FIG. 38A the configuration is the same as in FIG. 38A (in the case of subtraction), and the data obtained by adding the preceding and succeeding rows is output as in the example of FIG. You can also In that case, pixel signals may be read out, latched, and transferred as in the timing chart of the example of FIG.
- the Nth row data is stored only in the data latch 355A, and the next N + 1th row data is stored only in the data latch 355B. That is, the data latch 355 that latches data is switched for each row. By doing so, two consecutive rows of data are stored in the data latch 355A and the data latch 355B.
- the addition data can be output by adding the two data by the arithmetic unit 315.
- the data before addition can be output.
- the above-described addition data output and pre-addition data output can be performed in parallel.
- the arithmetic unit 315 adds the data stored in the data latch 355A and the data stored in the data latch 355B, and outputs the addition result (A + B) every other unit time.
- the data (A) stored in the data latch 355A and the data (B) stored in the data latch 355B can be alternately output every unit time. By doing so, it is possible to output pixel signals by more various methods.
- the data stored in each data latch may be calculated (addition or subtraction) by applying a predetermined weight.
- each column A / D conversion unit each column A / D conversion unit
- the number of data latches 355 per column is arbitrary.
- three or more data latches 355 may be provided for each column.
- pixel data of a larger number of lines can be stored, and more various operations can be performed between the lines. That is, the pixel signal can be output by various methods.
- the sampling timings of the P phase and the D phase may be shifted from each other, and the respective addition averages may be obtained.
- the DAC waveforms of each system are shifted from each other. Since the column ADCs of each system operate independently of each other, such control can be easily realized. By doing so, the number of times of sampling is doubled. If there is no correlation between the noises, the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved by outputting the addition average of the signals obtained by both samplings. That is, output data noise can be reduced.
- a / D conversion processing time per column may be long.
- the sampling timing may be shifted by relatively shifting the offset of the reference signal (ramp signal) without changing the timing control of the plurality of A / D conversions.
- the P-phase and D-phase sampling timings may be divided into a plurality, and the average of the outputs may be obtained.
- the supply timing of the ramp signal is the same in all systems, and therefore control is easier than in the case where the supply timing of the ramp signal is shifted for each system.
- the method of shifting the offset of the ramp signal for each system can perform A / D conversion in a shorter time than the case of shifting the supply timing of the ramp signal for each system. That is, an increase in A / D conversion processing time can be suppressed. That is, A / D conversion processing can be performed at higher speed.
- the comparison result between the pixel signal (VSL signal) and the ramp signal 1 indicated by the dotted line 401 does not invert in the P-phase readout period, but the pixel signal (VSL signal) and the ramp indicated by the solid line 402
- the comparison result with signal 2 is inverted during the P-phase readout period.
- the offset amount of the ramp signal may be changed according to the slope of the ramp signal. For example, when the slope of the ramp signal is large, the difference in the offset of the ramp signal of each A / D converter is set to be small, and when the slope of the ramp signal is small, the offset of the ramp signal of each A / D converter The difference may be set so as to increase.
- Whether or not the slope of the ramp signal is large may be determined using a predetermined threshold value. That is, when the slope of the ramp signal is larger than the predetermined threshold (or more than the threshold), it is determined that the slope of the ramp signal is large, and the difference in the offset of the ramp signal of each A / D converter is reduced. When the slope of the ramp signal is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (or smaller than the threshold), it is determined that the slope of the ramp signal is small, and the offset of the ramp signal of each A / D converter is You may make it set so that a difference may become large.
- This threshold value is arbitrary, may be a predetermined fixed value, or may be determined based on some information. Further, the offset difference between the ramp signals of each system may be set to a value corresponding to the magnitude of the slope of the ramp signal without using the threshold value.
- the blackening phenomenon can be corrected normally even when very strong light is incident on the photoelectric conversion unit, and the noise reduction effect by multi-sampling can be obtained. Is possible.
- the fixed value when a fixed value corrected for blackening is output from any of the output signals using a plurality of system outputs, the fixed value may be selected and output without performing the averaging process.
- the number of A / D converters per column is arbitrary.
- Such control can be applied to any image sensor as long as it is an image sensor in which a plurality of A / D conversion units are provided per column.
- it can be realized in each CMOS image sensor described in each of the above embodiments.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 of FIG. 1 will be described as an example.
- the sensor controller 131 determines the slope of the ramp signal output from the D / A conversion unit 113 in step S401.
- the D / A converter 113 generates and outputs a ramp signal according to the control of the sensor controller 131. That is, the sensor controller 131 determines the slope of the ramp signal based on the control information.
- the sensor controller 131 may analyze the output waveform of the D / A converter 113 (the waveform of the ramp signal) and determine the inclination thereof.
- step S402 the sensor controller 131 controls the D / A conversion unit 113, and the ramp signal shift amount (offset difference) as described above according to the magnitude of the ramp signal inclination determined in step S401. To control. When the shift amount of the ramp signal is controlled, the ramp signal control process ends.
- the CMOS image sensor 100 can obtain a noise reduction effect by multi-sampling and can suppress the occurrence of the blackening phenomenon. That is, the pixel signal can be output by various methods.
- an imaging element to which the present technology is applied may include a plurality of semiconductor substrates that are overlapped with each other.
- FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration example of an example of an imaging element to which the present technology is applied.
- a CMOS image sensor 500 shown in FIG. 43 is an image sensor that captures a subject and obtains digital data of a captured image, in the same manner as each CMOS image sensor described above in each embodiment.
- the CMOS image sensor 500 has two semiconductor substrates (laminated chips (pixel chip 501 and circuit chip 502)) that are superposed on each other. Note that the number (number of layers) of the semiconductor substrates (laminated chips) may be plural, and may be, for example, three or more layers.
- the pixel chip 501 is formed with a pixel region 511 in which a plurality of unit pixels including a photoelectric conversion element that photoelectrically converts incident light are arranged.
- a peripheral circuit region 512 in which a peripheral circuit for processing a pixel signal read from the pixel region 511 is formed.
- the pixel chip 501 and the circuit chip 502 are overlapped with each other to form a multilayer structure (laminated structure).
- Each pixel in the pixel area 511 formed in the pixel chip 501 and a peripheral circuit in the peripheral circuit area 512 formed in the circuit chip 502 are through vias (via areas (VIA) 513 and via areas (VIA) 514). VIA) etc. are electrically connected to each other.
- the CMOS image sensor 500 can have the configuration of each CMOS image sensor described in each embodiment. That is, the present technology can be applied to the CMOS image sensor 500 having such a stacked structure.
- FIG. 44 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of an imaging device as an example of an electronic apparatus to which the present technology is applied.
- An imaging apparatus 600 shown in FIG. 44 is an apparatus that images a subject and outputs an image of the subject as an electrical signal.
- the imaging apparatus 600 includes an optical unit 611, a CMOS image sensor 612, an image processing unit 613, a display unit 614, a codec processing unit 615, a storage unit 616, an output unit 617, a communication unit 618, and a control unit 621. , An operation unit 622, and a drive 623.
- the optical unit 611 includes a lens that adjusts the focal point to the subject and collects light from the focused position, an aperture that adjusts exposure, a shutter that controls the timing of imaging, and the like.
- the optical unit 611 transmits light (incident light) from the subject and supplies the light to the CMOS image sensor 612.
- the CMOS image sensor 612 photoelectrically converts incident light, A / D converts a signal for each pixel (pixel signal), performs signal processing such as CDS, and supplies the processed captured image data to the image processing unit 613. .
- the image processing unit 613 performs image processing on the captured image data obtained by the CMOS image sensor 612. More specifically, the image processing unit 613 performs, for example, color mixture correction, black level correction, white balance adjustment, demosaic processing, matrix processing, gamma correction, on the captured image data supplied from the CMOS image sensor 612. And various image processing such as YC conversion.
- the image processing unit 613 supplies captured image data subjected to image processing to the display unit 614.
- the display unit 614 is configured as a liquid crystal display or the like, for example, and displays an image of captured image data (for example, an image of a subject) supplied from the image processing unit 613.
- the image processing unit 613 further supplies the captured image data subjected to the image processing to the codec processing unit 615 as necessary.
- the codec processing unit 615 subjects the captured image data supplied from the image processing unit 613 to encoding processing of a predetermined method, and supplies the obtained encoded data to the storage unit 616. Further, the codec processing unit 615 reads the encoded data recorded in the storage unit 616, decodes it to generate decoded image data, and supplies the decoded image data to the image processing unit 613.
- the image processing unit 613 performs predetermined image processing on the decoded image data supplied from the codec processing unit 615.
- the image processing unit 613 supplies the decoded image data subjected to the image processing to the display unit 614.
- the display unit 614 is configured as a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays an image of the decoded image data supplied from the image processing unit 613.
- the codec processing unit 615 supplies the encoded data obtained by encoding the captured image data supplied from the image processing unit 613 or the encoded data of the captured image data read from the storage unit 616 to the output unit 617. You may make it output outside the imaging device 600.
- the codec processing unit 615 supplies captured image data before encoding or decoded image data obtained by decoding encoded data read from the storage unit 616 to the output unit 617, and outputs the image data to the outside of the imaging device 600. You may make it output to.
- the codec processing unit 615 may transmit the captured image data, the encoded data of the captured image data, or the decoded image data to another device via the communication unit 618. Further, the codec processing unit 615 may acquire captured image data and encoded data of the image data via the communication unit 618. The codec processing unit 615 appropriately encodes and decodes the captured image data acquired through the communication unit 618 and the encoded data of the image data. The codec processing unit 615 may supply the obtained image data or encoded data to the image processing unit 613 as described above, or output it to the storage unit 616, the output unit 617, and the communication unit 618. Good.
- the storage unit 616 stores encoded data supplied from the codec processing unit 615 and the like.
- the encoded data stored in the storage unit 616 is read out and decoded by the codec processing unit 615 as necessary.
- the captured image data obtained by the decoding process is supplied to the display unit 617, and a captured image corresponding to the captured image data is displayed.
- the output unit 617 has an external output interface such as an external output terminal, and outputs various data supplied via the codec processing unit 615 to the outside of the imaging apparatus 600 via the external output interface.
- the communication unit 618 supplies various types of information such as image data and encoded data supplied from the codec processing unit 615 to another device that is a communication partner of predetermined communication (wired communication or wireless communication). Further, the communication unit 618 acquires various types of information such as image data and encoded data from another device that is a communication partner of predetermined communication (wired communication or wireless communication), and supplies the acquired information to the codec processing unit 615. .
- the control unit 621 controls the operation of each processing unit (each processing unit indicated by a dotted line 620, the operation unit 622, and the drive 623) of the imaging apparatus 600.
- the operation unit 622 includes, for example, an arbitrary input device such as a jog dial (trademark), a key, a button, or a touch panel.
- the operation unit 622 receives an operation input by a user or the like and supplies a signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 621. To do.
- the drive 623 reads information stored in a removable medium 631 attached to itself, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.
- the drive 623 reads various information such as programs and data from the removable medium 631 and supplies the information to the control unit 621.
- the drive 623 stores various information such as image data and encoded data supplied through the control unit 621 in the removable medium 631. .
- the CMOS image sensor 612 of the imaging apparatus 600 As the CMOS image sensor 612 of the imaging apparatus 600 as described above, the present technology described above in each embodiment is applied. That is, as the CMOS image sensor 612, the CMOS image sensor of each of the above-described embodiments (for example, the CMOS image sensor 100, the CMOS image sensor 200, or the CMOS image sensor 300) is used. Thereby, the CMOS image sensor 612 can more easily realize various data outputs. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 600 can realize more various data output more easily by imaging the subject.
- the imaging apparatus to which the present technology is applied is not limited to the configuration described above, and may have another configuration.
- an information processing apparatus having an imaging function such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet device, and a personal computer.
- it may be a camera module used by being mounted on another information processing apparatus (or mounted as an embedded device).
- the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or software.
- a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.
- this recording medium includes a removable medium 631 on which the program is recorded, which is distributed to distribute the program to the user, separately from the apparatus main body.
- the removable medium 631 includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) and an optical disk (including a CD-ROM and a DVD). Further, magneto-optical disks (including MD (Mini-Disc)) and semiconductor memories are also included.
- the program can be installed in the storage unit 616 by attaching the removable medium 631 to the drive 623.
- This program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting. In that case, the program can be received by the communication unit 18 and installed in the storage unit 616.
- a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.
- the program can be received by the communication unit 18 and installed in the storage unit 616.
- this program can be installed in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like in the storage unit 616 or the control unit 621.
- the program executed by the computer may be a program that is processed in time series in the order described in this specification, or in parallel or at a necessary timing such as when a call is made. It may be a program for processing.
- the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but may be performed in parallel or It also includes processes that are executed individually.
- each step described above can be executed in each device described above or any device other than each device described above.
- the device that executes the process may have the functions (functional blocks and the like) necessary for executing the process described above.
- Information necessary for processing may be transmitted to the apparatus as appropriate.
- the system means a set of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether all the components are in the same housing. Accordingly, a plurality of devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network and a single device housing a plurality of modules in one housing are all systems. .
- the configuration described as one device (or processing unit) may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices (or processing units).
- the configurations described above as a plurality of devices (or processing units) may be combined into a single device (or processing unit).
- a configuration other than that described above may be added to the configuration of each device (or each processing unit).
- a part of the configuration of a certain device (or processing unit) may be included in the configuration of another device (or other processing unit). .
- the present technology can take a configuration of cloud computing in which one function is shared by a plurality of devices via a network and is jointly processed.
- each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device or can be shared by a plurality of devices.
- the plurality of processes included in the one step can be executed by being shared by a plurality of apparatuses in addition to being executed by one apparatus.
- the present technology is not limited to this, and any configuration mounted on such a device or a device constituting the system, for example, a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using a plurality of processors, a plurality of It is also possible to implement as a unit using other modules, a set obtained by further adding other functions to the unit (that is, a partial configuration of the apparatus), and the like.
