Patent Description:
There has been proposed a solid-state imaging device that achieves simultaneous acquisition of two types of pixel signals, a high-sensitivity signal and a low-sensitivity signal, for generating a high dynamic range image (hereinafter also referred to as an HDR image) and acquisition of a phase difference detection signal for distance measurement (see, for example, Patent Document <NUM>).

<CIT> discloses an image sensor including an array of photodiodes and readout circuitry. A group of adjacent photodiodes in the array may be covered with a first color filter and another, adjacent group of adjacent photodiodes may be covered with a different color filter. Photodiodes may be elongated and oriented in different orientations between different groups.

In a pixel structure of Patent Document <NUM>, three photodiodes are formed under one on-chip lens. If the curvature of the on-chip lens is increased to increase the refractive power to improve the angle dependence for specialization in phase difference characteristics, it becomes difficult to generate HDR images. Conversely, if the curvature of the on-chip lens is reduced to reduce the refractive power to reduce the angle dependence for specialization in favorable generation of HDR images, the degree of separation of phase difference characteristics is deteriorated. Thus, it is difficult to achieve both phase difference characteristics and HDR characteristics. There has also been proposed a lens structure in which the curvature of one on-chip lens is changed, but it is sensitive to variation in shape, and thus is difficult to produce in large quantities.

The present technology has been made in view of such a situation, and is intended to enable simultaneous acquisition of a signal for generating a high dynamic range image and a signal for detecting a phase difference.

A solid-state imaging device according to a first aspect of the present technology includes a plurality of pixel sets each including color filters of the same color, for a plurality of colors, each pixel set including a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a plurality of photoelectric conversion parts.

An electronic apparatus according to a second aspect of the present technology includes a solid-state imaging device including a plurality of pixel sets each including color filters of the same color, for a plurality of colors, each pixel set including a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a plurality of photoelectric conversion parts.

In the first and second aspects of the present technology, a plurality of pixel sets each including color filters of the same color is provided for a plurality of colors, each pixel set is provided with a plurality of pixels, and each pixel is provided with a plurality of photoelectric conversion parts.

The solid-state imaging device and the electronic apparatus may be independent devices, or may be modules incorporated into other devices.

According to the first and second aspects of the present technology, it is possible to simultaneously acquire a signal for generating a high dynamic range image and a signal for detecting a phase difference.

Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limiting, and any effect described in the present disclosure may be included.

Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present technology (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described. Unless explicitly indicated as "embodiment(s) according to the claimed invention", any embodiment, example or aspect etc. in the description may include some but not all features as literally defined in the claims and are present for illustration purposes only. Note that the description will be made in the following order.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic configuration of a solid-state imaging device to which the present technology is applied.

A solid-state imaging device <NUM> of <FIG> includes a pixel array <NUM> with pixels <NUM> two-dimensionally arrayed in a matrix, and peripheral circuitry around the pixel array <NUM> on a semiconductor substrate <NUM> using, for example, silicon (Si) as a semiconductor. The peripheral circuitry includes a vertical drive circuit <NUM>, column signal processing circuits <NUM>, a horizontal drive circuit <NUM>, an output circuit <NUM>, a control circuit <NUM>, and others.

The pixels <NUM> each include photodiodes as photoelectric conversion parts and a plurality of pixel transistors. Note that, as described later with reference to <FIG>, the pixels <NUM> are formed in a shared pixel structure in which floating diffusion as a charge holding part that holds charges generated in the photodiodes is shared among a plurality of pixels <NUM>. In the shared pixel structure, photodiodes and transfer transistors are provided for each pixel, and a selection transistor, a reset transistor, and an amplification transistor are shared by a plurality of pixels.

The control circuit <NUM> receives an input clock and data instructing an operation mode or the like, and outputs data such as internal information of the solid-state imaging device <NUM>. Specifically, on the basis of a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a master clock, the control circuit <NUM> generates a clock signal and a control signal on the basis of which the vertical drive circuit <NUM>, the column signal processing circuits <NUM>, the horizontal drive circuit <NUM>, and others operate. Then, the control circuit <NUM> outputs the generated clock signal and control signal to the vertical drive circuit <NUM>, the column signal processing circuits <NUM>, the horizontal drive circuit <NUM>, and others.

The vertical drive circuit <NUM> is formed, for example, by a shift register, and selects a predetermined pixel drive wire <NUM>, provides a pulse for driving the pixels <NUM> to the selected pixel drive wire <NUM>, and drives the pixels <NUM> row by row. That is, the vertical drive circuit <NUM> performs control to selectively scan the pixels <NUM> of the pixel array <NUM> in the vertical direction sequentially row by row, and output pixel signals based on signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion parts of the pixels <NUM> depending on the amount of received light, through vertical signal lines <NUM> to the column signal processing circuits <NUM>.

The column signal processing circuits <NUM> are arranged for the corresponding columns of the pixels <NUM>, and perform signal processing such as noise removal on signals output from the pixels <NUM> in one row for the corresponding pixel columns. For example, the column signal processing circuits <NUM> perform signal processing such as correlated double sampling (CDS) for removing fixed pattern noise peculiar to pixels and AD conversion.

The horizontal drive circuit <NUM> is formed, for example, by a shift register, selects each of the column signal processing circuits <NUM> in order by sequentially outputting a horizontal scanning pulse, and causes each of the column signal processing circuits <NUM> to output a pixel signal to a horizontal signal line <NUM>.

The output circuit <NUM> performs predetermined signal processing on a signal sequentially provided from each of the column signal processing circuits <NUM> through the horizontal signal line <NUM>, and outputs the signal. For example, the output circuit <NUM> may perform only buffering, or may perform various types of digital signal processing such as black level adjustment and column variation correction. An input-output terminal <NUM> exchanges signals with the outside.

The solid-state imaging device <NUM> formed as described above is a CMOS image sensor called a column AD system in which the column signal processing circuits <NUM> that perform CDS processing and AD conversion processing are arranged for the corresponding pixel columns.

Furthermore, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> may be formed by a chip of a stacked structure in which a plurality of substrates is stacked. A chip with a plurality of substrates stacked is formed by stacking a lower substrate and an upper substrate in that order from below upward. At least one or more of the control circuit <NUM>, the vertical drive circuit <NUM>, the column signal processing circuits <NUM>, the horizontal drive circuit <NUM>, and the output circuit <NUM> are formed on the lower substrate, and at least the pixel array <NUM> is formed on the upper substrate. Connection portions connect the vertical drive circuit <NUM> to the pixel array <NUM>, and the column signal processing circuits <NUM> to the pixel array <NUM>, so that signals are transmitted between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. The connection portions are formed, for example, by through silicon vias (TSVs), Cu-Cu, or the like.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a first cross-sectional configuration example of the pixel array <NUM> of the solid-state imaging device <NUM> in <FIG>.

In the pixel array <NUM> of the solid-state imaging device <NUM>, photodiodes PD are formed by, for example, forming N-type (second conductivity type) semiconductor regions <NUM> in a P-type (first conductivity type) semiconductor region <NUM> in the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. In each pixel <NUM> of the pixel array <NUM>, two photodiodes PD are formed per pixel, and the two photodiodes PD are formed in such a manner as to be symmetrically disposed in two parts into which a pixel region is divided equally. Note that in the following description, of the two photodiodes PD formed in one pixel, the photodiode PD disposed on the right side in the figure is sometimes referred to as the right photodiode PD, and the photodiode PD disposed on the left side as the left photodiode PD.

On the front side of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> that is the lower side in <FIG>, a multilayer wiring layer <NUM> is formed which includes pixel transistors (not illustrated) for performing reading of charges generated and accumulated in the photodiodes PD of each pixel <NUM> and the like, a plurality of wiring layers <NUM>, and an interlayer dielectric <NUM>.

On the other hand, on pixel boundary portions on the back side of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> that is the upper side in <FIG>, an inter-pixel light-shielding film <NUM> is formed. The inter-pixel light-shielding film <NUM> may be of any material that blocks light, and is desirably of a material that has a high light-blocking property and can be processed with high precision by fine processing such as etching. The inter-pixel light-shielding film <NUM> can be formed, for example, by a metal film of tungsten (W), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), or the like.

In addition, for example, an antireflection film (insulating layer) formed, for example, by a silicon oxide film or the like may be further formed on a back side interface of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>.

On the back surface of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> including the inter-pixel light-shielding film <NUM>, color filters <NUM> are formed. The color filters <NUM> are formed by spin-coating photosensitive resin containing coloring matters such as pigments or dyes, for example. The color array of the color filters <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>. Red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors are arranged in a Bayer array in units of four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (two rows by two columns).

On the color filters <NUM>, on-chip lenses <NUM> are formed for the individual pixels. The on-chip lenses <NUM> are formed, for example, of a resin material such as a styrene resin, an acrylic resin, a styrene-acryl copolymer resin, or a siloxane resin.

As described above, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> is a back-side illuminated CMOS solid-state imaging device in which the color filters <NUM> and the on-chip lenses <NUM> are formed on the back side of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> opposite to the front side on which the multilayer wiring layer <NUM> is formed, so that light enters from the back side.

Each pixel <NUM> of the solid-state imaging device <NUM> has two separate photodiodes PD in the pixel. The two photodiodes PD are formed at different positions, so that a shift occurs between images generated from the two photodiodes PD, individually. From this image shift, the amount of phase shift is calculated to calculate the amount of defocus. By adjusting (moving) an imaging lens, autofocus can be achieved.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, the color array of the color filters <NUM> in the pixel array <NUM> will be described.

In the pixel array <NUM> with the pixels <NUM> two-dimensionally arrayed in a matrix, four pixels <NUM> in <NUM> x <NUM> (two vertical pixels x two horizontal pixels) constitute one pixel set <NUM>. And the color filters <NUM> are arranged to be of the same color in each individual pixel set <NUM>. More specifically, the R, G, and B color filters <NUM> are arranged in a Bayer array in units of the pixel sets <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the pixel set <NUM> having the R color filters <NUM> is represented by a pixel set 51R, and the pixel set <NUM> having the G color filters <NUM> adjacent to the pixel set 51R is represented by a pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the pixel set <NUM> having the B color filters <NUM> is represented by a pixel set 51B, and the pixel set <NUM> having the G color filters <NUM> adjacent to the pixel set 51B is represented by a pixel set 51Gb. Note that the configuration of the color filters is not limited to RGB primary-colors filters, and various configurations including filters of complementary colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and green (CMYG) may be applied.

Furthermore, the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the two photodiodes PD formed in each pixel <NUM> are the same direction in the pixel set <NUM>, and also, they are formed in the same direction in all the pixel sets <NUM>.

The on-chip lenses <NUM> are formed for the individual pixels.

Next, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the pixel set <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a circuit configuration of the pixel set 51Gr as an example of the pixel set <NUM>.

Each pixel <NUM> of the pixel set 51Gr includes two photodiodes PD and two transfer transistors TG for transferring charges accumulated in them. And one FD <NUM>, one reset transistor <NUM>, one amplification transistor <NUM>, and one selection transistor <NUM> are provided for the pixel set 51Gr. Each of the reset transistor <NUM>, the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the selection transistor <NUM> is shared by the four pixels of the pixel set 51Gr. The four pixels sharing the reset transistor <NUM>, the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the selection transistor <NUM> form a sharing unit.

Note that in the following, in a case where the two photodiodes PD and the two transfer transistors TG of each pixel <NUM> in the pixel set 51Gr are distinguished from each other, of the four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> constituting the pixel set 51Gr, the two photodiodes PD of the upper left pixel <NUM> are referred to as photodiodes PD_Gr1L and PD_Gr1R, and the two transfer transistors TG that transfer charges accumulated in the photodiodes PD_Gr1L and PD_Gr1R are referred to as transfer transistors TG_Gr1L and TG_Gr1R.

Furthermore, the two photodiodes PD of the upper right pixel <NUM> are referred to as photodiodes PD_Gr2L and PD_Gr2R, and the two transfer transistors TG that transfer charges accumulated in the photodiodes PD_Gr2L and PD_Gr2R are referred to as transfer transistors TG_Gr2L and TG_Gr2R.

Likewise, the two photodiodes PD of the lower left pixel <NUM> are referred to as photodiodes PD_Gr3L and PD_Gr3R, and the two transfer transistors TG that transfer charges accumulated in the photodiodes Gr3L and Gr3R are referred to as transfer transistors TG_Gr3L and TG_Gr3R. The two photodiodes PD of the lower right pixel <NUM> are referred to as photodiodes PD_Gr4L and PD_Gr4R, and the two transfer transistors TG that transfer charges accumulated in the photodiodes PD_Gr4L and PD_Gr4R are referred to as transfer transistors TG_Gr4L and TG_Gr4R.

Each of the photodiodes PD of each pixel <NUM> in the pixel set 51Gr receives light and generates and accumulates photocharges.

When a drive signal TRGGr1L provided to the gate electrode becomes active, the transfer transistor TG_Gr1L becomes conductive in response to this, transferring photocharges accumulated in the photodiode PD_Gr1L to the FD <NUM>. When a drive signal TRGGr1R provided to the gate electrode becomes active, the transfer transistor TG_Gr1R becomes conductive in response to this, transferring photocharges accumulated in the photodiode PD_Gr1R to the FD <NUM>.

When a drive signal TRGGr2L provided to the gate electrode becomes active, the transfer transistor TG_Gr2L becomes conductive in response to this, transferring photocharges accumulated in the photodiode PD_Gr2L to the FD <NUM>. When a drive signal TRGGr2R provided to the gate electrode becomes active, the transfer transistor TG_Gr2R becomes conductive in response to this, transferring photocharges accumulated in the photodiode PD_Gr2R to the FD <NUM>. The similar applies to the photodiodes PD_Gr3L, PD_Gr3R, PD_Gr4L, and PD_Gr4R, and the transfer transistors TG_Gr3L, TG_Gr3R, TG_Gr4L, and TG_Gr4R.

The FD <NUM> temporarily holds photocharges provided from each photodiode PD of each pixel <NUM> in the pixel set 51Gr.

When a drive signal RST provided to the gate electrode becomes active, the reset transistor <NUM> becomes conductive in response to this, resetting the potential of the FD <NUM> to a predetermined level (reset voltage VDD).

The amplification transistor <NUM> has a source electrode connected to the vertical signal line <NUM> via the selection transistor <NUM>, thereby forming a source follower circuit with a load MOS of a constant current source circuit <NUM> connected to one end of the vertical signal line <NUM>.

The selection transistor <NUM> is connected between the source electrode of the amplification transistor <NUM> and the vertical signal line <NUM>. When a selection signal SEL provided to the gate electrode becomes active, the selection transistor <NUM> becomes conductive in response to this, bringing the sharing unit into a selected state and outputting pixel signals of the pixels <NUM> in the sharing unit output from the amplification transistor <NUM> to the vertical signal line <NUM>. Note that for the pixel set <NUM> (the pixel set 51Gr in <FIG>), one selection transistor <NUM> may be provided as illustrated in <FIG>, or two or more selection transistors <NUM> may be provided. In a case where two or more selection transistors <NUM> are provided for the pixel set <NUM>, the two or more selection transistors <NUM> are connected to different vertical signal lines <NUM>, so that pixel signals can be read at higher speed.

The transfer transistors TG of the pixels <NUM>, the reset transistor <NUM>, the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the selection transistor <NUM> are controlled by the vertical drive circuit <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration of signal lines for providing the drive signals TRGGr to the gate electrodes of the eight transfer transistors TG constituting the pixel set <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

In order to provide the drive signals TRGGr to the gate electrodes of the eight transfer transistors TG constituting the pixel set 51Gr, as illustrated in <FIG>, eight signal lines <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> are required for a plurality of pixel sets <NUM> arrayed in the horizontal direction. The eight signal lines <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> are part of the pixel drive wires <NUM> in <FIG>.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits the drive signal TRGGr1L to be provided to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor TG_Gr1L in the pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the signal line <NUM>-<NUM> also transmits the drive signal TRGGr1L to the gate electrode of a transfer transistor TG_R1L (not illustrated) in the pixel set 51R adjacent to the pixel set 51Gr, located at the same position as the transfer transistor TG_Gr1L in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits the drive signal TRGGr1R to be provided to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor TG_Gr1R in the pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the signal line <NUM>-<NUM> also transmits the drive signal TRGGr1R to the gate electrode of a transfer transistor TG_R1R (not illustrated) in the pixel set 51R adjacent to the pixel set 51Gr, located at the same position as the transfer transistor TG_Gr1R in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits the drive signal TRGGr2L to be provided to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor TG_Gr2L in the pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the signal line <NUM>-<NUM> also transmits the drive signal TRGGr2L to the gate electrode of a transfer transistor TG_R2L (not illustrated) in the pixel set 51R adjacent to the pixel set 51Gr, located at the same position as the transfer transistor G_Gr2L in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits the drive signal TRGGr2R to be provided to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor TG_Gr2R in the pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the signal line <NUM>-<NUM> also transmits the drive signal TRGGr2R to the gate electrode of a transfer transistor TG_R2R (not illustrated) in the pixel set 51R adjacent to the pixel set 51Gr, located at the same position as the transfer transistor TG_Gr2R in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits the drive signal TRGGr3L to be provided to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor TG_Gr3L in the pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the signal line <NUM>-<NUM> also transmits the drive signal TRGGr3L to the gate electrode of a transfer transistor TG_R3L (not illustrated) in the pixel set 51R adjacent to the pixel set 51Gr, located at the same position as the transfer transistor TG_Gr3L in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits the drive signal TRGGr3R to be provided to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor TG_Gr3R in the pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the signal line <NUM>-<NUM> also transmits the drive signal TRGGr3R to the gate electrode of a transfer transistor TG_R3R (not illustrated) in the pixel set 51R adjacent to the pixel set 51Gr, located at the same position as the transfer transistor TG_Gr3R in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits the drive signal TRGGr4L to be provided to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor TG_Gr4L in the pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the signal line <NUM>-<NUM> also transmits the drive signal TRGGr4L to the gate electrode of a transfer transistor TG_R4L (not illustrated) in the pixel set 51R adjacent to the pixel set 51Gr, located at the same position as the transfer transistor TG_Gr4L in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits the drive signal TRGGr4R to be provided to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor TG_Gr4R in the pixel set 51Gr. Furthermore, the signal line <NUM>-<NUM> also transmits the drive signal TRGGr4R to the gate electrode of a transfer transistor TG_R4R (not illustrated) in the pixel set 51R adjacent to the pixel set 51Gr, located at the same position as the transfer transistor TG_Gr4R in the pixel set 51Gr.

Likewise, eight signal lines <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> are required for the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb arrayed in the horizontal direction.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits a drive signal TRGGb1L to the gate electrodes of transfer transistors TG in the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb corresponding to the transfer transistor TG_Gr1L in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits a drive signal TRGGb1R to the gate electrodes of transfer transistors TG in the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb corresponding to the transfer transistor TG_Gr1R in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits a drive signal TRGGb2L to the gate electrodes of transfer transistors TG in the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb corresponding to the transfer transistor TG_Gr2L in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits a drive signal TRGGb2R to the gate electrodes of transfer transistors TG in the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb corresponding to the transfer transistor TG_Gr2R in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits a drive signal TRGGb3L to the gate electrodes of transfer transistors TG in the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb corresponding to the transfer transistor TG_Gr3L in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits a drive signal TRGGb3R to the gate electrodes of transfer transistors TG in the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb corresponding to the transfer transistor TG_Gr3R in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits a drive signal TRGGb4L to the gate electrodes of transfer transistors TG in the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb corresponding to the transfer transistors TG_Gr4L in the pixel set 51Gr.

The signal line <NUM>-<NUM> transmits a drive signal TRGGb4R to the gate electrodes of transfer transistors TG in the pixel sets 51B and 51Gb corresponding to the transfer transistor TG_Gr4R in the pixel set 51Gr.

By forming the circuit of the plurality of pixels <NUM> in the sharing unit as above, the pixels <NUM> in the sharing unit can output a pixel signal for each photodiode PD as a unit, and can output a pixel signal for each pixel as a unit or for a plurality of pixels as a unit, in response to a drive signal from the vertical drive circuit <NUM>. In a case where a pixel signal is output for each pixel as a unit or for a plurality of pixels as a unit, a plurality of transfer transistors TG that outputs simultaneously is activated simultaneously. The FD <NUM> adds charges provided from a plurality of photodiodes PD via the transfer transistors TG simultaneously activated. Consequently, a pixel signal of each pixel as a unit or of a plurality of pixels as a unit is output from the FD <NUM> through the amplification transistor <NUM> and the selection transistor <NUM> to the column signal processing circuit <NUM>.

Note that although <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a circuit example in which the four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> constituting the pixel set <NUM> are a sharing unit, the combination of a plurality of pixels as a sharing unit is not limited to this. For example, two pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (one vertical pixel x two horizontal pixels) or in <NUM> x <NUM> (two vertical pixels x one horizontal pixel) may be a sharing unit, or four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (four vertical pixels x one horizontal pixel) may be a sharing unit.

Next, a plurality of output modes that can be executed by the solid-state imaging device <NUM> will be described.

First, a full-resolution mode in which pixel signals generated in all the photodiodes PD in the pixel array <NUM> are output individually will be described.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating drive (pixel signal output control) of the pixel set 51Gr in a case where the solid-state imaging device <NUM> operates in the full-resolution mode.

A photodiode PD hatched in <FIG> represents a photodiode PD selected to output a pixel signal. In the full-resolution mode, as illustrated in <FIG>, the eight photodiodes PD in the pixel set 51Gr are selected sequentially, and pixel signals generated individually by the eight photodiodes PD are output individually.

In the example of <FIG>, the order in which the eight photodiodes PD are selected is the order of the photodiodes PD_Gr1L, PD_Gr1R, PD_Gr2L, PD_Gr2R, PD_Gr3L, PD_Gr3R, PD_Gr4L, and PD_Gr4R. The order is not limited to this.

In the full-resolution mode, by combining pixel signals of the two photodiodes PD in the same pixel, a pixel signal of one pixel can be obtained, and by comparing the pixel signals of the two photodiodes PD in the same pixel, a phase difference can be detected. The other pixel sets 51Gb, 51R, and 51B perform an operation similar to that of the pixel set 51Gr in <FIG>.

Thus, in the full-resolution mode, all the pixels <NUM> can output a signal of each pixel as a unit and output signals for detecting a phase difference.

Furthermore, in the solid-state imaging device <NUM>, the color filters <NUM> of R, G, or B are arranged in units of four pixels (in units of the pixel sets <NUM>) as illustrated in <FIG>, but the full-resolution mode also allows re-mosaicing processing to regenerate and output pixel signals in a Bayer array of R, G, B in units of pixels.

Note that in the full-resolution mode in which the drive in <FIG> is performed, the frame rate is reduced and the power consumption is increased. Thus, drive without performing phase difference detection on some of the pixels <NUM> in the pixel set 51Gr may be performed.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, for the upper right pixel <NUM> and the lower left pixel <NUM> of the four pixels constituting the pixel set 51Gr, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> drives the two photodiodes PD in the pixels to read them simultaneously. Also in <FIG>, a hatched photodiode PD represents a photodiode PD selected to output a pixel signal.

Phase difference is detected using pixel signals of the photodiodes PD_Gr1L and PD_Gr1R of the upper left pixel <NUM> and the photodiodes PD_Gr4L and PD_Gr4R of the lower right pixel <NUM>. Thus, by reducing the number of pixels <NUM> in which a phase difference is detected, the frame rate and the power consumption can be improved. Alternatively, pixels <NUM> in which a phase difference can be detected may be changed depending on difference in the amount of light received. For example, in low illumination, the drive in <FIG> is performed in which phase difference detection is performed in all the pixels, and in high illumination, the drive in <FIG> is performed in which some of the pixels <NUM> are excluded.

The example of <FIG> is an example in which phase difference detection is performed in two pixels of the four pixels constituting the pixel set 51Gr, but drive to perform phase difference detection in only one pixel may be performed.

Next, a four-pixel addition phase-difference detection mode will be described.

The solid-state imaging device <NUM> can execute the four-pixel addition phase-difference detection mode in which pixel signals are added and output in each pixel set <NUM> that is a sharing unit, that is, in units of four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM>, and a phase difference is detected on the entire surface of the pixel array <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating drive in the four-pixel addition phase-difference detection mode.

Also in <FIG>, a hatched photodiode PD represents a photodiode PD selected to output a pixel signal.

In the four-pixel addition phase-difference detection mode, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> adds and outputs pixel signals of photodiodes PD located at the same position in the pixels of the pixel set <NUM>, of the pairs of photodiodes PD of the pixels <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in A of <FIG>, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> first adds and outputs pixel signals of all the left photodiodes PD in the pixel set <NUM>, and then, as illustrated in B of <FIG>, adds and outputs pixel signals of all the right photodiodes PD in the pixel set <NUM>. Note that the reading order of the left photodiodes PD and the right photodiodes PD may be reversed.

By performing such drive, a phase difference can be detected from a pixel signal of the left photodiodes PD and a pixel signal of the right photodiodes PD in each individual pixel set <NUM> read, and by combining the two pixel signals, a pixel signal output of each individual pixel set <NUM> (a unit of four pixels) can be obtained. In other words, an entire-surface phase difference can be detected while the advantage of a dynamic range due to increased pixel capacitance Qs is maintained.

As a method of discernably reading a pixel signal of left photodiodes PD and a pixel signal of right photodiodes PD, two ways can be adopted: a first reading method of separately reading a pixel signal of left photodiodes PD and a pixel signal of right photodiodes PD, and a second reading method of reading a signal obtained by adding a pixel signal of left photodiodes PD and a pixel signal of right photodiodes PD.

The first reading method and the second reading method will be briefly described.

First, the first reading method will be described.

First, while left and right photodiodes PD are receiving light (exposed), a dark level signal for performing correlated double sampling is acquired.

After the elapse of a predetermined exposure time, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> first reads a pixel signal of one of left and right photodiode PD groups of the pixel set <NUM>, for example, a pixel signal of the left photodiode PD group.

For example, the reading of a pixel signal of the left photodiode PD group will be described with the example of the pixel set 51Gr illustrated in <FIG>. After the selection transistor <NUM> is activated, the transfer transistors TG_Gr1L, TG_Gr2L, TG_Gr3L, and TG_Gr4L are activated to transfer charges accumulated in the photodiodes PD_Gr1L, PD_Gr2L, PD_Gr3L, and PD_Gr4L to the FD <NUM>, so that a voltage signal corresponding to the accumulated charges in the FD <NUM> is output through the vertical signal line <NUM> to the column signal processing circuit <NUM>.

The voltage signal output to the column signal processing circuit <NUM> is the sum of the pixel signal of the left photodiode PD group and the dark level signal. Thus, by subtracting the dark level signal from the voltage signal in the column signal processing circuit <NUM>, the pixel signal of the left photodiode PD group is obtained.

Next, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> turns on the reset transistor <NUM> to reset the accumulated charges in the FD <NUM>, and then reads a pixel signal of the other of the left and right photodiode PD groups of the pixel set <NUM>, for example, a pixel signal of the right photodiode PD group. In the example of the pixel set 51Gr illustrated in <FIG>, after the selection transistor <NUM> is activated, the transfer transistors TG_Gr1R, TG_Gr2R, TG_Gr3R, and TG_Gr4R are activated to transfer charges accumulated in the photodiodes PD_Gr1R, PD_Gr2R, PD_Gr3R, and PD_Gr4R to the FD <NUM>, so that a voltage signal corresponding to the accumulated charges in the FD <NUM> is output through the vertical signal line <NUM> to the column signal processing circuit <NUM>.

The voltage signal output to the column signal processing circuit <NUM> is the sum of the pixel signal of the right photodiode PD group and the dark level signal. Thus, by subtracting the dark level signal from the voltage signal in the column signal processing circuit <NUM>, the pixel signal of the right photodiode PD group is obtained.

In the first reading method, a pixel signal of the left photodiodes PD and a pixel signal of the right photodiodes PD are read separately, so that a phase difference signal can be directly obtained. This allows acquisition of a high-quality signal for distance measurement. On the other hand, a signal for a captured image can be obtained by digitally adding signals of the left and right photodiodes PD.

Next, the second reading method will be described.

The second reading method is similar to the first reading method up until the acquisition of a dark level signal and the acquisition of a pixel signal of one of the left and right photodiode PD groups in the pixel set <NUM> (a pixel signal of the left photodiode PD group).

After acquiring a pixel signal of one of the left and right photodiode PD groups, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> does not turn on the reset transistor <NUM> (keeps it off) unlike the first reading method, and reads a pixel signal of the other of the left and right photodiode PD groups of the pixel set <NUM>, for example, a pixel signal of the right photodiode PD group.

A voltage signal output to the column signal processing circuit <NUM> is the sum of the signals of the left and right photodiode PD groups and the dark level signal. The column signal processing circuit <NUM> first acquires the pixel signals of the left and right photodiode PD groups by subtracting the dark level signal from the voltage signal, and then acquires the pixel signal of the right photodiode PD group by subtracting the pixel signal of the left photodiode PD group obtained earlier from the pixel signals of the left and right photodiode PD groups.

In the second reading method, the pixel signal of the left photodiodes PD and the pixel signal of the right photodiodes PD can be acquired as above, and a phase difference signal can be obtained indirectly. On the other hand, signals for a captured image are added when they are analog, and thus have good signal quality, and also bring advantages in reading time and power consumption as compared with the first reading method.

Next, a four-pixel addition mode will be described.

In a case where phase difference information is not required, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> can execute the four-pixel addition mode in which pixel signals are added and output in each pixel set <NUM> that is a sharing unit, that is, in units of four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM>.

In the four-pixel addition mode, all the (eight) transfer transistors TG in the pixel set <NUM> that is a sharing unit are simultaneously turned on, and charges in all the photodiodes PD in the pixel set <NUM> are provided to the FD <NUM>. The FD <NUM> adds the charges of all the photodiodes PD in the pixel set <NUM>. Then, a voltage signal corresponding to the added charges is output to the column signal processing circuit <NUM>. By taking the difference between the voltage signal and a dark level signal, a pixel signal of each pixel set <NUM> can be acquired.

Next, a first phase difference HDR mode will be described.

The first phase difference HDR mode is an output mode that enables detection of a phase difference and generation of a high dynamic range image (hereinafter, referred to as an HDR image).

In order to detect phase difference, at least some of the plurality of pixels <NUM> constituting the pixel array <NUM> need to be pixels <NUM> that output a pixel signal of the left photodiode PD and a pixel signal of the right photodiode PD individually.

Furthermore, in order to generate an HDR image, the plurality of pixels <NUM> constituting the pixel array <NUM> needs to include pixels <NUM> different in exposure time.

Therefore, in the first phase difference HDR mode, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> sets two types of exposure times for the plurality of pixels <NUM> constituting the pixel array <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the exposure times set for four (<NUM> x <NUM>) pixel sets <NUM> in a Bayer array that are a part of the pixel array <NUM> in the first phase difference HDR mode.

In the first phase difference HDR mode, one of a first exposure time and a second exposure time is set for each pixel. The second exposure time is an exposure time shorter than the first exposure time (first exposure time > second exposure time). In <FIG>, "L" is written in photodiodes PD for which the first exposure time is set, and "S" is written in photodiodes PD for which the second exposure time is set.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first exposure time and the second exposure time are set with four pixels <NUM> constituting one pixel set <NUM> paired in diagonal directions. For example, as in the example of <FIG>, the first exposure time (L) is set for the two upper right and lower left pixels of the four pixels constituting the pixel set <NUM>, and the second exposure time (S) is set for the two lower right and upper left pixels. Note that the arrangement of the pixels <NUM> for which the first exposure time (L) and the second exposure time (S) are set may be reversed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a procedure of reading pixel signals in the first phase difference HDR mode. Also in <FIG>, a hatched photodiode PD represents a photodiode PD selected to output a pixel signal.

In the first phase difference HDR mode, as illustrated in <FIG>, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> outputs pixel signals of all the photodiodes PD for the two pixels for which the first exposure time (L) is set, and outputs pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD and pixel signals of the right photodiodes PD separately for the two pixels for which the second exposure time (S) is set.

Specifically, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> simultaneously outputs pixel signals of a plurality of photodiodes PD in the order of pixel signals of all the photodiodes PD of the two upper right and lower left pixels <NUM>, pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD of the upper left and lower right pixels <NUM>, and pixel signals of the upper left and lower right right photodiodes PD.

Consequently, the two pixels <NUM> whose exposure time is set to the second exposure time (S) output pixel signals of the left photodiode PD and the right photodiode PD separately, so that a phase difference can be detected. Furthermore, since the pixels <NUM> for which the first exposure time (L) is set and the pixels <NUM> for which the second exposure time (S) is set are included, an HDR image can be generated.

Note that the pixels <NUM> that detect a phase difference may be the pixels <NUM> whose exposure time is set to the first exposure time (L). However, if light intensity is high, the pixels <NUM> may be saturated. It is thus preferable that the pixels <NUM> that detect a phase difference are the pixels <NUM> for which the second exposure time (S) is set. By using the pixels <NUM> for which the second exposure time (S) is set as phase difference detection pixels, phase difference information can be acquired without causing saturation.

As described above, in the first phase difference HDR mode, for each pixel set <NUM>, two types of exposure times, the first exposure time (L) and the second exposure time (S), are set, and in some of the pixels <NUM> of the pixel set <NUM>, specifically, the pixels <NUM> for which the second exposure time (S) is set, pixel signals of the left and right photodiodes PD are separately output to detect a phase difference, so that signals for phase difference detection and signals of an HDR image with a high dynamic range can be simultaneously acquired.

Next, a second phase difference HDR mode will be described.

Like the first phase difference HDR mode, the second phase difference HDR mode is an output mode that enables phase difference detection and HDR image generation. The second phase difference HDR mode differs from the first phase difference HDR mode in that exposure times set for the pixels <NUM> in the pixel array <NUM> are not of the two types in the first phase difference HDR mode but of three types.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating exposure times set for four (<NUM> x <NUM>) pixel sets <NUM> in a Bayer array that are a part of the pixel array <NUM> in the second phase difference HDR mode.

In the second phase difference HDR mode, one of first to third exposure times is set for each pixel. The second exposure time is an exposure time shorter than the first exposure time, and the third exposure time is an exposure time even shorter than the second exposure time (first exposure time > second exposure time > third exposure time). In <FIG>, "L" is written in photodiodes PD for which the first exposure time is set, "M" is written in photodiodes PD for which the second exposure time is set, and "S" is written in photodiodes PD for which the third exposure time is set. Of the first exposure time (L), the second exposure time (M), and the third exposure time (S), the second exposure time (M) in the middle is an exposure time suitable for proper exposure at the time of automatic exposure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second exposure time (M) is set for two pixels in a predetermined diagonal direction of four pixels <NUM> constituting one pixel set <NUM>, the first exposure time (L) is set for one of two pixels in the other diagonal direction, and the third exposure time (S) is set for the other. Note that the diagonal direction in which the second exposure time (M) is set may be a diagonally right direction instead of a diagonally left direction in <FIG>. Furthermore, the arrangement of the pixels <NUM> for which the first exposure time (L) and the third exposure time (S) are set may be reversed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a procedure of reading pixel signals in the second phase difference HDR mode. Also in <FIG>, a hatched photodiode PD represents a photodiode PD selected to output a pixel signal.

In the second phase difference HDR mode, as illustrated in <FIG>, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> outputs a pixel signal of the left photodiode PD and a pixel signal of the right photodiode PD separately for the two pixels for which the second exposure time (M) is set, and outputs a pixel signal of the photodiodes PD in each pixel as a unit for the two pixels for which the first exposure time (L) and the third exposure time (S) are set.

Specifically, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> simultaneously outputs pixel signals of a plurality of photodiodes PD in the order of pixel signals of the two photodiodes PD of the upper right pixel <NUM>, pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD of the upper left and lower right pixels <NUM>, pixel signals of the right photodiodes PD of the upper left and lower right pixels <NUM>, and pixel signals of the two photodiodes PD of the lower left pixel <NUM>.

Consequently, the two pixels <NUM> whose exposure time is set to the second exposure time (M) output pixel signals of the left photodiode PD and the right photodiode PD separately, so that a phase difference can be detected. Furthermore, since the pixels <NUM> for which the different exposure times are set are included, an HDR image can be generated.

Note that the pixels <NUM> that detect a phase difference may be the pixels <NUM> whose exposure time is set to the first exposure time (L) or the third exposure time (S). However, if light intensity is high, the pixels <NUM> may be saturated, and if light intensity is low, the signal level may be too low. It is thus preferable to use the pixels <NUM> for which the second exposure time (M) for proper exposure is set. By using the pixels <NUM> for which the second exposure time (M) is set as phase difference detection pixels, phase difference information can be acquired without causing saturation.

As described above, in the second phase difference HDR mode, for each pixel set <NUM>, three types of exposure times, the first exposure time (L), the second exposure time (M), and the third exposure time (S), are set, and in some of the pixels <NUM> of each pixel set <NUM>, specifically, the pixels <NUM> for which the second exposure time (M) is set, pixel signals of the left and right photodiodes PD are separately output to detect a phase difference, so that signals for phase difference detection and signals of an HDR image with a high dynamic range can be simultaneously acquired.

Note that in order to enable operation in both the first phase difference HDR mode and the second phase difference HDR mode, the eight signal lines <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> are required for the pixel sets <NUM> arranged in the horizontal direction. However, in a case where it is only required to enable operation in only one of the first phase difference HDR mode and the second phase difference HDR mode, the number of signal lines for each pixel set <NUM> arranged in the horizontal direction can be reduced.

For example, <FIG> illustrates a wiring example of signal lines in a case where operation in only the first phase difference HDR mode is enabled as an output mode that enables phase difference detection and HDR image generation.

In <FIG>, by disposing four signal lines <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> for the pixel sets <NUM> arranged in the horizontal direction, operation in the first phase difference HDR mode becomes possible.

Specifically, the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD of the pixels <NUM> paired in the diagonal direction for which an exposure time of the second exposure time (S) is set, and the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the right photodiodes PD. Furthermore, the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD of the pixels <NUM> paired in the diagonal direction for which an exposure time of the first exposure time (L) is set, and the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the right photodiodes PD side.

<FIG> illustrates a wiring example of signal lines in a case where operation in only the second phase difference HDR mode is enabled as an output mode that enables phase difference detection and HDR image generation.

In <FIG>, by disposing six signal lines <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> for the pixel sets <NUM> arranged in the horizontal direction, operation in the second phase difference HDR mode becomes possible.

Specifically, the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD of the pixels <NUM> for which an exposure time of the first exposure time (L) is set, and the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the right photodiodes PD. Furthermore, the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD of the pixels <NUM> paired in the diagonal direction for which an exposure time of the second exposure time (M) is set, and the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the right photodiodes PD. The single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD of the pixels <NUM> for which an exposure time of the third exposure time (S) is set, and the single signal line <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed to control pixel signals of the right photodiodes PD.

As described above, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> can execute, as an output mode, the full-resolution mode in which pixel signals of the photodiodes PD of each pixel <NUM> are output individually, the four-pixel addition phase-difference detection mode in which pixel signals of the left photodiodes PD or the right photodiodes PD are added and output in units of four pixels, the four-pixel addition mode in which pixel signals of all the photodiodes PD in the pixel set <NUM> are added and output, and the first phase difference HDR mode and the second phase difference HDR mode that enable phase difference detection and HDR image generation.

The full-resolution mode enables phase difference detection in all the pixels and high-resolution output by re-mosaicing, and the four-pixel addition phase-difference detection mode enables phase difference detection in the entire surface and high S/N and high dynamic range signal output by four-pixel addition. Furthermore, the four-pixel addition mode enables high S/N and high dynamic range signal output by four-pixel addition, and the first phase difference HDR mode and the second phase difference HDR mode enable both HDR image generation and phase difference detection in the entire surface. Note that to achieve HDR, two or more exposure times may be set for pixels with a single sensitivity as described above, or a single exposure time may be set for a plurality of pixels with different sensitivities formed as a pixel set. An example of a plurality of pixels with different sensitivities includes a pixel including photodiodes with a large light receiving area as a pixel with a high sensitivity, and a pixel including photodiodes with a small light receiving area as a pixel with a low sensitivity.

Note that, of course, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> may further be able to execute output modes other than those described above.

<FIG> illustrates a modification of the color array of the color filters.

In the above-described example, as illustrated in <FIG> and others, the R, G, and B color filters <NUM> are arranged in the Bayer array in units of the pixel sets <NUM>.

In contrast, in <FIG>, the R, G, and B color filters <NUM> are arranged in a Bayer array in units of the pixels <NUM>.

Thus, the color filters <NUM> may be arranged in a Bayer array in units of pixels.

The sharing unit of pixel circuits sharing the reset transistor <NUM>, the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the selection transistor <NUM> may be four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (two vertical pixels x two horizontal pixels) as in <FIG>, or may be four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (four vertical pixels x one horizontal pixel). The color array of the color filters <NUM> in the Bayer array in units of pixels as illustrated in <FIG> allows pixel signals of pixels of the same color to be added if four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> are set as a sharing unit.

<FIG> illustrates a modification of the orientations of the photodiodes PD.

In the above-described example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the pairs of photodiodes PD in the pixels <NUM> are formed such that the orientations of their longitudinal shape are the same direction in each pixel set <NUM>, and are also the same direction in all the pixel sets <NUM>.

However, the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the pairs of photodiodes PD in the pixels may be different from pixel to pixel or from pixel set to pixel set.

A of <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the claimed invention in which the pairs of photodiodes PD in the pixels <NUM> are formed such that the orientations of their longitudinal shape are the same direction in each pixel set <NUM>, but are different from pixel set <NUM> to pixel set <NUM>.

In A of <FIG>, the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the pairs of photodiodes PD in the pixel set 51Gr and the pixel set 51Gb including the G color filters <NUM> are the left-right direction (horizontal direction), and the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the pairs of photodiodes PD in the pixel set 51R including the R color filters <NUM> and the pixel set 51B including the B color filters <NUM> are the up-and-down direction (vertical direction). In other words, the photodiodes PD are formed such that the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the pairs of photodiodes PD in the pixels are at right angles between the pixel set 51Gr and the pixel set 51Gb, and the pixel set 51R and the pixel set 51B. The orientations of the longitudinal shape of the photodiodes PD in the pixel sets <NUM> including the color filters <NUM> of the same color are the same.

B of <FIG> illustrates an example in which in each pixel set <NUM> including the color filters <NUM> of the same color, pairs of photodiodes PD in two pixels arranged in the horizontal direction are formed such that the orientations of their longitudinal shape are the same direction, and pairs of photodiodes PD in two pixels arranged in the vertical direction are formed such that the orientations of their longitudinal shape are orthogonal directions.

In B of <FIG>, in each pixel set <NUM>, the photodiodes PD are formed such that the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the pairs of photodiodes PD in the two upper pixels are the left-right direction (horizontal direction), and the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the pairs of photodiodes PD in the two lower pixels are the up-and-down direction (vertical direction).

C of <FIG> illustrates an example in which in each pixel set <NUM> including the color filters <NUM> of the same color, pairs of photodiodes PD in two pixels PD arranged in the horizontal direction are formed such that the orientations of their longitudinal shape are orthogonal directions, and pairs of photodiodes PD in two pixels PD arranged in the vertical direction are formed such that the orientations of their longitudinal shape are also orthogonal directions.

In C of <FIG>, in each pixel set <NUM>, the photodiodes PD are formed such that the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the pairs of photodiodes PD in the two upper pixels are the left-right direction (horizontal direction) and the up-and-down direction (vertical direction), and the orientations of the longitudinal shape of the pairs of photodiodes PD in the two lower pixels are also the left-right direction (horizontal direction) and the up-and-down direction (vertical direction).

As above, the two photodiodes PD of the longitudinal shape formed in each pixel are arranged symmetrically in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, and for their orientations in the pixels in the pixel set <NUM>, either the same direction or orthogonal directions can be used.

<FIG> illustrates a modification of the arrangement of the on-chip lenses <NUM>.

In the above-described example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the on-chip lenses <NUM> are formed for individual pixels.

However, as illustrated in <FIG>, for some of the plurality of pixel sets <NUM> constituting the pixel array <NUM>, one on-chip lens <NUM> may be disposed for one pixel set <NUM>.

A of <FIG> illustrates an example in which one on-chip lens <NUM> is disposed for the pixel set 51Gb including the G color filters <NUM>, and the on-chip lenses <NUM> for individual pixels are disposed for the other pixel sets 51Gr, 51R, and 51B.

B of <FIG> illustrates an example in which one on-chip lens <NUM> is disposed for the pixel set 51R including the R color filters <NUM>, and the on-chip lenses <NUM> for individual pixels are disposed for the other pixel sets 51Gr, 51Gb, and 51B.

C of <FIG> illustrates an example in which one on-chip lens <NUM> is disposed for the pixel set 51B including the B color filters <NUM>, and the on-chip lenses <NUM> for individual pixels are disposed for the other pixel sets 51Gr, 51R, and 51Gb.

In the pixel array <NUM> in which the pixel sets <NUM> are two-dimensionally arranged, the on-chip lenses <NUM> in A to C of <FIG> may be disposed at regular intervals or randomly.

The pixel set <NUM> with the on-chip lens <NUM> cannot acquire pixel signals for generating an HDR image, but can detect a phase difference with pixel signals in each pixel, and thus is effective for phase difference detection in low illumination.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a second cross-sectional configuration example of the pixel array <NUM> of the solid-state imaging device <NUM> in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, parts corresponding to those in the first cross-sectional configuration example illustrated in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of the parts will be omitted as appropriate.

The second cross-sectional configuration example of <FIG> differs from the first cross-sectional configuration example illustrated in <FIG> in that an insulating layer <NUM> is formed in the semiconductor substrate <NUM>.

Specifically, in the first cross-sectional configuration example illustrated in <FIG>, only the P-type semiconductor region <NUM> and the N-type semiconductor regions <NUM> are formed in the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. In the second cross-sectional configuration example in <FIG>, the insulating layer <NUM> is further formed at pixel boundaries between adjacent pixels and between the two photodiodes PD in each pixel. The insulating layer <NUM> is formed, for example, by a deep trench isolation (DTI) in which an oxide film (e.g., a TEOS film) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of deep grooves (trenches) dug from the back side of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>, and the inside thereof is filled with polysilicon. Note that the insulating layer <NUM> is not limited to the configuration using the oxide film and polysilicon, and may be of a configuration using a metal such as hafnium or a configuration using an impurity layer. Furthermore, the insulating layer <NUM> of different configurations may be applied in different pixels. For example, in an R pixel that transmits relatively long wavelengths, an impurity layer may be applied as the insulating layer <NUM>, and in a B pixel and a G pixel, an oxide film, polysilicon, or a metal may be applied as the insulating layer <NUM>. Furthermore, the insulating layer <NUM> may be a shallow trench isolation (STI) shallower than DTI, or may be a full trench isolation (FTI) that completely separates pixels from each other.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating regions where the insulating layer <NUM> is formed in a range of <NUM> pixels in <NUM> x <NUM>.

As can be seen from the plan view of <FIG>, the insulating layer <NUM> is formed at the boundaries of the pixels <NUM> and between the two photodiodes PD in each pixel, and the two photodiodes PD are separated from each other by the insulating layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a third cross-sectional configuration example of the pixel array <NUM> of the solid-state imaging device <NUM> in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, parts corresponding to those in the second cross-sectional configuration example illustrated in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of the parts will be omitted as appropriate.

In the second cross-sectional configuration example of <FIG>, the insulating layer <NUM> is formed at the boundaries of the pixels <NUM> and between the two photodiodes PD in each pixel.

In the third cross-sectional configuration example of <FIG>, at the boundaries of the pixels <NUM>, the insulating layer <NUM> is formed as in the second cross-sectional configuration example, but between the two photodiodes PD in each pixel, an impurity layer <NUM> of a conductivity type opposite to that of the N-type semiconductor regions <NUM>, that is, P-type is formed. The impurity concentration of the P-type impurity layer <NUM> is higher than that of the semiconductor region <NUM>. The impurity layer <NUM> can be formed, for example, by ion implantation from the back side of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating regions where the insulating layer <NUM> and the impurity layer <NUM> are formed in a range of <NUM> pixels in <NUM> x <NUM>.

As can be seen from the plan view of <FIG>, the insulating layer <NUM> is formed at the boundaries of the pixels <NUM>, and the impurity layer <NUM> separates the two photodiodes PD in each pixel from each other.

The potential barrier between the two photodiodes PD in each pixel may be the same as the potential barrier at the pixel boundaries, or may be made lower than the potential barrier at the pixel boundaries as illustrated in B of <FIG>.

A of <FIG> is a cross-sectional structural diagram of one pixel in the third cross-sectional configuration example, and B of <FIG> is a potential diagram corresponding to A of <FIG>.

As illustrated in B of <FIG>, by making the potential barrier between the two photodiodes PD lower than that at the pixel boundaries, when charges accumulated in one photodiode PD have reached a saturation level, they flow into the other photodiode PD before overflowing into the FD <NUM>. Thus, the linearity of a pixel signal of one pixel obtained by combining the left and right photodiodes PD can be improved.

The height of the potential barrier between the photodiodes PD can be made lower than the potential barrier at the pixel boundaries by adjusting the impurity concentration in the impurity layer <NUM>.

Note that the impurity layer <NUM> may be formed so as to completely isolate a region sandwiched between the two photodiodes PD as illustrated in <FIG>, or may be formed so as to isolate only a part of the region sandwiched between the two photodiodes PD as illustrated in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the impurity layer <NUM> is formed only in a part in and around the pixel center of the region sandwiched between the two photodiodes PD.

A cross-sectional view of parts where the impurity layer <NUM> is formed in <FIG> is the same as that in <FIG>, and a cross-sectional view of parts where the impurity layer <NUM> is not formed in <FIG> is the same as that in <FIG>.

In the above-described example, the inter-pixel light-shielding film <NUM> that prevent light from entering adjacent pixels are formed at pixel boundary portions, but no light-shielding film is formed on the photodiodes PD.

However, for some of the pixels <NUM> in the pixel array <NUM>, a configuration in which a light-shielding film is disposed on two photodiodes PD in a pixel may be adopted.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a first configuration in which a light-shielding film is disposed on photodiodes PD.

In A and B of <FIG>, in each pixel <NUM> of the pixel set 51Gr, the upper halves or the lower halves of the two photodiodes PD in the pixel are shielded from the light by a light-shielding film <NUM>.

A of <FIG> is an example in which the lower halves of the two photodiodes PD in the pixel are shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>, and B of <FIG> is an example in which the upper halves of the two photodiodes PD in the pixel are shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>.

The on-chip lenses <NUM> are formed for the individual pixels as in <FIG>.

Using a pixel signal of the pixel set 51Gr in A of <FIG> in which pieces of the light-shielding film <NUM> are symmetrically disposed (an added pixel signal of the four pixels) and a pixel signal of the pixel set 51Gr in B of <FIG> (an added pixel signal of the four pixels), phase difference information is acquired.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a second configuration in which a light-shielding film is disposed on photodiodes PD.

In A and B of <FIG>, in each pixel <NUM> of the pixel set 51Gr, one of the two photodiodes PD in the pixel is shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>.

A of <FIG> is an example in which the left photodiode PD of the two photodiodes PD of each pixel <NUM> in the pixel set 51Gr is shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>, and B of <FIG> is an example in which the right photodiode PD of the two photodiodes PD of each pixel <NUM> in the pixel set 51Gr is shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>.

Both of the first and second configurations in <FIG> and <FIG> are a configuration in which the light-shielding film <NUM> partly light-shields all the pixels <NUM> in the pixel set 51Gr.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a third configuration in which a light-shielding film is disposed on photodiodes PD.

In A and B of <FIG>, of the four pixels constituting the pixel set 51Gb, all the photodiodes PD of the two upper or lower pixels are shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>.

