JP2002058040A - Solid state electronic imaging apparatus and method for controlling its operation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an occurrence of a false signal. SOLUTION: A CCD having many photodiodes, vertical transfer passages and horizontal transfer passages mixes signal charges of R, G and B in horizontal transfer passages. Thus, the signal charges input to the horizontal transfer passages are controlled to read the charges from photodiodes so that an order of the RGBG and an order of the BGRG are repeated at every other line. The same row when a complementary color is generated by pixel mixing in the horizontal transfer passages becomes different complementary color. A generation of a false signal can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, a vertical transfer path for vertically transferring signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements, and a transfer gate pulse. Accordingly, a solid-state electronic imaging device having a transfer gate for shifting the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path, a horizontal transfer path for horizontally transferring the signal charges transferred from the vertical transfer path, and the solid-state electronic device. The present invention relates to an operation control method.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A honeycomb-type CCD has been developed in which odd-numbered columns are arranged in odd-numbered or even-numbered rows of photoelectric conversion elements, and even-numbered columns are arranged in even-numbered or odd-numbered rows of photoelectric conversion elements. Have been. In a honeycomb-type CCD, for example, a color filter that allows transmission of a blue or red light component is disposed in an odd-numbered or even-numbered photoelectric conversion element, and a blue or red-colored photoelectric conversion element is disposed in an even-numbered or odd-numbered row. Color filters that allow transmission of light components are alternately arranged for each column and for each row.

In such a honeycomb type CCD, when the signal charges are shifted from the photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path so as to reduce the signal charge amount to 1/2, the signal is output from the vertical transfer path. The signal charge to be transferred is R (red), G (green) or B
A color filter that allows the transmission of the (blue) light component is the same as a solid-state electronic imaging device arranged in each column. In such a case, if signal charges corresponding to three pixels adjacent in the horizontal direction are mixed to generate a complementary color, all the columns become white (W), yellow (Ye), or cyan (Cy) ( The complementary color is generated because the number of pixels represented by the signal charge is substantially reduced to 1/3 by generating the complementary color, and the transfer can be accelerated.)

In order to return the generated signal representing the complementary color to the RGB color signal, three signals of white, yellow, and cyan are used.
Although three complementary color signals are required, three complementary colors of white, yellow, and cyan cannot be obtained unless signal charges for four pixels are used in the horizontal direction. For this reason, spurious signals increase even if the signal processing is devised.

[0005] Such a problem is caused by the so-called G stripes arranged in a vertical stripe for those that allow transmission of a green light component and arranged in a checkered pattern for those that allow transmission of a blue or red light component. The same applies to the BR checkerboard filter array.

[0006]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to prevent occurrence of a false signal.

A solid-state electronic imaging device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, a vertical transfer path for transferring signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements in a vertical direction, a transfer gate and a transfer gate. When a pulse is applied, a transfer gate for shifting the signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path, a horizontal transfer path for horizontally transferring the signal charges transferred from the vertical transfer path, A signal charge of substantially one row input to the horizontal transfer path at the time of pixel reading is a red signal component,
The above-described photoelectric conversion, which is repeated in the order of the green signal component, the blue signal component, and the green signal component, and is arranged such that the output timings of the red signal component and the blue signal component are reversed in the odd rows and the even rows. Substantially one row of signal charges input to the color filter formed in the element and the horizontal transfer path are alternately arranged in the order of a red signal component, a green signal component, a blue signal component and a green signal component. Read control means for applying a transfer gate pulse to the transfer gate so that the output timing of the red signal component and the output signal of the blue signal component are reversed in the odd rows and the even rows. Features.

The present invention also provides an operation control method suitable for the above device. That is, in this method, a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a column direction and a row direction, a vertical transfer path for vertically transferring signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements, and a transfer gate pulse are provided. Transfer signal for shifting the signal charge stored in the photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path.
In a solid-state electronic imaging device provided with a gate and a horizontal transfer path for horizontally transferring signal charges transferred from the horizontal transfer path, substantially one row of signal charges input to the horizontal transfer path at the time of reading all pixels is red. Signal component, green signal component,
It is repeated in the order of the blue signal component and the green signal component,
A color filter is formed in the photoelectric conversion element so that the output timing of the red signal component and the output timing of the blue signal component are reversed between the odd-numbered rows and the even-numbered rows. The signal charges of the rows are repeated every other row in the order of red signal component, green signal component, blue signal component and green signal component, and output of red signal component and blue signal component in odd and even rows. A transfer gate pulse is applied to the transfer gate so that the timing is reversed.

According to the present invention, substantially one row of signal charges input to the horizontal transfer path is repeated every other row in the order of a red signal component, a green signal component, a blue signal component, and a green signal component. A transfer gate pulse is applied to the transfer gate so that the output timing of the red signal component and the output timing of the blue signal component are reversed between the odd rows and the even rows.

According to the present invention, substantially one row of signal charges input to the horizontal transfer path is replaced with a red signal component every other row.
The green signal component, the blue signal component, and the green signal component are repeated in this order, and the output timings of the red signal component and the blue signal component are reversed in the odd-numbered rows and the even-numbered rows. For this reason, even if the signal charges representing the complementary colors are generated from the signal charges respectively representing the red, green and blue signal components, the complementary colors that appear even in the same column change every other row. It is possible to prevent the same complementary color from being applied to each column beforehand, and to prevent the generation of a false signal.

The photoelectric conversion elements are of a honeycomb type arrangement in which, for example, odd columns are arranged in odd rows or even rows, and even columns are arranged in even rows or odd rows. In this case, a color filter that allows transmission of a green light component is disposed in the odd-numbered or even-numbered photoelectric conversion elements, and a blue or red light component is transmitted in the even-numbered or odd-numbered photoelectric conversion elements. Permissible color filters would be arranged alternately by column and by row.

[0012] When the color filters permit transmission of a green light component, they are arranged in a vertical stripe.
For those that allow transmission of blue or red light components,
It may be a G stripe RB checkerboard filter arranged in a checkerboard.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a part of a structure on a light receiving surface of a CCD.

The CCD 2 has a large number of photodiodes 11
Are arranged over many columns and many rows. These photodiodes 11 are arranged in even rows for odd columns, and are arranged in odd rows for even columns. However, odd columns may be arranged in odd rows, and even columns may be arranged in even rows. On the light receiving area of the photodiode 11, an R color filter having a characteristic of transmitting a red light component, a B color filter having a characteristic of transmitting a blue light component, or a G color having a characteristic of transmitting a green light component is provided. A filter is formed. The letter "R" is given to the photodiode 11 on which the R color filter is formed, the letter "B" is given to the photodiode 11 on which the B color filter is formed, and the G color filter is formed. The letter “G” is given to the photodiode 11. The light receiving area of the photodiode 11 is a hexagon when viewed from a plane.

A vertical transfer path 12 is formed on the right side (or on the left side) of each column of the photodiodes 11. 8th m +
On the right side of the photodiode 11 in one row, a vertical transfer electrode V
1B and V2 are provided. The vertical transfer electrodes V3B and V4 are provided on the right side of the photodiode 11 in the 8m + 2th row. The vertical transfer electrodes V5B and V6 are provided on the right side of the photodiode 11 in the 8m + 3 row. The vertical transfer electrodes V7B and V8 are provided on the right side of the photodiode 11 in the 8m + 4th row. Vertical transfer electrodes V1A and V2 are provided on the right side of the photodiode 11 in the 8m + 5th row. 8m
The vertical transfer electrodes V3A and V4 are provided on the right side of the photodiodes 11 in the +6 rows. On the right side of the photodiode 11 in the 8m + 7th row, vertical transfer electrodes V5A and V6 are provided. The vertical transfer electrodes V7A and V8 are provided on the right side of the photodiode 11 in the 8m + 8th row.

As described above, the vertical transfer electrode is connected to the 8m-th row +
One set is provided for every eight rows from the 1st row to the 8m + 8th row, and is formed on the vertical transfer path 12 by repeating the set.
By applying the corresponding vertical transfer pulses φV1A to φV8 to the vertical transfer electrodes V1A to V8, the signal charges accumulated in the photodiode 11 are transferred in the vertical transfer path 12 in the row direction (vertical direction).

