Imaging systems with image pixels having adjustable responsivity
US9337223B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10F39/8037
Abstract
An imaging system may include an image sensor having an array of image pixels. Some image pixels in the array may be provided with responsivity adjustment structures. For example, broadband pixels in a pixel array may include responsivity adjustment circuitry. The responsivity adjustment circuitry may be configured to narrow the spectral response or to reduce the conversion gain of the broadband pixels in high light conditions. For example, a deep photodiode may divert charge away from a signal photodiode during an integration period. The deep photodiode may divert charge to a power supply or the charge may be transferred to a storage node and used in image processing, if desired. The responsivity adjustment circuitry may include channel-dependent conversion circuitry that is formed in pixels corresponding to a first color channel, while the conversion gains of pixels corresponding to a second color channel may remain fixed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.