Image sensor

Abstract

An image sensor includes a plurality of operation circuits. The operation circuit operates pixel signals read out from a group of pixels included in a readout area to generate a pixel signal in the thinning readout mode. A plurality of column selecting switches are arranged between the output terminals of the plurality of operation circuits and a plurality of output channels. A control circuit controls the plurality of column selecting switches such that pixel signals the number of which is equal to the number of the plurality of output channels are output to the plurality of output channels in parallel in the thinning readout mode. The circuit arrangements, each included in the corresponding one of the plurality of operation circuits and each viewed from the corresponding one of the column selecting switches used in the thinning readout mode, are equivalent to each other.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to image sensors. Background technique

[0002] Currently, image sensors of digital cameras have been significantly advanced, and a large number of pixels for higher resolution still images are being rapidly acquired. At the same time, an urgent problem is to increase the pixel signal readout speed in order to ensure the continuous shooting performance necessary for cameras. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-286933 discloses a CCD image sensor that reads out pixel signals in parallel through a plurality of column shift registers, thereby increasing the readout speed.

[0003] Digital cameras are capable of taking still images and even moving images. Digital cameras typically use one image sensor to capture still images and moving images. For still images, image sensors require high resolution, and for moving images, image sensors require high frame rates while reducing resolution to meet general moving imag...

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