公开(公告)号：US08384813B2

公开(公告)日：2013-02-26

申请号：US12972947

申请日：2010-12-20

Applicant: John T. Compton ,  Jeffrey S. Gerstenberger ,  Ravi Mruthyunjaya

Inventor： John T. Compton ,  Jeffrey S. Gerstenberger ,  Ravi Mruthyunjaya

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H04N3/14

CPC classification number: H04N5/3742 ,  H04N5/3658 ,  H04N5/3765

Abstract: An image sensor includes a two-dimensional array of pixels having multiple column outputs and an output circuit connected to each column output. Each output circuit is configured to operate concurrent sample and read operations. A timing generator outputs a column address sequence that is received by a column decoder that is electrically connected to each output circuit. The timing generator suspends the output of the column address sequence during a sample operation and resumes the output of the column address sequence at the end of the sample operation.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括具有多个列输出的像素的二维阵列和连接到每个列输出的输出电路。 每个输出电路配置为同时进行采样和读取操作。 定时发生器输出由与每个输出电路电连接的列解码器接收的列地址序列。 定时发生器在采样操作期间暂停列地址序列的输出，并在采样操作结束时恢复列地址序列的输出。

公开(公告)号：US08330839B2

公开(公告)日：2012-12-11

申请号：US13424138

申请日：2012-03-19

Applicant: John T. Compton ,  John F. Hamilton, Jr.

Inventor： John T. Compton ,  John F. Hamilton, Jr.

IPC: H04N9/83 ,  H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N9/04

CPC classification number: H04N9/045

Abstract: An image sensor for capturing a color image is disclosed having a two-dimensional array having first and second groups of pixels wherein pixels from the first group of pixels have narrower spectral photoresponses than pixels from the second group of pixels and wherein the first group of pixels has individual pixels that have spectral photoresponses that correspond to a set of at least two colors. Further, the placement of the first and second groups of pixels defines a pattern that has a minimal repeating unit including at least twelve pixels. The minimal repeating unit has a plurality of cells wherein each cell has at least two pixels representing a specific color selected from the first group of pixels and a plurality of pixels selected from the second group of pixels arranged to permit the reproduction of a captured color image under different lighting conditions.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于捕获彩色图像的图像传感器，其具有具有第一和第二组像素的二维阵列，其中来自第一组像素的像素具有比来自第二组像素的像素更窄的光谱光响应，并且其中第一组像素 具有对应于一组至少两种颜色的光谱反应的单个像素。 此外，第一和第二组像素的放置限定了具有包括至少十二个像素的最小重复单元的图案。 最小重复单元具有多个单元，其中每个单元具有表示从第一组像素选择的特定颜色的至少两个像素，以及从被布置成允许再现捕获的彩色图像的第二组像素中选择的多个像素 在不同的照明条件下。

公开(公告)号：US08294803B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-23

申请号：US12570008

申请日：2009-09-30

Applicant: John N. Border ,  John T. Compton ,  David N. Nichols

Inventor： John N. Border ,  John T. Compton ,  David N. Nichols

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/235

CPC classification number: H04N5/3458 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/3728 ,  H04N9/045

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

公开(公告)号：US20120168611A1

公开(公告)日：2012-07-05

申请号：US13418182

申请日：2012-03-12

Applicant: Christopher Parks ,  John T. Compton

Inventor： Christopher Parks ,  John T. Compton

IPC: H01L27/148

CPC classification number: H04N5/37457 ,  H04N5/3559 ,  H04N5/37452

Abstract: A method for reading out an image signal includes providing at least two photosensitive regions and providing at least two transfer gates respectively associated with each photosensitive region. The method also includes providing a common charge-to-voltage conversion region electrically connected to the transfer gates and providing a reset mechanism that resets the common charge-to-voltage conversion region. After transferring charge from at least one of the photo-sensitive regions, all the transfer gates are disabled at a first time. The method further includes enabling at least one transfer gate at a subsequent second time and transferring charge from at least one of the photosensitive regions at a subsequent third time while the at least one transfer gate from the second time remains enabled.

Abstract translation: 读出图像信号的方法包括提供至少两个感光区域并提供分别与每个光敏区域相关联的至少两个传送门。 该方法还包括提供电连接到传输门的公共电荷 - 电压转换区域，并提供复位公共电荷 - 电压转换区域的复位机制。 在从至少一个感光区域传送电荷之后，所有传输门在第一时间被禁用。 该方法还包括在随后的第二时间启用至少一个传输门，并且在随后的第三时间从至少一个感光区传送电荷，同时第二时间的至少一个传输门保持启用。

公开(公告)号：US08194166B2

公开(公告)日：2012-06-05

申请号：US12569974

申请日：2009-09-30

Applicant: John N. Border ,  John T. Compton ,  David N. Nichols

Inventor： John N. Border ,  John T. Compton ,  David N. Nichols

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3597 ,  H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/3728 ,  H04N9/04

Abstract: Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.

公开(公告)号：US20110310279A1

公开(公告)日：2011-12-22

申请号：US13220512

申请日：2011-08-29

Applicant: Amy D. Enge ,  John T. Compton ,  Bruce H. Pillman

Inventor： Amy D. Enge ,  John T. Compton ,  Bruce H. Pillman

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/232 ,  H04N5/343 ,  H04N5/3696

Abstract: A method for using a capture device to capture at least two video signals corresponding to a scene, includes: providing a two-dimensional image sensor having a plurality of pixels; reading a first group of pixels from the image sensor at a first frame rate to produce a first video signal of the image scene; reading a second group of pixels from the image sensor at a second frame rate for producing a second video signal; and using at least one of the video signals for adjusting one or more of the capture device parameters.

