IMAGE SENSORS WITH DARK PIXELS FOR REAL-TIME VERIFICATION OF IMAGING SYSTEMS

摘要

An imaging system may include an array of image pixels. The array of image pixels may be provided with one or more rows and columns of optically shielded dark image pixels. The dark image pixels may be used to produce verification image data that follows the same pixel-to-output data path of light-receiving pixels. The output signals from dark pixels may be continuously or intermittently compared with a set of expected output signals to verify that the imaging system is functioning properly. In some arrangements, verification image data may include a current frame number that is encoded into the dark pixels. The encoded current frame number may be compared with an expected current frame number. In other arrangements, dark pixels may be configured to have a predetermined pattern of conversion gain levels. The output signals may be compared with a “golden” image or other predetermined set of expected output signals.

主权项

1. An image sensor, comprising:
an array of image pixels having a plurality of light-receiving image pixels and a plurality of dark image pixels that are optically shielded, wherein each dark image pixel has a floating diffusion capacitance, wherein the floating diffusion capacitance of each dark image pixel is set to a predetermined level, and wherein the predetermined level of floating diffusion capacitance of a first dark image pixel is different than the predetermined level of floating diffusion capacitance of a second dark image pixel.