Method for automated testing of the modulation transfer function in image sensors
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for testing a modulation transfer function of an imager comprising photosensitive cells, the apparatus comprising:
- an opaque material permanently blocking a plurality of rows and columns of photosensitive cells; and
an opening in the opaque material, wherein an edge of said opening is aligned between a row or column of image-acquisition photosensitive cells of the imager and a respective adjacent row or column of the photosensitive cells permanently blocked by the opaque material.
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Abstract
A method for automatically measuring the modulation transfer function of an imager is disclosed. A opaque mask is placed over selected columns and rows of the imager during fabrication. In the course of an automated process, photons are uniformly shone over the image sensor. The amount of the input signal that flows from the unmasked pixel cells to the masked pixel cells can then be measured and the modulation transfer function can be determined.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus for testing a modulation transfer function of an imager comprising photosensitive cells, the apparatus comprising:
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an opaque material permanently blocking a plurality of rows and columns of photosensitive cells; and an opening in the opaque material, wherein an edge of said opening is aligned between a row or column of image-acquisition photosensitive cells of the imager and a respective adjacent row or column of the photosensitive cells permanently blocked by the opaque material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An imager comprising:
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an array of pixel cells arranged in a plurality of rows and columns; an opaque material permanently formed over a plurality of rows and columns, the opaque material having an opening, wherein an edge of said opening is aligned between a row or column of image-acquisition pixel cells and a respective adjacent row or column of pixel cells residing below the opaque material; and a circuit configured to calculate a modulation transfer function for the imager. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. An imager comprising:
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an array of pixel cells arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, the array of pixel cells comprising a first and second array section; an opaque material permanently formed on at least a portion of the second array section, the opaque material having a window where an edge of said window is aligned between a row or column of first-section pixel cells and a respective adjacent row or column of second-section pixel cells under the opaque material; and a circuit configured to calculate a modulation transfer function of the imager. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification