JP6702364B2 - Imaging device and imaging device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image pickup device and an image pickup apparatus.

The charges photoelectrically converted in the photoelectric conversion unit of the image sensor are converted into voltage signals and output to the signal lines. The voltage signal is sent to the processing circuit in the area where the photoelectric conversion unit is not provided. Conventionally, processing such as decimation and addition has been performed in the processing circuit (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[Prior Art Document]
[Patent Document]
[Patent Document 1] JP 2012-19491 A

When the information amount of the voltage signal sent from the photoelectric conversion unit to the processing circuit increases, the processing circuit that processes the information has a heavy load. For example, the load of a processing circuit that performs processes such as thinning and addition is greater when the information of three photoelectric conversion units is received than when the information of one photoelectric conversion unit is received. Therefore, it is required to reduce the processing load on the processing circuit.

In the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of first photoelectric conversion units arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction and converting light transmitted through a filter having the first spectral characteristic into electric charges, and a first photoelectric conversion unit. The light transmitted through the filters having the first spectral characteristics, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction, and a plurality of first transfer gates that are arranged one by one for transferring the charges of the first photoelectric conversion unit. Having a plurality of second photoelectric conversion units for converting electric charges into electric charges, and a plurality of second transfer gates arranged for each second photoelectric conversion unit and transferring electric charges of the second photoelectric conversion units. An element, the number of first photoelectric conversion units of the plurality of first photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the first transfer gate, and the second transfer gate of the plurality of second photoelectric conversion units to transfer the charges. And a drive circuit that drives the first transfer gate and the second transfer gate so that the number of the second photoelectric conversion units to be different from each other is different.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of first photoelectric conversion units arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction and converting light transmitted through a filter having the first spectral characteristic into electric charges, and a first photoelectric conversion unit. The light transmitted through the plurality of first transfer gates for transferring the charges of the first photoelectric conversion unit and the plurality of first transfer gates arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction and having the first spectral characteristic. And a plurality of second transfer gates for transferring the charges of the second photoelectric conversion unit, one for each second photoelectric conversion unit, Of the plurality of first photoelectric conversion units, the number of first photoelectric conversion units to which the charge is transferred by the first transfer gate, and among the plurality of second photoelectric conversion units, the second transfer gate to which the charge is transferred. An image sensor different from the number of the two photoelectric conversion units is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging device having the image sensor according to the second aspect.

Note that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all necessary features of the present invention. Further, a sub-combination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the single-lens reflex camera 400. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circuit structure of the image sensor 10 in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a circuit configuration of the image sensor 10. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of color filters in the image sensor 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a weighting mode in a region 37 of the image sensor 10. FIG. FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a weighting mode in a region 38 of the image sensor 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dynamic range mode in a region 37 of the image sensor 10. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circuit structure of the image pick-up element 40 in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Moreover, not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential to the solving means of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the single-lens reflex camera 400. A single-lens reflex camera 400 as an imaging device has an imaging element unit 200. The single-lens reflex camera 400 includes a lens unit 500 and a camera body 600. The lens unit 500 is attached to the camera body 600. The lens unit 500 has an optical system arranged along the optical axis 410 in its lens barrel, and guides an incident subject light flux to the image pickup device section 200 of the camera body 600.

The camera body 600 includes a main mirror 672 and a sub mirror 674 behind the body mount 660 coupled to the lens mount 550. The main mirror 672 is rotatably supported between an oblique position that is oblique to the subject light flux incident from the lens unit 500 and a retracted position that retracts from the subject light flux. The sub mirror 674 is rotatably supported by the main mirror 672.

When the main mirror 672 is in the oblique position, most of the subject light flux incident through the lens unit 500 is reflected by the main mirror 672 and guided to the focusing plate 652. The focus plate 652 is arranged at a position conjugate with the light receiving surface of the image pickup chip to visualize the subject image formed by the optical system of the lens unit 500. The subject image formed on the focusing plate 652 is observed from the viewfinder 650 through the pentaprism 654 and the viewfinder optical system 656. A part of the subject light flux that has entered the main mirror 672 at the oblique position passes through the half mirror region of the main mirror 672 and enters the sub mirror 674. The sub mirror 674 reflects a part of the light flux incident from the half mirror area toward the focusing optical system 680. The focusing optical system 680 guides a part of the incident light flux to the focus detection sensor 682.

The focusing plate 652, the penta prism 654, the main mirror 672, and the sub mirror 674 are supported by the mirror box 670 as a structure. The image pickup device section 200 is attached to the mirror box 670. When the main mirror 672 and the sub mirror 674 are retracted to the retracted positions and the front curtain and the rear curtain of the shutter unit 340 are opened, the subject light flux passing through the lens unit 500 reaches the light receiving surface of the image pickup chip.

A body substrate 620 and a rear display unit 634 are sequentially arranged behind the image pickup device unit 200. The rear display unit 634 that employs a liquid crystal panel or the like appears on the rear surface of the camera body 600. Electronic circuits such as a CPU 622 and an image processing ASIC 624 are mounted on the body substrate 620. The output of the image pickup chip is delivered to the image processing ASIC 624 via the flexible substrate electrically connected to the above-mentioned glass substrate.

Although the single-lens reflex camera 400 has been described as an example of the image pickup apparatus in the above-described embodiment, the camera body 600 may be regarded as an image pickup apparatus. Further, the imaging device is not limited to the interchangeable lens camera including the mirror unit, but may be a interchangeable lens camera without the mirror unit, or a lens-integrated camera regardless of the presence or absence of the mirror unit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the circuit configuration of the image sensor 10 according to the first embodiment. The image pickup device 10 includes a first photoelectric conversion unit 26, a second photoelectric conversion unit 27, a third photoelectric conversion unit 29, a fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28, a signal line 25, a correlated double sampling circuit (hereinafter, referred to as CDS). A plurality of (Correlated Double Sampling) circuits 32) and AD conversion circuits 34 are provided. The image sensor 10 also includes a drive circuit 30 and a control unit 35.

