公开(公告)号：EP1475961A1

公开(公告)日：2004-11-10

申请号：EP03252835.8

申请日：2003-05-06

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Limited

Inventor： Storm, Graeme ,  Hurwitz, Jonathan Ephriam David

IPC: H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/361

Abstract: An image sensor has an array of pixels each of which comprises a photodiode (P) in circuit with a semiconductor device (M2) to define a node (pix). The pixel can be operated in linear mode with reset voltage (Vrt) applied via device M4. The pixel can also be operated in logarithmic mode by asserting 'logsel' to enable device M2 to conduct the photocurrent. In logarithmic mode, means are provided for calibrating the pixels 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.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有像素阵列，每个像素包括与半导体器件（M2）的电路中的光电二极管（P），以限定节点（pix）。 像素可以通过器件M4施加的复位电压（Vrt）在线性模式下工作。 像素也可以以对数模式操作，通过断言“logsel”使器件M2能够传导光电流。 在对数模式中，提供了用于校准像素以去除固定图案噪声的装置。 像素可以顺序地以线性和对数模式操作，对于低光信号选择线性输出，并且对于高光信号选择对数输出。

公开(公告)号：EP1475955B1

公开(公告)日：2006-05-31

申请号：EP03252836.6

申请日：2003-05-06

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Limited

Inventor： Storm, Graeme ,  Hurwitz, Jonathan Ephriam David

IPC: H04N3/15

CPC classification number: H04N5/35518

公开(公告)号：EP2104234B1

公开(公告)日：2011-08-31

申请号：EP08153179.0

申请日：2008-03-21

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Limited

Inventor： Purcell, Matthew ,  Storm, Graeme ,  Qu, Min

IPC: H03M1/08 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3577 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors for correlated double sampling, and a comparator circuit. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential amplifier having one input connected to the junction of the two capacitors and another input connected to a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential amplifier as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast.

公开(公告)号：EP1641249A1

公开(公告)日：2006-03-29

申请号：EP04255878.3

申请日：2004-09-27

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Limited

Inventor： Henderson, Robert ,  Purcell, Matthew ,  Storm, Graeme

IPC: H04N5/235

CPC classification number: H04N5/35581 ,  H04N5/23245 ,  H04N5/343 ,  H04N5/3452 ,  H04N5/3532

Abstract: A rolling blade exposure system is disclosed where odd rows of a pixel array are read out with a short exposure time and even rows are read out at a long exposure time. Each pair of sampled rows are stitched together before to form a single output line. The resultant image is then formed from the output lines. The stitching process ensures that the resultant image has a wide dynamic range. This is achieved at the expense of a loss of resolution, but this loss is acceptable for certain applications.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种滚动刀片曝光系统，其中以较短的曝光时间读出奇数行的像素阵列，并且甚至在长曝光时间读出行。 每对采样行在之前缝合在一起以形成单个输出线。 然后从输出线形成所得到的图像。 缝合过程确保所得到的图像具有宽的动态范围。 这是以牺牲分辨率为代价的，但这种损失对某些应用是可以接受的。

公开(公告)号：EP2104234A1

公开(公告)日：2009-09-23

申请号：EP08153179.0

申请日：2008-03-21

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Limited

Inventor： Purcell, Matthew ,  Storm, Graeme ,  Qu, Min

IPC: H03M1/08 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/3355 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3577 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors for correlated double sampling, and a comparator circuit. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential amplifier having one input connected to the junction of the two capacitors and another input connected to a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential amplifier as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器具有包括用于相关双重采样的第一和第二电容器以及比较器电路的每列ADC装置。 电容器分别连续地连接到模拟像素信号和斜坡信号，而不使用保持操作。 比较器电路包括差分放大器，其具有连接到两个电容器的结的一个输入端和连接到参考信号的另一输入端。 参考信号优选地从参考电压采样和保持。 使用差分放大器作为比较器的第一级可以解决当大像素阵列以低对比度成像场景时，由接地电压反弹引起的问题。

公开(公告)号：EP1475955A1

公开(公告)日：2004-11-10

申请号：EP03252836.6

申请日：2003-05-06

Applicant: STMicroelectronics Limited

Inventor： Storm, Graeme ,  Hurwitz, Jonathan Ephriam David

IPC: H04N3/15

CPC classification number: H04N5/35518

Abstract: A logarithmic pixel is formed by a photodiode (P) in circuit with a semiconductor device (M2) operating in sub-threshold. A logarithmic output is taken from node (pix) via an inverting amplifier (A). To calibrate the pixel, the photodiode (p) is isolated by a switch (M5) and a ramp voltage is applied as Vref to the amplifier (A). The ramp voltage acts across the constant internal capacitance of the pixel to produce in-pixel a constant current for calibration purposes.

Abstract translation: 对数像素由半导体器件（M2）的电路中的光电二极管（P）形成，工作在子阈值。 通过反相放大器（A）从节点（pix）获取对数输出。 为校准像素，光电二极管（p）由开关（M5）隔离，斜坡电压作为Vref施加到放大器（A）。 斜坡电压跨越像素的恒定内部电容，以产生像素内的恒定电流用于校准目的。