Abstract: An electric camera includes an image sensing device with a light receiving surface having N vertically arranged pixels and an arbitrary number of pixels arranged horizontally, N being equal to or more than three times the number of effective scanning lines M of a display screen of a television system, a driver to drive the image sensing device to vertically mix or cull signal charges accumulated in individual pixels of K pixels to produce, during a vertical effective scanning period of the television system, a number of lines of output signals which corresponds to 1/K the number of vertically arranged pixels N of the image sensing device, K being an integer equal to or less than an integral part of a quotient of N divided by M, and a signal processing unit having a function of generating image signals by using the output signals of the image sensing device.

Abstract: An image pickup system includes a light source apparatus, an objective optical system, an image pickup device, a judging portion configured to judge: an object is observed in which of a distant view and a near view, and an image pickup control portion configured to set a reading mode of the image pickup device according to a judgment result of the judging portion. The light source apparatus is capable of sequentially emitting red light, green light and blue light. The image pickup control portion sets a single pixel reading mode when that the object is observed in the distant view is judged, and blue light is emitted from the light source apparatus, and sets to a pixel addition reading mode when that the object is observed in the distant view is judged, and red light is emitted from the optical apparatus.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: multiple pixels. Each pixel is arranged at a surface layer portion of a semiconductor substrate, and includes: a photoelectric conversion portion that converts light incident into an electric charge; a charge holding portion that stores the electric charge, and is arranged in the semiconductor substrate; a multiplication gate electrode that is capacitively coupled with the charge holding portion, and is arranged on the semiconductor substrate via an insulation film; and a charge barrier portion that is arranged between the charge holding portion and the insulation film, and has a higher impurity concentration than the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging method, including reconstructing a final image (IF) from intensity values inputted by a limited selection of photodetectors (2). One out of every two photodetectors is selected along columns (CDET) and rows (LDET). The final image has a resolution that is double that of a picture within the plane of the photodetectors. With identical resolution, the modulation transfer function is improved relative to an image that would be inputted while using all the photodetectors. Additionally, an image-sensing optical system that is used for an imaging method according to the invention can be of reduced size and weight, having constant resolution and constant modulation transfer functions.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first substrate including first pixels arranged in a matrix; and a second substrate electrically coupled to the first substrate and including second pixels arranged in a matrix. The first pixel including a photoelectric conversion element configured to generate a color signal corresponding to an m-th color is the first pixel corresponding to the m-th color where m is an integer equal to one of 1 to n. The second pixel including the signal storing circuit configured to store the color signal corresponding to the m-th color is the second pixel corresponding to the m-th color. At least two second pixels of the second pixels corresponding to the same color are arranged in the same column on the second substrate.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device which is configured not to require transfer of signal charges between pixels performs TDI. An output control section 5 sequentially assigns a pixel signal output processing period to each pixel array group 10 in the order of the vertical direction at an interval of one horizontal processing period H obtained by dividing one frame period T into three. The one frame period T is a period when each pixel array 100 is moved in the vertical direction. An adder 50 sums up a pixel signal held in a signal holding portion 41_X, and a pixel signals held in a signal holding portion 41_R, 41_G, 41_B corresponding to the pixel signal under the control of the output control section 5, and outputs the summation result to an A/D converter 60.

Abstract: In an embodiment, each of first and second pixel rows has pixels. A first transfer gate is arranged between the first and second pixel rows. Second transfer gates are arranged adjacently to odd-numbered pixels of the second pixel row, respectively. Third transfer gates are arranged adjacently to even-numbered pixels of the second pixel row, respectively. A first CCD register is arranged adjacently to the second transfer gates and third transfer gates. Fourth transfer gates are arranged adjacently to odd-numbered accumulation gates of the first CCD register. A second CCD register is arranged adjacently to the fourth transfer gates. An output portion converts transferred charges into a voltage signal. A clear gate controls draining of the charges accumulated in the first pixel row to a first drain portion. A switch gate controls draining of charges transferred in a row direction in the second CCD register to a second drain portion.

Abstract: The device includes an pixel array part having a plurality of unit pixels, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, and an A/D converter. A pixel signal read from a pixel array part via a signal line is subjected to CDS processing (noise elimination processing) in the CDS circuit, and then this pixel signal is inputted into the A/D converter which performs A/D conversion on the pixel signal. The A/D converter includes a ?? modulator and a digital filter to perform highly accurate A/D conversion. The invention can also be applied to a construction in which an A/D converter is provided at the front stage of the CDS circuit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes generating a first clock signal and a second clock signal with non-overlapping clock phases. The method may further include latching, by a plurality of master latches of a shift register, a plurality of values at a plurality of inputs of the master latches in response to a particular type of logical transition of the first clock signal. The method also includes latching, by a plurality of slave latches of the shift register, a plurality of output values of the plurality of master latches at a plurality of inputs of the slave latches in response to a particular type of logical transition of the second clock signal.

Abstract: Solid-state image pickup device and processing method, with A/D conversion on pixel signals read from a pixel array part that effectively achieves reductions in power consumption, size and price while retaining a high-quality image output. The device includes a pixel array part, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, and an A/D converter. A pixel signal read via a signal line is subjected to noise elimination processing in the CDS circuit, and is then inputted into the A/D converter. The A/D converter includes a ?? modulator and a digital filter to perform highly accurate A/D conversion. The A/D converter can also be provided at the front stage of the CDS circuit.

Abstract: Information provisioning includes acquiring one of an audio and a video elementary stream of content that is composed of a plurality of segments, and actual data of metadata that includes information related to the content. The metadata is divided into metadata processing units (MPU) corresponding to segments subjected to processing in the plurality of segments. A transport stream of a MPEG-2 system is generated that includes packetized elementary stream (PES) packets acquired by packetizing the segments of the data stream and metadata PES packets acquired by packetizing at least one MPU.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus capable of performing high-speed continuous shooting and immediately storing data regarding a captured image. The digital photographing apparatus includes an image capture device for generating first data regarding an image generated from light input in response to a signal input by a user, a first data reading unit for reading the first data in units of a plurality of interlaced groups, a data conversion unit for converting the read data into second data, and a display unit for displaying an image generated from light incident on the image capture device. The data conversion unit starts conversion of the read data into the second data when the first data reading unit reads a last group of the first data.

Abstract: An imager with a switch circuit located between, and connected to, the pixel array and associated readout chains. In one embodiment the switch is located within the column sample and hold circuitry; in another embodiment the switch is located between the column sample and hold circuitry and the readout chains. The switch circuit ensures that signals from the column sample and hold circuitry are directed to enabled readout chains, which allows selective enabling/disabling of readout chains. By disabling readout chains, the imager's power consumption is reduced.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels overlaid with a color filter pattern of at least two colors having the same color on every other pixel in one direction; three or more charge-coupled devices oriented parallel to the every other pixel color filter repeat pattern; a charge sensing amplifier at the output of at least two of the charge couple devices; each charge-coupled device having a first and a second gate; a CCD-to-CCD transfer gate connecting adjacent charge-coupled devices with the first gate being on one side of the CCD-to-CCD transfer gate and the second gate being on the opposite side of the CCD-to-CCD transfer gate; all CCD-to-CCD transfer gates are electrically connected together; all first gates are electrically connected; and all second gates are electrically connected.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels overlaid with a color filter pattern of at least two colors having the same color on every other pixel in one direction; three or more charge-coupled devices oriented parallel to the every other pixel color filter repeat pattern; a charge sensing amplifier at the output of at least two of the charge couple devices; each charge-coupled device having a first and a second gate; a CCD-to-CCD transfer gate connecting adjacent charge-coupled devices with the first gate being on one side of the CCD-to-CCD transfer gate and the second gate being on the opposite side of the CCD-to-CCD transfer gate; all CCD-to-CCD transfer gates are electrically connected together; all first gates are electrically connected; and all second gates are electrically connected.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes an imaging unit, a charge control unit, and a horizontal transfer unit. The imaging unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged into a matrix for performing photoelectric conversion, and a plurality of vertical transfer units arranged in columns for vertically transferring signal charges of the plurality of pixels on a column-by-column basis. In a predetermined operation mode, a predetermined number of columns greater than one are used as a unit, and the charge control unit stops transferring charges from a vertical transfer unit in a predetermined column of the predetermined number of columns, and adds the signal charges transferred from the vertical transfer units in the two or more remaining columns of the predetermined number of columns to output the added signal charges. The horizontal transfer unit horizontally transfers the signal charges output from the charge control unit.

