Imaging element, gain control method, program, and electronic device
US9876978B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/741
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to an imaging element, a gain control method, a program, and an electronic device that can capture an image with a high image quality or a high dynamic range with lower power consumption. The imaging element includes: an A/D conversion unit configured to A/D-convert a pixel signal outputted from a pixel; and a reference signal generation unit. The reference signal generation unit includes a prescribed number of pairs of transistors forming a current mirror circuit, and a switching unit configured to switch the number of transistors connected to the current mirror circuit. The switching unit is controlled so as to reduce the number of transistors connected to the current mirror circuit when the pixel signal is A/D-converted to a high gain. The present technology can be applied to a CMOS image sensor, for example.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.