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US5789737A
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High dynamic range segmented pixel sensor array
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1997-01-22
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Granted: 1998-08-04
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Expires: 2017-01-22
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert A. Street
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 19:11
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F39/00; H10F39/10; H10F39/12; H10F39/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor array as defined in claim 1 wherein the distinctive responsiveness of each sensor portion comprises different sensitivities.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The sensor array as defined in claim 2 wherein the discrete sensor portions have differently sized active areas causing the different sensitivities.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor array as defined in claim 3 wherein the sensor portions have different charge saturations.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The sensor array as defined in claim 1 wherein each sensor portion bus has approximately a same capacitance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sensor array as defined in claim 5 wherein the capacitance results from a capacitor formed by a gate metal pad connected to a common voltage or ground.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor array as defined in claim 1 wherein the sensor comprises an amorphous silicon photodiode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
The sensor array as defined in claim 1 wherein the sensor portions have terminal ends in parallel connection to a switch pad of a switch wherein the switch includes means for simultaneous discharge of the sensor portions for the summed charge output by control of the read-out electronics.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
104 words
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: 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.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
104 words
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: 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.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The pixel element as claimed in claim 9 wherein the sensor consists of three of said discrete sensor regions, said three comprising approximately 50%, 25% and 10% of the fill factor, respectively.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-03 | 2002-02-02 | 2002-08-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-03 | 2006-02-02 | 2006-08-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-03 | 2010-02-02 | 2010-08-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |