SOLID STATE IMAGING ELEMENT AND ITS DRIVE METHOD

摘要

An independent pixel output line (14) is arranged for each of pixels (10) arranged two-dimensionally in a pixel region (2a) and a plurality of storage units are connected to the respective pixel output lines (14). In a continuous read-out mode, all the pixels simultaneously execute photo charge accumulation and the storage units simultaneously capture signals in the storage units from the respective pixels (10) via the pixel output lines (14), after which the signals held in the respective storage units are successively read out and outputted. On the other hand, in a burst read-out mode, the process that all the pixels (10) simultaneously execute photo charge accumulation and the storage units simultaneously capture signals from the respective pixels (10) via the pixel output lines (14) is successively executed on the storage units so as to hold signals of a plurality of frames. Upon reception of an imaging stop instruction, capturing of a new signal is stopped and the image signals of the frames held in the storage units at the moment are successively read out. Thus, it is possible to perform a high-speed imaging although the number of frames is limited or a reduced-speed imaging without limiting the number of frames.