公开(公告)号：US20110163224A1

公开(公告)日：2011-07-07

申请号：US13051428

申请日：2011-03-18

申请人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

发明人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

IPC分类号： H01L27/146

CPC分类号： H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A column buffer for use with a pixel cell array includes an amplifier coupled to three read-out circuits in parallel providing a signal corresponding to accumulated photon-generated charge in a pixel cell plus noise, a reset level plus noise, and a pedestal level, respectively. These three signals are used to generate an ultra-low noise signal Di=Si−Pi-1−G*(Ri−Ri-1), wherein S is the sampled signal, P is the pedestal level, R is the reset level, and G is a gain associated with a pixel cell, and wherein i is a frame number greater than 0. The three signals can be read-out simultaneously. In another embodiment, the three signals are obtained from a column buffer having only one output. In this case, the signals are read-out sequentially.

摘要翻译： 与像素单元阵列一起使用的列缓冲器包括并联的三个读出电路的放大器，提供对应于像素单元中的积累的光子产生的电荷加噪声，复位电平加噪声和基准电平的信号， 分别。 这三个信号用于产生超低噪声信号Di = Si-Pi-1-G *（Ri-Ri-1），其中S是采样信号，P是基准电平，R是复位电平， 并且G是与像素单元相关联的增益，并且其中i是大于0的帧数。可以同时读出三个信号。 在另一个实施例中，三个信号从仅具有一个输出的列缓冲器获得。 在这种情况下，依次读出信号。

公开(公告)号：US20110155892A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-30

申请号：US12969387

申请日：2010-12-15

申请人： Sarit Neter ,  Eugene Atlas

发明人： Sarit Neter ,  Eugene Atlas

IPC分类号： H01L27/146

CPC分类号： H04N5/3559 ,  H04N5/3696 ,  H04N5/37452

摘要： In one aspect, the present invention provides an active pixel sensor array with optimized matching between pixels and strength and frequency of incoming signals such as photons absorbed. The array comprises multiple pixels of individual geometry corresponds to spatial location. Each pixel full-well is adjustable via modifiable pixel conversion gain while maintaining pixel linearity. Furthermore each pixel internally stores multiple of extremely high frequency samples. Variable pixel geometry per row is very advantageous for Echelle spectrograph, where pixel heights are aligned with the spectrograph “order separator” where the resolution changes. In combination with variable geometry, externally adjustable full-well provides for superior spectral line separation in spectroscopy applications. In one embodiment multiple time windows with intermittent resets are stored within each pixel. This feature allows for the detection of extreme high frequency consecutive events without saturation such as may be the case with LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy).

摘要翻译： 在一个方面，本发明提供一种有源像素传感器阵列，其具有像素之间的优化匹配，以及诸如所吸收的光子之类的输入信号的强度和频率。 该阵列包括对应于空间位置的单个几何的多个像素。 每个像素全阱可通过可修改的像素转换增益进行调整，同时保持像素线性度。 此外，每个像素内部存储极高频率样本的多个。 对于Echelle光谱仪，每行的可变像素几何非常有利，其中像素高度与分辨率改变的光谱仪“分光器”对齐。 结合可变几何形状，外部可调全孔可在光谱应用中提供卓越的光谱线分离。 在一个实施例中，具有间歇复位的多个时间窗口被存储在每个像素内。 该特征允许检测没有饱和的极端高频连续事件，例如可能是LIBS（激光诱导击穿光谱）的情况。

公开(公告)号：US20080218620A1

公开(公告)日：2008-09-11

申请号：US11683868

申请日：2007-03-08

申请人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

发明人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

IPC分类号： H04N3/14

CPC分类号： H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A column buffer for use with a pixel cell array includes an amplifier coupled to three read-out circuits in parallel providing a signal corresponding to accumulated photon-generated charge in a pixel cell plus noise, a reset level plus noise, and a pedestal level, respectively. These three signals are used to generate an ultra-low noise signal Di=Si−Pi−G*(Ri−Ri-1), wherein S is the sampled signal, P is the pedestal level, R is the reset level, and G is a gain associated with a pixel cell, and wherein i is a frame number greater than 0. The three signals can be read-out simultaneously. In another embodiment, the three signals are obtained from a column buffer having only one output. In this case, the signals are read-out sequentially.

