Solid-state image sensor and drive method for the same

Abstract

An independent pixel output line () is provided for each of two-dimensionally arranged pixels () within a pixel area (). A plurality of memory sections are connected to each pixel output line (). In a continuous reading mode, photocharge storage is simultaneously performed at all the pixels, and signals are collectively transferred from the pixels () through the pixel output lines () to the memory sections, after which the signals held in the memory sections are sequentially read and outputted. In a burst reading mode, the operations of simultaneously storing photocharges at all the pixels and collectively transferring signals from each pixel () through the pixel output line () to the memory sections are sequentially performed for each of the memory sections to hold signals corresponding to a plurality of frames. When a imaging halt command is given, the holding of new signals is halted, and a plurality of frames of image signals held in the memory sections at that point in time are sequentially read and outputted. Thus, both an ultrahigh-speed imaging operation with a limitation on the number of frames and an imaging mode that is rather slow but has no limitation on the number of frames can be performed.