Optical signal processor and image processing apparatus

Abstract

An optical signal processor capable of adding pixel-output voltages obtained from multiple photoelectric conversion elements. The optical signal processor is adapted to store the output signals sent from multiple photoelectric conversion elements in pixel-output voltage holding capacitors to generate the sum of the pixel-output voltages. At least two of the multiple pixel-output voltages are simultaneously coupled to the common signal line to add them up by an integration amplification circuit and output the added output voltage from the output end of the optical signal processor. Thus, the pixel-output voltages held by the multiple pixel-output holding circuits are mixed (or added) on the common signal line to a higher voltage before they are outputted as the output voltage.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.