公开(公告)号：US08507870B2

公开(公告)日：2013-08-13

申请号：US13154525

申请日：2011-06-07

Applicant: Yu Arishima ,  Yuichiro Yamashita ,  Masaru Fujimura ,  Shin Kikuchi ,  Shoji Kono ,  Shinichiro Shimizu

Inventor： Yu Arishima ,  Yuichiro Yamashita ,  Masaru Fujimura ,  Shin Kikuchi ,  Shoji Kono ,  Shinichiro Shimizu

IPC: G01T1/24

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/32 ,  H04N5/3415 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/37452 ,  H04N5/376

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an imaging area formed by arranging a plurality of imaging blocks each including a pixel array, a plurality of vertical signal lines, a horizontal output line commonly provided for the plurality of vertical signal lines to read out signals read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines, a first scanning circuit, and a second scanning circuit, wherein signals of the pixels of a selected row in the pixel array are read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines in accordance with a driving pulse from the first scanning circuit, the signals read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines are sequentially read out to the horizontal output line in accordance with a driving pulse from the second scanning circuit, and a length in a row direction of the pixel array is smaller than a length in a column direction of the pixel array.

Abstract translation: 成像装置具有通过布置多个成像块而形成的成像区域，每个成像块包括像素阵列，多个垂直信号线，为多个垂直信号线共同设置的水平输出线，以读出读出到多个垂直信号线的信号 垂直信号线，第一扫描电路和第二扫描电路，其中根据来自第一扫描电路的驱动脉冲将像素阵列中的所选行的像素的信号读出到多条垂直信号线 根据来自第二扫描电路的驱动脉冲，向多个垂直信号线读出的信号依次读出到水平输出行，并且像素阵列的行方向的长度小于 像素阵列的列方向。

公开(公告)号：US20130193305A1

公开(公告)日：2013-08-01

申请号：US13363704

申请日：2012-02-01

Applicant: Zhihao Xu ,  Guangbin Zhang

Inventor： Zhihao Xu ,  Guangbin Zhang

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/3698 ,  H04N5/376

Abstract: An example image sensor includes a plurality of pixels arranged in an array of columns and rows, a row driver, and a control logic circuit. The row driver is coupled to pixels in a row of the array to provide a variable driving voltage to drive transistors included in the pixels of the row. The control logic circuit is coupled to provide one or more control logic signals to the row driver. The row driver adjusts a magnitude of the driving voltage in response to the one or more control logic signals.

Abstract translation: 示例性图像传感器包括排列成列和行阵列的多个像素，行驱动器和控制逻辑电路。 行驱动器耦合到阵列的一行中的像素，以提供可变驱动电压以驱动包括在该行的像素中的晶体管。 控制逻辑电路被耦合以向行驱动器提供一个或多个控制逻辑信号。 行驱动器响应于一个或多个控制逻辑信号来调节驱动电压的大小。

公开(公告)号：US08432470B2

公开(公告)日：2013-04-30

申请号：US13032508

申请日：2011-02-22

Applicant: Satoshi Shigematsu ,  Hiroki Morimura

Inventor： Satoshi Shigematsu ,  Hiroki Morimura

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/37455 ,  H04N5/355 ,  H04N5/376

Abstract: A data conversion/output device includes a number of sensors, voltage-time conversion circuits that are arranged adjacent to respective sensors and change output levels upon the lapse of times corresponding to output voltage values from the sensors after a conversion operation start point in order to convert for voltage outputs of the sensors into times. The device also includes sensed data generation circuits outputting, as digital data, lapse times until the output levels of the voltage-time conversion circuits change after a conversion start point. The sensed data generation circuits include a counter for counting a clock signal. An operation start of the voltage-time conversion circuits and a start of count operation of the counter are staggered.

Abstract translation: 数据转换/输出装置包括多个传感器，电压 - 时间转换电路，其布置成与各个传感器相邻，并且在转换操作开始点之后根据传感器的输出电压值改变输出电平， 将传感器的电压输出转换为次数。 该装置还包括感测数据产生电路，作为数字数据输出经过时间，直到电压 - 时间转换电路的输出电平在转换开始点之后改变。 感测数据生成电路包括用于计数时钟信号的计数器。 电压 - 时间转换电路的操作开始和计数器的计数操作开始交错。

公开(公告)号：US20130012263A1

公开(公告)日：2013-01-10

申请号：US13541996

申请日：2012-07-05

Applicant: HIROSIGE GOTO ,  YI TAE KIM

Inventor： HIROSIGE GOTO ,  YI TAE KIM

IPC: H01L27/146 ,  H04W88/02 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H01L27/1461 ,  H01L27/14616 ,  H04N5/355 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/376 ,  H04N17/002

