JP4393225B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device in which a plurality of pixels having a photoelectric conversion function are arranged, and an imaging system using the same.

  Solid-state imaging devices are roughly classified into charge transfer types such as CCDs and X and Y address types such as MOS type imaging devices.

  The use of the solid-state image sensor as described above as a sensor has many advantages but also disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is image degradation called smear when a high-luminance subject image is captured.

  In the case of a CCD, a small part of the subject light leaks as a light leak into the vertical transfer register adjacent to the photodiode, and on the image, a white band-like noise in the vertical direction of the high-luminance subject image. It becomes. This phenomenon occurs when there is an amount of light that is about 60 dB to about 100 dB or more of the amount of light saturated by the photodiode.

In the case of a MOS type image pickup device, generally, as shown in FIG. 12, a pixel is a photodiode 1, an amplifying MOS transistor 2 that amplifies and outputs a signal from the photodiode, and a photodiode 1 The transfer MOS transistor 3 for transferring the above signal to the amplification MOS transistor 2, the reset MOS transistor for supplying the reset potential to the gate region of the amplification MOS transistor, and the signal from the amplification MOS transistor 2 are selectively used. By resetting the gate electrode region of the amplifying MOS transistor before transferring the signal of the photodiode 1 to the amplifying MOS transistor 2. It has been said that there are few smears. For example, the transfer time from the photodiode to the amplification MOS transistor is several μs with respect to the exposure time of 16 or 7 ms of a video camera or the like, and there is a light amount difference of about 100 dB, and the amplification MOS transistor This gate electrode region is considered to have no problem since it is shielded from light. These MOS type imaging devices are disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.
JP-A-01-238381

  As we proceeded with imaging experiments, the following issues were identified.

  There is a solid-state imaging device having difference means for subtracting noise components in order to remove noise components included in signals output by photoelectric conversion by photoelectric conversion means such as a photodiode. As an example of the solid-state imaging device having the difference means, there is a solid-state imaging device as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows the timing for indicating the operation timing of the solid-state imaging device of FIG. The pixel 6 has the same configuration as the pixel described with reference to FIG. 12, and stores a reset signal vn obtained by resetting the input portion of the amplifying MOS transistor in the period t1, and is photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion means in the period t2. The signal vs generated by this is transferred to the input portion of the amplifying MOS transistor, and the signal VS output from the amplifying MOS transistor is stored in the memory CS.

  Here, the signal VS accumulated in the CS includes a signal (vs) generated by photoelectric conversion and a reset signal (vn). The reset signal vn stored in the memory CN7 and the signal VS (= vs + vn) stored in the memory CS8 are read to the differential amplifier 9. Then, the differential amplifier performs a difference calculation of VS−vn, and outputs a signal vs without a noise component from which the reset signal which is a noise component is removed. However, the input portion of the amplifying MOS transistor should be reset during the period t1, but due to the optical leak caused by very strong light, the noise signal vn, which is a noise component, becomes an optical leak noise signal vl. Is added (VN = vn + vl). Therefore, the output signal output from the differential amplifier is VS−VN = vs−vl, and when vl reaches saturation, the output signal vs−vl becomes zero, and the image is an image even though it is a very bright subject. The black blurring phenomenon occurs. FIG. 15 shows a conceptual diagram of this phenomenon. The horizontal axis represents the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion means, and the vertical axis represents the signal level generated by the photoelectric conversion means.

  Thus, depending on the imaging conditions such as the presence of a high-luminance object (sun, light, etc.) in the subject, that portion becomes a black image, and the image quality deteriorates.

In order to solve the above problems, a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion unit and an amplification unit that amplifies and reads a signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit,
A plurality of output lines to which the pixels are connected;
A first mode in which a pixel noise signal obtained by resetting the input unit of the amplifying unit from the amplifying unit is read to the output line, and a second mode in which an image signal including a signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit is read from the amplifying unit to the output line A timing generator for controlling the mode,
Difference means for performing a difference process between the pixel noise signal and the image signal read from the amplification means to the same output line;
A detection means for detecting that at least one of the two signals satisfies a predetermined condition, and the detection means performs the above detection to output an image signal without performing differential processing; or Correction means for converting the difference-processed signal into a predetermined signal level and performing correction;
There is provided an imaging device characterized by comprising:

