公开(公告)号：US08319876B2

公开(公告)日：2012-11-27

申请号：US13327389

申请日：2011-12-15

Applicant: Masayuki Masuyama ,  Kunihiko Hara ,  Masashi Murakami ,  Shinsuke Nezaki

Inventor： Masayuki Masuyama ,  Kunihiko Hara ,  Masashi Murakami ,  Shinsuke Nezaki

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H01L27/00 ,  H01L31/062

CPC classification number: H04N5/3765 ,  H04N5/3456

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.

公开(公告)号：US08284283B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-09

申请号：US12857157

申请日：2010-08-16

Applicant: Takashi Fujioka ,  Masayuki Masuyama ,  Makoto Inagaki

Inventor： Takashi Fujioka ,  Masayuki Masuyama ,  Makoto Inagaki

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H01L27/14609 ,  H01L27/14623 ,  H01L27/14643

Abstract: An amplification type solid state imaging device in use includes at least a light-receiving portion 10 formed by arranging on a semiconductor substrate 7 one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally a plurality of pixels that convert incident light to signal charge and output electric signals corresponding to the amount of the signal charge, a reader for reading out sequentially the electric signals from the respective pixels, a noise rejection circuit 11 for suppressing spurious signals for the electric signals read out by the reader, and a first light-shielding layer 1 positioned on the upper part of the light-receiving portion 10 so as to restrict entry of light into parts other than photoelectric conversion portions 10a of the pixels. Furthermore, a second light-shielding layer 2 for restricting entry of light into the noise rejection circuit 11 is provided on the upper part of the noise rejection circuit 11.

Abstract translation: 使用的放大型固态成像装置至少包括通过在半导体衬底7上一维或二维地排列将入射光转换成信号电荷的多个像素而形成的光接收部分10，并输出对应于 信号电荷的量，从各个像素依次读出电信号的读取器，用于抑制由读取器读出的电信号的寄生信号的噪声抑制电路11以及位于第一遮光层1上的第一遮光层1 光接收部10的上部，以限制光进入像素的光电转换部10a以外的部分。 此外，在噪声抑制电路11的上部设置有用于限制入射到噪声抑制电路11中的第二遮光层2。

公开(公告)号：US08102450B2

公开(公告)日：2012-01-24

申请号：US12089289

申请日：2006-08-28

Applicant: Masayuki Masuyama ,  Kunihiko Hara ,  Masashi Murakami ,  Shinsuke Nezaki

Inventor： Masayuki Masuyama ,  Kunihiko Hara ,  Masashi Murakami ,  Shinsuke Nezaki

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H01L27/00 ,  H01L27/146 ,  H01L31/062 ,  H01J40/14

CPC classification number: H04N5/3765 ,  H04N5/3456

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 translation: 固态成像装置包括第一组像素41，稀疏驱动期间跳过的第二组像素42以及扫描部13.扫描部13驱动第一组像素41中的每一个以执行输出输出的读取操作 将累积在光电转换元件中的信号电荷的量信号并初始化为第一电平，并且驱动每个第二组像素42执行将在光电转换元件中累积的信号电荷的量初始化的放电操作，以 高于第一电平并低于光电转换元件12的饱和信号电平的第二电平。

公开(公告)号：US20110254988A1

公开(公告)日：2011-10-20

申请号：US13168541

申请日：2011-06-24

Applicant: Keijirou ITAKURA ,  Masayuki Masuyama

Inventor： Keijirou ITAKURA ,  Masayuki Masuyama

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H01L21/98

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H01L24/17 ,  H01L27/14634 ,  H01L27/14683 ,  H01L27/148 ,  H01L2224/73204 ,  H01L2924/12043 ,  Y10T29/49128 ,  H01L2924/00

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing element (1) has a main face provided with an imaging region (1a) in which unit pixels containing photoelectric conversion elements are formed in matrix. Peripheral circuit elements (3, 4) are configured to control imaging operation of the solid-state image sensing element (1) or to perform signal processing of an image output of the solid-state image sensing element (1). The imaging region (1a) is covered with a transparent material (2). The peripheral circuit elements (3, 4) are mounted to a region of the main face of the solid-state image sensing element (1) except for the imaging region (1a) such that main faces of the peripheral circuit elements (3, 4) face the main face of the solid-state image sensing element (1).

