公开(公告)号：US20020051067A1

公开(公告)日：2002-05-02

申请号：US09932822

申请日：2001-08-17

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd.

Inventor： Robert Henderson ,  Stewart Gresty Smith ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H04N003/14

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

Abstract: Solid state image sensors, and methods of operation thereof, includes an array of photosensitive pixels arranged in rows and columns and in which pixel data signals are read out from the pixels via column circuits, which introduces column fixed pattern noise to the signals. The signals are selectively inverted at the inputs to the column circuits and the inversion is reversed following output from the column circuits. Each column circuit may include an analog-to-digital converter and a digital inverter for inverting digital output therefrom. The selective inversion may be applied to alternate rows or groups of rows of the pixel data, and may be applied differently to different frames of the pixel data. These techniques result in column fixed pattern noise being modulated in a manner which makes the noise less apparent to the eye, and which facilitates subsequent cancellation of the noise.

Abstract translation: 固态图像传感器及其操作方法包括以列和列排列的光敏像素的阵列，其中通过列电路从像素读出像素数据信号，该列电路将列固定图案噪声引入信号。 这些信号在列电路的输入端被选择性地反相，并且在从列电路输出之后反转反转。 每列电路可以包括模数转换器和用于反转数字输出的数字反相器。 选择性反转可以应用于像素数据的行的交替行或组，并且可以不同地应用于像素数据的不同帧。 这些技术导致列固定模式噪声以使噪声对眼睛不太明显的方式进行调制，并且有助于随后的噪声消除。

公开(公告)号：US20040027470A1

公开(公告)日：2004-02-12

申请号：US10407871

申请日：2003-04-04

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd

Inventor： Robert Henderson ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H04N005/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3653 ,  H04N5/3575

Abstract: An image sensor has an array of pixels read by column circuits to provide reset and read samples on a pair of sample capacitors. To alleviate the effects of parasitic capacitance in the region of the sample capacitors, a modified timing arrangement is used. Both sample switches are operated simultaneously to pre-charge both sample capacitors with a pixel signal value. One sample switch is operated after reset to apply a reset value to one of the pre-charged sample capacitors.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有由列电路读取的像素阵列，以在一对采样电容器上提供复位和读取样本。 为了减轻样品电容器区域中的寄生电容的影响，使用修正的定时装置。 两个采样开关同时工作，以预先给像素信号值的两个采样电容器预充电。 一个采样开关在复位后运行，将一个复位值应用于一个预充电采样电容。

公开(公告)号：US20030227040A1

公开(公告)日：2003-12-11

申请号：US10405101

申请日：2003-04-01

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd

Inventor： Robert Henderson

IPC: H01L031/062

CPC classification number: H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/374

Abstract: A solid state image sensor has an array of pixels in which each column has a reset voltage line and a read line. The sensor is reset and read a row at a time, with reset-related values held in a frame buffer for subsequent subtraction from read values. Reset-related values are derived in each column by sampling the voltage during reset on one capacitor and the voltage on release of reset on a second capacitor, and differencing these values to provide an output for the frame buffer. This provides a reduction in the size of frame buffer which would otherwise be required.

Abstract translation: 固态图像传感器具有其中每列具有复位电压线和读取线的像素阵列。 传感器一次复位并读取一行，复位相关值保持在帧缓冲器中，以便随后从读取值中减去。 通过在一个电容器的复位期间对电压进行采样，在第二个电容器上进行复位时的电压，并对这些值进行差分以提供帧缓冲器的输出，从而在每列中得到复位相关值。 这样可以减少否则将需要的帧缓冲区的大小。

公开(公告)号：US20030164443A1

公开(公告)日：2003-09-04

申请号：US10350166

申请日：2003-01-23

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd

Inventor： Robert Henderson

IPC: H01L027/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/3653 ,  H04N5/3745

Abstract: An image sensor includes pixels which are of the four-transistor, PIN photodiode type. In each pixel, the charge on a photodiode is transferred by a transfer gate to a sensing node. Readout of reset and read voltages is via an amplifier. A gain capacitor is connected in feedback across the amplifier. Read and reset gates are controlled so that the pixel is reset to a virtual ground voltage controlled by the gain capacitor. This is independent of the pixel parasitic capacitance.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括四晶体管PIN光电二极管类型的像素。 在每个像素中，光电二极管上的电荷通过传输门传输到感测节点。 通过放大器读出复位和读取电压。 增益电容器连接在放大器的反馈中。 读取和复位门被控制，使得像素被复位到由增益电容器控制的虚拟接地电压。 这与像素寄生电容无关。

公开(公告)号：US20030080340A1

公开(公告)日：2003-05-01

申请号：US10265289

申请日：2002-10-04

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd.

Inventor： Robert Henderson ,  Purcel Matthew ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H01L029/04

CPC classification number: H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3653 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An active pixel array has the signal output of each pixel connected to a first column conductor, and a reset switch connected to a second column conductor. The first and second column conductors are connected to a read-reset amplifier. The read-reset amplifier operates in a first mode in which a reset voltage is applied to the second column line, and in a second mode in which pixel output signals are buffered from the first column line. The read-reset amplifier can also operate as a comparator forming part of an ADC circuit.

Abstract translation: 有源像素阵列具有连接到第一列导体的每个像素的信号输出，以及连接到第二列导体的复位开关。 第一和第二列导体连接到读 - 复位放大器。 读取复位放大器以第一模式工作，其中复位电压施加到第二列线，并且在第二模式中，其中像素输出信号从第一列线被缓冲。 读取复位放大器也可以作为形成ADC电路的一部分的比较器来工作。

公开(公告)号：US20030223649A1

公开(公告)日：2003-12-04

申请号：US10360516

申请日：2003-02-07

Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l. ,  STMicroelectronics Ltd.

Inventor： Keith Findlater ,  Robert Henderson ,  Stewart Smith ,  Jonathan Hurwitz ,  Mirko Guarnera

IPC: G06K009/32

CPC classification number: H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/3456 ,  H04N5/3458 ,  H04N9/045

Abstract: A digital camera for capturing and processing images of different resolutions and a corresponding method for down-scaling a digital image are provided. The method includes forming an image of a real scene on an image sensor that is made up of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The method further includes addressing and reading pixels in the matrix to obtain analog quantities related to the pixels luminance values, converting the analog quantities from the pixels matrix into digital values, and processing the digital values to obtain a data file representing the image of the real scene. To reduce computation time and power consumption, the addressing and reading of the pixels includes selecting a group of pixels from the matrix, and storing the analog quantities related to the pixels of the selected group of pixels into an analog storing circuit. The stored analog quantities are averaged to obtain an analog quantity corresponding to an average pixel luminance value.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于捕获和处理不同分辨率的图像的数字照相机和用于缩小数字图像的相应方法。 该方法包括在由矩阵排列的多个像素构成的图像传感器上形成真实场景的图像。 该方法还包括寻址和读取矩阵中的像素以获得与像素亮度值相关的模拟量，将来自像素矩阵的模拟量转换为数字值，并处理数字值以获得表示真实图像的数据文件 现场。 为了减少计算时间和功耗，像素的寻址和读取包括从矩阵中选择一组像素，并将与所选择的像素组的像素相关的模拟量存储到模拟存储电路中。 对存储的模拟量进行平均以获得对应于平均像素亮度值的模拟量。

公开(公告)号：US20030193595A1

公开(公告)日：2003-10-16

申请号：US10405904

申请日：2003-04-02

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd

Inventor： Robert Henderson

IPC: H04N005/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor has an array of pixels. Each column has a first and a second column line connected to a read-reset amplifier/comparator which acts in a first mode as a unity gain buffer amplifier to reset the pixels via the first lines, and in a second mode acts as a comparator and AD converter to produce digitized reset and signal values. The reset and signal values are read out a line at a time in interleaved fashion. Reset values are stored in a memory and subsequently subtracted from the corresponding signal values. The arrangement reduces both fixed pattern and kT/C noise.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有像素阵列。 每列具有连接到以第一模式作为单位增益缓冲放大器的读 - 复位放大器/比较器的第一和第二列线，经由第一行复位像素，并且在第二模式中，作为比较器， AD转换器产生数字化复位和信号值。 复位和信号值以交错方式一次读出一行。 复位值存储在存储器中，并随后从相应的信号值中减去。 该装置减少固定模式和kT / C噪声。

公开(公告)号：US20020097328A1

公开(公告)日：2002-07-25

申请号：US09939517

申请日：2001-08-24

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd.

Inventor： Robert Henderson ,  Stewart Gresty Smith ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz ,  Andrew Murray

IPC: H04N005/235

CPC classification number: H04N5/2357 ,  H04N5/235 ,  Y10S348/91

Abstract: Lighting flicker in the output of a video imaging device is detected. The video imaging device has a main picture area divided into pixels for producing successive images at a frame rate. A series of signals are produced from at least one additional picture area adjacent the main picture area, with the additional picture area having a size substantially larger than a pixel. Each of the signals is a function of light incident on the additional picture area in a time period substantially shorter than that of the frame rate. A predetermined number of the signals are accumulated to form a series of compound samples, and the compound samples are filtered to detect components indicating the lighting flicker. The filtering is performed using a bandpass filter tuned to the nominal flicker frequency. The compound samples are formed at a sample rate which is a multiple of the nominal flicker frequency, and the filtering is performed by taking the fundamental output component of a radix-N butterfly.

Abstract translation: 检测出影像成像装置的输出中的照明闪烁。 视频成像装置具有划分为像素的主图像区域，用于以帧速率产生连续的图像。 从与主图像区域相邻的至少一个附加图像区域产生一系列信号，其中附加图像区域的尺寸基本上大于像素。 每个信号是在比帧速率短的时间周期内入射到附加图像区域上的光的函数。 累积预定数量的信号以形成一系列化合物样品，并且过滤化合物样品以检测指示照明闪烁的组分。 使用调谐到标称闪烁频率的带通滤波器来执行滤波。 复合样本以标称闪烁频率的倍数的采样率形成，并且通过获取基数N蝶形的基本输出分量来执行滤波。