Correction of non-uniform sensitivity in an image array
First Claim
1. An imager device, comprising:
- a pixel array; and
a programmable sensitivity correction unit coupled to said pixel array for correcting sensitivity of at least one pixel in said pixel array, and wherein said sensitivity correction unit is configured to be used with more than one type of lens useable with said pixel array.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved non-uniform sensitivity correction algorithm for use in an imager device (e.g., a CMOS APS). The algorithm provides zones having flexible boundaries which can be reconfigured depending upon the type of lens being used in a given application. Each pixel within each zone is multiplied by a correction factor dependent upon the particular zone while the pixel is being read out from the array. The amount of sensitivity adjustment required for a given pixel depends on the type of lens being used, and the same correction unit can be used with multiple lenses where the zone boundaries and the correction factors are adjusted for each lens. In addition, the algorithm makes adjustments to the zone boundaries based upon a misalignment between the centers of the lens being used and the APS array.
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Citations
57 Claims
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1. An imager device, comprising:
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a pixel array; and
a programmable sensitivity correction unit coupled to said pixel array for correcting sensitivity of at least one pixel in said pixel array, and wherein said sensitivity correction unit is configured to be used with more than one type of lens useable with said pixel array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An imager device, comprising:
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a pixel array; and
a programmable sensitivity correction unit coupled to said pixel array for applying a correction factor to at least one pixel signal read out from said pixel array, wherein said programmable sensitivity correction unit is programmable to be used with a plurality of different lenses capable of being used with said pixel array. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method of correcting sensitivity of pixels of an imager device, the method comprising:
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determining which of a plurality of types of lenses is being used with a pixel array;
programming a sensitivity correction unit used with said pixel array to correspond to a first type of lens being used with said pixel array, wherein said first type of lens is one of a plurality of types of lenses capable of being used with said pixel array and said sensitivity correction unit; and
correcting sensitivity of at least one pixel of said pixel array. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method of correcting sensitivity of pixels of an imager device, the method comprising:
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determining which lens of a plurality of lenses capable of being used with a given pixel array is being used with said given pixel array;
programming a sensitivity correction unit for use with the lens being used with the pixel array;
reading out at least one pixel signal from a pixel array; and
applying a correction factor to at least one pixel signal read out from said pixel array. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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32. A method of forming an imager device, the method comprising:
coupling a programmable sensitivity correction unit to a pixel array for correcting sensitivity of at least one pixel in said pixel array, wherein said sensitivity correction unit is configured to be used with more than one type of lens useable with said pixel array. - View Dependent Claims (33)
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34. A semiconductor chip, comprising:
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a pixel array; and
a programmable sensitivity correction unit coupled to said pixel array for correcting sensitivity of at least one pixel in said pixel array, and wherein said sensitivity correction unit is configured to be used with more than one type of lens useable with said pixel array. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46. A processor system, comprising:
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a processor;
an imager device coupled to said processor, said imager device comprising;
a pixel array; and
a programmable sensitivity correction unit coupled to said pixel array for correcting sensitivity of at least one pixel in said pixel array, and wherein said sensitivity correction unit is configured to be used with more than one type of lens useable with said pixel array. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
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Specification