IMAGE SENSOR AND PIXEL READ METHOD

摘要

PURPOSE: To provide an image sensor and a pixel read method that can enhance the accuracy of a black level by reading an optical black area used for a signal black reference by each line in the case of local (random) access. CONSTITUTION: In a MOS image sensor 1 consisting of a pixel array area 11 and an optical black area 40, when a mode selection means 41 to select the local access or random access mode is activated in the image sensor 1, information as to one or more pixels 12' having a selected row address is read by each selected row address in a pixel read area 50 provided to the pixel array area 11. Then the information is read out of one or more pixels 14 in the optical black area 40 having the selected row address.