Imaging Device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An imaging device comprising an array of pixels in which, for each pixel, there is provided:
- a sensor which is sensitive to a variable quantity to be imaged and for outputting a signal representative of the variation in said quantity during a monitoring period;
a comparator having a first input and a second input;
means for connecting the output of said sensor to said first input in such a way that said comparator continuously monitors said output signal; and
means for applying a reference voltage to said second input;
said comparator being such as to change its output state at the point in time at which the amplitude of said output signal crosses said reference voltage level.
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Abstract
An imaging device comprising an array of pixels fabricated using a microelectronic technology such as CMOS is disclosed. The imaging device provides information regarding rapid increases in incident radiation. The sensor is sensitive to a variable quantity to be imaged, such as visible or non-visible radiation, and a signal representative of the quantity is output. The quantity is measured over a monitoring period, and the timing of the incidence may also be output.
27 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An imaging device comprising an array of pixels in which, for each pixel, there is provided:
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a sensor which is sensitive to a variable quantity to be imaged and for outputting a signal representative of the variation in said quantity during a monitoring period; a comparator having a first input and a second input; means for connecting the output of said sensor to said first input in such a way that said comparator continuously monitors said output signal; and means for applying a reference voltage to said second input; said comparator being such as to change its output state at the point in time at which the amplitude of said output signal crosses said reference voltage level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification