Patent ID: 8169517
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: H03M,H04N

Abstract:
1. Method of converting analog pixel values from an array of pixels to a digital video signal, said array comprising a plurality of columns and at least one row, each column having at least one pixel therein, and each column providing a respective pixel value; the method comprising providing a series of counts to a digital to analog converter (DAC) to generate a corresponding ramp output signal; providing clock signals to a plurality of digital counter/latch/shift register elements each associated with a respective one of said columns; for each of said columns, comparing the respective column pixel value with said ramp output signal, and gating the respective digital counter/latch/shift register element based on the comparison thereof; transferring contents of said digital counter/latch/shift register elements to a video output to produce the digital video signal; and resetting the at least one pixel to produce a black level offset value, the digital counter/latch/shift register element first counting in a first direction a predetermined plurality of times to reach an oversampled black level offset value, then generating a charge on the at least one pixel for a given integration time, to provide a corresponding pixel video level for said column, and the digital counter/latch/shift register element counting in a second direction for said predetermined number of times to generate an oversampled video value that is compensated for the black level offset of said column.