Abstract: A solid-state imaging device 1 includes a light receiving section 10, a first row selecting section 20, a second row selecting section 30, and the like. The first row selecting section 20 causes each pixel unit of any m1-th row in the light receiving section 10 to output data corresponding to an amount of charge generated in a photodiode to a readout signal line L1n. The second row selecting section 30 causes each pixel unit of any m2-th row in the light receiving section 10 to output data corresponding to an amount of charge generated in a photodiode to a readout signal line L2n. The solid-state imaging device 1 causes each pixel unit of any m3-th row in the light receiving section 10 to accumulate charge generated in a photodiode in a charge accumulating section. m1 and m2 are different from each other.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an intermediate image generating unit configured to input an image which has been shot with differing exposure times set by region, generates a plurality of exposure pattern images corresponding to differing exposure times based on the input image, and generates a plurality of timing images which are difference images of the plurality of exposure pattern images; and a distortion correction processing unit configured to generate a corrected image equivalent to an exposure processing image at a predetermined exposure time by synthesizing processing of the plurality of timing images.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of reducing camera-shake blur and rolling-caused distortion of image data obtained by shooting without including invalid data. An object obtained by shooting is stored in a memory area as first image data, and data having a smaller data size than the first image data is acquired as second image data by clipping from the memory area. A clipping position which enables correction of camera-shake blur is calculated according to an amount of movement due to a camera shake. Range information indicative of a range in the memory area and shift amounts used for correcting rolling-caused distortion are calculated. Rolling-caused distortion of the second image data is corrected based on the calculated shift amounts.

Abstract: An image sensor that has a pixel array section in which pixels are arrayed in a two-dimensional manner in vertical and horizontal directions and that controls an exposure time of each pixel in a rolling shutter method is disclosed. The sensor includes control means for determining an electronic shutter occurrence number within one horizontal scanning period, which is the number of rows where electronic shutters are simultaneously performed in one horizontal scanning period, by an operation based on an address addition amount (P1, P2, P3, . . . , PN) when a vertical address movement amount of the pixel array section for every one horizontal scanning period in an exposure regulation shutter, which is an electronic shutter for regulating exposure, executed corresponding to electric charge reading in each pixel is expressed as repetition of the address addition amount (P1, P2, P3, . . . , PN).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pixel array unit, an exposure period control unit, and a charge discharge control unit are provided. In the pixel array unit, pixels that accumulate photoelectrically converted charges are arranged in a matrix form. The exposure period control unit controls an exposure period of the pixels with respect to each of lines. The charge discharge control unit performs discharge control of charges accumulated in the pixels in a non-exposure period of the pixels with respect to each of lines.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device that includes a plurality of pixels; a first curtain that travels to block incidence of light on the imaging device; a reset unit that sequentially reset-scans lines of the imaging device earlier than the traveling of the first curtain; and a correction controller that corrects a line reset-scanning time of the reset unit on the basis of a movement amount of the imaging device having been made to move on the basis of a camera shake detection result.

Abstract: An electronic shutter control part is configured to control an electronic shutter. A mechanical shutter has a light-shielding part. The mechanical shutter is configured to end exposing the first and second photoelectric conversion elements by moving the light-shielding part. The assessing part is configured to assess whether the length of a exposure time is longer or less than a threshold value. The electronic shutter control part is configured to control the electronic shutter to start exposing the first photoelectric conversion element at a first exposure-start timing and control the electronic shutter to start exposing the second photoelectric conversion element at a second exposure-start timing in order to make the first exposure time to be closer to the second exposure time when the exposure time is less than a threshold value, than when the exposure time is longer than a threshold value.

Abstract: In a pixel 11, a floating semiconductor region FD accumulates a charge from a photoelectric transducer PD. A first charge transfer path CTP1 extends from the photoelectric transducer PD to the floating semiconductor region FD through the storage diode SD. A second charge transfer path CTP2 extends from the photoelectric transducer PD to the floating semiconductor region. An output unit AMP provides a signal corresponding to a potential in the floating semiconductor region FD. The first charge transfer path CTP includes a first shutter switch TR(GS1) for controlling a transfer of the charge from the photoelectric transducer PD, the storage diode SD for accumulating the charge from the photoelectric transducer PD, and a transfer switch TR(TF1) for controlling a transfer of the charge from the storage diode SD to the floating semiconductor region PD, while the second charge transfer path CTP includes a shutter switch TR(GS2) for controlling a transfer of the charge from the photoelectric transducer PD.

Abstract: A method for continuously generating a (grayscale) map of a scene in electronic form, characterized by high time resolution and minimal data volume, is presented. The method involves repeated measurement of the instantaneous exposure of the image elements in an image sensor, the start of every exposure measurement being determined autonomously and asynchronously by every image element independently, and hence the redundancy which is typical of synchronous image sensors in the image data to be transmitted being largely suppressed. The stimulation for the purpose of exposure measurement is provided by the autonomous detection of a relative light intensity change in the scene detail which the image element views, by the transient detector in the respective image element. To increase the signal-to-noise ratio and the dynamic range, the exposure measurement is preferably performed on the basis of time, that is to say the exposure of an image element is represented by the period between two asynchronous events.

Abstract: A method for correcting an image obtained by a matrix of photosensitive points finds particular utility when the matrix is subjected to an electromagnetic disturbance. The method of correction comprises a first step of row-by-row reading of the matrix. The signals read during a first reading of each row represent the charges accumulated subsequent to exposure of the matrix to luminous radiation and make it possible to form, for each column of the matrix, a discrete signal. The signals read during a second reading represent the charges accumulated in the absence of exposure and form, for each column of the matrix, a discrete signal. In a second step of the method, a signal corresponding substantially to the signal which would have been formed at the time of the first reading in the absence of exposure is determined. In a third step, the signal is subtracted column by column from the signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state image pickup element, including a pixel portion in which plural pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal and accumulating therein the resulting electrical signal in accordance with an exposure period of time are disposed in a matrix; and a pixel driving portion adapted to control operations of the pixels in rows so as to carry out an electronic shutter operation and a reading operation of the pixel portion.

Abstract: An image sensor that has a pixel array section in which pixels are arrayed in a two-dimensional manner in vertical and horizontal directions and that controls an exposure time of each pixel in a rolling shutter method is disclosed. The sensor includes control means for determining an electronic shutter occurrence number within one horizontal scanning period, which is the number of rows where electronic shutters are simultaneously performed in one horizontal scanning period, by an operation based on an address addition amount (P1, P2, P3, . . . , PN) when a vertical address movement amount of the pixel array section for every one horizontal scanning period in an exposure regulation shutter, which is an electronic shutter for regulating exposure, executed corresponding to electric charge reading in each pixel is expressed as repetition of the address addition amount (P1, P2, P3, . . . , PN).

Abstract: A system, apparatus, or method is provided for imaging and for capturing visuals to provide image manipulation options for increasing resolution of subject images. A system, apparatus or method for increasing resolution of subject images using a camera to deliver unexposed photographic emulsion or a digital image and to generate images of greater resolution by modifying digital images or modifying digital and emulsion images.

Abstract: A solid-state image capturing device including: a substrate; a substrate voltage source which applies a first potential to the substrate during a light reception period and applies a second potential to the substrate during a non-light reception period; and a plurality of pixels which each includes a light receiver which is formed on a front surface of the substrate and generates signal charges in accordance with received light, a storage capacitor which is formed adjacent to the light receiver and accumulates and stores signal charges generated by the light receiver, dark-current suppressors which are formed in the light receiver and the storage capacitor, an electronic shutter adjusting layer which is formed in an area facing the light receiver in the substrate and distant from the storage capacitor and which adjusts potential distribution, and a floating diffusion portion to which the signal charges accumulated in the storage capacitor are transmitted.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus which performs a global exposure operation, in a determined imaging region, for performing exposure as matching respective start times and respective end times of all rows, comprises: plural unit pixels arranged in two-dimensional matrix and each comprising a photoelectric converting unit for generating a pixel signal by photoelectric conversion, a holding unit for holding the generated pixel signal, and a first gate for transferring the generated pixel signal to the holding unit; a first controlling line connected commonly to the first gates in the unit pixels on the same row; a vertical controlling circuit for resetting the unit pixel; and a first driving line connected to the first controlling line, and not connected to and thus independent of the vertical controlling circuit, thereby enabling to reduce a current flowing in a power supply of the vertical controlling circuit when driving electrodes of the holding units.

