US 6,556,244 B1 · Active pixel sensor with electronic shutter

Abstract

An active pixel sensor (APS) with an electronic shutter is provided that performs an auto exposure function so that all pixels have substantially equal photosensitive time by controlling a photo-electric charge that is generated in accordance with light transmitted to a photo-diode. The APS includes a switching unit that throughputs the photo-electric charge for a prescribed time based on an externally inputted shutter control signal, and an electric charge storing unit that stores the photo-electric-charge from the switching unit for the prescribed time. The electric charge storing unit outputs the stored photo-electric charge to an electric charge amplifying and outputting unit based on an externally inputted electric charge resetting signal. The APS provides uniform screen brightness for a display apparatus by allowing all pixels to use a substantially identical photosensitive (e.g., exposure) time.

Claims13

Dependent claims

An active pixel sensor comprising:

a sensor that generates a charge;
a first transistor that discharges the sensor based on a first signal;
a second transistor that receives and amplifies the charge;
a third transistor that outputs the amplified charge from the second transistor in accordance with a second signal;
a fourth transistor coupled to.the sensor that passes the charge based on a third signal;
and
a fifth transistor that receives a fourth signal and is respectively coupled to the fourth transistor and the second transistor, wherein the fifth transistor receives and stores the charge passed from the sensor through the fourth transistor, and wherein the fifth transistor outputs the stored charge to the second transistor based on the fourth signal, wherein the second transistor has a first electrode coupled to a second prescribed voltage, and a control electrode coupled to the second electrodes of the fourth and fifth transistors.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Active pixel sensor with electronic shutter

Life of this patent

Active pixel sensor with electronic shutter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13