Active pixel with built in self-repair and redundancy

摘要

An active pixel sensor imaging device comprises array of pixel cells, each pixel cell providing a pixel output signal to a signal output line associated therewith. Each pixel cell comprises: a photosensor having at least two independent portions, each independent portion having a sensor output; and, a separate readout circuit coupled to the sensor output of each independent portion. Each separate readout circuit has an output coupled to the signal output line and each separate readout circuit is capable of generating an output signal at the output. The outputs of the separate readout circuits for the pixel cell are connected such that the output signals are combined in an additive manner to produce the pixel output signal. Hardware and software correction methods are provided for the correction of defective pixels in monochromatic and color imaging systems.