Abstract translation: 一种使用捕捉装置拍摄对应于场景的至少两个视频信号的方法，包括：提供具有多个像素的二维图像传感器; 以第一帧速率从图像传感器读取第一组像素以产生图像场景的第一视频信号; 以第二帧速率从所述图像传感器读取第二组像素以产生第二视频信号; 以及使用所述视频信号中的至少一个来调整所述捕获装置参数中的一个或多个。

公开(公告)号：US20110211109A1

公开(公告)日：2011-09-01

申请号：US13044840

申请日：2011-03-10

Applicant: John T. Compton ,  John F. Hamilton, JR. ,  Thomas E. DeWeese

Inventor： John T. Compton ,  John F. Hamilton, JR. ,  Thomas E. DeWeese

IPC: H04N5/235

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H04N9/045

Abstract: A system for capturing a color image, includes a two-dimensional array having first and second groups of pixels, pixels from the first group of pixels have narrower spectral photoresponses than pixels from the second group of pixels and the first group of pixels has individual pixels that have spectral photoresponses that correspond to a set of at least two colors; the placement of the first and second groups of pixels defining a pattern that has a minimal repeating unit including at least twelve pixels, and a plurality of non-overlapping cells wherein each cell has at least two pixels representing a specific color selected from the first group of pixels and a plurality of pixels selected from the second group of pixels; a structure for combining pixels of like color from at least two of the plurality of cells within the minimal repeating unit.

Abstract translation: 用于捕获彩色图像的系统包括具有第一和第二组像素的二维阵列，来自第一组像素的像素具有比来自第二组像素的像素更窄的光谱光响应，并且第一组像素具有各自的像素 具有对应于一组至少两种颜色的光谱反应; 限定具有包括至少十二个像素的最小重复单元的图案的第一和第二组像素的放置以及多个非重叠单元，其中每个单元具有表示从第一组中选择的特定颜色的至少两个像素 的像素和从第二组像素中选择的多个像素; 用于组合最小重复单元中的多个单元中的至少两个的相似颜色的像素的结构。

公开(公告)号：US20110157438A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-30

申请号：US12953535

申请日：2010-11-24

Applicant: John T. Compton ,  Jeffrey S. Gerstenberger ,  Ravi Mruthyunjaya

Inventor： John T. Compton ,  Jeffrey S. Gerstenberger ,  Ravi Mruthyunjaya

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3658 ,  H04N5/341 ,  H04N5/3577 ,  H04N5/3742 ,  H04N5/3765

Abstract: An image sensor includes a two-dimensional array of pixels having multiple column outputs and an output circuit connected to each column output. Each output circuit is configured to operate concurrent sample and read operations. An analog front end (AFE) circuit processes pixel data output from the output circuits and an AFE clock controller transmits an AFE clocking signal to the AFE circuit to effect processing of the pixel data. A timing generator outputs a column address sequence that is received by a column decoder. During one or more sample operations the timing generator suspends the column address sequence and subsequently during the one or more sample operations the AFE clock controller suspends the AFE clocking signal. The AFE clocking signal and the column address sequence resume at the end of the one or more sample operations.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括具有多个列输出的像素的二维阵列和连接到每个列输出的输出电路。 每个输出电路配置为同时进行采样和读取操作。 模拟前端（AFE）电路处理从输出电路输出的像素数据，AFE时钟控制器将AFE时钟信号发送到AFE电路以实现像素数据的处理。 定时发生器输出由列解码器接收的列地址序列。 在一个或多个采样操作期间，定时发生器暂停列地址序列，随后在一个或多个采样操作期间，AFE时钟控制器暂停AFE计时信号。 AFE计时信号和列地址序列在一个或多个采样操作结束时恢复。

公开(公告)号：US20110147875A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-23

申请号：US12642902

申请日：2009-12-21

Applicant: Christopher Parks ,  John T. Compton

Inventor： Christopher Parks ,  John T. Compton

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H01L27/14603

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array having photoactive pixels and dark reference pixels. The photoactive pixels can be configured in a sub-array within the pixel array. Well contacts are only placed along opposing sides or edges of the sub-array of photoactive pixels or along opposing sides or edges of the pixel array.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括具有光活性像素和暗参考像素的像素阵列。 可以在像素阵列内的子阵列中配置光活性像素。 阱接触仅沿着光活性像素的子阵列的相对侧或边缘或沿像素阵列的相对侧或边缘放置。

公开(公告)号：US20100309340A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-09

申请号：US12477157

申请日：2009-06-03

Applicant: John N. Border ,  John T. Compton

Inventor： John N. Border ,  John T. Compton

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/217

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/353 ,  H04N5/35554

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor or other type of image sensor includes a pixel array comprising at least first and second sets of pixels. Image sensor circuitry is coupled to the pixel array and comprises a signal generator for controlling capture of image data from the first set of pixels of the pixel array using a global shutter process and for controlling capture of image data from the second set of pixels of the pixel array using a rolling shutter process, with the pixels of the second set being different than the pixels of the first set The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.

Abstract translation: CMOS图像传感器或其他类型的图像传感器包括包括至少第一和第二组像素的像素阵列。 图像传感器电路耦合到像素阵列并且包括信号发生器，用于使用全局快门过程控制来自像素阵列的第一组像素的图像数据的捕获，并且用于控制来自第二组像素的图像数据的捕获 使用滚动快门处理的像素阵列，其中第二组的像素不同于第一组的像素。图像传感器可以在数字照相机或其他类型的数字成像装置中实现。