Abstract: A solid state imaging apparatus which includes a plurality of pixels two-dimensionally arranged in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction and every two vertically or horizontally adjacent ones of the plurality of pixels have color filters of different colors. In a predetermined period of time, charge signals received from ones of the plurality of pixels arranged in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction which include color filters of the same color (represented by circles) are sequentially output.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging element which includes a plurality of drive signal inputs, a plurality of bus lines, and a plurality of vertical transfer register electrodes. In the solid-state imaging element, a charge accumulated in light-receiving elements in a pixel region is vertically transferred by the drive signals input to the electrodes. Each of the electrodes has a contact part connected to the second contact and having a width smaller than a width of the electrodes in the pixel region, and a blank region is formed between predetermined adjacent two of the contact parts so that a width of the blank region is larger than a distance between respective two of the contact parts other than the predetermined adjacent two of the contact parts. The first contact is disposed on the blank region.

Abstract: An imager with a switch circuit located between, and connected to, the pixel array and associated readout chains. In one embodiment the switch is located within the column sample and hold circuitry; in another embodiment the switch is located between the column sample and hold circuitry and the readout chains. The switch circuit ensures that signals from the column sample and hold circuitry are directed to enabled readout chains, which allows selective enabling/disabling of readout chains. By disabling readout chains, the imager's power consumption is reduced.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging element includes: a plurality of light receiving elements provided within an imaging region on a semiconductor substrate; a color filter with a plurality of colors provided on the plurality of light receiving elements for filtering with a predetermined color; a vertical shift register disposed adjacent to the light receiving elements for transferring a charge from the light receiving elements; and a first horizontal shift register and a second shift register disposed interposing the imaging region therebetween for transferring a charge transferred from the vertical shift register and outputting a signal in accordance with the charge, respectively; wherein a respective charge of the light receiving elements accumulated therein in accordance with a light transmitted through filters of the same color in the color filter is transferred exclusively via either one of the first horizontal shift register or the second horizontal shift register to be outputted as the signal.

Abstract: A method for in a multi-pixel pick-up element reducing a pixel-based resolution and/or effecting anti-aliasing through selectively combining selective primary pixel outputs to combined secondary pixel outputs, comprises the following steps: row-wise, whether or not restrictively, selecting pixels for loading into a first parallel-in register; serial shifting of the load within the register for aligning selected first pixels in the first parallel-in register with selected second pixels not in the first parallel-in register; arithmetically combining pixel groups so aligned; and outputting combination results from preselected multi-pixel configurations as secondary pixels. The invention is applicable to a selection from amongst a two-dimensional pick-up array, an Interline Architecture, a Frame Transfer Architecture, a combination of those two, a TDI pick-up array, and a linear pick-up array, and for both mono-color and multi-color pick-up facilities.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an array of pixels arranged into two or more subarrays and each subarray captures charge; and an output charge-coupled device that receives charge from the array of pixels; wherein the output charge-coupled device is divided into substantially two equal first and second portions in which either one portion receives charge from only one subarray or both portions receive charge respectively from a subarray, and the first portion of the charge-coupled device is a charge-multiplying charge-coupled device in which charge is amplified, and the second portion of the charge-coupled device does not amplify charge.