Abstract: An imaging sensor has a pixel array in which pixels are disposed in a two-dimensional matrix state, a sampling part, a shutter control part, and a clipping circuit. A vertical signal line is coupled to the plurality of pixels disposed in a column direction, and to which a pixel signal is input from the pixels. The sampling part is coupled to the vertical signal line, and to which the pixel signal output to the vertical signal line is input. The clipping circuit is provided at an input side of the sampling part, and clips an electric potential of the vertical signal line to a first clip level before the pixel signal is input from the pixels to the vertical signal line when the shutter control part performs the global shutter operation. As a result, it is possible to stably operate the sampling part.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus which performs a global exposure operation, in a determined imaging region, for performing exposure as matching respective start times and respective end times of all rows, comprises: plural unit pixels arranged in two-dimensional matrix and each comprising a photoelectric converting unit for generating a pixel signal by photoelectric conversion, a holding unit for holding the generated pixel signal, and a first gate for transferring the generated pixel signal to the holding unit; a first controlling line connected commonly to the first gates in the unit pixels on the same row; a vertical controlling circuit for resetting the unit pixel; and a first driving line connected to the first controlling line, and not connected to and thus independent of the vertical controlling circuit, thereby enabling to reduce a current flowing in a power supply of the vertical controlling circuit when driving electrodes of the holding units.

Abstract: Provided is a solid-state image pickup device including a pixel section arranged with multiple pixel circuits in matrix having functions for converting an optical signal to an electrical signal and for accumulating the electrical signal depending on an exposure time, and a pixel driving section capable of driving through a control line to reset, accumulate, transfer, and output signal electric charge of the pixel section. The pixel section may have a pixel shared structure arranged with one selection control line, one reset control line, and multiple transfer control lines, including a readout-pixel section and an unread-pixel section in its entirety. The pixel driving section includes a pixel control section where an unread-pixel is normally fixed in a reset state. When reading a readout-pixel in a shared relationship, if its address is selected or a selection signal becomes active, the unread-pixel reset-state is cancelled to turn into an unread state.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging apparatus with a flicker detector that restrains an increased calculation amount and image quality degradation. The apparatus includes a frame rate controller for setting a frame rate of an acquired image to a first frame rate or different second frame rate, a luminance calculator for calculating a first luminance difference between two images of a first group continuously acquired at the first frame rate and a second luminance difference between two images of a second group continuously acquired at the second frame rate, and a flicker detector for comparing the first and second luminance differences with first and second threshold, respectively, and determining whether flickers of a first frequency and a different second frequency are generated or not.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pumped pixel that includes a first photo-diode accumulating charge in response to impinging photons, a second photo-diode, and a floating diffusion positioned on a substrate. The pixel also includes a charge barrier positioned on the substrate between the first photo-diode and the second photo-diode, where the charge harrier temporarily blocks charge transfer between the first photo-diode and the second photo-diode. A pump gate may also be formed on the substrate adjacent to the charge barrier. The pump gate pumps the accumulated charge from the first photo-diode to the second photo-diode through the charge barrier. Also included is a transfer gate positioned on the substrate between the second photo-diode and the floating diffusion. The transfer gate serves to transfer the pumped charge from, the second photo-diode to the floating diffusion.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is provided. The solid-state imaging device includes an imaging region having a plurality of pixels arranged on a semiconductor substrate, in which each of the pixels includes a photoelectric converting portion and a charge converting portion for converting a charge generated by photoelectric conversion into a pixel signal and blooming is suppressed by controlling a substrate voltage of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: a stack-type solid-state imaging device which includes pixels including: a photoelectric conversion film which performs photoelectric conversion on light to convert the light into signal charges; a pixel electrode on a first surface of the photoelectric conversion film, the first surface being at a side of the semiconductor substrate; a transparent electrode on a second surface of the photoelectric conversion film, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; and a pixel circuit unit configured to read the signal charges, and accumulate the read signal charges, and the imaging device further includes a control unit configured to control exposure time by selectively applying, to the transparent electrode, a voltage having a first voltage value at which the signal charges move to the pixel circuit unit and a voltage having a second value at which the signal charges move to the pixel circuit unit.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an image sensor array including a global shutter shared by first and second pixels. The global shutter can include a charge storage area having an associated shield for reducing charge build up on the charge storage area attributable to incident light rays. There is set forth herein in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having one or more configuration. The one or more configuration can include one or more of a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has unbinned pixel values, a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to an M×N, M>=2, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values, and a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to a 1×N, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values.

Abstract: A controller for an image sensor includes a mode selector that receives a selection between image capture mode and data capture mode. An exposure sensor collects exposure data for a scene falling on the image sensor. A command interface sends commands to the image sensor to cause the image sensor to capture an image with a rolling reset shutter operation in which an integration interval for the image sensor is set based on the exposure data if the image capture mode is selected. The integration interval for the image sensor is set to less than two row periods, preferably close to one row period, without regard to the exposure data if the data capture mode is selected. An analog gain may be increased to as large a value as possible in data capture mode. All pixels in a row may be summed before AD conversion in data capture mode.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a camera comprising a photosurface that is electronically turned on and off to respectively initiate and terminate an exposure period of the camera at a frequency sufficiently high so that the camera can be used to determine distances to a scene that it images without use of an external fast shutter. In an embodiment, the photosurface comprises pixels formed on a substrate and the photosurface is turned on and turned off by controlling voltage to the substrate. In an embodiment, the substrate pixels comprise light sensitive pixels, also referred to as “photopixels”, in which light incident on the photosurface generates photocharge, and storage pixels that are insensitive to light that generates photocharge in the photopixels. In an embodiment, the photosurface is controlled so that the storage pixels accumulate and store photocharge substantially upon its generation during an exposure period of the photosurface.

Abstract: A pixel structure comprises a photo-sensitive element PPD for generating charges in response to light and a charge conversion element FD. A first transfer gate TX is connected between the photo-sensitive element PPD and the charge conversion element. A charge storage element PG is connected to the photo-sensitive element PPD. The charge storage element PG has a higher charge storage density than the photo-sensitive element PPD. The charge storage element PG is located on the photo-sensitive element PPD side of the first transfer gate TX and is arranged to collect charges generated by the photo-sensitive element PPD during an integration period. The charge storage element can be a photo gate, photodiode or capacitor. Arrangements are provided with, and without, a potential barrier between the photo-sensitive element PPD and the charge storage element PG.

Abstract: An image sensor that has a pixel array section in which pixels are arrayed in a two-dimensional manner in vertical and horizontal directions and that controls an exposure time of each pixel in a rolling shutter method is disclosed. The sensor includes control means for determining an electronic shutter occurrence number within one horizontal scanning period, which is the number of rows where electronic shutters are simultaneously performed in one horizontal scanning period, by an operation based on an address addition amount (P1, P2, P3, . . . , PN) when a vertical address movement amount of the pixel array section for every one horizontal scanning period in an exposure regulation shutter, which is an electronic shutter for regulating exposure, executed corresponding to electric charge reading in each pixel is expressed as repetition of the address addition amount (P1, P2, P3, . . . , PN).

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a plurality of unit pixels each including a first photoelectric conversion unit and a second photoelectric conversion unit, and a pixel output unit shared by the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit. The first photoelectric conversion unit is configured to be depleted when it is reset, while the second photoelectric conversion unit is configured not to be depleted when it is reset.

Abstract: A method for capturing multiple sets of image data with an electronic camera having a shutter and an electronic shutter for selectively allowing light to reach an image sensor comprises opening the shutter and the electronic shutter, allowing light to reach the image sensor for a first exposure time, closing the electronic shutter, reading out pixel data captured during the first exposure time, allowing light to reach the image sensor for a second exposure time, and, reading out pixel data captured during the second exposure time. The method may be used to obtain multiple differently exposed images of a scene for combination into a high dynamic range image.

Abstract: A device and method for continuous vertical clocking a charge-coupled device image sensor operating in a time delay and integration and binning mode of operation is disclosed. The method includes providing a charge-coupled device image sensor with a continuous charge transfer signal to a vertical charge-coupled device register for shifting charge continuously to more closely approximate the speed of movement of the target object of capture by the image sensor in order to eliminate artifacts in the TDI imaging direction. The control module of the CCD image sensor provides the continuous charge transfer signal to the vertical charge-coupled device register.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a solid-state image pickup device, an optical system, and a flash. The solid-state image pickup device has an electronic shutter function of outputting accumulated signal charges at a timing corresponding to a shutter speed. The optical system collects incident light to an image pickup area of the solid-state image pickup device. The flash irradiates light to an object to be photographed by the solid-state image pickup device. The solid-state image pickup device includes a pulse generator circuit for generating one or more of an electronic shutter pulse for controlling an accumulation time of signal charges by using the electronic shutter function, an optical system movement pulse for controlling movement of the optical system, and a flash pulse for controlling an emission timing of the flash.

Abstract: An improved complementary metal oxide semiconductor image sensor for time delay and integration imaging is provided that utilizes rolling shutter pixels. Columns of rolling shutter pixels in the CMOS image array are provided with a space between adjacent pixels to provide synchronization with movement of the subject in the along track direction. Preferably, the physical offset between the pixels is 1/Nth of a pixel pitch for a column having N rows.

