Image sensor and image sensing method
US12256167B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2023 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10F39/811
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image sensor and an image sensing method are provided. The image sensor includes a first pixel circuit, a second pixel circuit, a ramp signal generating circuit, a comparator, and a signal processing circuit. The first pixel circuit has a first floating diffusion node. The second pixel circuit has a second floating diffusion node. The ramp signal generating circuit respectively provides a first ramp signal and a second ramp signal to the first floating diffusion node and the second floating diffusion node during a dark sun detection period. The comparator receives a first node voltage of the first floating diffusion node and a second node voltage of the second floating diffusion node. The signal processing circuit determines whether to output an output signal and determines whether to overwrite a digital value corresponding to a sensing signal according to whether the comparator is triggered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.