US 9,040,894 B2 · Imager with column readout

Abstract

An array (31) comprising a plurality of pixels (Pi,j) for detecting radiation, the pixels (Pi,j) being arranged in rows and columns is typically arranged for reading out pixel information on a row-by-row basis. According to the present invention, the array (31) is furthermore provided with selectable means for moving pixel information of a first set (35) of pixels of different rows, e.g. of a particular column, of the array, the first set (35) of pixels (Pi,j) comprising a number of pixels (Pi,j) larger than one, into information present on a number of columns of the array equal to the number of pixels (Pi,j) in the first set (35). This way, pixel information on a plurality of pixels of different rows, e.g. of a same column, can be read out simultaneously.

Claims11

Dependent claims

An array comprising a plurality of pixels for detecting radiation, the pixels being logically arranged in rows and columns, the array being adapted for reading out pixel values on a row-by-row basis,

characterized in that:
the array comprises a first set of pixels located on different rows of the array, the first set of pixels comprising a number of pixels larger than one;
each pixel in the first set of pixels comprising a switchable datapath for transferring its pixel information onto a horizontal row bus line;
each pixel in the first set of pixels being associated with another pixel located on the same row but in a different column, the another pixel being adapted for putting the pixel information present on the horizontal row bus line on a column-line associated with the another pixel;
wherein the another pixels for the plurality of pixels of the first set are selected so as to be all arranged on different columns.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Imager with column readout

Life of this patent

Imager with column readout

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11