Patent ID: 8085327
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image sensor, comprising: a plurality of image elements configured to provide associated image element signals which are dependent on light intensities incident on the image elements; an accumulation circuit comprising a plurality of charge storage elements, wherein the accumulation circuit is configured to change charges on the charge storage elements during a phase in dependence on the image element signals of respectively associated image elements and wherein the accumulation circuit is configured to change an association between charge storage elements and associated image elements in successive phases in such a way that a charge on one of the charge storage elements depends on image element signals of plural image elements in a plurality of phases; wherein the image elements are coupled to a column line via respective switches, wherein the image elements comprise a reset switch for resetting to a reset state, wherein the accumulation circuit comprises an operational amplifier, wherein an inverting input of the operational amplifier is electrically effectively coupled to the column line via a storage capacitor, wherein the accumulation circuit comprises a feedback-path switch configured to couple the inverting input of the operational amplifier to the output of the operational amplifier in dependence on a feedback-path switch control signal, wherein the accumulation circuit comprises a first switchable accumulation capacitor switchable between the inverting input of the operational amplifier and the output of the operational amplifier in dependence on a first accumulation capacitor control signal via a first accumulation capacitor switch, wherein the accumulation circuit comprises a second switchable accumulation capacitor switchable between the inverting input of the operational amplifier and the output of the operational amplifier in dependence on a second accumulation capacitor control signal via a second accumulation capacitor switch, and wherein the accumulation circuit comprises a third switchable accumulation capacitor switchable between the inverting input of the operational amplifier and the output of the operational amplifier in dependence on a third accumulation capacitor control signal via a third accumulation capacitor switch and wherein a non-inverting input of the operational amplifier is coupled to a pre-given potential.