Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel having a protection circuit connected to a charge multiplying photoconversion layer. The protection circuit prevents the pixel circuit from breaking down when the voltage in the pixel circuit reaches the operating voltage applied to the charge multiplying photoconversion layer in response to the image sensor being exposed to a strong light. The protection circuit causes additional voltage entering the pixel circuit from the charge multiplying photoconversion layer over a predetermined threshold voltage level to be dissipated from the storage node and any downstream components.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a driving method for a solid-state imaging device which suppresses increase of smear and occurrence of image blur when imaging a moving object. In the driving method, for each row of the color filters arranged in the Bayer pattern, for a pixel, a signal charge is held in a first holding unit, which is generated in a preceding field period temporally preceding a predetermined field out of two different fields temporally equidistant from the predetermined field, a first signal charge is held in a second holding unit, which is generated within the predetermined field, the signal charge held in the first holding unit and a signal charge which is generated in a following field period are added, and a second signal charge obtained by the addition and the first signal charge are respectively outputted to outside of the solid-state imaging device.

Abstract: A method for creating an instant review image is disclosed. The method starts by creating image data by exposing an image sensor to a scene. A first sub-set of the image data is transferred from the image sensor and used to create an instant review image. The rest of the data is transferred from the image sensor and essentially all of the data from the image sensor is used to create a second image.

Abstract: In a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, when moving image information is transmitted between vehicles, a delay time acquisition unit determines a delay time that occurs when the moving image information is transmitted from a first vehicle to a second vehicle, and an applicability determination unit determines whether the moving image information transmitted with such a delay time is applicable to an application program running on an in-vehicle apparatus installed in the second vehicle. This makes it possible to transmit only moving image information which is usable by the in-vehicle apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method enabling to correct for camera shake given in image capturing, a recording medium, and a program. Discrete data pieces indicating shifts are obtained. The discrete data pieces are interpolated to obtain data indicating a shift every line. By the interpolation, a correction is calculated every line on the basis of the corresponding shift. On the basis of the corrections, pixel data read positions are determined. Pixel data is read based on the determined read positions. When a pixel to be read overlaps two pixels, pixel data of the pixel to be read is produced (interpolated) from pixel data pieces. In this manner, the effects of camera shake are corrected. The present invention is applicable to video cameras.

Abstract: When a signal is read from a CCD solid-state image pickup element, the CCD solid-state image pickup element is driven with at least two driving voltages so that high-speed reading is performed with generation of noise due to interference between the driving voltages reduced. The CCD solid-state image includes a charge storage section between a vertical transfer register and a horizontal transfer register. By performing the transfer of charge in the direction of columns during an effective transfer period of the transfer in the direction of rows, signal charge of one row generated by a light receiving sensor is transferred to the charge storage section, and by performing the transfer outside the effective transfer period in the transfer in the direction of the row, the signal charge of one row transferred to the charge storage section is transferred to the horizontal transfer register.

Abstract: A document scanning device reads an image on a document while scanning the image, and generates image data based on the image. The document scanning device selects and sets a scanning speed in accordance with a transfer mode used when the document scanning device transfers the image data to another apparatus. The document scanning device controls the amount of generated image data by using the set scanning speed to successively read the image, whereby optimal transfer processing in accordance with the transfer mode can be performed. By switching a transfer path in accordance with the type of the read data, i.e., binary data per pixel or multilevel data per pixel, efficient data transfer can be performed.

