IP Library Granted Patent US 7,324,146
Granted Patent B2
US 7,324,146 · App. 10/763,126 · Granted Jan 29, 2008

Image processing device, image processing method and solid-state image-pickup device

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,324,146
App. No.
10/763,126
Granted
Jan 29, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

An image processing device and method are provided. In a method of reading an image signal from a solid-state image-pickup element where a plurality of unit pixels including a transistor for detecting a light signal and a photo diode are arranged in a matrix, shift data applied to a line for reading out an image signal, which outputs a signal for selecting a line for reading out an image signal, is output to a shift register connected to a line for reading out an image signal, when the number of lines between line for reading out an image signal and line for clearing an image signal are equal to or less than the number of lines in the matrix and the condition for picking an image up is changed.

Claims (18)

1. An image processing device that reads an image signal from a solid-state image-pickup element where a plurality of unit pixels including a transistor for detecting a light signal and a photo diode are arranged in a matrix, the device comprising:

a first shift register connected to a line of the matrix for reading out an image signal, the first shift register selecting a line where a signal in response to carriers accumulated in an accumulation state for generating carriers in the photo diode in response to received light is read out;

a second shift register connected to a line for clearing an image signal, the second shift register selecting a line for clearing an image signal where residual carriers in the solid-state image-pickup element are discharged from the solid-state image-pickup element; and

an output circuit that outputs shift data applied to the line for reading out an image signal, based on which selection signal for selecting the line for reading out an image signal is output, to the first shift register, when a number of lines between the line for reading out an image signal and the line for clearing an image signal is equal to or less than a total number of lines in the matrix and a condition for picking an image up is changed, and further the output circuit inhibiting the output of the shift data to the first shift register, when the number of lines between the line for reading out an image signal and the line for clearing an image signal is more than the total number of lines in the matrix and the condition for picking an image up is changed.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

another output circuit that outputs a reset signal to the second shift register.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the condition for picking an image up further comprises at least on of a frame rate, a shutter speed and a scanning direction.

4. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the output circuit outputs the selection signal when generating an interlacing frame according to frame rate.

5. An image processing method of reading an image signal from a solid-state image-pickup element where a plurality of unit pixels including a transistor for detecting a light signal and a photo diode are arranged in a matrix, the method comprising:

forming a first shift register connected to a line of the matrix for reading out an image signal, the first shift register selecting a line where a signal in response to carriers accumulated in an accumulation state for generating carriers in the photo diode in response to received light is read out;

forming a second shift register connected to a line for clearing an image signal, the second shift register selecting a line for clearing an image signal where residual carriers in the solid-state image-pickup element are discharged from the solid-state image-pickup element; and

outputting shift data applied to the line for reading out an image signal, based on which selection signal for selecting the line for reading out an image signal is output, to the first shift register, when a number of lines between the line for reading out an image signal and the line for clearing an image signal is equal to or less than a total number of lines in the matrix and a condition for picking an image up is changed; and

inhibiting the output of the shift data to the first shift register, when the number of lines between the line for reading out an image signal and the line for clearing an image signal is more than the total number of lines in the matrix and the condition for picking an image up is changed.

6. A solid-state image-pickup device, comprising:

a solid-state image-pickup element where a plurality of unit pixels including a transistor for detecting a light signal and a photo diode are arranged in a matrix;

a first shift register connected to a line of the matrix for reading out an image signal, the first shift register selecting a line where a signal in response to carriers accumulated in an accumulation state for generating carriers in the photo diode in response to received light is read out;

a second shift register connected to a line for clearing an image signal, the second shift register selecting a line for clearing an image signal where residual carriers in the solid-state image-pickup element are discharged from the solid-state image-pickup element; and

an output circuit that outputs shift data applied to the line for reading out an image signal, based on which selection signal for selecting a line for reading out an image signal is output, to the first shift register, when a number of lines between the line for reading out an image signal and the line for clearing an image signal is equal to or less than a total number of lines in the matrix and a condition for picking an image up is changed, and further the output circuit inhibiting the output of the shift data to the first shift register, when the number of lines between the line for reading out an image signal and the line for clearing an image signal is more than the total number of lines in the matrix and the condition for picking an image up is changed.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 2, 2018
From: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
To: ADVANCED INTERCONNECT SYSTEMS LIMITED
Reel/Frame 046464/0045 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 10, 2004
From: KANAI, MASAHIRO
To: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 015458/0498 →