US5936866A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Light-detection system with programmable offset current
Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
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Filing: 1996-09-03
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Granted: 1999-08-10
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Expires: 2016-09-03
Abstract
Abstract A photoelectric semiconductor light-detection system with programmable dynamic performance includes a semiconductor photocell, preferably a photodiode, by which the impinging light intensity can be converted into a proportional photoelectric current. The drain of a first MOS FET of corresponding channel-type operated to saturation is coupled to the semiconductor photocell, e.g., the cathode or anode of the photodiode, and its source is maintained at a constant potential. A second MOS FET applies a predetermined variable charge amount to the gate of the first MOS FET. A capacitor is provided at the gate of the first MOS FET. The difference between the offset current and the photoelectric current can be integrated by an integration device. A third MOS FET can be operated as a switch to read the integration device and to reset it at a given value.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Seitz
- 👤 Oliver Vietze
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:18
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J1/00; G01J1/42; G01J1/44; H; H04; H04N; H04N25/00; H04N25/50; H04N25/57; H04N25/571; H04N25/573; H04N23/00; H04N23/20; H10; H10F; H10F39/00; H10F39/10; H10F39/12; H10F39/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A photoelectric semiconductor light-detection device having a high dynamic range by virtue of a programmable offset signal, comprising: a semiconductor photocell, by which light intensity incident on it can be converted into a proportional photocurrent, a first MOS field-effect transistor (2) of the corresponding channel type operated in saturation, the drain of the first MOS field-effect transistor coupled to the semiconductor photocell (1) and the source kept at a constant potential, a second MOS field-effect transistor (5), by which a predetermined variable quantity of charge can be applied to the gate of the first MOS field-effect transistor (2) to produce an offset current from the first MOS field-effect transistor, a capacitor (4) provided at the gate (3) of the first MOS field-effect transistor (2), an integration device, to integrate the difference between said offset current and the photocurrent, and a third MOS field-effect transistor (8) which can be operated as a switch, and using which the integration device can be read and reset to a specific value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A photoelectric semiconductor light-detection device having a high dynamic range by virtue of a programmable offset signal, comprising: a semiconductor photocell, by which light intensity incident on it can be converted into a proportional photocurrent, a first MOS field-effect transistor (2) of the corresponding channel type operated in saturation, the drain of the first MOS field-effect transistor coupled to the semiconductor photocell (1) and the source kept at a constant potential, a second MOS field-effect transistor (5), by which a predetermined variable quantity of charge can be applied to the gate of the first MOS field-effect transistor (2) to produce an offset current from the first MOS field-effect transistor, a capacitor (4) provided at the gate (3) of the first MOS field-effect transistor (2), an integration device, to integrate the difference between said offset current and the photocurrent, and a third MOS field-effect transistor (8) which can be operated as a switch, and using which the integration device can be read and reset to a specific value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor photocell is a photodiode (1) whose cathode or anode is connected, depending on the channel type of the first MOS field-effect transistor, to the drain of the latter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the capacitor (4) provided at the gate (3) of the first MOS field-effect transistor (2) is an integrated capacitor with direct connection to the second MOS field-effect transistor (5).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the capacitor (4) provided at the gate (3) of the first MOS field-effect transistor (2) is a floating gate capacitor without direct electrical connection to the second MOS field-effect transistor (5).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein the difference in current is integrated on the junction capacitance of the photodiode (1) or in a charge integrator (7).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
An image sensor device, wherein the image sensor device is constructed from a one-dimensional or two-dimensional multiple arrangement of photoelectric semiconductor light-detection devices according to claim 1.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
An image sensor device according to claim 6, wherein a device is provided, using which each photoelectric semiconductor light-detection device is programmable individually,) at variable rate, with an offset current which is subtracted during the light detection.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An image sensor device according to claim 6, wherein all the photoelectric semiconductor light-detection devices are programmable with the same offset current.
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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) | 2002-08-09 | 2003-02-08 | 2003-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-08-09 | 2007-02-08 | 2007-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-08-09 | 2011-02-08 | 2011-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |