Patent ID: 6480227
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A solid-state imaging device comprised of:multiple picture elements that are arranged in an orientation of rows and columns along two dimensions and that output a signal readout as a current signal, wherein each of the picture elements includes: a photodetector that converts optical signals into an electrical charge signal and stores the electrical charge signal; an amplifying device that amplifies the electrical charge signal that is stored by the photodetector; a transfer device that transfers the electrical charge signal that is stored by the photodetector to a control electrode of the amplifying device; and a resetting device that resets the electrical charge signal stored in the control electrode of the amplifying device; multiple vertical readout lines provided on each of the columns of the multiple picture elements in order to read out signals from the picture elements that are arranged on a corresponding column; multiple switching devices wherein each switching device corresponds to a respective picture element and is connected between an output of the amplifying device of the picture element and a corresponding vertical readout line; a horizontal readout line that outputs signals from the multiple vertical readout lines; and multiple horizontal switching devices each horizontal switching device corresponding to each of the vertical readout lines, where signals from each vertical readout line are output to the horizontal readout line.