公开(公告)号：US20120006973A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-12

申请号：US13173137

申请日：2011-06-30

Applicant: Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell

Inventor： Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3658 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes an array of pixels. Each pixel has at least one photo-sensitive element. Readout circuitry receives an analog signal from each pixel at a first time and at a second time, between which the analog signal changes. The image sensor further includes associated support circuitry which is a source of time variant noise. The signal level at both first and second times includes pixel noise. Sample and hold circuitry is provided to maintain substantially level at least a proportion of this support circuitry noise time invariant at the sensor output between the first time and the second time.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括像素阵列。 每个像素具有至少一个光敏元件。 读出电路在第一时间和第二时间从每个像素接收模拟信号，模拟信号之间变化。 图像传感器还包括作为时变噪声源的相关联的支持电路。 第一次和第二次的信号电平包括像素噪声。 提供采样和保持电路以在第一时间和第二时间之间基本上保持该传感器输出处的该支持电路噪声时间不变量的至少一部分。

公开(公告)号：US07804537B2

公开(公告)日：2010-09-28

申请号：US10820464

申请日：2004-04-08

Applicant: Graeme Storm ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

Inventor： Graeme Storm ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H04N5/20

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/361

Abstract: An image sensor includes an array of pixels, with each pixel including a photodiode, and a first output circuit for deriving a linear output signal by applying a reset signal to the photodiode and reading a voltage on the photodiode after an integration time. A second output circuit derives a logarithmic output signal by reading a near instantaneous illumination-dependent voltage on the photodiode that is a logarithmic function of the illumination. In the logarithmic mode, the pixels are calibrated to remove fixed pattern noise. The pixels may be operated in linear and log modes sequentially, with the linear output being selected for low light signals and the log output being selected for high light signals.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括像素阵列，每个像素包括光电二极管，以及第一输出电路，用于通过将复位信号施加到光电二极管并在积分时间之后读取光电二极管上的电压来导出线性输出信号。 第二输出电路通过读取作为照明的对数函数的光电二极管上的近瞬时照明相关电压来导出对数输出信号。 在对数模式下，校准像素以去除固定模式噪声。 像素可以顺序地以线性和对数模式操作，对于低光信号选择线性输出，并且对于高光信号选择对数输出。

公开(公告)号：US20090237536A1

公开(公告)日：2009-09-24

申请号：US12402397

申请日：2009-03-11

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Min Qu

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Min Qu

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3577 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors for correlated double sampling, and a comparator circuit. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential amplifier having one input connected to the junction of the two capacitors and another input connected to a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential amplifier as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有包括用于相关双采样的第一和第二电容器以及比较器电路的每列ADC装置。 电容器分别连续地连接到模拟像素信号和斜坡信号，而不使用保持操作。 比较器电路包括差分放大器，其具有连接到两个电容器的结的一个输入端和连接到参考信号的另一个输入端。 参考信号优选地从参考电压采样和保持。 使用差分放大器作为比较器的第一级，可以解决当大像素阵列以低对比度成像场景时，由接地电压反弹引起的问题。

公开(公告)号：US20070075883A1

公开(公告)日：2007-04-05

申请号：US11536166

申请日：2006-09-28

Applicant: Graeme STORM

Inventor： Graeme STORM

IPC: H03M1/10

CPC classification number: H04N5/3598

Abstract: The method and circuit corrects errors in an active pixel sensor which generates an output indicative of illumination intensity and which may experience an error in the output as a result of artifacts which produce an erroneous output. The approach includes determining the output from the pixel, comparing the output with a threshold value, and if the output is lower that the threshold value identifying the existence of an erroneous output and storing a value in a latching device in response thereto. A maximum value is generated in response to the latching device to replace the erroneous output, thereby correcting the error. The present invention switches the system from the analog to digital domain with respect to the issue of artifacts by using a latch to store a value which is then used to replace the actual output if the output is wrong.

