Abstract: In an apparatus, operation is switchable between first and second modes. In the first mode, a photoelectric conversion part and a charge storage part are released from a reset state for all pixels included in an image acquisition area to start a period, and, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the photoelectric conversion part and an overflow drain region of each pixel are turned onto end the period, and finally the charge stored in the charge storage part is transferred to the amplifier part. In the second mode, after a mechanical shutter is opened to start a period, the mechanical shutter is closed to end the period, and stored charge is transferred to the amplifier part.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an electronic shutter layer that is used to drain charge away from the photosensitive regions during an electronic shutter operation. A current sensing component and a selector component are electrically connected to a contact to the electronic shutter layer in the image sensor. The current sensing component senses a current level in the electronic shutter layer and changes a state of an alert signal when the current level equals or exceeds a threshold current level. The selector component receives the alert signal from the current sensing component and a shutter signal from an electronic shutter pulse driver component. Depending on the state of the alert signal, the selector component either transmits, or does not transmit, the shutter signal to the electronic shutter layer. An electronic shutter operation is performed when the electronic shutter layer receives the shutter signal.

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 second curtain that permits the incidence of light on the imaging device earlier than the traveling of the first curtain; a reset unit that sequentially reset-scans lines of the pixels earlier than the traveling of the first curtain; and an operation selecting unit that selects one of a mechanical shutter operation performed by the traveling of the first curtain and the second curtain and an electronic shutter operation performed by the first curtain and the reset unit depending on a slit width formed by the first curtain and the second curtain or a slit width formed by the first curtain and the reset-scanning of the reset unit.

Abstract: An amplification-type solid-state image capturing apparatus according to the present invention, having a plurality of pixel sections each including a photoelectric conversion element for receiving light of a subject and performing a photoelectric conversion on the light of the subject and a transfer section capable of transferring signal charge from the photoelectric conversion element to a charge detection section, the plurality of pixel sections connected to each charge detection section, and the amplification-type solid-state image capturing apparatus amplifying and reading potential at the charge detection section as signal data for each of the pixel sections, includes: when one of the plurality of pixel sections which share the charge detection section performs an original shutter operation, a shutter control section for performing an additional shutter operation on the remaining pixel sections which share the charge detection section with the one pixel section and have not performed the original shutter

Abstract: An image sensor includes an electronic shutter layer that is used to drain charge away from the photosensitive regions during an electronic shutter operation. A current reference component is electrically connected to a contact to the electronic shutter layer. The current reference component produces a signal having a level that is constant as a load current varies from zero to a threshold current level. A scaler component is electrically connected between the current reference component and an electronic shutter pulse driver component. The scaler component transmits the signal to the electronic shutter pulse driver component when the load current does not exceed the threshold current level. When the load current exceeds the threshold current level, the scaler component scales the level of the signal to a different level and transmits the scaled signal to the electronic shutter pulse driver component.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array unit in which pixels having photoelectric converting elements configured to accumulate electric signals in accordance with the quantity of received light and detecting units configured to detect the electric signals accumulated using the photoelectric converting elements are arrayed in a matrix and a timing signal generator configured to generate a timing signal with which an electric signal accumulation time period of each of respective pixels constituting the pixel array unit is set to be a time period obtained by adding a time period calculated on the basis of a position where each of the respective pixels constituting the pixel array unit is arranged to a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods and systems are disclosed that provide per-session dynamic charging caps. For a session, the communication network includes a network element adapted to serve the session, a charging system, and a subscriber server adapted to store charging criteria defined for a party to the session. In operation, the charging system receives one or more charging request messages from the network element. Responsive to a charging request message, the charging system identifies the charging criteria defined for the party as stored in the subscriber server, and determines a dynamic charging cap for the session based on the charging criteria. A charging cap is a limited or maximum amount of time and/or money that is charged for an individual session. The charging system then limits the charging for the session based on the dynamic charging cap.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an electronic shutter layer that is used to drain charge during an electronic shutter operation. A timing generator is electrically connected to a selector component. The selector component is electrically connected to an electronic shutter pulse driver component. The electronic shutter pulse driver component is electrically connected to a current sensing component. The current sensing component is electrically connected to the electronic shutter layer through a contact. The current sensing component senses a current level in the electronic shutter layer and changes a state of an alert signal when the current level equals or exceeds a threshold current level. Depending on the state of an alert signal, the selector component either transmits, or does not transmit, the drive pulse signal to the electronic shutter pulse driver component. An electronic shutter operation is performed when the electronic shutter pulse driver component receives the drive pulse signal.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an electronic shutter layer that drains charge away from the photosensitive regions during an electronic shutter operation. A signal is applied to the electronic shutter layer through a contact. Prior to performing an electronic shutter operation, a determination is made as to whether or not a current level in the electronic shutter layer substantially equals or exceeds a threshold current level. If the current level in the electronic shutter layer substantially equals or exceeds the threshold current level, the electronic shutter operation is not performed. The electronic shutter operation is performed if the current level in the electronic shutter layer does not substantially equal or exceed the threshold current level.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of pixels stored in one-dimensional or two-dimensional array, each of the plurality of pixels including a photodiode receiving light and producing photocharges, an overflow gate coupled to the photodiode and transferring photocharges that overflow the photodiode during a storage operation, and a storage capacitor element that stores the photocharges transferred by the overflow gate during the storage operation.

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.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an image sensor comprises a plurality of pixel sensing circuits. Each pixel sensing circuit includes a photodiode and a storage node. Each pixel sensing circuit further includes a first transistor coupled between the photodiode and the storage node and a second transistor coupled between the photodiode and a shared node. The shared node is coupled to the plurality of pixel sensing circuits. The image sensor may include a reset transistor and/or a read-out circuit coupled to the shared node.

Abstract: A solid-state image capture device includes: a pixel section in which pixels are arranged in a matrix; control lines; a pixel drive section that performs control, through the control lines, an operation of the pixels so as to perform a shutter operation of the pixel section and so as to perform reading; a reading circuit that reads signals from the pixels; and a shutter-mode switching section that controls an operation of the pixel drive section in accordance with a rolling shutter system in which exposure is performed for each row or a global shutter system in which exposure is simultaneously performed on all the pixels. The pixel drive section includes a shutter-mode corresponding section that causes an impedance value from the control lines to a power supply in a global shutter operation to be greater than an impedance value in a rolling shutter operation.

Abstract: A digital camera function, such as can be implemented in a cellular telephone handset, and that includes automated segmentation of foreground subjects in acquired digital photos and images. Successive images are captured by the digital camera function at different flash exposure levels, for example using existing light only and using flash exposure. After alignment and registration of the images, luminance difference values in the two images are determined for each pixel, and the luminance difference values compared against a threshold value on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Those pixels with luminance difference values exceeding the threshold are segmented from the image as foreground subjects.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate mitigating pixel or column fixed pattern noise in a CMOS imaging System-on-Chip (iSoC) sensor. For instance, 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. Moreover, uniform frame rates for outputted frames can be yielded irrespective of use of a subset of read out frames for calibration. For example, frames employed for calibration can be replaced in a sequence of outputted frames by copies of stored frames. Further, signal levels can be balanced to account for differences in light integration time, which can result from blocking and unblocking firing of transfer signals.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an image sensor and a mechanical shutter which controls the termination of exposure of the image sensor. The image sensor includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed in a matrix, and a vertical scanning unit which scans the pixel array for each row. The vertical scanning unit parallelly executes some of the reset operations of pixels on at least two adjacent rows of the pixel array. The charge accumulation operation of pixels starts upon completion of the reset operation and terminates in response to light shielding by the mechanical shutter.

