| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 348245000 | Using dummy pixels | 6 |
| 20090109305 | One-step black level calibration for image sensors - Embodiments of a process comprising receiving a plurality of offset analog signals, each corresponding to one of a plurality of black pixels in a pixel array; obtaining a corresponding digital value for each offset analog signal; computing an average of the digital values; and computing a black-level offset that, if applied to the digital values, would make the average of the digital values equal to a target value. Also disclosed are embodiments of an apparatus comprising an analog-to-digital converter coupled to an analog channel to receive offset analog black pixel signals from the analog channel and to obtain a corresponding digital value for each offset analog signal; circuitry and logic coupled to the analog-to-digital converter to average the digital values corresponding to the black pixels and compute a black-level offset that, if applied to the digital values of the black pixels, would make the average of the digital values of the black pixels equal to a target value. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20110205405 | SHIELDING BLACK REFERENCE PIXELS IN IMAGE SENSORS - An image sensor having an array of pixel cells, each including a photo-conversion device. The array has first, second, and third groups of pixel cells. The first group of pixel cells receives light and the second and third groups are shielded from light. Each pixel cell of the second group is configured to output a black reference signal for determining a black level of the array. Each pixel cell of the third group has at least one first transistor coupled to the photo-conversion device, and each transistor coupled to the photo-conversion device has a gate coupled to a power supply voltage. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20130010164 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE AND IMAGING APPARATUS - A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel array section having an effective pixel region formed by a plurality of pixels which are disposed in the form of a matrix, each of which includes a photoelectric conversion device and a transistor reading out an electric charge obtained by photoelectric conversion at the photoelectric conversion device, and which are illuminated by light and a light-shielded pixel region formed by a plurality of pixels which are shielded from light; a row scan section selecting and controlling each row of pixels of the pixel array section to output a signal from each of the pixels of the selected row of pixels to a column signal line provided in association with the row of pixels; and an A-D conversion section converting the signal output from the signal line into a digital signal. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20160119594 | SOLID STATE IMAGING DEVICE AND IMAGING DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD THEREOF - Provided is an a imaging device that acquires a distance image excluding influence of background light in one frame scanning period and acquires a visible image in a separate frame from a single imaging sensor, and includes an infrared light source that emits infrared light, and a solid state imaging device including a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels, which respectively include vertical overflow drains, and are arranged in a matrix on a semiconductor substrate, the plurality of first pixels converting the infrared light into signal charges, and the plurality of second pixels converting visible light into signal charges. The solid state imaging device outputs a first signal obtained from the plurality of first pixels in an irradiation period of infrared light, and a second signal obtained from the plurality of first pixels in a non-irradiation period of infrared light, in a first frame scanning period, and outputs a third signal obtained from the plurality of first pixels and a fourth signal obtained from the plurality of second pixels, in a second frame scanning period. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160198114 | Layout and Timing Schemes for Ping-Pong Readout Architecture | 07-07-2016 |
| 20190149755 | SIGNAL PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGING DEVICE, AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD | 05-16-2019 |
