Highly sensitive, fast pixel for use in an image sensor
US7560701B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10F39/802
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The pixel (1) for use in an image sensor comprises a plurality of small-sized radiation-sensitive elements (2.1-2.9) for converting incident radiation into electric signals, the radiation-sensitive elements (2.1-2.9) being properly interconnected to form a larger radiation-sensitive area. The pixel (1) further comprises a plurality of storage elements (3A-3D) for storing the electric signals. The pixel further comprises transfer means for transferring the electric signals from the radiation-sensitive elements (2.1-2.9) to any selected one of the storage elements (3A-3D). The pixel (1) exhibits a high optical sensitivity and a high demodulation speed, and is especially suited for distance-measuring sensors based on the time-of-flight (TOF) principle or interferometry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.