Abstract: The present invention reduces differences in the influence of electric charge leakage from a non-read out region into multiple read out regions adjacent to a non-read out region. Reset scanning of that row in the non-read out region which adjoins the first or second read out region is started before read out scanning of the first and second read out regions.

Abstract: An image sensor pixel includes a photosensitive region and pixel circuitry. The photosensitive region accumulates an image charge in response to light incident upon the image sensor. The pixel circuitry includes a transfer-storage transistor, a charge-storage area, an output transistor, and a floating diffusion region. The transfer-storage transistor is coupled between the photosensitive region and the charge-storage area. The output transistor has a channel coupled between the charge-storage area and the floating diffusion region and has a gate tied to a fixed voltage potential. The transfer-storage transistor causes the image charge to transfer from the photosensitive region to the charge-storage area and to transfer from the charge-storage area to the floating diffusion region.

Abstract: The video stabilization method can generate output data for an output frame from input data of an input frame according to a perspective transform of a transform matrix. The input data used for the perspective transform can be obtained from a buffer of a predetermined depth. The transform matrix can be altered when the input data required for the transform exceeds the depth of the buffer.

Abstract: An imaging device with (1) a substrate; (2) a substrate voltage supply that applies a first potential to the substrate during a light receiving period and applies a second potential to the substrate during a no-light receiving period; and (3) a plurality of pixels each including (a) a light conversion portion, (b) a storage portion that stores signal charges g from the light conversion portion when the first potential is applied to the substrate, (c) a first layer that is in the substrate and set apart from the storage portion by a predetermined distance and adjusts potential distribution in the substrate so that the signal charges generated in the light receiving portion when the second potential is applied to the substrate are swept to a rear surface side of the substrate, and (d) a vertical transfer portion that transfers a signal based on the signal charges in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing a dynamic range of an image by using a first electronic shutter and a second electronic shutter of a camera is provided. The method includes initiating exposure of an image sensor by moving a first electronic front curtain according to a first control pulse signal of the first electronic shutter; moving a second electronic front curtain with respect to at least one pixel of the image sensor according to a second control pulse signal of the second electronic shutter; blocking the exposure of the image sensor by moving a mechanical rear curtain included in the camera; and acquiring, after blocking the exposure, a long exposure image using the first electronic front curtain and a short exposure image using the second electronic front curtain.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a synchronizing signal generation portion outputting a synchronizing signal periodically; a diaphragm; an imaging portion operated based on the synchronizing signal to pick up a subject image through the diaphragm and generate image data; a trigger input portion operable to input a trigger signal commanding a start of a photographing operation by the imaging portion; and a control portion controlling the operation of the imaging portion. The control portion controls synchronous processing for operating the diaphragm in synchronization with the synchronizing signal. When the trigger signal is input, the control portion stops the generation of the synchronizing signal by the synchronizing signal generation portion and thereafter resumes the generation of the synchronizing signal, while when the synchronous processing is being performed, the control portion initializes the synchronous processing before resuming the generation of the synchronizing signal.

Abstract: In a CMOS image sensor in which a plurality of pixels is arranged in a matrix, a transistor in which a channel formation region includes an oxide semiconductor is used for each of a charge accumulation control transistor and a reset transistor which are in a pixel portion. After a reset operation of the signal charge accumulation portion is performed in all the pixels arranged in the matrix, a charge accumulation operation by the photodiode is performed in all the pixels, and a read operation of a signal from the pixel is performed per row. Accordingly, an image can be taken without a distortion.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an optical system configured to collect subject light, an imaging device having an electronic front curtain function, configured to receive the subject light to generate an image signal, a data storage unit configured to store an exit pupil distance of the optical system and a correction amount of the exit pupil distance, a mechanical shutter capable of cutting off the subject light passing through the optical system to the imaging device, and a correction unit configured to obtain the exit pupil distance of the optical system and the correction amount of the exit pupil distance from the data storage unit, obtain a corrected exit pupil distance using the obtained exit pupil distance of the optical system and a correction amount of the exit pupil distance, and correct brightness unevenness of the image signal based on the corrected exit pupil distance.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for performing image processing to image data, including: an image computing unit which performs to the image data the image processing including a matrix process performing a computation by using a pixel value of a plurality of pixels represented in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a scheduling unit which calculates a number of wait pixels between first image frame and second image frame in the image data based on a size of the plurality of pixels and a presence or absence of an edge process of performing the matrix process using a copied pixel value; and an image data input control unit which outputs the image data of the first image frame to the image computing unit, delays an output of the image data of the second image frame by the number of wait pixels, and outputs the image data of the second image frame to the image computing unit.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor including a plurality of pixels formed on a semiconductor substrate, each pixel comprising a photoelectric conversion element including a charge accumulation region of a first conductivity type, a floating diffusion of the first conductivity type, and a transfer transistor which transfers charge in the charge accumulation region to the floating diffusion, comprises an element isolation region made of an insulator and arranged to isolate adjacent pixels from each other, and an impurity diffusion region of a second conductivity type arranged inside the semiconductor substrate to isolate adjacent pixels from each other, wherein a peak position of an impurity concentration of the impurity diffusion region of one pixel is disposed within a width of the floating diffusion, of the one pixel, along a straight line passing through the photoelectric conversion element, a gate electrode of the transfer transistor, and the floating diffusion which are of the one pixel.

