Patent ID: 7436442
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image sensor comprising: a plurality of image sensor pixels to provide a plurality of respective reset and signal voltages; and a noise reduction circuit, said noise reduction circuit being adapted to receive a first amplified image signal formed of first reset and signal voltages and a second amplified image signal formed of second reset and signal voltages, and being adapted to output a combination of said first and second amplified image signals at a first time, and said noise reduction circuit being adapted to receive a third amplified image signal formed of third reset and signal voltages and being adapted to output a combination of said second and third amplified image signals at a subsequent time; wherein said noise reduction circuit includes a first fixed pattern noise reduction circuit, having a first capacitor element to store a difference between said first reset and signal voltages and a second capacitor element to store a difference between said second reset and signal voltages, and a second fixed pattern noise reduction circuit, having a third capacitor element to store said difference between said second reset and signal voltages and a fourth capacitor element to store a difference between said third reset and signal voltages; wherein said combination of said first and second amplified image signals includes a combination of said difference between said first reset and signal voltages and said difference between said second reset and signal voltages; and wherein said combination of said second and third amplified image signals includes a combination of said difference between said second reset and signal voltages and said difference between said third reset and signal voltages.