Patent ID: 7061531
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A solid state imaging device which comprises a clamping means which matches a signal level of an optical black section outputted from a solid state imaging element to a constant value, in which said clamping means comprises: a first amplifier means which inputs the output of said solid state imaging element at one of its input terminals; a first sampling means, which includes a switch which goes ON during said optical black section and a retention section, and which samples the output of said first amplifier means; a target value setting means which sets a target value for output; a second amplifier means which receives the output from said first sampling means and said target value level from said target value setting means via a low pass filter means, amplifies the difference between them, and inputs it to said first amplifier means; a second sampling means which samples the output of said second amplifier means during a period when an output signal is obtained from said solid state imaging element; a third amplifier means which amplifies the difference between an output of said second amplifier means and an output of said second sampling means; and a switching means which connects an output terminal of said third amplifier means to said retention section of said first sampling means during a period in which no signal is being outputted from said solid state imaging element, and terminates this connection during a period in which a signal is being outputted from said solid state imaging element.