公开(公告)号：US08063422B2

公开(公告)日：2011-11-22

申请号：US12109846

申请日：2008-04-25

申请人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  Conor S. Rafferty ,  Paul W. Latham, II

发明人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  Conor S. Rafferty ,  Paul W. Latham, II

IPC分类号： H01L31/062

CPC分类号： H01L27/14609 ,  H01L27/14612

摘要： MOS imaging pixels are described. The MOS imaging pixels may comprise bootstrapped source followers, having their bodies connected to their sources. The source followers of the MOS imaging pixels may be used to buffer a signal indicative of an amount of radiation incident on the pixel. MOS imagers are also described, which may comprise one or more MOS imaging pixels of the type described.

摘要翻译： 描述了MOS成像像素。 MOS成像像素可以包括引导源跟随器，其主体连接到它们的源。 可以使用MOS成像像素的源跟随器来缓冲表示入射在像素上的辐射量的信号。 还描述了MOS成像器，其可以包括所描述类型的一个或多个MOS成像像素。

公开(公告)号：US20100019154A1

公开(公告)日：2010-01-28

申请号：US12510109

申请日：2009-07-27

申请人： Conor S. Rafferty ,  Anders Ingvar Aberg ,  Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram ,  Bryan D. Ackland ,  Clifford A. King

发明人： Conor S. Rafferty ,  Anders Ingvar Aberg ,  Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram ,  Bryan D. Ackland ,  Clifford A. King

IPC分类号： G01J5/02 ,  H01L31/0232 ,  H01L31/028

CPC分类号： H01L27/14627 ,  G01J3/02 ,  G01J3/0294 ,  G01J3/51 ,  G01J3/513 ,  H01L27/14621 ,  H01L27/14629 ,  H01L27/14632 ,  H01L27/14636 ,  H01L27/14647 ,  H01L27/14685

摘要： Optical imaging structures and methods are disclosed. One structure may be implemented as an imaging pixel having multiple photodetectors. The photodetectors may detect different wavelengths of incident radiation, and may be operated simultaneously or at separate times. An imager may include an imaging array of pixels of the type described. Methods of operating such structures are also described.

摘要翻译： 公开了光学成像结构和方法。 一个结构可以被实现为具有多个光电检测器的成像像素。 光电检测器可以检测入射辐射的不同波长，并且可以同时或在不同的时间运行。 成像器可以包括所述类型的像素的成像阵列。 还描述了操作这种结构的方法。

公开(公告)号：US4384273A

公开(公告)日：1983-05-17

申请号：US245952

申请日：1981-03-20

申请人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  David J. Burr ,  Neil H. E. Weste

发明人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  David J. Burr ,  Neil H. E. Weste

IPC分类号： G10L11/00 ,  G06K9/64 ,  G06T7/00 ,  G10L15/12 ,  G10L15/28 ,  G10L1/00

CPC分类号： G06K9/6206 ,  G10L15/12

摘要： Known signal processors for matching signal patterns commonly compare an unknown signal with one of a set of reference signals. Various comparison techniques are known. One comparison technique for solving a parenthesization problem includes an orthogonal array of interconnected cells which are adapted for dynamic programming and for extending data and control information in a generally left-to-right direction as well as in a bottom-to-top direction. For solving a pattern matching problem, known arrangements for extending control information in a generally left-to-right or bottom-to-top direction do not appear to be satisfactory. The disclosed signal processor for matching signal patterns and for dynamically time warping an unknown input signal with a reference input signal generates a measure of the correspondence between the input signals. In generating the correspondence measure, the processor includes an arrangement for controlling all processor cells on a predetermined diagonal of the array of cells. Thereby all cells coupled to the diagonal can operate in parallel to increase and improve the efficiency of the signal processor. The processor also includes an arrangement for controlling all processor cells on each diagonal of the array of cells. As a result, not only can all cells on each diagonal operate in parallel but also each of the plurality of diagonals can operate in parallel for processing the same or different sets of input signals. Thereby, a still further increase in the efficiency of the signal processor obtains.