A transfer gate 13 for shifting the signal charges accumulated in the photodiode 11 to the vertical transfer path 12 is formed between the photodiode 11 and the vertical transfer path 12. By applying a transfer gate pulse to the transfer gate 13, the signal charges accumulated in the photodiode 11 are shifted to the vertical transfer path 12.

At the lowermost stage of the CCD 2, there is provided a horizontal transfer path 15 for transferring signal charges in the column direction (horizontal direction) in accordance with the applied horizontal transfer pulses φH1 to φH6. When the signal charges transferred in the vertical transfer path 12 are given to the horizontal transfer path 15, the signal charges are transferred in the horizontal direction and output to the outside via the amplifier circuit 16.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG.
4 is a time chart when reading out signal charges accumulated in all the photodiodes 11 of the CCD 2 (reading out all pixels), in which the signal charges accumulated in the photodiodes 11 are shifted to the vertical transfer path 12. FIG.
2B is an enlarged view of the time Δt1 in FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of the time Δt2 in FIG. 2B.

At time T10, the vertical transfer electrodes V1A, V1
1B and V5 have an L level vertical transfer pulse φV1A,
φV1B and φV5A, φV5B are provided. Then, the vertical transfer electrodes V1A, V1B and V5A, V5B
A potential well for storing signal charges is formed below.
Below the vertical transfer electrodes V3A, V3B and V7A, V7B, the L level vertical transfer electrodes φV3A, φV3B and φ
V7A and φV7B are provided, and an electron well is formed. H level vertical transfer pulses φV4 and φV8 are applied to the vertical transfer electrodes V4 and V8.
Thereby, a potential barrier is formed, and mixing of signal charges between different pixels is prevented.

At time T11, all transfer
The read pulses φTG1A, φTG1B, φ
TG3A, φTG3B, φTG5A, φTG5B, φT
G7A and φTG7B are provided. Then, the signal charges stored in all the photodiodes 11 are shifted to the vertical transfer path 12.

FIG. 3 shows a time chart when signal charges are transferred in the vertical transfer path 12 in reading all pixels.

At time T20, the vertical transfer electrodes V1A and V1B are supplied with the vertical transfer electrodes φV1A and φV1B, and signal charges are accumulated under the vertical transfer electrodes V1A and V1B. At time T22 during the period in which the vertical transfer pulses φV1A and φV1B are at the L level,
The vertical transfer pulse φV at L level is applied to the vertical transfer electrode V2.
2 is given. The signal charges under the vertical transfer electrodes V1A and V1B are transferred to a portion under the vertical transfer electrode V2. Thereafter, at time T23 during the period in which the vertical transfer pulse φV2 is at the L level, the vertical transfer electrodes V3A and V3B
Level vertical transfer pulses φV3A and φV3B are applied. Then, the signal charge under the vertical transfer electrode V2 is transferred to a portion under the vertical transfer electrode V3.

Similarly, at time T24, the signal charge is transferred to a portion below the vertical transfer electrode V4. Further, at time T25, the signal charges are transferred to the vertical transfer electrodes V5A, V5.
5B, and at time T26, the signal charge is transferred to the portion below the vertical transfer electrode V6.
At 27, the signal charge is transferred to a portion below the vertical transfer electrodes V7A and V7B, and at time T28, the signal charge is transferred to a portion below the vertical transfer electrode V8. At time T29, the signal charges are transferred to the portions below the vertical transfer electrodes V1A, V1B.

In this way, the signal charges are transferred to the vertical transfer path 12
Is transferred vertically in the direction of the horizontal transfer path 15. In the horizontal transfer path 15, the signal charges accumulated in the photodiodes 11 for two rows are mixed to become substantially one row of signal charges repeated in the order of RGBG.

The above transfer is for the signal charges shifted from the photodiode 11 to below the vertical transfer electrode V1, but other signal charges can be transferred vertically in the vertical transfer path 12 in the same manner. Needless to say.

In the case of all-pixel reading, the first two rows of signal charges input to the horizontal transfer path 15 become substantially one row of signal charges, and are repeated in the order of RGBG.
Although the signal charges are input to the horizontal transfer path 15, the signal charges for one row, which are subsequently input to the horizontal transfer path 15, do not repeat the order of RGBG, but the order of BGRG. The color components represented by the signal charges input to the horizontal transfer path 15 as substantially one row are such that red and blue are reversed for each substantial row.
Therefore, when signal charges are mixed for every three pixels to generate a complementary color signal, the order of the complementary colors changes for each row.
For this reason, even when the RGB color signal is generated from the complementary color signal, generation of a false signal is prevented.

However, when the signal charges stored in the photodiodes 11 in every other row are read out to perform 1/2 pixel thinning-out, substantially one row of signals input to the horizontal transfer path 15 via the vertical transfer path 12 are read. The signal charge of the minute always repeats the order of RGBG. For this reason, if signal charges are mixed for every three pixels to generate a complementary color signal, the order of complementary colors will be the same in all rows. From the complementary color signal to R
When a GB color signal is generated, a false color occurs.

4 to 6 (A), (B) and (C)
FIG. 4 describes the operation of a CCD for preventing the occurrence of false colors even when pixel thinning is performed.

FIG. 4 shows the R, G, or B light component represented by the signal charge input from the vertical transfer path 12 to the horizontal transfer path 15, and each of the substantial rows is represented by an odd row and an even row. Represents.

In this embodiment, pixel thinning (1/1 /
Even if (two-pixel thinning) is performed, the CCD 2 is driven such that the signal charges input to the horizontal transfer path 15 are alternately repeated in the order of RGBG and BGRG in each of the considered substantial rows. . When complementary colors are generated by mixing signal charges of three pixels representing RGB color components, the order of complementary colors can be prevented from being the same in all rows, and generation of a false signal can be prevented beforehand. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the second column, the complementary color is cyan (Cy) in odd-numbered rows, but is yellow (Ye) in even-numbered rows. In the first column, the complementary color is white (W). As a result, the complementary color is converted to RG using the signal charges of two pixels adjacent in the column direction for at least two rows.
The B color signal can be generated.

The generation of RGB color signals using the signal charges of two pixels adjacent in the column direction of two rows considered can be realized according to Equations 1 to 3 when three pixels are used.

R ₁₁ = (2W ₁₁ + Ye ₂₁ -2Cy ₂₂ ) / 3 Formula 1 G ₁₁ = (Ye ₂₁ + Cy ₂₂ -W ₁₁ ) / 3 Formula 2 B ₁₁ = (2W ₁₁ + Cy ₂₂ -Ye ₂₁ ) / 3 Formula 3

In addition, generation of RGB color signals using signal charges of two pixels adjacent in the column direction for two rows is realized according to equations 4 to 6 when four pixels are used. it can.

R ₁₁ = (W ₁₁ + W ₁₂ + Ye ₂₁ -2Cy ₂₂ ) / 3 Equation 4 G ₁₁ = (2Ye ₂₁ + 2Cy ₂₂ -W ₁₁ -W ₁₂ ) / 6 Equation 5 B ₁₁ = (W ₁₁ + W ₁₂ + Cy ₂₂₎ −Ye ₂₁ ) / 3 Equation 6

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are time charts when the signal charge stored in the photodiode is shifted to the vertical transfer path 12 by 1/2 pixel thinning. . FIG. 6 (B) shows Δt of FIG. 6 (A).
3C is an enlarged view of FIG. 6C, and FIG.
It is an enlarged view of the part.

At time T30, the vertical transfer pulse applied to the vertical transfer electrodes other than the vertical transfer electrodes V4 and V8 is at the L level, and a potential well is formed below the vertical transfer electrodes other than the vertical transfer electrodes V4 and V8. I have. Below the vertical transfer electrodes V4 and V8 is a potential barrier.

At time T31, the vertical transfer electrodes V1B, V1B
Transfer gate pulses φTG1B, φTG are applied to transfer gates 13 corresponding to 3B, V5A and V7A.
TG3B, φTG5A and φTG7A are provided.
Then, the signal charges accumulated in the photodiodes 11 in the 8m + 1th row, the 8m + 2th row, the 8m + 7th row, and the 8m + 8th row are shifted from the photodiode 11 to the vertical transfer path 12. The other signal charges accumulated in the photodiode 11 are transferred from the photodiode 11 to the vertical transfer path.
Since it is not shifted to 12, the pixel is decimated by 1/2 pixel.

The signal charge shifted to the vertical transfer path 12 is
The data is vertically transferred in the vertical transfer path 12 in the same manner as the all-pixel readout, and is input to the horizontal transfer path 15.

The signal charges accumulated in the photodiodes 11 in the (8m + 1) th row and the (8m + 2) th row are substantially regarded as signal charges for one row, and are input to the horizontal transfer path 15, and
The signal charges accumulated in the photodiodes 11 in the 7th row and the 8m + 8th row are substantially regarded as signal charges for one row and are input to the horizontal transfer path 15. The signal charges stored in the photodiodes 11 in the 8m + 1th row and the 8m + 2th row, which are regarded substantially as signal charges for one row, represent a color signal component by repeating the order of BGRG. Similarly, the signal charges stored in the photodiodes 11 in the 8m + 7th row and the 8m + 8th row, which are regarded as substantially one row of signal charges, represent the color signal components by repeating the order of RGBG.

As described above, the RGB color components represented by the signal charges of substantially one line assumed to be input to the horizontal transfer path 15 have a different order for each line (FIG. 4).
reference). As described above, the complementary color generated even in the same column differs for each row, so that the generation of a false signal can be prevented.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are time charts showing the state of pixel mixing in the horizontal transfer path 15. FIG. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a time chart of horizontal transfer in odd-numbered rows (substantial rows considered when input to the horizontal transfer path 15), and FIG. 8 is a time chart of horizontal transfer in even-numbered rows. 7 and 8, the electrodes H1 to H6 of the horizontal transfer path 15 are indicated by numerals.

At time t61, the horizontal transfer electrodes H2, H
4 and H6 have horizontal transfer pulses φH2, φH4 and φ
H6 is provided. Then, signal charges indicating G, R or B light components are shifted from the vertical transfer path 12 in the order of R, G, B and G below the horizontal transfer electrodes H2, H4 and H6.

At time t62, the horizontal transfer electrodes H1, H
3 and H6 have horizontal transfer pulses φH1, φH3 and φ
H6 are provided respectively. Then, of the signal charges representing the R light component, the G light component, and the B light component, two signal charges are mixed, and the other signal charge is transferred by one horizontal electrode. For example, the signal charge of the G light component and the signal charge of the R light component are mixed, as indicated by reference numeral A1 in FIG.

At time t63, horizontal transfer pulses φH2 and φH6 are applied to horizontal transfer electrodes H2 and H6, respectively. Then, the signal charges are transferred by one horizontal transfer electrode in the horizontal direction.

At time t64, horizontal transfer pulses φH1 and φH6 are applied to horizontal transfer electrodes H1 and H6, respectively. Then, the signal charges representing the three light components of R, G, and B are mixed with one of the combinations of the signal charges of GRG, BGR, and GBG. For example, the signal charges of GRG are mixed as shown by A2 in FIG.

At time t65, horizontal transfer pulse φH6 is applied to horizontal transfer electrode H6. Then, mixed signal charges are accumulated under one horizontal transfer electrode H6. Depending on the combination of the RGB light components, the signal charge represents a complementary color of any of white (W), yellow (Ye), and cyan (Cy). As shown by reference numerals A2 and A3 in FIG. 7, the signal charges of the combination of G, R, and G are mixed to form a signal charge representing a yellow color, and the signal charges of the combination of R, G, and B are mixed. As a result, the signal charge represents a white color, and the signal charges of the combination of G, B, and G are mixed to produce a signal charge representing a cyan color.

