公开(公告)号：US20080106625A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-08

申请号：US11557217

申请日：2006-11-07

Applicant: John N. Border ,  John F. Hamilton ,  John T. Compton

Inventor： John N. Border ,  John F. Hamilton ,  John T. Compton

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3559 ,  H04N5/35572 ,  H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/37452

Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels with each pixel having a photosensitive area that captures a sequence of at least two light exposures by accumulating photon-induced charge for each exposure; at least two charge storage areas each of which is associated respectively with one of the sequence of light exposures into which the accumulated charge for each exposure is transferred sequentially; and at least one amplifier that is associated with at least one of the charge storage areas.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括多个像素，每个像素具有通过累积用于每次曝光的光子诱导电荷而捕获至少两次曝光的序列的光敏区域; 至少两个电荷存储区域，每个电荷存储区域分别与顺序地传送每个曝光的累积电荷的光照射序列之一相关联; 以及与所述电荷存储区域中的至少一个相关联的至少一个放大器。

公开(公告)号：US20070103569A1

公开(公告)日：2007-05-10

申请号：US10558755

申请日：2004-05-31

Applicant: Shoji Kawahito

Inventor： Shoji Kawahito

IPC: H04N5/217

CPC classification number: H04N5/2355 ,  H04N5/235 ,  H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: The present invention relates to a CMOS image sensor having a wide dynamic range, which permits favorable imaging even in cases where a bright portion and a dark portion exist simultaneously. The dynamic range can be widened by preventing the saturation of optical charge at a high illuminance by removing low illuminance signals due to long-time accumulation, intermediate illuminance signals due to short-time accumulation, and high illuminance signals due to ultra-short time accumulation from pixel portions of the image sensor. Further, adaptive control of the dynamic range can also be performed by dynamically changing the wide dynamic range imaging conditions that comprise a combination of different accumulation times of each of a plurality of short time accumulation signals.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及具有宽动态范围的CMOS图像传感器，即使在同时存在明亮部分和黑暗部分的情况下也能够获得有利的成像。 通过从长时间累积中消除低照度信号，由于短时间累积导致的中间照度信号，以及由于超短时积累而导致的高照度信号，可以防止高照度的光电荷的饱和 从图像传感器的像素部分。 此外，动态范围的自适应控制也可以通过动态地改变包括多个短时积累信号中的每一个的不同累积时间的组合的宽动态范围成像条件来执行。

公开(公告)号：US07209166B2

公开(公告)日：2007-04-24

申请号：US11402923

申请日：2006-04-13

Applicant: Alexander I. Krymski

Inventor： Alexander I. Krymski

IPC: H04N5/235

CPC classification number: H04N5/37452 ,  H04N5/35581

Abstract: Wide dynamic range operation is used to write a signal in a freeze-frame pixel into the memory twice, first after short integration and then after long integration. The wide dynamic range operation allows the intra-scene dynamic range of images to be extended by combining the image taken with a short exposure time with the image taken with a long exposure time. A freeze-frame pixel is based on voltage sharing between the photodetector PD and the analog memory. Thus, with wide dynamic range operation, the resulting voltage in the memory may be a linear superposition of the two signals representing a bright and a dark image after two operations of sampling.

Abstract translation: 宽动态范围操作用于将冻结帧像素中的信号写入存储器两次，首先在短集成后，然后长时间集成。 宽动态范围操作允许通过将以短曝光时间拍摄的图像与长曝光时间拍摄的图像组合来扩展图像的场景内动态范围。 冻结帧像素基于光电检测器PD和模拟存储器之间的电压共享。 因此，在宽动态范围操作下，存储器中产生的电压可以是在两次采样操作之后表示亮和暗图像的两个信号的线性叠加。

公开(公告)号：US07205523B2

公开(公告)日：2007-04-17

申请号：US11369819

申请日：2006-03-08

Applicant: Ryuichi Mishima ,  Seiichi Tamura ,  Koichi Tazoe

Inventor： Ryuichi Mishima ,  Seiichi Tamura ,  Koichi Tazoe

IPC: H01L27/00 ,  H01L31/00

CPC classification number: H01L27/14689 ,  H01L27/14601 ,  H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/37452 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: The solid state image pickup device includes a pixel, the pixel including: a photoelectric conversion region for generating carrier by photoelectric conversion and accumulating the carrier; a carrier holding region for accumulating carrier flowing out from the photoelectric conversion region during the photoelectric conversion region generates and accumulates carrier; a source follower amplifier SF-MOS for amplifying carrier; a transfer MOS transistor Tx-MOS for transferring the carrier accumulated in the photoelectric conversion region to the source follower amplifier SF-MOS; and a transfer MOS transistor Ty-MOS for transferring the carrier accumulated in the carrier holding region to the source follower amplifier SF-MOS. The carrier holding region is formed so as to have a trench structure.

Abstract translation: 固态摄像装置包括像素，该像素包括：光电转换区域，用于通过光电转换产生载体并累积载体; 载流子保持区域，用于在光电转换区域产生并积累载流子的同时积聚从光电转换区域流出的载流子; 用于放大载波的源极跟随器放大器SF-MOS; 用于将积累在光电转换区域中的载流子传送到源极跟随器放大器SF-MOS的转移MOS晶体管Tx-MOS; 以及用于将载波保持区域中累积的载波传送到源极跟随器放大器SF-MOS的转移MOS晶体管Ty-MOS。 载流子保持区域形成为具有沟槽结构。

公开(公告)号：US20070075218A1

公开(公告)日：2007-04-05

申请号：US11242751

申请日：2005-10-04

Applicant: John Gates ,  Carl Nuzman ,  Stanley Pau

Inventor： John Gates ,  Carl Nuzman ,  Stanley Pau

IPC: H01L27/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/372 ,  H04N5/349 ,  H04N5/35581

Abstract: Apparatus for storing an optical image of an object comprises an imaging device having a multiplicity of pixels, each pixel including a light sensor and a multiplicity of storage cells coupled to the sensor. A lens system focuses light from the object onto the imaging device. Within each pixel a first one of its storage cells is configured to store data corresponding to a first exposure of its sensor to light from the object, and a second one of its storage cells is configured to store data corresponding to a second exposure of its sensor to light from the object. In a preferred embodiment, the pixels are arranged in an array extending along a first direction, and during the time interval between the first and second exposures, a translator is configured to produce, in a second direction, a relative translation or shift between the imaging device and the focal point of the lens system. In one embodiment, the second direction is traverse to the first direction. In a preferred embodiment, each pixel comprises a photosensitive region, and the pixels are shifted by a distance that is approximately equal to one half the pitch of the photosensitive regions as measured in the second direction. In this fashion, the invention increases the spatial resolution by increasing the effective number of pixels of the sensor without increasing the actual number of pixels. In alternative embodiment of the invention, the dynamic range of the sensor is enhanced.

Abstract translation: 用于存储对象的光学图像的设备包括具有多个像素的成像设备，每个像素包括光传感器和耦合到传感器的多个存储单元。 透镜系统将来自物体的光聚焦到成像装置上。 在每个像素内，其存储单元中的第一个被配置为将对应于其传感器的第一曝光的数据存储到来自对象的光，并且其存储单元中的第二个被配置为存储对应于其传感器的第二次曝光的数据 从物体点亮。 在优选实施例中，像素被布置成沿着第一方向延伸的阵列，并且在第一和第二曝光之间的时间间隔期间，转换器被配置为在第二方向上产生成像之间的相对平移或偏移 设备和镜头系统的焦点。 在一个实施例中，第二方向横穿第一方向。 在优选实施例中，每个像素包括光敏区域，并且像素在第二方向上测量时偏移大约等于光敏区域的间距的一半的距离。 以这种方式，本发明通过增加传感器的有效像素数而不增加实际像素数来增加空间分辨率。 在本发明的替代实施例中，增强了传感器的动态范围。

公开(公告)号：US20060219866A1

公开(公告)日：2006-10-05

申请号：US11390456

申请日：2006-03-28

Applicant: Yoshitaka Egawa ,  Shinji Ohsawa

Inventor： Yoshitaka Egawa ,  Shinji Ohsawa

IPC: H01L27/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/2352 ,  H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/3575

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing device includes a pixel unit, analog-to-digital converter, controller, and adder. In the pixel unit, cells are two-dimensionally arranged on a semiconductor substrate. An output analog signal from the pixel unit is converted into a digital signal by the analog-to-digital converter and output. The controller controls the pixel unit and analog-to-digital converter, and causes the analog-to-digital converter to digitize a plurality of analog signals different in storage time in the pixel unit during the storage period of the electric charge of one frame. The adder adds digital signals corresponding to the analog signals different in storage time and output from the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract translation: 固态图像感测装置包括像素单元，模拟 - 数字转换器，控制器和加法器。 在像素单元中，单元被二维地布置在半导体衬底上。 来自像素单元的输出模拟信号由模数转换器转换成数字信号并输出​​。 控制器控制像素单元和模拟 - 数字转换器，并且使得模数转换器在一帧的电荷的存储期间内对像素单元中的存储时间不同的多个模拟信号进行数字化。 该加法器加上与存储时间不同的模拟信号对应的数字信号，并从模数转换器输出。

公开(公告)号：US20060181624A1

公开(公告)日：2006-08-17

申请号：US11402923

申请日：2006-04-13

Applicant: Alexander Krymski

Inventor： Alexander Krymski

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/37452 ,  H04N5/35581

Abstract: Wide dynamic range operation is used to write a signal in a freeze-frame pixel into the memory twice, first after short integration and then after long integration. The wide dynamic range operation allows the intra-scene dynamic range of images to be extended by combining the image taken with a short exposure time with the image taken with a long exposure time. A freeze-frame pixel is based on voltage sharing between the photodetector PD and the analog memory. Thus, with wide dynamic range operation, the resulting voltage in the memory may be a linear superposition of the two signals representing a bright and a dark image after two operations of sampling.

