Row decoding scheme for double sampling in 3T pixel arrays
US6992715B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention disclosed is directed to a method and apparatus which allows a “rolling shutter” type of read out sequence in a pixel array that is read using a double sampling technique by having the rows of pixels reset a second time in each of their cycles for a second sampling while the rows are being accessed for reading. In this way, each pixel is sampled to compare its voltage level after integration to its voltage level as it is reset. In accordance with the present invention, the row access signal or a signal that is used to generate the row access signal, is used to generate a second reset signal at the correct time while the row is being accessed. The invention is particularly applicable to image sensors having light sensitive elements that are CMOS pixels, and in particular three transistor pixels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.