公开(公告)号：US07492394B2

公开(公告)日：2009-02-17

申请号：US09827942

申请日：2001-04-06

Applicant: Ray Alan Mentzer

Inventor： Ray Alan Mentzer

IPC: H04N5/235 ,  H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H04N5/2176

Abstract: A system and a method for correcting erroneous image signals from defective photosensitive pixels utilizes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) architecture that corrects the erroneous image signals as image signals are being converted from analog signals to digital signals. The erroneous image signals are corrected by limiting the deviation of a given analog image signal from a previously processed image signal.

公开(公告)号：US07545418B2

公开(公告)日：2009-06-09

申请号：US11457956

申请日：2006-07-17

Applicant: Jeffery Steven Beck ,  Yan Ping Lim ,  Ray Alan Mentzer

Inventor： Jeffery Steven Beck ,  Yan Ping Lim ,  Ray Alan Mentzer

IPC: H04N5/217 ,  H04N9/64 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/3658

Abstract: An image sensor device is provided that has an uncovered imaging array of pixels and a covered global reference non-imaging array of pixels. The pixel samples of the global reference non-imaging array are used to remove noise from the pixel samples of the imaging array. The control signals and control lines that are used to sample the pixels of the imaging array are separate from and independent of the control signals and control lines that are used to sample the pixels of the global reference non-imaging array of pixels. For each row of pixels of the imaging array that is sampled, the same row of pixels of the global reference non-imaging array is sampled. The global reference row has no or very few offsets or variations to ensure that noise removal is performed effectively.

Abstract translation: 提供了具有未覆盖的像素成像阵列和被覆盖的全局参考非成像阵列像素的图像传感器装置。 全局参考非成像阵列的像素样本用于从成像阵列的像素样本中去除噪声。 用于对成像阵列的像素进行采样的控制信号和控制线与用于采样全局参考非成像阵列像素的像素的控制信号和控制线分开并且独立于该控制信号和控制线。 对于被采样的成像阵列的每行像素，对全局参考非成像阵列的相同行像素进行采样。 全局参考行没有或很少的偏移或变化，以确保有效地执行噪声去除。

公开(公告)号：US20080290381A1

公开(公告)日：2008-11-27

申请号：US11753190

申请日：2007-05-24

Applicant: Ray Alan Mentzer ,  Brian Misek

Inventor： Ray Alan Mentzer ,  Brian Misek

IPC: H01L31/062 ,  H01G2/00

CPC classification number: H01L27/1463 ,  H01G2/22 ,  H01L31/022466

Abstract: A conductive shield plane electrically isolating the photodiode regions from metal interconnect lines in an imager sensor device.

Abstract translation: 导电屏蔽平面，用于将光电二极管区域与成像器传感器装置中的金属互连线电隔离。

公开(公告)号：US08525284B2

公开(公告)日：2013-09-03

申请号：US13216766

申请日：2011-08-24

Applicant: Ray Alan Mentzer

Inventor： Ray Alan Mentzer

IPC: H01L31/0232 ,  H01L21/00

CPC classification number: H01L27/1464 ,  H01L27/14609 ,  H01L27/14636

Abstract: The present invention relates to a backside illuminated (BSI) imager having a plurality of layers. A plurality of pixel sensors are positioned on a first layer of a substrate. Pixel select conductors are positioned on the substrate in front of the first layer. Pixel readout conductors including a plurality of output lines, pixel power conductors, and a ground conductor are positioned on the substrate in front of the pixel select conductors. A plurality of sample and hold capacitors coupled to the pixel output lines are positioned vertically and/or horizontally on the substrate in front of the ground conductor.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及具有多个层的背面照明（BSI）成像器。 多个像素传感器位于基板的第一层上。 像素选择导体位于第一层前面的衬底上。 包括多个输出线，像素电力导体和接地导体的像素读出导体位于像素选择导体之前的基板上。 耦合到像素输出线的多个采样和保持电容器位于接地导体前面的衬底上垂直和/或水平定位。

公开(公告)号：US20080117317A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-22

申请号：US11601346

申请日：2006-11-17

Applicant: Ray Alan Mentzer

Inventor： Ray Alan Mentzer

IPC: H04N9/64

CPC classification number: H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/361

Abstract: An active pixel sensor array includes an imaging sensor subarray, a first reference subarray positioned on a first side of the imaging sensor subarray. The first reference subarray includes a first reference column line. A second reference subarray is positioned on a second side of the imaging subarray. The second reference subarray includes a second reference column line that is electrically coupled to the first reference column line to generate a common reference signal from the first and second reference subarrays. The active pixel sensor array may be a CMOS image sensor and each reference subarray may include a plurality of column lines associated with a plurality of columns of pixels.

Abstract translation: 有源像素传感器阵列包括成像传感器子阵列，位于成像传感器子阵列的第一侧上的第一参考子阵列。 第一参考子阵列包括第一参考列线。 第二参考子阵列位于成像子阵列的第二侧。 第二参考子阵列包括电耦合到第一参考列线以从第一和第二参考子阵列生成公共参考信号的第二参考列线。 有源像素传感器阵列可以是CMOS图像传感器，并且每个参考子阵列可以包括与多个像素列相关联的多个列线。

公开(公告)号：US07639291B2

公开(公告)日：2009-12-29

申请号：US11140650

申请日：2005-05-27

Applicant: Yan Ping Lim ,  Ray Alan Mentzer

Inventor： Yan Ping Lim ,  Ray Alan Mentzer

IPC: H04N9/64

CPC classification number: H04N5/361

Abstract: A method for compensating for dark current in an image sensor array. In a representative embodiments, the method includes determining a nominal average dark current for the image sensor array, determining location of each pixel in the image sensor array, obtaining a nominal dark current associated with each pixel based on the nominal average dark current and on the location of the pixel, and subtracting the associated nominal dark current from the image signal for each pixel. At least two of the pixels have differing associated nominal dark currents. In other representative embodiments compensation values for dark currents and for differences in channel processing are determined during the same time period.

Abstract translation: 一种用于补偿图像传感器阵列中的暗电流的方法。 在代表性实施例中，该方法包括确定图像传感器阵列的标称平均暗电流，确定图像传感器阵列中每个像素的位置，基于标称平均暗电流获得与每个像素相关联的标称暗电流，并且 并且从每个像素的图像信号中减去相关联的标称暗电流。 至少两个像素具有不同的相关联的标称暗电流。 在其他代表性实施例中，在相同的时间段期间确定暗电流的补偿值和信道处理的差异。

公开(公告)号：US20080012966A1

公开(公告)日：2008-01-17

申请号：US11457956

申请日：2006-07-17

Applicant: Jeffery Steven Beck ,  Yan Ping Lim ,  Ray Alan Mentzer

Inventor： Jeffery Steven Beck ,  Yan Ping Lim ,  Ray Alan Mentzer

IPC: H04N9/64 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N3/14 ,  H01L27/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/3658

Abstract: An image sensor device is provided that has an uncovered imaging array of pixels and a covered global reference non-imaging array of pixels. The pixel samples of the global reference non-imaging array are used to remove noise from the pixel samples of the imaging array. The control signals and control lines that are used to sample the pixels of the imaging array are separate from and independent of the control signals and control lines that are used to sample the pixels of the global reference non-imaging array of pixels. For each row of pixels of the imaging array that is sampled, the same row of pixels of the global reference non-imaging array is sampled. The global reference row has no or very few offsets or variations to ensure that noise removal is performed effectively.

Abstract translation: 提供了具有未覆盖的像素成像阵列和被覆盖的全局参考非成像阵列像素的图像传感器装置。 全局参考非成像阵列的像素样本用于从成像阵列的像素样本中去除噪声。 用于对成像阵列的像素进行采样的控制信号和控制线与用于采样全局参考非成像阵列像素的像素的控制信号和控制线分开并且独立于该控制信号和控制线。 对于被采样的成像阵列的每行像素，对全局参考非成像阵列的相同行像素进行采样。 全局参考行没有或很少的偏移或变化，以确保有效地执行噪声去除。

公开(公告)号：US07687836B2

公开(公告)日：2010-03-30

申请号：US11753190

申请日：2007-05-24

Applicant: Brian Misek ,  Ray Alan Mentzer

Inventor： Brian Misek ,  Ray Alan Mentzer

IPC: H01L31/062 ,  H01L31/113

CPC classification number: H01L27/1463 ,  H01G2/22 ,  H01L31/022466

Abstract: A conductive shield plane electrically isolating the photodiode regions from metal interconnect lines in an imager sensor device.

Abstract translation: 导电屏蔽平面，用于将光电二极管区域与成像器传感器装置中的金属互连线电隔离。

公开(公告)号：US5821824A

公开(公告)日：1998-10-13

申请号：US920186

申请日：1997-08-25

Applicant: Ray Alan Mentzer

Inventor： Ray Alan Mentzer

IPC: H03B1/00 ,  H03F3/45 ,  H03K3/0231 ,  H03B5/24 ,  H03B5/04 ,  H03L1/00

CPC classification number: H03F3/45183 ,  H03K3/0231 ,  H03B2200/0092 ,  H03B2201/02 ,  H03F2203/45371 ,  H03F2203/45392 ,  H03F2203/45646 ,  H03F2203/45658

Abstract: A multistage voltage-to-current ("VI") converter for producing, in response to an input voltage, an output voltage useful for controlling a voltage-controlled oscillator ("VCO"). Preferably, the transfer function of the VI converter is such that the output clock frequency-to-input voltage transfer function (of a system including the VI converter and the VCO) is at least approximately linear over a desired output clock frequency range and has a desired slope in such range. In preferred embodiments, the multistage VI converter includes three differential amplifier stages connected in parallel. Each stage has a tail current and receives a reference voltage (the tail currents and reference voltages typically differ from stage to stage), and produces a component of a total current. The total current determines the output voltage. Optionally, bias circuitry is provided for producing nonzero output voltage in response to zero input voltage. In other embodiments, the multistage VI converter includes two stages or more than three stages connected in parallel, each stage producing a component of a total current which determines the output voltage. The number of stages, and the tail current and reference voltage (and resistor values and transistor characteristics) of each stage, are chosen to achieve a desired output voltage-to-input voltage transfer function. Another aspect of the invention is a VCO system including any embodiment of the multistage VI converter of the invention.

Abstract translation: 用于响应于输入电压产生用于控制压控振荡器（“VCO”）的输出电压的多级电压 - 电流（“VI”）转换器。 优选地，VI转换器的传递函数使得（包括VI转换器和VCO的系统）的输出时钟频率 - 输入电压传递函数在期望的输出时钟频率范围上至少近似线性，并且具有 所需坡度在这样的范围内。 在优选实施例中，多级VI转换器包括并联连接的三个差分放大器级。 每个阶段都有一个尾电流并接收一个参考电压（尾电流和参考电压通常不同于一个阶段），并产生一个总电流的分量。 总电流决定输出电压。 可选地，提供偏置电路用于响应于零输入电压产生非零输出电压。 在其他实施例中，多级VI转换器包括并联连接的两级或三级以上，每级产生确定输出电压的总电流的分量。 选择级数和每级的尾电流和参考电压（和电阻值和晶体管特性）以实现期望的输出电压到输入电压传递函数。 本发明的另一方面是包括本发明的多级VI转换器的任何实施例的VCO系统。