Each of the 1st photoelectric conversion unit 26, the 2nd photoelectric conversion unit 27, the 3rd photoelectric conversion unit 29, and the 4th photoelectric conversion unit 28 has a plurality of photoelectric conversion parts which accumulate the photoelectrically converted charges. Have. In the present example, the first photoelectric conversion unit 26, the second photoelectric conversion unit 27, the third photoelectric conversion unit 29, and the fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28 are two photoelectric conversion units provided along the first direction. Each has a converter.

In addition, in this specification, the first direction may be a so-called column direction or a vertical direction. Moreover, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be a so-called row direction or a horizontal direction.

Filters having the same spectral characteristics are provided corresponding to the photoelectric conversion units 12 provided in at least two or more photoelectric conversion units. In the present example, each of the first photoelectric conversion unit 26, the second photoelectric conversion unit 27, the third photoelectric conversion unit 29, and the fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28 is provided with a filter having the same spectral characteristic. ..

A first filter having a first spectral characteristic is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of first photoelectric conversion units 26. In this example, the first filter may be a red color filter. The first spectral characteristic may be a characteristic that only electromagnetic waves in the wavelength band from 620 nm to 750 nm are transmitted.

A second filter having a second spectral characteristic is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of second photoelectric conversion units 27 and the plurality of fourth photoelectric conversion units 28. In this example, the second filter may be a green color filter. The second spectral characteristic may be a characteristic that only electromagnetic waves in the wavelength band from 495 nm to 570 nm are transmitted.

A third filter having a third spectral characteristic is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of third photoelectric conversion units 29. In this example, the third filter may be a blue color filter. Further, the third spectral characteristic may be a characteristic of transmitting only electromagnetic waves in the wavelength band of 450 nm to 495 nm.

The first photoelectric conversion units 26 and the second photoelectric conversion units 27 are alternately arranged along the first direction. Therefore, in the three first photoelectric conversion units 26 that are closest to each other in the first direction, the second first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 is the third first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 and the third first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2. It is provided between the second first unit 26-3. That is, in this example, along the first direction, the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1, the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1, the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 27. -2, and the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-3 are provided in this order.

The fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28-1 is provided adjacent to the first unit 26-1 in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28-1 and the third photoelectric conversion unit 29-1 are alternately arranged along the first direction. That is, in this example, the fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28-1, the third photoelectric conversion unit 29-1, the fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28-2, and the third photoelectric conversion unit 29 are arranged along the first direction. -2, and the fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28-3 are provided in this order.

Note that the photoelectric conversion units are illustrated so as to be provided in units of five in the first direction, but the number of photoelectric conversion units arranged along the first direction is not limited to five.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the circuit configuration of the image sensor 10. In particular, this drawing is an enlarged view of a portion in which the first photoelectric conversion units 26 and the second photoelectric conversion units 27 are alternately arranged along the first direction. In this example, a weighting mode for weighting and outputting the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 12 will be described.

Each of the first photoelectric conversion unit 26 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 27 includes a photoelectric conversion unit 12, a transfer unit 14, a charge removal unit 16, an amplification unit 18, an output unit 20, a high potential unit 21, and a charge-voltage conversion unit. Have 23.

A filter having a predetermined spectral characteristic is provided close to the photoelectric conversion unit 12. The photoelectric conversion unit 12 generates electric charges (photoelectric conversion) according to the amount of light incident through the filter. In addition, the photoelectric conversion unit 12 stores the photoelectrically converted charges. The accumulated charges are, for example, electrons.

The transfer unit 14 is provided between the photoelectric conversion unit 12 and the charge-voltage conversion unit 23. In this example, the transfer unit 14 is a transistor having a gate, a source and a drain. When a control signal is applied from the drive circuit 30 to the gate of the transfer unit 14, the transfer unit 14 transfers the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 12 to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23.

The transfer unit 14 is electrically connected to the corresponding photoelectric conversion unit. In this example, the two first transfer units 14-1 and 14-2 are electrically connected to the two photoelectric conversion units 12-1 and 12-2 in the first first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1, respectively. Connected to each other. Further, the two second transfer units 14-5 and 14-6 are electrically connected to the two photoelectric conversion units 12-5 and 12-6 in the second first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2, respectively. Connected. Further, the two third transfer sections 14-9 and 14-10 are electrically connected to the two photoelectric conversion sections 12-9 and 12-10 in the third first photoelectric conversion unit 26-3, respectively. Connected.

The transfer unit 14 transfers the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 12 to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23 of the photoelectric conversion unit. The two first transfer units 14-1 and 14-2 respectively charge the charges accumulated in the two photoelectric conversion units 12-1 and 12-2 in the first first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1. The data is transferred to the first charge-voltage converter 23-1. Also, the two second transfer units 14-5 and 14-6 respectively convert the charges accumulated in the two photoelectric conversion units in the second first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 into the second charge-voltage conversion. Transfer to section 23-2. Furthermore, the two third transfer units 14-9 and 14-10 respectively transfer the charges accumulated in the two photoelectric conversion units 12-9 and 12-10 in the third first photoelectric conversion unit to the first photoelectric conversion unit 12-9. 3 charge-voltage converter 23-3.

The charge removing unit 16 is provided between the high potential unit 21 and the charge/voltage converting unit 23. In this example, the charge exclusion unit 16 is a transistor having a gate, a source and a drain. When a control signal is applied from the drive circuit 30 to the gate of the charge eliminating unit 16, the charge eliminating unit 16 makes the electric potential of the charge-voltage converting unit 23 substantially the same as that of the high electric potential unit 21. In this example, the charge removing unit 16 removes the electrons accumulated in the charge-voltage converting unit 23.

The amplification unit 18 is provided between the output unit 20 and the high potential unit 21. In this example, the amplification unit 18 is a transistor having a gate, a source and a drain. The gate of the amplification unit 18 is electrically connected to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23. As a result, the amplification unit 18 outputs a current to the output unit 20 by amplifying the voltage of the charge-voltage conversion unit 23.

The output unit 20 is provided between the amplification unit 18 and the signal line 25-1. In this example, the output unit 20 is a transistor having a gate, a source and a drain. When the control signal is applied from the drive circuit 30 to the gate of the output unit 20, the output unit 20 outputs the current to the signal line 25-1 with the voltage amplified by the amplification unit 18. As a result, a signal corresponding to the amplified voltage of the charge-voltage converter 23 is output as a signal to the signal line 25-1. As a result, the output unit 20 outputs a signal corresponding to the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 12 to the signal line 25-1.

The first output unit 20-1 outputs a signal corresponding to the charges accumulated in the two photoelectric conversion units 12-1 and 12-2 in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 to the signal line 25-1. To do. Further, the second output section 20-2 outputs a signal corresponding to the charges accumulated in the two photoelectric conversion sections 12-3 and 12-4 in the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1 to the signal line 25-1. Output to.

The high potential portion 21 is electrically connected to the power supply voltage (V _DD ). The high potential section 21 supplies a high potential to the charge elimination section 16 and the amplification section 18. The high potential may be any potential as long as the charge eliminating operation of the charge eliminating unit 16 and the amplifying operation of the amplifying unit 18 can be performed. A common power supply voltage (V _DD ) is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion units 26-1, 27-1, 26-2, 27-2 and 26-3.

The charges transferred from the transfer unit 14 are accumulated in the charge-voltage converter 23. Two first transfer units 14-1 and 14-2 are electrically connected to the first charge-voltage converter 23-1. Further, two second transfer units 14-5 and 14-6 are electrically connected to the second charge-voltage converter 23-3. Further, two third transfer units 14-9 and 14-10 are electrically connected to the third charge-voltage conversion unit 23-5.

In this example, the charge-voltage converter 23 is a so-called floating diffusion region. The charge-voltage converter 23 may be a capacitor having one end electrically connected to the output of the transfer unit 14 and the other end grounded. The charges transferred from the transfer unit 14 are accumulated at the other end of the charge-voltage converter 23. As a result, the charge-voltage converter 23 converts the accumulated charge into a potential. The potential of the gate of the amplifier 18 becomes equal to the potential of the one end of the charge-voltage converter 23.

The charge addition unit 22 electrically connects two or more photoelectric conversion units. The charge addition unit 22-1 adds the charges accumulated in the one or more photoelectric conversion units 12 selected by the drive circuit 30 between at least two or more first photoelectric conversion units 26. Similarly, the charge addition unit 22-2 adds the charges accumulated in the one or more photoelectric conversion units 12 selected by the drive circuit 30 between at least two or more second photoelectric conversion units 27.

The charge adder 22-1 includes a first charge-voltage converter 23-1, a second charge-voltage converter 23-3, a first charge-voltage converter 23-1 and a second charge-voltage converter 23-3. It has the 1st connection part which connects, and the 2nd connection part which connects the 2nd charge voltage converter 23-3 and the 3rd charge voltage converter 23-5. Similarly, the charge addition unit 22-2 connects the charge-voltage converter 23-2, the charge-voltage converter 23-4, the charge-voltage converter 23-2, and the charge-voltage converter 23-4 to each other. Have.

The connection unit is a concept that includes a plurality of charge-voltage conversion units 23 and wirings and switching units that connect the plurality of charge-voltage conversion units 23. In this example, the first connection unit includes the charge-voltage converters 23-1 and 23-3, a wiring connecting the charge-voltage converters 23-1 and 23-3, and the first switching unit 24-1. The second connection unit includes load voltage conversion units 23-3 and 23-5, wirings that connect the charge voltage conversion units 23-3 and 23-5, and a second switching unit 24-3.

The first switching unit 24-1 includes a connection state in which the first charge-voltage converting unit 23-1 and the second charge-voltage converting unit 23-3 are electrically connected, a first charge-voltage converting unit 23-1, and a first charge-voltage converting unit 23-1. The 2 charge-voltage converter 23-3 is switched to a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected. Similarly, the second switching unit 24-3 includes a connection state in which the second charge-voltage converter 23-3 and the third charge-voltage converter 23-5 are electrically connected, and a second charge-voltage converter 23-. The third and third charge-voltage converters 23-5 are switched to a disconnected state in which they are electrically disconnected.

When the switching unit 24 is in the ON state, the charge-voltage conversion units 23 in each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units are electrically connected and have substantially the same potential. On the other hand, when the switching unit 24 is off, the charge-voltage conversion unit 23 in each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units is not electrically connected.

A pixel signal is output to the signal line 25 from each output section 20 in the plurality of photoelectric conversion units arranged along the first direction. The output pixel signal is input to the CDS circuit.

One CDS circuit 32 is provided corresponding to one signal line 25. The CDS circuit 32 outputs the output signal (S _R ) of the output unit 20 in a state in which the charge temporarily stored in the charge-voltage conversion unit 23 is removed (reset state) by turning on the charge removal unit 16 at a certain timing. Record. Next, by turning off the charge removing unit 16 and turning on the transfer unit 14, the amplifying unit 18, and the output unit 20, after the reset state, the CDS circuit 32 is in a state where the charges are accumulated in the charge-voltage converting unit 23. The output signal (S _S ) of the output unit 20 in the (accumulation state) is recorded.

Then, the CDS circuit 32 calculates the difference between S _R and S _S. By using the difference between S _R and S _S as an image signal, it is possible to reduce image deterioration due to threshold variation of the amplification unit 18 among a plurality of photoelectric conversion units. In the following description of the embodiments, the operation of the CDS circuit is not mentioned, but the image pickup device of each embodiment may operate using the CDS circuit 32.

One AD conversion circuit 34 is provided for each CDS circuit 32. AD conversion circuit 34 converts the analog signal CDS circuit 32 is output (the difference between _{S R} and _{S S)} into a digital signal. Thereby, the analog information corresponding to the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit 12 is converted into digital information. Finally, the digital information corresponding to each photoelectric conversion unit 12 is displayed on the display as an image.

The control unit 35 controls the drive circuit 30 to operate the transfer unit 14, the charge removing unit 16, the output unit 20, and the switching unit 24. That is, the control unit 35 controls the pulse timing to the gates in the transfer unit 14, the charge removal unit 16, the output unit 20, and the switching unit 24, so that the transfer unit 14, the charge removal unit 16, the output unit 20, and the switching unit. Control 24.

The control unit 35 selects one or more photoelectric conversion units 12 in each of at least two or more photoelectric conversion units among the plurality of photoelectric conversion units. Similarly, the control unit 35 selects one or more photoelectric conversion units 12 in each of at least two or more units among the plurality of photoelectric conversion units. Below, the case where the photoelectric conversion part 12 in a some photoelectric conversion unit is selected is described.

The control unit 35 includes one photoelectric conversion unit 12 in the first first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1, two photoelectric conversion units 12 in the second first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2, and , One of the third photoelectric conversion units 26-3 in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-3 is selected to output charges. Each of the photoelectric conversion units 12 has almost the same function and performance. Therefore, charges are output to the first charge-voltage converter 23-1, the second charge-voltage converter 23-3, and the third charge-voltage converter 23-5 at a ratio of 1:2:1.

The control unit 35 controls the timing of performing the switching operation of the first switching unit 24-1 and the second switching unit 24-3. The control unit 35 turns on the switching units 24-1 and 24-3 so that the charge-voltage conversion units 23-1, 23-3, and 23 of the selected photoelectric conversion unit 12 to the charge addition unit 22-1. The charges output to -5 are added.

For example, it is assumed that each photoelectric conversion unit 12 accumulates the charge (Q) in a predetermined charge accumulation period. Here, it is assumed that the first charge-voltage converter 23-1 and the second charge-voltage converter 23-3 have the same capacitance C. The transfer unit 14-1, the transfer units 14-5 and 14-6, and 14-10 are turned on at the same time, so that the first charge-voltage converter 23-1 receives the charge (Q) and the second charge-voltage converter 23. The charge (2Q) is transferred to −3, and the charge (Q) is transferred to the second charge-voltage converter 23-5. It is assumed that the on resistance of the transistors in the transfer unit 14 and the switching unit 24 can be ignored. The voltages of the first charge-voltage converter 23-1, the second charge-voltage converter 23-3, and the third charge-voltage converter 23-5 are V (=Q/C) and 2V (=2Q/C), respectively. , And V (=Q/C).

Here, when the switching unit 24-1 and the switching unit 24-3 are turned on, the charge (Q), the charge (2Q), and the charge (Q) are mixed in the charge adding unit 22. In the charge addition unit 22, there are a total of 4Q of charges. Since the total capacity of the first charge-voltage converter 23-1, the second charge-voltage converter 23-3, and the third charge-voltage converter 23-5 is 3C, the first charge-voltage converter 23-1, The second charge-voltage converter 23-3 and the third charge-voltage converter 23-5 each have a voltage of 4V/3 (=4Q/3C). Then, when the amplification unit 18-3 and the output unit 20-3 are turned on, a current according to the voltage of the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-3 is output as a signal to the signal line 25-1.

Here, the control unit 35 may notify a processing circuit provided at a stage subsequent to the AD conversion circuit 34 that the switching units 24-1 and 24-3 are turned on. As a result, the processing circuit outputs a signal indicating that the charges are mixed in the first photoelectric conversion units 26-1, 26-2, and 26-5, and that the charges accumulated in the charge-voltage converter 23-3 are output. You can see that it was done.

Therefore, at the stage of inputting a signal to the signal line 25-1, the charge accumulated in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 is converted into the charge accumulated in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 and the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1. The charges accumulated in the conversion unit 26-3 can be weighted. In the present example in which the number of photoelectric conversion units 12 that read charges in the three adjacent photoelectric conversion units is 1:2:1, the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1: the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2: The weighting ratio of the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-3 is 1:2:1. This makes it possible to simplify the processing of the subsequent circuit when performing the weighting processing. Moreover, since the number of signals to be read is small, the post-stage circuit can operate at high speed.

The control unit 35 may similarly perform the weighting operation on the plurality of photoelectric conversion units in the first direction and the second direction. The control unit 35 also controls the operations of the CDS circuit 32, the AD conversion circuit 34, and the like.

(Modification: All-Pixel Read Mode) The control unit 35 may control the image sensor 10 in the all-pixel read mode. In the all-pixel reading mode, pixels are not added between photoelectric conversion units, which is different from the first embodiment.

In the all-pixel reading mode, the two photoelectric conversion units 12 in one photoelectric conversion unit are independently read. For example, the combined control unit 35 selects the two photoelectric conversion units 12-1 and 12-2 in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 at different timings. Then, the control unit 35 causes the charge accumulated in the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-1 to be independently output to the output unit 20-1.

Further, the control unit 35 further differs from the timing at which the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 is selected for the two photoelectric conversion units 12-3 and 12-4 in the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1. Select at the timing. Then, the control unit 35 outputs the accumulated charges to the output unit independently of each other.

The control unit 35 may control the image sensor 10 by combining the weighting mode and the all-pixel reading mode. By combining the weighting mode and the all-pixel reading mode, the load on the post-stage processing circuit can be reduced.