- a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration)
- a module using a plurality of processors a plurality of It is also possible to implement as a unit using other modules, a set obtained by further adding other functions to the unit (that is, a partial configuration of the apparatus), and the like.
- this technique can also take the following structures.
- a plurality of signal lines for transmitting pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and a different mode of reading the pixel signals is assigned to each of the plurality of signal lines of each column, A pixel array to which pixels corresponding to the mode are connected; For each column of the pixel array, a pixel signal is read in the mode from pixels connected to the signal line corresponding to a pixel signal reading mode, and the read pixel signal is transmitted via the signal line.
- An image sensor comprising: a control unit for controlling. (2) The control unit controls to read out a pixel signal from the pixel at a frame rate of the mode corresponding to the pixel. (1), (3) to (13) Image sensor.
- the control unit further controls the main shutter operation and the pre-shutter operation of each column to be performed at the frame rate of the mode.
- (1), (2), (4) to (13) The imaging device described.
- Each column further includes a selection unit that selects a signal line corresponding to a pixel signal readout mode from the plurality of signal lines,
- the control unit causes the selection unit to select one of the signal lines for each column, reads out a pixel signal from a pixel connected to the signal line selected by the selection unit in the mode, and reads the pixel
- the imaging device according to any one of (1) to (4) and (6) to (13), wherein control is performed so that a signal is transmitted via the signal line selected by the selection unit.
- the control unit controls the selection unit to sequentially switch the signal lines to be selected and to read out the pixel signals in a plurality of modes in a time division manner.
- (1) to (5), (7) to (13) The imaging device according to any one of items.
- a dummy pixel corresponding to the mode corresponding to the signal line is further connected to each of the plurality of signal lines of each column of the pixel array,
- the control unit controls each column of the pixel array to read out a pixel signal in the mode from a dummy pixel connected to the signal line corresponding to a pixel signal reading mode.
- the imaging device according to any one of (1) to (7) and (9) to (13), wherein the control unit further controls to perform a shutter operation of the dummy pixel in the mode.
- Each column of the pixel array further includes an A / D converter for A / D converting the pixel signal transmitted via the signal line.
- the imaging device according to any one of (10) In each column of the pixel array, further includes a selection unit that selects a signal line corresponding to a pixel signal readout mode from the plurality of signal lines, The A / D conversion unit performs A / D conversion on the pixel signal read from the pixel connected to the signal line selected by the selection unit.
- (1) to (9), (11) to (11) 13) The imaging device according to any one of (11) A plurality of the A / D conversion units are provided for each column of the pixel array, The selection unit further selects the A / D conversion unit used for A / D conversion of a pixel signal.
- the imaging device according to any one of (1) to (10), (12), and (13).
- the control unit causes the selection unit to select a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of A / D conversion units for each column of the pixel array, For each column of the pixel array, control is performed so that pixel signals in the mode are read in parallel from each other between the signal lines from the pixels connected to the signal lines selected by the selection unit.
- the imaging device according to any one of (11) to (13).
- (13) The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein an exposure time of each pixel is set for each mode corresponding to a signal line to which the pixel is connected.
- a plurality of signal lines for transmitting pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and a different mode of reading the pixel signals is assigned to each of the plurality of signal lines of each column, For each column of the pixel array to which the pixel corresponding to the mode is connected, the pixel signal is read in the mode from the pixel connected to the signal line corresponding to the pixel signal reading mode, A control method of transmitting the read pixel signal through the signal line.
- an imaging unit for imaging a subject An image processing unit that performs image processing on image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, The imaging unit
- a plurality of signal lines for transmitting pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and a different mode for reading the pixel signals is assigned to each of the plurality of signal lines in each column, corresponding to the mode.
- a pixel array to which pixels to be connected are connected, For each column of the pixel array, a pixel signal is read in the mode from pixels connected to the signal line corresponding to a pixel signal reading mode, and the read pixel signal is transmitted via the signal line.
- An imaging device comprising: a control unit for controlling.
- a pixel array in which a plurality of signal lines for transmitting pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and the pixels in each column are connected to any of the plurality of signal lines assigned to the column.
- a plurality of compression units for compressing the pixel signals A / D converted by the different A / D conversion units, and pixel signals from pixels on a plurality of lines assigned to the different signal lines in each column of the pixel array Are read in parallel, and pixel signals of a plurality of lines read from the pixels of the plurality of lines are respectively transmitted in parallel using the signal lines corresponding to the pixels, and transmitted using the plurality of signal lines.
- the plurality of lines of pixel signals are A / D-converted in parallel using the plurality of A / D converters, and the pixel signals of different lines A / D-converted by the different A / D converters are An imaging device comprising: a control unit that controls to compress in parallel using a plurality of compression units.
- the plurality of compression units compress the pixel signals of each line so that the data size after compression of the pixel signals of the plurality of lines is equal to or less than a size that can be transmitted within one unit period.
- the imaging device according to any one of (20).
- the controller reads the image signal line by line, The image sensor according to any one of (16), (17), (19), and (20), wherein the plurality of compression units compress the pixel signals of each line so that the data size is halved.
- a plurality of signal processing units that perform predetermined signal processing in parallel on pixel signals of different lines A / D converted by the different A / D conversion units, The imaging device according to any one of (16) to (19), wherein the plurality of compression units compress in parallel pixel signals of different lines on which the signal processing is performed by the different signal processing units.
- a pixel array in which a plurality of signal lines for transmitting pixel signals read from the pixels are allocated to each column, and the pixels in each column are connected to any of the plurality of signal lines allocated to the column.
- the pixel signals are read in parallel from the pixels of a plurality of lines assigned to the different signal lines,
- the pixel signals of the plurality of lines read from the pixels of the plurality of lines are respectively transmitted in parallel using the signal lines corresponding to the pixels,
- a control method that compresses A / D converted pixel signals on different lines in parallel.
- the imaging unit A pixel array in which a plurality of signal lines for transmitting pixel signals read from the pixels are assigned to each column, and a pixel in each column is connected to one of the plurality of signal lines assigned to the column; A plurality of A / D converters for A / D converting pixel signals transmitted through different signal lines of each column of the pixel array; A plurality of compression units for compressing the pixel signals A / D converted by the different A / D conversion units; Pixel signals are read in parallel from pixels of a plurality of lines assigned to different signal lines of each column of the pixel array, and pixel signals of a plurality of lines read from the pixels of the plurality of lines are respectively read from the pixels.
- the signal lines corresponding to the same are transmitted in parallel, and the pixel signals of the plurality of lines transmitted using the plurality of signal lines are A / D converted in parallel using the plurality of A / D conversion units.
- a control unit that controls to compress pixel signals of different lines A / D converted by the different A / D conversion units in parallel using the plurality of compression units.
- (23) a pixel array; A plurality of A / D conversion units that are assigned to each column of the pixel array and each A / D-converts pixel signals read from the pixels of the column; A plurality of latches assigned to each A / D converter, each of which stores the pixel signals A / D converted by the A / D converter, In each column of the pixel array, a pixel signal is read from a pixel of a processing target line, and the pixel signal read from the pixel is converted into an A / D using the A / D conversion unit assigned to the column.
- the pixel signal that has been converted and A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit is selected from any of a plurality of latches corresponding to the A / D conversion unit, depending on a mode of reading the pixel signal, or
- An image sensor comprising: a control unit that stores all the data and controls to read out the pixel signals stored in any or all of the plurality of latches according to the mode. (24) A calculation unit that adds or subtracts the pixel signals read from the plurality of latches, The image sensor according to (23), wherein the control unit controls the pixel signals read from the plurality of latches to be added or subtracted using the arithmetic unit according to the mode.
- the pixel signal is read from the pixel of the processing target line of the column, A / D conversion of the pixel signal read from the pixel, The A / D converted pixel signal is stored in any or all of a plurality of latches according to the readout mode of the pixel signal, A control method for reading out the pixel signal stored in any or all of the plurality of latches according to the mode.
- an imaging unit for imaging a subject An image processing unit that performs image processing on image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, The imaging unit A pixel array; A plurality of A / D conversion units that are assigned to each column of the pixel array and each A / D-converts pixel signals read from the pixels of the column; A plurality of latches assigned to each A / D converter, each of which stores the pixel signals A / D converted by the A / D converter, In each column of the pixel array, a pixel signal is read from a pixel of a processing target line, and the pixel signal read from the pixel is converted into an A / D using the A / D conversion unit assigned to the column.
- the pixel signal that has been converted and A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit is selected from any of a plurality of latches corresponding to the A / D conversion unit, depending on a mode of reading the pixel signal, or And a control unit that controls to read out the pixel signals stored in any or all of the plurality of latches according to the mode.
- a pixel array A plurality of A / D converters that are assigned to each column of the pixel array, each A / D-converts pixel signals read from the pixels of the column using different ramp signals;
- the offset of the ramp signal of each A / D converter is set to a different value, and in each column of the pixel array, the pixel signal is read from the pixel of the line to be processed, and the pixel signal read from the pixel is read
- a control unit that performs control to perform A / D conversion using the plurality of A / D conversion units assigned to the column.
- the control unit sets the offset difference of the ramp signal of each A / D conversion unit to be small, and when the slope of the ramp signal is small, The imaging device according to (27) or (28), wherein the difference between the offsets of the ramp signals of the D conversion unit is set to be large.
- a plurality of A / D conversion units that are assigned to the respective columns of the pixel array and each A / D-converts the pixel signals read from the pixels of the column using different ramp signals.
- each column of the pixel array the pixel signal is read from the pixel of the processing target line, A control method in which the pixel signals read from the pixels are A / D converted by the plurality of A / D conversion units assigned to the column.
- an imaging unit for imaging a subject An image processing unit that performs image processing on image data obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, The imaging unit A pixel array; A plurality of A / D converters that are assigned to each column of the pixel array, each A / D-converts pixel signals read from the pixels of the column using different ramp signals; The offset of the ramp signal of each A / D converter is set to a different value, and in each column of the pixel array, the pixel signal is read from the pixel of the line to be processed, and the pixel signal read from the pixel is read A control unit that performs control to perform A / D conversion using the plurality of A / D conversion units assigned to the column.
- CMOS image sensor 111 pixel array unit, 112 readout unit, 113 D / A conversion unit, 121 column pixel unit, 122 selection unit, 123 column A / D conversion unit, 124 horizontal transfer unit, 131 sensor controller, 132 vertical scan Unit, 133 horizontal scanning unit, 141 address decoder, 142 pixel drive unit, 151 unit pixel, 161 photodiode, 162 readout transistor, 163 reset transistor, 164 amplification transistor, 165 select transistor, 181 current source, 182 comparison unit, 183 counter , 200 CMOS image sensor, 221 horizontal processing unit, 222 compression unit, 223 output unit, 300 CMOS image sensor, 311 pixels Ray section, 312 A / D conversion section, 313 horizontal transfer path, 314 amplification section, 315 calculation section, 316 image processing section, 321 unit pixel, 331 control section, 332 vertical scanning section, 333 horizontal scanning section, 351 D / A Conversion unit, 352 comparison unit, 353 counter, 354 selector
Abstract
Description
1.第1の実施の形態(CMOSイメージセンサ)
2.第2の実施の形態(CMOSイメージセンサ)
3.第3の実施の形態(CMOSイメージセンサ)
4.第4の実施の形態(CMOSイメージセンサ)
5.第5の実施の形態(CMOSイメージセンサ)
6.第6の実施の形態(撮像装置)
<CMOSイメージセンサ>
図1は、本技術を適用した撮像素子の一実施の形態であるCMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor)イメージセンサの一部の構成例を示すブロック図である。図1に示されるCMOSイメージセンサ100は、被写体を撮像し、撮像画像のデジタルデータを得る撮像素子である。なお、本明細書においては、CMOSイメージセンサを例に説明するが、本技術は、例えば、CCD(Charge Coupled Device)イメージセンサ等の、CMOSイメージセンサ以外の撮像素子にも適用することができる。
カラム画素部121の主な構成の例を図2に示す。上述したように、カラム画素部121には、複数(例えばN本(Nは2以上の自然数))の垂直信号線が割り当てられている。カラム画素部121の各単位画素(すなわち画素アレイの当該カラムの各単位画素)は、この複数の垂直信号線のいずれかに接続される。また、カラム画素部121が有する単位画素の数は任意である。
単位画素151の主な構成の例を図3に示す。図3に示されるように、単位画素151は、フォトダイオード161、読み出しトランジスタ162、リセットトランジスタ163、増幅トランジスタ164、およびセレクトトランジスタ165を有する。
単位画素151の構成は任意であり、図3の例に限定されない。例えば、読み出しトランジスタ162が省略されていてもよい。また、1単位画素当たりの画素数は任意であり、図3の例のように1画素であってもよいし、複数画素であってもよい。
図5は、選択部122の主な構成の例を示す図である。図5のAに選択部122Aの構成例を示す。図5のBに選択部122Bの構成例を示す。選択部122は、カラム画素部121毎に設けられ、カラム画素部121のN本の垂直信号線とカラムA/D変換部123のM系統のA/D変換部(M本の垂直信号線)との接続を制御する。図5のAの例の場合、選択部122Aは、自身が対応するカラム画素部121の4本の垂直信号線(VSL0乃至VSL3)の中のいずれか2本を選択し、カラムA/D変換部123Aの2本の垂直信号線(VSLA0、VSLA1)に接続する。
カラムA/D変換部123Bの主な構成の例を図6に示す。カラムA/D変換部123は、上述したようにM系統のA/D変換部を有する。図6の例の場合、2系統(VSLB0, VSLB1)のA/D変換部を有する。そして、カラムA/D変換部123Bは、垂直信号線VSLB0の系統のA/D変換部として、電流源181-0、比較器182-0、およびカウンタ183-0を有する。電流源181-0は、垂直信号線VSLB0に接続される周辺回路の負荷を表している。電流源181-0は、垂直信号線VSLB0とグランドとに接続される。
図7にアドレスデコーダ141の主な構成の例を示す。アドレスデコーダ141は、画素アレイの各ラインに対して、図7に示されるような構成の論理回路を有する。そして、アドレスデコーダ141には、画素を選択するためのアドレス(ADD_X)、読み出しラッチリセット(RLRST)、読みだしラッチセット(RLSET_X)、電子シャッタラッチリセット(SLRST)、および電子シャッタラッチセット(SLSET_X)等の、アドレスを指定する制御信号が、センサコントローラ131から入力される。アドレスデコーダ141は、センサコントローラ131により指定されるラインの論理回路において、これら入力信号を基に、読み出しラッチ(RLQ)または電子シャッタラッチ(SLQ)として値”H(ハイ)”を画素駆動部142に出力する。NOT_読み出しラッチ(XRLQ)やNOT_電子シャッタラッチ(XSLQ)はそれらの制御信号を負論理にしたパルスである。
画素駆動部142の主な構成例を図8に示す。画素駆動部142は、画素アレイの各ラインに対して、図8に示されるような構成の論理回路を有する。
図9に、このようなCMOSイメージセンサ100を駆動するための各種制御信号のタイミングチャートの例を示す。センサコントローラ131は、図9に示されるように、画素を選択するためのアドレス(ADD)、アドレスデコーダ141の読み出しラッチリセット(RLRST)、読み出しラッチセット(RLSET)、電子シャッタラッチリセット(SLRST)、および電子シャッタラッチセット(RLSET)等の制御信号をアドレスデコーダ141に入力することにより、任意のアドレスを駆動させることができる。
以上のようなCMOSイメージセンサ100の場合、各カラムの複数の垂直信号線や複数のA/D変換部を用いて、多様な読み出し方法(読み出しモード)で画素信号を読み出すことができる。例えば、2系統のデータの同時出力を実現する2ストリーム読み出しや、より高速に読み出すために縦列カラムを全数使用する並列読み出し、またダイナミックレンジ向上を実現するためのマルチサンプリング等の読出しモードを実現することができる。
以下に、以上のようなCMOSイメージセンサ100により実現可能な読み出しモードの例を説明する。
読み出しモードの併用は、カラムA/D変換部123のA/D変換部の系統数によって行うようにしてもよいが、図22に示される例のように、時分割により実現するようにしてもよい。
<高速読み出しモードにおける画素信号の転送>
一般的なCMOSイメージセンサの場合、1カラム当たり1つのA/D変換部が搭載されている。ライン単位で順次画素を走査しながらA/D変換が行われる。これをローリングシャッタ方式と称する。この走査方式のためにラインごとにA/D変換されるタイミングがずれる。そのため動体などを撮像した際に歪が発生してしまう。これをローリングシャッタ歪と称する。A/D変換速度はD/A変換部のセトリング時間に依存するため極端な高速化は難しい。そのためローリングシャッタ歪を低減することが困難であった。
図29は、本技術を適用した撮像素子の一実施の形態であるCMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor)イメージセンサの一部の構成例を示すブロック図である。図29に示されるCMOSイメージセンサ200は、CMOSイメージセンサ100と同様に、被写体を撮像し、撮像画像のデジタルデータを得る撮像素子である。なお、以下においては、CMOSイメージセンサを例に説明するが、本実施の形態の場合も、第1の実施の形態の場合と同様に、本技術は、例えば、CCD(Charge Coupled Device)イメージセンサ等の、CMOSイメージセンサ以外の撮像素子にも適用することができる。
図30は、このCMOSイメージセンサ200のデータ出力の様子を説明するタイミングチャートである。図30の区間231のように画素信号の読み出しを行う場合、単位時間当たり、1系統で1ラインの画素信号を出力することができる。これに対して、図29の例のように各系統の画素信号を圧縮して出力することにより、区間232のように、単位時間当たり、1系統で2ライン分の画素信号を出力することができる。したがって、CMOSイメージセンサ200は、出力インターフェイスの帯域を超えずにフォーカルプレーン歪の小さい画像を出力することができる。
図31は、水平処理部221Aおよび水平処理部221Bの主な構成の例を示す図である。
なお、圧縮部222による画素信号の圧縮方法は任意である。ただし、圧縮処理の処理時間の増大を抑制するために、圧縮方法や制御方法が簡易的な方法であるのが望ましい。例えば、固定ビットレート(CBR)の圧縮方式を採用するようにしてもよい。図32は、その場合の圧縮部222の主な構成の例を示す図である。もちろん、圧縮部222の構成は任意であり、図32の例に限定されない。
<データラッチ>
画素アレイの1カラムにつき1つのSingleSlope型A/D変換部が割り当てられるイメージセンサの場合、その1つのA/D変換部に対して、そのA/D変換部がカウントしたカウント値(A/D変換後の画素信号(デジタルデータ))を格納するデータラッチが1つ設けられていた。カウント値をデータラッチに格納することで、次の行の読み出しとA/D変換を行いつつ、カウント値をロジック部に転送することが可能になる。
図33は、その場合のCMOSイメージセンサの主な構成の例を示す図である。図33に示されるCMOSイメージセンサ300は、CMOSイメージセンサ100やCMOSイメージセンサ200と同様に、被写体を撮像し、撮像画像のデジタルデータを得る撮像素子である。なお、本明細書においては、CMOSイメージセンサを例に説明するが、本技術は、例えば、CCDイメージセンサ等の、CMOSイメージセンサ以外の撮像素子にも適用することができる。
図34は、A/D変換部312の主な構成の例を示す図である。上述したように、A/D変換部312は、カラム毎にカラムA/D変換部を有する。図34に示されるように、A/D変換部312は、各カラムA/D変換部に対してランプ信号を供給するD/A変換部351を有する。
図35のフローチャートを参照して、読み出し処理の流れの例を説明する。読み出し処理を開始すると、制御部331は、ステップS301において、垂直走査部332を介して画素アレイ部311の各単位画素321を制御し、処理対象であるカレント行(カレントライン)の単位画素321から画素信号を読み出させる。
CMOSイメージセンサ300は、例えば、図36に示されるように、画素信号の読み出しを行うことができる。図36の例では前後の行を加算したデータを出力することができる。各カラムについて、各処理部を図36のAの例のように構成し、図36のBの例のタイミングチャートのように画素信号の読み出し、ラッチ、転送を行うようにすればよい。例えば、N行目のデータをデータラッチ355Aとデータラッチ355Bの両方に格納し、次のN+1行のデータをデータラッチ355Bのみに格納する。この時データラッチ355AではN行のデータを格納したままになる。この2つのデータを演算部315で加算することによって、加算データを出力することが可能になる。
<マルチサンプリングによるノイズ低減>
以上の各実施の形態において説明したように各カラムに対して複数系統のA/D変換を行う場合、その互いに独立した複数系統を利用して、出力データのノイズを低減させるようにしてもよい。
なお、撮像装置においては、光電変換部(フォトダイオード)に非常に強い光が入射した場合、黒化現象が発生する可能性がある。この黒化現象を補正する方法として、P相読み出し期間に比較部の出力が反転しない場合、A/D変換結果として固定値を出力させる方式がある。この方式の場合、ランプ信号のオフセットを小さくし過ぎると、P相読み出し期間に比較部の出力が反転してしまうので、上述したような固定値を出力する制御方法が有効に機能せず、黒化現象の発生を抑制することが困難になる可能性が考えられる。
図42のフローチャートを参照して、上述したようなランプ信号のオフセット量の制御を行うためのランプ信号制御処理の流れの例を説明する。
<CMOSイメージセンサ>
なお、本技術を適用する撮像素子が、互いに重畳される複数の半導体基板を有するようにしてもよい。
<撮像装置>
なお、本技術は、撮像素子以外にも適用することができる。例えば、撮像装置のような、撮像素子を有する装置(電子機器等)に本技術を適用するようにしてもよい。図44は、本技術を適用した電子機器の一例としての撮像装置の主な構成例を示すブロック図である。図44に示される撮像装置600は、被写体を撮像し、その被写体の画像を電気信号として出力する装置である。
(1) 画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの複数の前記信号線のそれぞれに、前記画素信号の読み出しの互いに異なるモードが割り当てられ、前記モードに対応する画素が接続される画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する前記信号線に接続される画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出し、読み出した前記画素信号を前記信号線を介して伝送させるように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像素子。
(2) 前記制御部は、前記画素からの画素信号の読み出しを、前記画素に対応する前記モードのフレームレートで行うように制御する
(1)、(3)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(3) 前記制御部は、さらに、各カラムのメインシャッタ動作およびプリシャッタ動作を前記モードのフレームレートで行うように制御する
(1)、(2)、(4)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(4) 各カラムにおいて、各信号線に割り当てられる画素数が互いに異なる
(1)乃至(3)、(5)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(5) 各カラムにおいて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する信号線を、前記複数の信号線の中から選択する選択部をさらに備え、
前記制御部は、各カラムについて、前記選択部にいずれかの前記信号線を選択させ、前記選択部により選択された信号線に接続される画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出し、読み出した前記画素信号を前記選択部により選択された信号線を介して伝送させるように制御する
(1)乃至(4)、(6)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(6) 前記制御部は、前記選択部に、選択する信号線を順次切り替えさせ、複数モードの画素信号の読み出しを時分割で行うように制御する
(1)乃至(5)、(7)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(7) 前記画素アレイの各カラムの複数の前記信号線のそれぞれに、前記信号線に対応する前記モードに対応するダミー画素がさらに接続され、
前記制御部は、前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する前記信号線に接続されるダミー画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出すように制御する
(1)乃至(6)、(8)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(8) 前記制御部は、さらに、前記ダミー画素のシャッタ動作を前記モードで行うように制御する
(1)乃至(7)、(9)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(9) 前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、前記信号線を介して伝送される前記画素信号をA/D変換するA/D変換部をさらに備える
(1)乃至(8)、(10)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(10) 前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する信号線を、前記複数の信号線の中から選択する選択部をさらに備え、
前記A/D変換部は、前記選択部により選択された前記信号線に接続される画素から読み出された前記画素信号をA/D変換する
(1)乃至(9)、(11)乃至(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(11) 前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して、前記A/D変換部が複数備えられ、
前記選択部は、画素信号のA/D変換に用いる前記A/D変換部をさらに選択する
(1)乃至(10)、(12)、(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(12) 前記制御部は、前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、前記選択部に複数の信号線と複数のA/D変換部を選択させ、
前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、前記選択部により選択された各信号線に接続される画素からの前記モードでの画素信号の読み出しを、前記信号線間で互いに並列に行うように制御する
(1)乃至(11)、(13)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(13) 各画素の露光時間は、前記画素が接続される信号線に対応するモード毎に設定される
(1)乃至(12)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(14) 画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの複数の前記信号線のそれぞれに、前記画素信号の読み出しの互いに異なるモードが割り当てられ、前記モードに対応する画素が接続される画素アレイの各カラムについて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する前記信号線に接続される画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出させ、
読み出させた前記画素信号を前記信号線を介して伝送させる
制御方法。
(15) 被写体を撮像する撮像部と、
前記撮像部による撮像により得られた画像データを画像処理する画像処理部と
を備え、
前記撮像部は、
画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの複数の前記信号線のそれぞれに、前記画素信号の読み出しの互いに異なるモードが割り当てられ、前記モードに対応する画素が接続される画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する前記信号線に接続される画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出し、読み出した前記画素信号を前記信号線を介して伝送させるように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像装置。
(16) 画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの画素が、前記カラムに割り当てられた複数の前記信号線のいずれかに接続される画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムの互いに異なる信号線を介して伝送される画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を圧縮する複数の圧縮部と
前記画素アレイの各カラムの、互いに異なる前記信号線に割り当てられた複数ラインの画素から画素信号を並列に読み出し、前記複数ラインの画素から読み出された複数ラインの画素信号を、それぞれ、前記画素に対応する前記信号線を用いて並列に伝送し、前記複数の信号線を用いて伝送された前記複数ラインの画素信号を前記複数のA/D変換部を用いて並列にA/D変換し、互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された互いに異なるラインの画素信号を前記複数の圧縮部を用いて並列に圧縮するように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像素子。
(17) 前記複数の圧縮部は、前記複数ラインの画素信号の圧縮後のデータサイズが1単位期間内に伝送可能なサイズ以下になるように、各ラインの画素信号を圧縮する
(16)、(18)乃至(20)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(18) 前記制御部は、2ラインずつ画像信号を読み出させ、
前記複数の圧縮部は、各ラインの画素信号を、データサイズが半分になるように圧縮する
(16)、(17)、(19)、(20)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(19) 前記圧縮部は、前記画素信号を、所定のビットレートで圧縮する
(16)乃至(18)、(20)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(20) 互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された互いに異なるラインの画素信号に対して、所定の信号処理を並列に行う複数の信号処理部をさらに備え、
前記複数の圧縮部は、互いに異なる前記信号処理部により前記信号処理が行われた互いに異なるラインの画素信号を並列に圧縮する
(16)乃至(19)のいずれかに記載の撮像素子。
(21) 画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの画素が、前記カラムに割り当てられた複数の前記信号線のいずれかに接続される画素アレイの各カラムの、互いに異なる前記信号線に割り当てられた複数ラインの画素から画素信号を並列に読み出させ、
前記複数ラインの画素から読み出させた前記複数ラインの画素信号を、それぞれ、前記画素に対応する前記信号線を用いて並列に伝送させ、
前記複数の信号線を用いて伝送させた前記複数ラインの画素信号を並列にA/D変換させ、
A/D変換させた互いに異なるラインの画素信号を並列に圧縮させる
制御方法。
(22) 被写体を撮像する撮像部と、
前記撮像部による撮像により得られた画像データを画像処理する画像処理部と
を備え、
前記撮像部は、
画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの画素が、前記カラムに割り当てられた複数の前記信号線のいずれかに接続される画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムの互いに異なる信号線を介して伝送される画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を圧縮する複数の圧縮部と、
前記画素アレイの各カラムの、互いに異なる前記信号線に割り当てられた複数ラインの画素から画素信号を並列に読み出し、前記複数ラインの画素から読み出された複数ラインの画素信号を、それぞれ、前記画素に対応する前記信号線を用いて並列に伝送し、前記複数の信号線を用いて伝送された前記複数ラインの画素信号を前記複数のA/D変換部を用いて並列にA/D変換し、互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された互いに異なるラインの画素信号を前記複数の圧縮部を用いて並列に圧縮するように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像装置。
(23) 画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
