Image sensor using dynamic random access memory
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A solid state image sensor comprising:
- (a) a dynamic random access memory system having one or more arrays of dynamic random access memory cells adapted to have at least two data states, said memory cells including one or more MOSFETs, one or more sense amplifiers for comparing the data states of the memory cells to a threshold value, a dummy-cell-capacitor free threshold generator for providing a relatively light-stable threshold value to the one or more sense amplifiers, means for refreshing the memory cells to restore the data states, and means coupled to the one or more sense amplifiers for writing out an indication of the data states of the memory cells; and
(b) one or more lenses for directing and focusing a light image onto said dynamic random access memory cells thereby to alter the data states of the memory cells in response to the light image.
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Abstract
A new and improved solid-state image sensor uses a dynamic random access memory as the light sensitive element. The dynamic random access memory is mounted in a semiconductor package having a transparent lid, and one or more lenses focuses the light image onto the dynamic random access memory. A recording device or a display unit is provided. The new and improved solid-state sensor is particularly useful in low-cost applications, such as robots and toys.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A solid state image sensor comprising:
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(a) a dynamic random access memory system having one or more arrays of dynamic random access memory cells adapted to have at least two data states, said memory cells including one or more MOSFETs, one or more sense amplifiers for comparing the data states of the memory cells to a threshold value, a dummy-cell-capacitor free threshold generator for providing a relatively light-stable threshold value to the one or more sense amplifiers, means for refreshing the memory cells to restore the data states, and means coupled to the one or more sense amplifiers for writing out an indication of the data states of the memory cells; and (b) one or more lenses for directing and focusing a light image onto said dynamic random access memory cells thereby to alter the data states of the memory cells in response to the light image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An image recorder comprising:
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(a) a dynamic random access memory system having one or more arrays of dynamic random access memory cells adapted to have at least two data states, one or more sense amplifiers for comparing the data states of the memory cells to a threshold value, a dummy-cell capacitor free threshold generator for providing a relatively light-stable threshold value to the one or more sense amplifiers, means for refreshing the memory cells to restore the data states, and means coupled to the one or more sense amplifiers for writing out an indication of the data states of the memory cells; (b) one or more lenses for directing a light image onto said dynamic random access memory cells thereby to alter the data states of the memory cells in response to the light image; and (c) means coupled to the dynamic random access memory system for recording the data state indications thereby recording a replica of said visual image.
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8. A camera for reproducing a light image comprising:
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(a) a dynamic random access memory system having one or more arrays of dynamic random access memory cells adapted to have at least two data states, one or more sense amplifiers for comparing the data states of the memory cells to a threshold value, a dummy-cell capacitor free threshold generator for providing a relatively light-stable threshold value to the one or more sense amplifiers, means for refreshing the memory cells to restore the data states, and means coupled to the one or more sense amplifiers for writing out an indication of the data states of the memory cells; and (b) one or more lenses for directing a light image onto said dynamic random access memory cells thereby to alter the data states of the memory cells in response to the light image; and (c) means coupled to the dynamic random access memory system for optically displaying a reproduction of said light image.
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9. A light controlled robot comprising:
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(a) a body; (b) a solid-state sensor supported on said body; (c) means for moving said body in response to operation of said solid state sensor;
wherein said solid state sensor includes;(i) a dynamic random access memory system having one or more arrays of dynamic random access memory cells adapted to have at least two data states, one or more sense amplifiers for comparing the data states of the memory cells to a threshold value, a dummy-cell capacitor free threshold generator for providing a relatively light-stable threshold value to the one or more sense amplifiers, means for refreshing the memory cells to restore the data states, and means coupled to the one or more sense amplifiers for writing out an indication of the data states of the memory cells; and (ii) one or more lenses for directing a light image onto said dynamic random access memory cells thereby to alter the data states of the memory cells in response to the light image. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. A solid state image sensor comprising:
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(a) a dynamic random access memory system having one or more arrays of dynamic random access memory cells adapted to have at least two data states, one or more sense amplifiers for comparing the data states of the memory cells to a threshold value, a dummy-cell-capacitor free threshold generator for providing a relatively light-stable threshold value to the one or more sense amplifiers, said threshold generator including a voltage divider circuit which eliminates the need for the capacitance of a memory cell, means for refreshing the memory cells to restore the data states, and means coupled to the one or more sense amplifiers for writing out an indication of the data states of the memory cells; and (b) one or more lenses for directing and focusing a light image onto said dynamic random access memory cells thereby to alter the data states of the memory cells in response to the light image.
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Specification