Abstract: A timing generator sets a 1-frame period, in which a pixel signal is read from a CCD, at a first period or a second period that is longer than the first period. The timing generator outputs specific timing signals (with optimal driving frequencies) to a vertical driver and a horizontal driver. If it is discriminated that the timing signal for a time period necessary for reading the pixel signal for one frame is output, the timing generator stops the output of the timing signal. Thereby, power saving can be achieved without deterioration of image quality, while reading of the pixel signal is being executed with an optimal driving frequency for the image-capturing element.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device, and a camera provided with this device, that can output high quality images at high speed are realized by preventing improper OB clamping in a solid-state imaging device that performs pixel mixing in the horizontal direction. Vertical final stages, which are the transfer stages closest to a horizontal transfer component 4, are provided with provided with independent transfer electrodes V3-1, V3-2, V3-3, V6-1, V5-2, and V5-3 that are independent of other columns in a region between the horizontal transfer component and an effective pixel region, and a common transfer electrode that is common to all of the columns in the region between the horizontal transfer component 4 and the OB region. Further, in the vertical final stages, the entire region between the OB region and the horizontal transfer component, or the region minus openings formed for the wiring of V3-1 and V5-1 in the columns closest to the effective pixel region, is covered with a light blocking film.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a reset transistor, reset gate electrodes and a potential shift circuit. The reset transistor includes a reset gate and a reset drain, and resets charges detected by a charge detection device. The reset gate electrodes control a potential of the reset gate. The potential shift circuit initializes output signals in response to a shift pulse, and outputs the output signals to the reset gate electrodes in response to a reset pulse.

Abstract: In an image sensor of this invention, each image information detecting unit has one photoelectric converter, eight signal fetch gates for fetching signal charges from the photoelectric converter, and eight store and forward CCD arrays extending parallel to one another and connected to the signal fetch gates, respectively, for storing the signal charges. Only one of the eight signal fetch gates is switched ON in each electronic shuttering cycle synonymous with a photography cycle, to deliver a signal charge to a corresponding one of the store CCD arrays. When signal charges have been stored in all the first cells of the store CCD arrays after eight electronic shuttering cycles, the eight store CCD arrays perform one transfer operation all at once, to forward, in parallel, the eight signal charges to the next cells. This operation is repeated to perform high-speed photography at eight times the transfer speed of the store CCD arrays.

Abstract: In a control circuit for controlling a solid-state image pickup device, two sorts of image data are read out separately with differing sensitivities. A timing generator control in a digital camera controls a timing signal generator to the interlace scanning or to all-pixel scanning, and outputs a timing signal, consistent with this control, to the driver. The driver outputs a driving signal, consistent with the timing signal, to the solid-state image pickup device included in an image pickup unit to read out signal charges. In particular, in interlace scanning, readout of signal charges of main pixels of the image pickup device is separated from that of subsidiary pixels of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate mitigating pixel or column fixed pattern noise in a CMOS imaging System-on-Chip (iSoC) sensor. Pixel or column fixed pattern noise can be recognized by gating a pixel array without firing a transfer signal (TX). Inhibiting the transfer signal can cause zero input to be provided to pixels in the pixel array; thus, the sampled output from the pixels under such conditions can be a function of noise. Calibration and correction can thereafter be effectuated. Additionally or alternatively, pixel or column fixed pattern noise can be managed by controlling a frame rate; thus, the frame rate can be reduced under low light conditions to enable integrating incident light for longer periods of time as well as providing reference frames of pixels generated from zero input that can be utilized for calibration and correction of pixel or column fixed pattern noise associated with other frames.

Abstract: A solid state image device with a high frame rate, that can restrain image distortion etc. from taking place in case of filming of moving pictures or rapid filming and moreover can output signals excellent in the S/N proportion in a stable fashion, and a camera using it is provided. A frame memory apparatus having a plurality of memories respectively corresponding with respective pixels of a photoelectric conversion apparatus and an apparatus of recording signals of respective pixels of the photoelectric conversion apparatus into the memory elements of the frame memory apparatus are included. The memory element is configured at least by a sample hold circuit, the sample hold circuit has a capacitor apparatus and an impedance conversion apparatus and the impedance conversion apparatus is configured by an operational amplifier.

Abstract: The video camera apparatus obtains a still image sensing signal with high image quality in a progressive scan mode and is capable of recording onto a recording medium by a recording means which performs recording operation corresponding to an interlace scan mode. An image sensing signal read from a CCD image sensor 23 in the interlace scan mode is recorded directly onto a recording medium by a recording/reproducing section 5 through a camera signal processing circuit 24, while an image sensing signal read from the CCD image sensor 23 in the progressive scan mode is converted into an interlace scan signal and is then recorded onto a recording medium by the recording/reproducing section 5.

Abstract: An image conversion device connected to multiple image detection mechanisms generating field image data of the surroundings and having multiple input buffers for each of the multiple image detection mechanisms, which, in parallel, stores, moves, performs conversion processing and displays said field image data in one field units in accordance with a display template in pattern memory, thereby reducing the total delay time from field image generation to display to the driver.

Abstract: A CCD-based solid state image sensing (imaging) device and a driving method, enabling three-color still or video image signal charge processing without requiring a frame memory buffer. By using horizontal electrodes to selectively assert predetermined vertical-driving signals of the vertical CCDs, the vertical CCDs receive and vertically transmit the image signals (charges) of active pairs of vertically adjacent rows. Each active pair of adjacent rows is separated by (at least) two (a pair of) inactive adjacent rows, and the image signal (charges) of the active pair of adjacent rows represent all three colors (R, G, B) of one line (or one field) of real-image pixels. A horizontal CCD receives the selected image signals (charges) for each active row among the active pairs of rows, and outputs the image signals (charges) for each active row by conventional horizontal transmission to an interpolator adapted to continuously output three-color pixel signals (e.g., digital signals), e.g.

Abstract: A technique for transferring image information from scanning apparatus includes adjusting the period of a shift signal according to the speed of reading data from a scan line by a computer instead of using a memory buffer. Therefore, correct data transmission between the image extraction device and the computer can be achieved with the result of reducing the cost of the scanning apparatus.

Abstract: A plurality of low-sensitivity pixels 10 and a plurality of high-sensitivity pixels 20 are arranged like a tetragonal grid respectively, and are provided in positions shifted by ½ of an array pitch from each other in a row direction X and a column direction Y. The detected charges of the low-sensitivity pixel 10 and the high-sensitivity pixel 20 are transferred in the column direction Y by a vertical transfer section 31. The charges of the low-sensitivity pixel 10 and the high-sensitivity pixel 20 which are adjacent to each other in the column direction are transferred through the vertical transfer sections 31 which are different from each other.

Abstract: In an actively illuminated imaging system, illumination of a segmented scene is synchronized with an image sensing period. A scene is segmented into a plurality of scene portions utilizing a segmented lens. In an aspect, a first scene portion is illuminated when an imager is actively collecting photogenerated charge from the first scene portion, and a second scene portion is illuminated when an imager is actively collecting photogenerated charge from the second scene portion. The sensitivity of an image sensor is maximized, while simultaneously minimizing the amount of light that must be supplied to illuminate a scene. An irradiance pattern is varied allowing a more uniform distribution of light. Bands of varying wavelength, polarization, and light intensity may be variously applied to illuminate individual scene segments, as needed to enhance an identification of an object in the scene. The present invention is particularly useful with high frame rate imaging systems.

Abstract: A plurality of storage pixels within each unit pixel are arranged successively so that signal electrons for each storage pixel are moved independently through the storage pixels. Signal electrons newly generated in a photosensitive pixel are added to relevant signal electrons among the signal electrons moved independently through the storage pixels. That is, signal electrons generated in the photosensitive pixel for each of highly relevant frames are superimposed in the same storage pixel and stored in each storage pixel. The signal electrons stored in each storage pixel are subsequently amplified in and outputted from an output amplifier only once. Thus, read noise occurs only once at the output amplifier, to obtain images of high signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to quickly complete white balance calculation in photographing. To achieve this object, an image sensing apparatus includes an image sensing element in which a line on which first and second color filters are arranged and a line on which first and third color filters are arranged are alternately arrayed on pixels, an image sensing controller which forms an image of one frame by n fields (n is an odd number), and reads out pixel data of the image sensing element so as to contain all color components in each 1-field period, a white balance calculation device which performs process on the basis of image data read out from the image sensing element by the image sensing controller, and starts the process before read of one frame from the image sensing element is completed by the image sensing controller.

Abstract: A solid state imager arrangement includes an image area, an output register which receives signal charge from the image area, a separate multiplication register into which signal charge from the output register is transferred, means for obtaining signal charge multiplication by transferring the charge through a sufficiently high field in elements of the multiplication register, and an additional register into which excess signal charge is transferred.

Abstract: A Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera and a method for controlling the same. When a photographing command is input from the input unit by operation of user, the controller controls the iris drive unit so as to open and close the iris periodically for a preset time. Also, the control reads electric signals accumulated in the CCD imaging unit according to fields by light incident according to the opening of the iris, and then stores the read CCD data in the memory according to fields. Then, each CCD datum read from the CCD imaging unit is stored in the memory in the raw datum state without addition of an adjacent datum. Next, the controller generates a second odd field and a second even field by adding offset values, according to fields, to each CCD signal of the raw data state stored in the memory, and then forms a still image by combining the second odd field and the second even field.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging apparatus for converting a 24p imaging signal generated with a frame frequency of 24 Hz according to a progressive scanning system into a 60i signal with a field frequency of 60 Hz by 2:3 pull-down processing according to an interlace scanning system which is a standard television system. The imaging apparatus prevents occurrence of a horizontal stripe and the like at the center of a screen and prevents degradation in picture quality. According to this inventive imaging apparatus, when the output timing of the 24p imaging signal from an imaging section 2 is not equal to the phase of a 60i vertical synchronizing signal, the 24p imaging signal is inputted to a memory section 3 after being delayed by a delay section 8 by a time during which the 60i signal is subjected to (½) field scanning, and the 24p imaging signal is written in the memory section 3 in synchronization with the 60i vertical synchronizing signal.

Abstract: The dynamic range of a pixel is increased by using selective photosensor resets during a frame time of image capture at a timing depending on the light intensity that the pixel will be exposed to during the frame time. Pixels that will be exposed to high light intensity are reset later in the frame than pixels that will be exposed to lower light intensity.

Abstract: An imaging system controller (5) outputs a control signal (VC). The control signal (VC) gives a command to output driving clocks (?Vn, ?Hm) of an imaging element (1) in a signal transmission period, and a command to suspend output of the clocks (?Vn, ?Hm) in an idle period subsequent to the signal transmission period. The length of the idle period is a multiple of the length of the signal transmission period by a natural number. The imaging system controller (5) periodically repeats output of the control signal (VC) giving these commands a number of times corresponding to the number of horizontal lines of the imaging element (1). In response to the commands of the control signal (VC), a timing generator (2) generates and outputs the clocks (?Vn, ?Hm), and suspends generation and output of the same. An imaging device (10) thereby intermittently drives the imaging element (1), to generate and output a picked-up image signal (V2).

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor device having an image sensing portion performing the photoelectric conversion and being able to correspond to both progressive mode in which all picture element signals obtained by the scanning of one time are output independently, and interlaced mode in which a plurality of interlaced scannings are performed and the picture element signals obtained by respective interlaced scannings are superposed, comprises a substrate-bias generation circuit for applying a bias voltage to the substrate of the image sensing portion, and for controlling the value of the bias voltage in the progressive mode to be smaller in comparison with that in the interlaced mode.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor for a solid-state image pickup apparatus includes photosensitive cells each having a photosensitive area divided into a main region and a subregion. The subregion is extended to include the position of a virtual pixel. A light-screening layer is formed with optical openings corresponding to the main and subregions, so that light is incident not only to the main region or actual pixel but also to the subregion at the position of the virtual pixel. Spatial information is therefore available even at the position of the virtual pixel in the form of a signal charge.

Abstract: A Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera and a method for controlling the same. When a photographing command is input from the input unit by operation of user, the controller controls the iris drive unit so as to open and close the iris periodically for a preset time. Also, the control reads electric signals accumulated in the CCD imaging unit according to fields by light incident according to the opening of the iris, and then stores the read CCD data in the memory according to fields. Then, each CCD datum read from the CCD imaging unit is stored in the memory in the raw datum state without addition of an adjacent datum. Next, the controller generates a second odd field and a second even field by adding offset values, according to fields, to each CCD signal of the raw data state stored in the memory, and then forms a still image by combining the second odd field and the second even field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital still camera that can read high quality image data from a solid state image pickup device in both the low and the high sensitivity modes. The digital still camera according to the present invention includes shooting mode selecting means for checking and setting a shooting mode and reading mode selecting means for selecting a suitable reading mode in accordance with the set shooting mode. As the reading mode, full-pixel reading mode and two-field reading mode are provided in this invention. The digital still camera also includes a solid state image pickup device having imaging pixels for accumulating signal charges of an image. Since the signal charges are read in the suitable reading mode, it is possible to avoid mixing colors or decreasing signal charges as time go on. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a high quality image data.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes a color filter having an R (red), G (green) and B (blue) vertical stripe pattern. During preliminary pickup, a signal feeding section feeds particular drive signals for reading signal charges out of only odd-numbered columns or even-numbered columns. As a result, the signal charges or image data reduced to, e.g., one-half in the horizontal direction are transferred along a horizontal transfer path. The signal feeding section feeds horizontal drive signals adjusted in timing to the horizontal transfer path, causing the above image data to be read out without varying reading frequency. This doubles the horizontal transfer rate to thereby improve the signal output rate during preliminary pickup despite high pixel density, and allows signals to be read out without effecting actual pickup to follow.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient way of generating image signals on a progressive scanning basis. Multiple image pickup devices used for an interlaced scanning drive and generate chrominance signal DGi on the interlaced scanning basis with an interlace field and chrominance signals DRi and DBi on the interlaced scanning basis with opposite interlace field. Scanning converter receives the chrominance signal Dgi, DRi and Dbi. The scanning converter then performs an interpolation based on the chrominance signals DGi, DRi, and DBi to generate corresponding chrominance signals DGp (DGp-E, DGp-O), DRp (DRp-E, DRp-O), and DBp (DBp-E, DBp-O) on a progressive scanning basis. Signal processor receives the resultant chrominance signals DGp, DRp, and DBp. The scanning converter sums the chrominance signals DGp, DRp, and DBp belonging to a predetermined number of frames to obtain a new set of chrominance signals.

Abstract: This invention is to shorten the time of white balance processing. In order to achieve this object, this invention provides an image sensing apparatus including an image sensing section which senses an object image and scans charge of pixels by interlaced-scanning to acquire image data of one frame by two fields, a memory which temporarily sequentially stores the image data output from the image sensing section, and a control section which reads out the image data in a first field and that in a second field from the memory and calculates a white balance coefficient before the image data in the second field is completely read from the image sensing section.

Abstract: A CCD device incorporates Charge Multiplication in its CCD registers together with charge domain Dynamic Range compression. This structure preserves the high dynamic range available in the charge domain of these devices, and avoids limiting it by an inadequate voltage swing of the charge detection nodes and amplifiers. The Dynamic Range compression is logarithmic from a predetermined built in threshold and noiseless. The technique has an additional advantage of maintaining the compact size of the registers, and the registers may also include antiblooming devices to prevent blooming.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor outputs a signal by a first signal read mode and a second signal read mode. In the first signal read mode, the sensor outputs the pixel signals accumulated in the plural while subsampling the pixel signals for every one line. In the second signal read mode, the sensor outputs sequentially the pixel signals accumulated in two the plural pixels while adding the pixel signals from two pixels adjoining each other. An interlace/non-interlace converter converts the signal output by the photoelectric sensor in the first signal read mode to a non-interlaced signal. A signal processor generates a first video signal by converting the signal converted by the interlace/non-interlace converter into a specified image format in the first signal read mode, and generates a second video signal by converting the signal output by photoelectric sensor into the specified image format, such as a 4:2:2 YUV signal.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device has a differential output configuration for an output stage thereof and an IC in a next stage has a differential amplifier configuration for an input stage thereof. An output buffer unit buffers and outputs a digital signal from a horizontal bus line. At this time, in addition to the normal video signal, the output buffer unit generates an inverted output of the normal video signal. The normal video signal and the inverted output are outputted from a video signal output terminal and an inverted video signal output terminal, respectively, to the outside of a chip. Further, a clock, which is supplied from a timing generator to the output buffer unit, is also buffered and outputted to the outside together with an inverted clock A differential amplifier is used in an input stage of an IC in a next stage, whereby even signals having blunter waveforms can be recognized.