In addition, a plurality of pixels including a photoelectric conversion unit and an amplification unit that amplifies and reads a signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit,
A first mode for reading a pixel noise signal obtained by resetting the input unit of the amplification unit from the amplification unit and a second mode for reading an image signal including a signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit from the amplification unit are controlled. A timing generator to
Difference means for performing a difference process between the pixel noise signal read from the amplification means and the image signal;
Detection that detects at least one of a first state in which the pixel noise signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined first reference level and a second state in which the image signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined second reference level Means,
When the detection means detects at least one of the first state and the second state, the image signal is output without performing the difference processing, or the signal subjected to the difference processing is converted to a predetermined signal level. Correction means for performing correction;
There is provided an imaging device characterized by comprising:

  With the above configuration, in the still image mode, the image data of the first area is read and captured, and in the moving image mode, the image data having a smaller number of pixels than the first area is read and captured from the imaging unit. Can shoot the subject in the desired mode.

  In the present invention, it is possible to obtain a high-quality image regardless of the subject condition being imaged.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below using examples.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a solid-state imaging device 100 representing the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a portion in which a plurality of pixels 6 shown in FIG. 12 are arranged in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and the pixels are photodiodes 1 which are photoelectric conversion means as described in FIG. An amplifying MOS transistor 2 which is a reading means for amplifying and outputting a signal from the photodiode; a transfer MOS transistor 3 which is a transferring means for transferring the signal of the photodiode 1 to the amplifying MOS transistor 2; A reset MOS transistor which is a reset means for supplying a reset potential to the input portion of the amplification MOS transistor, and a selection MOS transistor 5 which is a selection means for selectively outputting a signal from the amplification MOS transistor 2 It is composed of Reference numeral 11 denotes a vertical shift register for sequentially outputting signals from pixels in one horizontal row for each row. Reference numeral 8 denotes a result of photoelectric conversion by the photodiode 1 output from the amplifying MOS transistor 2 in the pixel. S memory for storing the signal VS added with the signal vs and the reset signal vn as the noise component, and N memory for storing the signal VN with the reset signal vn as the noise component and the optical leak noise signal vl added. , 12 is a horizontal shift register that outputs the signals stored in the S memory 8 and the N memory 7 for each row, and 13 amplifies the signals VS and VN output from the S memory 8 and the N memory 7, respectively. It is an amplifier. 9 is a differential amplifier which is a differential means for performing a difference calculation between the signal VS and the signal VN in order to make a difference between noise components from the signal VS output from the amplifier 13, and 14 includes subject conditions of the subject being imaged. A level detection circuit 15 serving as detection means for detecting an imaging condition is selectively corrected to perform difference processing (difference calculation is performed or not performed) according to the output of the level detection circuit 14. This is a switch that is a correction means for performing switching. Here, when the switch 15 is opened according to the output of the level detection circuit, the signal VN is not output to the differential amplifier, and the signal VS not subjected to differential processing is output from the differential amplifier. Will be. Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D conversion circuit for converting an analog signal output from the differential amplifier into a digital signal, and reference numeral 17 denotes a timing generator for controlling the timing of the imaging region 10 and the A / D conversion circuit 16.

  Next, operations of the level detection circuit 14 and the switch 15 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the horizontal axis represents the amount of light incident on the photodiode 1 and the vertical axis represents the signal level generated by the photodiode. The signal vs generated by the photodiode is saturated with the light amount B, and the optical leak noise vl is gradually increased in the vicinity of the light amount C. When the light amount is C or more, the difference processing is performed. In some cases, it can be seen that a darkening phenomenon occurs.

  Accordingly, it is detected by the level detection circuit 14 that at least the signal vs generated by the photodiode is saturated or the optical leak noise signal vl is generated at a predetermined level or higher. By opening, the difference process is stopped and no blackening phenomenon occurs. The signal that has not been subjected to the differential processing includes a noise component, but there is no problem because it is treated as a saturated signal (and compressed by the Knee processing).

  Here, the signal detected as the saturation signal is a signal of level VA or higher, which is a level slightly lower than the signal level that is completely saturated. In the present embodiment, the level detection circuit detects whether the signal level of the signal VS output from the S memory 8 is equal to or higher than VA, so that the saturation of the photodiode is output from the N memory 7. By detecting whether or not the signal VN is equal to or higher than the signal level VB, it is detected that the optical leak noise signal vl is generated at a predetermined level or higher.

