Patent ID: 6580455
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
In an image detection system including an image sensing array of photosensor cells, a row decoder coupled to the cells by row address lines, and output processing means coupled to the cells by column bit lines for processing image data read out from the image sensing array, an improved image sensing array comprising:a semiconductive substrate having formed therein an array of discrete substrate areas organized in rows and columns, said array of areas being segmented into a plurality of blocks of said areas, each said block including a sub-array of said areas, at least one of said rows of each said block having at least one reader cell formed in an area thereof, the remaining rows of the block having photosensor cells formed in each area thereof, each column of each said block forming a column block including a plurality of said photosensor cells, and an associated node line communicatively coupling each said photosensor cell of the column block to an associated reader cell; a plurality of said row address lines formed on said substrate, each said row address line being communicatively coupled to each photosensor cell in a particular row of said array; a plurality of said column bit lines formed on said substrate, each said column bit line being communicatively coupled to at least one reader cell associated with a corresponding column block of said array; and a plurality of block select lines formed on said substrate, each said block select line being coupled to each reader cell in a particular row of said array containing reader cells, whereby in response to row select and block select inputs to said row address lines and said block select lines respectively, image data captured by each said photosensor cell is read out into said processing means, the image data captured by said photosensor cells in a particular column block being communicated to an associated column bit line through the reader cell associated therewith.