Abstract: An image sensor and method, which includes a switching device for establishing a connection between at least one column line and one of at least two analog-to-digital converter blocks, where at least one of the at least two analog-to-digital converter blocks is connectable to at least two rows of a plurality of unit pixels. An image sensor and method, where, if a row line is odd, column outputs from odd column lines of an active pixel sensor array are connected to a first correlated double sampling block and column outputs from even column lines of the active pixel sensor array are connected to a second correlated double sampling block and if the row line is even, column outputs from odd column lines of the active pixel sensor array are connected to the second correlated double sampling block and column outputs from even column lines of the active pixel sensor array are connected to the first correlated double sampling block.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor includes photodiodes, which constitute pixels, shifted in position from each other and red (R), green (G) and blue (B) filter segments fitted on the photodiodes in a preselected pattern. R transfer gates, G transfer gates and B transfer gates each are connected to a particular vertical transfer electrode. Particular vertical drive pulses are fed to the electrodes to drive the transfer R, G and B transfer gates. Photodiode read pulses are applied to each of the electrodes at a particular timing on the basis of image signals output from the image sensor. Consequently, a signal charge generated in each photodiode is shifted to a particular vertical transfer path via the R, G or B transfer gate in accordance with color-by-color exposure time.

Abstract: All electric charges accumulated in a line sensor are transferred via a first shift gate to a first analog shift register. By controlling the width of a shift pulse signal to be supplied to a second shift gate, the amount of an electric charge transfer when the electric charges on the first analog shift register are transferred to a second shift register is controlled. As a result, the amount of the electric charges on the first analog shift register is controlled to a desired value. Accordingly, the amplitude of an image signal outputted from the first analog shift register can be easily adjusted. Further, the sensitivity of a CCD line sensor and variation of light amount of a light source can be corrected.

Abstract: A pixel output time required for shielded pixels is realized by the smallest possible number of pixels. An apparatus includes: a plurality of pixels arranged in a first unshielded pixel region and a shielded second pixel region and having a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical signal into an electric signal; and a scanning unit for selectively scanning the plurality of pixels according to a pixel selection signal in synchronization with a clock signal.

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: A method for producing electronic video signals representative of color images of a scene, includes the following steps: providing a sensor having a color filter thereover; providing a motion picture film camera type of lens system that focuses light from the image onto the color filter and sensor; and producing electronic video signals from the output of the sensor; the sensor including a sensor array having alternate lines offset by half a pixel spacing, and diagonally coupled pixels on successive lines, and the color filter having repeating R, G, and B patterns offset on successive lines so that R pixels are arranged diagonally, G pixels are arranged diagonally, and B pixels are arranged diagonally.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to perform effective A/D conversion on pixel signals read from a pixel array part, to achieve a reduction in power consumption and reductions in the size and the price of an image pickup device as well as simplification of the construction of the device, and to realize a high-quality image output. The device includes an pixel array part having a plurality of unit pixels, a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, and an A/D converter. A pixel signal read from a pixel array part via a signal line is subjected to CDS processing (noise elimination processing) in the CDS circuit, and then this pixel signal is inputted into the A/D converter which performs A/D conversion on the pixel signal. The A/D converter includes a ?? modulator and a digital filter to perform highly accurate A/D conversion. The invention can also be applied to a construction in which an A/D converter is provided at the front stage of the CDS circuit.

Abstract: A system for optically imaging includes an array of cells, a charge shift register, two or more charge sensing nodes, and a charge demultiplexor. Each cell produces an electrical charge in response to photon stimulation. The charge shift register receives the electrical charge produced by each cell and sequentially outputs the electrical charge to the charge demultiplexor. The charge demultiplexor selectively distributes the charge from each cell to one of the charge sensing nodes. The charge sensing nodes accumulate the charge until reset by a controller.

Abstract: In a digital video camera unit wherein its CCD outputs an image pickup signal with an odd line and an even line in the 1HD period to convert the image pickup signal to luminance signal and color signal, a line memory portion for separating each line of two image pickup signals existing in the 1HD period to two lines, an address controller and a control circuit for controlling write/read into the line memory portion are provided. At the time of write to the line memory portion, an analog delay amount is absorbed in order to output signals at the same timing as design time upon reading. By changing the write/read frequency with respect to the line memory portion, signals of different frequencies can be processed in a single circuit.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes a timing signal feeding section for outputting signals assigned to a preliminary pickup mode as well as signals assigned to an actual pickup mode that follows the preliminary pickup mode. In the preliminary pickup mode, signal charges read out of photodiodes are mixed and read out via a horizontal transfer path as if they were reduced in the horizontal direction, thereby increasing a substantial transfer rate. A signal processor includes a preliminary pickup processing circuit. The preliminary pickup processing circuit performs calculations with digital data derived from the mixed signal charges. As a result, the representative primary colors R (red), G (green) and B (blue) of a plurality of signal charges are produced from the mixed, reduced signals by approximation or within a preselected horizontal range. A luminance signal and chrominance signals are then produced from the above colors R, G and B.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device has a drive unit with an all pixel drive mode for reading all pixels in a horizontal direction and a pixel skip drive mode for reading pixels in the horizontal direction by skipping some pixels, and a plurality of read-out systems for reading pixels. In the all pixel drive mode, signals of pixels are divisionally read by the plurality of read-out systems, and in the pixel skip drive mode, signals of pixels are read by one of the plurality of read-out systems. In this manner, in the pixel skip drive mode, the power consumption can be reduced and a difference between output signal levels to be caused by a variation in characteristics of elements of the read-out system can be suppressed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control an acquisition of a number of pixels in a scanning system. In one embodiment, the system includes an interface circuit with a multiplexer to route at least one color component of one of a number of pixels from a sensor to a register. In another embodiment, the system includes at least three registers to receive a color component associated with one of a number of pixels from a sensor, where at least one of the color components is acquired by a multiplexer having a number of inputs. For both embodiments, logic is included that controls the acquisition of various color components, where color components are acquired in random patterns and/or only a predetermined number of the total color components are acquired to reduce an amount of time necessary to scan a document and to eliminate the problem of color artifact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a color linear image sensor having a small line-to-line distance, which comprises signal charge storage sections adjacent to light receiving sections. Signal charges are read by signal charge reading sections from the signal charge storage sections to signal charge transfer sections, and thereby residual images are prevented from being generated. Each of the signal charge reading sections is electrically connected with a portion of the signal charge transfer section which is adjacent to the signal charge reading section, and driving pulses are made common (&phgr;1 (TG)). Alternatively, each of the signal charge storage sections is electrically connected with a portion of the signal charge transfer section which is not adjacent to the signal charge reading section, and driving pulses are made common ((&phgr;2 (ST)). Accordingly, the number of wiring lines (pulse lines) arranged between the light receiving sections of respective colors is reduced by one.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for parallel processing data and to a camera system comprising such a device. The camera system (1) comprises a sensor matrix (2), a data converter (3), a DSP (4), a central controller (5), a data buffer (7) and a processor matrix (11) consisting of processors (12). The sensor matrix (2) converts incident electromagnetic radiation into pixel signals. The data converter (3) converts the pixel signals into data. The arrows (6) and (8) diagrammatically indicate the transport of pixel signals and data. The data buffer (7) is physically divided into a part (7A) and a part (7B) and functionally divided into an I/O register (9) and a memory bank (10). The central controller (5) co-ordinates the different tasks. The processors (12) and the data buffer (7) have data ports (13) and further data ports (14) with inputs and outputs which are mutually connected in an electrically conducting manner by means of the connections (15).

Abstract: A CCD linear sensor includes a monochrome sensor and a color sensor, which have different transfer speeds and which are mounted on the same chip. In the CCD linear sensor, while one read-out operation is performed by the color sensor, two read-out operations are performed by the monochrome sensor. During the second read-out period of the monochrome sensor, by stopping the generation of two-phase transfer pulses to be supplied to the transfer registers of the color sensors during a predetermined period of time before and after the second read-out pulse occurs, the transfer operation of the transfer registers of the color sensors is stopped.

Abstract: A color CCD solid-state image pickup device having a color filter array such that it is not possible to mix pixels adjacent in the column direction. Even rows and odd rows of pixels arrayed in a matrix respectively have the same filter arrays and it is thereby made possible for signal charges of light-receiving parts in pixels of a Kth row (K being a positive integer) and signal charges of light-receiving parts in pixels of either of the K±2th rows to be mixed and vertically transferred in the vertical shift registers.

