18305909. IMAGE SENSOR, OPERATING METHOD OF THE SAME, AND PIXEL INCLUDING PLURALITY OF PHOTODIODES simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
IMAGE SENSOR, OPERATING METHOD OF THE SAME, AND PIXEL INCLUDING PLURALITY OF PHOTODIODES
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Hyunyong Jung of SUWON-SI (KR)
IMAGE SENSOR, OPERATING METHOD OF THE SAME, AND PIXEL INCLUDING PLURALITY OF PHOTODIODES - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18305909 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR, OPERATING METHOD OF THE SAME, AND PIXEL INCLUDING PLURALITY OF PHOTODIODES
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an image sensor that includes two pixels, a ramp signal generator, and a comparator. The first pixel has a first transfer transistor, a first floating diffusion node, and a first gain control transistor. The second pixel has a second transfer transistor and a second floating diffusion node. The comparator compares the signals from the first and second pixels. The first pixel operates in a High Conversion Gain (HCG) mode to output the first pixel signal in a first period and operates in a Low Conversion Gain (LCG) mode to output the second pixel signal in a second period. The reset level of the second floating diffusion node is provided to the comparator through the column line in an interim reset period between the first and second periods.
- The image sensor includes two pixels, a ramp signal generator, and a comparator.
- The first pixel has a first transfer transistor, a first floating diffusion node, and a first gain control transistor.
- The second pixel has a second transfer transistor and a second floating diffusion node.
- The comparator compares the signals from the first and second pixels.
- The first pixel operates in HCG mode to output the first pixel signal in the first period.
- The first pixel operates in LCG mode to output the second pixel signal in the second period.
- The reset level of the second floating diffusion node is provided to the comparator through the column line in an interim reset period.
Potential Applications:
- This image sensor technology can be used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other devices that require high-quality image capture.
- It can be applied in surveillance systems for improved image processing and analysis.
- Medical imaging devices can benefit from this technology for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Problems Solved:
- The image sensor addresses the challenge of capturing high-quality images by utilizing different conversion gain modes.
- It solves the problem of noise reduction and improved dynamic range in image sensors.
- The technology provides a more efficient and accurate comparison of pixel signals.
Benefits:
- The use of HCG and LCG modes allows for better image quality in different lighting conditions.
- The image sensor provides improved noise reduction and dynamic range, resulting in clearer and more detailed images.
- The technology enables more accurate pixel signal comparison, leading to enhanced image processing and analysis capabilities.
Original Abstract Submitted
An image sensor includes a first pixel outputting a first pixel signal, a second pixel outputting a second pixel signal, a ramp signal generator, and a comparator. The first pixel includes first transfer transistor, a first floating diffusion node, and a first gain control transistor. The second pixel includes a second transfer transistor and a second floating diffusion node. The comparator compares the first and second pixel signals. The first pixel operates in an HCG mode to output the first pixel signal as a first HCG pixel signal in a first period and operates in an LCG mode to output the second pixel signal as a first LCG pixel signal in a second period. A reset level of the second floating diffusion node of the second pixel is provided to the comparator through the column line in an interim reset period between the first period and the second period.
