Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Image pickup apparatus, image pickup system, and method of the image pickup apparatus having pixel array for outputting an analog signal
- Patent Title (中): 具有用于输出模拟信号的像素阵列的图像拾取装置,图像拾取系统和方法
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Application No.: US12607820Application Date: 2009-10-28
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Publication No.: US08421889B2Publication Date: 2013-04-16
- Inventor: Hiroki Hiyama , Masaaki Iwane , Kazuo Yamazaki
- Applicant: Hiroki Hiyama , Masaaki Iwane , Kazuo Yamazaki
- Applicant Address: JP Tokyo
- Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
- Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
- Current Assignee Address: JP Tokyo
- Agency: Canon U.S.A., Inc. IP Division
- Priority: JP2008-281867 20081031
- Main IPC: H04N5/335
- IPC: H04N5/335 ; H01L27/146

Abstract:
An apparatus includes a pixel array in which pixels for outputting an analog signal are arranged in a matrix, vertical output lines each of which is connected to pixels in a same column, A/D conversion units, which are individually connected to the vertical output lines, for converting the analog signal into a digital signal, and a constant current supply unit for supplying a constant current to the A/D conversion units. Each of the A/D conversion units includes an integration unit for integrating the constant current, a comparison unit for comparing the integrated constant current with the analog signal and outputting a comparison signal, and a digital signal storage unit for storing a digital signal corresponding to the comparison signal. The integration unit includes an input capacitor for receiving the constant current. The comparison unit is connected to the constant current supply unit via the input capacitor.
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