Clipped dynamic range compression image sensing apparatus

摘要

Solid state image sensing apparatus including a readout circuit associated with each detector element. The readout circuit includes a clipping gate that operates to drain charge, from a charge storage region associated with the detector element, that is in excess of a potential barrier height of the clipping gate. The barrier height is first maintained at a lower value and then at a higher value during each frame integration period so that intensity range compression of a high level image signal is achieved, while a low level image signal is not affected by the operation of the clipping gate.