Patent ID: 8830334

Claim:
An imaging system comprising: a pixel array including a plurality of pixel cells arranged in a plurality of columns; a plurality of column circuitry, wherein each column of the plurality of columns is coupled to a different column circuitry of the plurality of column circuitry, the plurality of column circuitry including at least one more column than the number of pixel columns; a memory operable to store identifying information of at least one defective one of the plurality of column circuitry; and a processor operable to: access the identifying information to determine if a particular column is coupled to a defective column circuitry; shift the particular column, wherein shifting comprises coupling the particular column to a different column circuitry that is physically adjacent to the particular column; and similarly shift any columns of the plurality of columns that follow the particular column in the pixel array, wherein said shifting is always performed in one direction away from the defective column.