PIXEL ARRAY
First Claim
1. A pixel array for imaging comprising an array of pixels of a first pixel type and a second pixel type, wherein:
- each pixel of the first pixel type comprises a first photo-sensitive element having a first area;
each pixel of the second pixel type comprises a second photo-sensitive element having a second area, which is smaller than the first area, and a third photo-sensitive element, wherein only the second photo-sensitive element in the pixel of the second pixel type is connected to a readout circuit, and wherein the third photo-sensitive element is connected to a charge drain via one of a permanent connection and a switchable connection.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A pixel array for imaging comprises an array of pixels of a first pixel type and a second pixel type. Each pixel of the first pixel type comprises a first photo-sensitive element having a first area. Each pixel of the second pixel type comprises a second photo-sensitive element and a third photo-sensitive element. The second photo-sensitive element has a second area, which is smaller than the first area. Only the second photo-sensitive element in the pixel of the second pixel type is connected to a readout circuit. The third photo-sensitive element is connected to a charge drain via a permanent connection or a switchable connection. Outputs of the second photo-sensitive elements can be used to perform phase detect autofocussing.
38 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A pixel array for imaging comprising an array of pixels of a first pixel type and a second pixel type, wherein:
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each pixel of the first pixel type comprises a first photo-sensitive element having a first area; each pixel of the second pixel type comprises a second photo-sensitive element having a second area, which is smaller than the first area, and a third photo-sensitive element, wherein only the second photo-sensitive element in the pixel of the second pixel type is connected to a readout circuit, and wherein the third photo-sensitive element is connected to a charge drain via one of a permanent connection and a switchable connection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of operating a pixel array for imaging comprising:
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providing an array of pixels of a first pixel type and a second pixel type, wherein each pixel of the first pixel type comprises a first photo-sensitive element having a first area, each pixel of the second pixel type comprises a second photo-sensitive element having a second area, which is smaller than the first area, and a third photo-sensitive element, wherein only the second photo-sensitive element in the pixel of the second pixel type is connected to a readout circuit, and wherein the third photo-sensitive element is connected to a charge drain via one of a permanent connection and a switchable connection; using the readout circuit to read the second photo-sensitive element; draining charges from the third photo-sensitive element without reading a signal value from the third photo-sensitive element. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification