Patent ID: 7999871
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A solid-state imaging apparatus comprising: an image section having a plurality of pixel units arranged into a matrix, each pixel unit having at least one subunit having an electric charge generation means for generating signal electric charges corresponding to the amount of incident electromagnetic wave and a signal transfer means for transferring signal electric charges generated by said electric charge generation means, an electric charge accumulation means for accumulating said transferred signal electric charges, a first reset means for resetting said electric charge accumulation means, an amplification means for amplifying a signal corresponding to signal electric charges accumulated at said electric charge accumulation means, and a select means for selectively outputting said amplified signal to a vertical signal Line; and a signal transfer assisting means for making a gradient of potential in the vicinity of said electric charge generation means toward said signal transfer means to be greater at the time of transfer of said signal electric charge than at the time of non-transfer, said signal transfer means contains a first MOS transistor, and said signal transfer assisting means contains a second MOS transistor, wherein said first MOS transistor is activated at its control electrode at the time of transfer of said signal electric charge, and at the same time a potential of an opposite polarity from an activating potential is applied to said second MOS transistor at its control electrode.