Four-component pixel structure leading to improved image quality
US6917029B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10F39/18
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Pixel structures and a read-out method of pixels are disclosed. The pixel structures and the read-out method improve the image quality of imaging devices or imaging sensors based on such pixels. A pixel comprises in a parallel circuit configuration a radiation sensitive element and an adjustable current source, said current source being adapted for delivering a high current. A 4-transistor pixel structure is also disclosed. A method of obtaining a calibrated read-out signal of a pixel having at least a photosensitive element and a current source comprise a number of steps. A photocurrent generated on the pixel added to a current generated by a current source in parallel with the photosensitive element is read to obtain a first signal. The pixel is also read with the current source off to obtain a second signal. The first signal is subtracted from the second signal, and the resulting signal is amplified to obtain the read-out signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.