Image sensing system and method of driving the same

摘要

In a first operation mode, signals are read from pixels including ranging pixels in a pixel array and ranging and image generation are performed based on the read signals. In a second operation mode, signals are read from the pixels excluding the ranging pixels and exposure is controlled based on the read signals.

主权项

1. An image sensing system comprising:
a photoelectric conversion apparatus that includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix including rows and columns, the plurality of pixels including a plurality of image sensing pixels for image sensing and a plurality of ranging pixels for ranging; a signal processing unit configured to process signals read from the photoelectric conversion apparatus; and a shutter switch, wherein signals are read from the pixel array in each of a first frame and a second frame, wherein the system is capable of performing a first operation and a second operation, the first operation is an operation that signals are read from the ranging pixels and the image sensing pixels in the first frame, the signal processing unit performs ranging based on the signals from the ranging pixels of the first frame, the signal processing unit generates an image which is based on the signals from the image sensing pixels of the first frame, the second operation is an operation that signals are read from the image sensing pixels without reading signals from the ranging pixels in the second frame, and exposure is controlled based on the signals from the image sensing pixels of the second frame, wherein the system switches operation from the first operation to the second operation by switching the shutter switch, wherein the first operation is repeated while the shutter switch is in an OFF state, and wherein according to a state of the shutter switch switching from the OFF state to an ON state, the system switches operation from the first operation to the second operation.