公开(公告)号：US09591275B2

公开(公告)日：2017-03-07

申请号：US12892467

申请日：2010-09-28

Applicant: Xinqiao Liu ,  Feng Xiao ,  Boyd Fowler

Inventor： Xinqiao Liu ,  Feng Xiao ,  Boyd Fowler

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H04N9/04 ,  H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N9/045 ,  H01L27/1461

Abstract: A hybrid imaging array and method for using the same is disclosed. The image array includes a low-light imaging array and a color imaging array. The two imaging arrays can be utilized separately or in conjunction with one another. The low-light imaging array is optimized for night vision or situations in which the light levels are too low to allow a conventional color image to be formed by the color imaging array. The color imaging array is optimized for daylight or color photography. The low-light imaging array can be utilized in conjunction with the color imaging array to provide a color image with reduced noise.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种混合成像阵列及其使用方法。 图像阵列包括低光成像阵列和彩色成像阵列。 两个成像阵列可以单独使用或者彼此结合使用。 低光成像阵列被优化用于夜视或其中光水平太低而不能由彩色成像阵列形成常规彩色图像的情况。 彩色成像阵列针对日光或彩色摄影进行了优化。 低光成像阵列可以与彩色成像阵列一起使用以提供具有降低的噪声的彩色图像。

公开(公告)号：US07825975B2

公开(公告)日：2010-11-02

申请号：US12036998

申请日：2008-02-25

Applicant: Boyd Fowler

Inventor： Boyd Fowler

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/37455 ,  H04N5/355 ,  H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor and a method for using the same are disclosed. The image sensor includes an array of pixel sensors, a signal digitizing circuit, and a digitizing controller. The array of pixel sensors includes a plurality of pixel sensors. Each pixel sensor includes a photodetector, a charge conversion circuit, and a gate transistor. The charge conversion circuit generates a voltage signal that is related to a charge on the photodiode, and the gate transistor couples the voltage signal to a bit line in response to a first signal. The signal digitizing circuit converts the voltage signal to a plurality of output digital values. Each output digital value has a different level of digitization noise. One of the output digital values is selected for output in response to an output selection signal that is generated by the digitizing controller.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种图像传感器及其使用方法。 图像传感器包括像素传感器阵列，信号数字化电路和数字化控制器。 像素传感器阵列包括多个像素传感器。 每个像素传感器包括光电检测器，电荷转换电路和栅极晶体管。 电荷转换电路产生与光电二极管上的电荷相关的电压信号，并且栅极晶体管响应于第一信号将电压信号耦合到位线。 信号数字化电路将电压信号转换成多个输出数字值。 每个输出数字值具有不同的数字化噪声水平。 响应于由数字化控制器产生的输出选择信号，选择输出数字值之一用于输出。

公开(公告)号：US07764316B2

公开(公告)日：2010-07-27

申请号：US11686668

申请日：2007-03-15

Applicant: Boyd Fowler

Inventor： Boyd Fowler

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H01L23/62

CPC classification number: H01L27/14806 ,  H01L29/66954 ,  H01L29/768

Abstract: A CCD containing circuit and method for making the same. The circuit includes a CCD array and a protection circuit. The CCD array is constructed on an integrated circuit substrate and includes a plurality of gate electrodes that are insulated from the substrate by an insulating layer. The gate electrodes are connected to a conductor bonded to the substrate. The protection circuit is also constructed on the substrate. The protection circuit is connected to the conductor and to the substrate and protects the CCD array from both negative and positive voltage swings generated by electrostatic discharge events and the like. The protection circuit and the CCD can be constructed in the same integrated circuit fabrication process.

Abstract translation: 含CCD的电路及其制作方法。 该电路包括一个CCD阵列和一个保护电路。 CCD阵列构造在集成电路基板上，并且包括通过绝缘层与基板绝缘的多个栅电极。 栅电极连接到与衬底结合的导体。 保护电路也构成在基板上。 保护电路连接到导体和基板，并且保护CCD阵列不受静电放电事件等产生的负和正电压摆动。 保护电路和CCD可以在相同的集成电路制造过程中构建。

公开(公告)号：US07655918B2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-02

申请号：US11494058

申请日：2006-07-26

Applicant: Xinqiao Liu ,  Boyd Fowler

Inventor： Xinqiao Liu ,  Boyd Fowler

IPC: G01T1/20

CPC classification number: H04N5/32 ,  A61B6/145 ,  G01T1/2018 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/374

Abstract: An image sensor having a two-dimensional array of CMOS pixel sensors, a row decoder and a column decoder is disclosed. The two-dimensional array of CMOS pixel sensors is organized as a plurality of rows and columns that are addressed with the aid of row and column decoders. At least one of the column decoder or the row decoder is located between two of the rows or two of the columns, respectively. X-rays are converted to light that is detected by the image sensor by a layer of scintillation material that overlies the two-dimensional array. The internally located decoder or decoders facilitate sensors in which the two-dimensional array includes a rectangular array having a chamfered corner such that rows or columns that extend into the chamfered corner have lengths that are less than rows or columns, respectively, that do not extend into the corners.

Abstract translation: 公开了具有CMOS像素传感器的二维阵列，行解码器和列解码器的图像传感器。 CMOS像素传感器的二维阵列被组织为借助于行和列解码器寻址的多个行和列。 列解码器或行解码器中的至少一个分别位于两列或两列之间。 X射线被转换为由图像传感器通过覆盖二维阵列的闪烁材料层检测到的光。 内部定位的解码器或解码器便于传感器，其中二维阵列包括具有倒角的矩形阵列，使得延伸到倒角的行或列分别具有小于不延伸的行或列的长度 进入角落

公开(公告)号：US07638749B2

公开(公告)日：2009-12-29

申请号：US11447541

申请日：2006-06-05

Applicant: Boyd Fowler

Inventor： Boyd Fowler

IPC: H03F3/08 ,  H03K17/78 ,  H04N3/14

CPC classification number: H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor having a first substrate on which a CCD array is fabricated in a first fabrication system is disclosed. The CCD array includes a node through which charge from the pixels passes during a readout operation. The first substrate also includes a first FET fabricated on the first substrate in the first fabrication system, the first FET having a gate connected to the node and a source or drain connected to a first conducting pad on the first substrate. A capacitor connects the node to a second conducting pad on the first substrate. A switch is connected across the first capacitor such that the first capacitor is shorted when the first switch is closed. The first switch is controlled by a reset signal on a third conducting pad on the first substrate. The first substrate can be connected to a second substrate having amplification and control circuitry.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种具有在第一制造系统中制造CCD阵列的第一基板的图像传感器。 CCD阵列包括在读出操作期间来自像素的电荷通过的节点。 第一衬底还包括在第一制造系统中在第一衬底上制造的第一FET，第一FET具有连接到节点的栅极和连接到第一衬底上的第一导电焊盘的源极或漏极。 电容器将节点连接到第一基板上的第二导电焊盘。 开关连接在第一电容器两端，使得当第一开关闭合时第一电容器短路。 第一开关由第一基板上的第三导电焊盘上的复位信号控制。 第一衬底可以连接到具有放大和控制电路的第二衬底。

公开(公告)号：US20050134715A1

公开(公告)日：2005-06-23

申请号：US10742070

申请日：2003-12-19

Applicant: Boyd Fowler ,  Janusz Balickl

Inventor： Boyd Fowler ,  Janusz Balickl

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/359 ,  H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/3745

Abstract: An active pixel sensor comprises a photodiode providing a photodiode output current indicative of an intensity of light incident the photodiode and an integrator circuit electrically coupled to the photodiode. The integrator circuit is configured to provide a pixel voltage representing an integration of the photodiode output current when the photodiode is exposed to light and dark leakage current through the photodiode when the photodiode is not exposed to light. The integrator circuit is configured to set a reverse bias voltage on the photodiode and respond to at least one control input to set the reverse bias voltage to a first level. The active pixel sensor comprises a feedback loop configured to receive the pixel voltage and control the integrator circuit to adjust the reverse bias voltage to substantially reduce the dark leakage current through the photodiode to a desired level.

Abstract translation: 有源像素传感器包括光电二极管，其提供指示入射到光电二极管的光的强度的光电二极管输出电流和与光电二极管电耦合的积分器电路。 积分器电路被配置为当光电二极管暴露于​​光电二极管不暴露于光时通过光电二极管的亮和暗的漏电流，提供表示光电二极管输出电流的积分的像素电压。 积分器电路被配置为在光电二极管上设置反向偏置电压并且响应于至少一个控制输入以将反向偏置电压设置为第一电平。 有源像素传感器包括被配置为接收像素电压并控制积分器电路以调整反向偏置电压的反馈回路，以将通过光电二极管的暗漏电流基本上减小到期望的水平。

公开(公告)号：US06757018B1

公开(公告)日：2004-06-29

申请号：US09216699

申请日：1998-12-18

Applicant: Boyd Fowler

Inventor： Boyd Fowler

IPC: H04N5235

CPC classification number: H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/3742

