Patents by Inventor Bryan D. Ackland
Bryan D. Ackland has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8686365Abstract: Optical imaging structures and methods are disclosed. One structure may be implemented as an imaging pixel having multiple photodetectors. The photodetectors may detect different wavelengths of incident radiation, and may be operated simultaneously or at separate times. An imager may include an imaging array of pixels of the type described. Methods of operating such structures are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Anders Ingvar Aberg, Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram, Bryan D. Ackland, Clifford A. King
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Publication number: 20140042304Abstract: An improved CMOS pixel with a combination of analog and digital readouts to provide a large pixel dynamic range without compromising low-light performance using a comparator to test the value of an accumulated charge at a series of exponentially increasing exposure times. The rest is used to stop the integration of photocurrent once the accumulated analog voltage has reached a predetermined threshold. A one-bit output value of the test is read out of the pixel (digitally) at each of the exponentially increasing exposure periods. At the end of the integration period, the analog value stored on the integration capacitor is read out using conventional CMOS active pixel readout circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventor: Bryan D. Ackland
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Patent number: 8648948Abstract: Imaging arrays comprising at least two different imaging pixel types are described. The different imaging pixel types may differ in their light sensitivities and/or light saturation levels. Methods of processing the output signals of the imaging arrays are also described, and may produce images having a greater dynamic range than would result from an imaging array comprising only one of the at least two different imaging pixel types.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Clifford A. King, Michael Philip Decelle, Jason Y. Sproul, Bryan D. Ackland
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Patent number: 8634008Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing multiple correlated double sampling (CDS) operations on an imaging pixel, and in some cases on an array of imaging pixels, during a single integration cycle of the pixel(s). The multiple CDS operations may produce multiple CDS values, which may be processed in combination to produce a resulting value substantially free of various types of noise. The CDS operations may be performed using a CDS circuit including a single-ended charge amplifier having an input capacitor. The charge amplifier may also include a variable capacitance providing a variable gain. The variable capacitance may be provided by a feedback capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Ackland, Paul W. Latham, II, Joshua C. Park
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Patent number: 8586907Abstract: An improved CMOS pixel with a combination of analog and digital readouts to provide a large pixel dynamic range without compromising low-light performance using a comparator to test the value of an accumulated charge at a series of exponentially increasing exposure times. The test is used to stop the integration of photocurrent once the accumulated analog voltage has reached a predetermined threshold. A one-bit output value of the test is read out of the pixel (digitally) at each of the exponentially increasing exposure periods. At the end of the integration period, the analog value stored on the integration capacitor is read out using conventional CMOS active pixel readout circuits.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventor: Bryan D. Ackland
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Patent number: 8294100Abstract: Imagers, pixels, and methods of using the same are disclosed for imaging in various spectra, such as visible, near infrared (IR), and short wavelength IR (SWIR). The imager may have an imaging array having pixels of different types. The different types of pixels may detect different ranges of wavelengths in the IR, or the SWIR, spectra. The pixels may include a filter which blocks some wavelengths of radiation in the IR spectrum while passing other wavelengths. The filter may be formed of a semiconductor material, and therefore may be easily integrated with a CMOS pixel using conventional CMOS processing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Anders Ingvar Aberg, Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram, Bryan D. Ackland, Clifford A. King
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Publication number: 20120217376Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing multiple correlated double sampling (CDS) operations on an imaging pixel, and in some cases on an array of imaging pixels, during a single integration cycle of the pixel(s). The multiple CDS operations may produce multiple CDS values, which may be processed in combination to produce a resulting value substantially free of various types of noise. The CDS operations may be performed using a CDS circuit including a single-ended charge amplifier having an input capacitor. The charge amplifier may also include a variable capacitance providing a variable gain. The variable capacitance may be provided by a feedback capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: BRYAN D. ACKLAND, Paul W. Latham, II, Joshua C. Park
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Publication number: 20120062774Abstract: An improved monolithic solid state imager comprises plural sub-arrays of respectively different kinds of pixels, an optional filter mosaic comprising color filters and clear elements, and circuitry to process the output of the pixels. The different kinds of pixels respond to respectively different spectral ranges. Advantageously the different kinds of pixels can be chosen from: 1) SWIR pixels responsive to short wavelength infrared (SWIR) in the range of approximately 800-1800 nm; 2) regular pixels responsive to visible and NIR radiation (400-1000 nm) and wideband pixels responsive to visible, NIR and SWIR radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Ackland, Clifford A. King, Conor S. Rafferty
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Publication number: 20120061567Abstract: Imagers, pixels, and methods of using the same are disclosed for imaging in various spectra, such as visible, near infrared (IR), and short wavelength IR (SWIR). The imager may have an imaging array having pixels of different types. The different types of pixels may detect different ranges of wavelengths in the IR, or the SWIR, spectra. The pixels may include a filter which blocks some wavelengths of radiation in the IR spectrum while passing other wavelengths. The filter may be formed of a semiconductor material, and therefore may be easily integrated with a CMOS pixel using conventional CMOS processing techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Anders Ingvar Aberg, Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram, Bryan D. Ackland, Clifford A. King
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Publication number: 20120038807Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing multiple correlated double sampling (CDS) operations on an imaging pixel, and in some cases on an array of imaging pixels, during a single integration cycle of the pixel(s). The multiple CDS operations may produce multiple CDS values, which may be processed in combination to produce a resulting value substantially free of various types of noise. The CDS operations may be performed using a CDS circuit including a single-ended charge amplifier having an input capacitor. The charge amplifier may also include a variable capacitance providing a variable gain. The variable capacitance may be provided by a feedback capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Ackland, Paul W. Latham, II, Joshua C. Park
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Patent number: 8084739Abstract: Imagers, pixels, and methods of using the same are disclosed for imaging in various spectra, such as visible, near infrared (IR), and short wavelength IR (SWIR). The imager may have an imaging array having pixels of different types. The different types of pixels may detect different ranges of wavelengths in the IR, or the SWIR, spectra. The pixels may include a filter which blocks some wavelengths of radiation in the IR spectrum while passing other wavelengths. The filter may be formed of a semiconductor material, and therefore may be easily integrated with a CMOS pixel using conventional CMOS processing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Infrared Newco., Inc.Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Anders Ingvar Aberg, Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram, Bryan D. Ackland, Clifford A. King
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Patent number: 8072525Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing multiple correlated double sampling (CDS) operations on an imaging pixel, and in some cases on an array of imaging pixels, during a single integration cycle of the pixel(s). The multiple CDS operations may produce multiple CDS values, which may be processed in combination to produce a resulting value substantially free of various types of noise. The CDS operations may be performed using a CDS circuit including a single-ended charge amplifier having an input capacitor. The charge amplifier may also include a variable capacitance providing a variable gain. The variable capacitance may be provided by a feedback capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Ackland, Paul W. Latham, II, Joshua C. Park
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Patent number: 8063422Abstract: MOS imaging pixels are described. The MOS imaging pixels may comprise bootstrapped source followers, having their bodies connected to their sources. The source followers of the MOS imaging pixels may be used to buffer a signal indicative of an amount of radiation incident on the pixel. MOS imagers are also described, which may comprise one or more MOS imaging pixels of the type described.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Ackland, Conor S. Rafferty, Paul W. Latham, II
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Patent number: 8022350Abstract: An improved CMOS pixel with a combination of analog and digital readouts to provide a large pixel dynamic range without compromising low-light performance using a comparator to test the value of an accumulated charge at a series of exponentially increasing exposure times. The test is used to stop the integration of photocurrent once the accumulated analog voltage has reached a predetermined threshold. A one-bit output value of the test is read out of the pixel (digitally) at each of the exponentially increasing exposure periods. At the end of the integration period, the analog value stored on the integration capacitor is read out using conventional CMOS active pixel readout circuits.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventor: Bryan D. Ackland
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Publication number: 20110074995Abstract: Imaging arrays comprising at least two different imaging pixel types are described. The different imaging pixel types may differ in their light sensitivities and/or light saturation levels. Methods of processing the output signals of the imaging arrays are also described, and may produce images having a greater dynamic range than would result from an imaging array comprising only one of the at least two different imaging pixel types.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Noble Peak Vision Corp.Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Clifford A. King, Michael Philip Decelle, Jason Y. Sproul, Bryan D. Ackland
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Publication number: 20100019154Abstract: Optical imaging structures and methods are disclosed. One structure may be implemented as an imaging pixel having multiple photodetectors. The photodetectors may detect different wavelengths of incident radiation, and may be operated simultaneously or at separate times. An imager may include an imaging array of pixels of the type described. Methods of operating such structures are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: Noble Peak Vision Corp.Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Anders Ingvar Aberg, Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram, Bryan D. Ackland, Clifford A. King
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Publication number: 20100012841Abstract: Imagers, pixels, and methods of using the same are disclosed for imaging in various spectra, such as visible, near infrared (IR), and short wavelength IR (SWIR). The imager may have an imaging array having pixels of different types. The different types of pixels may detect different ranges of wavelengths in the IR, or the SWIR, spectra. The pixels may include a filter which blocks some wavelengths of radiation in the IR spectrum while passing other wavelengths. The filter may be formed of a semiconductor material, and therefore may be easily integrated with a CMOS pixel using conventional CMOS processing techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: Noble Peak Vision Corp.Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Anders Ingvar Aberg, Tirunelveli Subramaniam Sriram, Bryan D. Ackland, Clifford A. King
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Publication number: 20090267120Abstract: MOS imaging pixels are described. The MOS imaging pixels may comprise bootstrapped source followers, having their bodies connected to their sources. The source followers of the MOS imaging pixels may be used to buffer a signal indicative of an amount of radiation incident on the pixel. MOS imagers are also described, which may comprise one or more MOS imaging pixels of the type described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Noble Peak Vision Corp.Inventors: Bryan D. Ackland, Conor S. Rafferty, Paul W. Latham, II
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Patent number: 7528357Abstract: A circuit including: an optical detector for detecting an optical pulse and generating therefrom a current pulse on an output; a pulse detector circuit having an input electrically connected to the optical detector and having an output for outputting a detection pulse in response to detecting the current pulse on its input, said pulse detector circuit including: a resettable amplifier including an input for receiving the current pulse from the optical detector, a reset terminal for resetting the amplifier after the amplifier detects the current pulse on its input, and an output for outputting a signal from which the detection pulse is derived; and a reset delay chain feeding back to the reset terminal of the resettable amplifier a feedback signal derived from the output signal of the resettable amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Behzad Razavi, Lawrence C. West, Bryan D. Ackland
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Patent number: 6097195Abstract: A shield region of metallization is formed in a first metallization layer of an integrated circuit so as to increase the metal density of the first metallization layer to at least a minimum density required for proper fabrication. The shield region is coupled via an amplifier or other suitable coupling mechanism to at least a portion of another metallization layer overlying or underlying the first metallization layer in the integrated circuit, such that the shield region acts to reduce parasitic capacitance associated with a circuit node in the other metallization layer. In an illustrative fingerprint sensor cell implementation, the shield region is in the form of a shield plate underlying a sensor plate in the sensor cell and serves to increase the metal density of a lower-level metallization layer in the cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Bryan D. Ackland, David A. Inglis, Gregory P. Kochanski