Conditional-reset image sensor with analog counter array

摘要

In an image sensor containing an array of pixels, a pixel signal corresponding to the state of a photosensitive element is read-out of each pixel and compared with a threshold. If the pixel signal exceeds the first threshold, the state of the photosensitive element is reset and an analog-count voltage that corresponds to the pixel is incremented.

主权项

1. A method of operation within an image sensor containing an array of pixels, the method comprising, for each of the pixels:
iteratively reading out a pixel signal that corresponds to a state of a photosensitive element within the pixel during an image frame interval; and for each read-out iteration:
determining whether the pixel signal exceeds a first threshold;resetting the state of the photosensitive element if the pixel signal exceeds the first threshold; andincrementing an analog-count voltage that corresponds to the pixel if the pixel signal exceeds the first threshold to produce an analog count value indicative of the number of times the state of the photosensitive element is reset during the image frame interval.