  As described above, when the level detection circuit 14 detects that the signal VS is equal to or higher than VA or the signal VN is equal to or higher than VB, it is possible to obtain an image with no blackening by not performing the difference processing. . In the present embodiment, the level detection circuit 14 as described above is shown as the detection means. However, any detection circuit can be used as long as it can detect the imaging condition. Etc.

  In the present embodiment, the switch 15 that does not perform the difference process is shown as the correction unit. However, any correction unit that corrects the difference process according to the output of the detection unit may be used. The location may be, for example, 10 in the imaging area. Further, the transfer of the input or output of the N memory 7 may be stopped, or the transfer of the noise signal from the pixel 6 may be stopped.

  Further, the entire configuration of the solid-state imaging device 100 may be formed on the same semiconductor substrate by a CMOS process or the like, or for example, the A / D conversion circuit 16 and the timing generator are formed on another semiconductor substrate. Also good.

  Furthermore, the pixels of the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment may be area sensors arranged two-dimensionally or line sensors arranged one-dimensionally.

(Second Embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of the solid-state imaging device 100 representing the second embodiment. The preceding stage of the amplifier 13 omitted in FIG. 3 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

  Here, the memory 18 is a memory for accumulating signals from the A / D conversion circuit 16, and the conversion circuit 19 as correction means performs differential processing according to the output from the detection circuit as detection means. Correction is performed (the signal subjected to difference processing is converted into a signal having a predetermined signal level). Further, the level detection circuit as a detection means detects the imaging condition including the subject condition of the subject being imaged by the same method as in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a differential amplifier that is a differential means even if the level detection circuit detects that the signal VS is VA or higher or the signal VN is VB or higher. Difference processing (VS-VN) is performed at 9, converted to a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 16, and stored in the memory 18. When the signal is read from the memory 18, the level detection circuit detects that the signal VS is equal to or higher than VA or the signal VN is equal to or higher than VB. When the signal is read from the memory 18, the conversion circuit 19 converts the signal into a signal of a predetermined level (for example, signal level VA). Alternatively, the digital signal of the A / D conversion circuit 16 may be converted into saturation data by the saturation detection signal of the level detection circuit 14.

  That is, when the level detection circuit 14 detects that the signal VS is equal to or higher than VA or the signal VN is equal to or higher than VB, the conversion circuit 19 is operated to obtain an image without black spots.

  In the present embodiment, the level detection circuit 14 as described above is shown as the detection means. However, any detection circuit can be used as long as it can detect the imaging condition. Etc.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been shown in which the signal level having a predetermined level is converted when reading from the memory as the correction unit. However, the difference processing is performed according to the output of the detection unit even for other types. As long as it corrects the situation, the location of the correction means may be, for example, 10 in the imaging region.

  Further, the entire configuration of the solid-state imaging device 100 may be formed on the same semiconductor substrate by a CMOS process or the like, or for example, the A / D conversion circuit 16 and the timing generator are formed on another semiconductor substrate. Also good.

  Furthermore, the pixels of the solid-state imaging device according to the present embodiment may be area sensors arranged two-dimensionally or line sensors arranged one-dimensionally.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of a pixel, and light is thoroughly shielded to prevent light leak. In FIG. 4, a photodiode is composed of a region 20 which is an n-type semiconductor region and a region 21 which is a p-type semiconductor region (corresponding to 1 in the figure), and the region 23 which is an n-type semiconductor region The gate electrode 24 corresponds to the input portion of the MOS transistor, and serves to transfer signals from the regions 20 and 21 constituting the photodiode to the region 23. Reference numerals 25, 26, and 27 denote light shielding films made of aluminum, and reference numeral 28 denotes a black member. The light shielding films 25, 26, 27, and 28 prevent light leakage.

