Patent ID: 7375750
Filing Date: 2008-05-20
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A solid-state image capturing device, comprising: a pixel array arranged in a row direction and a column direction orthogonal thereto; a vertical register having a plurality of transfer electrodes which serves to read a signal charge generated by light receipt of each pixel and to sequentially transfer the signal charge in the column direction upon receipt of a transfer pulse, the signal charge being distinct and non-intermixed with a smear charge; a horizontal register for receiving the signal charge transferred by the vertical register and transmitting the signal charge in a horizontal direction; an output section for outputting the signal charge transferred by the horizontal register; an electric potential well generated for a smear charge and collecting an unnecessary charge in the vertical register into the electric potential well for a smear charge during a shuttering operation and before reading the signal charge from the pixel onto the vertical register; and an electric potential well generated for signal charge transfer after collecting the unnecessary charge into the electric potential well for a smear charge and reading the signal charge from the pixel onto the electric potential well for signal charge transfer, wherein the electric potential well for a smear charge and the electric potential well for signal charge transfer are contemporaneously transferred to the horizontal register without mixing the unnecessary charge with the signal charge.