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: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a pixel region including a plurality of pixels, each including a photoelectric conversion element, arranged in matrix, and a reset switch for discharging electric charge of the photoelectric conversion element; and a first scanning circuit for supplying a reset control signal for controlling an operation of the reset switch, the pixel region and the first scanning circuit being formed on a semiconductor substrate, in which the pixel region includes a first pixel region and a second pixel region, and the first scanning circuit includes a first decoder for controlling the operation of the reset switch arranged in the first pixel region, and a second decoder for controlling the operation of the reset switch arranged in the second pixel region.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes first-group pixels 41, second-group pixels 42 skipped during thinning drive, and a scanning section 13. The scanning section 13 drives each of the first-group pixels 41 to perform read operation of outputting the output signal and initializing the amount of the signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to a first level, and also drives each of the second-group pixels 42 to perform discharge operation of initializing the amount of the signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to a second level that is higher than the first level and lower than a saturation signal level of the photoelectric conversion element 12.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating images of an object having a known object velocity include imaging electromagnetic radiation from the object onto a sensor array of an imaging system, adjusting at least one of a shutter rate and a shutter direction of the imaging system in accordance with an image velocity of the image across the sensor array, and sampling output of the sensor array in accordance with the shutter rate and the shutter direction to generate the images. Systems and methods for generating images of an object moving through a scene include a first imaging system generating image data samples of the scene, a post processing system that analyzes the samples to determine when the object is present in the scene, and one or more second imaging systems triggered by the post processing system to generate one or more second image data samples of the object.

Abstract: A focus detection device includes an imaging element, a storage controller, and a focus detector. The imaging element is provided on a light path of a light flux incident via an optical system and has a plurality of pixels of charge storage type two-dimensionally arranged. The storage controller controls to sequentially store charges in pixels arranged in a first direction among the plurality of pixels and controls to sequentially store charges in pixels arranged in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The focus detector detects a focus adjustment state of the optical system based on a first output obtained when the storage controller sequentially performs storage control in the first direction and a second output obtained when the storage controller sequentially performs storage control in the second direction.

Abstract: An image sensor driving unit, comprising a signal generator and a controller, is provided. The charge-transfer channel transfers the signal charges at a speed according to the frequency of a transfer signal. The signal generator transmits the first discharge signal and the second discharge signal to the image sensor. The first and second discharge signals are the transfer signals for the charge-transfer channel to carry out rapid discharge. The frequency of the second discharge signal is greater than that of the first discharge signal. The controller orders the signal generator to generate the first discharge signal during an overlap period when a driving period is at least partially overlapped with a discharge period. The controller orders the signal generator to generate the second discharge signal when the driving period is not overlapping with the discharge period.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a rolling-reset imager that forms an electronic image of an object, a light source illuminating the object with pulsed light, and a bandpass optical filter disposed between the object and the rolling-reset imager. The pulsed light has an illumination frequency spectrum and an illumination pulse width defining an effective exposure time for forming the image of the object. The bandpass optical filter has a frequency pass band permitting transmission of a significant portion of the illumination frequency spectrum while at least approximately inhibiting transmission of at least some light having frequencies outside the illumination frequency band. An imaging method illuminates an object with light in a given frequency range, so that the illumination light reflects from the object along with background light. The method filters the reflected light so as to attenuate at least some of the background light by a greater attenuation factor than the illumination light.

Abstract: An electronic camera for generating an image having a wide dynamic range by synthesizing two image pickup signals of different exposure amount generated by using an electronic shutter function and unit for shutting off light, shading of image pickup signals resulting from difference in charge accumulating time among the pixels of image pickup device due to operation from opened state to closed state of the unit for shutting off light being corrected by a shading correction unit to form a synthesized image without an occurrence of false color due to shading.

Abstract: A pixel having an electronic shutter suitable for use in a pixel array of an imaging device includes a pinned diode and a shutter transistor. The pinned diode is utilized as a storage device while the shutter transistor controls charge transfer from the electronic shutter. The use of a pinned diode as a charge storage device for the electronic shutter permits greater charge transfer efficiency, has lower leakage (or “dark” current), and permits the resulting pixel to have a greater fill factor than pixels utilizing conventional electronic shutter circuits.

Abstract: A method includes a drive step of causing a light control member from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position by a drive source, a detection step of detecting the position and state of the light control member, and a drive signal application step of applying a desired drive signal to the drive source in accordance with the position or state of the light control member detected in the detection step.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes: a synchronizing signal generation portion (6); an imaging portion (1) that is operated based on a synchronizing signal to pick up an image and generate image data; a trigger input portion (18) operable to input a trigger signal for commanding a start of a photographing operation; and a control portion (5) that controls the operation of the imaging portion based on the synchronizing signal and the trigger signal. The control portion controls synchronous processing that is performed in synchronization with the synchronizing signal to pickup a moving image. When the trigger signal is input, the control portion immediately stops the generation of the synchronizing signal by the synchronizing signal generation portion when the synchronous processing is not being performed, while the control portion initializes the synchronous processing and then stops the generation of the synchronizing signal when the synchronous processing is being performed.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of pixels generating pixel signals; color filters above the photoelectric conversion elements; a row selecting unit for selecting a plurality of rows of the pixels; a signal line receiving the pixel signal from the pixels of the row selected by the row selecting unit; a plurality of capacitors for accumulating the pixel signal outputted to the signal line; and a plurality of selecting switches connected between the signal line and the plurality of capacitors. During a first adding operation, the row selecting unit adds pixel signals accumulated in a part of the capacitors on the signal line. And, during a second adding operation, the row selecting unit adds pixel signals accumulated in other part of the capacitors with the pixel signals from the pixels of a row different from the row of which pixel signals are added in the first adding operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a CMOS image sensor having a wide dynamic range and a sensing method thereof. Each unit pixel of the CMOS image sensor of the present invention includes multiple processing units, so that one shuttering section for the image generation of one image frame can be divided into multiple sections to separately shutter and sample the divided sections by each processing unit. Thus, the image sensor of the present invention enables many shuttering actions to be performed in the multiple processing units, respectively, and the multiple processing units to separately sample each floating diffusion voltage caused by the shuttering actions, thereby realizing a wide dynamic range.

Abstract: An image sensor driving unit, comprising a first controller, a second controller and a third controller, is provided. The image sensor driving unit drives an image sensor to carry out the capture of an image. The capture is carried out by ordering pixels to generate signal charges and the charge-transfer channel to transfer the signal charges. The first controller orders the image sensor to carry out a rapid discharge operation before the charge-transfer channel transfers the signal charges. The second controller controls the first controller to order the image sensor to carry out the rapid discharge operation when light is made incident for capture after the first capture with the image sensor operating in continuous photographing mode. The third controller decreases the discharge number for capture after the first capture.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus having an electronic shutter for controlling the charge accumulation time of an image sensing element and a mechanical shutter for releasing/shielding an optical path to the image sensing element includes an electronic shutter mode of controlling the image sensing time mainly by the electronic shutter and a mechanical shutter mode of controlling the image sensing time mainly by the mechanical shutter. In the electronic shutter mode, the operations of the electronic and mechanical shutters are controlled to overlap each other, and a charge reading period of the image sensing element and part of a release operation period of the mechanical shutter are controlled to overlap each other.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes first-group pixels 41, second-group pixels 42 skipped during thinning drive, and a scanning section 13. The scanning section 13 drives each of the first-group pixels 41 to perform read operation of outputting the output signal and initializing the amount of the signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to a first level, and also drives each of the second-group pixels 42 to perform discharge operation of initializing the amount of the signal charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element to a second level that is higher than the first level and lower than a saturation signal level of the photoelectric conversion element 12.

