Eclipse elimination by monitoring the pixel signal level

摘要

An anti-eclipse circuit for an imaging sensor monitors the photo signal level output by a pixel to determine whether the photo signal corresponds to the pixel being operated at a saturated state. If so, there is a risk that the pixel may be susceptible to an eclipse distortion. When the pixel is detected as being operated in a saturated state, the anti-eclipse circuit pulls up the reset signal level previously stored in a sample and hold circuit to an appropriate voltage level in order to prevent an eclipse distortion from arising.

主权项

1. An anti-eclipse circuit for an imager, comprising:
a signal storing circuit connected to a column line and for storing a reset signal in a first storage element at a first time and for storing a photo signal in a second storage element at a second time, said signal storing circuit comprising: a replacement circuit for increasing a level of said stored reset signal in the first storage element when a voltage level of said photo signal, as detected on said column line, is less than a predetermined threshold.