Method and apparatus for operating an image sensing device

Abstract

A method and apparatus for operating an image sensing device that performs photoelectric conversion and stores the converted charges so that the apparatus obtains a smooth moving image. The pixels of the image sensing device are arranged in two dimensions and, preferably, covered with a complementary color filter of magenta, green, cyan, and yellow. Different combinations of two of these four colors alternate on the even and odd rows of pixels in such a manner that the filter is arranged in a check pattern. The operation of the image sensing device uses eight operation signals and a two-step process that is performed repetitively to obtain one image frame. The first step in the process adds the image signals associated with two adjoining rows in the vertical direction, skips a predetermined number of rows of pixels, and outputs the resultant image signals. The second step in the process adds the image signals associated with two adjoining rows in the oblique direction, skips a predetermined number of rows of pixels, and outputs the resultant image signals. When the image sensing device completes the processing of the frame, the same two-step process is applied to the skipped rows of pixels. The image sensing device generates color image signals by using the resultant image signals output from the application of the two-step process on the skipped rows of pixels.