Abstract: The video camera apparatus and image sensing method are capable of obtaining a still image without blurring even when a moving object is picked up with use of a solid image sensor capable of progressive scanning. An electronic shutter of a CCD image sensor 23 capable of outputting an image sensing signal in a progressive scan mode is controlled by a timing signal generator 28, with the field cycle according to the standard television system used as a basic cycle, to cause the CCD image sensor 23 to output an image sensing signal in the progressive scan mode.

Abstract: The driving device of a solid-state imaging device comprises a driving unit for driving the solid-state imaging device in either an addition driving mode in which a plurality of pixels are added and read as a single pixel or a non-addition driving mode, and a substrate bias voltage supply for applying a bias voltage to the substrate of the solid-state imaging device according to the driving mode. The substrate bias voltage is set according to the number of pixels added in the addition driving mode so that the overflow level of the charge accumulating portion may be lower in the addition driving mode than in the normal driving mode. This suppresses the input of excess charges to the horizontal transfer path even in the addition driving mode, thereby preventing the generation of horizontal streak noise.

Abstract: The video camera apparatus obtains a still image sensing signal with high image quality in a progressive scan mode and is capable of recording onto a recording medium by a recording means which performs recording operation corresponding to an interlace scan mode. An image sensing signal read from a CCD image sensor 23 in the interlace scan mode is recorded directly onto a recording medium by a recording/reproducing section 5 through a camera signal processing circuit 24, while an image sensing signal read from the CCD image sensor 23 in the progressive scan mode is converted into an interlace scan signal and is then recorded onto a recording medium by the recording/reproducing section 5.

Abstract: A Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera and a method for controlling the same. When a photographing command is input from the input unit by operation of user, the controller controls the iris drive unit so as to open and close the iris periodically for a preset time. Also, the control reads electric signals accumulated in the CCD imaging unit according to fields by light incident according to the opening of the iris, and then stores the read CCD data in the memory according to fields. Then, each CCD datum read from the CCD imaging unit is stored in the memory in the raw datum state without addition of an adjacent datum. Next, the controller generates a second odd field and a second even field by adding offset values, according to fields, to each CCD signal of the raw data state stored in the memory, and then forms a still image by combining the second odd field and the second even field.

Abstract: A stable charge coupled device (CCD) imaging apparatus operable in multiple frame rates for displaying a signal having a low frame rate in a viewfinder (VF), and also a recorder built-in type imaging apparatus using the CCD imaging apparatus are presented. The imaging apparatus includes a drive pulse switching circuit for multiplying a CCD drive pulse other than a CCD read pulse by (n/2) (where n is an arbitrary integer) when the multi-frame rate is low, a frame memory for storing an output signal of the CCD of one frame right after pulse output. The signal is read at every (n/2) frames. The frame memory repeats to read out the stored signal in one frame (n/2) times. The imaging apparatus further includes a camera signal processing circuit for performing a camera process to an output signal of the frame memory, and a recorder unit for recording an output signal of the camera signal processing circuit at the frame rate of the set mode.

