Solid-state imaging device and image capture apparatus with anti-blooming pre-shutter operation

An image capture apparatus including:

• a solid-state imaging device having a pixel array section in which(a) pixels including photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a matrix form with rows and columns, (b) each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts light into electric charges, (c) each pixel includes a charge storage element to which the charges are transferred from the photoelectric conversion element and in which the charges are stored prior to read out of the pixel, (d) the rows or columns are grouped into groups, each group having a predetermined number of two or more and(e) applying a shutter pulse to each group before storing of signal charges occurs, and sequentially reading the signal charges the units out of the groups;
• and
• an optical system for forming an image of image light from an object on an image capture plane of the solid-state imaging device,
• wherein,
• when selected for readout of its pixels, each group is to perform an image signal capture operation that includes first and second shutter operations, followed by a readout operation, with transfer of charges from the photo conversion elements to the charge storage elements occurring after the second shutter operation,
• when selected for readout of its pixels, each pixel is subjected to first and second successive shutter operations prior to transfer charges from the photoelectric conversion elements to the charge storage elements, and
• after the first shutter operation, but simultaneously with or prior to the second shutter operation, the pixels of at least the adjacent row or column of the group to be subjected next to a readout of its pixels are subjected to their own first shutter operation.

A solid-state imaging device, comprising:

• a pixel array section in which pixels are arranged in a matrix form with rows and columns, each pixel including a photoelectric conversion element that converts light into electric charges, each pixel including a charge storage element to which the charges are transferred from the photoelectric conversion element and in which the charges are stored prior to read out of the pixel,
• wherein,
• the rows or columns are grouped into groups, each group having a predetermined number of two or more adjacent rows or columns,
• when selected for readout of its pixels, each group is to perform an image signal capture operation that includes first and second shutter operations, followed by a readout operation, with transfer of charges from the photo conversion elements to the charge storage elements occurring after the second shutter operation,
• when selected for readout of its pixels, each pixel is subjected to first and second successive shutter operations prior to transfer charges from the photoelectric conversion elements to the charge storage elements, and
• after the first shutter operation, but simultaneously with or prior to the second shutter operation, the pixels of at least the adjacent row or column of the group to be subjected next to a readout of its pixels are subjected to their own first shutter operation.