R, G and B are mixed by pixel mixture of signal charges.
Is converted into complementary color signals of cyan, yellow and white, so that the amount of signal charges to be transferred is substantially reduced. When the horizontal transfer is performed, the transfer can be quickly performed.

The horizontal transfer of the signal charges stored in the photodiodes 11 in the even rows is the same as the horizontal transfer of the signal charges stored in the photodiodes 11 in the odd rows.

In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made of the CCD having the honeycomb arrangement. However, the present invention can be applied to CCDs other than the CCD having the honeycomb arrangement.

FIGS. 8 to 12 are used to explain the driving of a CCD so as to prevent generation of a false signal in an interline transfer type CCD.

FIG. 8 shows a part of the light receiving surface of an interline transfer type CCD.

A large number of photodiodes 21 are arranged in the row and column directions. These photodiodes 21
On the left side of the vertical transfer path via transfer gate 23
22 are formed. On the vertical transfer path 22, vertical transfer electrodes V1A, V2, V3A, V4, V5, V6, V7, V
8, V1B and V3B are provided periodically. Vertical transfer electrodes V1A, V2, V3A, V4, V5, V6
Vertical transfer pulses φV1A, φV2, φV3A, φV4, φV5, fV6, φV7, φV8, φV1B and φV3B corresponding to V7, V8, V1B and V3B are applied.

Further, on the photodiodes 21 in the odd-numbered rows, a color filter (having a letter “G”) is formed to allow transmission of a green light component. On the even-numbered photodiodes 21, a color filter (having the letter “R”) that allows transmission of a red light component and a color that allows transmission of a blue light component are different from adjacent even-numbered rows. Filters (labeled with the letter "B") are alternately formed for each row.

On the output side of the vertical transfer path 22, a horizontal transfer path 25 is provided.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C and FIGS. 10A and 10B are time charts when all pixels are read out in the interline transfer type CCD shown in FIG. ing.

In FIG. 9A, pixel reading of odd rows (odd fields) is performed within Δt4. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the portion corresponding to Δt4.
Further, in FIG. 9B, an enlarged view of the portion Δt5 is shown in FIG. 9C.

At time T35, the vertical transfer electrodes V1A, V1
Vertical transfer pulses φV1A, φV1B, and φV5 are applied to 1B and V5 to form potential wells. Time T
The transfer gate pulses φTG1A, φTG1B and φTG5 are supplied to the transfer gate 23 at 36, so that the 8m + 1th row, the 8m + 3th row,
Photodiodes 21 in 8m + 5th row and 8m + 7th row
Is shifted to the vertical transfer path 22. The shifted signal charges are transferred in the vertical transfer path 22 and provided to the horizontal transfer path 25. By outputting the signal charges from the horizontal transfer path 25, a video signal of an odd field is obtained.

In FIG. 9A, pixel reading of an even-numbered row (even-numbered field) is performed within Δt6. An enlarged view of this portion Δt6 is shown in FIG.
Also, in FIG. 10 (A), an enlarged view of the portion of Δt7 is shown.
This is shown in FIG.

At time T40, vertical transfer electrodes V1A, V1
Vertical transfer pulses φV1A, φV1B, and φV5 are applied to 1B and V5 to form potential wells. Time T
In 41, the transfer gate pulses φTG3A, φTG3B and φTG5 are applied to the transfer gate 23, so that the 8m + 2th row, the 8m + 4th row,
The photodiodes 21 in the 8m + 6th row and the 8m + 8th row
Is shifted to the vertical transfer path 22. The shifted signal charges are transferred in the vertical transfer path 22 and provided to the horizontal transfer path 25. By outputting the signal charges from the horizontal transfer path 25, a video signal of an even field is obtained.