Abstract: An address generator that generates, in an image capturing device including a photoelectric conversion unit having arrayed therein in a matrix plural photoelectric conversion elements that convert received light into charges and accumulate the charges and a rolling shutter function, an address indicating a line position of each of the photoelectric conversion elements that are processing objects of readout processing and reset processing for accumulated charges includes address counters provided at least in a number same as a number of time divisions of the readout processing and the reset processing, a control unit that independently controls an operation of each of the address counters, a selecting circuit that sequentially selects each of the address counters in a time division manner and outputs a count value of the selected address counter to an address decode circuit as the address, and the address decode circuit that outputs a signal for changing the photoelectric conversion element in a line position

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel section wherein pixels including photoelectric conversion devices are arranged in a matrix; and a pixel driving section including a row selection circuit which controls the pixels to perform an electronic shutter operation and readout of the pixel section. The row selection circuit has a function of selecting a readout row from which a signal is read out and a shutter row on which reset is performed by discharging charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion devices, in accordance with address and control signals. The row selection circuit can set, in accordance with the address and control signals, in the pixels of the selected row, at least a readout state, a discharge state where a smaller amount of the charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion devices than the reset is discharged, an electronic shutter state, and a charge state where the charge is accumulated in the photoelectric conversion devices.

Abstract: A driving method used for a solid-state imaging device according to the present invention includes: imaging an object for a first storage time when a shutter is open, in a first state that is a state where either at least a part of the peripheral circuitry is suspended or a consumption current of the peripheral circuitry is limited; imaging, in the first state, a dark output signal image including only a dark output for a second storage time when the shutter is closed; converting the dark output signal image to correspond to the image obtained for the first storage time and subtracting, from the signal image of the object, the converted dark output signal image or converting the dark output signal image to correspond to the image obtained for the second storage time and subtracting, from the signal image of the object, the converted dark output signal image.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels, with each of the pixels including a photoelectric conversion unit, a charge accumulating unit, an amplifying unit, and a transfer electrode. The apparatus further includes a light shielding portion covering the charge accumulating unit, and a connecting unit for electrically connecting the control electrode and the light shielding portion, and wherein the light shielding portion of a pixel in one row is electrically connected to the other light shielding portions of other pixels in the same one row and adjacent to the pixel in the one row, and is electrically insulated from other light shielding portions of pixels in rows different from the one row.

Abstract: In a solid-state image pickup apparatus having a pixel array unit composed by two-dimensionally arranging pixels for detecting a physical quantity in a row-column manner, pixel signals of a plurality of systems having different sensitivities are read from the pixel array unit in an analog manner, the pixel signals of the plurality of systems are amplified at respective basis amplification rates when a gain setting of the analog pixel signals is lower than a predetermined gain, and a pixel signal of at least one system having a high sensitivity among the plurality of systems is amplified at a plurality of amplification rates including an amplification rate higher than a basis amplification rate of the system having the high sensitivity when the gain setting is equal to or higher than the predetermined gain.

Abstract: A system having a sensor and variable focus lens for iris image standoff acquisition. The sensor may capture a sequence of images at a high frame rate of a person for getting an eye or an iris in a window within the images. Even if the eye moves around in the image, the window may stay on the eye. During this capture, the focus of the lens may be changed, with a best focus situated somewhere in between the end focus positions of the lens. The sensor may be an infrared (IR) sensor and an IR illuminator or flash may provide light for the capture of images. An intensity variance indicator may be incorporated to select an in-focus image of the sequence. Processing of the images may be subsequent to the capture of images, thus not hindering the frame rate of the system.

Abstract: A image-sensing device includes an array of light-sensing pixels arranged in rows, a readout circuit, and a control logic coupled to the rows of pixels. Each of the pixels has a respective conversion gain that changes to a respective second value from a respective first value within a settling time when a control signal is applied to the pixel. The readout circuit is coupled to the array of pixels and samples the rows of pixels once in an array sampling process. The control logic applies the control signal to the pixels of at least one row after sampling of the pixels in at least one other row of the array has begun but at least the settling time before the at least one row is sampled.

Abstract: A pixel cell has controlled photosensor anti-blooming leakage by having dual pinned voltage regions, one of which is used to set the anti-blooming characteristics of the photosensor. Additional exemplary embodiments also employ an anti-blooming transistor in conjunction with the dual pinned photosensor. Other exemplary embodiments provide a pixel with two pinned voltage regions and two anti-blooming transistors. Methods of fabricating the exemplary pixel cells are also disclosed.