Abstract translation: 该方法和电路校正有源像素传感器中的错误，该有源像素传感器产生指示照明强度的输出，并且由于产生错误输出的伪像可能在输出中经历错误。 该方法包括确定来自像素的输出，将输出与阈值进行比较，以及如果输出低于标识出错输出的存在的阈值，并且响应于此而将值存储在锁存装置中。 响应于锁存装置产生最大值来代替错误的输出，从而校正错误。 本发明通过使用锁存器来存储一个值，如果输出错误则用于替换实际输出，就将系统从模拟数字域切换到关于伪像的问题。

公开(公告)号：US20060066750A1

公开(公告)日：2006-03-30

申请号：US11235465

申请日：2005-09-26

Applicant: Robert Henderson ,  Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm

Inventor： Robert Henderson ,  Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm

IPC: H04N5/235

CPC classification number: H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/23245 ,  H04N5/343 ,  H04N5/3452 ,  H04N5/3532

Abstract: A rolling blade exposure system includes odd rows of a pixel array being read out with a short exposure time and even rows being read out at a long exposure time. Each pair of sampled rows are stitched together before to form a single output line. The resultant image is then formed from the output lines. The stitching process ensures that the resultant image has a wide dynamic range. This is achieved at the expense of a loss of resolution, but this loss is acceptable for certain applications.

Abstract translation: 滚动刀片曝光系统包括以短曝光时间读出的奇数行像素阵列，并且偶数行在长曝光时间被读出。 每对采样的行在之前缝合在一起以形成单个输出线。 然后从输出线形成所得到的图像。 缝合过程确保所得到的图像具有宽的动态范围。 这是以牺牲解决方案为代价的，但这种损失是可以接受的某些应用程序。

公开(公告)号：US08772695B2

公开(公告)日：2014-07-08

申请号：US13324009

申请日：2011-12-13

Applicant: Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell ,  Derek Tolmie ,  John Kevin Moore ,  Michael Wigley

Inventor： Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell ,  Derek Tolmie ,  John Kevin Moore ,  Michael Wigley

IPC: H01L21/00 ,  H04N3/14

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/363

Abstract: Each column of pixels in an image sensor array has at least two column bitlines connected to an output of each pixel. A readout input circuit includes first inputs and a second input. Each first input is connected, via a capacitance, to a comparator input node. The second input is connected via a capacitance to the same comparator input node. The first inputs receive, in parallel, an analog signal acquired from the pixels via the column bitlines. The analog signals vary during a pixel readout period and have a first level during a first calibration period and a second level during a second read period with the analog signals being constantly read onto the capacitances during both the first calibration period and the second read period. The comparator compares an average of the signals on the plurality of first inputs to the reference signal.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器阵列中的每列像素具有连接到每个像素的输出的至少两列列位线。 读出输入电路包括第一输入和第二输入。 每个第一输入通过电容连接到比较器输入节点。 第二个输入通过电容连接到同一个比较器输入节点。 第一输入并行地接收通过列位线从像素获取的模拟信号。 模拟信号在像素读出周期期间变化，并且在第一校准周期期间具有第一电平，并且在第二读取周期期间具有第二电平，同时在第一校准周期和第二读取周期期间模拟信号恒定地读取到电容上。 比较器将多个第一输入端的信号的平均值与参考信号进行比较。

公开(公告)号：US20120312963A1

公开(公告)日：2012-12-13

申请号：US13324009

申请日：2011-12-13

Applicant: Graeme STORM ,  Matthew PURCELL ,  Derek TOLMIE ,  John Kevin MOORE ,  Michael WIGLEY

Inventor： Graeme STORM ,  Matthew PURCELL ,  Derek TOLMIE ,  John Kevin MOORE ,  Michael WIGLEY

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/363

Abstract: Each column of pixels in an image sensor array has at least two column bitlines connected to an output of each pixel. A readout input circuit includes first inputs and a second input. Each first input is connected, via a capacitance, to a comparator input node. The second input is connected via a capacitance to the same comparator input node. The first inputs receive, in parallel, an analog signal acquired from the pixels via the column bitlines. The analog signals vary during a pixel readout period and have a first level during a first calibration period and a second level during a second read period with the analog signals being constantly read onto the capacitances during both the first calibration period and the second read period. The comparator compares an average of the signals on the plurality of first inputs to the reference signal.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器阵列中的每列像素具有连接到每个像素的输出的至少两列列位线。 读出输入电路包括第一输入和第二输入。 每个第一输入通过电容连接到比较器输入节点。 第二个输入通过电容连接到同一个比较器输入节点。 第一输入并行地接收通过列位线从像素获取的模拟信号。 模拟信号在像素读出周期期间变化，并且在第一校准周期期间具有第一电平，并且在第二读取周期期间具有第二电平，同时在第一校准周期和第二读取周期期间模拟信号恒定地读取到电容上。 比较器将多个第一输入端的信号的平均值与参考信号进行比较。

