Adjustable resolution optical sensor
US5574275A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/76
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical sensor and a method of operating an optical sensor. The optical sensor includes a plurality of unit cells, a plurality of groups of optical detectors, an amplifier and a plurality of selection circuits. Each of the unit cells includes at least first and second pixels, and each group of optical detectors is associated with a respective one of the unit cells. Each group of detectors includes at least first and second detectors to generate first and second electric signals representing the intensity of light incident on, respectively, the first and second pixels of the associated unit cell. Each of the selection circuits is associated with a respective one of the groups of detectors for transmitting to the amplifier the electric signals from the associated group of detectors. Also, each selection circuit has first and second modes for conducting to the amplifier, respectively, either the electric signal from only the first detector of the associated group of detectors, or the electric signals from both the first and second detectors of that associated group of detectors. By switching the selection circuit between the first and second modes, the sensor may operate at either …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.