JP3364951B2 - Solid-state imaging device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device (CCD).
Video camera that captures images of subjects using an image sensor)
Liquid crystal plate suitable for use in camera devices, image scanners, etc.
Control the voltage applied to the CCD image sensor
While electrically shifting the relative position between
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device that performs imaging, and in particular, an
Other than the polarized light component transmitted through the liquid crystal plate when pressure is applied.
The amount of imaging light, and if no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate
The amount of imaging light other than the polarized light component transmitted through the liquid crystal plate
For solid-state imaging with equal resolution
The present invention relates to an imaging device. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Solid-state imaging devices (CCD image sensors)
Is a video camera device because of its small size and low power consumption.
And are widely used in image scanners and the like. Above bidet
In general, CCD cameras with about 400,000 pixels
There is an image sensor, but this about 400,000 pixels
CCD image sensors have higher resolution than imaging tubes.
Quite low. In recent years, so-called high-quality
Revision receiver (HD television receiver)
High-definition television receivers have become widespread,
In order to support this HD television receiver, the pixel area
Increased the number of pixels to 2 million pixels by reducing the size
CCD image sensors were developed. But the above pixel
When the area is reduced, the image output from the solid-state
The signal level is reduced, and the S / N ratio is reduced. This
Considering the decrease in the S / N ratio of
Solid-state imaging devices are no longer near their limits, and at present,
It is difficult to improve the resolution by increasing the prime number
ing. In addition, the 2 million pixel CCD image sensor
In order to use it for inputting printed manuscripts,
Insufficient resolution and higher resolution is required
You. [0003] For these reasons, a solid-state imaging device (CCD)
Image sensor) and the relative position of the imaging light
To shift the image by 1 or more integers
Increase the spatial sampling area and increase the number of pixels.
A solid-state imaging device for achieving higher resolution has been developed. [0004] This solid-state imaging device is a CCD image sensor.
The CCD image sensor is mounted on a piezoelectric element.
Vibration in one direction per field with amplitude of / 2 pixel pitch
Irradiates the CCD image sensor
Irradiate imaging light with 1/2 pixel pitch (Image shift
G) can increase the spatial sampling area
High resolution images can be obtained without increasing the number of pixels.
Wear. [0005] In addition, the front of the CCD image sensor
A thin glass plate, and shake this glass plate at a minute angle.
There is also known a solid-state imaging device that performs imaging while moving.
This solid-state imaging device, every time the glass plate is vibrated,
The imaging light applied to the CCD image sensor is
And the spatial sampling area is
Can be increased, high resolution without increasing the number of pixels
Image can be obtained. [0006] However, such a solid-state imaging device has a CC
Vibrating the D image sensor itself or CC
Vibrates the glass plate provided in front of the D image sensor
The above-mentioned CCD image sensor is illuminated by such mechanical vibration.
The image light to be projected was image shifted.
Therefore, the mechanical structure becomes complicated, and the image shift
The body was poorly reliable. For this reason, such a mechanical image
In order to correct the drawbacks of the solid-state imaging device
Solid-state imaging that can electrically perform image shift
The device was developed. [0008] The above-mentioned solid-state imaging for electrically image shifting.
The imaging device is, for example, between the CCD image sensor and the lens.
In addition, a quartz plate is used as an optical element that exhibits the so-called birefringence phenomenon.
An AC voltage is provided before the lens.
And only the imaging light whose polarization direction is the horizontal (H) direction
A liquid crystal plate with a polarizing film to be transmitted is attached
Have been. In such a solid-state imaging device, imaging is started.
When the liquid crystal plate is polarized through the polarizing film.
While the imaging light in the H direction is emitted, for example,
An AC voltage is applied for each field. The liquid crystal panel is
When a streaming voltage is applied, the incident imaging light in the H direction is input.
Emitted without changing the polarization direction, AC voltage
If no light is applied, the imaging light in the H direction is polarized by 90 degrees.
The polarization direction having the angle difference changes to the imaging light in the vertical (V) direction.
In other words, the light is emitted. The H direction emitted from this liquid crystal plate
The imaging light in the direction V and the imaging light in the V direction
Irradiated. The quartz plate is irradiated with the imaging light in the H direction.
When it is done, the light path is converted to ordinary light without conversion.
And irradiates the CCD image sensor with the imaging light in the V direction.
Is irradiated, with respect to the optical path of the imaging light in the H direction,
For example, shift downward in the V direction by 1/2 pixel pitch
And irradiates it with extraordinary light to the CCD image sensor.
You. Thus, the CCD image sensor is
The irradiating imaging light includes ordinary light and
With respect to the irradiation position of the ordinary light, a half pixel pitch in the V direction
Abnormal light shifted downward will be emitted.
Because the spatial sampling area can be increased the resolution
Can be increased. [0011] The solid-state image pickup for electrically shifting the image
The device is a solid-state imaging device that performs the mechanical image shift described above.
There are no moving parts that require complicated
The reliability of the image shift
And can be manufactured with a simple structure. [0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a solid-state imaging device that performs image shift,
When an AC voltage is applied to the plate, not only the imaging light in the H direction
A small amount of imaging light in the V direction (V-leakage imaging light) is also emitted.
When no AC voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel, the V direction
Not only the imaging light but also some imaging light in the H direction (H leakage imaging
Light) is also emitted. Specifically, for example, the liquid crystal plate is
When no pressure is applied, the image emitted from the liquid crystal plate
The image light contains 15% of the H-leakage imaging light. For this reason, the CCD image sensor described above
Is irradiated with both the ordinary ray and the extraordinary ray.
As a result, the resolution was deteriorated. The above liquid
The crystal plate is easily affected by the surrounding temperature,
As a result, the amount of the above-mentioned leakage imaging light increases and the resolution deteriorates.
Becomes more remarkable. Conventionally, a solution based on the above-mentioned leakage imaging light is used.
In order to prevent the deterioration of image resolution,
It was necessary to select one with as little imaging light as possible.
The types of liquid crystal panels with little leakage light are limited
Therefore, the liquid crystal plate that can be provided in the solid-state imaging device is
Is limited and hinders the design of the solid-state imaging device.
Was. [0015] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems.
H leakage regardless of the type of liquid crystal panel
Prevent degradation of resolution due to imaging light and V-leakage imaging light
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid-state imaging device capable of performing such operations. [0016] Means for Solving the Problems The present invention provides:Solid-state imaging device
In a solid-state imaging device that captures imaging light to irradiate,Shooting
Transmit only imaging light of one polarization direction among image light
Depending on the polarization means and the voltage on / offDuring the first period
The imaging light from the polarizing means is emitted without changing the polarization direction
However, in the second period, the imaging lightRotate the polarization direction
Emitted liquid crystal plate and polarization direction of imaging light from the liquid crystal plate
In response to theEmitting light from the liquid crystal plate during the first period.
The first imaging light is generated by emitting the imaging light as ordinary light.
During the second period.
Image light as extraordinary light at the position shifted from the ordinary light
The second imaging light is generated by emittingEmitting quartz plate
When,Each pixel receives the first imaging light and the second imaging light.
And a first imaging signal for the first imaging light and the first imaging signal
Generate second imaging signals corresponding to the second imaging light, respectively
OutputA solid-state imaging device;The first imaging signal and the
2 high-resolution image signals as simultaneous image signals
And synthesizing means forTurn on the voltage on the liquid crystal panel
Imaging light having a polarization direction sometimes emitted from the liquid crystal plate
Other than the first, which is imaging light emitted from the liquid crystal plate.
Turn off the amount of leakage imaging light and the voltage to the liquid crystal panel.
Imaging having a polarization direction emitted from the liquid crystal plate when
Other than light, which is imaging light emitted from the liquid crystal plate.
2 Leakage amount of imaging light turned on the voltage on the liquid crystal plate
And when the voltage to the liquid crystal panel is turned off, etc.
The arrangement of the polarizing means, the liquid crystal plate and the crystal plate is
The setting angle is adjusted, and the polarizing means, the liquid crystal plate and the quartz plate are
It is characterized by being provided. [0017] In the solid-state imaging device according to the present invention, out of the imaging light,
Polarizing means for transmitting only imaging light with one polarization direction
The liquid crystal panel of the imaging light incident through the
In the first period, the polarization direction of the imaging light is changed according to the on / off state.
The light is emitted without conversion, and during the second period, the polarization direction of the imaging light is changed.
The light is emitted by rotating the direction. The crystal plate is
According to the polarization direction of the imaging light, during the first period, the liquid
By emitting the imaging light emitted from the crystal plate as ordinary light,
A first imaging light is generated, and during the second period, the liquid crystal panel is
Position where the imaging light emitted from
The second imaging light is generated by emitting the extraordinary light to the device.
You. The solid-state imaging device includes the first imaging light and the second imaging light.