Abstract: A color linear CCD for a pickup apparatus comprises a photodiode array including a blue-sensing photodiode array formed between a red-sensing photodiode array and a green-sensing photodiode array. A storage area is located beside of the red-sensing photodiode array for storing the signal charges produced by the red-sensing and blue-sensing photodiode arrays. A first HCCD shift register area is located beside of the green-sensing photodiode array for moving the signal charges produced by the green-sensing photodiode array. A second HCCD shift register area is formed beside of the storage area for alternately receiving the signal charges produced by the red-sensing and blue-sensing photodiode arrays. In another embodiment the red-sensing photodiode array is placed between the blue and green sensing photodiode arrays.

Abstract: A color CCD solid-state image pickup device having a color filter array such that it is not possible to mix pixels adjacent in the column direction. Even rows and odd rows of pixels arrayed in a matrix respectively have the same filter arrays and it is thereby made possible for signal charges of light-receiving parts in pixels of a Kth row (K being a positive integer) and signal charges of light-receiving parts in pixels of either of the K.+-.th rows to be mixed and vertically transferred in the vertical shift registers.

Abstract: A color linear image sensor is constituted by forming a plurality of linear image sensors on a single wafer, each linear image sensor including a photoelectric conversion unit for converting light from an object into an electrical signal, a plurality of charge transfer units for transferring the signal converted into the electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion unit to an output unit, and color filters which are formed on the photoelectric conversion unit to color-separate the light from the object. A plurality of lines of photoelectric conversion units are arranged in each linear image sensor. At least one charge transfer unit is arranged between the photoelectric conversion units to synthesize output signals from the plurality of lines of photoelectric conversion units and to transfer the output signals from the photoelectric conversion units to the next photoelectric conversion unit. An accumulation unit temporarily stores the output signals from the photoelectric conversion units.

Abstract: A high-frame rate image acquisition and motion analysis system comprising a first arrangement to obtain an image of an object; a second arrangement coupled to the first arrangement to slice the image into N analog segments, where N is equal to an integer greater than one; a third arrangement coupled to the second arrangement to convert the N analog segments into N digital data streams; a fourth arrangement coupled to the third arrangement to store each of the N digital data streams; a fifth arrangement coupled to the first arrangement, the second arrangement, the third arrangement and the fourth arrangement to provide software control of the operation thereof, the fifth arrangement further controlling the first arrangement and the second arrangement to adjust separately predetermined variables of each of the N analog segments and further controlling the fourth arrangement to provide a read out of an adjusted version of the image; a common enclosure for the first arrangement, the second arrangement, the third

Abstract: A solid state image sensor and an imaging method using a spatial pixel offset, in which in each field, charges of pixels of solid state imaging devices for green color and red/blue colors are separately summed and mass center of the summed charges for the green color is made to be coincident with that for the red/blue colors, enabling to form an aperture form without degrading resolution and to improve sensitivity and dynamic range without resolution drop.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device, and in particular, a CCD image sensor is capable of color reading, wherein n lines (n.gtoreq.2) of photo diodes disposing a plurality of photodiodes straightly are disposed parallel adjacently to each other, and adjacent n lines of CCD analog shift registers are disposed parallel to the photodiode lines at one side of the group of n lines of photodiodes, and the signal charges are transferred through a gate structure composed of MOS structure, between adjacent lines of n lines of photodiodes and n lines of CCD analog shift registers. It is therefore possible to reduce the intervals of the photodiode lines to the limit, thereby realizing a CCD color linear image sensor capable of outstandingly simplifying the signal time axis correction circuit such as semiconductor digital memory device for correcting the differences of reading positions of the photodiode lines.

Abstract: A shift register of a CCD line image sensor is divided into two from the center thereof so as to transfer the signal electrical charge for output portions placed on both ends of the sensor, so that the line image sensor has a higher data rate, and reduced optical smearing. Furthermore, when a color line image sensor has been made using such line image sensors, the clearance of the sensor may be made smaller, and the amount of the correction smear for positioning alignment may be reduced.