Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Photocell controlled circuit
Reexamination Certificate
2005-07-12
2005-07-12
Luu, Thanh X. (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Photocell controlled circuit
C348S302000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06917029
ABSTRACT:
Pixel structures and a read-out method of pixels are disclosed. The pixel structures and the read-out method improve the image quality of imaging devices or imaging sensors based on such pixels. A pixel comprises in a parallel circuit configuration a radiation sensitive element and an adjustable current source, said current source being adapted for delivering a high current. A 4-transistor pixel structure is also disclosed. A method of obtaining a calibrated read-out signal of a pixel having at least a photosensitive element and a current source comprise a number of steps. A photocurrent generated on the pixel added to a current generated by a current source in parallel with the photosensitive element is read to obtain a first signal. The pixel is also read with the current source off to obtain a second signal. The first signal is subtracted from the second signal, and the resulting signal is amplified to obtain the read-out signal.
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Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Luu Thanh X.
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