Architecture for analog and digital image sensor arrays
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsJagdish C. Tandon, Scott L. Tewinkle, David J. Metcalfe, YungRan Choi, Richard B. Eaton
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Abstract
Sensor array architectures for both analog and digital sensor arrays adapted for single chip applications or abutment with other like arrays to form a composite scanning array, the architecture providing a sensor array in which the array video signal processing circuits, clock circuits, etc. are integrated onto the same chip as the sensor array itself and dark reference sensors are located in-line or apart from the image scanning sensors to avoid gaps in the scan line when several sensor arrays are assembled together.
Claims23
A sensor array adapted for single chip applications or for end-to-end abutment with like sensor arrays to form a longer uninterrupted image scanning array for scanning images and converting said images to pixels while providing dark reference signals for array control purposes, comprising, in combination:
- a) a substrate;
- b) a first relatively long linear row of photosites integral with said substrate for scanning an image line and providing analog video signals representative to the images scanned;
- c) a second relatively short linear row of photosites integral with said substrate providing dark reference signals;
- said second row being located within the boundaries of said first row to enable end-to-end abutment of said sensor array with other like sensor arrays while providing dark reference signals without using photosites in said first row whereby to avoid gaps in said longer uninterrupted image scanning array;
- and
- d) circuit means integrated onto said substrate for processing said analog video signals to provide said pixels.
A unitary sensor array adapted for single chip application or end-to-end abutment with like sensor arrays to form an uninterrupted composite image scanning array, said sensor array scanning images and converting said images to image signals, comprising in combination:
- a) a substrate;
- b) a relatively long linear array of photosites integral with said substrate providing analog image signals representative of the image scanned;
- and
- c) analog circuit means integrated onto said substate for processing said signals to provide a pixel output including
- 1) a first circuit for offsetting said signals to reduce non-uniformity between said signals;
- 2) a second circuit for adjusting signal gain to a preset level;
- 3) a third circuit for sampling and holding the signal sample;
- and
- 4) a fourth circuit for inputting a predetermined DC carrier voltage to said signals;
- said first, second, third, and fourth circuit cooperating to provide said pixel output.
A unitary sensor array adapted to end-to-end abutment with like sensor arrays to form an uninterrupted composite image scanning array for scanning images and converting said images to image signals, comprising in combination:
- a) a substrate;
- b) a relatively long linear array of photosites integral with said substrate providing analog image signals representative of the image scanned;
- and
- c) analog circuit means integrated onto said substrate for processing said signals to provide a pixel output including
- 1) a first circuit for offsetting said signals to reduce non-uniformity between said signals;
- 2) a second circuit for inputting a predetermined DC carrier voltage to said signals;
- 3) a third circuit for adjusting signal gain to a present level;
- and
- 4) a fourth circuit for sampling and holding the signal sample;
- said first, second, third, and fourth circuits cooperating to provide said pixel output.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.