Colour image sensor and driving method thereof

Abstract

A color image sensor includes a plurality of image elements, a plurality of read gate sections, a plurality of vertical scanning charge transfer sections, and a plurality of transfer switch sections. The plurality of image elements are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns and each of the plurality of image elements generates an electric charge in response to incidence of light. The plurality of read gate sections are provided for the plurality of image elements, and each of the plurality of image elements controls transfer of the electric charge generated in a corresponding one of the plurality of image elements. Each of the plurality of vertical scanning charge transfer sections is provided for every column of the matrix to hold and transfer the electric charges transferred from a corresponding column of the plurality of read gate sections. Each of the plurality of transfer switch sections is provided for a termination section of a corresponding one of the plurality of vertical scanning charge transfer sections to control transfer of the electric charges from the corresponding vertical scanning charge transfer section. The horizontal scanning charge transfer section is provided for the plurality of transfer switch sections to hold and transfer the electric charges transferred from the plurality of vertical scanning charge transfer sections via the plurality of transfer switch sections.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a color image sensor for converting a color image into an electric signal, and a method of driving the color image sensor. Background technique

[0002] When using a charge transfer device having a one-dimensional charge-coupled cell, the read operation of a two-dimensional color image is performed as follows. First, white light is irradiated onto the printed image, and then the reflected or transmitted light is decomposed into red (R), green (G) and blue (B) three-color light. Next, the light of each color is received by the light-receiving portion of the one-dimensional charge-coupled unit, and converted into charges according to the amount of light. Next, the charge is transferred by the charge transfer portion, and the charge is converted into an electric signal by the charge-voltage converter provided at the end of the charge transfer portion. The electrical signal is then stored in memory. After this, the charg...

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