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array and a calibration circuit. The pixel array includes a plurality of pixels each of which includes a photoelectric conversion device configured to absorb incident light and generate a photocharge, a transfer transistor configured to transfer the photocharge from the photoelectric conversion device to a floating diffusion node, and a reset transistor configured to reset the floating diffusion node. The calibration circuit is connected to the reset transistor of each pixel, and is configured to apply a different voltage to each pixel and adjust an amount of photocharge generated by the photoelectric conversion device in each pixel.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括像素阵列和校准电路。 像素阵列包括多个像素，每个像素包括被配置为吸收入射光并产生光电荷的光电转换装置，被配置为将光电荷从光电转换装置转移到浮动扩散节点的转移晶体管，以及复位晶体管， 以重置浮动扩散节点。 校准电路连接到每个像素的复位晶体管，并且被配置为向每个像素施加不同的电压并且调整由每个像素中的光电转换器件产生的光电荷的量。

公开(公告)号：US08279313B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-02

申请号：US12712872

申请日：2010-02-25

Applicant: Howard E. Rhodes

Inventor： Howard E. Rhodes

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H01L27/14603 ,  H01L27/14609 ,  H01L27/14641 ,  H01L27/14643 ,  H04N5/376

Abstract: An imaging device formed as a CMOS semiconductor integrated circuit having two adjacent pixels in a row connected to a common column line. By having adjacent pixels of a row share column lines, the CMOS imager circuit eliminates half the column lines of a traditional imager allowing the fabrication of a smaller imager. The imaging device also may be fabricated to have a diagonal active area to facilitate contact of two adjacent pixels with the single column line and allow linear row select lines, reset lines and column lines.

Abstract translation: 一种成像装置，其形成为具有连接到公共列线的行中的两个相邻像素的CMOS半导体集成电路。 通过使行的相邻像素共享列线，CMOS成像器电路消除了允许制造较小成像器的传统成像器的一半列线。 成像装置还可以被制造成具有对角线有源区域以促进两个相邻像素与单列线的接触，并允许线性行选择线，复位线和列线。

公开(公告)号：US20120120300A1

公开(公告)日：2012-05-17

申请号：US12946689

申请日：2010-11-15

Applicant: Tiejun Dai

Inventor： Tiejun Dai

IPC: H04N5/225 ,  H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/3577 ,  H04N5/359 ,  H04N5/376

Abstract: An apparatus of one aspect includes an array of pixels. Each of the pixels includes a photosensitive element and a transfer transistor coupled with the photosensitive element. Each of the transfer transistors has a transfer gate. The apparatus also includes a first transfer gate off voltage supply conductor and a second transfer gate off voltage supply conductor. A circuit is coupled with the first and second transfer gate off voltage supply conductors. The circuit is operable to couple the first transfer gate off voltage supply conductor to transfer gates of a first subset of the pixels of the array. The circuit is also operable to concurrently couple the second transfer gate off voltage supply conductor to transfer gates of a second subset of the pixels of the array.

Abstract translation: 一个方面的装置包括像素阵列。 每个像素包括光敏元件和与感光元件耦合的转移晶体管。 每个转移晶体管具有传输门。 该装置还包括第一传输栅极截止电压供应导体和第二传输栅极截止电压供应导体。 电路与第一和第二传输栅极截止电压供应导体耦合。 电路可操作以将第一传输栅极截止电压供应导体耦合到阵列的像素的第一子集的传输门。 电路还可操作以同时将第二传输栅极关断电压导体耦合到阵列的像素的第二子集的传输门。

公开(公告)号：US08179464B2

公开(公告)日：2012-05-15

申请号：US12227675

申请日：2007-05-23

Applicant: Heinrich Schemmann ,  Sabine Roth ,  Steffen Lehr ,  Volker Neiss ,  Nicolaas Johannes Damstra ,  Petrus Gijsbertus Maria Centen ,  Jeroen Rotte

Inventor： Heinrich Schemmann ,  Sabine Roth ,  Steffen Lehr ,  Volker Neiss ,  Nicolaas Johannes Damstra ,  Petrus Gijsbertus Maria Centen ,  Jeroen Rotte

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/235

CPC classification number: H04N5/343 ,  H04N5/35554 ,  H04N5/359 ,  H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/3653 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/376 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A circuit for resetting and reading out a pixel cell of a CMOS image sensor is proposed. The circuit allows for reading out the pixel cell at least two times during a main integration interval, thereby generating at least two pixel signals. The circuit further comprises means for combining the at least two pixel signals to an output signal. The means for combining are operable to combine the at least two pixel signals weighted in dependence on a saturation level of the pixel cell. A method for controlling the circuit for reading out the image sensor is also proposed.