Abstract: An image sensor and method of sensing an image provides a variable amplifier at each pixel, thereby expanding the dynamic range of the sensor. An image sensor core (500) comprises a plurality of pixel sensors (510). Each pixel sensor preferably includes a photosensitive element (310), a variable amplifier (312), and an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) (314). The ADC (512) includes a comparator (512) coupled to a latch/shift register (514). The comparator (512) receives the output of the variable amplifier (312) and a ramp signal and produces an output when the ramp signal exceeds the amplifier (312) output. The latch/shift register (514) latches a count signal corresponding to the ramp signal when triggered by the comparator (512). In operation, the photosensitive element (310) is exposed to light for a first integration period. The variable amplifier (312) amplifies the resulting photocharge by the maximum possible amount. The ADC (314) converts the photocurrent to a digital signal and latches the five most significant bits in memory (514). These five bits are provided in parallel to the variable amplifier (312) to set the amplification level. Then, the photosensitive element (310) is exposed to light for a second integration period and the resulting photocharge is amplified at the set amplification level. The output of the amplifier (312) is digitized by the ADC (314) and the latch/shift register (514) stores the 12-bit result. The five bits selecting the amplification level and the 12-bit result provide the image sensor with 17 bits of dynamic range.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器和感测图像的方法在每个像素处提供可变放大器，从而扩展传感器的动态范围。 图像传感器芯（500）包括多个像素传感器（510）。 每个像素传感器优选地包括光敏元件（310），可变放大器（312）和模数转换器（“ADC”）314。 ADC（512）包括耦合到锁存/移位寄存器（514）的比较器（512）。 比较器（512）接收可变放大器（312）的输出和斜坡信号，并且当斜坡信号超过放大器（312）输出时产生输出。 当由比较器（512）触发时，锁存/移位寄存器（514）锁存对应于斜坡信号的计数信号。 在操作中，感光元件（310）暴露于第一积分期间的光。 可变放大器（312）以最大可能量放大所得到的光电荷。 ADC（314）将光电流转换为数字信号并锁存存储器中的五个最高有效位（514）。 这五个位与可变放大器（312）并联提供，以设置放大电平。 然后，光敏元件（310）暴露于第二积分周期的光，并且所得光电荷以设定的放大电平被放大。 放大器（312）的输出由ADC（314）数字化，锁存/移位寄存器（514）存储12位结果。 选择放大级别和12位结果的5位为图像传感器提供了17位的动态范围。

公开(公告)号：US06633028B2

公开(公告)日：2003-10-14

申请号：US09931983

申请日：2001-08-17

Applicant: Boyd Fowler

Inventor： Boyd Fowler

IPC: H01L2700

CPC classification number: H01L27/14654

Abstract: An improved image sensor constructed from a photodiode and a transimpedance amplifier having an input connected to the photodiode. The present invention utilizes a clamping circuit to prevent the potential at the input of the transimpedance amplifier from causing the photodiode to become forward biased. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transimpedance amplifier includes a transistor connecting the input to the output, and the clamping circuit includes a circuit for holding the gate of the transistor at a clamping potential.

Abstract translation: 由光电二极管构成的改进的图像传感器和具有连接到光电二极管的输入端的跨阻抗放大器。 本发明利用钳位电路来防止跨阻放大器输入端的电位使光电二极管变为正向偏置。 在本发明的优选实施例中，跨阻放大器包括将输入端连接到输出端的晶体管，钳位电路包括用于将晶体管的栅极保持在钳位电位的电路。

公开(公告)号：US06339363B1

公开(公告)日：2002-01-15

申请号：US09729756

申请日：2000-12-04

Applicant: Boyd Fowler

Inventor： Boyd Fowler

IPC: H03F308

CPC classification number: H04N5/37452 ,  H03F3/087 ,  H04N5/2173 ,  H04N5/357

Abstract: An amplifier for measuring the charge stored on a source capacitor having a capacitance Cpd. The amplifier includes an opamp having a signal input, reference input and output; the first terminal of the source capacitor is connected to the signal input. The amplifier includes a reset switch for shorting the signal input and the output of the opamp, and a capacitive network. The capacitive network connects the signal input and the output of the opamp, and provides a capacitance of CT between the signal input and the output of the opamp wherein CT

Abstract translation: 一种用于测量存储在具有电容Cpd的源电容器上的电荷的放大器。 放大器包括具有信号输入，参考输入和输出的运算放大器; 源极电容的第一个端子连接到信号输入端。 该放大器包括用于短路信号输入和运算放大器输出的复位开关，以及电容网络。 电容网络连接运算放大器的信号输入和输出，并在信号输入和运算放大器的输出之间提供CT的电容，其中CT

公开(公告)号：US08779346B2

公开(公告)日：2014-07-15

申请号：US13471384

申请日：2012-05-14

Applicant: Boyd Fowler ,  Xinqiao Liu

Inventor： Boyd Fowler ,  Xinqiao Liu

IPC: H03K17/78

CPC classification number: H04N5/357 ,  H04N5/37455

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a digital image are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of pixel sensors and a controller. Each sensor includes a photodiode, a floating diffusion node that can be selectively connected to said photodiode or a reset voltage, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the floating diffusion node, the ADC converting a voltage on the floating diffusion node to a digital value. Each pixel sensor also includes an output circuit that connects the ADC to a bus. The apparatus also includes a controller that causes the ADCs to operate in parallel to convert the voltages on the floating diffusion nodes to the digital values in a time that is less than the time needed for the floating diffusion node to acquire ten electron equivalents of noise. The optional apparatus includes circuitry that allows correlated double sampling to be performed in each sensor.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于形成数字图像的装置和方法。 该装置包括多个像素传感器和控制器。 每个传感器包括光电二极管，可以选择性地连接到所述光电二极管的浮动扩散节点或复位电压，以及连接到浮动扩散节点的模数转换器（ADC），ADC转换浮动扩散上的电压 节点到数字值。 每个像素传感器还包括将ADC连接到总线的输出电路。 该装置还包括使得ADC并行操作以将浮动扩散节点上的电压转换为小于浮动扩散节点获取十个电子当量噪声所需的时间的数字值的控制器。 可选装置包括允许在每个传感器中执行相关双重采样的电路。