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WO2019189893A1 - Élément d'imagerie et dispositif d'imagerie - Google Patents

Élément d'imagerie et dispositif d'imagerie Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019189893A1
WO2019189893A1 PCT/JP2019/014351 JP2019014351W WO2019189893A1 WO 2019189893 A1 WO2019189893 A1 WO 2019189893A1 JP 2019014351 W JP2019014351 W JP 2019014351W WO 2019189893 A1 WO2019189893 A1 WO 2019189893A1
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Prior art keywords
unit
pixel
pixels
signal
output
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Ceased
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PCT/JP2019/014351
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
英明 松田
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Nikon Corp
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Nikon Corp
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Priority to JP2020509363A priority Critical patent/JP6992877B2/ja
Publication of WO2019189893A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019189893A1/fr
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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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
    • H04N25/60—Noise processing, e.g. detecting, correcting, reducing or removing noise
    • H04N25/63—Noise processing, e.g. detecting, correcting, reducing or removing noise applied to dark current
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an imaging element and an imaging apparatus.
  • Patent Document 1 An image sensor that performs a shutter operation by a rolling shutter method is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
  • Patent Document 1 describes that dummy pixels are provided in order to suppress image noise and a shutter operation of the dummy pixels is performed. However, if a dummy pixel is provided, the area of the image sensor increases.
  • the imaging device supplies a predetermined voltage, a photoelectric conversion unit that photoelectrically converts light to generate a charge, a storage unit that stores the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit, and a predetermined voltage
  • a plurality of pixels each having a switching unit that switches connection and disconnection between the supply unit and the storage unit, and an output unit that outputs a signal based on the charge stored in the storage unit, and the first of the plurality of pixels Control for connecting the supply unit and the storage unit to the switching unit of the second pixel among the plurality of pixels while outputting the signal based on the charge stored in the storage unit of the pixel from the output unit
  • a control unit for performing includes the imaging device according to the first aspect and a generation unit that generates image data based on a signal output from the output unit.
  • FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the image sensor according to the first embodiment.
  • 6 is a timing chart illustrating another operation example of the image sensor according to the first embodiment.
  • 6 is a timing chart illustrating another operation example of the image sensor according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a camera 1 that is an example of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • the camera 1 includes an imaging optical system (imaging optical system) 2, an imaging element 3, a control unit 4, a memory 5, a display unit 6, and an operation unit 7.
  • the imaging optical system 2 includes a plurality of lenses including a focus adjustment lens (focus lens) and an aperture stop, and forms a subject image on the imaging element 3. Note that the imaging optical system 2 may be detachable from the camera 1.
  • the image sensor 3 is, for example, a CMOS image sensor.
  • the imaging element 3 receives the light beam that has passed through the exit pupil of the imaging optical system 2 and captures a subject image.
  • a plurality of pixels having photoelectric conversion units are arranged in a two-dimensional manner (for example, in the row direction and the column direction).
  • the photoelectric conversion unit is configured by, for example, a photodiode (PD).
  • PD photodiode
  • the image sensor 3 photoelectrically converts the received light to generate a signal, and outputs the generated signal to the control unit 4.
  • the image pickup device 3 has an image pickup pixel and an AF pixel (focus detection pixel).
  • the imaging pixel outputs a signal (imaging signal) used for image generation.
  • the AF pixel outputs a signal (focus detection signal) used for focus detection.
  • the AF pixels are arranged so as to be replaced with a part of the imaging pixels, and are distributed over almost the entire imaging surface of the imaging element 3.
  • a pixel when simply referred to as a pixel, it refers to either one or both of an imaging pixel and an AF pixel.
  • the memory 5 is a recording medium such as a memory card, for example. Image data and the like are recorded in the memory 5. Writing of data to the memory 5 and reading of data from the memory 5 are performed by the control unit 4.
  • the display unit 6 displays an image based on image data, information relating to shooting such as a shutter speed and an aperture value, a menu screen, and the like.
  • the operation unit 7 includes various setting switches such as a release button and a power switch, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to each operation to the control unit 4.
  • the control unit 4 includes a processor such as a CPU, FPGA, ASIC, and a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, and controls each unit of the camera 1 based on a control program.
  • the control unit 4 includes an imaging control unit 4a, an image data generation unit 4b, and a focus detection unit 4c.
  • the imaging control unit 4 a supplies a control signal to the imaging device 3 to control the operation of the imaging device 3.
  • the imaging control unit 4a causes the imaging device 3 to repeatedly capture a subject image for each frame of a predetermined period when displaying a through image (live view image) of a subject on the display unit 6 or when capturing a moving image.
  • An imaging signal and a focus detection signal are output.
  • the imaging control unit 4a performs so-called rolling shutter type readout control in which pixels of the imaging device 3 are sequentially selected in units of rows and signals are read from the selected pixels.
  • the imaging control unit 4a controls the imaging device 3 to read out signals from a row of pixels in which AF pixels are arranged (hereinafter referred to as AF pixel rows) and a row of pixels in which no AF pixels are arranged ( Hereinafter, a process of separately reading signals from the imaging pixel row) is performed. In addition, the imaging control unit 4a also performs processing of sequentially selecting pixel rows and reading signals of each pixel without separately performing AF pixel row signal readout and imaging pixel row signal readout.
  • the imaging control unit 4a separates the readout of the signal of each pixel of the AF pixel row and the readout of the signal of each pixel of the imaging pixel row. Do it.
  • the imaging control unit 4a does not separately read out the signal of each pixel in the AF pixel row and read out the signal of each pixel in the imaging pixel row. A process of reading out signals by sequentially selecting rows is performed.
  • the image data generation unit 4b performs various kinds of image processing on the imaging signal output from the imaging element 3 to generate image data.
  • the image processing includes, for example, known image processing such as gradation conversion processing, color interpolation processing, and contour enhancement processing.
  • the focus detection unit 4c performs a focus detection process necessary for automatic focus adjustment (AF) of the imaging optical system 2 by a known phase difference detection method. Specifically, the focus detection unit 4 c detects the focus position of the focus lens for focusing the image by the imaging optical system 2 on the imaging surface of the imaging device 3. The focus detection unit 4 c detects the image shift amount between the first and second images based on the pair of focus detection signals output from the image sensor 3. The focus detection unit 4c calculates a shift amount (defocus amount) between the current position of the focus lens and the focus position based on the detected image shift amount. Focus adjustment is performed automatically by driving the focus lens in accordance with the defocus amount.
  • AF automatic focus adjustment
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pixel unit of the image sensor according to the first embodiment.
  • the image sensor 3 includes a pixel unit 100 in which pixels are arranged two-dimensionally (row direction and column direction).
  • the pixel unit 100 includes an effective pixel area 91 and an optical black (OB) pixel area 92.