Abstract translation: 提出了用于复位和读出CMOS图像传感器的像素单元的电路。 电路允许在主积分间隔期间至少读出像素单元至少两次，从而产生至少两个像素信号。 电路还包括用于将至少两个像素信号组合到输出信号的装置。 用于组合的装置可操作以组合根据像素单元的饱和​​度级加权的至少两个像素信号。 还提出了一种用于控制用于读出图像传感器的电路的方法。

公开(公告)号：US20120050594A1

公开(公告)日：2012-03-01

申请号：US13217024

申请日：2011-08-24

Applicant: Akira Okita

Inventor： Akira Okita

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/37457 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/3598 ,  H04N5/376

Abstract: In a first reset period, electrons on a floating node shared by conversion elements are reset by a sequence of reset voltages before electrons in the first conversion element are transferred to the floating node for common use. In a second reset period, electrons on the floating node are reset by a first reset voltage after the electrons in the first photoelectric conversion element are transferred to the floating node and before electrons in the second photoelectric conversion element are transferred to the floating node. The first and the second reset periods are different in length. The first reset period includes a sub-period in which resetting is performed by a highest reset voltage of the plurality of reset voltages, and the second reset period includes a sub-period in which resetting is performed by the first reset voltage, wherein these two sub-periods are substantially equal in length.

Abstract translation: 在第一复位周期中，转换元件共享的浮动节点上的电子在第一转换元件中的电子被传送到浮动节点以供共同使用之前由一系列复位电压复位。 在第二复位周期中，在第一光电转换元件中的电子被转移到浮动节点之后并且第二光电转换元件中的电子被传送到浮动节点之前，浮置节点上的电子被第一复位电压复位。 第一和第二复位周期的长度不同。 第一复位周期包括通过多个复位电压的最高复位电压执行复位的子周期，并且第二复位周期包括其中通过第一复位电压进行复位的子周期，其中这两个 子期间长度基本相等。

公开(公告)号：US20120006993A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-12

申请号：US13154525

申请日：2011-06-07

Applicant: Yu Arishima ,  Yuichiro Yamashita ,  Masaru Fujimura ,  Shin Kikuchi ,  Shoji Kono ,  Shinichiro Shimizu

Inventor： Yu Arishima ,  Yuichiro Yamashita ,  Masaru Fujimura ,  Shin Kikuchi ,  Shoji Kono ,  Shinichiro Shimizu

IPC: G01T1/20 ,  H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/32 ,  H04N5/3415 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/37452 ,  H04N5/376

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an imaging area formed by arranging a plurality of imaging blocks each including a pixel array, a plurality of vertical signal lines, a horizontal output line commonly provided for the plurality of vertical signal lines to read out signals read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines, a first scanning circuit, and a second scanning circuit, wherein signals of the pixels of a selected row in the pixel array are read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines in accordance with a driving pulse from the first scanning circuit, the signals read out to the plurality of vertical signal lines are sequentially read out to the horizontal output line in accordance with a driving pulse from the second scanning circuit, and a length in a row direction of the pixel array is smaller than a length in a column direction of the pixel array.

Abstract translation: 成像装置具有通过布置多个成像块而形成的成像区域，每个成像块包括像素阵列，多个垂直信号线，为多个垂直信号线共同设置的水平输出线，以读出读出到多个垂直信号线的信号 垂直信号线，第一扫描电路和第二扫描电路，其中根据来自第一扫描电路的驱动脉冲将像素阵列中的所选行的像素的信号读出到多条垂直信号线 根据来自第二扫描电路的驱动脉冲，向多个垂直信号线读出的信号依次读出到水平输出行，并且像素阵列的行方向的长度小于 像素阵列的列方向。

公开(公告)号：US08023027B2

公开(公告)日：2011-09-20

申请号：US12036736

申请日：2008-02-25

Applicant: Jun Yamamoto

Inventor： Jun Yamamoto

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/376 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a sensor unit; a vertical scanning unit and a horizontal scanning unit; column amplifier units provided at respective vertical signal lines corresponding to columns in the sensor unit and amplifying signal charges read out to the vertical signal lines; a bias current adjustment unit controlling current flowing in the vertical signal lines by changing bias current of the column amplifier units; a signal processing unit processing signal charges read out to the vertical signal lines and amplified at the column amplifier units into image signals to be outputted; an output unit to which signals outputted from the signal processing unit are supplied; a drive signal generation unit supplying drive signals to the vertical scanning unit, the horizontal scanning unit, the signal processing unit and the output unit; and an input unit supplying plural drive mode signals to the drive signal generation unit.

Abstract translation: 固态成像装置包括：传感器单元; 垂直扫描单元和水平扫描单元; 列放大器单元，设置在对应于传感器单元中的列的各个垂直信号线上，并放大读出到垂直信号线的信号电荷; 偏置电流调节单元，通过改变列放大器单元的偏置电流来控制在垂直信号线中流动的电流; 信号处理单元处理信号电荷读出到垂直信号线，并在列放大器单元处放大成图像信号以输出; 输出从信号处理单元输出的信号的输出单元; 向垂直扫描单元，水平扫描单元，信号处理单元和输出单元提供驱动信号的驱动信号产生单元; 以及向驱动信号生成单元提供多个驱动模式信号的输入单元。