Patent ID: 6304292
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: H01L,H04N

Abstract:
A digital video camera, comprising:a CCD imager including a plurality of vertical transfer CCDs which read-out charges stored in a plurality of photo-electric conversion elements and successively transfer read-out charges in a vertical direction, and a plurality of horizontal transfer CCDs which successively transfer charges transferred from said plurality of vertical transfer CCDs, in a horizontal direction;a switching means for switching a first mode that a whole of each line signal outputted from said CCD imager is utilized for displaying an image and a second mode that only a portion of each line signal including a front end of each line signal outputted from said CCD imager is utilized for displaying an image;a first period defining means for defining a first predetermined period at a back end of said line signal in said first mode;a second period defining means for defining a second predetermined period at said front end of said line signal in said second mode;an A/D conversion means for converting said line signal obtained from said CCD imager into a digital signal;a clamp level calculation means for calculating a clamp level on the basis of said digital signal in one of said first predetermined period and said second predetermined period; anda clamping means for clamping said line signal at said clamp level.