Multiple sampling via a time-indexed method to achieve wide dynamic ranges
US6975355B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2201/0068
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An architecture for a digital pixel sensor is disclosed in which the dynamic range of the sensor is increased by taking samples of a subject to be recorded, where each sample is taken over an interval of a different duration than the other samples. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an array of pixel elements is fabricated in an integrated circuit. Each of the pixel elements outputs a digital signal and comprises a photodetector and an analog to digital converter. The photodetector is integrated with the analog to digital converter. An array of threshold memory cells, each corresponding to one of the pixel elements, is also provided. An array of time memory cells, each corresponding to one of the pixel elements, establishes a different sampling time for each of the pixel elements for each of multiple samples. An array of memory elements, each coupled to one of the pixel elements, is also provided. The memory elements are also fabricated in the integrated circuit. The memory elements only receive a value from a corresponding one of the pixel elements when the content in a corresponding one of the threshold memory cells permits. In this way, multiple samples may be collect…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.