公开(公告)号：US20040227109A1

公开(公告)日：2004-11-18

申请号：US10820464

申请日：2004-04-08

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd.

Inventor： Graeme Storm ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H01L027/00

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：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：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：US20020114025A1

公开(公告)日：2002-08-22

申请号：US09993387

申请日：2001-11-16

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd

Inventor： Jeffrey Raynor ,  Peter Denyer ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H04N001/46

CPC classification number: H04N5/37452 ,  H04N5/353 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image plane includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel comprises a photodiode and two transistors, and each pixel is connected by a signal bus to a respective storage node located off the image plane. Each storage node comprises two capacitors and associated switches. One of the transistors applies a reset pulse to the pixel, and the other transistor connects the pixel to a given conductor of the signal bus, which is then connected to the storage node. The pixel transistors can be operated simultaneously, and the sensed values can subsequently be transferred from the storage nodes sequentially.

Abstract translation: 图像平面包括多个像素。 每个像素包括光电二极管和两个晶体管，并且每个像素通过信号总线连接到位于图像平面外的相应存储节点。 每个存储节点包括两个电容器和相关联的开关。 其中一个晶体管将复位脉冲施加到像素，另一个晶体管将像素连接到信号总线的给定导体，该导体然后连接到存储节点。 像素晶体管可以同时操作，并且随后可以从存储节点依次传送感测值。

公开(公告)号：US20040227831A1

公开(公告)日：2004-11-18

申请号：US10820463

申请日：2004-04-08

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd.

Inventor： Graeme Storm ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H04N005/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/35518

Abstract: A logarithmic pixel is formed by a photodiode connected to a semiconductor device that is operating based upon a sub-threshold. A logarithmic output is taken from an output node connected to the pixel via an amplifier. To calibrate the pixel, the photodiode is isolated by a switch and a ramp voltage is applied as reference voltage to the amplifier. The ramp voltage acts across the constant internal capacitance of the pixel to produce in-pixel a constant current for calibration purposes.

Abstract translation: 对数像素由连接到基于子阈值操作的半导体器件的光电二极管形成。 通过放大器从连接到像素的输出节点获取对数输出。 为校准像素，光电二极管由开关隔离，斜坡电压作为参考电压施加到放大器。 斜坡电压作用在像素的恒定内部电容上，以产生像素内的恒定电流用于校准目的。

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。

公开(公告)号：US20030231252A1

公开(公告)日：2003-12-18

申请号：US10325646

申请日：2002-12-18

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd

Inventor： Keith Findlater ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H04N005/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A solid state image sensor may include a pixel array of an active pixel type including three transistors and a photodiode for each pixel. Pixel reset values may be read out one row at a time and stored in a frame store. Pixel signal values may also be read out a row at a time. The stored reset values may be subtracted, for example, by a read/write/modify circuit to remove kTC noise. The readout of the reset and signal values may be interleaved, and the offset between read and reset for each row may be selected to control frame exposure.

Abstract translation: 固态图像传感器可以包括每个像素包括三个晶体管和光电二极管的有源像素类型的像素阵列。 像素复位值可以一次读出一行并存储在帧存储器中。 像素信号值也可以一次读出一行。 可以例如通过读/写/修改电路减去存储的复位值以去除kTC噪声。 可以对复位和信号值的读出进行交织，并且可以选择每行的读取和复位之间的偏移量以控制帧曝光。

公开(公告)号：US20020067415A1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-06

申请号：US09891134

申请日：2001-06-25

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Ltd

Inventor： Peter Brian Denyer ,  Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz

IPC: H04N005/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/363

Abstract: A method of operating a solid state image sensor having an image sensing array that includes a plurality of active pixels comprises resetting each pixel, and after successive time periods reading outputs from each pixel to obtain multiple sets of image data having different dynamic ranges without resetting the pixels between the successive time periods. The sets of image data are combined to obtain a resultant set of image data having a further dynamic range different from the individual dynamic ranges of the multiple data sets. Images are obtained having low noise, a wide dynamic range, and are resistant to lighting-induced flicker.

Abstract translation: 一种操作具有包括多个有源像素的图像感测阵列的固态图像传感器的方法包括重置每个像素，并且在连续的时间周期之后读取每个像素的输出以获得具有不同动态范围的多组图像数据，而不重置 连续时间段之间的像素。 组合图像数据组合以获得具有与多个数据集的各个动态范围不同的更大动态范围的图像数据的合成集合。 获得具有低噪声，宽动态范围并且耐受照明引起的闪烁的图像。