公开(公告)号：US08305474B2

公开(公告)日：2012-11-06

申请号：US12622373

申请日：2009-11-19

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Derek Tolmie ,  Mhamed El Hachimi ,  Laurent Simony ,  Min Qu

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Derek Tolmie ,  Mhamed El Hachimi ,  Laurent Simony ,  Min Qu

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H04N5/3577

Abstract: An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors allowing a comparator circuit to perform correlated double sampling. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential input being connected to the junction of the two capacitors and being biased by a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential input as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast. Connectivity of the differential input stage allows the ramp signal to see a constant capacitive load thus reduce image artifacts referred to as smear.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有包括允许比较器电路执行相关双重采样的第一和第二电容器的每列ADC布置。 电容器分别连续地连接到模拟像素信号和斜坡信号，而不使用保持操作。 比较器电路包括差分输入端，连接到两个电容器的结，并被参考信号偏置。 参考信号优选地从参考电压采样和保持。 使用差分输入作为比较器的第一级，当大像素阵列以低对比度的场景成像时，可以解决地电压反弹引起的问题。 差分输入级的连接允许斜坡信号看到恒定的电容性负载，从而减少称为污迹的图像伪影。

公开(公告)号：US20100157035A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-24

申请号：US12622373

申请日：2009-11-19

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Derek Tolmie ,  Mhamed El Hachim ,  Laurent Simony ,  Min Qu

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Derek Tolmie ,  Mhamed El Hachim ,  Laurent Simony ,  Min Qu

IPC: H04N7/18 ,  H04N5/335 ,  G06G7/18

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H04N5/3577

Abstract: An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors allowing a comparator circuit to perform correlated double sampling. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential input being connected to the junction of the two capacitors and being biased by a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential input as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast. Connectivity of the differential input stage allows the ramp signal to see a constant capacitive load thus reduce image artifacts referred to as smear.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有包括允许比较器电路执行相关双重采样的第一和第二电容器的每列ADC布置。 电容器分别连续地连接到模拟像素信号和斜坡信号，而不使用保持操作。 比较器电路包括差分输入端，连接到两个电容器的结，并被参考信号偏置。 参考信号优选地从参考电压采样和保持。 使用差分输入作为比较器的第一级，当大像素阵列以低对比度的场景成像时，可以解决地电压反弹引起的问题。 差分输入级的连接允许斜坡信号看到恒定的电容性负载，从而减少称为污迹的图像伪影。

公开(公告)号：US08841595B2

公开(公告)日：2014-09-23

申请号：US13173137

申请日：2011-06-30

Applicant: Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell

Inventor： Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell

IPC: H01L27/00 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/357

CPC classification number: H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3658 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes an array of pixels. Each pixel has at least one photo-sensitive element. Readout circuitry receives an analog signal from each pixel at a first time and at a second time, between which the analog signal changes. The image sensor further includes associated support circuitry which is a source of time variant noise. The signal level at both first and second times includes pixel noise. Sample and hold circuitry is provided to maintain substantially level at least a proportion of this support circuitry noise time invariant at the sensor output between the first time and the second time.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括像素阵列。 每个像素具有至少一个光敏元件。 读出电路在第一时间和第二时间从每个像素接收模拟信号，模拟信号之间变化。 图像传感器还包括作为时变噪声源的相关联的支持电路。 第一次和第二次的信号电平包括像素噪声。 提供采样和保持电路以在第一时间和第二时间之间基本上保持该传感器输出处的该支持电路噪声时间不变量的至少一部分。