Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an imaging apparatus including: a pixel section having a plurality of pixels arranged in two dimensions for effecting photoelectric conversion; a light blocking section for blocking light to conceal the pixel section in accordance with a light blocking instruction signal; a region setting section for outputting the light blocking instruction signal and setting a correcting pixel region from which pixel data for correction are extracted within an effective pixel region of the pixel section where an object image is formed; a line memory for retaining pixel data from the correcting pixel region at the time of blocking light; and a correcting section for correcting an output of pixel data from the pixel section using the pixel data retained at the line memory.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-188126 filed in Japan on Jun. 28, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated by this reference.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to imaging apparatus, and more particularly relates to an imaging apparatus using an amplified MOS image sensor.  
         [0003]     Solid-state imaging apparatus such as CCD image sensor or MOS image sensor are the apparatus for converting light into electrical signals and are widely used for example in digital cameras.  FIG. 1A  shows an example of the construction of a prior-art MOS image sensor.  
         [0004]     The MOS image sensor of this example includes: unit pixels  11  disposed in a matrix each having a photodiode PD 1  serving as a photoelectric conversion section, an amplification transistor M 1  for amplifying detection signals of the photodiode PD 1 , a reset transistor M 2  for resetting the detection signals of the photodiode PD 1 , a row select transistor M 3  for selecting each row, and a pixel power supply VDD; a vertical scanning section  12  for driving the unit pixels  11 ; a vertical signal line  13  for outputting signal voltage of the unit pixel  11 ; a bias transistor M 5  for causing a flow of constant current through the vertical signal line  13 ; a bias current adjusting voltage VBIAS for determining a current value of the bias transistor M 5 ; a clamping capacitor C 11  connected to the vertical signal line  13 ; a hold capacitor C 12  for retaining change in voltage of the vertical signal line  13 ; a sample-and-hold transistor M 12  for connecting between the clamping capacitor C 11  and the hold capacitor C 12 ; a clamping transistor M 11  for clamping the clamping capacitor C 11  and hold capacitor C 12  to a predetermined voltage; a column select transistor M 13  connected at one terminal thereof to one end of the hold capacitor C 12  for reading signals from the hold capacitor  12  of each column; a horizontal signal line  15  connected to the other terminal of the column select transistor M 13 ; an output amplifier  16 ; and a horizontal scanning section  14  for driving the column select transistor M 13 . It should be noted that the clamping capacitor C 11 , hold capacitor C 12 , clamping transistor M 11 , and sample-and-hold transistor M 12  constitute a noise suppressing section  17  of every one column.  
         [0005]      FIG. 1B  schematically shows a drive timing chart for explaining operation of the MOS image sensor of the prior-art example having the construction as described. When row select pulse ø ROW 1  of the first row outputted from the vertical scanning section  12  is driven to H-level, the row select transistors M 3  of each unit pixel  11  of the first line are turned ON so that the signal voltage of the unit pixel  11  is outputted onto the vertical signal line  13 . At this time, the sample-and-hold transistor M 12  and clamping transistor M 11  are turned ON by driving clamping control pulse ø CLP to H-level and sample-and-hold control pulse ø SH to H-level, so as to fix the clamping capacitor C 11  and the sample-and-hold capacitor C 12  to a reference potential VREF.  
         [0006]     Next the clamping transistor M 11  is turned OFF by driving the clamping control pulse ø CLP to L-level so as to bring the connecting line between the clamping capacitor C 11  and the hold capacitor C 12  to its floating state. Subsequently the reset transistor M 2  is turned ON by driving reset control pulse ø RES 1  of the first row to H-level to reset the detection signals of the photodiode PD 1 , and then the reset control pulse ø RES 1  is returned to L-level again to turn OFF the reset transistor M 2 . At this time, a voltage change Δ Vsig before and after the resetting of photodiode PD 1  occurs on the vertical signal line  13  and is accumulated at the hold capacitor C 12  through the clamping capacitor C 11  and sample-and-hold transistor M 12 .  
         [0007]     Subsequently, the sample-and-hold control pulse ø SH is driven to L-level to turn OFF the sample-and-hold transistor M 12  so that the signal component of photodiode PD 1  is retained at the hold capacitor C 12 . Finally, the signal component retained at the hold capacitor C 12  is sequentially read out to the horizontal signal line  15  by means of horizontal select pulses ø H 1 , ø H 2  outputted from the horizontal scanning section  14  and is fetched from the output amplifier  16 .  
         [0008]     At this time, there is a problem when the obtained signals are formed into an image that a vertical stripe-like noise and/or dark shading in the horizontal direction occurs due to variance in the noise suppressing section  17  provided for each column or due to difference in load of the clock outputted from the horizontal scanning section  14 .  
         [0009]     In MOS image sensor of the prior-art construction, therefore, the technique as described below is employed to correct the vertical stripe-like noise and/or horizontal dark shading. Shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are block diagrams for explaining the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open 2000-261730 with which the vertical stripe-like noise and horizontal dark shading are corrected.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  shows in a simplified manner the construction of the prior-art MOS image sensor shown in  FIG. 1A , where like components as in  FIG. 1A  are denoted by like reference numerals. An OB region  1   c  with a surface covered with a light blocking film and an effective pixel region  1   b  to be used in actual image taking are provided within a full-pixel region  1   a  where a plurality of unit pixels are disposed in a matrix, and an upper side of the OB region  1   c  is determined as a vertical OB region  1   d.    
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the construction of an imaging apparatus mounting the image sensor shown in  FIG. 2 . This imaging apparatus includes: an image sensor  10 ; an A/D conversion section  20  for changing signals from the image sensor  10  into digital signals; a vertical OB region adding/averaging section  30  for extracting and adding/averaging in the column direction the signals corresponding to the vertical OB region  1   d  of the image sensor  10  out of the signals from the A/D conversion section  20 ; a line memory  40  for retaining signals (correction data) from the vertical OB region adding/averaging section  30 ; a subtraction section  50  for subtracting correction data retained at the line memory  40  from imaging signals; and an image processing section  60  for effecting an image processing of and providing as image signals the signals from the subtraction section  50 .  
         [0012]     In this correction technique, those obtained by adding and averaging along the column direction the signals of the vertical OB region  1   d  when acquiring the imaging signals are retained at the line memory  40  as data for correction of the vertical stripe-like noise and horizontal dark shading. The vertical stripe-like noise and horizontal dark shading are then corrected by subtracting the correction data retained at the line memory  40  from the imaging signals at the time of normal image taking. Here the reason for adding/averaging along the column direction is to make the system less susceptible to random noise components.  
         [0013]     Further there is another known technique as one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Hei-10-313428 where correction data are acquired from an output obtained when light is shut out.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus in which it is possible to acquire correction data that are suitable for correcting a vertical stripe-like noise, dark shading in the horizontal direction, etc. of the imaging apparatus.  
         [0015]     In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus including: a pixel section having a plurality of pixels arranged in two dimensions for effecting photoelectric conversion; a light blocking section for blocking light to conceal the pixel section in accordance with a light blocking instruction signal; a region setting section for outputting the light blocking instruction signal and setting a correcting pixel region from which pixel data for correction are extracted within an effective pixel region of the pixel section where an object image is formed; a line memory for retaining pixel data from the correcting pixel region at the time of blocking light; and a correcting section for correcting an output of pixel data from the pixel section using the pixel data retained at the line memory.  
         [0016]     In thus constructed imaging apparatus, the correcting pixel region from which pixel data for correction are extracted is set by the region setting section in the effective pixel region of the pixel section where an object image is formed. In accordance with the light blocking instruction signal outputted from the region setting section, the blocking of light of the pixel section by the light blocking section is executed, and the pixel data outputted from the correcting pixel region at that time are retained at the line memory. An output of pixel data from the pixel section is corrected by the correcting section with using the pixel data retained at the line memory.  
         [0017]     In a second aspect of the invention, the region setting section of the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect sets a plurality of lines in a vertical direction of the effective pixel region of the pixel section as the correcting pixel region, and the line memory retains results of vertically adding the pixel data from the plurality of lines.  
         [0018]     In thus constructed imaging apparatus, a plurality of lines in the vertical direction are set as the Correcting pixel region by the region setting section, and results of vertical addition of the pixel data from the plurality of lines are retained by the line memory.  
         [0019]     In a third aspect of the invention, the correcting section in the imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect effects correction of the pixel data from the pixel section line by line.  
         [0020]     In thus constructed imaging apparatus, correction of pixel data from the pixel section is effected line by line at the correcting section.  
         [0021]     In a fourth aspect of the invention, the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect further includes a fault pixel address retaining section for retaining address of fault pixels of the pixel section, and the region setting section sets the plurality of lines based on the address of the fault pixels so that the number of the fault pixels contained therein is equal to or less than a predetermined number.  
         [0022]     In thus constructed imaging apparatus, the plurality of lines are set by the region setting section so as to make the number of fault pixels contained therein to be fewer than a predetermined number based on the address retained at the fault pixel address retaining section.  
         [0023]     In a fifth aspect of the invention, the region setting section of the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects updates the correcting pixel region in every one predetermined time period.  
         [0024]     In thus constructed imaging apparatus, the correcting pixel region is updated by the region setting section in every one predetermined time period.  
         [0025]     In a sixth aspect of the invention, the region setting section of the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects outputs the light blocking instruction signal in every one predetermined time period, and the pixel data retained at the line memory are updated every time when the light blocking instruction signal is outputted.  
         [0026]     In thus constructed imaging apparatus, the light blocking instruction signal is outputted by the region setting section in every one predetermined time period, and the line memory retains updated pixel data every time when the light blocking instruction signal is outputted.  
         [0027]     In a seventh aspect of the invention, the region setting section of the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects outputs the light blocking instruction signal at every one image taking, and the pixel data retained at the line memory are updated at every one image taking.  
         [0028]     In thus constructed imaging apparatus, the line memory retains updated pixel data at every one image taking. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are a circuit diagram showing the construction of a prior-art MOS image sensor and a timing chart for explaining operation thereof.  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  schematically shows the MOS image sensor shown in  FIG. 1A .  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an example of construction of prior-art imaging apparatus using the MOS image sensor shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is a top view schematically showing the construction of image sensor in an embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing the construction of an embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the invention using the image sensor shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart for explaining operation at the time of acquiring correction data in the imaging apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart for explaining correction operation of imaging signals in the imaging apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  illustrates a mode of setting a selected pixel region (correcting pixel region) in the image sensor shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart for explaining a method of setting a selected pixel region by the region setting section of the imaging apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 10  illustrates another mode of setting a selected pixel region in the image sensor shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 11  illustrates yet another mode of setting a selected pixel region in the image sensor shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 4  is a top view schematically showing the construction of image sensor in an embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. It should be noted that like components as in the prior-art example shown in  FIG. 2  are denoted by like reference numerals. The image sensor includes: a full-pixel region (pixel section)  1   a  where unit pixels similar to that shown in  FIG. 1A  are disposed in a matrix; a vertical scanning section  12  for driving the unit pixels; a noise suppressing section  17  similar to that shown in  FIG. 1A  provided for every one column of the full-pixel region la; a column select transistor M 13  connected at one terminal thereof to the noise suppressing section  17  for reading signals from the noise suppressing section  17 ; a horizontal signal line  15  connected to the other terminal of the column select transistor M 13 ; an output amplifier  16 ; and a horizontal scanning section  14  for driving the column select transistor M 13 . A selected pixel region  1   e  in  FIG. 4  refers to a region consisting of an optional plurality of rows set within the effective pixel region  1   b  from which pixel data for correction are extracted. As will be described later, an optimal region is set as the selected pixel region  1   e  to acquire correction data.  
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing construction of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment mounting the image sensor shown in  FIG. 4 . The imaging apparatus according to this embodiment includes: a mechanical shutter  1 ; an image sensor  10 ; A/D conversion section  20  for converting signals from the image sensor  10  into digital signals; a selected pixel vertically adding/averaging section  35  for adding/averaging in the column direction the signals from the A/D conversion section  20  when light is shut out; a line memory  40  for retaining signals (correction data) from the selected pixel vertically adding/averaging section  35 ; a subtraction section  50  for subtracting correction data retained at the line memory  40  from imaging signals; an image processing section  60  for effecting image processing of and outputting as image signals the signals from the subtraction section  50 ; a fault pixel detecting section  70  for detecting fault pixels within the image sensor  10 ; a fault pixel address retaining section  71  for retaining address of the fault pixels; CPU  80 ; a region setting section  100  for setting a selected pixel region for acquiring correction data in accordance with an instruction from CPU  80 ; a shutter driver  90  for controlling open/close of the mechanical shutter  1  in accordance with an instruction from the region setting section  100 ; and an imaging device driver  91  for controlling pixels to be read out of the image sensor  10  in accordance with an instruction from the region setting section  100 .  
         [0042]     A description will now be given by way of the flowchart of  FIG. 6  with respect to operation at the time of acquiring correction data for correcting vertical stripe-like noise and horizontal dark shading in the imaging apparatus shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . At the time of acquiring correction data, when an instruction for acquiring correction data is issued from CPU  80 , the shutter driver  90  first controls the mechanical shutter  1  in accordance with a signal from the region setting section  100  to bring the image sensor  10  into a state where light is shut out (lens closed). The imaging device driver  91  then controls the vertical scanning section  12  of the image sensor  10  to scan the selected pixel region  1   e  which has been set in the full-pixel region  1   a  by the region setting section  100 . Further signals of the selected pixel region  1   e  are read out onto the horizontal signal line  15  by the horizontal scanning section  14  and are outputted from the output amplifier  16 . Here, when the scanning of the selected pixel region  1   e  is finished, the vertical scanning section  12  stops the scanning at that point, and imaging signals corresponding to only the selected pixel region  1   e  are thereby outputted from the image sensor  10 .  
         [0043]     The A/D conversion section  20  converts these dark imaging signals of the selected pixel region  1   e  into digital signals. At the selected pixel vertically adding/averaging section  35 , then, the dark imaging digital signals of the selected pixel region  1   e  are added/averaged (vertically added averaging) in the column direction. These are retained at the line memory  40  as correction data. Note that it is also possible at this time to use the result of adding (vertical addition) the dark imaging digital signals in the column direction as the correction data.  
         [0044]     An operation for correcting imaging signals at the time of normal image taking will now be described by way of the flowchart of  FIG. 7 . The imaging signals of the full-pixel region  1   a  are outputted line by line from the image sensor  10 . These imaging signals are converted into digital signals at the A/D conversion section  20 . What are obtained by subtracting correction data retained at the line memory  40  from such digital signals at the subtraction section  50  are inputted into the image processing section  60 . The above processing is effected for the imaging signals of every one line. The imaging signals after correction are subjected to image processing at the image processing section  60 , and corrected image signals are outputted.  
         [0045]     A description will now be given with respect to the setting of the selected pixel region  1   e . As described above, the selected pixel region  1   e  is set within the effective pixel region  1   b . Such setting makes it possible to acquire pixel data for correction having substantially the same pixel characteristics as the pixels from which imaging signals are acquired at the time of normal image taking, i.e., as the pixels within the effective pixel region  1   b  that are suitable for correcting vertical stripe-like noise and/or dark shading in the horizontal direction, etc.  FIG. 8  shows in an extracted manner the full-pixel region  1   a  of the image sensor shown in  FIG. 4 , where like components as in  FIG. 4  are denoted by like reference numerals. There are the effective pixel region  1   b  and OB region  1   c  within the full-pixel region  1   a . Here the unit pixels  11  contain fault pixels from which normal output signal cannot be obtained. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 5 , detection of fault pixels (indicated by symbol X in  FIG. 8 ) within the full-pixel region  1   a  is effected by the fault pixel detecting section  70  at the time of shipment from factory and/or when power supply is turned ON. If there are fault pixels, their addresses are retained at the fault pixel address retaining section  71 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a method of setting the selected pixel region  1   e  by the region setting section  100  with taking the fault pixels into consideration. Here it is supposed that the number of lines of the selected pixel region  1   e  is n. First, it is checked from the fault pixel addresses stored at the fault pixel address retaining section  71  as to whether or not there is a consecutive n-line region without a fault pixel.  FIG. 8  shows the case where consecutive n lines (n=4 in the illustrated example) without a fault pixel is detected. Such a region is set by the region setting section  100  as the selected pixel region  1   e.    
         [0047]     If a region of consecutive n lines without a fault pixel is absent, the selected pixel region  1   e  is set so as to have a total of n lines without a fault pixel. For example, the selected pixel region  1   e  is set as having n lines (n=4 in the illustrated example) by two regions as shown in  FIG. 10 . Further, if the number of lines without a fault pixel is less than n even when added together, the selected pixel region  1   e  is set with selecting n lines where fault pixels are fewest. For example, the selected pixel region  1   e  is set with selecting consecutive n lines (n=4 in the illustrated example) containing one fault pixel as shown in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0048]     As the above, the setting of the selected pixel region  1   e  within the effective pixel region  1   b  makes it possible to acquire correction data by a region where no fault pixel is contained or where the number of fault pixels is less than or equal to a predetermined number. It is thereby possible to correct vertical stripes and horizontal dark shading with using more suitable correction data. It should be noted that the number of lines of the selected pixel region  1   e  may be set at will. A reduction of random noise becomes possible as the number of lines is increased, while, on the other hand, the time for acquiring correction data can be shortened as the number of lines is reduced. About 16 lines are normally adequate and reasonable.  
         [0049]     It suffices to set the selected pixel region  1   e  for example at the time of shipment from factory. Further, even if a posterior defect occurs, a region suitable for acquiring correction data can be set as the selected pixel region  1   e  by setting it for example when power supply is turned ON. It is also possible to update the selected pixel region  1   e  in every one predetermined time period.  
         [0050]     By suitably effecting an acquisition of correction data, for example, in every one predetermined time period in accordance with stability of the system and/or characteristics of the image sensor in its environment, correction may correspond to change in dark vertical stripes and/or horizontal dark shading that occurs for example due to change in temperature. Further, by acquiring correction data at every image taking, an optimum correction is always possible of dark vertical stripes and/or dark shading in the horizontal direction.  
         [0051]     As has been described by way of the above embodiment, it becomes possible according to the first aspect of the invention to acquire pixel data for correction having substantially the same characteristics of pixel as the pixels from which imaging signals are acquired at the time of normal image taking, by setting a region for extracting correcting pixel data within an effective pixel region of the pixel section. An imaging apparatus is thereby achieved as capable of acquiring correction data suitable for correcting for example vertical stripe-like noise and/or dark shading in the horizontal direction. According to the second aspect of the invention, random noise is suppressed by vertically adding pixel data from a plurality of lines so that correcting pixel data having high level of accuracy can be obtained. According to the third aspect of the invention, a line-by-line correction of the pixel data from the pixel section becomes possible. According to the fourth aspect of the invention, correction data having high level of accuracy can be acquired, since a plurality of lines are set so as to have fault pixels fewer than a predetermined number. According to the fifth to seventh aspects of the invention, it becomes possible to obtain correcting pixel data that corresponds to change in pixel characteristics resulting from the passage of time.