公开(公告)号：US08421889B2

公开(公告)日：2013-04-16

申请号：US12607820

申请日：2009-10-28

申请人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Masaaki Iwane ,  Kazuo Yamazaki

发明人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Masaaki Iwane ,  Kazuo Yamazaki

IPC分类号： H04N5/335 ,  H01L27/146

CPC分类号： H04N5/369 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： An apparatus includes a pixel array in which pixels for outputting an analog signal are arranged in a matrix, vertical output lines each of which is connected to pixels in a same column, A/D conversion units, which are individually connected to the vertical output lines, for converting the analog signal into a digital signal, and a constant current supply unit for supplying a constant current to the A/D conversion units. Each of the A/D conversion units includes an integration unit for integrating the constant current, a comparison unit for comparing the integrated constant current with the analog signal and outputting a comparison signal, and a digital signal storage unit for storing a digital signal corresponding to the comparison signal. The integration unit includes an input capacitor for receiving the constant current. The comparison unit is connected to the constant current supply unit via the input capacitor.

摘要翻译： 一种装置，包括像素阵列，其中用于输出模拟信号的像素以矩阵形式排列，垂直输出线连接到同一列中的像素，A / D转换单元分别连接到垂直输出线 ，用于将模拟信号转换为数字信号;以及恒定电流供应单元，用于向A / D转换单元提供恒定电流。 每个A / D转换单元包括用于积分恒流的积分单元，用于将积分恒定电流与模拟信号进行比较并输出比较信号的比较单元，以及用于存储对应于数字信号的数字信号的数字信号存储单元 比较信号。 集成单元包括用于接收恒定电流的输入电容器。 比较单元经由输入电容器连接到恒流源单元。

公开(公告)号：US20100110257A1

公开(公告)日：2010-05-06

申请号：US12607820

申请日：2009-10-28

申请人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Masaaki Iwane ,  Kazuo Yamazaki

发明人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Masaaki Iwane ,  Kazuo Yamazaki

IPC分类号： H04N5/335

CPC分类号： H04N5/369 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： An apparatus includes a pixel array in which pixels for outputting an analog signal are arranged in a matrix, vertical output lines each of which is connected to pixels in a same column, A/D conversion units, which are individually connected to the vertical output lines, for converting the analog signal into a digital signal, and a constant current supply unit for supplying a constant current to the A/D conversion units. Each of the A/D conversion units includes an integration unit for integrating the constant current, a comparison unit for comparing the integrated constant current with the analog signal and outputting a comparison signal, and a digital signal storage unit for storing a digital signal corresponding to the comparison signal. The integration unit includes an input capacitor for receiving the constant current. The comparison unit is connected to the constant current supply unit via the input capacitor.

摘要翻译： 一种装置，包括像素阵列，其中用于输出模拟信号的像素以矩阵形式排列，垂直输出线连接到同一列中的像素，A / D转换单元分别连接到垂直输出线 ，用于将模拟信号转换为数字信号;以及恒定电流供应单元，用于向A / D转换单元提供恒定电流。 每个A / D转换单元包括用于积分恒流的积分单元，用于将积分恒定电流与模拟信号进行比较并输出比较信号的比较单元，以及用于存储对应于数字信号的数字信号的数字信号存储单元 比较信号。 集成单元包括用于接收恒定电流的输入电容器。 比较单元经由输入电容器连接到恒流源单元。

公开(公告)号：US20100149394A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-17

申请号：US12628271

申请日：2009-12-01

申请人： Kazuo Yamazaki ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Masaaki Iwane

发明人： Kazuo Yamazaki ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Masaaki Iwane

IPC分类号： H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/225

CPC分类号： H04N5/3742

摘要： It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid-state imaging apparatus that outputs digital signals at high speed. A solid-state imaging apparatus is provided that includes plural analog-to-digital converters that convert analog signals obtained by photoelectric conversion into digital signals, plural digital memories that store the digital signals converted by the analog-to-digital converters, plural block digital output lines that are provided to correspond to blocks of the plural digital memories and to which the digital signals stored in the plural digital memories included in the blocks are output, a common digital output line that outputs the digital signals output from the plural block digital output lines, buffer circuits that buffer the digital signals output from the block digital output lines, and block selecting units that can switch the block digital output lines electrically connected to the common digital output line.

摘要翻译： 本发明的目的是提供一种以高速输出数字信号的固态成像装置。 提供了一种固态成像装置，其包括将通过光电转换获得的模拟信号转换为数字信号的多个模数转换器，存储由模数转换器转换的数字信号的多个数字存储器，多个数字数字 输出对应于多个数字存储器中的块并被存储在包含在块中的多个数字存储器中的数字信号的输出线，输出从多个数字输出端输出的数字信号的公共数字输出线 用于缓冲从块数字输出线输出的数字信号的缓冲电路，以及可以切换电连接到公共数字输出线的块数字输出线的块选择单元。

公开(公告)号：US08325260B2

公开(公告)日：2012-12-04

申请号：US12628271

申请日：2009-12-01

申请人： Kazuo Yamazaki ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Masaaki Iwane

发明人： Kazuo Yamazaki ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Masaaki Iwane

IPC分类号： H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC分类号： H04N5/3742

摘要： It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid-state imaging apparatus that outputs digital signals at high speed. A solid-state imaging apparatus is provided that includes plural analog-to-digital converters that convert analog signals obtained by photoelectric conversion into digital signals, plural digital memories that store the digital signals converted by the analog-to-digital converters, plural block digital output lines that are provided to correspond to blocks of the plural digital memories and to which the digital signals stored in the plural digital memories included in the blocks are output, a common digital output line that outputs the digital signals output from the plural block digital output lines, buffer circuits that buffer the digital signals output from the block digital output lines, and block selecting units that can switch the block digital output lines electrically connected to the common digital output line.

摘要翻译： 本发明的目的是提供一种以高速输出数字信号的固态成像装置。 提供了一种固态成像装置，其包括将通过光电转换获得的模拟信号转换为数字信号的多个模数转换器，存储由模数转换器转换的数字信号的多个数字存储器，多个数字数字 输出对应于多个数字存储器中的块并被存储在包含在块中的多个数字存储器中的数字信号的输出线，输出从多个数字输出端输出的数字信号的公共数字输出线 用于缓冲从块数字输出线输出的数字信号的缓冲电路，以及可以切换电连接到公共数字输出线的块数字输出线的块选择单元。

公开(公告)号：US20120211643A1

公开(公告)日：2012-08-23

申请号：US13504471

申请日：2010-12-20

申请人： Yasuji Ikeda ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuo Yamazaki

发明人： Yasuji Ikeda ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuo Yamazaki

IPC分类号： H01L27/146

CPC分类号： H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/0607 ,  H03M1/162 ,  H03M1/54

摘要： An imaging system includes an A/D converter including a holding unit holding a pixel signal as a voltage level, a comparator comparing the voltage level held with a reference level, a circuit capable of changing the voltage level so as to approach the reference level at first and second rates, wherein the voltage level is changed at the first rate to determine higher bits in accordance with inversion of a relationship between the reference level and the voltage level, after that, the voltage level is changed at the second rate to determine lower bits in accordance with inversion of the relationship between the reference level and the voltage level, and an adjusting unit which adjusts the voltage level during a period until the voltage level is changed at the second rate after determination of the higher bits so that the lower bits and the voltage level hold a linear relationship.

摘要翻译： 一种成像系统包括：A / D转换器，其包括保持像素信号作为电压电平的保持单元，将保持的电压电平与基准电平进行比较的比较器，能够改变电压电平以便接近基准电平的电路 第一和第二速率，其中电压电平以第一速率改变以根据参考电平和电压电平之间的关系的反转来确定较高位，之后，以第二速率改变电压电平以确定较低的电平 根据参考电平和电压电平之间的关系的反转，调整单元，以及调整单元，其在确定较高位之后调整电压电平，直到电压电平以第二速率改变，使得较低位 并且电压电平保持线性关系。

公开(公告)号：US08969771B2

公开(公告)日：2015-03-03

申请号：US13504471

申请日：2010-12-20

申请人： Yasuji Ikeda ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuo Yamazaki

发明人： Yasuji Ikeda ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kazuo Yamazaki

IPC分类号： H01L27/146 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/06 ,  H03M1/16 ,  H03M1/54

CPC分类号： H04N5/378 ,  H03M1/0607 ,  H03M1/162 ,  H03M1/54

摘要： An imaging system includes an A/D converter including a holding unit holding a pixel signal as a voltage level, a comparator comparing the voltage level held with a reference level, a circuit capable of changing the voltage level so as to approach the reference level at first and second rates, wherein the voltage level is changed at the first rate to determine higher bits in accordance with inversion of a relationship between the reference level and the voltage level, after that, the voltage level is changed at the second rate to determine lower bits in accordance with inversion of the relationship between the reference level and the voltage level, and an adjusting unit which adjusts the voltage level during a period until the voltage level is changed at the second rate after determination of the higher bits so that the lower bits and the voltage level hold a linear relationship.

摘要翻译： 一种成像系统包括：A / D转换器，其包括保持像素信号作为电压电平的保持单元，将保持的电压电平与基准电平进行比较的比较器，能够改变电压电平以便接近基准电平的电路 第一和第二速率，其中电压电平以第一速率改变以根据参考电平和电压电平之间的关系的反转来确定较高位，之后，以第二速率改变电压电平以确定较低的电平 根据参考电平和电压电平之间的关系的反转，调整单元，以及调整单元，其在确定较高位之后调整电压电平，直到电压电平以第二速率改变，使得较低位 并且电压电平保持线性关系。

公开(公告)号：US09077918B2

公开(公告)日：2015-07-07

申请号：US13612443

申请日：2012-09-12

申请人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Yu Maehashi ,  Koichiro Iwata

发明人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Yu Maehashi ,  Koichiro Iwata

IPC分类号： H01L27/146 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/374

CPC分类号： H04N5/357 ,  H01L27/14603 ,  H04N5/3742

摘要： A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes, on one substrate, a pixel driving unit and a signal processing unit that includes a digital circuit configured to execute signal processing. A first voltage and a second voltage different in value from the first voltage are supplied to the digital circuit of the pixel driving unit. A third voltage and a fourth voltage different in value from the third voltage are supplied to the digital circuit of the signal processing unit. A main portion of a first conductor that supplies the first voltage to the digital circuit of the pixel driving unit and a main portion of a second conductor that supplies the third voltage to the digital circuit of the signal processing unit are isolated from each other.

摘要翻译： 光电转换装置在一个基板上包括像素驱动单元和包括被配置为执行信号处理的数字电路的信号处理单元。 与第一电压不同的第一电压和第二电压被提供给像素驱动单元的数字电路。 将与第三电压不同的第三电压和第四电压提供给信号处理单元的数字电路。 将第一电压提供给像素驱动单元的数字电路的第一导体的主要部分和向信号处理单元的数字电路提供第三电压的第二导体的主要部分彼此隔离。

公开(公告)号：US08994866B2

公开(公告)日：2015-03-31

申请号：US13612402

申请日：2012-09-12

申请人： Kohichi Nakamura ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Yu Maehashi ,  Koichiro Iwata

发明人： Kohichi Nakamura ,  Hiroki Hiyama ,  Tetsuya Itano ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Yu Maehashi ,  Koichiro Iwata

IPC分类号： H04N5/335 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/378

CPC分类号： H04N5/378

摘要： A photoelectric conversion device includes a counter circuit configured to count a first clock signal to output a count signal thereof, a second clock signal generation unit configured to generate a second clock signal based on the first clock signal, and a clock synchronization unit configured to output a count start signal in synchronization with the second clock signal, wherein the counter circuit performs a counting operation in response to the count start signal synchronized with the second clock signal.

