Patent ID: 8169508
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: H01L,H04N

Abstract:
1. An image input apparatus comprising: a pixel section including a light-sensitive element configured to generate electric charge by photoelectric conversion; a semiconductor region configured to receive a light signal charge transferred from the light-sensitive element; and a transfer switch configured to transfer the light signal charge from the light-sensitive element to the semiconductor region; an image processing section configured to form an image based on a composite signal obtained by combining a saturation signal representing the light signal charge overflowing from the light-sensitive element and flowing into the semiconductor region and a photoelectric conversion signal representing the light signal charge stored in the light-sensitive element; and a control section configured to, in a case where satisfying predetermined imaging condition, obtain a first black signal based on an electric charge which occurs in the semiconductor region in a light-shielded state, subtract the first black signal from the saturation signal, obtain a second black signal based on an electric charge which occurs in the light-sensitive element in a light-shielded state, subtract the second black signal from the photoelectric conversion signal, and combine the saturation signal from which the first black signal is subtracted and the photoelectric conversion signal from which the second black signal is subtracted.