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: A pixel having an electronic shutter suitable for use in a pixel array of an imaging device includes a pinned diode and a shutter transistor. The pinned diode is utilized as a storage device while the shutter transistor controls charge transfer from the electronic shutter. The use of a pinned diode as a charge storage device for the electronic shutter permits greater charge transfer efficiency, has lower leakage (or “dark” current), and permits the resulting pixel to have a greater fill factor than pixels utilizing conventional electronic shutter circuits.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device having a pixel array section in which pixels including photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a matrix form, and sweeping out unnecessary charges by setting a predetermined number, two or more, of adjacent rows or a predetermined number, two or more, of adjacent columns, in the pixel array section, to a single group, and by applying a shutter pulse in units of groups before storing signal charges, and sequentially reading the signal charges in the units of groups. In the solid-state imaging device, a pre-shutter pulse is applied to pixels belonging to at least a single row or a single column within a succeeding group and adjacent to a preceding group, prior to the shutter pulse, before a reading timing for the preceding group, to sweep out unnecessary charges stored in the pixels.

Abstract: An image recording and reproducing apparatus that records and reproduces image data shot at a frame rate higher than a normal reproduction rate employed during reproduction of a moving image can generate a still image by attaching still image recording information to at least one frame image included in the recorded image data and combining a plurality of frame images of the recorded image data in accordance with the still image recording information.

Abstract: Still image apparatus and methods that are suitable for compact camera environments are described. In another aspect, image segments are captured during corresponding exposure intervals of a frame exposure period. Respective motion sensor signals are generated during the respective exposure intervals of the image segments. One or more corresponding movement measures are determined from the respective motion sensor signals for each of the exposure intervals. The image segments are combined into an output image based on the one or more corresponding movement measures.

Abstract: A method obtains a read-out signal of a pixel having at least a photosensitive element with a charge storage node. The method includes the steps of acquiring charge carriers, converted from impinging radiation on the photosensitive element, on the charge storage node, applying during the integration period at least one reset pulse, resetting incompletely the charge carriers acquired at the moment of applying the reset pulse, to obtain at least one linear response region for the pixel, and driving the pixel in weak inversion after the last incomplete reset pulse of the integration period so as to obtain a logarithmic response part. A corresponding pixel is also described.

Abstract: Each pixel includes a photo-electric converter, transfer switch, charge-voltage conversion node, amplifier, and control switch. A solid-state image sensor includes a voltage controller which controls the voltage of the charge-voltage conversion node of each pixel via the control switch of the pixel. A voltage set at the charge-voltage conversion node by the voltage controller via the control switch includes a first voltage (VD—1) for setting a pixel in a selected state, and a second voltage (VD—2) for setting the pixel in an unselected state. The voltage controller and the control switch of each pixel set the voltage of the charge-voltage conversion node of each pixel to the second voltage (VD—2) by using at least part of the horizontal scanning period.

Abstract: A method for operating an image capture device having a sensor with an array of first and second pixels includes capturing an image a plurality of times with the second pixels to produce a corresponding second image signal, the second pixels being white pixels, capturing the image a single time with the first pixels to produce a corresponding first image signal, inputting selecting signals to the sensor via a row driver to obtain the first and second image signals from the first and second pixels, respectively, and converting the first and second image signals to respective digital values via an analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A lower electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and an upper electrode are stacked in order above a semiconductor substrate, and a charge storage section that stores charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer is connected to the lower electrode. The charge stored in the charge storage section is swept away by a charge sweeping away section for a given time from the endpoint of exposure. The given time is a time taken until the residual image charge existing in the photoelectric conversion layer at the exposure end point time is sufficiently discharged to the outside of the photoelectric conversion layer in a state in which the same bias as that at the exposure start time point is applied to the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A method to create a video sequence of a plurality of resultant images is disclosed. The video sequence is produced from images originating from a rolling shutter acquisition sensor.