CONDITIONAL-RESET, MULTI-BIT READ-OUT IMAGE SENSOR

摘要

An image sensor architecture with multi-bit sampling is implemented within an image sensor system. A pixel signal produced in response to light incident upon a photosensitive element is converted to a multiple-bit digital value representative of the pixel signal. If the pixel signal exceeds a sampling threshold, the photosensitive element is reset. During an image capture period, digital values associated with pixel signals that exceed a sampling threshold are accumulated into image data.

主权项

1. An integrated-circuit image sensor comprising:
a photosensitive element to accumulate charge in response to incident light; and a read-out circuit to determine whether charge accumulated within the photosensitive element exceeds a first threshold and, in response to determining that the charge accumulated exceeds the first threshold, to (i) generate a multi-bit digital value representative of the charge accumulated and (ii) reset the photosensitive element to a nominal discharged state in preparation for further charge accumulation.