公开(公告)号：US08054210B2

公开(公告)日：2011-11-08

申请号：US12015898

申请日：2008-01-17

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Rachel Elliott ,  Graeme Storm

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Rachel Elliott ,  Graeme Storm

IPC: H03M1/56

CPC classification number: H03M1/08 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H03M1/34 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array, and a correlated double sample circuit coupled to one of the pixels in the pixel array. The correlated double sample circuit includes first and second inputs, and first and second sample capacitors respectively coupled to the first and second inputs. The first input is for receiving an analog signal from a pixel, and the second input is for receiving a time varying reference signal. The analog signal varies during a pixel readout period, and has a first level during a first reset period and a second-level during a second read period. A comparator circuit compares the time varying reference signal and the analog signal. The analog signal and the time varying reference signal are constantly read onto one of the first and second sample capacitors during both the first reset period and the second read period.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括像素阵列和耦合到像素阵列中的像素之一的相关双倍采样电路。 相关双采样电路包括第一和第二输入以及分别耦合到第一和第二输入的第一和第二采样电容器。 第一输入用于从像素接收模拟信号，第二输入用于接收时变参考信号。 模拟信号在像素读出周期期间变化，并且在第一复位周期期间具有第一电平，在第二读取周期期间具有第二电平。 比较器电路将时变参考信号与模拟信号进行比较。 在第一复位周期和第二读取周期期间，模拟信号和时变参考信号一直被读取到第一和第二采样电容器中的一个上。

公开(公告)号：US07265329B2

公开(公告)日：2007-09-04

申请号：US11223558

申请日：2005-09-09

Applicant: Robert Henderson ,  Matthew Purcell

Inventor： Robert Henderson ,  Matthew Purcell

IPC: H01L37/00 ,  H03F3/08 ,  H04N3/14 ,  H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H03M1/1023 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/3651 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: The image sensor makes use of a distributed amplifier having its non-inverting input provided by a pixel amplifier transistor, and its inverting input and output provided in the pixel's column circuitry. The distributed amplifier is directly integrated with the image sensor's ADC circuit, and sampling and autozero are performed in a single step, thus reducing the number of noise contributions made by the components of the image sensor's readout chain.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器利用具有由像素放大器晶体管提供的其非反相输入的分布式放大器，并且其反相输入和输出设置在像素的列电路中。 分布式放大器与图像传感器的ADC电路直接集成，采样和自动调零在一个步骤中执行，从而减少了图像传感器读出链组件产生的噪声数量。

公开(公告)号：US20120006973A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-12

申请号：US13173137

申请日：2011-06-30

Applicant: Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell

Inventor： Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3658 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes an array of pixels. Each pixel has at least one photo-sensitive element. Readout circuitry receives an analog signal from each pixel at a first time and at a second time, between which the analog signal changes. The image sensor further includes associated support circuitry which is a source of time variant noise. The signal level at both first and second times includes pixel noise. Sample and hold circuitry is provided to maintain substantially level at least a proportion of this support circuitry noise time invariant at the sensor output between the first time and the second time.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括像素阵列。 每个像素具有至少一个光敏元件。 读出电路在第一时间和第二时间从每个像素接收模拟信号，模拟信号之间变化。 图像传感器还包括作为时变噪声源的相关联的支持电路。 第一次和第二次的信号电平包括像素噪声。 提供采样和保持电路以在第一时间和第二时间之间基本上保持该传感器输出处的该支持电路噪声时间不变量的至少一部分。

公开(公告)号：US07659500B2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-09

申请号：US11965970

申请日：2007-12-28

Applicant: Matthew Purcell

Inventor： Matthew Purcell

IPC: H01L27/00 ,  H01J40/14 ,  H03K17/78 ,  H04N3/14 ,  H01L31/062

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/23241 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A column current source for an image sensor includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns, a reference current source, a transistor connected as a source follower to the reference current source and forming one half of a current mirror, and a plurality of current sources each connected to a column of pixels and with each current source forming the other half of the current mirror, thereby mirroring the reference current source. The current sources are connected to a first common node. A resistor is connected between the first common node and a second common node. One or more resistors are connected in series between the second common node and the transistor drain, and two or more switches are selectively operable to short circuit the resistors allowing the current sources to provide more than two current levels, thereby optimizing the image sensor current consumption for mobile devices.

Abstract translation: 用于图像传感器的列电流源包括排列成行和列的像素阵列，参考电流源，连接到参考电流源的源极跟随器并形成电流镜的一半的晶体管，以及多个电流 每个源连接到像素列，并且每个电流源形成电流镜的另一半，从而镜像参考电流源。 当前的源连接到第一个公共节点。 电阻器连接在第一公共节点和第二公共节点之间。 一个或多个电阻器串联连接在第二公共节点和晶体管漏极之间，并且两个或更多个开关选择性地可操作以使电阻器短路，从而允许电流源提供多于两个电流水平，由此优化图像传感器电流消耗 适用于移动设备。

公开(公告)号：US20090237536A1

公开(公告)日：2009-09-24

申请号：US12402397

申请日：2009-03-11

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Min Qu

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Min Qu

IPC: H04N5/335 ,  H03M1/12

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个输入端。 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：US20060066750A1

公开(公告)日：2006-03-30

申请号：US11235465

申请日：2005-09-26

Applicant: Robert Henderson ,  Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm

Inventor： Robert Henderson ,  Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm

IPC: H04N5/235

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

Abstract: A rolling blade exposure system includes odd rows of a pixel array being read out with a short exposure time and even rows being 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: 滚动刀片曝光系统包括以短曝光时间读出的奇数行像素阵列，并且偶数行在长曝光时间被读出。 每对采样的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。 这是以牺牲解决方案为代价的，但这种损失是可以接受的某些应用程序。

公开(公告)号：US20060049334A1

公开(公告)日：2006-03-09

申请号：US11223558

申请日：2005-09-09

Applicant: Robert Henderson ,  Matthew Purcell

Inventor： Robert Henderson ,  Matthew Purcell

IPC: H01L27/00

CPC classification number: H03M1/1023 ,  H03M1/123 ,  H03M1/56 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/3651 ,  H04N5/374 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: The image sensor makes use of a distributed amplifier having its non-inverting input provided by a pixel amplifier transistor, and its inverting input and output provided in the pixel's column circuitry. The distributed amplifier is directly integrated with the image sensor's ADC circuit, and sampling and autozero are performed in a single step, thus reducing the number of noise contributions made by the components of the image sensor's readout chain.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器利用具有由像素放大器晶体管提供的其非反相输入的分布式放大器，并且其反相输入和输出设置在像素的列电路中。 分布式放大器与图像传感器的ADC电路直接集成，采样和自动调零在一个步骤中执行，从而减少了图像传感器读出链组件产生的噪声数量。

公开(公告)号：US08841595B2

公开(公告)日：2014-09-23

申请号：US13173137

申请日：2011-06-30

Applicant: Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell

Inventor： Graeme Storm ,  Matthew Purcell

IPC: H01L27/00 ,  H04N5/378 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/357

CPC classification number: H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/3658 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes an array of pixels. Each pixel has at least one photo-sensitive element. Readout circuitry receives an analog signal from each pixel at a first time and at a second time, between which the analog signal changes. The image sensor further includes associated support circuitry which is a source of time variant noise. The signal level at both first and second times includes pixel noise. Sample and hold circuitry is provided to maintain substantially level at least a proportion of this support circuitry noise time invariant at the sensor output between the first time and the second time.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括像素阵列。 每个像素具有至少一个光敏元件。 读出电路在第一时间和第二时间从每个像素接收模拟信号，模拟信号之间变化。 图像传感器还包括作为时变噪声源的相关联的支持电路。 第一次和第二次的信号电平包括像素噪声。 提供采样和保持电路以在第一时间和第二时间之间基本上保持该传感器输出处的该支持电路噪声时间不变量的至少一部分。

公开(公告)号：US08134623B2

公开(公告)日：2012-03-13

申请号：US12402397

申请日：2009-03-11

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Min Qu

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Graeme Storm ,  Min Qu

IPC: H04N3/14 ,  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个输入端。 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：US20080192126A1

公开(公告)日：2008-08-14

申请号：US12015898

申请日：2008-01-17

Applicant: Matthew Purcell ,  Rachel Elliott ,  Graeme Storm

Inventor： Matthew Purcell ,  Rachel Elliott ,  Graeme Storm

IPC: H04N5/228 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H03M1/08 ,  H03M1/12 ,  H03M1/34 ,  H04N5/3575 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array, and a correlated double sample circuit coupled to one of the pixels in the pixel array. The correlated double sample circuit includes first and second inputs, and first and second sample capacitors respectively coupled to the first and second inputs. The first input is for receiving an analog signal from a pixel, and the second input is for receiving a time varying reference signal. The analog signal varies during a pixel readout period, and has a first level during a first reset period and a second-level during a second read period. A comparator circuit compares the time varying reference signal and the analog signal. The analog signal and the time varying reference signal are constantly read onto one of the first and second sample capacitors during both the first reset period and the second read period.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器包括像素阵列和耦合到像素阵列中的像素之一的相关双倍采样电路。 相关双采样电路包括第一和第二输入以及分别耦合到第一和第二输入的第一和第二采样电容器。 第一输入用于从像素接收模拟信号，第二输入用于接收时变参考信号。 模拟信号在像素读出周期期间变化，并且在第一复位周期期间具有第一电平，在第二读取周期期间具有第二电平。 比较器电路将时变参考信号与模拟信号进行比较。 在第一复位周期和第二读取周期期间，模拟信号和时变参考信号一直被读取到第一和第二采样电容器中的一个上。