Method of obtaining an image using an image sensor with a broad dynamic range
US7583304B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2006 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/77
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of obtaining an image uses a broad dynamic range image sensor that includes a photosensitive cell formed of pixels. Each pixel includes a element, a first initialization transistor series connected to the element, storage means coupled to the element, a third initialization transistor series connected to a capacitor, and fourth and fifth series connected transistors, wherein one control terminal of the fourth transistor is connected to the capacitor. The method comprises initializing the capacitor and t-he-photodiode to a first initialization voltage via conduction of the second and third transistors, then making the second transistor non-conductive to start a first long exposure period of the photodiode. At the end of the first exposure period, the first transistor is made conductive to initialize the photodiode to a second initialization voltage to start a second short exposure period. The photodiode voltage level is stored in the capacitor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.