各A/D変換部に対して複数個ずつ割り当てられ、それぞれが前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を記憶する複数のラッチと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出し、前記画素から読み出された前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記A/D変換部を用いてA/D変換し、前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を、前記画素信号の読み出しのモードに応じて、前記A/D変換部に対応する複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶し、前記モードに応じて、前記複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶されている前記画素信号を読み出すように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像素子。
(24) 前記複数のラッチから読み出された前記画素信号同士を加算若しくは減算する演算部をさらに備え、
前記制御部は、前記モードに応じて、前記複数のラッチから読み出された前記画素信号同士を、前記演算部を用いて加算若しくは減算するように制御する
(23)に記載の撮像素子。
(25) 画素アレイの各カラムについて、前記カラムの処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出させ、
前記画素から読み出させた前記画素信号をA/D変換させ、
A/D変換させた前記画素信号を、前記画素信号の読み出しのモードに応じて、複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶させ、
前記モードに応じて、前記複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶させている前記画素信号を読み出させる
制御方法。
(26) 被写体を撮像する撮像部と、
前記撮像部による撮像により得られた画像データを画像処理する画像処理部と
を備え、
前記撮像部は、
画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
各A/D変換部に対して複数個ずつ割り当てられ、それぞれが前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を記憶する複数のラッチと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出し、前記画素から読み出された前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記A/D変換部を用いてA/D変換し、前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を、前記画素信号の読み出しのモードに応じて、前記A/D変換部に対応する複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶し、前記モードに応じて、前記複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶されている前記画素信号を読み出すように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像装置。
(27) 画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが、互いに異なるランプ信号を用いて、前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットを互いに異なる値に設定し、前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出し、前記画素から読み出された前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記複数のA/D変換部を用いてA/D変換するように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像素子。
(28) 前記制御部は、前記ランプ信号の傾きの大きさに応じて、各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットを設定する
(27)または(29)に記載の撮像素子。
(29) 前記制御部は、前記ランプ信号の傾きが大きい場合、各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットの差が小さくなるように設定し、前記ランプ信号の傾きが小さい場合、各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットの差が大きくなるように設定する
(27)または(28)に記載の撮像素子。
(30) 画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが、互いに異なるランプ信号を用いて、前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部のそれぞれのランプ信号のオフセットを互いに異なる値に設定し、
前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出させ、
前記画素から読み出させた前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記複数のA/D変換部にA/D変換させる
制御方法。
(31) 被写体を撮像する撮像部と、
前記撮像部による撮像により得られた画像データを画像処理する画像処理部と
を備え、
前記撮像部は、
画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが、互いに異なるランプ信号を用いて、前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットを互いに異なる値に設定し、前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出し、前記画素から読み出された前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記複数のA/D変換部を用いてA/D変換するように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像装置。
Claims (31)
- 画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの複数の前記信号線のそれぞれに、前記画素信号の読み出しの互いに異なるモードが割り当てられ、前記モードに対応する画素が接続される画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する前記信号線に接続される画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出し、読み出した前記画素信号を前記信号線を介して伝送させるように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像素子。 - 前記制御部は、前記画素からの画素信号の読み出しを、前記画素に対応する前記モードのフレームレートで行うように制御する
請求項1に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記制御部は、さらに、各カラムのメインシャッタ動作およびプリシャッタ動作を前記モードのフレームレートで行うように制御する
請求項2に記載の撮像素子。 - 各カラムにおいて、各信号線に割り当てられる画素数が互いに異なる
請求項1に記載の撮像素子。 - 各カラムにおいて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する信号線を、前記複数の信号線の中から選択する選択部をさらに備え、
前記制御部は、各カラムについて、前記選択部にいずれかの前記信号線を選択させ、前記選択部により選択された信号線に接続される画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出し、読み出した前記画素信号を前記選択部により選択された信号線を介して伝送させるように制御する
請求項1に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記制御部は、前記選択部に、選択する信号線を順次切り替えさせ、複数モードの画素信号の読み出しを時分割で行うように制御する
請求項5に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記画素アレイの各カラムの複数の前記信号線のそれぞれに、前記信号線に対応する前記モードに対応するダミー画素がさらに接続され、
前記制御部は、前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する前記信号線に接続されるダミー画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出すように制御する
請求項1に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記制御部は、さらに、前記ダミー画素のシャッタ動作を前記モードで行うように制御する
請求項7に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、前記信号線を介して伝送される前記画素信号をA/D変換するA/D変換部をさらに備える
請求項1に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する信号線を、前記複数の信号線の中から選択する選択部をさらに備え、
前記A/D変換部は、前記選択部により選択された前記信号線に接続される画素から読み出された前記画素信号をA/D変換する
請求項9に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して、前記A/D変換部が複数備えられ、
前記選択部は、画素信号のA/D変換に用いる前記A/D変換部をさらに選択する
請求項10に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記制御部は、前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、前記選択部に複数の信号線と複数のA/D変換部を選択させ、
前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、前記選択部により選択された各信号線に接続される画素からの前記モードでの画素信号の読み出しを、前記信号線間で互いに並列に行うように制御する
請求項11に記載の撮像素子。 - 各画素の露光時間は、前記画素が接続される信号線に対応するモード毎に設定される
請求項1に記載の撮像素子。 - 画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの複数の前記信号線のそれぞれに、前記画素信号の読み出しの互いに異なるモードが割り当てられ、前記モードに対応する画素が接続される画素アレイの各カラムについて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する前記信号線に接続される画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出させ、
読み出させた前記画素信号を前記信号線を介して伝送させる
制御方法。 - 被写体を撮像する撮像部と、
前記撮像部による撮像により得られた画像データを画像処理する画像処理部と
を備え、
前記撮像部は、
画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの複数の前記信号線のそれぞれに、前記画素信号の読み出しの互いに異なるモードが割り当てられ、前記モードに対応する画素が接続される画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムについて、画素信号の読み出しのモードに対応する前記信号線に接続される画素から画素信号を前記モードで読み出し、読み出した前記画素信号を前記信号線を介して伝送させるように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像装置。 - 画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの画素が、前記カラムに割り当てられた複数の前記信号線のいずれかに接続される画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムの互いに異なる信号線を介して伝送される画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を圧縮する複数の圧縮部と
