Patent ID: 7964929

Claim:
A pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged into a plurality of rows and columns, the array comprising: a plurality of pixel groups, each comprising: a common storage node for storing charge from a plurality of pixels; first, second, and third pixels each having a respective photosensor for generating charge in response to received light and a respective charge transfer gate for transferring the generated charge to the common storage node; a common reset transistor for resetting the amount of charge stored at the common storage node, the reset transistor being located within the first pixel; a common source follower transistor for producing a pixel signal indicating the amount of charge stored by the common storage node, the source follower transistor being located within the second pixel; and a common row select transistor for gating the pixel signal produced by the source follower transistor, the row select transistor being located within the third pixel, wherein spatial locations of the reset, source follower, and row select transistor gates respectively within the first, second, and third pixels are substantially the same.