JP4548163B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Imaging device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP4548163B2
JP4548163B2 JP2005077943A JP2005077943A JP4548163B2 JP 4548163 B2 JP4548163 B2 JP 4548163B2 JP 2005077943 A JP2005077943 A JP 2005077943A JP 2005077943 A JP2005077943 A JP 2005077943A JP 4548163 B2 JP4548163 B2 JP 4548163B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
horizontal
horizontal transfer
pixels
signal charges
vertical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP2005077943A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2006262192A (en
Inventor
弘之 宮原
昭人 土屋
武 茨木
徹也 大浦
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Victor Company of Japan Ltd
Original Assignee
Victor Company of Japan Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Victor Company of Japan Ltd filed Critical Victor Company of Japan Ltd
Priority to JP2005077943A priority Critical patent/JP4548163B2/en
Publication of JP2006262192A publication Critical patent/JP2006262192A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP4548163B2 publication Critical patent/JP4548163B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Landscapes

  • Solid State Image Pick-Up Elements (AREA)
  • Transforming Light Signals Into Electric Signals (AREA)

Description

本発明は撮像装置に係り、特に複数の出力部（チャンネル：ＣＨ）を備えた固体撮像素子を有する撮像装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus having a solid-state imaging device having a plurality of output units (channels: CH).

固体撮像素子としてＣＣＤ（Charge Coupled Device）を備えた撮像装置では、高解像度化の要求に伴う多画素化により、ＣＣＤの１ライン当りの画素数が増大するのに対し、ＣＣＤから１ラインの映像信号を出力するための時間はテレビジョン方式の規格によって規定されるため、一般的に信号読み出し用クロック周波数が１ライン当りの画素数に比例して高くなり、これに応じて後段の信号処理回路の動作周波数も高くなり、回路設計上の制約が増大する。また、ノイズ対策及び輻射対策等をより入念に行う必要も生じる。   In an image pickup apparatus equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as a solid-state image pickup device, the number of pixels per line of the CCD increases due to the increase in the number of pixels accompanying the demand for higher resolution, while the image of one line from the CCD. Since the time for outputting a signal is defined by the television standard, the signal readout clock frequency generally increases in proportion to the number of pixels per line, and the subsequent signal processing circuit accordingly. As a result, the operating frequency of the circuit becomes higher, and restrictions on circuit design increase. In addition, it is necessary to carefully take measures against noise and radiation.

そこで、従来より、これらの手間を回避するための手段として、固体撮像素子の撮像エリアを左右に２分割し、それぞれ独立に信号出力チャンネルを設けて分割撮像エリアで撮像した撮像信号を読み出す構成の、２つのデータ出力部を備えた撮像装置が知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。   Therefore, conventionally, as a means for avoiding these troubles, the imaging area of the solid-state imaging device is divided into right and left, and a signal output channel is provided independently to read out the imaging signals imaged in the divided imaging area. An imaging device including two data output units is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

図５（ａ）及び（ｂ）は２つのデータ出力部を備えた従来の撮像装置の各例の構成図を示す。両図中、同一構成部分には同一符号を付してある。図５（ａ）に示す従来の撮像装置は、その撮像エリアが左右に２分割された分割撮像エリア１Ａ、１Ｂと、分割撮像エリア１Ａ、１Ｂの垂直方向の端部に設けられた水平方向光学的黒レベルエリア（ＯＢエリア）２Ａ、２Ｂと、分割撮像エリア１Ａ、１Ｂの水平方向の上端部に設けられた垂直方向ＯＢエリア３と、分割撮像エリア１Ａ、１Ｂの水平方向の下端部に設けられた垂直方向ＯＢエリア４とを有する。   FIGS. 5A and 5B are configuration diagrams of examples of a conventional imaging apparatus including two data output units. In both drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The conventional imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 5A has divided imaging areas 1A and 1B in which the imaging area is divided into left and right, and horizontal optical devices provided at the vertical ends of the divided imaging areas 1A and 1B. Black level areas (OB areas) 2A and 2B, vertical OB areas 3 provided at the upper ends in the horizontal direction of the divided imaging areas 1A and 1B, and lower ends in the horizontal direction of the divided imaging areas 1A and 1B. Vertical OB area 4.

また、下端部垂直方向ＯＢエリア４は、ＣＣＤで構成された水平転送路（以下、水平転送ＣＣＤ）５Ａ、５Ｂに接続され、更に水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａ、５Ｂは出力アンプ６Ａ、６Ｂに接続されている。出力アンプ６Ａ、６Ｂからは撮像エリア１Ａ、１Ｂで撮像されたチャンネル（ＣＨ）１、２の映像信号が出力される。   The lower end vertical direction OB area 4 is connected to horizontal transfer paths (hereinafter referred to as horizontal transfer CCDs) 5A and 5B composed of CCDs, and the horizontal transfer CCDs 5A and 5B are connected to output amplifiers 6A and 6B. . From the output amplifiers 6A and 6B, video signals of channels (CH) 1 and 2 imaged in the imaging areas 1A and 1B are output.

分割撮像エリア１Ａ、１Ｂは、それぞれ２次元マトリックス状に配列された多数の画素と、各画素の出力信号電荷を垂直方向に転送するＣＣＤで構成された垂直転送路（以下、垂直転送ＣＣＤ）とが配置されている。垂直転送ＣＣＤにより垂直転送された信号電荷は、水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａ、５Ｂに入力された後、水平転送され、更に出力アンプ６Ａ、６Ｂで増幅された後、各々ＣＨ１、ＣＨ２の映像信号として出力される。   Each of the divided imaging areas 1A and 1B includes a vertical transfer path (hereinafter referred to as a vertical transfer CCD) composed of a large number of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and a CCD that transfers the output signal charge of each pixel in the vertical direction. Is arranged. The signal charges vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCD are inputted to the horizontal transfer CCDs 5A and 5B, then horizontally transferred, further amplified by the output amplifiers 6A and 6B, and then outputted as video signals of CH1 and CH2, respectively. .

また、図５（ｂ）に示す従来の撮像装置は、垂直方向ＯＢエリア４の画面左端から中央までの部分が斜めシフト領域８Ａを介して水平転送ＣＣＤ９Ａに接続され、垂直方向ＯＢエリア４の中央部分から画面右端までの部分が斜めシフト領域８Ｂを介して水平転送ＣＣＤ９Ｂに接続されており、水平転送方向が図５（ａ）に示した従来の撮像装置と異なる。すなわち、図５（ａ）に示した従来の撮像装置では、垂直転送されて水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａ、５Ｂに入力された信号電荷は、画面左端、画面右端の各画素から画面中央の画素に向かってそれぞれ水平転送されて出力アンプ６Ａ、６Ｂから読み出される。   Further, in the conventional imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 5B, a portion from the left end of the screen in the vertical direction OB area 4 to the center is connected to the horizontal transfer CCD 9A via the oblique shift region 8A, and the center of the vertical direction OB area 4 is The portion from the portion to the right end of the screen is connected to the horizontal transfer CCD 9B via the oblique shift region 8B, and the horizontal transfer direction is different from that of the conventional imaging device shown in FIG. That is, in the conventional imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 5A, the signal charges that are vertically transferred and input to the horizontal transfer CCDs 5A and 5B are respectively directed from the pixels at the left end of the screen and the right end of the screen toward the pixel at the center of the screen. Horizontally transferred and read from the output amplifiers 6A and 6B.

これに対し、図５（ｂ）に示した従来の撮像装置では、垂直転送ＣＣＤで垂直転送され、斜めシフト領域８Ａ、８Ｂをそれぞれ経て水平転送ＣＣＤ９Ａ、９Ｂに入力された信号電荷は、画面中央付近の画素から画面の左端の画素の方向、画面中央付近の画素から画面の右端の画素の方向に水平転送されて出力アンプ６Ａ、６Ｂから読み出される。なお、ＯＢエリア２Ａ、２Ｂ、３及び４は、それぞれ各ラインあたり複数の画素から構成されているが、入射光を遮光する構成とされているため、無光量時の信号レベルを出力する。また、出力アンプ６Ａ、６Ｂから出力されたＣＨ１、ＣＨ２の各映像信号は、後段の処理回路（図示せず）で合成される。   On the other hand, in the conventional image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 5B, the signal charges that are vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCD and input to the horizontal transfer CCDs 9A and 9B through the oblique shift regions 8A and 8B, respectively, The data is horizontally transferred from the nearby pixels to the leftmost pixel direction of the screen, and from the pixels near the center of the screen to the rightmost pixel direction of the screen, and read from the output amplifiers 6A and 6B. The OB areas 2A, 2B, 3 and 4 are each composed of a plurality of pixels for each line. However, since the OB areas 2A, 2B, 3 and 4 are configured to block incident light, they output a signal level when there is no light. The video signals of CH1 and CH2 output from the output amplifiers 6A and 6B are synthesized by a processing circuit (not shown) at the subsequent stage.

特開２００３−０４６８６７号公報JP 2003-046867 A

しかしながら、上記の図５（ａ）、（ｂ）に示した従来の撮像装置では、２つのデータ出力部からＣＨ１、ＣＨ２の映像信号を別々に出力する構成であり、製造バラツキなどのため、水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａと５Ｂ（又は９Ａと９Ｂ）との間の水平転送効率差、出力アンプ６Ａと６Ｂとのゲイン差等によるＣＨ間の出力差が発生し、また、ＣＨ間のリニアリティ差、ＣＨ間の飽和差、ＣＨ間の黒レベル差なども発生することがあるという問題がある。   However, the conventional imaging device shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B has a configuration in which the video signals of CH1 and CH2 are separately output from the two data output units. An output difference between CHs due to a horizontal transfer efficiency difference between the transfer CCDs 5A and 5B (or 9A and 9B), a gain difference between the output amplifiers 6A and 6B, etc. occurs. There is a problem that a saturation difference, a black level difference between CHs, and the like may also occur.