Abstract: A CCD image detector includes an image area array, a storage area array, a buffer area array, and a readout shift register, all of which being controlled by a timing controller through separate and independent clock signals. The timing controller controls the transfer of the charge content of an image from the image area array to the storage area array and batch transfers of the charge content of the image from the storage area array to the buffer area array in bands of adjacent rows of gates. Between such batch transfers of bands, the timing controller controls the transfer of the charge content of the band stored in the buffer area array to the readout shift register one row of gates at a time at a slow rate to permit the charge content of each row to be shifted out from the readout register. The batch transfers of bands has the effect of minimizing slow rate transfers from the storage area array which reduces the impact of degraded charge transfer efficiency on performance of the image detector.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a sensor or a pixel array, a data memory, and a logic circuit, all fabricated on the same integrated chip. The sensor or pixel array outputs digital signals as pixel data representing an image of a scene. The data memory is coupled to the sensor or pixel array for storing the pixel data. The logic circuit is coupled to the data memory and provides a memory interface for exporting the pixel data. The memory interface can be one of a SRAM, a DRAM or a packet protocol synchronous DRAM interface. Including a memory interface in the image sensor allows the image sensor to be coupled directly to the memory interface port of an external image processing unit. The image processing unit can access the image sensor using conventional memory access protocols, thus improving the efficiency and reducing the operational complexity of the image processing unit.

Abstract: The video camera apparatus obtains a still image sensing signal with high image quality in a progressive scan mode and is capable of recording onto a recording medium by a recording means which performs recording operation corresponding to an interlace scan mode. An image sensing signal read from a CCD image sensor 23 in the interlace scan mode is recorded directly onto a recording medium by a recording/reproducing section 5 through a camera signal processing circuit 24, while an image sensing signal read from the CCD image sensor 23 in the progressive scan mode is converted into an interlace scan signal and is then recorded onto a recording medium by the recording/reproducing section 5.

Abstract: Light from an object is incident to an image sensing device and converted into an image signal. The image sensing device is exposed to the light by a shutter, provided between the object and the solid-state image sensing device, for a first exposure period and a second exposure period that directly follows the first exposure period. The first and the second periods are the same length in time. Each exposure period for exposing the solid-state image sensing device to the light corresponds to one frame or one filed of the object. A passage of the light that has passed the shutter and incident to the solid-state image sensing device is shifted in a predetermined direction with respect to the solid-state image sensing device at least in the second exposure period. Image signals converted for the first and the second exposure periods are combined to generate a composite image signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for increasing the frame acquisition rate of an frame transfer CCD sensor by triggering the charge transfer signal TR, which controls the shift of the electrical charges from the light-sensitive cells into the vertical shift register, more than once per frame period, so that more than one image is acquired in the same frame, one above the other. The apparatus is used primarily for surface geometry inspection of high-speed moving objects, wherein acquired CCD images are thin, substantially horizontal profile lines.

Abstract: A solid image pick-up apparatus having a plurality of sensor cells each of the sensor cells having a photoelectric converting device, includes a plurality of holding capacitances for holding signals from the plurality of sensor cells, a plurality of first switches for transferring signals of the plurality of holding capacitances, a plurality of blocking areas for connecting outputs of the plurality of first switches each blocking area connecting the outputs of a predetermined number of at least two of the first switches, a common signal line, and a plurality of second switches for transferring signals of the plurality of blocking areas to the common signal line.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device for generating image signals in accordance with incident light includes a semiconductor substrate with a semiconductor region formed on one surface thereof, plural channel regions extending in a column direction on the region and defining plural picture elements in which electric charges are accumulated, and plural transfer electrodes extending in a row direction on the semiconductor region. The picture elements include light receiving elements accumulating electric charges according to incident light and storage elements for storing charges transferred from the light receiving elements.

Abstract: A progressive all-pixel scanning type solid-state image sensor adapted for curtailing the power consumption therein by lowering its read voltage with another advantage of reducing the pixel size. The image sensor comprises pixels arrayed to form a matrix, vertical transfer registers corresponding respectively to individual columns of the pixels, read gates formed correspondingly to the individual pixels for reading out signal charges from the pixels to the vertical transfer registers, and a means for applying phase-shifted read pulses respectively to plural kinds of read gate electrodes in the read gates.