前記画素アレイの各カラムの、互いに異なる前記信号線に割り当てられた複数ラインの画素から画素信号を並列に読み出し、前記複数ラインの画素から読み出された複数ラインの画素信号を、それぞれ、前記画素に対応する前記信号線を用いて並列に伝送し、前記複数の信号線を用いて伝送された前記複数ラインの画素信号を前記複数のA/D変換部を用いて並列にA/D変換し、互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された互いに異なるラインの画素信号を前記複数の圧縮部を用いて並列に圧縮するように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像素子。 - 前記複数の圧縮部は、前記複数ラインの画素信号の圧縮後のデータサイズが1単位期間内に伝送可能なサイズ以下になるように、各ラインの画素信号を圧縮する
請求項16に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記制御部は、2ラインずつ画像信号を読み出させ、
前記複数の圧縮部は、各ラインの画素信号を、データサイズが半分になるように圧縮する
請求項17に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記圧縮部は、前記画素信号を、所定のビットレートで圧縮する
請求項16に記載の撮像素子。 - 互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された互いに異なるラインの画素信号に対して、所定の信号処理を並列に行う複数の信号処理部をさらに備え、
前記複数の圧縮部は、互いに異なる前記信号処理部により前記信号処理が行われた互いに異なるラインの画素信号を並列に圧縮する
請求項16に記載の撮像素子。 - 画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの画素が、前記カラムに割り当てられた複数の前記信号線のいずれかに接続される画素アレイの各カラムの、互いに異なる前記信号線に割り当てられた複数ラインの画素から画素信号を並列に読み出させ、
前記複数ラインの画素から読み出させた前記複数ラインの画素信号を、それぞれ、前記画素に対応する前記信号線を用いて並列に伝送させ、
前記複数の信号線を用いて伝送させた前記複数ラインの画素信号を並列にA/D変換させ、
A/D変換させた互いに異なるラインの画素信号を並列に圧縮させる
制御方法。 - 被写体を撮像する撮像部と、
前記撮像部による撮像により得られた画像データを画像処理する画像処理部と
を備え、
前記撮像部は、
画素から読み出される画素信号を伝送する信号線が各カラムに対して複数割り当てられ、各カラムの画素が、前記カラムに割り当てられた複数の前記信号線のいずれかに接続される画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムの互いに異なる信号線を介して伝送される画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を圧縮する複数の圧縮部と、
前記画素アレイの各カラムの、互いに異なる前記信号線に割り当てられた複数ラインの画素から画素信号を並列に読み出し、前記複数ラインの画素から読み出された複数ラインの画素信号を、それぞれ、前記画素に対応する前記信号線を用いて並列に伝送し、前記複数の信号線を用いて伝送された前記複数ラインの画素信号を前記複数のA/D変換部を用いて並列にA/D変換し、互いに異なる前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された互いに異なるラインの画素信号を前記複数の圧縮部を用いて並列に圧縮するように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像装置。 - 画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
各A/D変換部に対して複数個ずつ割り当てられ、それぞれが前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を記憶する複数のラッチと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出し、前記画素から読み出された前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記A/D変換部を用いてA/D変換し、前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を、前記画素信号の読み出しのモードに応じて、前記A/D変換部に対応する複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶し、前記モードに応じて、前記複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶されている前記画素信号を読み出すように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像素子。 - 前記複数のラッチから読み出された前記画素信号同士を加算若しくは減算する演算部をさらに備え、
前記制御部は、前記モードに応じて、前記複数のラッチから読み出された前記画素信号同士を、前記演算部を用いて加算若しくは減算するように制御する
請求項23に記載の撮像素子。 - 画素アレイの各カラムについて、前記カラムの処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出させ、
前記画素から読み出させた前記画素信号をA/D変換させ、
A/D変換させた前記画素信号を、前記画素信号の読み出しのモードに応じて、複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶させ、
前記モードに応じて、前記複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶させている前記画素信号を読み出させる
制御方法。 - 被写体を撮像する撮像部と、
前記撮像部による撮像により得られた画像データを画像処理する画像処理部と
を備え、
前記撮像部は、
画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
各A/D変換部に対して複数個ずつ割り当てられ、それぞれが前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を記憶する複数のラッチと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出し、前記画素から読み出された前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記A/D変換部を用いてA/D変換し、前記A/D変換部によりA/D変換された前記画素信号を、前記画素信号の読み出しのモードに応じて、前記A/D変換部に対応する複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶し、前記モードに応じて、前記複数のラッチのうちのいずれか若しくは全部に記憶されている前記画素信号を読み出すように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像装置。 - 画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが、互いに異なるランプ信号を用いて、前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットを互いに異なる値に設定し、前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出し、前記画素から読み出された前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記複数のA/D変換部を用いてA/D変換するように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像素子。 - 前記制御部は、前記ランプ信号の傾きの大きさに応じて、各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットを設定する
請求項27に記載の撮像素子。 - 前記制御部は、前記ランプ信号の傾きが大きい場合、各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットの差が小さくなるように設定し、前記ランプ信号の傾きが小さい場合、各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットの差が大きくなるように設定する
請求項28に記載の撮像素子。 - 画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが、互いに異なるランプ信号を用いて、前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部のそれぞれのランプ信号のオフセットを互いに異なる値に設定し、
前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出させ、
前記画素から読み出させた前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記複数のA/D変換部にA/D変換させる
制御方法。 - 被写体を撮像する撮像部と、
前記撮像部による撮像により得られた画像データを画像処理する画像処理部と
を備え、
前記撮像部は、
画素アレイと、
前記画素アレイの各カラムに対して割り当てられ、それぞれが、互いに異なるランプ信号を用いて、前記カラムの画素から読み出された画素信号をA/D変換する複数のA/D変換部と、
各A/D変換部のランプ信号のオフセットを互いに異なる値に設定し、前記画素アレイの各カラムにおいて、処理対象のラインの画素から画素信号を読み出し、前記画素から読み出された前記画素信号を、前記カラムに割り当てられた前記複数のA/D変換部を用いてA/D変換するように制御する制御部と
を備える撮像装置。
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JP7028274B2 (ja) | 2022-03-02 |
EP3116217B1 (en) | 2020-11-18 |
TWI672952B (zh) | 2019-09-21 |
US20200014874A1 (en) | 2020-01-09 |
CN110312087B (zh) | 2021-05-14 |
CN106031162B (zh) | 2020-03-20 |
KR102277599B1 (ko) | 2021-07-15 |
EP3116217A4 (en) | 2018-03-14 |
TW201536054A (zh) | 2015-09-16 |
CN106031162A (zh) | 2016-10-12 |
US20170195603A1 (en) | 2017-07-06 |
CN110312087A (zh) | 2019-10-08 |
US10484634B2 (en) | 2019-11-19 |
JPWO2015133323A1 (ja) | 2017-04-06 |
EP3116217A1 (en) | 2017-01-11 |
KR20160129844A (ko) | 2016-11-09 |
JP2020141405A (ja) | 2020-09-03 |
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