The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 12, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 29, 2000
Xingping He, San Jose, CA (US);
Tiemin Zhao, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Omnivision Technologies, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
An improved pixel structure for a logarithm response image sensor. The pixel structure and read-out sequence provides a method to get a signal free from offsets and gain mismatch due to nonuniformities in the device parameters. An additional transistor is added to a basic logarithmic response pixel structure in order to provide a means for producing a calibration signal level. The calibration transistor is either coupled within the pixel structure itself, or to an extra column line that is coupled to a voltage source. The calibration transistor is therefore not coupled to an extra column line with a calibration current source, and therefore does not have the additional circuitry, power consumption, or control issues associated with a calibration current source type method.