Image sensor with dummy pixel or dummy pixel array
US6344877B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is an image sensor including one or more dummy pixels that produce a reference signal which is used to compensate for errors within the devices of the main pixel cells. In one embodiment, at least one dummy pixel is used in conjunction with other circuitry to correct for nonlinearities in the transfer characteristic of a source follower transistor within each pixel. In another embodiment, an array of dummy pixels is used to correct for leakage current within the pixels during an electronic shutter mode of operation. The two techniques can be combined whereby both threshold voltage mismatch and leakage current are compensated for.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.