CMOS imager for pointing and tracking applications
US7030356B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/7795
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and techniques to realize pointing and tracking applications with CMOS imaging devices. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: sampling multiple rows and multiple columns of an active pixel sensor array into a memory array (e.g., an on-chip memory array), and reading out the multiple rows and multiple columns sampled in the memory array to provide image data with reduced motion artifact. Various operation modes may be provided, including TDS, CDS, CQS, a tracking mode to read out multiple windows, and/or a mode employing a sample-first-read-later readout scheme. The tracking mode can take advantage of a diagonal switch array. The diagonal switch array, the active pixel sensor array and the memory array can be integrated onto a single imager chip with a controller. This imager device can be part of a larger imaging system for both space-based applications and terrestrial applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.