To facilitate conversion of a frame rate of moving image data in an imaging element that images the moving image data. A pixel array unit is divided into a plurality of divided regions each including a plurality of partial regions. A scanning circuit sequentially performs control of exposing a predetermined number of regions of the plurality of partial regions as first partial regions to output first pixel data in each of the plurality of divided regions, and control of exposing a region different from the first partial regions of the plurality of partial regions as a second partial region to output second pixel data in each of the plurality of divided regions. An image processing unit sequentially performs processing of arraying the first pixel data to generate a first frame and processing of arraying the second pixel data to generate a second frame.

In an image capturing apparatus, an image sensing device includes a plurality of groups of pixels each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements being readable separately for each photoelectric conversion element via a signal line used in common by each group of pixels. A reading unit performs, on a plurality of groups of pixels, a reading-out operation to reading out a signal as a first signal from part of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and a second reading-out operation to mix signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and read out a resultant mixed signal as an image signal. A generation unit generates one image file including the first signal, the image signal, and defect data indicating a group of pixels for which the first signal is defective while the image signal is not defective.

A distributed aperture system includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture has a first field of regard and a first resolution. The second aperture has a second aperture and a second resolution and a second field of regard. The second field of regard overlaps the first field of regard and the second resolution is greater than the first resolution to provide high resolution heading information and low resolution peripheral information in a common 3D image for obstacle avoidance. Obstacle avoidance systems and imaging methods are also described.

A comparator in an AD conversion part performs, under the control of reading part, a first comparison processing outputting a digitized first comparison result signal with respect to a voltage signal corresponding to an overflow charge overflowing from a PD1 to an FD1 in an integration period and a second comparison processing outputting a digitized second comparison result signal with respect to a voltage signal corresponding to a accumulated charge of the PD1 transferred to the FD1 in a transfer period after the integration period and, in the first comparison processing, starts an AD conversion processing comparing the voltage signal of the output buffer part and the reference voltage and outputting the digitized comparison result signal with a delay from the starting time of the first comparison processing. The comparator lowers a power consumption and suppresses an influence of a dark current of the FD and deterioration of an image.

A comparator in an AD conversion part, under the control of a reading part, performs a first comparison processing outputting a digitized first comparison result signal with respect to a voltage signal corresponding to an overflow charge overflowing from a PD1 to an FD1 in an integration period, and a second comparison processing outputting a digitized second comparison result signal with respect to a voltage signal corresponding to a accumulated charge of the PD1 transferred to the FD1 in a transfer period after the integration period and, in the first comparison processing, the period of the first comparison processing is divided into a plurality of sub periods and, in each of the sub periods, the comparator performs an AD conversion processing comparing the voltage signal of the output buffer part and the reference voltage and outputting the digitized comparison result signal. Due to this, it is possible to suppress an influence of a dark current of the FD, and becomes possible to suppress deterioration of the image while substantially realizing a broader dynamic range and a higher frame rate.

An image sensing device includes: a plurality of pixels; and an AD converter that compares a pixel signal output from the plurality of pixels with a slope voltage having a temporally variable potential so as to perform AD conversion on the pixel signal, and switching is performed between a first mode and a second mode according to an imaging condition, the first mode being a mode in which the pixel signal is AD converted by selecting one from among a plurality of slope voltages and comparing the pixel signal with the selected slope voltage, and the second mode being a mode in which the pixel signal is AD converted by comparing the pixel signal with a predetermined slope voltage.

In an image capturing apparatus, an image sensing device includes a plurality of groups of pixels each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements being readable separately for each photoelectric conversion element via a signal line used in common by each group of pixels. A reading unit performs, on a plurality of groups of pixels, a reading-out operation to reading out a signal as a first signal from part of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and a second reading-out operation to mix signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and read out a resultant mixed signal as an image signal. A generation unit generates one image file including the first signal, the image signal, and defect data indicating a group of pixels for which the first signal is defective while the image signal is not defective.

A system and method for driving a solid-state image pickup device including a pixel array unit including unit pixels. Each unit pixel includes a photoelectric converter, column signal lines and a number of analog-digital converting units. The unit pixels are selectively controlled in units of rows. Analog signals output from the unit pixels in a row selected by the selective control though the column signal lines are converted to digital signals via the analog-digital converting units. The digital signals are added among a number of unit pixels via the analog-digital converting units. The added digital signals from the analog-digital converting units are read. Each unit pixel in the pixel array unit is selectively controlled in units of arbitrary rows, the analog-distal converting units being operable to performing the converting in a (a) normal-frame-rate mode and a (b) high-frame-rate mode in response to control signals.

A system and method for driving a solid-state image pickup device including a pixel array unit including unit pixels. Each unit pixel includes a photoelectric converter, column signal lines and a number of analog-digital converting units. The unit pixels are selectively controlled in units of rows. Analog signals output from the unit pixels in a row selected by the selective control though the column signal lines are converted to digital signals via the analog-digital converting units. The digital signals are added among a number of unit pixels via the analog-digital converting units. The added digital signals from the analog-digital converting units are read. Each unit pixel in the pixel array unit is selectively controlled in units of arbitrary rows, the analog-distal converting units being operable to performing the converting in a (a) normal-frame-rate mode and a (b) high-frame-rate mode in response to control signals.

An interchangeable lens includes an optical system which is variable in focal distance and in which a size of an image circle varies by the focal distance, the image circle being an effective image formation region of an optical image of a subject; a lens data storage unit which stores data indicating a correspondence between a value of the focal distance and a value of the size of the image circle; and a lens interface unit which sends data indicating the correspondence to the imaging apparatus.