Methods and apparatus for a multiple storage pixel imaging system
AssigneeSemiconductor Components Industries, LLC
InventorsRichard Scott JOHNSON, Richard MAURITZSON
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for a pixel array. Each pixel may include multiple storage regions capable of storing pixel signals during integration. The method and apparatus may utilize the floating diffusion region as a storage region during both an integration period and readout period. The method and apparatus may store pixel signals corresponding to a first exposure periods in the floating diffusion region and pixel signals corresponding to a second exposure periods in a separate storage region.
Claims20
A pixel array responsive to a processing circuit for transmitting control signals, comprising:
- a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel comprises:
- a photosensitive element responsive to light;
- a first transfer gate coupled to the photosensitive element, wherein the first transfer gate selectively couples the photosensitive element to a floating diffusion region during an integration period, and transfers a first charge, after a first exposure period, from the photosensitive element to the floating diffusion region in response to a first control signal;
- wherein the floating diffusion region stores the first charge during the integration period;
- and
- a second transfer gate coupled to the photosensitive element, wherein the second transfer gate selectively couples the photosensitive element to a storage region during the integration period, and transfers a second charge, after a second exposure period, from the photosensitive element to the storage region in response to a second control signal;
- wherein the storage region stores the second charge during the integration period.
A method for storing charge in an imaging device, comprising:
- during an integration period:
- generating a first charge portion with a photosensitive element during a first exposure period;
- transferring the first charge portion from the photosensitive element to a floating diffusion region via a first transfer gate;
- generating a second charge portion with the photosensitive element during a second exposure period;
- and
- transferring the second charge portion from the photosensitive element to a storage node via a second transfer gate.
An imaging system, comprising:
- a control unit, wherein the control unit transmits a control signal;
- and
- a pixel array, communicatively coupled to the control unit, comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns, wherein each pixel comprises:
- a photosensitive element responsive to light;
- a first transfer gate, coupled to the photosensitive element and responsive to a first control signal, wherein the first transfer gate transfers a first charge from the photosensitive element to a floating diffusion region after a first exposure period;
- a second transfer gate, coupled to the photosensitive element and responsive to a second control signal, wherein the second transfer gate transfers a second charge from the photosensitive element to a storage region after a second exposure period;
- a reset gate, responsive to a third control signal, wherein the reset gate resets the floating diffusion region prior to transfer of the second charge;
- and
- a third transfer gate, coupled between the storage region and the floating diffusion region and responsive to a fourth control signal, wherein the third transfer gate transfers the second charge from the storage region to the floating diffusion region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.