Abstract translation: 固体摄像元件（1）具有设置有成像区域（1a）的主面，其中包含光电转换元件的单位像素以矩阵形式形成。 外围电路元件（3,4）被配置为控制固态图像感测元件（1）的成像操作或者执行固态图像感测元件（1）的图像输出的信号处理。 成像区域（1a）被透明材料（2）覆盖。 外围电路元件（3,4）安装在除了摄像区域（1a）之外的固态摄像元件（1）的主面的区域中，使得外围电路元件（3,4）的主面 ）面对固态摄像元件（1）的主面。

公开(公告)号：US20110109780A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-12

申请号：US13007033

申请日：2011-01-14

Applicant: Masayuki MASUYAMA ,  Masashi Murakami ,  Yoshiyuki Matsunaga

Inventor： Masayuki MASUYAMA ,  Masashi Murakami ,  Yoshiyuki Matsunaga

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3598 ,  H04N5/2351

Abstract: An imaging device outputs brightness information according to an amount of incident light and includes: an imaging unit that includes a plurality of unit cells arranged one dimensionally or two-dimensionally, each unit cell including a photoelectric conversion part that generates a first output voltage in a reset state and a second output voltage according to an amount of incident light, and each unit cell generating a reset voltage that corresponds to the first output voltage and a read voltage that corresponds to the second output voltage; and an output unit operable to output, in relation to each unit cell, brightness information indicating a difference between the reset voltage and the read voltage when normal light is incident to the imaging device and the read voltage is in a predetermined range, and brightness information indicating high brightness when strong light is incident to the imaging device and the read voltage is not in the predetermined range.

Abstract translation: 一种成像装置根据入射光的量输出亮度信息，并且包括：成像单元，其包括一维或二维布置的多个单位单元，每个单元包括光电转换部分，该光电转换部分生成第一输出电压 复位状态和第二输出电压，并且每个单元电池产生对应于第一输出电压的复位电压和对应于第二输出电压的读取电压; 以及输出单元，其可操作以相对于每个单位单元输出指示当正常光入射到所述成像装置并且所述读取电压处于预定范围时所述复位电压和所述读取电压之间的差的亮度信息，以及亮度信息 当强光入射到成像装置并且读取电压不在预定范围内时指示高亮度。

公开(公告)号：US07528871B2

公开(公告)日：2009-05-05

申请号：US10808615

申请日：2004-03-25

Applicant: Masayuki Masuyama ,  Masashi Murakami ,  Yoshiyuki Matsunaga

Inventor： Masayuki Masuyama ,  Masashi Murakami ,  Yoshiyuki Matsunaga

IPC: H04N5/217

CPC classification number: H04N5/3598 ,  H04N5/2351

Abstract: An imaging device outputs brightness information according to an amount of incident light and includes: an imaging unit that includes a plurality of unit cells arranged one dimensionally or two-dimensionally, each unit cell including a photoelectric conversion part that generates a first output voltage in a reset state and a second output voltage according to an amount of incident light, and each unit cell generating a reset voltage that corresponds to the first output voltage and a read voltage that corresponds to the second output voltage; and an output unit operable to output, in relation to each unit cell, brightness information indicating a difference between the reset voltage and the read voltage when normal light is incident to the imaging device and the read voltage is in a predetermined range, and brightness information indicating high brightness when strong light is incident to the imaging device and the read voltage is not in the predetermined range.

Abstract translation: 一种成像装置根据入射光的量输出亮度信息，并且包括：成像单元，其包括一维或二维布置的多个单位单元，每个单元包括光电转换部分，该光电转换部分生成第一输出电压 复位状态和第二输出电压，并且每个单元电池产生对应于第一输出电压的复位电压和对应于第二输出电压的读取电压; 以及输出单元，其可操作以相对于每个单位单元输出指示当正常光入射到所述成像装置并且所述读取电压处于预定范围时所述复位电压和所述读取电压之间的差的亮度信息，以及亮度信息 当强光入射到成像装置并且读取电压不在预定范围内时指示高亮度。

公开(公告)号：US07525585B2

公开(公告)日：2009-04-28

申请号：US10545953

申请日：2004-04-05

Applicant: Masashi Murakami ,  Masayuki Masuyama ,  Yoshiyuki Matsunaga

Inventor： Masashi Murakami ,  Masayuki Masuyama ,  Yoshiyuki Matsunaga

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H01L27/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/357

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device consists of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix for outputting an image signal corresponding to the received light intensity. The solid-state image pickup device includes: reset switches (13,23) for opening/closing between a VDDCELL that repeatedly and cyclically outputs a high potential and a low potential and an electric charge holding section in each pixel; reset signal lines (97,98) connected to pixels of the same row; a row scan circuit (80) for successively selecting rows, always giving Hi impedance or Lo impedance to the reset signal of the selected row and Hi impedance to the reset signal lines of the non-selected row; and an ALLRS circuit 94 for giving the Lo potential to the reset line of the non-selected row before and after the rise of VDCELL from a low potential to high potential. Thus, the solid-state image pickup device can reduce its size and increase its operation speed while suppressing lowering of the dynamic range.

Abstract translation: 固态图像拾取装置由布置在矩阵中的多个像素组成，用于输出对应于所接收的光强度的图像信号。 固态图像拾取装置包括：用于在每个像素中反复循环地输出高电位的VDDCELL和低电位的VDDCELL和电荷保持部之间的开/关的复位开关（13,23） 连接到同一行的像素的复位信号线（97,98） 行扫描电路（80），用于连续地选择行，总是给所选行的复位信号和高阻抗的Hi阻抗或Lo阻抗提供给未选择的行的复位信号线; 以及ALLRS电路94，用于在VDCELL从低电位升高到高电位之前和之后，向未选行的复位线提供Lo电位。 因此，固态图像拾取装置可以在抑制动态范围的降低的同时减小其尺寸并增加其操作速度。

公开(公告)号：US20060158540A1

公开(公告)日：2006-07-20

申请号：US10545953

申请日：2004-04-05

Applicant: Masashi Murakami ,  Masayuki Masuyama ,  Yoshiyuki Matsunaga

Inventor： Masashi Murakami ,  Masayuki Masuyama ,  Yoshiyuki Matsunaga

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/357

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device consists of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix for outputting an image signal corresponding to the received light intensity. The solid-state image pickup device includes: reset switches (13,23) for opening/closing between a VDDCELL that repeatedly and cyclically outputs a high potential and a low potential and an electric charge holding section in each pixel; reset signal lines (97,98) connected to pixels of the same row; a row scan circuit (80) for successively selecting rows, always giving Hi impedance or Lo impedance to the reset signal of the selected row and Hi impedance to the reset signal lines of the non-selected row; and an ALLRS circuit 94 for giving the Lo potential to the reset line of the non-selected row before and after the rise of VDCELL from a low potential to high potential. Thus, the solid-state image pickup device can reduce its size and increase its operation speed while suppressing lowering of the dynamic range.

Abstract translation: 固态图像拾取装置由布置在矩阵中的多个像素组成，用于输出对应于所接收的光强度的图像信号。 固态图像拾取装置包括：用于在每个像素中反复循环输出高电位的VDDCELL和低电位的VDDCELL和电荷保持部之间的开/关的复位开关（13,23） 连接到同一行的像素的复位信号线（97,98） 行扫描电路（80），用于连续地选择行，总是给所选行的复位信号和高阻抗的Hi阻抗或Lo阻抗提供给未选择的行的复位信号线; 以及ALLRS电路94，用于在VDCELL从低电位升高到高电位之前和之后，向未选行的复位线提供Lo电位。 因此，固态图像拾取装置可以在抑制动态范围的降低的同时减小其尺寸并增加其操作速度。

