Light observation device, imaging device used for same, and light observation method

An imaging device to be used for a light observation device which splits observation light of an object from the outside into first and second beams and which simultaneously captures first and second optical images generated based on the first and second beams, the imaging device comprising:

• a first pixel row group configured with a plurality of pixel rows including a plurality of pixels and being arranged in juxtaposition;
• a second pixel row group adjoining the first pixel row group and configured with a plurality of pixel rows including a plurality of pixels and being arranged in juxtaposition;
• a first signal readout circuit for processing signal readout from the first pixel row group;
• and
• a second signal readout circuit for processing signal readout from the second pixel row group, independently of the first signal readout circuit,
• wherein the first signal readout circuit processes the signal readout in the first pixel row group by rolling readout and sets a direction of the rolling readout to one direction in a juxtaposition direction of the plurality of pixel rows, and
• wherein the second signal readout circuit processes the signal readout in the second pixel row group by rolling readout and sets a direction of the rolling readout to the one direction in the juxtaposition direction of the plurality of pixel rows.

A light observation method using an imaging device which has a first pixel row group configured with a plurality of pixel rows including a plurality of pixels and being arranged in juxtaposition, and a second pixel row group adjoining the first pixel row group and configured with a plurality of pixel rows including a plurality of pixels and being arranged in juxtaposition and which can perform rolling readout in each of the first pixel row group and the second pixel row group, the image observation method comprising:

• splitting observation light of an object from the outside into first and second beams;
• focusing the first beam to form a first optical image so as to impinge on the first pixel row group;
• focusing the second beam to form a second optical image so as to impinge on the second pixel row group;
• and
• performing control such that a direction of the rolling readout in the first pixel row group and a direction of the rolling readout in the second pixel row group are identical in a juxtaposition direction of the plurality of pixel rows.