Light is received by each pixel, and a first light with respect to the first imaging light is received.
An imaging signal and a second imaging signal corresponding to the second imaging light
Generate a number for each. And, by the synthesizing means,
High resolution using the first imaging signal and the second imaging signal as simultaneous signals
An image pickup signal of the image resolution is generated. The polarizing means, the liquid crystal plate and
When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate, the crystal plate
The liquid crystal panel in addition to the imaging light having a polarization direction emitted from
Of the first leak imaging light which is the imaging light emitted from the
The amount of light and the liquid crystal when the voltage is turned off to the liquid crystal plate
The liquid crystal other than the imaging light having the polarization direction emitted from the plate
Second leak imaging light that is imaging light emitted from the plate
When the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel and when the liquid
It becomes equal when the voltage is turned off to the crystal plate
The arrangement angle is adjusted as described above. For this reason, when the voltage is turned on to the liquid crystal plate,
The amount of imaging light applied to the solid-state
When the voltage is turned off to the liquid crystal panel,
It is possible to equalize the amount of imaging light irradiated to the child,
The resolution can be prevented from deteriorating. [0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the solid-state imaging device according to the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. A solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
A lens 1 for converging imaging light emitted as shown in FIG.
And the polarization of the imaging light irradiated through the lens 1
The direction of the imaging light in the H (horizontal) direction is indicated by the solid arrow in the drawing.
A polarizer 2 which is a polarizing means for transmitting only
A voltage is applied every two fields and the voltage is applied
When the polarization direction from the polarizer 2 is the H direction.
When image light is transmitted as it is and no voltage is applied
Has an angle difference of 90 degrees between the imaging light whose polarization direction is the H direction.
The polarization direction indicated by the dotted arrow in the figure has the V (vertical) direction.
Torsion-matic liquid crystal that converts the light into imaging light and emits it
Plate 3 and imaging light having a polarization direction of V direction from the liquid crystal plate 3.
When irradiated, the optical path of the imaging light in the V direction does not change and
The light is directly emitted as light, and
When the imaging light in the H direction is irradiated, the imaging light in the H direction is
The optical path is, for example, に 対 し て with respect to the optical path of the imaging light in the V direction.
It shifts downward in the V direction by the pixel pitch and becomes extraordinary light.
And a crystal plate 4 that emits light. Further, the solid-state imaging device is provided with the quartz plate 4.
The ordinary and extraordinary light emitted from the
Die for splitting into green (G) imaging light and blue (B) imaging light
Croic mirror 5 and dichroic mirror 5
These R imaging light are received and the analog signal R imaging is received.
An R CCD image sensor 6R for forming a signal;
The imaging light for G from the dichroic mirror 5 is received and
G CCD sensor for forming a G imaging signal which is a analog signal.
From the image sensor 6G and the dichroic mirror 5
C for B, which receives the B imaging light to form a B imaging signal
And a CD image sensor 6B. Further, the solid-state imaging device is provided with the CC for R.
Digitized R imaging signal from D image sensor 6R
A / D conversion for forming and outputting imaging data for R
Exchanger 7 and G from the G CCD image sensor 6G.
Digitizing the imaging signal for G to form G imaging data
A second A / D converter 8 for outputting, and a CCD image for B
Digitizing the B imaging signal from the image sensor 6B
A / D converter 9 for forming and outputting imaging data for use
And R imaging data from the first A / D converter 7
First switching for switching and outputting every half field
Switch 10 and the G signal from the second A / D converter 8.
Image data for each half field
The second A / D conversion switch 11
Switch the image data for B from the converter 9 every 1/2 field.
And a third changeover switch 12 for switching and outputting.
ing. Further, the solid-state imaging device is provided with the first switch.
Of the first half field via the switch 10
A first memory 13 for storing R imaging data;
The next half-feel via the 1 changeover switch 10
A second memory 14 for storing image data for R of the
The first half of the first half switch through the second changeover switch 11
Third memory 15 for storing field imaging data for G
And the next 1/1 through the second switch 11
Fourth memory for storing two fields of G imaging data
16 and the first through the third changeover switch 12
Fifth, which stores the image pickup data for B of 1/2 field of
Through the memory 17 and the third changeover switch 12
The second half of the field for storing the next 1/2 field of image pickup data for B
6 memories 18. Further, the solid-state image pickup device has the first 1
/ 2 field contains the first, third and fifth memories 1
First 1/2 field supplied from 3,15,17
R, G, and B image data are output, respectively.
Field of the second, fourth, and sixth memos
The next half-feel supplied from ri 14, 16, 18
Output image data for R, G, and B
It has a multiplexer 19. The above-mentioned CCD image sensors 6R, 6 for each color.
G and 6B are, for example, those compatible with the so-called NTSC system.
Used. In addition, the CCD image sensor for R
6R is, for example, as shown in FIG.
R pixels are provided every other pixel from the first pixel.
The CCD image sensor 6G for G is shown in FIG.
Every other pixel from the second pixel of each horizontal line as shown in
A pixel for G is provided in the CCD image for B
The sensor 6B is connected to each horizontal line as shown in FIG.
A B pixel is provided every other pixel from the first pixel.
You. That is, the R pixel and the B pixel are the same as those in FIG.
As shown by R / B in (d), the odd-numbered picture of each line
The G pixel.
Is the even-numbered image of each line between the R / B pixels.
It is provided so as to be located as an element. Here, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate 3.
And the imaging light in the H direction from the liquid crystal plate 3 as described above.
Are emitted, and together with the imaging light in the H direction, the first
Some imaging light in the V direction, which is the imaging light, is also emitted (hereinafter referred to as the imaging light).
Below, it is called V-leakage imaging light. ). Also, the liquid crystal plate 3
When the voltage is turned off, the liquid crystal plate 3
The imaging light in the V direction is emitted.
Both the second leakage imaging light and some H-direction imaging light
The light is emitted (hereinafter, referred to as H-leakage imaging light). The V-leak imaging light and the H-leak imaging light are resolved.
Polarizer 2, liquid crystal plate 3 and quartz plate
No. 4 indicates that the amount of the V-leak imaging light and the H-leak imaging light is
The arrangement angles are adjusted so that they are equal.
ing. That is, when the voltage of the liquid crystal plate 3 is turned off,
As shown in FIG. 3A, the liquid crystal is passed through the polarizer 2.
When the amount of light obtained by making the polarization plane of the plate 3 have an inclination of the angle θ is “1”
Assuming that the imaging light is irradiated on the liquid crystal plate 3,
The component I in which the deflecting direction of the irradiated imaging light is H direction_HIs "c
os θ ″, and the component I of which the deflection direction is the V direction_VIs
“Sin θ”. The deflection direction is H direction.
Component I_HIs the deflection direction by passing through the liquid crystal plate 3
Is the main component I in the V direction_H1, And the deflection direction is H direction.
Minute KI_H1Becomes In addition, the deflection direction is a component in the V direction.
I_VIs passed through the liquid crystal plate 3 so that the deflection direction is H
Direction principal component I_V1Component KI whose deflection direction is V direction
_V1Becomes Here, (I_H1)²(1 + K²) = I_H
²And the above I_H1Is I_HCan be regarded as
The above I_V1Is I_VCan be considered as K²<< 1
Because there is, the above KI_V1Is a sufficiently small value
It can be neglected, and when the voltage of the liquid crystal panel 3 is turned off,
The imaging light applied to the quartz plate 4 is mainly polarized in the V direction.
Component I_HComponent KI whose deflection direction is H_H-I_VWhen
Become. When the voltage of the liquid crystal plate 3 is turned on, FIG.
As shown in (b), the liquid crystal plate 3 is interposed through the polarizer 2.
Imaging with the amount of light “1” in which the polarization plane has an inclination of angle θ
The same calculation is performed assuming that the liquid crystal plate 3 is irradiated with light.
Irradiates the crystal plate 4 when the voltage of the liquid crystal plate 3 is turned on.
The imaging light to be emitted has a main component I whose deflection direction is the H direction._HAnd deflection direction
Is the leak component I in the V direction._VBecomes Therefore, when the voltage of the liquid crystal panel 3 is turned off,
The deflection direction included in the imaging light applied to the quartz plate 4 is
Leakage component KI in H direction_H-I_VAnd the liquid crystal plate 3
Included in the imaging light irradiated on the quartz plate 4 when the voltage is turned on.
Principal component I whose deflection direction is H_HAnd deflection direction is V direction
Leak component I_VTo make the percentages equal, (KI_H-I_V) / I_H= I_V/ I_H That is, the polarization plane of the liquid crystal plate 3 is defined as tan θ = K / 2.
That's all we need to do. Thus, the polarization plane of the liquid crystal plate 3
The tilt angle can be obtained by calculation.
The tilt angle of the plane of polarization is actually obtained by measurement as follows:
Can be That is, the coordinates shown by the solid line in FIG.
The coordinates of the polarizer 2 are defined as coordinates of the crystal plate 4 and coordinates indicated by a dotted line.
As a target, while changing the angle at which the polarizer 2 is provided,
On / off control of the voltage to the liquid crystal panel 3 is performed to control the CCD input.
Output level of image sensor 6R, 6G, 6B (leakage image
The level of light and the level of main imaging light that is not leakage imaging light
Measure). FIG. 5 shows such a measurement.
As shown in FIG.
The level of the leakage imaging light and the liquid crystal plate indicated by a dotted line in the figure.
3 when the voltage is turned off, the level of the leakage imaging light is
Less and equal when photon 2 has an inclination of about 8 degrees
You can see that Therefore, the solid-state imaging device according to this embodiment is
The polarizer 2 has an inclination of about 8 degrees, and the liquid crystal plate 3 and
The quartz plate 4 is provided so as to be perpendicular to the ground.
You. Next, in this embodiment having such a configuration,
The operation of the solid-state imaging device will be described. In FIG. 1, the book
When the imaging is started, the solid-state imaging device according to the embodiment takes an image.
The image light is focused through a lens 1 and irradiates the polarizer 2.
It is. The polarizer 2 has only the imaging light whose polarization direction is the H direction.
Through. The imaging light transmitted through the polarizer 2 is:
Next, the liquid crystal plate 3 is irradiated. The liquid crystal plate 3 has, for example, a half-feel.
A voltage is applied for each node. The above liquid crystal panel
3 is that when the above voltage is applied, the molecular long axis is arranged in the direction of the electric field.
When the above voltage is not applied, there is no electric field.
In other words, the molecular long axis is twisted by 90 degrees.
You. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate 3,
In this case, the imaging light passes through the polarization direction H,
When no pressure is applied, the imaging light is emitted in the H direction.
Polarization direction having a polarization angle difference of 90 degrees with respect to the imaging light
The direction is converted into imaging light in the V direction and emitted. This
From the liquid crystal plate 3,
The imaging light whose light direction is H direction and the imaging light whose polarization direction is V direction
The image light and the image light are emitted alternately. As described above, the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate 3.
Is applied, the imaging light in the H direction and the V
Image light is emitted, and no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate 3.
The imaging light in the V direction and the H
The V-leak imaging light and the H-leak imaging light are
As described above, the polarizer 2 is provided at an angle of 8 degrees.
Therefore, the amount of light is small and the same. Polarized light emitted for each half field
Imaging light (and V-leakage imaging light) whose direction is the H direction
The imaging light (and H-leakage imaging light) whose light direction is the V direction is
The light is applied to the quartz plate 4. The quartz plate 4 causes a so-called birefringence phenomenon.
The direction of polarization from the liquid crystal plate 3 is V
When the imaging light in the direction is irradiated, the light of the imaging light in the V direction
The light is emitted as ordinary light without changing the path.
When the imaging light in the H direction is irradiated from the crystal plate 3, the H
The optical path of the imaging light in the V direction with respect to the optical path of the imaging light in the V direction.
, For example, shifted downward in the V direction by ピ ッ チ pixel pitch
And emits as extraordinary light. Emitted from this quartz plate 4
The above ordinary light and extraordinary light are respectively dichroic
The light is applied to the mirror 5. The dichroic mirror 5 includes the quartz crystal
The ordinary light and the extraordinary light radiated through the plate 4 are converted into R imaging light,
G light and B light are divided into three parts.
R CCD image sensor 6R, G CCD image
Light sensor 6G and CCD image sensor 6B for B
Shoot. As described above, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate 3.
In this case, in addition to the above-described imaging light in the H direction, V-leakage imaging light is emitted.
When no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel 3
Emits the H-leakage imaging light in addition to the V-direction imaging light.
Therefore, the CCD image sensors 6R, 6G, 6
B includes the extraordinary light due to the imaging light in the H direction and the V
The ordinary light due to the leakage imaging light is also changed to the imaging light in the V direction.
Extraordinary light caused by the above-mentioned H-leakage imaging light
However, the polarizer 2 has an angle of about 8 degrees.
The CCD image sensor 6 for each color.
R, 6G, 6B
The amount of extraordinary light due to light and
Light quantity. Therefore, the light of the illuminated imaging light
The amount is the same, and different amounts of imaging light
Irradiates the CCD image sensors 6R, 6G, 6B for each color.
Can prevent the deterioration of resolution caused by
Wear. Also, when the ambient temperature rises,
The amount of H-leakage imaging light and V-leakage imaging light emitted from
Of the H-leakage imaging light and the V-leakage imaging light even if
Since the amounts are equal, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned resolution from deteriorating.
Wear. Also, the liquid crystal plate 3 is expensive.
Degradation of the above resolution without using an image pickup light
Can prevent the LCD panel from being selected.
This can contribute to the design of the solid-state imaging device. The CCD image sensor for R 6R is
The dichroic mirror 5 illuminates every 1/2 field.
Analog signal from R imaging light of ordinary or extraordinary light emitted
Is formed, and this is formed by the first A / D
It is supplied to the converter 7. Note that the CCD image sensor for R
The sensor 6R operates at the time of an odd-numbered field as shown in FIG.
1st line, 3rd line, etc., for each R of odd lines
The charge accumulated in the pixel is output as an R imaging signal
In the even field, the second line,
Stored in each R pixel on an even-numbered line that is the fourth line
Control so that the generated charge is output as the R imaging signal
Is done. The G CCD image sensor 6G is
From the dichroic mirror 5 every 1/2 field
The analog signal from the illuminated ordinary or extraordinary G imaging light
A G imaging signal, which is a signal of the second A /
It is supplied to the D converter 8. The above G CCD image
The sensor 6G is shown in FIG.
Each G of the odd line which is the first line, the third line,...
The charge accumulated in the pixel is output as a G image signal.
In the case of an even field, the second line
, The fourth line,...
So that the accumulated charge is output as the G imaging signal
Controlled. Further, the CCD image sensor 6B for B is
From the dichroic mirror 5 every 1/2 field
Analog signal from the illuminated ordinary or extraordinary B imaging light
A signal for B, which is a signal of the third A /
It is supplied to the D converter 9. The CCD image for B
The sensor 6B is shown in FIG.
Each B of the odd-numbered lines that are the first line, the third line,...
The charge accumulated in the pixel for use is output as a B image signal.
In the case of an even field, the second line
, The fourth line,...
So that the accumulated charge is output as the B image signal
Controlled. Here, the CCD image sensor for each color described above
6R, 6G, and 6B have odd fields as described above.
And the first half field for both even and even fields
Is illuminated with ordinary light, and in the next half field,
Shifted by 1/2 pixel pitch below the light in the V direction
Irradiated abnormal light is emitted. For this reason, the first 1 / O in the odd field is used.
The CCD image sensor 6R for each color is provided in two fields.
The imaging signals for each color output from 6G and 6B are shown in FIG.
(A) As shown in FIG.
Pixels on odd lines of the image sensors 6R, 6G, 6B are
R / B, G, R / B, G formed by receiving light
.., And in the next 1/2 field
Output from CCD image sensors 6R, 6G, 6B for each color
As shown in FIG. 6B, the imaging signals for each color are
Abnormality shifted downward in the 1/2 pixel pitch V direction
The light is transmitted to the CCD image sensors 6R, 6G, 6
The pixels formed on the odd lines of B are formed by receiving light.
, R / B, G, R / B, G... Obedience
Therefore, at the time of the odd field, as shown in FIG.
As described above, the ordinary odd-numbered line which is the imaging signal by the ordinary light is used.
And the odd signal which is an image signal due to the abnormal light.
An image signal of a line between a few lines and an even line
Therefore, each pixel is one pixel more than the above-mentioned normal odd-numbered line imaging signal.
Imaging signal shifted downward by V / 2 pitch in the V direction
(Indicated by diagonal lines in the figure)
It will be output alternately. Also, the first half of the even field is used.
Field CCD image sensors 6R, 6R for each color
G and 6B output signals for each color are shown in FIG.
As shown in the above, the ordinary light is converted to the CCD image for each color.
Pixels on even lines of the sensors 6R, 6G, 6B receive light.
R / B, G, R / B, G,.
, And the next half field for each color
Output from CCD image sensors 6R, 6G, 6B
As shown in FIG. 7B, the imaging signal for each color is 1 /
The extraordinary light shifted downward in the two pixel pitch V direction is
An even number of the CCD image sensors 6R, 6G, 6B for each color.
R / R formed by the pixels on several lines receiving light
B, G, R / B, G... Therefore,
At the time of the above even field, as shown in FIG.
Imaging of a normal even line which is an imaging signal by the ordinary light
Signal and an even-numbered line that is an imaging signal due to the abnormal light.
This is the imaging signal of the line between the odd line and the above
画素 pixel pitch V direction from the imaging signal of even line
Image signal that is shifted downward (in the figure,
Show. ) Are alternately output every half field.
It will be. The first A / D converter 7 is used for the R imaging.
Digitizes image signal, forms R image data and outputs
I do. Further, the second A / D converter 8 is provided with the G
Digitizes image signal, forms G image data and outputs
I do. In addition, the third A / D converter 9 is used for the B imaging.
Digitizes image signal, forms and outputs B image data
I do. The first to third changeover switches 10 to 10
12 is an odd field and an even field,
The selection terminals 10a, 11a,
At 12a, the selected terminals 10b, 11b, 12b are selected,
In the next 1/2 field, the selection terminals 10a, 11
Select the selected terminals 10c, 11c, 12c with a, 12a
Is controlled. For this reason, the odd field and even field
In the first half field during the field,
3 based on the ordinary light output from the A / D converters 7 to 9
The imaging data for each color is stored in the first memory 13 and the third memory.
Supplied to and stored in the memory 15 and the fifth memory 17, respectively.
And the first to third A / Ds are added to the next 1/2 field.
Shooting for each color by the abnormal light output from the converters 7 to 9
The image data is stored in the second memory 14 and the fourth memory 16.
And supplied to and stored in the sixth memory 18. The first to sixth memories 13 to 18 store the
The stored image data for each color is individually written.
Are read out simultaneously for each multiplexer and supplied to the multiplexer 19.
Be paid. The multiplexer 19 is connected to the first menu.
The R imaging data read from the memory 13 and the second memory
R imaging data read from the memory 14
And outputs it via the R output terminal 20R.
G imaging data read from the third memory 15
And G imaging data read from the fourth memory 16
Is switched for each line, and this is switched through the G output terminal 20G.
B and read from the fifth memory 17
Imaging data and B read from the sixth memory 18
The imaging data for B is switched for each line, and this is output to the output terminal for B.
Output through the child 20B. The output terminals 20R, 20G, 20 for the respective colors described above.
The imaging data for each color output via B is, for example,
It is supplied to high-definition television receivers and the like. As described above, the first, third, and fifth menus are described.
Each of the colors 13, 15, and 17 captures an image for each color using the ordinary light.
The data is read and the second, fourth, and sixth memories 1 are read.
From 4, 16, and 18, the imaging data for each color due to the abnormal light
Data is read. For this reason, the output terminal 20 for each color is used.
R, 20G, 20B
As shown in FIG. 8, the formed image has twice the horizontal
Formed in lines. For this reason, horizontal resolution and vertical solution
It is possible to provide high resolution images with increased resolution at the same time.
Wear. The above-described CCD image sensor 6 for each color is used.
Normal CCD for NTSC system as R, 6G, 6B
We decided to use an image sensor.
CCD image sensor for high-definition television with many pixels
Sensors can be used. In this case, C with a large number of pixels
In addition to using a CD image sensor,
To obtain higher resolution images.
Can be Finally, the technical idea according to the present invention is as follows:
Shifts the imaging light applied to the D image sensor by a predetermined amount
In the case of performing imaging while performing the operation, the H leakage image light and the V leakage
The polarizer, the liquid crystal plate, and the
The arrangement angle of the crystal plate is adjusted and provided. this
Therefore, the configuration is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.
The lens 1 is provided between the liquid crystal plate 3 and the crystal plate 4, for example.
In addition, various changes may be made without departing from the above technical idea.
Of course, further modifications are possible. [0059] As described above, the solid-state imaging device according to the present invention is described.
Of the imaging light, only the imaging light having one polarization direction is taken out of the imaging light.
Polarizing means for transmitting, incident through the polarizing means
For the imaging light, in the first period according to the on / off of the voltage
Is emitted without changing the polarization direction of the imaging light,
Liquid crystal that emits light by rotating the polarization direction of the imaging light between
Plate, depending on the polarization direction of the imaging light from the liquid crystal plate,
In the first period, the imaging light emitted from the liquid crystal plate is changed to ordinary light.
As a result, the first imaging light is generated, and the second imaging light is generated.
In the period, the imaging light emitted from the liquid crystal plate is
Is emitted as extraordinary light at a position shifted with respect to
The angle at which the crystal plate for generating the second imaging light is arranged is determined by the liquid crystal
Polarized light emitted from the liquid crystal plate when voltage is applied to the plate
In addition to imaging light having a direction, it is emitted from the liquid crystal panel.
The amount of the first leak imaging light, which is the imaging light,
When the voltage is turned off to the crystal plate,
In addition to the imaging light having the light direction,
The amount of the second leakage imaging light, which is the imaging light
When the voltage is turned on to the panel and when the voltage is
To be equal when
More specifically, when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel,
When the voltage is turned off, the first imaging light having the same light amount and
The second imaging light is received by each pixel of the solid-state imaging device, and the solid-state imaging device receives the second imaging light.
First imaging with respect to the first imaging light by a body imaging device
Signal and a second imaging signal corresponding to the second imaging light
Respectively, and can be generated by the synthesizing means.
High resolution as the simultaneous image signal and second image signal
Can be generated. In addition, when the ambient temperature rises,
The first leak imaging light and the second leak imaging emitted from the
Even if the amount of light increases, the first leakage imaging light and the second
Leakage The amount of imaging light can be equalized.
The resolution can be prevented from deteriorating. Further, the above-mentioned leakage shooting which is expensive as the liquid crystal plate is performed.
Degradation of the above resolution without using an image light
Can be prevented, so the range of choice of the liquid crystal panel is wide.
This can contribute to the design of the solid-state imaging device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a solid-state imaging device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an R provided in the solid-state imaging device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an array pattern of each pixel of a GB three-chip CCD image sensor. FIG. 3 is a graph for explaining a calculation method of an arrangement angle of a polarizer provided in the solid-state imaging device of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining how to measure the arrangement angle of the polarizer. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the amount of leakage imaging light when a voltage is applied to a liquid crystal plate provided in the solid-state imaging device of the above embodiment and when no voltage is applied, for each arrangement angle of the polarizer. is there. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an image signal before and after a shift in an odd field of the solid-state imaging device of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing image signals before and after shifting in the even-numbered field of the solid-state imaging device of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an image formed by one frame of an imaging signal of the solid-state imaging device of the embodiment. [Description of Signs] 1 ... Lens 2 ... Polarizer 3 ... Liquid crystal plate 4 ... ··· Quartz plate 5 ······· Dichroic mirror 6R ······ CCD image sensor 6G for R ····· CCD image sensor 6B for G ... B CCD image sensors 7 to 9... First to third A / D converters 10 to 12. Changeover switches 13 to 18... First to sixth memories 19.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-61-270973 (JP, A) JP-A-2-52580 (JP, A) JP-A-3-78378 (JP, A) JP-A-4- 115786 (JP, A) JP-A-5-344432 (JP, A) JP-A-5-344430 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/335 H04N 5 / 225-5/232 H04N 9/07-9/09

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] An image of an imaging light irradiated to a solid-state imaging device is taken.
A solid-state imaging device that transmits only imaging light having one polarization direction out of imaging light, and the polarization unit is used in the first period according to the on / off of the voltage .
The imaging light is emitted without changing the polarization direction of the imaging light for the second period.
The liquid crystal plate which rotates the polarization direction of the imaging light and emits the light, and the first liquid crystal plate according to the polarization direction of the imaging light from the liquid crystal plate .
In the period of, the imaging light emitted from the liquid crystal plate is regarded as ordinary light.
And emits the first imaging light to generate the second imaging light.
Between the imaging light emitted from the liquid crystal plate and the ordinary light.
Out as extraordinary light at the shifted position
A quartz plate that generates and emits imaging light, and receives the first imaging light and the second imaging light at each pixel,
A first imaging signal for the first imaging light and the second imaging signal;
Generating the second imaging signal corresponding to the imaging light of
A solid-state imaging device to be output , and the first imaging signal and the second imaging signal as simultaneous signals.
A synthesizing means for generating a high-resolution imaging signal , wherein imaging light emitted from the liquid crystal plate other than imaging light having a polarization direction emitted from the liquid crystal plate when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate. The amount of the first leakage imaging light and the imaging light emitted from the liquid crystal plate other than the imaging light having the polarization direction emitted from the liquid crystal plate when the voltage is turned off to the liquid crystal plate. The arrangement angle of the polarizing means, the liquid crystal plate and the quartz plate is set such that the amount of the second leakage imaging light becomes equal when the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate and when the voltage is applied to the liquid crystal plate. Adjusted,
A solid-state imaging device comprising the polarizing means, a liquid crystal plate and a quartz plate.