Patent ID: 7456887
Filing Date: 2008-11-25
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for implementing a soft reset in an active pixel sensor, the active pixel sensor including a sensor which produces a sensor potential and a reset transistor coupled to the sensor, the method comprising: (a) determining a selected critical level according to the critical potential at which the reset transistor will be on when the soft reset function begins; (b) pulling down the sensor potential below the selected critical level before the soft reset function is performed; and (c) implementing the soft reset function to reset the sensor potential to a selected reset level, wherein the sensor is coupled through a plurality of transistors to a bit line, and the bit line is used to pull down the sensor potential; wherein a loading transistor is coupled to the bit line, and a voltage potential on the bit line is pulled down by increasing bias on the loading transistor; and wherein a pull-up transistor is coupled to a gate of the loading transistor, and the pull-up transistor is used to increase the bias on the loading transistor.