In the interline transfer type CCD as shown in FIG. 8, when 1/4 pixel thinning is performed periodically every three pixels in the vertical direction, the horizontal transfer path 25
The color represented by the signal charges for one row input to GR is GR
When the order of BG is repeated and a complementary color is generated as described above, the same column has the same complementary color.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the vertical transfer pulses φTG1B, φT
G3B, φTG5A and φTG7A are provided to realize 1/4 pixel thinning. Horizontal transfer path 25
As shown in FIG. 11, the color components represented by the signal charges inputted to the odd-numbered rows are repeated in the order of GRGB for the odd-numbered rows, and are repeated in the order of GBGR for the even-numbered rows.
When these signal charges are mixed by three pixels, the appearance order of yellow and cyan is changed even in the same column between the odd-numbered rows and the even-numbered rows as shown in FIG. It is possible to return to the RGB color signal by using two pixels adjacent in the column direction of the two rows, and it is possible to prevent the generation of a false signal.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show 1 /
4 shows a time chart when performing four-pixel thinning. FIG. 13 (B) is an enlarged view and a diagram of FIG. 13 (A) during Δt8.
13 (C) is an enlarged view during Δt9 of FIG. 13 (B).

When 1/4 pixel thinning is performed, vertical transfer pulses φV1A and φV1B are applied to vertical transfer electrodes V1A and V1B at time T50. Then, a potential well is formed below the vertical transfer electrodes V1A and V1B. At time T51, the transfer gate
Transfer gate pulse φTG1B and φ
TG3B is provided. Then, the signal charges accumulated in the photodiodes 21 in the 8m + 1th row and the 8m + 6th row are shifted to the vertical transfer 22. 8m + 2 line, 8m +
The signal charges stored in the photodiodes 21 in the third, eighth, fourth, eighth, fifth, eighth, and seventh rows are not shifted to the vertical transfer path 22, so that 1/4 pixel thinning is performed.

The signal charge shifted to the vertical transfer path 22 is
As described above, the data is transferred from the vertical transfer path 22 to the horizontal transfer path 25. Further, pixel mixing is performed in the horizontal transfer path 25 as described above.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital still camera provided with the above-described CCD 2. As shown in FIG.

The overall operation of the digital still camera is controlled by the CPU 44.

The driving circuit 43 is included in the digital still camera. The drive circuit 43 generates the above-described vertical transfer pulse, horizontal transfer pulse, etc.
2 given. Further, other clock pulses are also generated and supplied from the drive circuit 43 to each circuit.

An operation switch 45 including a switch for setting a mode and the like is included. A signal from the operation switch 45 and a signal from the shutter switch 46 are C signals.
Input to PU44.

Further, the digital still camera includes a strobe device 42 so as to enable strobe photographing.

The CCD 2 used in the digital still camera has the above-described structure.

In the imaging mode, the zoom lens 31
The subject image through the shutter and aperture 32
An image is formed on the light receiving surface of D2. CCD2 as described above
Generates a complementary color signal, and the complementary color signal representing the subject image is input to the analog signal processing circuit 34. The analog signal processing circuit 34 performs predetermined analog signal processing, and the analog / digital conversion circuit 35 converts the digital image data into digital image data.

As described above, the digital image data is adjusted in the digital signal processing circuit 36 for the phase shift between the complementary color signals of the odd rows and the even rows. For example, two lines of complementary color data are stored in a line memory for two lines, and a sampling process is performed to adjust the phase shift. The color data whose phase shift has been adjusted is returned to the RGB color image data again.

When RGB image data is generated from complementary color data of three pixels among complementary color data of two rows, that is, complementary pixel data of a total of four pixels of two pixels adjacent to each other,
As described above, the generation processing is performed based on Expressions 1 to 3.

When the RGB image data is generated from the complementary color data of two rows, that is, the complementary color data of a total of four pixels of two pixels adjacent to each other, the equations (4) to (6) are used as described above.
The generation process is performed based on this.

The image data output from the digital signal processing circuit 36 is applied to a liquid crystal display device 38 via a digital encoder 37, whereby a subject image is displayed visually. A relatively clear image in which the generation of a false signal is prevented is displayed.

When the shutter switch 46 is pressed, the RGB image data output from the digital signal processing circuit 36 is temporarily stored in the memory 39. The RGB image data is read from the memory 39 and input to the compression / decompression circuit 40, where compression processing is performed. The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 41.

