Method and apparatus for calibrating multi-element sensors

An apparatus for calibrating multi-element sensor, comprising:

• a plurality of photosensors arrayed in a line;
• a CCD register means arranged along said plurality of photosensors for receiving image signals from said plurality of photosensors, said CCD register means having a plurality of stages corresponding to said plurality of photosensors;
• a transfer gate disposed between said plurality of photosensors and said CCD register means for allowing transfer of said image signal from said plurality of photosensors to said CCD register means;
• an input drain coupled to said CCD register means for inputting a calibration signal into said CCD register means;
• a means for generating said calibrating signal having a predetermined level;
• and
• control means for controlling said CCD register means, said transfer gate and said input drain such that said calibration signal is inputted into said CCD register means when a predetermined time period elapses after said image signals are transferred through said CCD register means.

A method for calibrating a multi-element sensing apparatus having a plurality of photosensors, a register coupled to said plurality of photosensors and having a plurality of storage elements in one to one correspondence to said plurality of photosensors, a transfer gate coupled to said plurality of photosensors and to said register, and an input drain coupled to said register, said method comprising the steps of:

• enabling said transfer gate;
• transferring image signals from said plurality of photosensors to said register means in response to said enablement of said transfer gate;
• disabling said transfer gate after said transfer of said image signals to said register;
• outputting said image signals from said register after said transfer gate has been disabled;
• outputting offset signals from said register for a predetermined period of time after said outputting of said image signals has been completed;
• inputting a calibration signal in said register through said input drain after said predetermined time period has elapsed;
• and
• outputting said calibration signals from said register.

An apparatus for calibrating multi-element sensor, comprising:

• a plurality of photosensors generating image signals;
• a CCD register coupled to said plurality of photosensors, said CCD register having a plurality of storage elements in one to one correspondence to said plurality of photosensors, said CCD register outputting offset signals in the absence of other signals in CCD register;
• a transfer gate coupled to said plurality of photosensors and coupled to said CCD register, said transfer gate transferring said image signals from said plurality of photosensors to said CDD register;
• an input drain coupled to said CCD register, said input drain inputting calibration signals into said CCD register;
• and
• a controller coupled to said CCD register, said transfer gate and said input drain, said controller controlling said CCD register, said transfer gate and said input drain such that said CCD register sequentially outputs said image signals said offset signals and said calibration signals.