摘要翻译： 用于匹配信号模式的已知信号处理器通常将未知信号与一组参考信号之一进行比较。 已知各种比较技术。 用于解决括号化问题的一种比较技术包括互连单元的正交阵列，其适于用于动态编程并且用于在大致从左到右的方向以及从底部到顶部的方向上扩展数据和控制信息。 为了解决模式匹配问题，用于扩展从左到右或从上到下的方向的控制信息的已知布置似乎不令人满意。 所公开的用于匹配信号模式的信号处理器和用参考输入信号动态地对未知输入信号进行扭曲的时间产生输入信号之间的对应关系的度量。 在产生对应度量时，处理器包括用于控制单元阵列的预定对角线上的所有处理器单元的装置。 因此，耦合到对角线的所有单元可以并行操作以增加和提高信号处理器的效率。 处理器还包括用于控制单元阵列的每个对角线上的所有处理器单元的装置。 结果，不仅每个对角线上的所有单元均可并行操作，而且多个对角线中的每一个可以并行操作，以处理相同或不同的输入信号组。 从而，信号处理器的效率进一步提高。

公开(公告)号：US08634008B2

公开(公告)日：2014-01-21

申请号：US13463007

申请日：2012-05-03

申请人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  Paul W. Latham, II ,  Joshua C. Park

发明人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  Paul W. Latham, II ,  Joshua C. Park

IPC分类号： H04N5/335

CPC分类号： H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3745

摘要： Methods and apparatus are provided for performing multiple correlated double sampling (CDS) operations on an imaging pixel, and in some cases on an array of imaging pixels, during a single integration cycle of the pixel(s). The multiple CDS operations may produce multiple CDS values, which may be processed in combination to produce a resulting value substantially free of various types of noise. The CDS operations may be performed using a CDS circuit including a single-ended charge amplifier having an input capacitor. The charge amplifier may also include a variable capacitance providing a variable gain. The variable capacitance may be provided by a feedback capacitor.

摘要翻译： 提供了用于在像素的单个积分周期期间对成像像素执行多个相关双采样（CDS）操作，并且在一些情况下在成像像素阵列上执行的方法和装置。 多个CDS操作可以产生多个CDS值，其可以组合处理以产生基本上不含各种类型的噪声的结果值。 可以使用包括具有输入电容器的单端电荷放大器的CDS电路来执行CDS操作。 电荷放大器还可以包括提供可变增益的可变电容。 可变电容可由反馈电容器提供。

公开(公告)号：US08294100B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-23

申请号：US13299712

申请日：2011-11-18

申请人： Conor S. Rafferty ,  Anders Ingvar Aberg ,  Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram ,  Bryan D. Ackland ,  Clifford A. King

发明人： Conor S. Rafferty ,  Anders Ingvar Aberg ,  Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram ,  Bryan D. Ackland ,  Clifford A. King

IPC分类号： H01L25/00

CPC分类号： H01L27/14649 ,  H01L27/14625

摘要： Imagers, pixels, and methods of using the same are disclosed for imaging in various spectra, such as visible, near infrared (IR), and short wavelength IR (SWIR). The imager may have an imaging array having pixels of different types. The different types of pixels may detect different ranges of wavelengths in the IR, or the SWIR, spectra. The pixels may include a filter which blocks some wavelengths of radiation in the IR spectrum while passing other wavelengths. The filter may be formed of a semiconductor material, and therefore may be easily integrated with a CMOS pixel using conventional CMOS processing techniques.

摘要翻译： 公开了使用它们的成像器，像素和方法用于在诸如可见光，近红外（IR）和短波长IR（SWIR）的各种光谱中成像。 成像器可以具有具有不同类型的像素的成像阵列。 不同类型的像素可以检测IR或SWIR光谱中的不同波长范围。 像素可以包括滤光器，其在通过其它波长的同时阻挡IR光谱中的一些波长的辐射。 滤波器可以由半导体材料形成，因此可以使用传统的CMOS处理技术容易地与CMOS像素集成。

公开(公告)号：US08084739B2

公开(公告)日：2011-12-27

申请号：US12504005

申请日：2009-07-16

申请人： Conor S. Rafferty ,  Anders Ingvar Aberg ,  Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram ,  Bryan D. Ackland ,  Clifford A. King

发明人： Conor S. Rafferty ,  Anders Ingvar Aberg ,  Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram ,  Bryan D. Ackland ,  Clifford A. King

IPC分类号： H01L25/00

CPC分类号： H01L27/14649 ,  H01L27/14625

摘要： Imagers, pixels, and methods of using the same are disclosed for imaging in various spectra, such as visible, near infrared (IR), and short wavelength IR (SWIR). The imager may have an imaging array having pixels of different types. The different types of pixels may detect different ranges of wavelengths in the IR, or the SWIR, spectra. The pixels may include a filter which blocks some wavelengths of radiation in the IR spectrum while passing other wavelengths. The filter may be formed of a semiconductor material, and therefore may be easily integrated with a CMOS pixel using conventional CMOS processing techniques.

摘要翻译： 公开了使用它们的成像器，像素和方法用于在诸如可见光，近红外（IR）和短波长IR（SWIR）的各种光谱中成像。 成像器可以具有具有不同类型的像素的成像阵列。 不同类型的像素可以检测IR或SWIR光谱中的不同波长范围。 像素可以包括滤光器，其在通过其它波长的同时阻挡IR光谱中的一些波长的辐射。 滤波器可以由半导体材料形成，因此可以使用传统的CMOS处理技术容易地与CMOS像素集成。

公开(公告)号：US08022350B2

公开(公告)日：2011-09-20

申请号：US12012542

申请日：2008-02-04

申请人： Bryan D. Ackland

发明人： Bryan D. Ackland

IPC分类号： H03K17/78 ,  H01L27/00

CPC分类号： H04N5/3742 ,  H04N5/3559 ,  H04N5/3745

摘要： An improved CMOS pixel with a combination of analog and digital readouts to provide a large pixel dynamic range without compromising low-light performance using a comparator to test the value of an accumulated charge at a series of exponentially increasing exposure times. The test is used to stop the integration of photocurrent once the accumulated analog voltage has reached a predetermined threshold. A one-bit output value of the test is read out of the pixel (digitally) at each of the exponentially increasing exposure periods. At the end of the integration period, the analog value stored on the integration capacitor is read out using conventional CMOS active pixel readout circuits.

摘要翻译： 具有模拟和数字读数组合的改进的CMOS像素，以提供大的像素动态范围，而不会在使用比较器的低亮度性能的情况下以一系列指数增长的曝光时间来测试累积电荷的值。 一旦累积的模拟电压达到预定阈值，该测试用于停止光电流的积分。 在每个指数增长的曝光周期中，从像素（数字地）读出测试的一位输出值。 在积分周期结束时，使用常规CMOS有源像素读出电路读出存储在积分电容器上的模拟值。

公开(公告)号：US4509187A

公开(公告)日：1985-04-02

申请号：US388033

申请日：1982-06-14

申请人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  David J. Burr ,  Neil H. E. Weste

发明人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  David J. Burr ,  Neil H. E. Weste

IPC分类号： G10L15/00 ,  G10L15/12 ,  G06K9/64 ,  G10L1/00

CPC分类号： G10L15/12 ,  G10L15/00

摘要： In known speech recognition systems, processors and methods, utterances are analyzed to obtain a set of reference signals. An unknown signal may be compared with the reference signals. The unknown signal may be said to be the reference signal with which it most closely corresponds as defined by some correspondence measure. Known signal recognition arrangements using multiple processor cells tend to be expensive, in part because they tend to use many processor cells.The disclosed system, processor and method contemplate an arrangement including an array of processor cells for time warping an unknown signal having m elements with respect to a reference signal having n elements or vice versa. The cells, responsive to control signals on a control diagonal, generate the correspondence measure. As the signals propagate through the array, the instant arrangement recirculates signals from cells near one (or first) periphery of the arrangement, e.g., from the right periphery, to cells near another (or second) periphery, e.g., to the left periphery. As a result, rather than using m.times.n processor cells, the instant arrangement may use substantially less than m.times.n cells.