The control unit 35 may process each analog signal output from the output unit 20 with the CDS circuit and the AD conversion circuit, and then add the analog signal with the signal processing unit 36. For example, the control unit 35 causes the output unit 20 to output the charges accumulated in the one or more photoelectric conversion units 12 selected in the photoelectric conversion unit to the output unit 20 via the charge-voltage conversion unit 23, and outputs each of the output charges. Each corresponding analog signal is output from the output unit 20 to the signal line 25. Then, the control unit 35 may cause the signal processing unit 36 to perform addition processing on the analog signal corresponding to the charge storage amount of each photoelectric conversion unit 12.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of color filters in the image sensor 10. Each photoelectric conversion unit is shown surrounded by a thick line.

Two red (R) filters are provided in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1. The second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1 is provided with two green (G) filters. Two blue (B) filters are provided in the third photoelectric conversion unit 29-1. Two green (G) filters are provided in the fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28-1. The first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 and the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1 are adjacent to each other in the first direction. The first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 and the fourth photoelectric conversion unit 28-1 are adjacent to each other in the second direction. Further, the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1 and the third photoelectric conversion unit 29-1 are adjacent to each other in the second direction.

In this example, a block 39 (dotted line) having two red (R) filters, two green (G) filters, two green (G) filters, and two blue (B) filters is a block of the image sensor 10. It is a unit unit that can be packed on the surface on which the filter is provided. An area in which the blocks 39 are arranged in the first direction is referred to as an area 37.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the weighting mode in the area 37 of the image sensor 10. Note that the position of the photoelectric conversion unit 12 is also referred to with reference to FIG. 3. The control unit 35 selects the photoelectric conversion unit 12-2 on the second first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 side in the first first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 to output the charge. In the third first photoelectric conversion unit 26-3, the photoelectric conversion unit 12-9 on the second first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 side is selected to output electric charges. Then, the charge addition unit 22-1 adds the output charges. By the control method, the signal corresponding to the pixel information of each color can be weighted 1:2:1.

In the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1, when the photoelectric conversion unit 12-1 on the opposite side to the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 is selected, the photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 side photoelectric The conversion unit 12-2 cannot contribute to weighting. That is, the photoelectric conversion unit 12-2 is wasted. On the other hand, in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1, the photoelectric conversion unit 12-2 on the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 side is selected, and in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-3, By selecting the photoelectric conversion unit 12-9 on the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 side, the photoelectric conversion units 12 that do not contribute to weighting can be reduced.

In the first photoelectric conversion units 26-1, 26-2, and 26-3 arranged at equal intervals in the first direction, one red (R ₂ ) filter on the side of the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 is used. A region in which two red (R ₃ and R ₄ ) filters and one red (R ₉ ) filter on the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 side are provided is referred to as a region 38.

Similarly for the blue (B) filter and the green (G) filter, the control unit 35 selects the photoelectric conversion unit 12 in the same manner as the example of the region 38 in the above-described red (R) filter, and thereby the entire pixel region is selected. In, it is possible to reduce the number of photoelectric conversion units 12 that do not contribute to weighting.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of the weighting mode in the area 38 of the image sensor 10. Note that the positions of the photoelectric conversion unit 12, the transfer unit 14, the charge removal unit 16, and the output unit 20 are also referred to with reference to FIG. Here is accumulated particularly red (R) filter _{R 2,} R 5, _{R 6} and, in the photoelectric conversion unit 12-2,12-5,12-6 and 12-9 provided corresponding to _{R 9} An example in which electric charges are added will be described.

The control unit 35 controls the gates of the transfer unit 14-2 (TX_R ₂ ), the transfer unit 14-5 (TX_R ₅ ), the transfer unit 14-6 (TX_R ₆ ), and the transfer unit 14-9 (TX_R ₉ ) through the drive circuit 30. Give a pulse signal to. Each transfer unit 14 is turned on or off by the pulse signal.

The control unit 35 gives a pulse signal to the gates of the charge removing units 16-1, 16-3 and 16-5 (RST 1, RST 3, RST 5) through the drive circuit 30. The charge removing unit 16 removes the charges accumulated in the charge-voltage converting unit 23.

The control unit 35 gives a pulse signal to the gate of the output unit 20 through the drive circuit 30. The output unit 20 is turned on or off according to the pulse signal. In this example, the output unit to be turned on may be any output unit 20 provided corresponding to the photoelectric conversion units 12-2, 12-5, 12-6, and 12-9. For example, the gate of the output unit 20-3 (SEL 3) is turned on.

The control unit 35 gives a pulse signal to the gates of the switching units 24-1 and 24-3 through the drive circuit 30. The pulse signals turn on or off the gates of the switching units 24-1 and 24-3. Switching unit 24-1 and 24-3, a red (R) filter _{R 2, R 5, R 6} , and the photoelectric conversion unit provided corresponding to _{R 9} 12-2,12-5,12-6 And the charges accumulated in 12-9 are added.

The transfer unit 14-2 (TX_R ₂ ) electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 12-2 is turned on at timing t ₁ . As a result, the transfer unit 14-2 eliminates the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 12-2 into the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-1 (charge elimination operation). Then, the charge is accumulated in the charge-voltage converter 23-1. The charge accumulation period in the photoelectric conversion unit 12-1 starts from the timing of the charge elimination operation.

The charge removal unit 16-1 (RST 1) turns on at timing t ₅ . As a result, the charge removal unit 16-1 removes the charges removed by the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-1 by the charge removal operation.

The transfer unit 14-2 (TX_R ₂ ) is turned on again at the timing t ₈ . As a result, the transfer unit 14-1 transfers the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit 12-1 to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-1 (charge transfer operation). Until the timing t _8, to charge accumulation period in the photoelectric conversion unit 12-1 is finished. That is, the period from the timing (timing t ₁ ) when the transfer unit 14-2 (TX_R ₂ ) is turned on to the timing (timing t ₈ ) when the transfer unit 14-1 (TX_R ₂ ) is next turned on is red (R). This is the charge accumulation period of the photoelectric conversion unit 12-1 provided corresponding to the filter R ₂ .

Similarly, the charge accumulation periods in the photoelectric conversion units 12-5, 12-6, and 12-9 are also from the timing (timing t ₁ ) when the transfer unit 14 is turned on to the timing (timing t) when the transfer unit 14 is turned on next. Up to ₈ ). In this example, the charge accumulation periods in the photoelectric conversion units 12-2, 12-5, 12-6, and 12-9 are the same.

At timing _{t 8,} the switching unit 24-1 (CON 1,2_5,6) and the switching section 24-3 (CON 5,6_7,8) are turned on simultaneously. Therefore, the charges accumulated in the charge-voltage converters 23-1 and 23-3 are added to each other. Therefore, the voltages of the charge-voltage converters 23-1 and 23-3 become equal.

Incidentally, at the timing _{t 8,} the output unit 20-3 (SEL 3) is in an on state. Therefore, a signal corresponding to the mixed charges is output to the signal line 25-1. Thus, red (R) filter _{R 2, R 5, R 6} , and stored in the photoelectric conversion unit 12-2,12-5,12-6 and 12-9 provided corresponding to _{R 9} The charges can be added. Thus, R ₂ , R ₅ and R ₆ , and R ₉ can be used to weight the pixel signal corresponding to the red (R) filter with a ratio of 1:2:1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dynamic range mode in a region 37 of the image sensor 10. For the positions of the photoelectric conversion unit 12, the transfer unit 14, the amplification unit 18, and the output unit 20, refer also to FIG.

In this example, the control unit 35 selects the two photoelectric conversion units 12-1 and 12-2 in the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 and stores them in the respective photoelectric conversion units 12-1 and 12-2. The added charges are added. In addition, in the image sensor 10, the transfer units 14-1 and 14-2 are both electrically connected to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23. Therefore, when the transistors of the transfer units 14-1 and 14-2 are turned on, the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion units 12-1 and 12-2 are output to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-1 and added. To be done. The control unit 35 turns on the transistor of the amplification unit 18-1 to output the added charge to the first output unit 20-1.

Similarly, the control unit 35 selects the two photoelectric conversion units 12-3 and 12-4 in the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1 and stores them in the respective photoelectric conversion units 12-3 and 12-4. Added charge. The control unit 35 turns on the transistor of the amplification unit 18-2 to output the added charge to the second output unit 20-2. The first output unit 20-1 and the second output unit 20. The pixel signals output from -2 are output to the signal line 25-1 at different timings.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the circuit configuration of the image sensor 40 according to the second embodiment. In the image pickup device 40 of the second embodiment, photoelectric conversion in which a filter having the same spectral characteristic is provided for each of the charge elimination unit 16, the amplification unit 18, the output unit 20, and the charge-voltage conversion unit 23. The difference from the image sensor 10 of the first embodiment is that four units 12 are provided. In addition, the four photoelectric conversion units 12 include the second photoelectric conversion units 12 between the two first photoelectric conversion units 26 including the two photoelectric conversion units 12 in the first direction. The difference is that the photoelectric conversion unit 27 is provided.

In this example, the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1, the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1, the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 27 are sequentially arranged in the first direction. -2 is provided. The first photoelectric conversion unit 26-1 has photoelectric conversion units 12-1 and 12-2 provided with a red (R) filter. The second photoelectric conversion unit 27-1 has photoelectric conversion units 12-3 and 12-4 provided with a green (G) filter. The first photoelectric conversion unit 26-2 has photoelectric conversion units 12-5 and 12-6 provided with a red (R) filter. The second photoelectric conversion unit 27-2 has photoelectric conversion units 12-7 and 12-8 provided with a green (G) filter.

The photoelectric conversion units 12-1, 12-2, 12-5 and 12-6 are connected to the transfer units 14-1, 14-2, 14-5 and 14-6, respectively. The transfer units 14-1, 14-2, 14-5 and 14-6 are commonly connected to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-1. The configurations of the charge elimination unit 16-1, the amplification unit 18-1, the output unit 20-1, and the high potential unit 21 are the same as those of the image pickup device 10 according to the first embodiment.

The photoelectric conversion units 12-3, 12-4, 12-7 and 12-8 are connected to the transfer units 14-3, 14-4, 14-7 and 14-8, respectively. The transfer units 14-3, 14-4, 14-7, and 14-8 are commonly connected to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-2. The configurations of the charge removing unit 16-2, the amplifying unit 18-2, the output unit 20-2, and the high-potential unit 21 are the same as those of the image sensor 10 according to the first embodiment.

The first photoelectric conversion unit 26-3, the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-3, the first photoelectric conversion unit 26-4, and the second photoelectric conversion unit 27-4 are sequentially arranged in the first direction. Is provided. The first photoelectric conversion unit 26-3 has photoelectric conversion units 12-9 and 12-10 provided with a red (R) filter. The second photoelectric conversion unit 27-3 has photoelectric conversion units 12-11 and 12-12 provided with a green (G) filter. The first photoelectric conversion unit 26-4 has photoelectric conversion units 12-13 and 12-14 provided with a red (R) filter. The second photoelectric conversion unit 27-4 has photoelectric conversion units 12-15 and 12-16 provided with a green (G) filter.

The photoelectric conversion units 12-9, 12-10, 12-13 and 12-14 are connected to the transfer units 14-9, 14-10, 14-13 and 14-14, respectively. The transfer units 14-9, 14-10, 14-13, and 14-14 are commonly connected to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-3. The configurations of the charge removing unit 16-3, the amplifying unit 18-3, the output unit 20-3, and the high-potential unit 21 are the same as those of the image sensor 10 according to the first embodiment.