摘要翻译： 与像素单元阵列一起使用的列缓冲器包括并联的三个读出电路的放大器，提供对应于像素单元中的积累的光子产生的电荷加噪声，复位电平加噪声和基准电平的信号， 分别。 这三个信号用于产生超低噪声信号，其中，R i = 1，...， i是采样信号，P是基准电平，R是复位电平，G是与像素单元相关联的增益，以及 其中i是大于0的帧号。可以同时读出三个信号。 在另一个实施例中，三个信号从仅具有一个输出的列缓冲器获得。 在这种情况下，依次读出信号。

公开(公告)号：US07133073B1

公开(公告)日：2006-11-07

申请号：US09496607

申请日：2000-02-02

申请人： Sarit Neter

发明人： Sarit Neter

IPC分类号： H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/228

CPC分类号： H04N9/045 ,  H04N5/3454 ,  H04N5/3456 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N2209/046

摘要： An imaging method and system that flexibly accesses light sensor elements and processes imaging signals. The imaging system comprises an array of pixel sensor cells, an array controller and a readout control circuit. The imaging system provides color interpolation.

摘要翻译： 一种灵活访问光传感器元件并处理成像信号的成像方法和系统。 成像系统包括像素传感器单元阵列，阵列控制器和读出控制电路。 成像系统提供彩色插值。

公开(公告)号：US08164665B2

公开(公告)日：2012-04-24

申请号：US11113438

申请日：2005-04-22

申请人： Sarit Neter

发明人： Sarit Neter

IPC分类号： H04N3/14

CPC分类号： H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/21 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H04N9/045

摘要： An imaging method and system that flexibly accesses light, sensor elements and processes imaging signals. The imaging system comprises an array of pixel sensor cells, an array controller and a readout control circuit.

摘要翻译： 一种可灵活访问光，传感器元件和处理成像信号的成像方法和系统。 成像系统包括像素传感器单元阵列，阵列控制器和读出控制电路。

公开(公告)号：US07929035B2

公开(公告)日：2011-04-19

申请号：US11683868

申请日：2007-03-08

申请人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

发明人： Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter ,  Kim Loren Johnson

IPC分类号： H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H01L27/00

CPC分类号： H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A column buffer for use with a pixel cell array includes an amplifier coupled to three read-out circuits in parallel providing a signal corresponding to accumulated photon-generated charge in a pixel cell plus noise, a reset level plus noise, and a pedestal level, respectively. These three signals are used to generate an ultra-low noise signal Di=Si−Pi-1−G*(Ri−Ri-1), wherein S is the sampled signal, P is the pedestal level, R is the reset level, and G is a gain associated with a pixel cell, and wherein i is a frame number greater than 0. The three signals can be read-out simultaneously. In another embodiment, the three signals are obtained from a column buffer having only one output. In this case, the signals are read-out sequentially.

摘要翻译： 与像素单元阵列一起使用的列缓冲器包括并联的三个读出电路的放大器，提供对应于像素单元中的积累的光子产生的电荷加噪声，复位电平加噪声和基准电平的信号， 分别。 这三个信号用于产生超低噪声信号Di = Si-Pi-1-G *（Ri-Ri-1），其中S是采样信号，P是基准电平，R是复位电平， 并且G是与像素单元相关联的增益，并且其中i是大于0的帧数。可以同时读出三个信号。 在另一个实施例中，三个信号从仅具有一个输出的列缓冲器获得。 在这种情况下，依次读出信号。

公开(公告)号：US20070052813A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-08

申请号：US11592798

申请日：2006-11-03

申请人： Sarit Neter

发明人： Sarit Neter

IPC分类号： H04N5/228

CPC分类号： H04N9/045 ,  H04N5/3454 ,  H04N5/3456 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N2209/046

摘要： This invention is directed to imaging methods and systems for flexibly addressing and processing imaging pixel sensor elements. A novel architecture is described which allows for a highly integrated, low cost imager with high speed performance and good image quality. The imaging system provides on-the-fly color interpolation, color compensation (also called color correction, color maximization or white balance) and/or fixed pattern noise reduction. The hardware and/or software related to on-the-fly color interpolation, color compensation and/or fixed pattern noise reduction may be provided on-chip.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及用于灵活地寻址和处理成像像素传感器元件的成像方法和系统。 描述了一种新颖的架构，其允许具有高速度性能和良好图像质量的高度集成的低成本成像器。 成像系统提供即时色彩插值，色彩补偿（也称为颜色校正，色彩最大化或白平衡）和/或固定图案噪声降低。 可以在芯片上提供与即时颜色插值，色彩补偿和/或固定图案噪声降低相关的硬件和/或软件。

公开(公告)号：US20060238635A1

公开(公告)日：2006-10-26

申请号：US11450777

申请日：2006-06-09

申请人： Gene Atlas ,  Mark Wadsworth ,  Richard Kullman ,  Sarit Neter

发明人： Gene Atlas ,  Mark Wadsworth ,  Richard Kullman ,  Sarit Neter

IPC分类号： H04N5/335

CPC分类号： G11C19/285 ,  H01L27/14625 ,  H01L27/14806 ,  H01L27/1485 ,  H01L29/76816 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/372 ,  H04N5/37213 ,  H04N5/3725 ,  H04N5/378

摘要： A charge coupled device (CCD) includes a low noise charge gain circuit that amplifies charge of a cell dependent upon the charge accumulated by the cell. The low noise charge gain circuit receives clocking signals, such as from an input diode, which allow charge to accumulate in a reservoir well and then flow into a receiving well. The low noise charge gain circuit also receives a voltage signal corresponding to charge accumulated on an associated cell. The amount of charge flowing into the receiving well depends on this voltage signal.

摘要翻译： 电荷耦合器件（CCD）包括低噪声电荷增益电路，其根据该单元累积的电荷来放大单元的电荷。 低噪声充电增益电路接收时钟信号，例如来自输入二极管，其允许电荷积聚在储层中，然后流入接收阱。 低噪声充电增益电路还接收对应于在相关联的单元上累积的电荷的电压信号。 流入接收阱的电荷量取决于该电压信号。

公开(公告)号：US08405017B2

公开(公告)日：2013-03-26

申请号：US12969387

申请日：2010-12-15

申请人： Sarit Neter ,  Eugene Atlas

发明人： Sarit Neter ,  Eugene Atlas

IPC分类号： H01L27/146

CPC分类号： H04N5/3559 ,  H04N5/3696 ,  H04N5/37452

摘要： In one aspect, the present invention provides an active pixel sensor array with optimized matching between pixels and strength and frequency of incoming signals such as photons absorbed. The array comprises multiple pixels of individual geometry corresponds to spatial location. Each pixel full-well is adjustable via modifiable pixel conversion gain while maintaining pixel linearity. Furthermore each pixel internally stores multiple of extremely high frequency samples. Variable pixel geometry per row is very advantageous for Echelle spectrograph, where pixel heights are aligned with the spectrograph “order separator” where the resolution changes. In combination with variable geometry, externally adjustable full-well provides for superior spectral line separation in spectroscopy applications. In one embodiment multiple time windows with intermittent resets are stored within each pixel. This feature allows for the detection of extreme high frequency consecutive events without saturation such as may be the case with LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy).

摘要翻译： 在一个方面，本发明提供一种有源像素传感器阵列，其具有像素之间的优化匹配，以及诸如所吸收的光子之类的输入信号的强度和频率。 该阵列包括对应于空间位置的单个几何的多个像素。 每个像素全阱可通过可修改的像素转换增益进行调整，同时保持像素线性度。 此外，每个像素内部存储极高频率样本的多个。 对于Echelle光谱仪，每行的可变像素几何非常有利，其中像素高度与分辨率改变的光谱仪顺序分隔符对齐。 结合可变几何形状，外部可调全孔可在光谱应用中提供卓越的光谱线分离。 在一个实施例中，具有间歇复位的多个时间窗口被存储在每个像素内。 该特征允许检测没有饱和的极端高频连续事件，例如可能是LIBS（激光诱导击穿光谱）的情况。

公开(公告)号：US07411168B2

公开(公告)日：2008-08-12

申请号：US11311211

申请日：2005-12-19

申请人： Kim Loren Johnson ,  Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter

发明人： Kim Loren Johnson ,  Eugene Atlas ,  Sarit Neter

IPC分类号： H01L27/00

CPC分类号： H01L27/14609 ,  H04N5/3559 ,  H04N5/3597 ,  H04N5/37452

摘要： In one aspect of the present invention, a light sensor is provided in the active pixel sensor cell for sensing incident radiation. The voltage corresponding to the photon-generated or other radiation-generated charge in the active pixel sensor cell is stored on a storage node via a sample-and-hold capacitor. Additional elements, such as source-follower transistors, may reside between the sensing element and the sample-and-hold capacitor. The signal is read via a readout source-follower (RSF) transistor. The readout source-follower drain is connected to the row select switch while its drain is connected to the output node on the column output bus. This configuration couples the storage node to the gate-source capacitance of the readout source-follower transistor. This allows the voltage on the storage node to increase proportionally to the increase in voltage on the readout node when the row select is closed and thus enables the drain current to flow through the RSF to the column output bus.

摘要翻译： 在本发明的一个方面，光传感器设置在有源像素传感器单元中，用于感测入射辐射。 对应于有源像素传感器单元中的光子产生或其他辐射产生电荷的电压通过采样和保持电容器存储在存储节点上。 诸如源极 - 跟随器晶体管的附加元件可以位于感测元件和采样保持电容器之间。 信号通过读取源极跟随器（RSF）晶体管读取。 读取源极跟随器漏极连接到行选择开关，而其漏极连接到列输出总线上的输出节点。 该配置将存储节点耦合到读出源跟随器晶体管的栅极 - 源极电容。 这允许存储节点上的电压与行选择关闭时读出节点上的电压增加成比例地增加，并且因此使漏极电流能够通过RSF流到列输出总线。