公开(公告)号：US06677997B1

公开(公告)日：2004-01-13

申请号：US09432125

申请日：1999-11-02

Applicant: Takao Kuroda ,  Masayuki Masuyama

Inventor： Takao Kuroda ,  Masayuki Masuyama

IPC: H04N5335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3651 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A plurality of pixels, each including a photodiode that can make a transition from a first potential state (reset state) into a second potential state variable with the quantity of incident light or vice versa, are provided. A unit compensator includes first and second storage devices implementable as respective MOS capacitors. The first storage device stores thereon charge in a quantity proportional to a difference between a signal potential &phgr;s corresponding to the second potential state of each pixel and a reference potential &phgr;0. The second storage device stores thereon charge in a quantity proportional to a difference between a fixed potential &phgr;d and the reference potential &phgr;0. When a reset potential &phgr;r is supplied from an associated pixel, these storage devices are short-circuited with each other, thereby transferring charge in a quantity proportional to a potential difference (&phgr;s−&phgr;r) between these storage devices. After these storage devices have been electrically isolated from each other, the potential difference (&phgr;s−&phgr;r) is sensed based on the quantity of residual charge in the second storage device and then output. In this manner, a variation in threshold voltage among the amplifying transistors within the pixels can be compensated for.

Abstract translation: 提供了多个像素，每个像素包括可以以入射光量反向从第一电位状态（复位状态）转变为第二电位状态变量的光电二极管。 单元补偿器包括可实现为各个MOS电容器的第一和第二存储装置。 第一存储装置以与每个像素的第二电位状态相对应的信号电位phis与参考电位phi0之间的差成比例的量存储电荷。 第二存储装置以与固定电位phid和参考电位phi0之间的差成比例的量存储电荷。 当从相关像素提供复位电位ph时，这些存储装置彼此短路，从而以与这些存储装置之间的电势差（phis-phir）成比例的量传送电荷。 在这些存储装置彼此电隔离之后，基于第二存储装置中的剩余电荷量来感测电位差（phis-phir），然后输出。 以这种方式，可以补偿像素内的放大晶体管之间的阈值电压的变化。

公开(公告)号：US06630957B1

公开(公告)日：2003-10-07

申请号：US09241421

申请日：1999-02-02

Applicant: Takao Kuroda ,  Masayuki Masuyama

Inventor： Takao Kuroda ,  Masayuki Masuyama

IPC: H04N5335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/3532 ,  H04N5/3765

Abstract: In a solid state imaging apparatus, a normal function to read a pixel signal and an electronic shutter function are both realized by using a single shift register. The shift register successively transmits a driving signal supplied from a control unit. A selecting circuit is disposed correspondingly to each row of an imaging unit, and when the driving signal is output from a register corresponding to the row, the selecting circuit selectively executes a read operation or a reset operation in pixels belonging to the corresponding row in accordance with outputs of preceding and following registers. The driving signal is set to be differently supplied between the normal mode and the electronic shutter mode, so that outputs of preceding and following registers can be different between these modes. As a result, a read operation and a reset operation can be selectively conducted in the normal mode and the electronic shutter mode, respectively in the imaging unit.

Abstract translation: 在固态成像装置中，通过使用单个移位寄存器来实现读取像素信号和电子快门功能的正常功能。 移位寄存器依次发送从控制单元提供的驱动信号。 选择电路对应于成像单元的每一行设置，并且当驱动信号从对应于行的寄存器输出时，选择电路根据对应的行选择性地执行属于相应行的像素的读取操作或复位操作 具有前面和后面寄存器的输出。 驱动信号被设定为在正常模式和电子快门模式之间被不同地供给，使得这些模式之间的前一个和后一个寄存器的输出可以是不同的。 结果，可以在成像单元中分别在正常模式和电子快门模式中选择性地进行读取操作和复位操作。