本発明は以上の点に鑑みなされたもので、出力画像のＣＨ間の補正を行い得る複数のデータ出力部を備えた撮像装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus including a plurality of data output units capable of performing correction between CHs of an output image.

本発明は上記の目的を達成するため、撮像エリアを水平方向に複数に分割して得られた複数の分割撮像エリアの各々が、入射光に応じたレベルの信号電荷を生成する、マトリックス状に配列された複数の画素と、これら複数の画素の信号電荷を垂直方向に転送する垂直転送路とを備え、複数の分割撮像エリアの各垂直転送路により垂直方向に転送された信号電荷を、別々に水平方向に転送して複数チャンネルの映像信号として出力する複数の水平転送路を有する複数チャンネルの出力部を備えた撮像装置において、複数の分割撮像エリア毎に設けられた垂直転送路と複数の水平転送路との間に複数の分割撮像エリアにまたがって設けられ、複数の分割撮像エリア内の複数の画素の信号電荷がそれぞれ垂直転送路により垂直転送されて同時に入力されると、垂直転送路により転送された信号電荷を水平方向に予め定められた段数分、各画素の信号電荷を分割することなくシフトし、かつ、予め定められた段数の水平シフトの方向を選択可能な画素振り分け水平転送部と、画素振り分け水平転送部の予め定められた段数の水平シフトの方向を、予め定めた周期で交互に切り替え制御する制御手段とを有し、画素振り分け水平転送部は、制御手段で選択された方向へ予め定められた段数の水平シフトをした後、保持している画素の信号電荷を同時に複数の水平転送路へ垂直転送することを特徴とする。
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a matrix in which each of a plurality of divided imaging areas obtained by dividing an imaging area into a plurality of horizontal directions generates a signal charge of a level corresponding to incident light. A plurality of arranged pixels and a vertical transfer path for transferring the signal charges of the plurality of pixels in the vertical direction, and separately transferring the signal charges transferred in the vertical direction by the vertical transfer paths of the plurality of divided imaging areas. In an image pickup apparatus having a plurality of channel output units having a plurality of horizontal transfer paths that are transferred in the horizontal direction and output as video signals of a plurality of channels, a plurality of vertical transfer paths provided for each of a plurality of divided imaging areas provided over a plurality of divided imaging area between the horizontal transfer path, at the same time input is vertically transferred by the respective signal charges of a plurality of pixels vertical transfer path of the plurality of divided imaging area Once, the number of stages to a predetermined the signal charges transferred in the horizontal direction by the vertical transfer path, and shift without dividing the signal charges of each pixel, and the direction of the horizontal shift of the number of predetermined A pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit having selectable pixel distribution horizontal transfer units, and a control unit that alternately switches and controls a predetermined number of horizontal shift directions of the pixel distribution horizontal transfer units at a predetermined cycle. , after the horizontal shift of the predetermined number of stages in the direction selected by the control means, characterized in that the vertical transfer signal charges of the pixels are simultaneously held to a plurality of horizontal transfer paths.

この発明では、複数の分割撮像エリア内の複数の画素の信号電荷を、それぞれ垂直転送路により垂直転送して同時に画素振り分け水平転送部に入力し、ここで一定画素数の信号電荷を制御手段で選択された水平方向へ水平転送した後、画素振り分け水平転送部で保持している画素の信号電荷を同時に複数の水平転送路へ垂直転送すると共に、上記の水平転送する方向を予め定めた周期で交互に切り替えるようにしたため、上記の複数の水平転送路の一部には対応する分割撮像エリア内の複数の画素の信号電荷に加えて隣接する他の分割撮像エリア内の一定画素数の画素の信号電荷も入力されて、これらを水平転送して出力することとなり、その結果、撮像された映像信号を表示するモニタの画面の一部の領域には、各分割撮像エリアの上記一定画素数の画素からの画像部分が上記の予め定めた周期で交互に切り替え表示される。   In the present invention, the signal charges of a plurality of pixels in a plurality of divided imaging areas are each vertically transferred through a vertical transfer path and simultaneously input to a pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit. After the horizontal transfer in the selected horizontal direction, the signal charges of the pixels held in the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit are simultaneously vertically transferred to a plurality of horizontal transfer paths, and the horizontal transfer direction is set at a predetermined cycle. Since the switching is alternately performed, in addition to the signal charges of the plurality of pixels in the corresponding divided imaging area, a part of the plurality of horizontal transfer paths described above includes a certain number of pixels in other adjacent divided imaging areas. Signal charges are also input, and these are transferred horizontally and output. As a result, a part of the monitor screen displaying the imaged video signal has the above-mentioned one of the divided imaging areas. Image portion from the pixels of the number of pixels is switched and displayed alternately at a predetermined period of the.