The photoelectric conversion units 12-11, 12-12, 12-15 and 12-16 are connected to the transfer units 14-11, 14-12, 14-15 and 14-16, respectively. The transfer units 14-11, 14-12, 14-15 and 14-16 are commonly connected to the charge-voltage conversion unit 23-4. The configurations of the charge elimination unit 16-4, the amplification unit 18-4, the output unit 20-4, and the high potential unit 21 are the same as those of the image pickup device 10 according to the first embodiment.

The charge addition unit 22 electrically connects the first photoelectric conversion units 26 or the second photoelectric conversion units 27 having the color filters of the same color to each other. In this example, the charge addition unit 22-1 includes a charge/voltage conversion unit 23-1, a switching unit 24-1, and a charge/voltage conversion unit 23-3. The switching unit 24-1 is provided between the charge-voltage converter 23-1 and the charge-voltage converter 23-3. The charge addition unit 22-1 adds the charges accumulated in the charge/voltage conversion units 23-1 and 23-3 through the switching unit 24-1. Thereby, the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion units 12-1, 12-2, 12-5 and 12-6 and the photoelectric conversion units 12-9, 12-10, 12-13 and 12-14 are added. It

The charge addition unit 22-2 includes a charge/voltage conversion unit 23-2, a switching unit 24-2, and a charge/voltage conversion unit 23-4. The switching unit 24-2 is provided between the charge-voltage converter 23-2 and the charge-voltage converter 23-4. The charge addition unit 22-2 adds the charges accumulated in the charge/voltage conversion units 23-2 and 23-4 through the switching unit 24-2. As a result, the charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion units 12-3, 12-4, 12-7 and 12-8, and the photoelectric conversion units 12-11, 12-12, 12-15 and 12-16 are added. It

It should be noted that the charge elimination unit 16, the amplification unit 18, the output unit 20, the charge-voltage conversion unit 23, the high potential unit 21, the signal line 25, the drive circuit 30, the CDS circuit 32, the AD conversion circuit 34, and the control unit 35 are connected and The function is the same as that of the image sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

In this example, four photoelectric conversion units 12 are provided for each one of the charge elimination unit 16, the amplification unit 18, the output unit 20, and the charge-voltage conversion unit 23. Seven transistors for outputting the signals from the four photoelectric conversion units 12 (four transistors in the photoelectric conversion unit 12, one charge removal unit 16, one amplification unit 18, one output transistor, and one charge-voltage conversion unit 23). ) Is used to form a so-called 1.75 transistor.

In addition, in the first embodiment, five transistors (two transistors in the photoelectric conversion unit 12, a charge removal unit 16, an amplification unit 18, an output unit 20, and a charge) are provided in order to output signals from the two photoelectric conversion units 12. Since each one transistor of the voltage converter 23 is used, the configuration is a so-called 2.5 transistor. With the configuration of 1.75 transistors as in this example, the number of transistors required for each photoelectric conversion unit 12 can be reduced. Further, this can reduce power consumption.

In this example, four photoelectric conversion units 12 provided with filters having the same spectral characteristics are arranged for each of the charge removal unit 16, the amplification unit 18, the output unit 20, and the charge-voltage conversion unit 23. Was done. However, the number of photoelectric conversion units 12 provided with filters having the same spectral characteristic is not limited to four. For example, the number may be five instead of four.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiment added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The order of execution of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, the specification, and the drawings is "preceding" and "prior to prior". It should be noted that the output of the previous process can be realized in any order unless it is used in the subsequent process. The operation flow in the claims, the specification, and the drawings is described by using “first,” “next,” and the like for the sake of convenience, but it is essential that the operations are performed in this order. Not a thing.

10 image pickup device, 12 photoelectric conversion unit, 14 transfer unit, 16 charge elimination unit, 18 amplification unit, 20 output unit, 21 high potential unit, 22 charge addition unit, 23 charge/voltage conversion unit, 24 switching unit, 25 signal line, 26 1st photoelectric conversion unit, 27 2nd photoelectric conversion unit, 28 4th photoelectric conversion unit, 29 3rd photoelectric conversion unit, 30 drive circuit, 32 CDS circuit, 34 AD conversion circuit, 35 Control part, 36 Signal processing unit, 37 region, 38 region, 39 block, 40 image sensor, 200 image sensor unit, 340 shutter unit, 410 optical axis, 400 single-lens reflex camera, 500 lens unit, 550 lens mount, 600 camera body, 620 body substrate , 622 CPU, 624 Image processing ASIC, 634 Rear display section, 650 viewfinder, 652 focus plate, 654 pentaprism, 656 viewfinder optical system, 660 body mount, 670 mirror box, 672 main mirror, 674 sub-mirror, 680 focusing optical system , 682 Focus detection sensor

Claims (21)

