Image sensor architecture with power saving readout
US9521349B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/78
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Pixels within an image sensor pixel array are sampled by corresponding conditional read circuitry. A zero pixel value is outputted for each pixel associated with a sample less than a conversion threshold, and a saturated pixel value is outputted for each pixel associated with a sample greater than or equal to a saturation threshold. Samples greater than or equal to the conversion threshold and less than the saturation threshold are converted by an ADC, and a converted pixel value is output for each associated above threshold pixel. The ADC (along with any corresponding amplifiers) are powered on for a variable period depending on the number of pixels needing conversion during the conversion of such samples during a read period, and are powered off for the remainder of the read period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.