Abstract: An output level difference in the case of using a joint line as a boundary, a bright line, a black bar, or the like is suppressed. A solid-state image pick-up apparatus in which, on a substrate having a plurality of photoelectric converting areas (photodiodes), a solid-state image pick-up element provided with at least one pattern layer formed by divisional exposure and a lens for introducing light into the plurality of photoelectric converting areas of the solid-state image pick-up element are formed. By setting a center of an optical axis of the lens to an approximate joint position between the pattern layers where the pattern layers have been joined by the divisional exposure, the output level difference of a pixel output of the solid-state image pick-up element on the right and left sides of the joint position is suppressed.

Abstract: A method of increasing signal-to-noise ratio of a distance-measuring device includes a light-emitting component emitting a detecting light to a measured object during an emitting period for generating a reflected light, a delay period after the light-emitting component emitting the detecting light, a light-sensing component sensing the energy of the reflected light to generate a light-sensing signal, and obtaining a measured distance between the distance-measuring device and the measured object according to the energy of the detecting light and the light-sensing signal. Since the measured distance is longer than a predetermined shortest measured distance, the method can accordingly calculate a proper delay period for ensuring that the reflected light reaches the light-sensing component after the delay period. In this way, the light-sensing component does not sense the background light during the delay period, so that the signal-to-noise ratio of the light-sensing signal is improved.

Abstract: There is provided a solid state imaging apparatus including a pixel array in which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged two-dimensionally. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element, a transfer transistor which transfers a charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to floating diffusion, a reset transistor which resets the charge of the floating diffusion, and an output transistor which outputs the charge of the floating diffusion. The floating diffusion of at least one of the plurality of unit pixels is electrically connected via the output transistor.

Abstract: A driving method for an image pickup apparatus that includes a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion portion includes performing photoelectric conversion in each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions during a period between first time and second time, generating a plurality of first signals, each being a signal deriving from electric charge generated through the photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion portion, which is a plurality of signals to be generated for each of the plurality of pixels, and generating a plurality of second signals by performing moving average processing on the plurality of first signals.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an image sensor array including a global shutter shared by first and second pixels. The global shutter can include a charge storage area having an associated shield for reducing charge build up on the charge storage area attributable to incident light rays. There is set forth herein in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having one or more configuration. The one or more configuration can include one or more of a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has unbinned pixel values, a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to an M×N, M>=2, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values, and a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to a 1×N, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values.

Abstract: Described herein is a circuit and related method for improving the dynamic range and the linearity characteristic of a CMOS image sensor. In various embodiments of the CMOS image sensor, a current sampler, a comparator, and a 1-bit memory are incorporated in each pixel circuit. In the image sensor, pixels are arranged in columns and a column slice is used to read the digital and analog singles from each column. In addition, a calibration circuit is incorporated in the sensor circuit for providing calibration current, which is used to generate calibration parameter. The image sensor operates in three non-overlapping modes: the difference mode, the WDR mode, and the calibration mode. The image sensor is switched among the three modes by control signals, which are provided to the image sensor by various control circuits. The image sensor normally operates in the difference mode and switches to the WDR mode when the difference between consecutive frames is over a threshold.

Abstract: Certain cameras and systems described herein produce enhanced dynamic range still or video images. The images can also have controlled or reduced motion artifacts. Moreover, the cameras and systems in some cases allow the dynamic range and/or motion artifacts to be tuned to achieve a desired cinematic effect.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus, having an image sensor for sensing an image of an object and an analog-digital converter which operates at a predetermined frequency and converts an analog signal read from the image sensor to a digital signal, controls the relationship between a phase of the analog signal read from the image sensor and a phase of a timing signal for operating the analog-digital converter in accordance with the peripheral condition.