A plurality of first photoelectric conversion units arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction and converting light transmitted through a filter having the first spectral characteristic into electric charges; A plurality of first transfer gates for transferring charges of the first photoelectric conversion unit, and a plurality of first transfer gates arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction and converting light transmitted through the filter having the first spectral characteristic into charges. An image pickup device having two photoelectric conversion units and a plurality of second transfer gates, one for each of the second photoelectric conversion units, for transferring charges of the second photoelectric conversion unit;
Among the plurality of first photoelectric conversion unit, wherein the number of said first photoelectric conversion unit in which the first charge by the transfer gate are transferred among the plurality of second photoelectric conversion unit, charge by the second transfer gate A driving circuit that drives the first transfer gate and the second transfer gate so that the number of the second photoelectric conversion units to which
An imaging device including. In the image pickup device, the first charge-voltage conversion unit in which the charge from the first photoelectric conversion unit is transferred by the first transfer gate, and the charge from the second photoelectric conversion unit in the second transfer gate are transferred. And a second charge-voltage converter that
The drive circuit is configured to charge the second photoelectric conversion unit by the second transfer gate during a period in which the first transfer gate transfers the charge from the first photoelectric conversion unit to the first charge-voltage conversion unit. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first transfer gate and the second transfer gate are driven so as to transfer the charge to the second charge-voltage converter. The image pickup device according to claim 2, wherein the image pickup element includes a connection portion that connects the first charge-voltage converter and the second charge-voltage converter. The image pickup device according to claim 3, wherein the connection unit includes a transistor for connecting the first charge-voltage converter and the second charge-voltage converter. In the drive circuit, the number of the first photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the first transfer gate is different from the number of the second photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the second transfer gate. In such a case, the image pickup device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connection unit connects the first charge-voltage converter and the second charge-voltage converter. The image pickup device has a first region on which light is incident and a second region different from the first region on which light is incident,
The plurality of first photoelectric conversion units are arranged in the first region,
It said plurality second photoelectric conversion unit of the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 which is arranged in the second region. The image pickup device is provided with a plurality of third photoelectric conversion units that convert light into electric charges, and one third photoelectric conversion unit for each of the third photoelectric conversion units, and a third transfer for transferring the electric charges of the third photoelectric conversion units. And a gate,
Wherein the driving circuit, among the plurality of second photoelectric conversion unit, the number of the second photoelectric conversion unit which charges are transferred by the second transfer gate, among the plurality of third photoelectric conversion unit, the first The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second transfer gate and the third transfer gate are driven so that the number of the third photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the three transfer gates are different from each other. In the image pickup device, the first charge-voltage conversion unit in which the charge from the first photoelectric conversion unit is transferred by the first transfer gate, and the charge from the second photoelectric conversion unit in the second transfer gate are transferred. A second charge-voltage converter, and a third charge-voltage converter to which the charge from the third photoelectric converter is transferred by the third transfer gate,
The drive circuit is configured to charge the third photoelectric conversion unit by the third transfer gate while the first transfer gate transfers the electric charge from the first photoelectric conversion unit to the first charge-voltage conversion unit. To the third charge-voltage converter, and the third transfer gate causes the third charge-voltage converter to transfer the charge from the second photoelectric converter to the second charge-voltage converter. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the first transfer gate, the second transfer gate, and the third transfer gate are driven so as to transfer charges from a 3-photoelectric conversion unit to the third charge-voltage conversion unit. The image pickup device according to claim 8, wherein the image pickup device includes a connection unit that connects the first charge-voltage converter, the second charge-voltage converter, and the third charge-voltage converter. The connection unit connects a first transistor for connecting the first charge-voltage converter and the second charge-voltage converter, the second charge-voltage converter, and the third charge-voltage converter. 10. The imaging device according to claim 9, further comprising: In the drive circuit, the number of the first photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the first transfer gate is different from the number of the second photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the second transfer gate. In such a case, the imaging device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the connection section connects the first charge-voltage conversion section and the second charge-voltage conversion section. In the drive circuit, the number of the second photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the second transfer gate and the number of the third photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the third transfer gate are different from each other. In such a case, the imaging device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second charge-voltage converter and the third charge-voltage converter are connected by the connection unit. The image pickup device has a first region on which light is incident and a second region different from the first region on which light is incident,
The plurality of first photoelectric conversion units are arranged in the first region,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the plurality of second photoelectric conversion units are arranged in the second region. A plurality of first photoelectric conversion units that are arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction and that convert light transmitted through the filter having the first spectral characteristic into electric charges;
A plurality of first transfer gates, one for each of the first photoelectric conversion units, for transferring charges of the first photoelectric conversion unit;
A plurality of second photoelectric conversion units that are arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction and that convert light transmitted through the filter having the first spectral characteristic into electric charges;
A plurality of second transfer gates, one for each of the second photoelectric conversion units, for transferring charges of the second photoelectric conversion unit;
Among the plurality of first photoelectric conversion unit, wherein the number of said first photoelectric conversion unit in which the first charge by the transfer gate are transferred among the plurality of second photoelectric conversion unit, charge by the second transfer gate An image pickup device different from the number of the second photoelectric conversion units to which is transferred. A first charge-voltage conversion unit to which charges from the first photoelectric conversion unit are transferred by the first transfer gate;
A second charge-voltage conversion unit to which the charges from the second photoelectric conversion unit are transferred by the second transfer gate;
A connection unit that connects the first charge-voltage conversion unit and the second charge-voltage conversion unit;
The image sensor according to claim 14, further comprising: The image pickup device according to claim 15, wherein the connection unit includes a transistor that connects the first charge-voltage converter and the second charge-voltage converter. In the first charge-voltage conversion unit, the number of the first photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the first transfer gate and the number of the second photoelectric conversion units to which the charges are transferred by the second transfer gate are set. The image pickup device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein when different, the connection unit is connected to the second charge-voltage conversion unit. The plurality of first photoelectric conversion units are arranged in a first region where light is incident,
The image sensor according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the plurality of second photoelectric conversion units are arranged in a second region different from the first region on which light is incident. A plurality of third photoelectric conversion units that are arranged adjacent to each other in the column direction and that convert light transmitted through the filter having the first spectral characteristic into electric charges;
A third transfer gate arranged for each of the third photoelectric conversion units and configured to transfer charges of the third photoelectric conversion unit,
Among the plurality of first photoelectric conversion unit, wherein the number of said first photoelectric conversion unit in which the first charge by the transfer gate are transferred, the plurality of third of the photoelectric conversion unit, charge by the third transfer gate 19. The image sensor according to claim 14, wherein the number is different from the number of the third photoelectric conversion units to which is transferred. Among the plurality of second photoelectric conversion unit, wherein the number of said second photoelectric conversion portion where the second charge by the transfer gate are transferred, the plurality of third of the photoelectric conversion unit, charge by the third transfer gate 20. The image sensor according to claim 19, which is different from the number of the third photoelectric conversion units to which is transferred. An image pickup apparatus comprising the image pickup device according to any one of claims 14 to 20.

Images