Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Combined linear-logarithmic image sensor
- Patent Title (中): 组合线性对数图像传感器
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Application No.: US10820464Application Date: 2004-04-08
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Publication No.: US07804537B2Publication Date: 2010-09-28
- Inventor: Graeme Storm , Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz
- Applicant: Graeme Storm , Jonathan Ephriam David Hurwitz
- Applicant Address: GB Marlow - Buckinghamshire
- Assignee: STMicrolectronics Ltd.
- Current Assignee: STMicrolectronics Ltd.
- Current Assignee Address: GB Marlow - Buckinghamshire
- Agency: Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.
- Agent Lisa K. Jorgenson
- Main IPC: H04N5/20
- IPC: H04N5/20

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.
Public/Granted literature
- US20040227109A1 Combined linear-logarithmic image sensor Public/Granted day:2004-11-18
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