US3925657A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Introduction of bias charge into a charge coupled image sensor
Assignee: RCA Corp
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Filing: 1974-06-21
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Granted: 1975-12-09
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Expires: 1994-06-21
Abstract
Abstract Bias or background charge (sometimes known as ''''fat zero'''' charge) is introduced into a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensing array by applying radiation to the substrate through the surface opposite the one receiving the image. For example, in the case of a front surface illuminated array, bias light is projected through the rear surface of the substrate to introduce the background charge.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Alan Levine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:32
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F39/00; H10F39/80; H04; H04N; H04N25/00; H04N25/70; H04N25/71; H10F39/10; H10F39/12; H10F39/15; H10F39/153; H10F39/803; H10F39/8033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for introducing a background charge signal into a surface channel charge coupled device image sensing array having a front surface at which the charge transfer electrodes are located and having also a back surface, which array receives a radiant energy image through one of said surfaces, comprising the step of: applying radiant energy illumination at a bias level which is uniform over the entire area of the surface on which the radiant energy illumination at said bias level impinges, through the other of said surfaces, said entire area on which said radiant energy illumination at said bias level impinges including an area corresponding to substantially the entire area of said one surface receiving said radiant energy image.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for introducing a background charge signal into a surface channel charge coupled device image sensing array having a front surface at which the charge transfer electrodes are located and having also a back surface, which array receives a radiant energy image through one of said surfaces, comprising the step of: applying radiant energy illumination at a bias level which is uniform over the entire area of the surface on which the radiant energy illumination at said bias level impinges, through the other of said surfaces, said entire area on which said radiant energy illumination at said bias level impinges including an area corresponding to substantially the entire area of said one surface receiving said radiant energy image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the radiant energy image is applied to said front surface of said array, and wherein said radiant energy illumination at a bias level comprises illumination at a wavelength to which the substrate of the array is substantially transparent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the radiant energy image is applied to said back surface of said array and the bias level illumination is applied to said front surface of the array.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
171 words
In a charge coupled image sensing system which includes a photosensing surface channel charge-coupled array having two opposite surfaces for accumulating charge signals in response to radiant energy excitation through one of its surfaces, said array including a substrate, an insulator on one surface of the substrate and electrodes over the insulator; a temporary storage charge coupled array coupled to the photosensing array for receiving said charge signals accumulated in the photosensing array, said temporary storage array being masked at its corresponding surface to prevent said radiant energy from exciting charge carriers therein, the improvement comprising: means for introducing background charge into said photosensing array for filling the traps at the interface between said substrate and said insulator comprising means for illuminating said photosensing array at a fixed radiant energy bias level through the surface of said photosensing array opposite the one through which said radiant energy excitation is received and which bias level is uniform over said entire surface opposite the one through which said radiant energy excitation is received.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
171 words
In a charge coupled image sensing system which includes a photosensing surface channel charge-coupled array having two opposite surfaces for accumulating charge signals in response to radiant energy excitation through one of its surfaces, said array including a substrate, an insulator on one surface of the substrate and electrodes over the insulator; a temporary storage charge coupled array coupled to the photosensing array for receiving said charge signals accumulated in the photosensing array, said temporary storage array being masked at its corresponding surface to prevent said radiant energy from exciting charge carriers therein, the improvement comprising: means for introducing background charge into said photosensing array for filling the traps at the interface between said substrate and said insulator comprising means for illuminating said photosensing array at a fixed radiant energy bias level through the surface of said photosensing array opposite the one through which said radiant energy excitation is received and which bias level is uniform over said entire surface opposite the one through which said radiant energy excitation is received.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
a charge-coupled image sensing system as set forth in claim 4, further including means for adjusting the amplitude of the radiant energy bias level.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-08 | 1979-06-09 | 1979-12-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-08 | 1983-06-09 | 1983-12-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-08 | 1987-06-09 | 1987-12-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |