Image sensor with a plurality of super-pixels

US11368645B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PROPHESEE SA · FR

Inventors

• Thomas FINATEU · Brussels, BE
• Daniel Matolin · Freital, DE
• Christoph Posch · Bad Fischau, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 27, 2019
• Grant date: Jun 21, 2022
• Expiry date: Jun 27, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04N25/133
• WIPO field: Audio-visual technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to image sensors and methods for image sensing. More specifically, and without limitation, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing super-pixels, and implementing and using image sensors with super-pixels. In one implementation, an image sensor includes a plurality of super-pixels. Each super-pixel may include a first photosensitive element; a detector electrically connected to the first photosensitive element and configured to generate a trigger signal when an analog signal proportional to brightness of light impinging on the first photosensitive element matches a condition; a second photosensitive element; an exposure measurement circuit electrically connected to the second photosensitive element and configured to convert an analog signal proportional to brightness of light impinging on the second photosensitive element to a digital signal; and a logic circuit electrically connected to the detector and the exposure measurement circuit and configured to enable the exposure measurement circuit in response to the trigger signal and to disable the exposure measurement circuit when the digital signal is read out from the exp…