Imaging with clustered photosite arrays
OwnerJimmy Packer, Matthew Borg +2inventors
InventorsJimmy Packer, Matthew Borg, Tim Brown, Donald Reid
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Abstract
Systems and methods of imaging with clustered photosite arrays are described. In one aspect, an image sensor includes an array of clusters of photosites and an array of optical elements. The photosites are arranged in respective groups of multiple ones of the photosites sharing at least one readout circuit component. Each of the optical elements is aligned with a corresponding one of the clusters of photosites and is arranged to intercept light directed toward the photosites of the corresponding cluster.
Claims20
An image sensor, comprising:
- an array of clusters of photosites arranged in respective groups of multiple ones of the photosites sharing at least one readout circuit component;
- and
- an array of optical elements each aligned with a corresponding one of the clusters of photosites and arranged to intercept light directed toward the photosites of the corresponding cluster.
An image sensing method, comprising:
- dividing light into an array of light beams;
- sensing the light beams at corresponding ones of clusters of photosites;
- generating signals from the sensed light beams;
- and
- reading the signals through sets of readout circuitry shared by respective groups of multiple ones of the photosites.
A method making an image sensor, comprising:
- forming an array of cells each comprising a respective photosite, wherein adjacent ones of the cells are arranged into respective groups of cells each sharing at least one readout circuit component and adjacent groups of cells form clusters of photosites;
- and
- forming an array of optical elements each aligned with a corresponding one of the clusters of photosites and arranged to intercept light directed toward the photosites of the corresponding ones of the clusters.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.