Patent ID: 7456886
Filing Date: 2008-11-25
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. The solid-state image pickup apparatus including an array of a plurality of pixel units, each of the pixel units including a plurality of photodiodes, one amplification transistor for receiving and outputting signals from the plurality of photodiodes, and a plurality of transfer transistors transferring the signal from each of the photodiodes to said amplification transistor, comprising: a readout circuit connected to an output line of the amplification transistor, for receiving output signals from the amplification transistor via the output line, wherein the readout circuit comprises difference means for providing a difference signal with respect to a plurality of combinations of any two of first, second and third signals, the first signal corresponding to a reset level of the amplification transistor, the second signal corresponding to a combination of the first signal and the signal of one of the plurality of photodiodes, and the third signal corresponding to a combination of the second signal and the signal of another of the plurality of photodiodes; and wherein the difference means operates on a difference between the first signal and the second signal, and a difference between the second signal and the third signal.