High dynamic range segmented pixel sensor array
First Claim
1. An image sensor array comprised of a plurality of high dynamic range sensors disposed as matrix addressable pixel elements each associated with a gate line, a data line and a bias voltage line,wherein each of the pixel elements comprises an amorphous silicon sensor segregated into a plurality of discrete sensor portions, each portion having a distinctive responsiveness to incident illumination, wherein the portions are in common communication with the data line for generating a summed charge output representative of the illumination;
- and,read-out electronics for selectively addressing the data line and generating an electrical signal representative of the illumination.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A photodiode sensor for use as a pixel element of a sensor array includes the sensor area segmented into a plurality of discrete portions. Each discrete portion has a distinctive responsiveness to incident illumination, either with regard to capacitance or sensitivity. The portions are in common communication with a data line for generating a sum charged output representative of the illumination on the cumulative sensor portions. Since the dynamic range of the cumulative discrete portions is greater than any single one sensor portion, a wider dynamic range for sensor operability is achieved.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. An image sensor array comprised of a plurality of high dynamic range sensors disposed as matrix addressable pixel elements each associated with a gate line, a data line and a bias voltage line,
wherein each of the pixel elements comprises an amorphous silicon sensor segregated into a plurality of discrete sensor portions, each portion having a distinctive responsiveness to incident illumination, wherein the portions are in common communication with the data line for generating a summed charge output representative of the illumination; - and,
read-out electronics for selectively addressing the data line and generating an electrical signal representative of the illumination. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A pixel element for use in a sensor array comprising an hydrogenated amorphous silicon sensor for integrating an accumulated charge representative of energy incident to the sensor, including:
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a plurality of discrete sensor regions comprising the sensor wherein the regions each individually consume a different percentage of available fill for a cumulative wide dynamic range, the sensor regions being in parallel connection to a single discharge switch for simultaneous discharge of integrated charge; and
,a capacitor formed between a one of the sensor regions and a metallization line of the element for increasing a capacitance of the one region beyond an inherent region capacitance. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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Specification