  • OB optical black
  • the effective pixel area 91 is an area where light from the outside enters the imaging pixel and the focus detection pixel.
  • OB pixel area 92 for example, a pixel that outputs a correction signal used for correcting an imaging signal read from the imaging pixel is arranged.
  • the OB pixel region 92 is a region that does not enter a pixel where light from the outside is arranged. For this reason, the OB pixel region 92 is provided with a light shielding film so as to cover all the arranged pixels.
  • the pixels arranged in the OB pixel region 92 are pixels (OB pixels) that are shielded from light so that light does not enter from the outside.
  • the OB pixel region 92 includes a PD-equipped OB pixel region 93 in which an OB pixel having a photoelectric conversion unit is disposed, and a PD-free OB pixel region 94 in which an OB pixel having no photoelectric conversion unit is disposed.
  • the PD-equipped OB pixel is used for detecting a dark current component of a signal output from the imaging pixel.
  • the PD-less OB pixel is used for detecting an offset component of a signal output from the imaging pixel.
  • the image data generation unit 4b of the control unit 4 generates image data based on the imaging signal read from the imaging pixels in the effective pixel area 91.
  • the OB pixel is used for detecting a dark current component and an offset component.
  • the image data generation unit 4b removes the noise component due to the dark current from the imaging signal by subtracting the dark current component and the offset component from the imaging signal.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image sensor according to the first embodiment.
  • the imaging device 3 includes a pixel unit 100, a vertical control unit 30, a supply unit 35, and a plurality of readout units 40 (first readout unit 40a and second readout unit 40b) arranged above and below the pixel unit 100. And have. Note that the number and arrangement of the pixels arranged in the effective pixel region 91 of the pixel unit 100 are not limited to the illustrated example. In the effective pixel region 91, for example, millions to hundreds of millions of pixels or more are provided.
  • a plurality of imaging pixels 10 and AF pixels 13 are arranged in the effective pixel area 91 of the pixel unit 100.
  • the pixel at the upper left corner is the imaging pixel 10 (1, 1) in the first row and the first column
  • the imaging pixel at the lower right corner is the imaging pixel 10 (19, 10) in the 19th row and the tenth column.
  • 190 pixels from the imaging pixel 10 (1, 1) to the imaging pixel 10 (19, 10) are illustrated.
  • 190 pixels of 10 pixels in the row direction and 19 pixels in the column direction shown in FIG. 3 represent a pixel group arranged in an arbitrary area of the effective pixel area 91, and the first column to the first column in FIG.
  • the names of the tenth column and the first to nineteenth rows are also given to 190 pixels. Therefore, in the imaging device 3, not only the right side of the pixel in the 10th column and the lower side of the pixel in the 19th row in FIG. 3, but also the left side of the pixel in the first column and the upper side of the pixel in the first row. There may also be pixels.
  • the imaging pixel 10 is provided with one of three color filters (color filters) 41 having different spectral characteristics of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), for example.
  • the R color filter 41 mainly transmits light in the red wavelength band
  • the G color filter 41 transmits mainly light in the green wavelength band
  • the B color filter 41 mainly transmits light in the blue wavelength band. Transparent.
  • the pixels have different spectral characteristics depending on the arranged color filter 41.
  • the imaging pixel 10 includes a pixel having red (R) spectral characteristics (hereinafter referred to as an R pixel), a pixel having green (G) spectral characteristics (hereinafter referred to as a G pixel), and a blue pixel.
  • Some pixels have spectral characteristics (B) (hereinafter referred to as B pixels).
  • the R pixel, the G pixel, and the B pixel are arranged according to a Bayer array.
  • the first and second AF pixels 13a and 13b are arranged by being replaced with a part of the R, G, and B imaging pixels 10 arranged in the Bayer arrangement as described above.
  • a color filter 41 and a light shielding film 43 are provided in the first and second AF pixels 13a and 13b.
  • a G color filter is disposed as the color filter 41 in the first and second AF pixels 13a and 13b.
  • the first AF pixel 13a and the second AF pixel 13b are different in the position of the light shielding portion 43.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit of the first AF pixel 13a receives the light beam that has passed through the first region of the first and second regions of the exit pupil of the imaging optical system 2.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit of the second AF pixel 13b receives the light beam that has passed through the second region of the first and second regions of the exit pupil of the photographing optical system 2.
  • the imaging device 3 includes a first imaging pixel row 401 in which R pixels 10r and G pixels 10g are alternately arranged in the left-right direction, that is, the row direction, G pixels 10g, and B pixels 10b.
  • the first AF pixel row 403a in which the G pixel 10g and the first AF pixel 13a are alternately arranged in the row direction, and the G pixel 10g and the second AF pixel 13b in the row direction.
  • the second AF pixel rows 403b are alternately arranged.
  • the vertical control unit 30 is controlled by the imaging control unit 4a of the camera 1 and supplies a control signal to each pixel to control the operation of each pixel.
  • the supply unit 35 is controlled by the imaging control unit 4a and supplies a predetermined voltage (potential) to each pixel. As will be described later, the supply unit 35 supplies the power supply voltage VDD to the switching unit and the amplification unit of each pixel.
  • Each of the first reading unit 40a and the second reading unit 40b includes an analog / digital conversion unit (AD conversion unit).
  • the signal of each pixel is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA or the second vertical signal line VoutB connected to the pixel.
  • the pixel signal output to the first vertical signal line VoutA is converted to a digital signal by the first readout unit 40a and then output to the control unit 4.
  • the pixel signal output to the second vertical signal line VoutB is converted to a digital signal by the second readout unit 40b and then output to the control unit 4.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of pixels of the image sensor according to the first embodiment.
  • Each pixel (pixels 10a and 10b in FIG. 4) includes a photoelectric conversion unit 11 and a transfer unit 12, respectively.
  • the pixel 10a has a photoelectric conversion unit 11a and a transfer unit 12a
  • the pixel 10b has a photoelectric conversion unit 11b and a transfer unit 12b.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is a photodiode PD, converts incident light into charges, and accumulates the photoelectrically converted charges.
  • the imaging device 3 As shown by a broken line 20 in FIG. 4, two adjacent pixels are a floating diffusion (FD) 15, a switching unit 16, an amplification unit 17, and a first selection unit. 18 and the second selection unit 19 are shared.
  • the switching unit 16 includes a connection switch unit 16a and a reset unit 16b, and switches connection and disconnection between the supply unit 35 that supplies the power supply voltage VDD and the FD 15.
  • the transfer unit 12a of the pixel 10a includes a transistor M1 controlled by a signal TX0.
  • the transfer unit 12a transfers the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a to the FD 15. That is, the transfer unit 12a forms a charge transfer path between the photoelectric conversion unit 11a and the FD 15.
  • the transfer unit 12a transfers the charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a to the FD 15 and the region 16c.
  • the transfer unit 12b of the pixel 10b includes a transistor M2 that is controlled by a signal TX1.
  • the transfer unit 12b transfers the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11b to the FD 15. That is, the transfer unit 12b forms a charge transfer path between the photoelectric conversion unit 11b and the FD 15.
  • the transfer unit 12b transfers the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11b to the FD 15 and the region 16c.
  • the transistors M1 and M2 are transfer transistors, respectively.
  • the capacitor C of the FD 15 accumulates (holds) the charge transferred to the FD 15 and converts it into a voltage divided by the capacitance value.
  • the amplification unit 17 amplifies and outputs a signal based on the charge transferred from the photoelectric conversion unit 11.
  • the amplifying unit 17 includes a supply unit 35 for supplying a power supply voltage VDD and a transistor M5 having a drain (terminal) and a gate (terminal) connected to the FD 15, respectively.
  • the source (terminal) of the transistor M5 is connected to the first vertical signal line VoutA via the first selector 18 and is connected to the second vertical signal line VoutB via the second selector 19.
  • the amplifying unit 17 functions as a part of a source follower circuit using current sources (first current source 25a and second current source 25b in FIG. 7) described later as load current sources.
  • the transistor M5 is an amplification transistor.
  • the amplification unit 17, the first selection unit 18, and the second selection unit 19 constitute an output unit that generates and outputs a signal based on the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11.
  • the connection switch unit 16a includes a transistor M4a controlled by the signal GC, and electrically connects (couples) the FD 15 and the region 16c.
  • the region 16c has a capacitance (parasitic capacitance) of each transistor connected to the region 16c and a wiring capacitance.
  • the region 16c accumulates the charge transferred to the region 16c and converts it into a voltage divided by the capacitance value.
  • the reset unit 16b includes a transistor M4b controlled by the signal RST, and discharges charges accumulated in the regions 16c and FD15, and resets the voltages of the regions 16c and FD15.
  • the transistor M4b is a reset transistor.
  • the reset unit 16b is the discharge unit 16b, and discharges the charges accumulated in the region 16c and the FD 15 to the supply unit 35.
  • connection switch unit 16a When the transistor M4b of the reset unit 16b is on, the connection switch unit 16a functions as a reset unit that discharges the charge accumulated in the FD 15 and resets the voltage of the FD 15. That is, the connection switch unit 16 a is also a discharge unit 16 a that discharges the charge accumulated in the FD 15 to the supply unit 35.
  • the vertical control unit 30 can change the conversion gain by supplying the signal GC to the connection switch unit 16a and performing on / off control of the connection switch unit 16a.
  • the first selection unit 18 includes a transistor M6 controlled by the signal SELA, and electrically connects or disconnects the amplification unit 17 and the first vertical signal line VoutA.
  • the transistor M6 of the first selection unit 18 outputs a signal from the amplification unit 17 to the first vertical signal line VoutA when in the on state.
  • the second selection unit 19 includes a transistor M7 controlled by the signal SELB, and electrically connects or disconnects the amplification unit 17 and the second vertical signal line VoutB.
  • the transistor M7 of the second selection unit 19 outputs a signal from the amplification unit 17 to the second vertical signal line VoutB when in the on state.
  • the transistor M6 is a first selection transistor
  • the transistor M7 is a second selection transistor.
  • a signal (pixel signal) corresponding to the charge transferred from the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA or the second vertical signal line VoutB.
  • the pixel signal is an analog signal generated based on the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11.
  • the pixel signal output from the imaging pixel 10 is subjected to signal processing by the reading unit 40 and then output to the control unit 4 as an imaging signal.
  • the circuit configurations of the first AF pixel 13a and the second AF pixel 13b are the same as the circuit configuration of the imaging pixel 10, respectively. Pixel signals output from the first AF pixel 13a and the second AF pixel 13b are output to the control unit 4 as a pair of focus detection signals after being subjected to signal processing by the reading unit 40.
  • the vertical control unit 30 performs rolling shutter type readout control. That is, the imaging pixel row and AF pixel row of the imaging device 3 are sequentially selected by the vertical control unit 30. Specifically, in the imaging device 3, the discharge (reset operation) of the charge accumulated in the pixel and the read operation for reading a signal from the pixel are scanned, for example, from the top row to the bottom row for each row or every plurality of rows. While done.
  • the reset operation of all the pixel rows is completed during the readout period from the start of the readout operation of the uppermost row to the end of the readout operation of the lowermost row, the reset operation is performed at the same time.
  • the number of pixel rows changes.
  • the load of the power supply changes. For this reason, the power supply voltage may fluctuate, and noise resulting from the fluctuation of the power supply voltage may be mixed into the pixel signal.
  • a pixel signal in which a reset operation of another pixel row is performed during the read operation and a pixel row in which the reset operation of the other pixel row is not performed during the read operation are caused by fluctuations in the power supply voltage in the pixel signal. Differences will occur. In this case, for example, a horizontal line pattern (electronic shutter flaw) occurs in the image generated using the pixel signal.
  • the image pickup device 3 performs the same operation by performing a reset operation on a non-read target pixel, that is, a pixel that does not perform a read operation, while sequentially reading signals from the read target pixel.
  • the number of pixel rows to be reset at the timing is controlled.
  • the vertical control unit 30 reads out all the pixels in the effective pixel region 91 while reading signals from the pixels in the pixel row to be read out among all the pixels in the effective pixel region 91.
  • a reset operation is performed on the pixels in the pixel row to be skipped.
  • the vertical control unit 30 performs a reset operation on the non-read target pixel rows in accordance with a change in the number of read target pixel rows on which the reset operation is performed.
  • the number of pixel rows on which the reset operation is performed can be made constant during the period in which the readout operation for each pixel row to be read is performed. For this reason, it can suppress that a power supply voltage fluctuates, and can suppress that noise mixes in a pixel signal. As a result, it is possible to prevent an electronic shutter flaw from occurring in an image generated using the pixel signal.
  • the reset operation performed to adjust the number of pixel rows on which the reset operation is performed may be referred to as a dummy reset operation.
  • the vertical control unit 30 calculates the maximum number of pixel rows to be read for which the reset operation is performed at the same timing, and determines the number of non-read target pixel rows to be subjected to the dummy reset operation.
  • the vertical control unit 30 performs a dummy reset operation on the non-read target pixel rows so that the number of pixel rows on which the reset operation is performed in parallel with the period of the read operation of each pixel row is constant. Do. For this reason, even when the pixel signal readout method is changed, fluctuations in the power supply voltage can be suppressed to prevent noise from being mixed into the pixel signal.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the pixel according to the first embodiment.
  • the horizontal axis indicates time, and indicates a control signal input to the pixel of the image sensor 3.
  • the control signal when the control signal is at a high level (for example, power supply voltage), the transistor to which the control signal is input is turned on, and when the control signal is at a low level (for example, ground voltage), the control signal is input. The transistor is turned off.
  • FIG. 5 is also a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a pixel when shooting a high-luminance subject. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the signal GC is set to the high level, and the FD 15 and the region 16c are electrically connected.
  • the signal RST goes high, turning on the transistor M4b of the reset unit 16b. Since both the signal RST and the signal GC are at a high level, the switching unit 16 electrically connects the supply unit 35 (power supply VDD), the region 16c, and the FD15. As a result, charges in the FD 15 and the region 16c are discharged, and the voltages of the FD 15 and the region 16c become the reset voltage.
  • the signal TX0 becomes high level, whereby the transistor M1 of the transfer unit 12a is turned on, and the photoelectric conversion unit 11a, the FD 15, and the region 16c are electrically connected. Thereby, the electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is transferred to the FD 15 and the region 16c, and the voltages of the photoelectric conversion units 11a, FD15, and the region 16c are averaged. That is, it can be said that the electric charge of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is discharged and the voltage of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is reset. As described above, in the period from time t1 to time t3 in FIG. 5, the reset operation for discharging the charges of the FD 15, the region 16c, and the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is performed once.
  • the second reset operation is performed in the same manner as the first reset operation in the period from time t1 to time t3.
  • the third, fourth, and fifth reset operations are performed, respectively. In this way, by performing the reset operation a plurality of times, the charge of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a can be reliably discharged.
  • the signal RST becomes high level, so that the transistor M4b of the reset unit 16b is turned on. As a result, charges in the FD 15 and the region 16c are discharged, and the voltages of the FD 15 and the region 16c become the reset voltage. Further, at time t16, the signal SELA becomes high level, so that a signal based on the reset voltage is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA by the amplifying unit 17 and the first selecting unit 18. That is, a signal (noise signal) when the voltages of the FD 15 and the region 16c are reset to the reset voltage is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA.
  • the signal TX0 becomes high level, whereby the transistor M1a of the transfer unit 12a is turned on, and the electric charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is transferred to the FD 15 and the region 16c.
  • the signal SELA is at a high level, a signal based on the charges generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA by the amplification unit 17 and the first selection unit 18.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the pixel according to the first embodiment.
  • the signal RST is at a high level
  • the connection switch unit 16a functions as a reset unit.
  • the signal GC becomes high level, so that the transistor M4a of the connection switch unit 16a is turned on. Since both the signal RST and the signal GC are at a high level, the switching unit 16 electrically connects the supply unit 35 (power supply VDD), the region 16c, and the FD 15. Thereby, the electric charge of FD15 is discharged and the voltage of FD15 becomes a reset voltage.
  • the signal TX0 becomes high level, whereby the transistor M1 of the transfer unit 12a is turned on, and the photoelectric conversion unit 11a and the FD 15 are electrically connected. Thereby, the electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is transferred to the FD 15, and the voltages of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a and the FD 15 are averaged. That is, the electric charge of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is discharged, and the voltage of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is reset.
  • the reset operation for discharging the charges of the FD 15 and the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is performed once. From time t4 to time t6, from time t7 to time t9, from time t10 to time t12, and from time t13 to time t15, the second, third, fourth, and fifth reset operations are performed, respectively.
  • the signal GC becomes high level, so that the transistor M4a of the connection switch section 16a is turned on. Thereby, the electric charge of FD15 is discharged and the voltage of FD15 becomes a reset voltage. Further, at time t16, the signal SELA becomes high level, so that a signal based on the reset voltage is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA by the amplifying unit 17 and the first selecting unit 18.
  • the signal TX0 becomes a high level, whereby the transistor M1a of the transfer unit 12a is turned on, and the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is transferred to the FD15.
  • the signal SELA is at a high level, a signal based on the charges generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA by the amplification unit 17 and the first selection unit 18.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a part of the image sensor according to the first embodiment.
  • a plurality of pixels arranged in the column direction vertical direction
  • the row direction horizontal direction
  • a plurality of pixels arranged in the column direction A part of one of the pixel columns is shown.
  • the configuration of the other pixel columns is the same as that of the pixel column in FIG.
  • the vertical control unit 30 and the supply unit 35 are provided in common for a plurality of pixel columns.
  • the imaging device 3 is provided with a first vertical signal line VoutA and a second vertical signal line VoutB for a pixel column that is a column of a plurality of pixels arranged in the column direction, that is, the vertical direction.
  • a first current source 25a and a first readout unit 40a are provided for the first vertical signal line VoutA
  • a second current source 25b and a second readout are provided for the second vertical signal line VoutB.
  • a portion 40b is provided.
  • FIG. 7 only the pixel in the row direction ⁇ 6 pixels in the column direction is shown for simplicity of explanation. In FIG. 7, among the plurality of pixels shown in FIG. 7, among the plurality of pixels shown in FIG.
  • the first current source 25a is connected to each pixel via a first vertical signal line VoutA
  • the second current source 25b is connected to each pixel via a second vertical signal line VoutB.
  • the first current source 25a and the second current source 25b generate a current for reading a signal from each pixel.
  • the first current source 25a supplies the generated current to the first vertical signal line VoutA, the first selection unit 18 and the amplification unit 17 of each pixel.
  • the second current source 25b supplies the generated current to the second vertical signal line VoutB, the second selection unit 19 and the amplification unit 17 of each pixel.
  • the first readout unit 40a includes an AD conversion unit, and converts an analog signal input from each pixel through the first vertical signal line VoutA into a digital signal.
  • the second readout unit 40b includes an AD conversion unit, and converts an analog signal input from each pixel via the second vertical signal line VoutB into a digital signal.
  • the vertical control unit 30 supplies the signal TX0, the signal TX1, the signal GC, the signal RST, the signal SELA, and the signal SELB to each pixel to control the operation of each pixel. Specifically, the vertical control unit 30 supplies a signal to the gate of each transistor of the pixel to turn the transistor on (connected, conductive, short-circuited) or off (disconnected, non-conductive, open). State, shut-off state).
  • the vertical control unit 30 sequentially selects all the imaging pixel rows and individually reads the signals of the pixels (first reading process), and some of the imaging pixels (hereinafter, selected pixels). Are sequentially selected and the signal of each pixel is read out separately (second readout process).
  • the vertical control unit 30 also performs a process (third read process) of adding (mixing) and reading signals from a plurality of imaging pixels.
  • the imaging control unit 4a of the camera 1 controls the vertical control unit 30 to switch the pixel signal readout method.
  • the imaging control unit 4a causes the vertical control unit 30 to perform the first, second, or third. Is read out.
  • the imaging control unit 4a reads signals from the AF pixel rows (the first AF pixel row 403a and the second AF pixel row 403b in FIG. 3)
  • the vertical control unit 30 sets one AF pixel row.
  • a process of reading out pixel signals by selecting a plurality of rows is performed.
  • the first reading process, the second reading process, and the third reading process will be described.
  • the first readout process has a one-row readout method for reading out signals for each row of imaging pixel rows and a two-row simultaneous readout method for reading out signals simultaneously in two rows.
  • the image sensor 3 outputs a pixel signal to, for example, the first vertical signal line VoutA.
  • the one-row reading method will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the vertical control unit 30 includes the first selection unit 18 of the G pixel 10g (1,1) which is the pixel in the first row, that is, the G pixel 10g (1,1) in the first row and the second row.
  • the first selection unit 18 shared by the R pixel 10r (2, 1) is turned on.
  • the vertical control unit 30 also includes a second selection unit 19 of the G pixel 10g (1,1), that is, a second shared by the G pixel 10g (1,1) and the R pixel 10r (2,1).
  • the selection unit 19 is turned off.
  • the vertical control unit 30 turns off the first selection unit 18 and the second selection unit 19 of pixels in other rows different from the first row and the second row, respectively.
  • the pixel signal based on the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a of the G pixel 10g (1,1) in the first row passes through the first selection unit 18 of the G pixel 10g (1,1). It is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA.
  • the vertical control unit 30 After reading out the pixel signal from each pixel in the first row, the vertical control unit 30 performs the first selection unit 18 of the R pixel 10r (2, 1) that is the pixel in the second row, that is, the first row.
  • the first selector 18 shared by the G pixel 10g (1, 1) of the eye and the R pixel 10r (2, 1) of the second row is turned on.
  • the vertical control unit 30 turns off the second selection unit 19 of the R pixel 10r (2, 1).
  • the vertical control unit 30 turns off the first selection unit 18 and the second selection unit 19 of pixels in other rows different from the first row and the second row, respectively.
  • the pixel signal of the R pixel 10r (2,1) in the second row is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA via the first selection unit 18 of the R pixel 10r (2,1). .
  • the vertical control unit 30 After reading out the pixel signal from each pixel in the second row, the vertical control unit 30 performs the first selection unit 18 of the G pixel 10g (3, 1) that is the pixel in the third row, that is, the third row.
  • the first selection unit 18 shared by the G pixel 10g (3, 1) of the eye and the R pixel 10r (4, 1) of the fourth row is turned on.
  • the vertical control unit 30 turns off the second selection unit 19 of the G pixel 10g (3, 1).
  • the vertical control unit 30 turns off the first selection unit 18 and the second selection unit 19 of pixels in other rows different from the third row and the fourth row, respectively.
  • the pixel signal of the G pixel 10g (3, 1) in the third row is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA via the first selection unit 18 of the G pixel 10 g (3, 1). .
  • the imaging pixel rows are sequentially selected one by one, and pixel signals are read out.
  • the vertical control unit 30 sequentially selects all the imaging pixel rows and reads out pixel signals from each pixel in all the imaging pixel rows.
  • the imaging pixel Can output the pixel signal to the second vertical signal line VoutB.
  • the imaging device 3 selects the imaging pixel rows one by one, and the first vertical signal line VoutA ( Alternatively, a pixel signal is output to the second vertical signal line VoutB).
  • the two-row simultaneous reading method will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the two-row simultaneous readout method pixel signals are output from the pixels in one row to the first vertical signal line VoutA and the pixel signals are output from the pixels in the other row to the second row. To the vertical signal line VoutB.
  • the two-row simultaneous reading method will be described by taking as an example a case where pixel signals of the R pixel 10r (2, 1) and the G pixel 10 g (3, 1) are simultaneously read.
  • the vertical control unit 30 turns on the first selection unit 18 of the R pixel 10r (2, 1) and turns off the second selection unit 19 of the R pixel 10r (2, 1).
  • the vertical control unit 30 turns on the second selection unit 19 of the G pixel 10g (3, 1) and turns off the first selection unit 18 of the G pixel 10g (3, 1).
  • the vertical control unit 30 includes the first selection unit 18 and the second selection unit 19 for pixels in other rows different from the first row, the second row, the third row, and the fourth row. Are turned off.
  • the pixel signal based on the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11b of the R pixel 10r (2,1) is transferred to the first vertical signal line VoutA via the first selection unit 18 of the R pixel 10r (2,1). Is output. Further, the pixel signal based on the electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a of the G pixel 10g (3, 1) is sent to the second vertical signal line via the second selection unit 19 of the G pixel 10g (3, 1). Output to VoutB. In this way, the pixel signal of the pixel in one row is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA, and at the same time, the pixel signal of the pixel in the other row is output to the second vertical signal line VoutB. The pixel signal of each pixel in one row can be read out simultaneously.
  • the imaging device 3 selects the imaging pixel rows two by two, and the pixels from one row to the first vertical signal line VoutA. A signal is output, and at the same time, a pixel signal is output from the pixel in the other row to the second vertical signal line VoutB. For this reason, a signal can be read out at high speed from each imaging pixel arranged in the imaging device 3. That is, the image sensor 3 can shorten the signal readout time of the imaging pixel.
  • pixel signals sequentially output to the first vertical signal line VoutA are input to the first readout unit 40a
  • pixel signals sequentially output to the second vertical signal line VoutB are input to the second readout unit 40b. Is input. Therefore, the pixel signal output to the first vertical signal line VoutA and the pixel signal output to the second vertical signal line VoutB can be processed simultaneously (in parallel).
  • the pixel signal output from each imaging pixel 10 is converted into a digital signal by the reading unit 40 and then output to the control unit 4 as an imaging signal.
  • the vertical control unit 30 designates a pixel from which a pixel signal is to be read out of all the imaging pixels. Specifically, the vertical control unit 30 selects a selected pixel by thinning out pixels in a specific row or column among all the imaging pixels, and reads a pixel signal from the selected pixel. That is, the vertical control unit 30 performs skip reading to skip pixels in a specific row or column, and performs control to read out pixel signals at a higher speed than in the first reading process.
  • the second reading process has a one-row reading method and a two-row simultaneous reading method, as in the case of the first reading process.
  • the vertical control unit 30 selects a selected pixel for each row and outputs a signal of the selected pixel to the first vertical signal line VoutA or the second vertical signal line VoutB.
  • a selected pixel is selected every two rows, a pixel signal is output from the selected pixel in one row to the first vertical signal line VoutA, and a second pixel is output from the selected pixel in the other row.