摘要翻译： 在已知的语音识别系统中，处理器和方法，分析话语以获得一组参考信号。 可以将未知信号与参考信号进行比较。 未知信号可以被认为是由一些对应度量来定义的最接近对应的参考信号。 使用多个处理器单元的已知信号识别装置倾向于昂贵，部分原因是它们倾向于使用许多处理器单元。 所公开的系统，处理器和方法考虑了一种包括处理器单元阵列的布置，用于对具有n个元件的参考信号或反之亦然的时间扭曲具有m个元件的未知信号。 响应控制对角线上的控制信号的单元产生对应度量。 随着信号传播通过阵列，本装置将信号从布置的一个（或第一）周边（例如从右边周边）再循环到靠近另一个（或第二）周边的单元，例如到左边缘。 因此，不是使用mxn处理器单元，本发明可以使用基本上小于m×n个单元。

公开(公告)号：US08648948B2

公开(公告)日：2014-02-11

申请号：US12570679

申请日：2009-09-30

申请人： Conor S. Rafferty ,  Clifford A. King ,  Michael Philip Decelle ,  Jason Y. Sproul ,  Bryan D. Ackland

发明人： Conor S. Rafferty ,  Clifford A. King ,  Michael Philip Decelle ,  Jason Y. Sproul ,  Bryan D. Ackland

IPC分类号： H04N5/335

CPC分类号： H04N5/35563

摘要： Imaging arrays comprising at least two different imaging pixel types are described. The different imaging pixel types may differ in their light sensitivities and/or light saturation levels. Methods of processing the output signals of the imaging arrays are also described, and may produce images having a greater dynamic range than would result from an imaging array comprising only one of the at least two different imaging pixel types.

摘要翻译： 描述包括至少两个不同成像像素类型的成像阵列。 不同的成像像素类型在其光敏度和/或光饱和度方面可能不同。 还描述了处理成像阵列的输出信号的方法，并且可以产生具有比由仅包括至少两种不同成像像素类型中的一种的成像阵列产生的动态范围更大的图像。

公开(公告)号：US20120062774A1

公开(公告)日：2012-03-15

申请号：US13300135

申请日：2011-11-18

申请人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  Clifford A. King ,  Conor S. Rafferty

发明人： Bryan D. Ackland ,  Clifford A. King ,  Conor S. Rafferty

IPC分类号： H04N5/335

CPC分类号： H04N5/33 ,  H04N5/332 ,  H04N9/045

摘要： An improved monolithic solid state imager comprises plural sub-arrays of respectively different kinds of pixels, an optional filter mosaic comprising color filters and clear elements, and circuitry to process the output of the pixels. The different kinds of pixels respond to respectively different spectral ranges. Advantageously the different kinds of pixels can be chosen from: 1) SWIR pixels responsive to short wavelength infrared (SWIR) in the range of approximately 800-1800 nm; 2) regular pixels responsive to visible and NIR radiation (400-1000 nm) and wideband pixels responsive to visible, NIR and SWIR radiation.

摘要翻译： 改进的单片固态成像器包括分别不同种类的像素的多个子阵列，包括滤色器和清晰元件的可选滤色器马赛克，以及处理像素的输出的电路。 不同种类的像素响应于不同的光谱范围。 有利地，可以从以下选择不同种类的像素：1）响应于约800-1800nm范围内的短波长红外（SWIR）的SWIR像素; 2）响应于可见光和近红外辐射（400-1000nm）的响应于可见光NIR和SWIR辐射的宽带像素的规则像素。