摘要翻译： 光电转换装置包括：计数器电路，被配置为对第一时钟信号进行计数以输出其计数信号;第二时钟信号产生单元，被配置为基于第一时钟信号产生第二时钟信号;以及时钟同步单元，被配置为输出 与第二时钟信号同步的计数开始信号，其中计数器电路响应于与第二时钟信号同步的计数开始信号执行计数操作。

公开(公告)号：US08717475B2

公开(公告)日：2014-05-06

申请号：US13309517

申请日：2011-12-01

申请人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Toru Koizumi ,  Katsuhito Sakurai ,  Fumihiro Inui ,  Masaru Fujimura ,  Tomoko Eguchi ,  Masanori Ogura

发明人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Toru Koizumi ,  Katsuhito Sakurai ,  Fumihiro Inui ,  Masaru Fujimura ,  Tomoko Eguchi ,  Masanori Ogura

IPC分类号： H04N5/335

CPC分类号： H04N5/3742 ,  H04N5/376

摘要： There is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion unit which converts incident light into an electrical signal and accumulates the electrical signal, an amplifier transistor which amplifies and outputs the signal from the photoelectric conversion unit, a transfer transistor which transfers the electrical signal accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit to the amplifier transistor, and a processing transistor which performs predetermined processing, and a control circuit which sets the signal level supplied to the control electrode of the transfer transistor in order to turn off the transfer transistor to be lower than the signal level supplied to the control electrode of the processing transistor in order to turn off the processing transistor.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种图像拾取装置，包括多个像素，每个像素包括将入射光转换成电信号并累积电信号的光电转换单元，放大并输出来自光电转换单元的信号的放大器晶体管，转移晶体管 其将累积在光电转换单元中的电信号传送到放大器晶体管，以及执行预定处理的处理晶体管，以及控制电路，其设置提供给转移晶体管的控制电极的信号电平以关闭转移 晶体管低于提供给处理晶体管的控制电极的信号电平，以便关闭处理晶体管。

公开(公告)号：US08692920B2

公开(公告)日：2014-04-08

申请号：US13570580

申请日：2012-08-09

申请人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Tetsuya Itano

发明人： Hiroki Hiyama ,  Kohichi Nakamura ,  Kazuhiro Saito ,  Tetsuya Itano

IPC分类号： H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H03M1/12

CPC分类号： H03M1/1245 ,  H03M1/0607 ,  H03M1/08 ,  H03M1/1225 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/1295 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/3577 ,  H04N5/3765 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： In an A/D converter, a first analog signal which is input to an input terminal in a state in which the input terminal and a reference voltage line are connected via a first capacitor is converted into digital data when a reference signal is supplied to the reference signal line in a state in which the reference signal line and a first input terminal of a comparator are connected via the first capacitor. A second analog signal which is input to the input terminal in a state in which the input terminal and the reference voltage line are connected via a second capacitor is converted into digital data when the reference signal is supplied to the reference signal line in a state in which the reference signal line and the first input terminal of the comparator are connected via the second capacitor.

摘要翻译： 在A / D转换器中，当将输入端和参考电压线经由第一电容器连接的状态下输入到输入端的第一模拟信号，当将参考信号提供给 在参考信号线和比较器的第一输入端经由第一电容器连接的状态下的基准信号线。 在将输入端子和参考电压线通过第二电容器连接的状态下输入到输入端子的第二模拟信号在基准信号以基准信号线提供给基准信号线时被转换为数字数据 比较器的参考信号线和第一输入端经由第二电容器连接。