  • a pixel signal is output to the vertical signal line VoutB.
  • the vertical control unit 30 determines a selected pixel from among all the imaging pixels, and adds the pixel signals of each of the two selected pixels in which the same color filter 41 in the same column is arranged. That is, the vertical control unit 30 adds and reads out the signals of the same color pixels for every two pixels in the column direction.
  • the imaging device 3 selects, for example, the G pixel 10 g (1, 1) in the first row and the G pixel 10 g (3, 1) in the third row as selection pixels. The signals are added and the added pixel signal is output to the control unit 4.
  • An example of pixel signal addition processing will be described below.
  • the vertical control unit 30 turns on the first selection unit 18 of the G pixels 10g (1, 1) and (3, 1) in the first row and the third row, and sets the second selection unit 19 in the on state. Turn off.
  • the G pixel 10g (1,1) and the G pixel 10g (3,1) Is electrically connected to the first vertical signal line VoutA.
  • the current of the first current source 25a connected to the first vertical signal line VoutA is divided (distributed) into the G pixel 10g (1,1) and the G pixel 10g (3,1).
  • the pixel signal of the G pixel 10g (1,1) and the pixel signal of the G pixel 10g (3,1) are added to form an added pixel signal.
  • the first current source 25a includes the G pixel 10g (1,1) and the G pixel.
  • a current of approximately the same magnitude is supplied to 10 g (3, 1).
  • the addition pixel signal output to the first vertical signal line VoutA corresponds to the average (value) of the voltage of the FD 15 of each of the G pixel 10 g (1, 1) and the G pixel 10 g (3, 1). It becomes a signal level (voltage) signal.
  • the readout of the added pixel signal from the selected pixels for the two rows of the first row and the third row is performed by the readout method described above.
  • the vertical control unit 70 reads the added pixel signals from the selected pixels in the first and third rows, and then selects the next two rows of selected pixels (for example, the selected pixels in the fourth and sixth rows).
  • the addition pixel signal is read out from.
  • the addition pixel signal is sequentially read out for each of a plurality of rows.
  • the added pixel signal obtained by adding the signals of the plurality of selected pixels in the column direction is output to the control unit 4 after being subjected to signal processing by the reading unit 40.
  • the image data generation unit 4 b of the control unit 4 generates image data (for example, moving image data) using the addition pixel signal output from the image sensor 3.
  • image data for example, moving image data
  • the number of pixels to be added may be an arbitrary number.
  • FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an example of a reset operation of the image sensor 3 according to the first embodiment.
  • the horizontal axis shows time, and shows control signals input to each part of the image sensor 3 in FIG. 7.
  • the signals GC ⁇ 0>, GC ⁇ 1>, and GC ⁇ 2> are set to the high level, and the FD 15 and the region 16c are electrically connected.
  • the signal RST ⁇ 0> and the signal RST ⁇ 1> are at a high level.
  • the transistor M4b of the reset unit 16b shared by the G pixel 10g (1,1) in the first row and the R pixel 10r (2,1) in the second row. Is turned on.
  • the electric charges of the FD 15 and the region 16c shared by the G pixel 10g (1, 1) and the R pixel 10r (2, 1) are discharged, and the voltage of the FD 15 and the region 16c becomes the reset voltage.
  • the transistor M4b is turned on.
  • the charges of the FD 15 and the region 16c shared by the G pixel 10g (3, 1) and the R pixel 10r (4, 1) are discharged, and the voltage of the FD 15 and the region 16c becomes the reset voltage.
  • the signal TX1 ⁇ 0> and the signal TX0 ⁇ 1> are at a high level.
  • the transistor M2 of the transfer unit 12b is turned on in the R pixel 10r (2, 1), and the photoelectric conversion unit 11b, the FD 15, and the region 16c are electrically connected. The Thereby, the electric charge of the photoelectric conversion unit 11b is discharged, and the voltage of the photoelectric conversion unit 11b is reset.
  • the transistor M1 of the transfer unit 12a is turned on in the G pixel 10g (3, 1), and the photoelectric conversion unit 11a, the FD 15, and the region 16c are electrically connected.
  • the electric charge of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is discharged, and the voltage of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is reset.
  • the reset operation for discharging the charges of the FD 15, the region 16 c, and the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is performed once in the pixels in the second row and the third row.
  • the signal RST ⁇ 1> and the signal RST ⁇ 2> are at a high level.
  • the signal RST ⁇ 1> becomes high level
  • the charges of the FD 15 and the region 16c shared by the G pixel 10g (3, 1) and the R pixel 10r (4, 1) are discharged, and the voltage of the FD 15 and the region 16c is discharged.
  • the reset voltage becomes the reset voltage.
  • the signal RST ⁇ 2> becomes high level, the charges of the FD 15 and the region 16c shared by the G pixel 10g (5, 1) and the R pixel 10r (6, 1) are discharged, and the FD 15 and the region 16c are discharged. Becomes the reset voltage.
  • the signal TX1 ⁇ 1> and the signal TX0 ⁇ 2> are at a high level.
  • the transistor M2 of the transfer unit 12b is turned on in the R pixel 10r (4, 1), and the photoelectric conversion unit 11b, the FD 15, and the region 16c are electrically connected.
  • the electric charge of the photoelectric conversion unit 11b is discharged, and the voltage of the photoelectric conversion unit 11b is reset.
  • the signal TX0 ⁇ 2> is set to the high level, in the G pixel 10g (5, 1), the transistor M1 of the transfer unit 12a is turned on, and the photoelectric conversion unit 11a, the FD 15, and the region 16c are electrically connected.
  • the electric charge of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is discharged, and the voltage of the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is reset.
  • the reset operation for discharging the charges of the FD 15, the region 16 c, and the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is performed once in the pixels in the fourth row and the fifth row.
  • FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of a reading operation of the image sensor 3 according to the first embodiment.
  • the signal RST ⁇ 0> and the signal RST ⁇ 1> are at a high level.
  • the signal RST ⁇ 0> becomes high level
  • the charges of the FD 15 and the region 16c shared by the G pixel 10g (1,1) and the R pixel 10r (2,1) are discharged, and the voltage of the FD 15 and the region 16c is discharged.
  • the reset voltage becomes the reset voltage.
  • the signal SELA ⁇ 0> and the signal SELB ⁇ 1> are at a high level.
  • a signal based on the reset voltage of the R pixel 10r (2,1) is generated by the amplification unit 17 and the first selection unit 18 of the R pixel 10r (2,1). 1 to the vertical signal line VoutA. That is, a signal (reset signal) after discharging the charge of the FD 15 of the R pixel 10r (2, 1) is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA.
  • the reset signal of the G pixel 10g (3, 1) is transmitted to the second selection unit 19 by the amplification unit 17 and the second selection unit 19 of the G pixel 10g (3, 1). Are output to the vertical signal line VoutB.
  • the R pixel 10r (2,1) in the second row and the G pixel 10g (3,1) in the third row are respectively connected to the first vertical signal line VoutA and the second vertical signal line VoutB.
  • the reset signal is output simultaneously.
  • the reset signals output to the first vertical signal line VoutA and the second vertical signal line VoutB are input to the first readout unit 40a and the second readout unit 40b, respectively, and converted into digital signals.
  • the signal TX1 ⁇ 0> and the signal TX0 ⁇ 1> become high level.
  • the transistor M2 of the transfer unit 12b is turned on in the R pixel 10r (2, 1), and the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11b is transferred to the FD15.
  • the transistor M1 of the transfer unit 12a is turned on in the G pixel 10g (3, 1), and the charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 11a is transferred to the FD15. Is done.
  • the pixel signal based on the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11b of the R pixel 10r (2, 1) is converted into the amplification unit 17 and the first selection.
  • the signal is output to the first vertical signal line VoutA by the unit 18.
  • the signal SELB ⁇ 1> is at a high level
  • the pixel signal of the G pixel 10g (3, 1) is output to the second vertical signal line VoutB by the amplifying unit 17 and the second selecting unit 19.
  • the R pixel 10r (2,1) in the second row and the G pixel 10g (3,1) in the third row are respectively connected to the first vertical signal line VoutA and the second vertical signal line VoutB.
  • Pixel signals output to the first vertical signal line VoutA and the second vertical signal line VoutB are input to the first readout unit 40a and the second readout unit 40b, respectively, and converted into digital signals.
  • the reset signal and the pixel signal converted into a digital signal are input to a signal processing unit (not shown).
  • the signal processing unit performs signal processing such as correlated double sampling for performing difference processing between the reset signal and the pixel signal, and then outputs the processed pixel signal to the control unit 4.
  • FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the dummy reset operation of the image sensor 3 according to the first embodiment.
  • the dummy reset operation will be described by taking as an example a case where a dummy reset operation is performed on the R pixel 10r (2, 1), the G pixel 10g (3, 1), and the R pixel 10r (4, 1).
  • the signal GC is set to the high level, and the FD 15 and the region 16c are electrically connected.
  • the signal RST ⁇ 0> and the signal RST ⁇ 1> are at a high level.
  • the signal RST ⁇ 0> becomes high level
  • the charges of the FD 15 and the region 16c shared by the G pixel 10g (1,1) and the R pixel 10r (2,1) are discharged, and the voltage of the FD 15 and the region 16c is discharged.
  • the reset voltage becomes the reset voltage.
  • the signal TX1 ⁇ 0>, the signal TX0 ⁇ 1>, and the signal TX1 ⁇ 1> are at a high level.
  • the signal TX1 ⁇ 0> becomes high level, the charge of the photoelectric conversion unit 11b is discharged in the R pixel 10r (2, 1), and the voltage of the photoelectric conversion unit 11b is reset.
  • the photoelectric conversion unit 11a of the G pixel 10g (3, 1) and the photoelectric conversion unit 11b of the R pixel 10r (4, 1) , FD15 and region 16c are electrically connected.
  • the electric charges of the photoelectric conversion units 11a and 11b are discharged, and the voltages of the photoelectric conversion units 11a and 11b are reset.
  • the dummy reset operation for discharging the charges of the FD 15, the region 16 c, and the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is performed once.
  • the pixels in the second row, third row, and fourth row are the same as in the first dummy reset operation in the period from time t21 to time t23.
  • a second dummy reset operation is performed.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating pixel signal readout processing and dummy reset processing by the image sensor according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the addition pixel signal read from the imaging pixel row and the pixel signal read from the AF pixel row.
  • the vertical control unit 30 includes, for example, the imaging pixels 10 surrounded by a thick line in FIG. 11 among all the imaging pixels 10, that is, the fourth row, the sixth row, the seventh row, the ninth row, and the tenth row.
  • the imaging pixels 10 in the row, the twelfth row, the thirteenth row, the fifteenth row, the sixteenth row, and the eighteenth row are determined as selection pixels.
  • the vertical control unit 30 performs the above-described third reading process, and adds and reads the signals of the two selected pixels of the same color arranged in the column direction.
  • the pixel signals of the two R pixels of the R pixel 10r (4, 1) and the R pixel 10r (6, 1) are added to generate an added pixel signal
  • the G pixel 10g (7 , 1) and the G pixel 10g (9, 1) are added together to generate an added pixel signal.
  • pixel signals of two G pixels of the G pixel 10 g (4, 2) and the G pixel 10 g (6, 2) are added to generate an added pixel signal
  • the B pixel 10 b The pixel signals of two B pixels of (7, 2) and B pixel 10b (9, 2) are added to generate an added pixel signal.
  • the vertical control unit 30 selects the fifth AF pixel row 403a and the 17th second AF pixel row 403b, Read the signal.
  • the imaging pixel rows of the eighth row, the eleventh row, and the fourteenth row are in either case of reading signals from the imaging pixel rows and reading signals from the AF pixel rows.
  • the pixel row does not output a pixel signal, that is, a skipped row.
  • the vertical control unit 30 sequentially selects each pixel row to be read and reads out the pixel signal, and among the pixel rows to be skipped during the reading operation of each pixel row.
  • a dummy reset operation is performed on any of the pixel rows. As a result, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the number of pixel rows on which the reset operation is performed, and to prevent noise caused by fluctuations in the power supply voltage from being mixed into the pixel signal.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the image sensor according to the first embodiment, and illustrates an operation example in the case where the third readout process is performed and signals are read from the imaging pixel rows as illustrated in FIG. 11. ing.
  • the vertical axis represents the pixel row
  • the horizontal axis represents the timing (time t) at which the reset operation and readout operation of each pixel row are performed.
  • FIG. 12 schematically illustrates pixel row transition in which the reset operation and the read operation are performed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the pixel signal is read from the pixel after the reset operation is performed five times for the pixel to be read (selected pixel).
  • the period from time t1 to time t2 the period from time t3 to time t4, and from time t5 to time t6
  • the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth reset operations R1 to R5 are performed, respectively.
  • the period from time t3 to time t4 the period from time t5 to time t6, and from time t7 to time t8 During the period, the period from time t9 to time t10, and the period from time t11 to time t12, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth reset operations R1 to R5 are performed, respectively. .
  • the vertical control unit 30 performs the reading operation T1 of the fourth row, the sixth row, the seventh row, and the ninth row to be read, and skips the reading.
  • a dummy reset operation is performed on some of the pixel rows.
  • An added pixel signal obtained by adding the signals of the imaging pixels in the fourth row and the sixth row is output to, for example, the first vertical signal line VoutA connected to these imaging pixels, and the seventh row and the ninth row.
  • An added pixel signal obtained by adding the signals of the respective imaging pixels in the row is output to the second vertical signal line VoutB connected to these imaging pixels.
  • the vertical control unit 30 performs the reading operation T2 of the tenth row, the twelfth row, the thirteenth row, and the fifteenth row to be read and also skips the reading.
  • a dummy reset operation is performed on some of the pixel rows.
  • An added pixel signal obtained by adding the signals of the imaging pixels in the 10th and 12th rows is output to, for example, the first vertical signal line VoutA connected to these imaging pixels, and the 13th and 15th rows.
  • An added pixel signal obtained by adding the signals of the respective imaging pixels in the row is output to the second vertical signal line VoutB connected to these imaging pixels.
  • the vertical control unit 30 performs the reading operation T3 of the 16th row, the 18th row, the 19th row, and the 21st row to be read and also skips the reading.
  • a dummy reset operation is performed on some of the pixel rows.
  • An added pixel signal obtained by adding the signals of the imaging pixels in the 16th and 18th rows is output to, for example, the first vertical signal line VoutA connected to these imaging pixels, and the 19th and 21st rows.
  • An added pixel signal obtained by adding the signals of the respective imaging pixels in the row is output to the second vertical signal line VoutB connected to these imaging pixels.
  • the number of pixel rows in which the reset operation is performed is the same in order to suppress fluctuations in the power supply voltage.
  • the dummy reset operation may be performed based on the number of pixel rows on which the read operation is performed.
  • the vertical control unit 30 performs the non-read target so that the number of pixel rows on which the readout operation is performed is the same as the number of pixel rows on which the dummy reset operation is performed.
  • a dummy reset operation is performed on the pixel row.
  • the image pickup device 3 photoelectrically converts light to generate charges, a storage unit (FD 15) that stores charges generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11, and a supply that supplies a predetermined voltage
  • a switching unit 16 that switches connection and disconnection between the unit 35 and the storage unit
  • an output unit (amplifier 17, first selection unit 18, and second selection unit 19 that outputs a signal based on the charge stored in the storage unit. )
  • a signal is output from the output unit of the first pixel among the plurality of pixels, and a signal is not output from the output unit of the second pixel among the plurality of pixels, and the second pixel is switched.
  • a control unit for controlling the supply unit 35 and the storage unit to be connected to the unit 16;
  • the vertical control unit 30 reads out the pixel signal from the output unit of the pixel to be read, performs a dummy reset operation on the non-read target pixel, and supplies the pixel signal to the switching unit 16 of the non-read target pixel.
  • the unit 35 and the FD 15 are connected. For this reason, the number of pixels on which the reset operation is performed can be controlled in a period in which pixel signals are read, and fluctuations in the power supply voltage can be suppressed.
  • it is not necessary to separately arrange dummy pixels it is possible to prevent the area of the image sensor from increasing. It is possible to suppress noise from being mixed into the pixel signal, and to suppress deterioration in image quality of an image generated using the pixel signal.
  • the image pickup device 3 photoelectrically converts light to generate charges, a photoelectric conversion unit 11 that generates charges, a storage unit (FD15) that stores charges generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 11, and a supply that supplies a predetermined voltage
  • a switching unit 16 that switches between connection and disconnection between the unit 35 and the storage unit, and an output unit that outputs a signal based on the charge stored in the storage unit (amplifying unit 17, first selection unit 18, second selection unit) 19) and a signal is output from the output unit of the first pixel among the plurality of pixels, and the supply unit 35 and the storage unit are connected to the switching unit 16 of the second pixel among the plurality of pixels.
  • a control unit vertical control unit 30 that changes the number of second pixels.
  • the vertical control unit 30 reads the pixel signal from the readout target pixel and controls the number of non-readout target pixels on which the dummy reset operation is performed. For this reason, the number of pixels for which the reset operation is performed at the same timing can be adjusted, and fluctuations in the power supply voltage can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality.
  • each of the plurality of pixels provided in the imaging device 3 may include the FD 15, the switching unit 16, the amplification unit 17, the first selection unit 18, and the second selection unit 19.
  • Modification 4 In the above-described embodiment, the case where a primary color (RGB) color filter is used for the image sensor 3 has been described. However, a complementary color (CMY) color filter may be used.
  • RGB primary color
  • CMY complementary color
  • the image pickup device 3 described in the above-described embodiments and modifications is applied to a camera, a smartphone, a tablet, a camera built in a PC, an in-vehicle camera, a camera mounted on an unmanned aircraft (such as a drone or a radio control machine), and the like. Also good.
  • the pixel unit 100 is arranged on the first layer substrate, the vertical control unit 30 and the readout unit 40 are arranged on the second layer substrate, and the vertical signal line Vout is arranged on the first layer substrate and the second layer substrate. Place between the board.
  • the pixel unit 100 and the vertical control unit 30 may be disposed on the first layer substrate, and the reading unit 40 may be disposed on the second layer substrate.
  • the laminated sensor may have three or more layers.
  • imaging device 4 control unit, 4a imaging control unit, 4b image data generation unit, 4c focus detection unit, 10 imaging pixel, 11 photoelectric conversion unit, 13a first AF pixel, 13b second AF pixel, 15 FD, 17 amplification unit, 18 first selection unit, 19 second selection unit, 30 vertical control unit, 35 supply unit

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un élément d'imagerie qui est pourvu : d'une pluralité de pixels comprenant chacun une unité de conversion photoélectrique qui génère une charge électrique par réalisation d'une conversion photoélectrique de lumière, une unité de stockage qui stocke la charge électrique générée par l'unité de conversion photoélectrique, une unité de commutation qui réalise une commutation entre la connexion et la déconnexion entre l'unité de stockage et une unité d'alimentation qui fournit une tension prescrite, et une unité de sortie qui délivre en sortie un signal sur la base de la charge électrique stockée dans l'unité de stockage; et une unité de commande qui, tandis qu'un signal basé sur la charge électrique stockée dans l'unité de stockage d'un premier pixel parmi la pluralité de pixels est délivré en sortie en provenance de l'unité de sortie, réalise une commande pour amener l'unité de commutation d'un second pixel parmi la pluralité de pixels à connecter l'unité d'alimentation et l'unité de stockage.
PCT/JP2019/014351 2018-03-30 2019-03-29 Élément d'imagerie et dispositif d'imagerie Ceased WO2019189893A1 (fr)

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CN112702544A (zh) * 2019-10-22 2021-04-23 三星电子株式会社 包括多个自动聚焦像素组的图像传感器

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