  However, in the solid-state imaging device of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, light shielding can be performed with a simple process. That is, the black member 28 becomes unnecessary, and the light shielding film 27 can also be removed by making good use of the light shielding film 26. By removing the member and the light shielding film 27, the distance between the photodiode and the microlens can be shortened, and the light collection efficiency by the microlens is improved.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram when the solid-state imaging device according to the first or second embodiment described above is applied to a video camera which is an imaging system. A photographic lens 201 includes a focus lens 201A for performing focus adjustment, a zoom lens 201B for performing a zoom operation, and an imaging lens 201C. Reference numeral 202 denotes a stop, 100 denotes a solid-state imaging device described in the first or second embodiment that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed on the imaging surface into an electrical imaging signal, and 205 denotes an output from the imaging device 100. The luminance signal Y and the chroma signal C are output by a process circuit that performs predetermined processing such as gamma correction, color separation, and blanking on the video signal. The chroma signal C output from the process circuit 205 is subjected to white balance and color balance correction by the color signal correction circuit 21, and is output as color difference signals RY and BY. Also, the luminance signal Y output from the process circuit 205 and the color difference signals RY and BY output from the color signal correction circuit 221 are modulated by an encoder circuit (ENC circuit) 224 and used as a standard television signal. Is output. Then, it is supplied to a monitor EVF such as a video recorder (not shown) or an electronic viewfinder.

  Next, reference numeral 206 denotes an iris control circuit, which controls the iris driving circuit 207 based on the video signal supplied from the sample and hold circuit 4 so that the aperture of the diaphragm 2 is adjusted so that the level of the video signal becomes a predetermined value. The ig meter is automatically controlled to control the amount.

  Reference numerals 213 and 214 denote different band-limited filter (BPF) for extracting high-frequency components necessary for performing focus detection from the video signal output from the solid-state imaging device 100. The signals output from the first bandpass filter 213 (BPF1) and the second bandpass filter 214 (BPF2) are gated by the gate circuit 215 and the focus gate frame signal, respectively, and the peak value is detected by the peak detection circuit 216. Is detected and held, and input to the logic control circuit 217. This signal is called a focus voltage, and the focus is adjusted by this focus voltage. Reference numeral 218 denotes a focus encoder that detects the moving position of the focus lens 201A, 219 denotes a zoom encoder that detects the focal length of the zoom lens 201B, and 220 denotes an iris encoder that detects the opening amount of the diaphragm 202. The detection values of these encoders are supplied to a logic control circuit 217 that performs system control.

  The logic control circuit 217 performs focus detection by performing focus detection on the subject based on the video signal corresponding to the set focus detection area. That is, the peak value information of the high frequency component supplied from each of the bandpass filters 213 and 214 is taken in, and the focus motor 210 is moved to the focus driving circuit 209 to drive the focus lens 201A to the position where the peak value of the high frequency component is maximized. Control signals such as a rotation direction, a rotation speed, and rotation / stop are supplied and controlled.

  In the present embodiment, the solid-state imaging device 100 and other process circuits 205, logic control circuits, and the like may be formed on separate semiconductor substrates, or they may be formed on the same semiconductor substrate by, for example, a CMOS process. Also good.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram when the solid-state imaging device according to the first or second embodiment described above is applied to a still camera that is an imaging system.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 301 denotes a barrier that serves both as lens protection and a main switch, 302 denotes a lens that forms an optical image of a subject on the solid-state imaging device 100, 303 denotes an aperture for changing the amount of light passing through the lens 302, and 100. The solid-state imaging device 307 described in the first or second embodiment for capturing an object imaged by the lens 2 as an image signal, 307 performs various corrections on the image data output from the solid-state imaging device 100 or data. 308 is a solid-state imaging device 100, a timing generation unit that outputs various timing signals to the signal processing unit 307, 309 is an overall control / calculation unit that controls various calculations and the entire still video camera, Reference numeral 310 denotes a memory unit for temporarily storing image data, and 311 denotes recording or reading on a recording medium. Interface, a removable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory for performing recording or reading of the image data 312, 313 is an interface unit for communicating with an external computer or the like.

  Next, the operation of the still video camera at the time of shooting in the above configuration will be described.

  When the barrier 301 is opened, the main power supply is turned on, the control system power supply is turned on, and the imaging system circuit power supply is turned on.

  Then, in order to control the exposure amount, the overall control / calculation unit 309 opens the diaphragm 303, and the signal output from the solid-state imaging device 100 is input to the signal processing unit 307. Based on the data, the exposure control is performed by the overall control / calculation unit 309. The brightness is determined based on the result of the photometry, and the overall control / calculation unit 309 controls the aperture according to the result.

  Next, based on the signal output from the solid-state imaging device 100, the high-frequency component is extracted and the distance to the subject is calculated by the overall control / calculation unit 309. Thereafter, the lens is driven to determine whether or not it is in focus. When it is determined that the lens is not in focus, the lens is driven again to perform distance measurement. Then, after the in-focus state is confirmed, the main exposure starts.

