Patent ID: 9729806
Date: 2017-08-08
CPC Classifications: H04N

Claim:
1. A method of gathering image data using an image pixel array, wherein the image pixel array has first, second, third, and fourth pixels arranged consecutively in a line, wherein the second and third pixels are interposed between the first and fourth pixels, wherein the first and second pixels are covered by a first microlens, wherein the third and fourth pixels are covered by a second microlens, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth pixels have respective first, second, third, and fourth photosensitive regions, and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth pixels have respective transfer transistors and respective reset transistors interposed between the respective photosensitive region and a respective bias voltage supply line, the method comprising: with the first, second, third, and fourth photosensitive regions, generating charge in response to incoming light during an integration period; during the integration period, asserting the respective transfer transistor and the respective reset transistor of the second and third pixels to electrically connect each of the second and third photosensitive regions to the respective bias voltage supply line so that charge generated in the second and third photosensitive regions is drained to the respective bias voltage supply line; and during the integration period and while asserting the respective transfer transistor and the respective reset transistor of the second and third pixels, deasserting the respective transfer transistor and the respective reset transistor of the first and fourth pixels.