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

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 9,040,894 B2
- Document ID: US9040894B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/727,681
- Filed: 2012-12-27
- Published: 2014-07-03
- Granted: 2015-05-26
- Earliest claimed: 2011-12-27
- Assignees: Harvest Imaging bvba
- Applicants: Harvest Imaging bvba
- Inventors: Albert Theuwissen
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9040894B2

## CPC

- H10F 39/803: {Pixels having integrated switching, control, storage or amplification elements}
- H04N 25/44: by partially reading an SSIS array
- H04N 25/77: Pixel circuitry, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components
- H04N 25/779: Circuitry for scanning or addressing the pixel array
- H10F 39/811: {Interconnections}
- H10F: INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION

## 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.

## Claims

### Claim 1

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.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

An array according to claim 1, wherein the first set of pixels comprises a plurality of pixels of one column of the array.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

An array according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal row bus is a horizontal reset line.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

An array according to claim 1, wherein the other pixel is provided with a switchable path for connecting between the row bus and the column bus with which the other pixel is associated.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

An array according to claim 4, wherein the switchable path is provided with a switch.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

An array according to claim 1, wherein the first set of pixels comprises focus pixels.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

An imager comprising an array of pixels according to claim 1.

### Claim 8

A method for transferring pixel information of a first set of pixels arranged on at least two different rows of an array of pixels, the pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels being logically arranged in rows and columns, each pixel in the first set of pixels being associated to a row bus line and to another pixel located on the same row but in a different column;
the method comprising the steps of:
transferring the pixel information of each of the pixels of the first set onto a corresponding row bus line, and
transferring the pixel information present on the row bus lines to the column lines of the another pixels associated with the pixels of the first set for simultaneous readout.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

A method according to claim 8, wherein transferring the pixel information onto a row bus line comprises transferring the pixel information onto a reset line.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

A method according to claim 8, wherein transferring pixel information on the row bus lines onto respective column lines includes closing a selectable path between the row bus lines and the column lines.

### Claim 11 (depends on 8)

A method according to claim 8, furthermore comprising simultaneously reading out the pixel information of each of the pixels of the first set.