Photo-sensor array for motion detection

Patent 6963060 Issued on November 8, 2005. Estimated Expiration Date:

February 4, 2025. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Assignee

Microsoft Corporation

Application

No. 11049985 filed on 02/04/2005

US Classes:

250/208.1, Plural photosensitive image detecting element arrays250/214.1, Special photocell250/214R, Special photocell or electron tube circuits382/312, IMAGE SENSING382/313, Hand-held348/310, With diode in series with photocell341/155, Analog to digital conversion348/308, Including switching transistor and photocell at each pixel site (e.g., "MOS-type" image sensor)348/297, Accumulation or integration time responsive to light or signal intensity348/301Pixel amplifiers

Examiners

Primary: Porta, David P.
Assistant: Monbleau, Davienne

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.

International Class

H01L027/00

Abstract

Pixels in an array of image sensor pixels contain photo-sensors and circuits having inputs connected to the photosensors. The circuits have feedback loops for reducing fixed pattern noise in the array. Output from each pixel is used to latch a multibit counter value supplied by a global counter. Each feedback loop preferably includes a pair of alternately-toggling switching transistors to minimize unwanted charge injection. An image sensor according to the invention can be used for, e.g., motion sensing.

Other References

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