A of <FIG> is an example in which all the photodiodes PD of the two lower pixels in the pixel set 51Gb are shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>, and B of <FIG> is an example in which all the photodiodes PD of the two upper pixels in the pixel set 51Gb are shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>.

In <FIG>, one on-chip lens <NUM> is formed on the pixel set 51Gb at which the light-shielding film <NUM> is disposed, as in <FIG>. On the pixel sets 51Gr, 51R, and 51B at which no light-shielding film <NUM> is disposed, the on-chip lenses <NUM> for the individual pixels are formed.

Using a pixel signal of the pixel set 51Gb in A of <FIG> at which pieces of the light-shielding film <NUM> are symmetrically disposed (an added pixel signal of the four pixels) and a pixel signal of the pixel set 51Gb in B of <FIG> (an added pixel signal of the four pixels), phase difference information is acquired.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a fourth configuration in which a light-shielding film is disposed on photodiodes PD.

In A and B of <FIG>, of the four pixels constituting the pixel set 51Gb, all the photodiodes PD of the two left or right pixels are shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>.

A of <FIG> is an example in which all the photodiodes PD of the two left pixels in the pixel set 51Gb are shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>, and B of <FIG> is an example in which all the photodiodes PD of the two right pixels in the pixel set 51Gb are shielded from the light by the light-shielding film <NUM>.

Both of the third and fourth configurations in <FIG> and <FIG> are a configuration in which the light-shielding film <NUM> entirely shields some of the pixels <NUM> in the pixel set 51Gr from the light.

In a case where the light intensity of incident light is high and phase difference information cannot be acquired in the pixel sets <NUM> at which no light-shielding film <NUM> is disposed, the first to fourth configurations of <FIG> in which the light-shielding film <NUM> is disposed allows the pixel sets <NUM> at which the light-shielding film <NUM> is disposed to acquire phase difference information. Thus, the first to fourth configurations in which the light-shielding film <NUM> is disposed are effective in acquiring phase difference information in a case where the light intensity of incident light is high.

The first to fourth configurations of <FIG> in which the light-shielding film is disposed are an example in which the light-shielding film <NUM> is disposed at the pixel set 51Gb or the pixel set 51Gr. A similar light-shielding film <NUM> may be formed for the other pixel set 51R or 51B, or the light-shielding film <NUM> may be formed at all of the pixel sets 51Gb, 51R, and 51B.

<FIG> illustrates another modification of the solid-state imaging device <NUM>.

In the example described above, the constituent units of the pixel set <NUM> is four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (two vertical pixels x two horizontal pixels). However, the pixel set <NUM> is not limited to four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM>, and is only required to include a plurality of pixels <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the constituent units of the pixel set <NUM> is <NUM> pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (four vertical pixels x four horizontal pixels). The example of <FIG> illustrates an example in which an on-chip lens <NUM> is formed for each pixel, which is not limiting. One on-chip lens may be disposed for four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM>, or one on-chip lens may be disposed for <NUM> pixels in <NUM> x <NUM>.

In addition, for example, nine pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (three vertical pixels x three horizontal pixels) may be set as constituent units of the pixel set <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates still another modification of the solid-state imaging device <NUM>.

In the example described above, a color filter <NUM> that allows light of wavelengths of R, G, or B to pass through is formed at each pixel <NUM> of the solid-state imaging device <NUM>.

However, as illustrated in <FIG>, a configuration in which the color filters <NUM> are eliminated may be adopted. In this case, the pixels <NUM> of the solid-state imaging device <NUM> can receive light of all wavelengths of R, G, and B to generate and output pixel signals.

Alternatively, instead of the color filters <NUM>, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> may be provided with infrared filters that transmit infrared light to receive only infrared light to generate and output pixel signals.

An example of arrangement of pixel transistors will be described with reference to <FIG>.

In the pixel array <NUM>, for example, the arrangement of the photodiodes PD and the pixel transistors illustrated in <FIG> is repeated in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating an example of arrangement of the pixel transistors in a pixel region of a total of <NUM> pixels in which the pixel sets <NUM> whose constituent units are four pixels in <NUM> x <NUM> (two vertical pixels x two horizontal pixels) are arranged <NUM> x <NUM>. In <FIG>, a portion indicated by a black circle represents a power supply, a GND, or a contact portion of a signal line. Note that in <FIG>, some reference numerals are omitted to prevent the figure from being complicated.

In <FIG>, the photodiodes PD, the color filters <NUM> (not illustrated in <FIG>), and the on-chip lenses <NUM> are formed as in the example illustrated in <FIG>. Specifically, two photodiodes PD are disposed for one pixel horizontally symmetrically in a longitudinal shape. The on-chip lenses <NUM> are formed for the individual pixels. The color filters <NUM> are arranged in a Bayer array in units of the pixel sets <NUM>. The upper left pixel set <NUM> is the pixel set 51Gr including the G color filters <NUM>, the upper right pixel set <NUM> is the pixel set 51R including the R color filters <NUM>, the lower left pixel set <NUM> is the pixel set 51B including the B color filters <NUM>, and the lower right pixel set <NUM> is the pixel set 51Gb including the G color filters <NUM>.

As described with reference to <FIG>, one pixel set <NUM> including four pixels is provided with eight photodiodes PD and eight transfer transistors TG, and the FD <NUM>, the reset transistor <NUM>, the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the selection transistor <NUM> shared by them.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the eight photodiodes PD included in one pixel set <NUM> are arrayed in <NUM> x <NUM> (vertically two x horizontally four), and the reset transistor <NUM>, the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the selection transistor <NUM>, which are shared by the eight photodiodes PD, are disposed vertically (longitudinally) adjacent to the eight photodiodes PD in <NUM> x <NUM>. If the reset transistor <NUM>, the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the selection transistor <NUM>, which are shared by the eight photodiodes PD, are collectively referred to as shared pixel transistors, the shared pixel transistors are disposed between the eight photodiodes PD and the eight photodiodes PD in <NUM> x <NUM> in the two vertically adjacent pixel sets <NUM>.

With four photodiodes PD in <NUM> x <NUM> as a group, the transfer transistors TG provided one-to-one to the photodiodes PD are disposed near the center of the group. Four transfer transistors TG are collectively disposed near the center of four photodiodes PD in <NUM> x <NUM> in a right group in the pixel set <NUM>, and four transfer transistors TG are collectively disposed near the center of four photodiodes PD in <NUM> x <NUM> in a left group in the pixel set <NUM>.

The FD <NUM> includes at least metal wiring 52A as a part thereof. As illustrated in <FIG>, the metal wiring 52A is routed to electrically connect a middle portion of the four photodiodes PD in <NUM> x <NUM> in the right group in the pixel set <NUM>, a middle portion of the four photodiodes PD in <NUM> x <NUM> in the left group in the pixel set <NUM>, the gate electrode of the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the source electrode of the reset transistor <NUM>. Charges accumulated in each photodiode PD in the pixel set <NUM> are transferred to the metal wiring 52A constituting a part of the FD <NUM> by the corresponding transfer transistor TG, transmitted through the metal wiring 52A, and provided to the gate electrode of the amplification transistor <NUM>. Furthermore, when the reset transistor <NUM> is turned on, charges in the FD <NUM> are discharged from the source electrode to the drain electrode of the reset transistor <NUM>.

Thus, for the shared pixel transistors (the reset transistor <NUM>, the amplification transistor <NUM>, and the selection transistor <NUM>), a layout can be adopted in which they are disposed between the eight photodiodes PD of one pixel set <NUM> and the eight photodiodes PD of another pixel set <NUM> adjacent in the column direction. Note that although not illustrated, a layout in which the shared pixel transistors are disposed between the eight photodiodes PD and the eight photodiodes PD of the pixel sets <NUM> adjacent to each other in the row direction may be used.

The present technology is not limited to application to a solid-state imaging device. Specifically, the present technology is applicable to all electronic apparatuses using a solid-state imaging device for an image capturing unit (photoelectric conversion part), such as imaging apparatuses including digital still cameras and video cameras, portable terminal devices having an imaging function, and copying machines using a solid-state imaging device for an image reading unit. The solid-state imaging device may be formed as one chip, or may be in a modular form having an imaging function in which an imaging unit and a signal processing unit or an optical system are packaged together.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus as an electronic apparatus to which the present technology is applied.

An imaging apparatus <NUM> in <FIG> includes an optical unit <NUM> including a lens group or the like, a solid-state imaging device (imaging device) <NUM> in which the configuration of the solid-state imaging device <NUM> in <FIG> is used, and a digital signal processor (DSP) circuit <NUM> that is a camera signal processing circuit. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus <NUM> also includes a frame memory <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, a recording unit <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, and a power supply <NUM>. The DSP circuit <NUM>, the frame memory <NUM>, the display unit <NUM>, the recording unit <NUM>, the operation unit <NUM>, and the power supply <NUM> are mutually connected via a bus line <NUM>.

The optical unit <NUM> captures incident light (image light) from a subject, forming an image on an imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device <NUM>. The solid-state imaging device <NUM> converts the amount of incident light formed as the image on the imaging surface by the optical unit <NUM> into an electric signal pixel by pixel and outputs the electric signal as a pixel signal. As the solid-state imaging device <NUM>, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> in <FIG>, that is, a solid-state imaging device capable of simultaneously acquiring a signal for generating a high dynamic range image and a signal for detecting a phase difference can be used.

The display unit <NUM> includes, for example, a thin display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and displays a moving image or a still image captured by the solid-state imaging device <NUM>. The recording unit <NUM> records a moving image or a still image captured by the solid-state imaging device <NUM> on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

The operation unit <NUM> issues operation commands on various functions of the imaging apparatus <NUM> under user operation. The power supply <NUM> appropriately supplies various power supplies to be operation power supplies for the DSP circuit <NUM>, the frame memory <NUM>, the display unit <NUM>, the recording unit <NUM>, and the operation unit <NUM>, to them to be supplied with.

As described above, by using the solid-state imaging device <NUM> to which the above-described embodiment is applied as the solid-state imaging device <NUM>, it is possible to simultaneously acquire a signal for generating a high dynamic range image and a signal for detecting a phase difference. Therefore, the imaging apparatus <NUM> such as a video camera or a digital still camera, or further a camera module for a mobile device such as a portable phone can also improve the quality of captured images.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of use of an image sensor using the above-described solid-state imaging device <NUM>.

The image sensor using the above-described solid-state imaging device <NUM> can be used in various cases where light such as visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and X-ray are sensed, for example, as below.

The technology according to the present disclosure (the present technology) can be applied to various products. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be applied to an endoscopic surgery system.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an endoscopic surgery system to which the technology according to the present disclosure (the present technology) can be applied.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which an operator (doctor) <NUM> is performing an operation on a patient <NUM> on a patient bed <NUM>, using an endoscopic surgery system <NUM>. As illustrated in the figure, the endoscopic surgery system <NUM> includes an endoscope <NUM>, other surgical instruments <NUM> including a pneumoperitoneum tube <NUM> and an energy treatment instrument <NUM>, a support arm device <NUM> that supports the endoscope <NUM>, and a cart <NUM> on which various devices for endoscopic surgery are mounted.

The endoscope <NUM> includes a lens tube <NUM> with a region of a predetermined length from the distal end inserted into the body cavity of the patient <NUM>, and a camera head <NUM> connected to the proximal end of the lens tube <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the endoscope <NUM> formed as a so-called rigid scope having a rigid lens tube <NUM> is illustrated, but the endoscope <NUM> may be formed as a so-called flexible scope having a flexible lens tube.

An opening in which an objective lens is fitted is provided at the distal end of the lens tube <NUM>. A light source device <NUM> is connected to the endoscope <NUM>. Light generated by the light source device <NUM> is guided to the distal end of the lens tube <NUM> through a light guide extended inside the lens tube <NUM>, and is emitted through the objective lens toward an object to be observed in the body cavity of the patient <NUM>. Note that the endoscope <NUM> may be a forward-viewing endoscope, an oblique-viewing endoscope, or a side-viewing endoscope.

An optical system and an imaging device are provided inside the camera head <NUM>. Light reflected from the object being observed (observation light) is concentrated onto the imaging device by the optical system. The observation light is photoelectrically converted by the imaging device, and an electric signal corresponding to the observation light, that is, an image signal corresponding to an observation image is generated. The image signal is transmitted to a camera control unit (CCU) <NUM> as RAW data.

The CCU <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like, and performs centralized control on the operations of the endoscope <NUM> and a display device <NUM>. Moreover, the CCU <NUM> receives an image signal from the camera head <NUM>, and performs various types of image processing such as development processing (demosaicing) on the image signal for displaying an image based on the image signal.

The display device <NUM> displays an image based on an image signal subjected to image processing by the CCU <NUM> under the control of the CCU <NUM>.

The light source device <NUM> includes a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED), and supplies irradiation light when a surgical site or the like is imaged to the endoscope <NUM>.

An input device <NUM> is an input interface for the endoscopic surgery system <NUM>. The user can input various types of information and input instructions to the endoscopic surgery system <NUM> via the input device <NUM>. For example, the user inputs an instruction to change conditions of imaging by the endoscope <NUM> (the type of irradiation light, magnification, focal length, etc.) and the like.

A treatment instrument control device <NUM> controls the drive of the energy treatment instrument <NUM> for tissue ablation, incision, blood vessel sealing, or the like. A pneumoperitoneum device <NUM> feeds gas into the body cavity of the patient <NUM> through the pneumoperitoneum tube <NUM> to inflate the body cavity for the purpose of providing a field of view by the endoscope <NUM> and providing the operator's workspace. A recorder <NUM> is a device that can record various types of information associated with surgery. A printer <NUM> is a device that can print various types of information associated with surgery in various forms including text, an image, and a graph.

Note that the light source device <NUM> that supplies irradiation light when a surgical site is imaged to the endoscope <NUM> may include a white light source including LEDs, laser light sources, or a combination of them, for example. In a case where a white light source includes a combination of RGB laser light sources, the output intensity and output timing of each color (each wavelength) can be controlled with high accuracy. Thus, the light source device <NUM> can adjust the white balance of captured images. Furthermore, in this case, by irradiating an object to be observed with laser light from each of the RGB laser light sources in a time-division manner, and controlling the drive of the imaging device of the camera head <NUM> in synchronization with the irradiation timing, images corresponding one-to-one to RGB can also be imaged in a time-division manner. According to this method, color images can be obtained without providing color filters at the imaging device.

Furthermore, the drive of the light source device <NUM> may be controlled so as to change the intensity of output light every predetermined time. By controlling the drive of the imaging device of the camera head <NUM> in synchronization with the timing of change of the intensity of light and acquiring images in a time-division manner, and combining the images, a high dynamic range image without so-called underexposure and overexposure can be generated.

Furthermore, the light source device <NUM> may be configured to be able to supply light in a predetermined wavelength band suitable for special light observation. In special light observation, for example, so-called narrow band imaging is performed in which predetermined tissue such as a blood vessel in a superficial portion of a mucous membrane is imaged with high contrast by irradiating it with light in a narrower band than irradiation light at the time of normal observation (that is, white light), utilizing the wavelength dependence of light absorption in body tissue. Alternatively, in special light observation, fluorescence observation may be performed in which an image is obtained by fluorescence generated by irradiation with excitation light. Fluorescence observation allows observation of fluorescence from body tissue by irradiating the body tissue with excitation light (autofluorescence observation), acquisition of a fluorescence image by locally injecting a reagent such as indocyanine green (ICG) into body tissue and irradiating the body tissue with excitation light corresponding to the fluorescence wavelength of the reagent, and the like. The light source device <NUM> can be configured to be able to supply narrowband light and/or excitation light suitable for such special light observation.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the camera head <NUM> and the CCU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The camera head <NUM> includes a lens unit <NUM>, an imaging unit <NUM>, a drive unit <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM>, and a camera head control unit <NUM>. The CCU <NUM> includes a communication unit <NUM>, an image processing unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>. The camera head <NUM> and the CCU <NUM> are communicably connected to each other by a transmission cable <NUM>.

The lens unit <NUM> is an optical system provided at a portion connected to the lens tube <NUM>. Observation light taken in from the distal end of the lens tube <NUM> is guided to the camera head <NUM> and enters the lens unit <NUM>. The lens unit <NUM> includes a combination of a plurality of lenses including a zoom lens and a focus lens.

The imaging unit <NUM> includes an imaging device. The imaging unit <NUM> may include a single imaging device (be of a so-called single plate type), or may include a plurality of imaging devices (be of a so-called multi-plate type). In a case where the imaging unit <NUM> is of the multi-plate type, for example, image signals corresponding one-to-one to RGB may be generated by imaging devices, and they may be combined to obtain a color image. Alternatively, the imaging unit <NUM> may include a pair of imaging devices for acquiring right-eye and left-eye image signals corresponding to a 3D (dimensional) display, individually. By performing 3D display, the operator <NUM> can more accurately grasp the depth of living tissue at a surgical site. Note that in a case where the imaging unit <NUM> is of the multi-plate type, a plurality of lens units <NUM> may be provided for the corresponding imaging devices.

Furthermore, the imaging unit <NUM> may not necessarily be provided in the camera head <NUM>. For example, the imaging unit <NUM> may be provided inside the lens tube <NUM> directly behind the objective lens.

The drive unit <NUM> includes an actuator, and moves the zoom lens and the focus lens of the lens unit <NUM> by a predetermined distance along the optical axis under the control of the camera head control unit <NUM>. With this, the magnification and focus of an image captured by the imaging unit <NUM> can be adjusted as appropriate.

The communication unit <NUM> includes a communication device for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the CCU <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> transmits an image signal obtained from the imaging unit <NUM> as RAW data to the CCU <NUM> via the transmission cable <NUM>.

Furthermore, the communication unit <NUM> receives a control signal for controlling the drive of the camera head <NUM> from the CCU <NUM>, and provides the control signal to the camera head control unit <NUM>. The control signal includes, for example, information regarding imaging conditions such as information specifying the frame rate of captured images, information specifying the exposure value at the time of imaging, and/or information specifying the magnification and focus of captured images.

Note that the imaging conditions such as the frame rate, the exposure value, the magnification, and the focus described above may be appropriately specified by the user, or may be automatically set by the control unit <NUM> of the CCU <NUM> on the basis of an acquired image signal. In the latter case, so-called an auto exposure (AE) function, an auto focus (AF) function, and an auto white balance (AWB) function are mounted on the endoscope <NUM>.

The camera head control unit <NUM> controls the drive of the camera head <NUM> on the basis of a control signal from the CCU <NUM> received via the communication unit <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> includes a communication device for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the camera head <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> receives an image signal transmitted from the camera head <NUM> via the transmission cable <NUM>.

Furthermore, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a control signal for controlling the drive of the camera head <NUM> to the camera head <NUM>. The image signal and the control signal can be transmitted by electrical communication, optical communication, or the like.

The image processing unit <NUM> performs various types of image processing on an image signal that is RAW data transmitted from the camera head <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> performs various types of control for imaging of a surgical site or the like by the endoscope <NUM> and display of a captured image obtained by imaging of a surgical site or the like. For example, the control unit <NUM> generates a control signal for controlling the drive of the camera head <NUM>.

Furthermore, the control unit <NUM> causes the display device <NUM> to display a captured image showing a surgical site or the like, on the basis of an image signal subjected to image processing by the image processing unit <NUM>. At this time, the control unit <NUM> may recognize various objects in the captured image using various image recognition techniques. For example, by detecting the shape of the edge, the color, or the like of an object included in a captured image, the control unit <NUM> can recognize a surgical instrument such as forceps, a specific living body part, bleeding, mist when the energy treatment instrument <NUM> is used, and so on. When causing the display device <NUM> to display a captured image, the control unit <NUM> may superimpose various types of surgery support information on an image of the surgical site for display, using the recognition results. By the surgery support information being superimposed and displayed, and presented to the operator <NUM>, the load of the operator <NUM> can be reduced, and the operator <NUM> can reliably proceed with the surgery.

The transmission cable <NUM> that connects the camera head <NUM> and the CCU <NUM> is an electric signal cable for electric signal communication, an optical fiber for optical communication, or a composite cable for them.

Here, in the illustrated example, communication is performed by wire using the transmission cable <NUM>, but communication between the camera head <NUM> and the CCU <NUM> may be performed by radio.

An example of the endoscopic surgery system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied has so far been described. The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to the imaging unit <NUM> in the configuration described above. Specifically, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> according to the above-described embodiment can be applied as the imaging unit <NUM>. By applying the technology according to the present disclosure to the imaging unit <NUM>, it is possible to simultaneously acquire a signal for generating a high dynamic range image and a signal for detecting a phase difference. Consequently, a high-quality captured image and distance information can be acquired, and the degree of safety of the driver and the vehicle can be increased.

Note that although the endoscopic surgery system has been described here as an example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be applied, for example, to a microsurgery system and the like.

The technology according to the present disclosure (the present technology) can be applied to various products. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a device mounted on any type of mobile object such as an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, personal mobility, an airplane, a drone, a ship, and a robot.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system that is an example of a mobile object control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied.

A vehicle control system <NUM> includes a plurality of electronic control units connected via a communication network <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the vehicle control system <NUM> includes a drive system control unit <NUM>, a body system control unit <NUM>, a vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM>, a vehicle interior information detection unit <NUM>, and an integrated control unit <NUM>. Furthermore, as a functional configuration of the integrated control unit <NUM>, a microcomputer <NUM>, a sound/image output unit <NUM>, and an in-vehicle network interface (I/F) <NUM> are illustrated.

The drive system control unit <NUM> controls the operation of apparatuses related to the drive system of the vehicle, according to various programs. For example, the drive system control unit <NUM> functions as a control device for a driving force generation apparatus for generating a driving force of the vehicle such as an internal combustion engine or a drive motor, a driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force to wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, a braking device for generating a vehicle braking force, and others.

The body system control unit <NUM> controls the operation of various apparatuses mounted on the vehicle body, according to various programs. For example, the body system control unit <NUM> functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, power window devices, or various lamps including headlamps, back lamps, brake lamps, indicators, and fog lamps. In this case, the body system control unit <NUM> can receive the input of radio waves transmitted from a portable device that substitutes for a key or signals from various switches. The body system control unit <NUM> receives the input of these radio waves or signals, and controls door lock devices, the power window devices, the lamps, and others of the vehicle.

The vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM> detects information regarding the exterior of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system <NUM>. For example, an imaging unit <NUM> is connected to the vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM>. The vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM> causes the imaging unit <NUM> to capture an image outside the vehicle and receives the captured image. The vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM> may perform object detection processing or distance detection processing on a person, a vehicle, an obstacle, a sign, characters on a road surface, or the like, on the basis of the received image.

The imaging unit <NUM> is an optical sensor that receives light and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of the received light. The imaging unit <NUM> may output an electric signal as an image, or may output it as distance measurement information. Furthermore, light received by the imaging unit <NUM> may be visible light, or may be invisible light such as infrared rays.

The vehicle interior information detection unit <NUM> detects information of the vehicle interior. For example, a driver condition detection unit <NUM> that detects a driver's conditions is connected to the vehicle interior information detection unit <NUM>. The driver condition detection unit <NUM> includes, for example, a camera that images the driver. The vehicle interior information detection unit <NUM> may calculate the degree of fatigue or the degree of concentration of the driver, or may determine whether the driver is dozing, on the basis of detected information input from the driver condition detection unit <NUM>.

The microcomputer <NUM> can calculate a control target value for the driving force generation apparatus, the steering mechanism, or the braking device on the basis of vehicle interior or exterior information acquired by the vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM> or the vehicle interior information detection unit <NUM>, and output a control command to the drive system control unit <NUM>. For example, the microcomputer <NUM> can perform cooperative control for the purpose of implementing the functions of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) including vehicle collision avoidance or impact mitigation, following driving based on inter-vehicle distance, vehicle speed-maintaining driving, vehicle collision warning, vehicle lane departure warning, and so on.

Furthermore, the microcomputer <NUM> can perform cooperative control for the purpose of automatic driving for autonomous travelling without a driver's operation, by controlling the driving force generation apparatus, the steering mechanism, the braking device, or others, on the basis of information around the vehicle acquired by the vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM> or the vehicle interior information detection unit <NUM>.

Moreover, the microcomputer <NUM> can output a control command to the body system control unit <NUM> on the basis of vehicle exterior information acquired by the vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM>. For example, the microcomputer <NUM> can perform cooperative control for the purpose of preventing glare by controlling the headlamps according to the position of a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle detected by the vehicle exterior information detection unit <NUM>, switching high beam to low beam, or the like.

The sound/image output unit <NUM> transmits an output signal of at least one of a sound or an image to an output device that can visually or auditorily notify a vehicle occupant or the outside of the vehicle of information. In the example of <FIG>, as the output device, an audio speaker <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, and an instrument panel <NUM> are illustrated. The display unit <NUM> may include at least one of an on-board display or a head-up display, for example.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation position of the imaging unit <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a vehicle <NUM> includes imaging units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as the imaging unit <NUM>.

The imaging units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are provided, for example, at positions such as the front nose, the side mirrors, the rear bumper or the back door, and an upper portion of the windshield in the vehicle compartment of the vehicle <NUM>. The imaging unit <NUM> provided at the front nose and the imaging unit <NUM> provided at the upper portion of the windshield in the vehicle compartment mainly acquire images of the front of the vehicle <NUM>. The imaging units <NUM> and <NUM> provided at the side mirrors mainly acquire images of the sides of the vehicle <NUM>. The imaging unit <NUM> provided at the rear bumper or the back door mainly acquires images of the rear of the vehicle <NUM>. Front images acquired by the imaging units <NUM> and <NUM> are mainly used for detection of a preceding vehicle, or a pedestrian, an obstacle, a traffic light, or a traffic sign, or a lane, or the like.

Note that <FIG> illustrates an example of imaging ranges of the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM>. An imaging range <NUM> indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit <NUM> provided at the front nose, imaging ranges <NUM> and <NUM> indicate the imaging ranges of the imaging units <NUM> and <NUM> provided at the side mirrors, respectively, and an imaging range <NUM> indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit <NUM> provided at the rear bumper or the back door. For example, by superimposing image data captured by the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM> on each other, an overhead image of the vehicle <NUM> viewed from above is obtained.

At least one of the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM> may have a function of acquiring distance information. For example, at least one of the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM> may be a stereo camera including a plurality of imaging devices, or may be an imaging device including pixels for phase difference detection.

For example, the microcomputer <NUM> can determine distances to three-dimensional objects in the imaging ranges <NUM> to <NUM>, and temporal changes in the distances (relative speeds to the vehicle <NUM>), on the basis of distance information obtained from the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM>, thereby extracting, as a preceding vehicle, especially the nearest three-dimensional object located on the traveling path of the vehicle <NUM> which is a three-dimensional object traveling at a predetermined speed (e.g., <NUM>/h or higher) in substantially the same direction as the vehicle <NUM>. Furthermore, the microcomputer <NUM> can perform automatic brake control (including following stop control), automatic acceleration control (including following start control), and the like, setting an inter-vehicle distance to be provided in advance in front of a preceding vehicle. Thus, cooperative control for the purpose of autonomous driving for autonomous traveling without a driver's operation or the like can be performed.

For example, the microcomputer <NUM> can extract three-dimensional object data regarding three-dimensional objects, classifying them into a two-wheel vehicle, an ordinary vehicle, a large vehicle, a pedestrian, and another three-dimensional object such as a power pole, on the basis of distance information obtained from the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM>, for use in automatic avoidance of obstacles. For example, for obstacles around the vehicle <NUM>, the microcomputer <NUM> distinguishes between obstacles that can be visually identified by the driver of the vehicle <NUM> and obstacles that are difficult to visually identify. Then, the microcomputer <NUM> determines a collision risk indicating the degree of danger of collision with each obstacle. In a situation where the collision risk is equal to or higher than a set value and there is a possibility of collision, the microcomputer <NUM> can perform driving assistance for collision avoidance by outputting a warning to the driver via the audio speaker <NUM> or the display unit <NUM>, or performing forced deceleration or avoidance steering via the drive system control unit <NUM>.

At least one of the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM> may be an infrared camera that detects infrared rays. For example, the microcomputer <NUM> can recognize a pedestrian by determining whether or not a pedestrian is present in captured images of the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM>. The recognition of a pedestrian is performed, for example, by a procedure of extracting feature points in captured images of the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM> as infrared cameras, and a procedure of performing pattern matching on a series of feature points indicating the outline of an object to determine whether or not the object is a pedestrian. When the microcomputer <NUM> determines that a pedestrian is present in captured images of the imaging units <NUM> to <NUM> and recognizes the pedestrian, the sound/image output unit <NUM> controls the display unit <NUM> to superimpose and display a rectangular outline for enhancement on the recognized pedestrian. Alternatively, the sound/image output unit <NUM> may control the display unit <NUM> so as to display an icon or the like indicating the pedestrian at a desired position.

An example of the vehicle control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied has so far been described. The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to the imaging unit <NUM> in the configuration described above. Specifically, the solid-state imaging device <NUM> according to the above-described embodiment can be applied as the imaging unit <NUM>. By applying the technology according to the present disclosure to the imaging unit <NUM>, a signal for generating a high dynamic range image and a signal for detecting a phase difference can be acquired simultaneously. Consequently, a high-quality captured image and distance information can be acquired, and the degree of safety of the driver and the vehicle can be increased.

In the above-described examples, the solid-state imaging device that uses electrons as signal charges with the first conductivity type as P-type and the second conductivity type as N-type has been described. The present technology is also applicable to a solid-state imaging device that uses holes as signal charges. That is, with the first conductivity type as N-type and the second conductivity type as P-type, each semiconductor region described above can be formed by a semiconductor region of the opposite conductivity type.

Claim 1:
A pixel array circuit comprising:
first, second, third, and fourth pixel sets (51Gr, 51R, 51B, 51Gb) arranged in a 2x2 matrix in a plan view, the first and fourth pixel sets (51Gr, 51Gb) being arranged along a diagonal of the 2x2 matrix, each of the first, second, third and fourth pixel sets (51Gr, 51R, 51B, 51Gb) including four pixels (<NUM>) arranged in a 2x2 matrix in plan view, each of the pixels (<NUM>) including two photoelectric conversion parts (PD) of longitudinal shape, wherein
the first and fourth pixel sets (51Gr, 51Gb) are configured to produce pixel signals corresponding to light in a first range of wavelengths,
the second pixel set (51R) is configured to produce pixel signals corresponding to light in a second range of wavelengths different than the first range of wavelengths,
the third pixel set (51B) is configured to produce pixel signals corresponding to light in a third range of wavelengths different than the first and second range of wavelengths,
orientations of the longitudinal shapes of each of the photoelectric conversion parts (PD) of the four pixels (<NUM>) in the first pixel (51Gr) set are arranged in a first direction,
orientations of the longitudinal shapes of each of the photoelectric conversion parts (PD) of the four pixels (<NUM>) in the second pixel set (51R) are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
orientations of the longitudinal shapes of each of the photoelectric conversion parts (PD) of the four pixels (<NUM>) in the third pixel set (51B) are arranged in the second direction, and orientations of the longitudinal shapes of each of the photoelectric conversion parts (PD) of the four pixels (<NUM>) in the fourth pixel (51Gb) set are arranged in the first direction.