Patent ID: 9160956
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A global shutter image sensor comprising a plurality of pixel groups arranged in rows and columns, wherein each of the pixel groups includes: a plurality of pixels arranged in a associated column of said plurality of columns, each of the pixels including a photodiode, a charge storage device, and a transfer gate connected between the charge storage device and the photodiode, wherein the photodiode of each said pixel includes means for generating a captured charge in accordance with an amount of light received by said each pixel during a first phase of a global shutter operation, and wherein the charge storage device of each said pixel includes means for storing said captured charge when passed from the photodiode to the charge storage device through the transfer gate during a second phase of a global shutter operation, and wherein the charge storage devices of the plurality of pixels are series-connected such that said captured charges are sequentially transferrable from one said charge storage device to an adjacent said charge storage device and toward an end charge storage device during a rolling shutter readout operation; and a shared readout circuit disposed in said associated column at an end of said plurality of pixels, said shared readout circuit including a floating diffusion operably coupled only to the end charge storage device of said plurality of pixels in said each pixel group such that said captured charges are sequentially transferrable from the end charge storage device to said floating gate diffusion during said rolling shutter readout operation.