  When the exposure ends, the image signal output from the solid-state imaging device 100 passes through the signal processing unit 307 and is written in the memory unit by the overall control / calculation unit 309.

  Thereafter, the data stored in the memory unit 310 is recorded on a removable recording medium 312 such as a semiconductor memory through the recording medium control I / F unit under the control of the overall control / arithmetic unit 309.

  Further, the image may be processed by directly inputting to a computer or the like through the external I / F unit 313.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  7 and 8 are diagrams in the case where the first or second solid-state imaging device is applied to a sheet feed type document image recording device which is an imaging system.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a document image reading apparatus that reads a document image. Reference numeral 401 denotes a contact image sensor (hereinafter also referred to as “CIS”), which includes the solid-state imaging device 100, the Selfoc lens (registered trademark) 403, the LED array 404, and the contact glass 405 described in the first embodiment. It is configured. The conveyance rollers 406 are arranged before and after the CIS 401 and are used for arranging documents. The contact sheet 407 is used for bringing a document into contact with the CIS 401. Reference numeral 410 denotes a control circuit that processes signals from the CIS 1.

  The document detection lever 408 is a lever for detecting that a document has been inserted. When the document detection lever 408 detects that a document has been inserted, the output of the document detection sensor 409 changes as the document detection lever 408 tilts. Thus, the state is transmitted to the CPU 515 in the control circuit 410, and it is determined that the document is inserted, and the document transport roller 406 driving motor (not shown) is driven to start the document transport and read. Perform the action.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration for explaining the control circuit 410 of FIG. 7 in detail. The circuit operation will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, 401 is an image sensor (CIS 401 in FIG. 7), and LED 404 of each color R, G, B, which is a light source, is also integrated, and LED control is performed while conveying a document on the contact glass 405 of CIS1. By switching and lighting the LEDs 404 of the respective colors R, G, and B for each line by the (drive) circuit 503, it is possible to read the color images of the R, G, and B lines sequentially.

  The shading RAM 506 stores data for shading correction by reading a calibration sheet in advance, and the shading correction circuit 507 performs shading correction of the read image signal based on the data of the shading RAM 506. . The peak detection circuit 508 is a circuit that detects the peak value in the read image data for each line, and is used to detect the leading edge of the document.

  A gamma conversion circuit 509 performs gamma conversion on image data read from the host computer according to a gun marker set in advance.

  The buffer RAM 510 is a RAM for temporarily storing image data in order to match the actual reading operation and the timing of communication with the host computer, and the packing / buffer RAM control circuit 511 is preset by the host computer. After performing the packing processing according to the image output mode (binary, 4-bit multi-value, 8-bit multi-value, 24-bit multi-value), the data is written in the buffer RAM 510, and the interface RAM 512 is stored in the buffer RAM 510. Read image data from and output.

  The interface circuit 512 receives a control signal and outputs an image signal with an external device serving as a host device of the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment such as a personal computer.

  Reference numeral 515 denotes a CPU in the form of a microcomputer, for example, which has a ROM 215A storing processing procedures and a working RAM 215B, and controls each part according to the procedures stored in the ROM 215A.

  Reference numeral 516 denotes, for example, a crystal oscillator, and reference numeral 514 denotes a timing signal generation circuit that divides the output of the oscillator 516 in accordance with the setting of the CPU 515 and generates various timing signals serving as a reference for operation. Reference numeral 513 denotes an external device connected to the control circuit via the interface circuit 512. An example of the external device is a personal computer.

  In the present embodiment, the solid-state imaging device 100 and the control circuit 410 may be formed on separate semiconductor substrates, or they may be formed on the same semiconductor substrate by, for example, a CMOS process.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  9 and 10 are diagrams in the case where the solid-state imaging device described in the above first or second is applied to a document image reading device having a communication function or the like as an imaging system.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit of the image reading apparatus. In FIG. 9, a reader unit 601 reads a document image (not shown) and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 602 and the image input / output control unit 603. The printer unit 2 records an image corresponding to the image data from the reader unit 601 and the image input / output control unit 603 on a recording sheet.

  The image input / output control unit 603 is connected to the reader unit 601, and includes a facsimile unit 604, a file unit 605, a computer interface unit 607, a formatter unit 608, an image memory unit 609, a core unit 610, and the like. Among these, the facsimile unit 604 transfers the image data obtained by decompressing the compressed image data received via the telephone line 613 to the core unit 610, and the compressed image data obtained by compressing the image data transferred from the core unit 610. Transmit via the telephone line 613. A hard disk 612 is connected to the facsimile unit 604, and the received compressed image data can be temporarily stored.

  A magneto-optical disk drive unit 606 is connected to the file unit 605. The file unit 605 compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 610, and the magneto-optical disk drive unit together with a keyword for retrieving the image data. The data is stored in the magneto-optical disk set in 606. The file unit 5 searches the compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk based on the keyword transferred through the core unit 610. The retrieved compressed image data is read and decompressed, and the decompressed image data is transferred to the core unit 610.

  The computer interface unit 607 is an interface between the personal computer or workstation (PC / WS) 611 and the core unit 610.

  The formatter unit 608 develops code data representing an image transferred from the PC / WS 11 into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 602. The image memory unit 609 converts the data transferred from the PC / WS 611 into data. Temporary storage. The core unit 610 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 601, the facsimile unit 604, the file unit 605, the computer interface unit 607, the formatter unit 608, and the image memory unit 609. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the reader unit 601 and the printer unit 602 of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the document feeder 701 of the reader unit 601 feeds a document (not shown) one by one from the last page to the platen glass 702 one by one, and after the document reading operation is completed, the document on the platen glass 702 is fed. To be discharged. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 702, the lamp 703 is turned on, the movement of the scanner unit 704 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned.

  Reflected light from the original by this exposure scanning is guided to the solid-state imaging device 10 of the first or second embodiment described above by the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 708. In this way, the scanned image of the document is read by the solid-state imaging device 100. Image data output from the solid-state imaging device 100 is subjected to processing such as shading correction and then transferred to the printer unit 602 or the core unit 610.

  The laser driver 821 of the printer unit 602 drives the laser light emitting unit 801 and causes the laser light emitting unit 801 to emit laser light corresponding to the image data output from the reader unit 601.

  The laser light is irradiated to different positions on the photosensitive drum 802, and a latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on the photosensitive drum 802.

  A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 802 by a developing machine 803.

  Then, at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, recording is performed from either one of the cassette 804 and the cassette 805, and the sheet is fed to the transfer unit 806, and the developer adhered to the photosensitive drum 802 is transferred onto the recording sheet. . The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 807, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by heat and pressure in the fixing unit 807.

  The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 807 is discharged by a discharge roller 808, and the sorter 820 stores the discharged recording paper in each pin and sorts the recording paper. When sorting is not set, the sorter 820 conveys the recording paper to the discharge roller 808, then reverses the rotation direction of the discharge roller 808, and guides it to the refeed conveyance path 810 by the flapper 809. .

  When multiple recording is not set, the flapper 809 guides the recording sheet to the refeed conveyance path 810 so that the recording sheet is not conveyed to the discharge roller 808. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 810 is fed to the transfer unit 806 at the same timing as described above.

(Seventh embodiment)
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram of a camera control system that is an imaging system using the above-described first or second solid-state imaging device and having, for example, the video camera of the third embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, not only the video camera of the third embodiment but also the still camera of the fourth embodiment may be used.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the camera control system.

  Reference numeral 910 denotes a network that digitally transmits video data and camera control information (including status information), to which n video transmission terminals 912 (912-1 to 912-n) are connected.

  A camera 916 (916-1 to 916-n) is connected to each video transmission terminal 912 (912-1 to 912-n) via a camera control device 914 (914-1 to 914-n). The camera control devices 914 (914-1 to 914-n) connect to the video cameras 916 (916-1 to 916-916) in accordance with control signals from the video transmission terminal 912 and the video cameras 916 (916-1 to 916-n). n) Pan, tilt, zoom, focus, aperture, etc. are controlled.

  The video camera 916 (916-1 to 916-n) is supplied with power from the camera control device 914 (914-1 to 914-n), and the camera control device 14 (14-1 to 14-n). The video camera 916 (916-1 to 916-n) is turned on / off in accordance with an external control signal.

  Also connected to the network 910 are video receiving terminals 918 (918-1 to 918-m) that receive and display video information sent to the network 910 from the video transmitting terminals 912 (912-1 to 912-n). Has been. Each video receiving terminal 918 (918-1 to 918-m) is connected to a monitor 20 (20-1 to 20-m) constituted by a bitmap display or a CRT.

  Here, the network 910 does not have to be wired, and may be a wireless network using a wireless LAN device or the like. In this case, the video receiving terminal 918 can be integrated with the monitor 920 to be a portable video receiving terminal device.

  The video transmission terminals 912 (912-1 to 912-n) output the output video signals of the cameras 916 (916-1 to 916-n) to be connected to H.264. The video data is compressed by a predetermined compression method such as H.261, and transmitted to the video receiving terminal 918 or all the video receiving terminals 918 via the network 910.

  The video receiving terminal 918 controls the power supply ON / OFF along with various parameters (shooting direction, shooting magnification, focus, aperture, etc.) of an arbitrary camera 916 via the network 910, the video sending terminal 912, and the camera control device 914. Is possible.

  Here, the video transmission terminal 912 can be used as a video reception terminal by connecting a monitor and providing a video expansion device that expands the compressed video. On the other hand, the video reception terminal 918 can also be used as a video transmission terminal by connecting the camera control device 914 and the video camera 916 and providing a video compression device. These terminals are provided with a ROM for recording software necessary for video transmission or video reception.

  With the above configuration, the video transmission terminal 912 transmits a video signal to the remote video reception terminal 18 via the network 910 and receives a camera control signal transmitted from the video reception terminal 918, Control panning and tilting.

  The video receiving terminal 918 transmits a camera control signal to the video transmitting terminal 912, and the video transmitting terminal 912 that has received the camera control signal controls the camera 916 according to the content of the camera control signal, and the camera 916 current status is returned.

  The video receiving terminal 918 receives the video data transmitted from the video transmitting terminal 912, performs predetermined processing, and displays the captured video on the display screen of the monitor 9200 in real time.

It is a figure of the solid-state imaging device of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating 1st or 2nd embodiment. It is a figure of the solid-state imaging device of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a pixel. It is a figure of the imaging system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure of the imaging system of 4th Embodiment. It is a figure of the imaging system of 5th Embodiment. It is a figure of the imaging system of 5th Embodiment. It is a figure of the imaging system of 6th Embodiment. It is a figure of the imaging system of 6th Embodiment. It is a figure of the imaging system of 7th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the equivalent circuit of a pixel. It is a figure which shows the conventional solid-state imaging device. It is a figure which shows the timing chart of the solid-state imaging device of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

6 pixels 9 differential amplifier 10 imaging area 14 level detection circuit 15 switch 16 A / D conversion circuit 19 conversion circuit 100 solid-state imaging device

Claims (6)

A plurality of pixels each including photoelectric conversion means and amplification means for amplifying and reading out signals generated by the photoelectric conversion means;
A plurality of output lines to which the pixels are connected;
A first mode in which a pixel noise signal obtained by resetting the input unit of the amplification unit is read from the amplification unit to an output line, and an image signal including a signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit from the amplification unit. A timing generator for controlling a second mode to be read out to the output line;
Difference means for performing a difference process between the pixel noise signal read from the amplification means to the same output line and the image signal;
Detecting means for detecting that at least one of the two signals satisfies a predetermined condition;
Correction means for performing correction by outputting the image signal without performing the difference processing or converting the signal subjected to the difference processing to a predetermined signal level by the detection means performing the detection; ,
An imaging device comprising: A plurality of pixels including photoelectric conversion means and amplification means for amplifying and reading out signals generated by the photoelectric conversion means;
A first mode for reading out a pixel noise signal obtained by resetting the input unit of the amplification unit from the amplification unit, and a second mode for reading out an image signal including a signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit from the amplification unit. A timing generator for controlling the mode,
Difference means for performing a difference process between the pixel noise signal read from the amplification means and the image signal;
Detecting at least one of a first state in which the pixel noise signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined first reference level and a second state in which the image signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined second reference level Detecting means for
When the detecting means detects at least one of the first state and the second state, the image signal is output without performing the difference processing, or the signal subjected to the difference processing is determined in advance. Correction means for correcting the signal level to be converted,
An imaging device comprising: The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second reference level is a saturation signal level. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second reference level is lower than a saturation signal level. An imaging device according to claim 1;
Color correction means for performing color correction on a signal output from the imaging device;
Control means for controlling the imaging device and the color correction means;
An imaging system comprising: An imaging device according to claim 1;
An LED array for irradiating the imaging device with light;
An original conveying means for conveying an original;
An imaging system comprising:

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