Patent ID: 8283618
Filing Date: 2012-10-09
Classification: G01J,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for reading electrical charges produced by a photo-detector of a photo-detector matrix by integrating said charges during an integration period, thereby producing an output voltage, and reading the output voltage, said method comprising: collecting and storing said charges in a first capacitive element during the integration period; transferring the charges stored in the first capacitive element during the integration period to a second capacitive element; and reading the output voltage at the terminals of the second capacitive element, wherein the transfer of the charges stored in the first capacitive element during the integration period is carried out in at least two phases: at least one first phase taking place during the collection and storage of the charges in the first capacitive element; and a second phase taking place at the end of the collection and storage of the electrical charges in the first capacitive element, and wherein said step of reading the voltage at the terminals of the second capacitive element results from each transfer of the charges during the integration period, thereby providing for the integration period at least one intermediate voltage in addition to the output voltage.