本発明によれば、複数の分割撮像エリア内の垂直転送路と複数の水平転送路との間に、水平転送の方向を選択可能な画素振り分け水平転送部を設け、その画素振り分け水平転送部の水平転送方向を予め定めた周期で交互に切り替えると共に、水平転送後の信号電荷を複数の水平転送路へ垂直転送するようにしたため、撮像された映像信号を表示するモニタの画面の一部の領域には、各分割撮像エリアの上記一定画素数の画素からの画像部分が上記の予め定めた周期で交互に切り替え表示されると共に、その画像部分を比較検出することで、各分割撮像エリア間の誤差及び各水平転送路間の水平転送効率差、チャンネル間の出力差、リニアリティ差、飽和差、黒レベル差などを正確に検出することができ、これにより、それらの差に対する補正を精度良く実施することができる。   According to the present invention, a pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit capable of selecting a horizontal transfer direction is provided between a vertical transfer path and a plurality of horizontal transfer paths in a plurality of divided imaging areas, and the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit The horizontal transfer direction is alternately switched at a predetermined cycle, and the signal charge after the horizontal transfer is vertically transferred to a plurality of horizontal transfer paths, so that a part of the screen of the monitor that displays the captured video signal In the divided imaging areas, the image portions from the pixels having the predetermined number of pixels are alternately switched and displayed at the predetermined cycle, and the image portions are compared and detected, so that It is possible to accurately detect errors and horizontal transfer efficiency differences between horizontal transfer paths, output differences between channels, linearity differences, saturation differences, black level differences, etc., thereby correcting for these differences. It can be accurately performed.

次に、本発明の実施の形態について図面と共に説明する。図１は本発明になる撮像装置の一実施の形態の構成図を示す。同図中、図５（ａ）と同一構成部分には同一符号を付してある。図１に示す実施の形態は、垂直ＯＢエリア４と水平転送ＣＣＤ６Ａ、６Ｂとの間に画素振り分け転送部（ＰＳＥＬ：画素選択転送部）１１を設けた点に特徴がある。   Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is characterized in that a pixel distribution transfer unit (PSEL: pixel selection transfer unit) 11 is provided between the vertical OB area 4 and the horizontal transfer CCDs 6A and 6B.

この画素振り分け水平転送部１１は、入力された信号電荷を、まず水平方向に定められた段数シフトするが、そのシフト方向（水平転送方向）が、図示しない制御手段により設定されたタイミング周期（例えば、ライン周期、フィールド周期又はフレーム周期）で交互に切り替えられ、また、水平方向へのシフト後に垂直方向に信号電荷を転送して水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａ、５Ｂに入力する構成である。   The pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11 first shifts the input signal charges by a predetermined number of stages in the horizontal direction. The shift direction (horizontal transfer direction) is a timing cycle (for example, set by a control unit (not shown)). , Line cycle, field cycle or frame cycle), and after shifting in the horizontal direction, the signal charges are transferred in the vertical direction and input to the horizontal transfer CCDs 5A and 5B.

なお、画素振り分け水平転送部１１における上記の定められた水平方向のシフト段数は、例えば、分割撮像エリア１Ａ又は１Ｂの水平有効画素数と、水平ＯＢエリア２Ａ又は２Ｂの画素数とに加えて、水平移動分を含めた段数とする。   Note that the number of horizontal shift stages determined in the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11 is, for example, in addition to the number of horizontal effective pixels in the divided imaging area 1A or 1B and the number of pixels in the horizontal OB area 2A or 2B, The number of steps including the horizontal movement.

次に、本実施の形態の動作について、図２と共に説明する。同図中、図１と同一構成部分には同一符号を付してある。まず、図１の分割撮像エリア１Ａ、１Ｂのそれぞれに２次元マトリックス状に配列された多数の画素の各々で入射光を光電変換して得られた、入射光に応じたレベルの信号電荷が各画素から出力され、更に図２（ａ）に示すように垂直転送ＣＣＤにより垂直転送されて画素振り分け水平転送部１１に入力される。 Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the same components as FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. First, signal charges of a level corresponding to incident light obtained by photoelectric conversion of incident light in each of a large number of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix in each of the divided imaging areas 1A and 1B in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, the data is output from the pixel and further vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCD and input to the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11.

ここで、図２では、図示の便宜上、図１の分割撮像エリア１Ａ内の垂直転送ＣＣＤは２１Ａで示すように２本のみ図示しており、同様に、図１の分割撮像エリア１Ｂ内の垂直転送ＣＣＤは２１Ｂで示すように２本のみ図示している。また、丸印は信号電荷を模式的に示す。   Here, in FIG. 2, for convenience of illustration, only two vertical transfer CCDs are shown in the divided imaging area 1A in FIG. 1 as indicated by 21A. Similarly, the vertical transfer CCD in the divided imaging area 1B in FIG. Only two transfer CCDs are shown as indicated by 21B. Further, the circles schematically indicate signal charges.

画素振り分け水平転送部１１は、図２（ａ）に示すように垂直転送ＣＣＤ２１Ａ、２１Ｂにより垂直転送された信号電荷が入力されると、同図（ｂ）に矢印２２で示すように、例えば左方向に（ＣＨ１側に）予め定められた段数だけ（ここでは、便宜上２段としている）、信号電荷をシフトする（水平転送する）。これにより、垂直転送ＣＣＤ２１Ｂで垂直転送された、分割撮像エリア１Ｂ内の画素からの信号電荷の一部が、画面中央部よりもＣＨ１側に水平移動する。   When the signal charge vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCDs 21A and 21B is input to the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11 as shown in FIG. 2A, as shown by an arrow 22 in FIG. The signal charge is shifted (transferred horizontally) by a predetermined number of stages (to the CH1 side) in the direction (here, two stages are provided for convenience). As a result, a part of the signal charges from the pixels in the divided imaging area 1B, which are vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCD 21B, move horizontally to the CH1 side from the center of the screen.

上記の水平転送が終了すると、続いて、画素振り分け水平転送部１１は、図２（ｃ）に示すように垂直転送を行い、水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａ、５Ｂに水平転送終了後の信号電荷を入力する。ここで、水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａには、図２（ｃ）に示すように、画素振り分け水平転送部１１の水平転送により、垂直転送ＣＣＤ２１Ｂで垂直転送された、分割撮像エリア１Ｂ内の画素からの信号電荷の一部（ここでは、画面中央部から画面右端方向の２画素分の信号電荷）も入力される。これに対し、水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ｂには分割撮像エリア１Ｂ内の画素からの信号電荷のみが、数段水平転送された後の状態で入力される。   When the horizontal transfer is completed, the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11 performs vertical transfer as shown in FIG. 2C, and inputs the signal charges after the horizontal transfer to the horizontal transfer CCDs 5A and 5B. Here, as shown in FIG. 2C, the horizontal transfer CCD 5A has signal charges from the pixels in the divided imaging area 1B that are vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCD 21B by the horizontal transfer of the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11. (In this case, signal charges for two pixels from the center of the screen toward the right edge of the screen) are also input. On the other hand, only the signal charges from the pixels in the divided imaging area 1B are input to the horizontal transfer CCD 5B after being horizontally transferred several stages.

その後、水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａは、図２（ｄ）に矢印２３で示すように、入力された信号電荷を左方向に水平転送する一方、水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ｂは図２（ｄ）に矢印２４で示すように、入力された信号電荷を右方向に水平転送する。以下、水平転送ＣＣＤ５Ａ、５Ｂから出力された信号電荷は、ＣＨ１、ＣＨ２の映像信号として図１の出力アンプ６Ａ、６Ｂを介して出力される。   Thereafter, the horizontal transfer CCD 5A horizontally transfers the input signal charge in the left direction as indicated by an arrow 23 in FIG. 2D, while the horizontal transfer CCD 5B as indicated by an arrow 24 in FIG. 2D. The input signal charge is horizontally transferred in the right direction. Hereinafter, signal charges output from the horizontal transfer CCDs 5A and 5B are output as video signals of CH1 and CH2 via the output amplifiers 6A and 6B of FIG.

以下、図２（ａ）〜（ｄ）に示した動作が繰り返される。ただし、画素振り分け水平転送部１１は、図２（ｂ）に示す数段の水平転送方向が、設定されたタイミング周期（例えば、ライン周期、フィールド周期又はフレーム周期）で交互に切り替える。   Thereafter, the operations shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D are repeated. However, the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11 switches the horizontal transfer directions in several stages shown in FIG. 2B alternately at a set timing cycle (for example, a line cycle, a field cycle, or a frame cycle).

従って、設定されたタイミング周期経過すると、画素振り分け水平転送部１１は、垂直転送ＣＣＤ２１Ａ、２１Ｂにより垂直転送された信号電荷が入力されると、同図（ｂ）に矢印２５で示すように、右方向に（ＣＨ２側に）予め定められた段数だけ（ここでは、便宜上２段としている）、信号電荷をシフトする（水平転送する）。これにより、垂直転送ＣＣＤ２１Ｂで垂直転送された、分割撮像エリア１Ａ内の画素からの信号電荷の一部が、画面中央部よりもＣＨ２側に水平移動する。以下、図２（ｃ）、（ｄ）で示した動作が行われる。   Therefore, when the set timing period elapses, when the signal charge vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCDs 21A and 21B is input to the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11, as shown by the arrow 25 in FIG. The signal charge is shifted (transferred horizontally) by a predetermined number of stages (to the CH2 side) in the direction (here, two stages are provided for convenience). As a result, a part of the signal charges from the pixels in the divided imaging area 1A, which are vertically transferred by the vertical transfer CCD 21B, move horizontally to the CH2 side from the center of the screen. Thereafter, the operations shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D are performed.

これにより、画素振り分け水平転送部１１による水平転送方向の切り替え周期を、例えば１フィールドとした場合は、撮像した画像をモニタ表示すれば、奇数フィールドでは図３（ａ）に示すように、画面左側領域３０Ａと画面中央領域３１のそれぞれには、図１の分割撮像エリア１Ａで撮像された映像信号によるＣＨ１の画像が表示され、かつ、画面右側領域３０Ｂには、図１の分割撮像エリア１Ｂで撮像された映像信号によるＣＨ２の画像が表示される。   Accordingly, when the horizontal transfer direction switching period by the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11 is set to one field, for example, if the captured image is displayed on the monitor, the odd-number field has the left side of the screen as shown in FIG. In each of the area 30A and the screen center area 31, an image of CH1 based on the video signal imaged in the divided imaging area 1A of FIG. 1 is displayed, and in the right area 30B of the screen, the divided imaging area 1B of FIG. A CH2 image based on the captured video signal is displayed.

また、偶数フィールドでは、図３（ｂ）に示すように、画面左側領域３０Ａには分割撮像エリア１Ａで撮像された映像信号によるＣＨ１の画像が表示され、かつ、画面中央領域３１と画面右側領域３０Ｂのそれぞれには、分割撮像エリア１Ｂで撮像された映像信号によるＣＨ２の画像が表示される。すなわち、画面中央領域３１では、フィールド毎にＣＨ１の画像とＣＨ２の画像とが交互に切り替え表示されることとなる。なお、画面中央領域３１の水平方向のサイズは、画素振り分け水平転送部１１による水平転送の段数により決まる。   In the even field, as shown in FIG. 3B, the CH1 image based on the video signal imaged in the divided imaging area 1A is displayed in the screen left area 30A, and the screen center area 31 and the screen right area are displayed. In each of 30B, an image of CH2 by a video signal imaged in the divided imaging area 1B is displayed. That is, in the screen center region 31, the CH1 image and the CH2 image are alternately switched and displayed for each field. Note that the horizontal size of the screen center region 31 is determined by the number of horizontal transfer stages performed by the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11.

これにより、ＣＨ１とＣＨ２の隣接するエリアで左右間で同じ被写体画像を撮影することで、奇数フィールドと偶数フィールドとで画像の比較を行うことにより、前述したＣＨ１とＣＨ２の間の水平転送効率差、ゲイン差その他を精度良く補正することができる。ここで、図１に示した出力アンプ６Ａ、６Ｂから出力されたＣＨ１、ＣＨ２の各映像信号は、例えば、公知の相関二重サンプリングを行うＣＤＳ回路、振幅を一定に制御する自動利得制御回路（ＡＧＣ回路）及びアナログ−ディジタル変換を行うＡ／Ｄ変換器を別々に、かつ、順次に経由して信号合成等の信号処理を行うディジタル・シグナル・プロセッサ（ＤＳＰ）に供給される。   As a result, the same subject image is photographed between the left and right in the adjacent areas of CH1 and CH2, and by comparing the images in the odd field and the even field, the horizontal transfer efficiency difference between CH1 and CH2 described above. The gain difference and the like can be corrected with high accuracy. Here, the CH1 and CH2 video signals output from the output amplifiers 6A and 6B shown in FIG. 1 are, for example, a known CDS circuit that performs correlated double sampling, and an automatic gain control circuit that controls the amplitude constant ( AGC circuit) and an A / D converter that performs analog-digital conversion are separately and sequentially supplied to a digital signal processor (DSP) that performs signal processing such as signal synthesis.

そこで、工場出荷時に、所定の静止画パターンを被写体として本実施の形態の撮像装置により撮像し、上記のＤＳＰで図３（ａ）、（ｂ）に示した画面中央領域３１の画像信号をフィールド毎に比較検出することにより、ＣＨ間の誤差を検出し、その誤差をゼロとするように、上記のＡＧＣ回路のゲインを制御したり、ＤＳＰで補正することにより、ＣＨ間の補正を精度良く、かつ、自動的に行うことができる。   Therefore, at the time of shipment from the factory, a predetermined still image pattern is picked up by the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment as a subject, and the image signal of the screen center region 31 shown in FIGS. By comparing and detecting each time, an error between CHs is detected, and the gain of the AGC circuit is controlled or corrected by the DSP so that the error becomes zero, so that correction between CHs can be performed with high accuracy. And can be done automatically.

次に、本発明の他の実施の形態について説明する。図４は本発明になる撮像装置の他の実施の形態の構成図を示す。同図中、図５（ｂ）と同一構成部分には同一符号を付し、その説明を省略する。図４に示す実施の形態は、図５（ｂ）に示した撮像装置の垂直ＯＢエリア４と斜めシフト領域８Ａ、８Ｂとの間に画素振り分け転送部（ＰＳＥＬ）１２を設けた点に特徴がある。   Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 shows a configuration diagram of another embodiment of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, the same components as those in FIG. 5B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is characterized in that a pixel distribution transfer unit (PSEL) 12 is provided between the vertical OB area 4 and the oblique shift regions 8A and 8B of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 5B. is there.

この画素振り分け水平転送部１２は、図１に示した画素振り分け水平転送部１１と同様の動作を行う。これにより、本実施の形態も図１と同様の動作を行うことにより、ＣＨ間の補正を精度良く実施することができる。   The pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 12 performs the same operation as the pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit 11 shown in FIG. Thereby, this embodiment can also perform the correction | amendment between CH with sufficient precision by performing the operation | movement similar to FIG.

なお、本発明は以上の実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、水平方向に移動する構造を有するＰＳＥＬを同じ目的を有する別の構成としてもよく、複数の出力部を備えた撮像装置に広く適用可能である。   Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and a PSEL having a structure that moves in the horizontal direction may have another configuration having the same purpose, and is widely applied to an imaging apparatus including a plurality of output units. Applicable.

本発明の一実施の形態の構成図である。It is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention. 図１の動作説明図である。It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of FIG. 本発明装置により撮像された被写体画像の一例のモニタ表示説明図である。It is monitor display explanatory drawing of an example of the to-be-photographed image imaged by this invention apparatus. 本発明の他の実施の形態の構成図である。It is a block diagram of other embodiment of this invention. 従来の撮像装置の各例の構成図である。It is a block diagram of each example of the conventional imaging device.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１Ａ、１Ｂ 分割撮像エリア
２Ａ、２Ｂ 水平方向光学的黒レベルエリア
３、４ 垂直方向光学的黒レベルエリア
５Ａ、５Ｂ、９Ａ、９Ｂ 水平転送路（水平転送ＣＣＤ）
６Ａ、６Ｂ 出力アンプ
８Ａ、８Ｂ 斜めシフト領域
１１、１２ 画素振り分け水平転送部（ＰＳＥＬ）
２１Ａ、２１Ｂ 垂直転送路（垂直転送ＣＣＤ）


1A, 1B Divided imaging area 2A, 2B Horizontal optical black level area 3, 4 Vertical optical black level area 5A, 5B, 9A, 9B Horizontal transfer path (horizontal transfer CCD)
6A, 6B Output amplifier 8A, 8B Diagonal shift area 11, 12 Pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit (PSEL)
21A, 21B Vertical transfer path (vertical transfer CCD)


Claims (1)

撮像エリアを水平方向に複数に分割して得られた複数の分割撮像エリアの各々が、入射光に応じたレベルの信号電荷を生成する、マトリックス状に配列された複数の画素と、これら複数の画素の信号電荷を垂直方向に転送する垂直転送路とを備え、前記複数の分割撮像エリアの各垂直転送路により垂直方向に転送された信号電荷を、別々に水平方向に転送して複数チャンネルの映像信号として出力する複数の水平転送路を有する複数チャンネルの出力部を備えた撮像装置において、
前記複数の分割撮像エリア毎に設けられた前記垂直転送路と前記複数の水平転送路との間に前記複数の分割撮像エリアにまたがって設けられ、前記複数の分割撮像エリア内の前記複数の画素の信号電荷がそれぞれ前記垂直転送路により垂直転送されて同時に入力されると、前記垂直転送路により転送された信号電荷を水平方向に予め定められた段数分、前記各画素の信号電荷を分割することなくシフトし、かつ、前記予め定められた段数の水平シフトの方向を選択可能な画素振り分け水平転送部と、
前記画素振り分け水平転送部の前記予め定められた段数の水平シフトの方向を、予め定めた周期で交互に切り替え制御する制御手段と
を有し、前記画素振り分け水平転送部は、前記制御手段で選択された方向へ前記予め定められた段数の水平シフトをした後、保持している画素の信号電荷を同時に前記複数の水平転送路へ垂直転送することを特徴とする撮像装置。 Each of a plurality of divided imaging areas obtained by dividing the imaging area into a plurality of horizontal directions generates a signal charge of a level corresponding to incident light, and a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, A vertical transfer path for transferring the signal charges of the pixels in the vertical direction, and separately transferring the signal charges transferred in the vertical direction by the respective vertical transfer paths of the plurality of divided imaging areas in the horizontal direction. In an imaging device having a plurality of channels of output units having a plurality of horizontal transfer paths for outputting as video signals,
The plurality of pixels in the plurality of divided imaging areas provided across the plurality of divided imaging areas between the vertical transfer path and the plurality of horizontal transfer paths provided for each of the plurality of divided imaging areas. Signal charges are vertically transferred through the vertical transfer path and simultaneously input, the signal charges transferred through the vertical transfer path are divided into signal charges of the pixels by a predetermined number of stages in the horizontal direction. And a pixel distribution horizontal transfer unit that can select the horizontal shift direction of the predetermined number of stages without shifting,
Control means for alternately switching the horizontal shift direction of the predetermined number of stages of the pixel distribution horizontal transfer section at a predetermined cycle, and the pixel distribution horizontal transfer section is selected by the control means An image pickup apparatus, comprising: horizontally shifting the predetermined number of stages in a predetermined direction, and simultaneously vertically transferring the signal charges of the held pixels to the plurality of horizontal transfer paths.
JP2005077943A 2005-03-17 2005-03-17 Imaging device Expired - Fee Related JP4548163B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2005077943A JP4548163B2 (en) 2005-03-17 2005-03-17 Imaging device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2005077943A JP4548163B2 (en) 2005-03-17 2005-03-17 Imaging device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2006262192A JP2006262192A (en) 2006-09-28
JP4548163B2 true JP4548163B2 (en) 2010-09-22

Family

ID=37100917

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2005077943A Expired - Fee Related JP4548163B2 (en) 2005-03-17 2005-03-17 Imaging device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP4548163B2 (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11234570A (en) * 1998-02-17 1999-08-27 Nec Corp Method and device for driving solid-state image pickup device
JP2000196054A (en) * 1998-12-24 2000-07-14 Nippon Hoso Kyokai <Nhk> Solid-state image sensor
JP2000209503A (en) * 1999-01-19 2000-07-28 Nippon Hoso Kyokai <Nhk> Solid state image pickup device and its video signal output device
JP2001211390A (en) * 2000-01-27 2001-08-03 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Image reading apparatus and image reading sensor
JP2002300477A (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-11 Canon Inc Signal processing device, signal processing method, and imaging device
JP2002330356A (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-11-15 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Solid-state imaging unit and method for driving the same
JP2003009005A (en) * 2001-04-19 2003-01-10 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Solid-state image pickup device
JP2003304454A (en) * 2002-04-12 2003-10-24 Victor Co Of Japan Ltd Imaging device

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11234570A (en) * 1998-02-17 1999-08-27 Nec Corp Method and device for driving solid-state image pickup device
JP2000196054A (en) * 1998-12-24 2000-07-14 Nippon Hoso Kyokai <Nhk> Solid-state image sensor
JP2000209503A (en) * 1999-01-19 2000-07-28 Nippon Hoso Kyokai <Nhk> Solid state image pickup device and its video signal output device
JP2001211390A (en) * 2000-01-27 2001-08-03 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Image reading apparatus and image reading sensor
JP2002330356A (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-11-15 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Solid-state imaging unit and method for driving the same
JP2002300477A (en) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-11 Canon Inc Signal processing device, signal processing method, and imaging device
JP2003009005A (en) * 2001-04-19 2003-01-10 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Solid-state image pickup device
JP2003304454A (en) * 2002-04-12 2003-10-24 Victor Co Of Japan Ltd Imaging device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2006262192A (en) 2006-09-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4971586B2 (en) Solid-state imaging device
JP5739640B2 (en) Imaging device and imaging apparatus
TWI382756B (en) A solid-state imaging device, a driving method of a solid-state imaging device, and an imaging device
JP4475665B2 (en) Solid-state imaging device
EP2762942B1 (en) Solid-state image capture element, image capture device, and focus control method
CN106664378B (en) Solid-state imaging device and camera
JP5597777B2 (en) Color imaging device and imaging apparatus
JP6164867B2 (en) Solid-state imaging device, control method thereof, and control program
JP2010219234A (en) Image sensor, and image capturing apparatus
JP2014022931A (en) Imaging device, and method and program of controlling the same
JP2007104178A (en) Imaging element and imaging device
US20130242153A1 (en) Image sensing apparatus and image capturing system
JP6442362B2 (en) Image pickup apparatus and image pickup element control method
US8792036B2 (en) Image sensor and image capture apparatus
JP2013211603A (en) Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and program
JP2016225774A (en) Imaging device and imaging apparatus
JP2009017459A (en) Ccd solid-state imaging element, driving method thereof, and imaging apparatus
JP2005109994A (en) Imaging device
JP5634614B2 (en) Imaging device and imaging apparatus
JP2020061758A (en) Imaging device and imaging apparatus
JP2012075050A (en) Solid-state imaging element, imaging device, and black level decision method
JP6127368B2 (en) Imaging device
JP4548163B2 (en) Imaging device
JP2009177436A (en) Solid-state imaging apparatus, signal processor, and electronic information device
JP6736612B2 (en) Imaging device, imaging device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A621 Written request for application examination

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621

Effective date: 20070629

A977 Report on retrieval

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007

Effective date: 20091130

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20100119

A521 Request for written amendment filed

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20100223

A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20100323

A521 Request for written amendment filed

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20100511

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20100615

A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20100628

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130716

Year of fee payment: 3

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130716

Year of fee payment: 3

S111 Request for change of ownership or part of ownership

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R313111

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130716

Year of fee payment: 3

R350 Written notification of registration of transfer

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R350

LAPS Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees