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:
Nov. 08, 2005
Filed:
Feb. 15, 2001
Katsuhito Sakurai, Machida, JP;
Toru Koizumi, Yokohama, JP;
Fumihiro Inui, Yokohama, JP;
Hiroki Hiyama, Zama, JP;
Masaru Fujimura, Astugi, JP;
Tomoko Eguchi, Atsugi, JP;
Katsuhito Sakurai, Machida, JP;
Toru Koizumi, Yokohama, JP;
Fumihiro Inui, Yokohama, JP;
Hiroki Hiyama, Zama, JP;
Masaru Fujimura, Astugi, JP;
Tomoko Eguchi, Atsugi, JP;
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
The output voltages of dark pixels and optical black (OB) pixels are different between a row including a pixel which receives strong light and another row. An image formed upon receiving a strong light spot suffers whitish bands on the right and left of the spot. To solve this problem, this invention provides an image pickup apparatus including a pixel containing a photodiode which converts a photo-signal into a signal charge and accumulates the signal charge and an amplifier transistor which amplifies the signal charge accumulated in the photodiode, and a control element adapted to limit the output of the amplifier transistor so as to prevent the output from falling to below a determined voltage.