公开(公告)号：US06930722B1

公开(公告)日：2005-08-16

申请号：US09342729

申请日：1999-06-29

Applicant: Nobuo Nakamura ,  Yoriko Tanaka ,  Yoshitaka Egawa ,  Shinji Ohsawa ,  Tadashi Sugiki ,  Yukio Endo

Inventor： Nobuo Nakamura ,  Yoriko Tanaka ,  Yoshitaka Egawa ,  Shinji Ohsawa ,  Tadashi Sugiki ,  Yukio Endo

IPC: H01L27/146 ,  H04N5/235 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/341 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/353 ,  H04N5/355 ,  H04N5/369 ,  H04N5/372 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/3745

CPC classification number: H04N5/2355 ,  H04N5/235 ,  H04N5/35527 ,  H04N5/35572 ,  H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/372 ,  H04N5/3728 ,  H04N5/374

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprising an array of unit cells, vertical signal lines, and a control circuit. The unit cells are arranged in rows and columns. Each unit cell has a light-receiving device for receiving light and generating an electric charge corresponding to the light, a charge-accumulating section for accumulating the electric charge generated by the light-receiving device, a transfer device for transferring the electric charge from the light-receiving device to the charge-accumulating section, and a charge-limiting device for limiting the electric charge accumulated in the charge-accumulating section. The vertical signal lines extend along the columns of unit cells, respectively, each for receiving a electric data item corresponding to the electric charge accumulated in the charge-accumulating section of any unit cell of the associated column. The control circuit controls each of the unit cells, causing the charge-limiting device to limit the charge generated by the light-receiving device during a first period and transferred to the charge-accumulating section through the transfer device. The charge generated by the light-receiving device during a second period following the first period and transferred to the charge-accumulating section through the transfer device is added to the electric charge accumulated in the charge-accumulating section.

公开(公告)号：US06906751B1

公开(公告)日：2005-06-14

申请号：US09356564

申请日：1999-07-19

Applicant: Toshio Norita ,  Kazuchika Sato ,  Makoto Miyazaki ,  Koichi Kamon ,  Hiroyuki Okada

Inventor： Toshio Norita ,  Kazuchika Sato ,  Makoto Miyazaki ,  Koichi Kamon ,  Hiroyuki Okada

IPC: H04N5/232 ,  H04N5/235 ,  H04N5/353 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H04N9/64 ,  G02B27/40 ,  H04N5/222 ,  H04N3/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/23212 ,  H04N5/2353 ,  H04N5/2355

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor includes a photocell array for accumulating signal charge for each pixel in accordance with progress of exposure, and a read circuit for reading out information on the accumulated signal charge from the photocell array. With an insulating structure between its input and output, an amplifier in the read circuit generates an output signal without resetting the accumulated charge in the photocell. Information on the accumulated charge is read out at different exposure times while signal charge is accumulated during exposure, and a plurality of image signals can sequentially be obtained without destroying the information.

Abstract translation: 固态图像传感器包括用于根据曝光的进展累积每个像素的信号电荷的光电池阵列，以及用于从光电池阵列读出关于积累的信号电荷的信息的读取电路。 在其输入和输出之间具有绝缘结构，读取电路中的放大器产生输出信号而不复位光电池中的累积电荷。 关于在曝光期间积累信号电荷的不同曝光时间读出累积电荷的信息，并且可以顺序地获得多个图像信号而不破坏信息。

公开(公告)号：US20040169753A1

公开(公告)日：2004-09-02

申请号：US10368121

申请日：2003-02-17

Inventor： David J. Gulbransen ,  Christopher L. Fletcher

IPC: H04N005/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3741 ,  G01J1/46 ,  H04N5/33 ,  H04N5/35554 ,  H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/37452 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A unit cell (20) is disclosed that has an input node for coupling to an output of a detector (D1) of electromagnetic radiation, such as IR or visible radiation. The unit cell includes a first capacitor (CintA) switchably coupled to the input node for receiving a charge signal from the detector, and for integrating the charge signal during a first integration period, as well as a second capacitor (CintB)switchably coupled to the input node for integrating the charge signal during a second integration period. The unit cell further includes an output multiplexer (32, 34) for selectively coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor to an output signal line (38) during respective charge signal readout periods. In the preferred embodiment a duration of the first integration period is one of greater than or less than the second integration period, and the first integration period is one of non-overlapping or overlapping with the second integration period, and vice versa. The first integration period can be interleaved with the second integration period, or vice versa.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种具有用于耦合到诸如IR或可见辐射的电磁辐射的检测器（D1）的输出的输入节点的单元（20）。 单元单元包括可切换地耦合到输入节点的第一电容器（CintA），用于从检测器接收电荷信号，并且用于在第一积分周期期间积分电荷信号，以及第二电容器（CintB），其可切换地耦合到 输入节点，用于在第二积分周期期间对充电信号进行积分。 单元单元还包括输出多路复用器（32,34），用于在相应的充电信号读出周期期间选择性地将第一电容器和第二电容器耦合到输出信号线（38）。 在优选实施例中，第一积分周期的持续时间是大于或小于第二积分周期中的一个，并且第一积分周期是与第二积分周期不重叠或重叠的一个，反之亦然。 第一积分周期可以与第二积分周期交错，反之亦然。