CCD imager analog processor systems and methods
US6720999B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A processing system for a charge coupled device (CCD) or CMOS imaging system includes a multi-mode, multiple current level, correlated double sample and variable gain (CDS/VGA) circuit for receiving data from a CCD system, subject to horizontal and vertical timing signals for the system which are locally generated by the processing system itself. The processing system particularly includes programmable timing circuitry for controlling the detection of pixel intensity values from elements of a two-dimensional pixel array, with a programable low-frequency master vertical timing circuit driving a high-frequency horizontal timing circuit, wherein the vertical and horizontal timing signals are independently locally provided to the array from the analog processor actually sampling the array. The architecture of the processing system further includes a correlated double sampler, a black level clamp, and an A/D conversion module. The processing system includes a camera system for producing an imager signal, a correlated double sample (CDS) circuit for receiving data from an imager, a variable gain amplifier (VGA) having amplifiers of selectable current level to enable reduced data resoluti…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.