When the reproduction mode is set by the operation switch 45, the compressed image data recorded on the memory card 41 is read. The read compressed image data is
The data is expanded in the compression / expansion circuit 40. The expanded image data is provided to the liquid crystal display device 38 via the memory 39, the digital signal processing circuit 36, and the digital encoder 37, so that the image represented by the image data recorded on the memory card 41 is displayed. Will be displayed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a part of a light receiving surface of a CCD having a honeycomb arrangement.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show time charts of reading all pixels in a CCD having a honeycomb arrangement.

FIG. 3 shows a time chart of vertical transfer of signal charges.

FIG. 4 illustrates a color light component represented by a signal charge input to a horizontal transfer path.

FIG. 5 shows complementary colors generated as a result of performing pixel mixing in a horizontal transfer path.

6 (A), (B) and (C) are time charts of 1/2 pixel thinning-out reading in a CCD having a honeycomb arrangement.
The chart is shown.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the transfer time of signal charges in the horizontal transfer path.
The chart is shown.

FIG. 8 shows a part of a light receiving surface of a CCD.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show time charts for reading all pixels in a CCD having a G stripe RB checkerboard arrangement.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are time charts of reading all pixels in a CCD having a G stripe RB checkerboard arrangement.

FIG. 11 shows color components represented by signal charges input to the horizontal transfer path.

FIG. 12 shows complementary color components represented by signal charges mixed in the horizontal transfer path.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show time charts of 1/4 pixel thinning-out reading in CCDs having a G stripe RB checkerboard arrangement.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital still camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 CCD 11, 21 Photodiode 12, 22 Vertical transfer path 13, 23 Transfer gate 15, 25 Horizontal transfer path

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A photoelectric conversion element arranged in a large number in a column direction and a row direction, a vertical transfer path for vertically transferring signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element, and a transfer gate pulse are provided. A transfer gate for shifting signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path, a horizontal transfer path for horizontally transferring signal charges transferred from the vertical transfer path, and a horizontal transfer path for reading all pixels; , The signal charges of substantially one row are repeated in the order of red signal component, green signal component, blue signal component and green signal component, and the red signal component and the blue signal component And a color filter formed on the photoelectric conversion element, and a substantially one line input to the horizontal transfer path. Signal charge is repeated in the order of red signal component, green signal component, blue signal component and green signal component every other row, and the output timing of the red signal component and the blue signal component in the odd and even rows A solid-state electronic imaging device, comprising: read-out control means for applying a transfer gate pulse to the transfer gate so that is reversed. 2. The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the odd-numbered columns are arranged in odd-numbered rows or even-numbered rows, and the even-numbered columns are arranged in even-numbered rows or odd-numbered rows. A color filter that allows transmission of a green light component is arranged in the photoelectric conversion elements in rows or even rows, and a color filter that allows transmission of blue or red light components in the photoelectric conversion elements in even or odd rows is provided for each column. The solid-state electronic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the solid-state electronic imaging devices are arranged alternately and row by row. 3. The color filter which allows transmission of a green light component is arranged in a vertical stripe, and the color filter which allows transmission of a blue or red light component is a G stripe arranged in a checkered pattern. The solid-state electronic imaging device according to claim 1, which is an RB checkered filter. 4. A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a column direction and a row direction, a vertical transfer path for transferring signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements in a vertical direction, and a transfer gate pulse. A solid-state image pickup device comprising: a transfer gate for shifting signal charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to the vertical transfer path; and a horizontal transfer path for horizontally transferring the signal charges transferred from the horizontal transfer path. The signal charges of substantially one row input to the horizontal transfer path at the time of reading all pixels are repeated in the order of red signal component, green signal component, blue signal component and green signal component, and the odd-numbered rows and the even-numbered rows are repeated. A color filter is formed on the photoelectric conversion element so that the output timings of the red signal component and the blue signal component are reversed. The input signal charges of substantially one row are repeated in the order of a red signal component, a green signal component, a blue signal component, and a green signal component every other row. An operation control method for a solid-state electronic imaging device, wherein a transfer gate pulse is applied to the transfer gate so that the output timing of a blue signal component is reversed.