Patent ID: 8723975
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: H01L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for capturing high-dynamic-range image data with an image pixel, wherein the image pixel comprises a photosensor, a first charge storage region, a second charge storage region, a charge readout circuit coupled between the second charge storage region and an output line, a first transistor coupled between the photosensor and the first charge storage region, and a second transistor coupled between the first charge storage region and the second charge storage region, the method comprising: accumulating a first amount of charge with the photosensor; transferring the first amount of charge from the photosensor to the second charge storage region using the first and second transistors; while the first amount of charge is stored on the second charge storage region, accumulating a second amount of charge with the photosensor; and while the first amount of charge is stored on the second charge storage region, transferring the second amount of charge from the photosensor to the first charge storage region with the first transistor without disturbing the first amount of charge stored on the second charge storage region, wherein accumulating the first amount of charge comprises accumulating charge for a first time period, wherein accumulating the second amount of charge comprises accumulating charge for a second time period, and wherein the first time period is shorter than the second time period, and wherein accumulating the charge for the second time period comprises: