Image sensor having HDR capture capability

摘要

A system and method of generating a high dynamic range image. A single reset of an image sensor may be executed followed by two or more reads of the sensor to retrieve data. These reads of the image sensor may be done prior to a subsequent reset of the sensor. These reads may also be accomplished at predetermined times relative to one another. Data read out during these scans may be deinterleaved by an image signal processor and combined into a high dynamic range image.

主权项

1. An image processing circuit comprising:
an image sensor having an array of pixels; a data path configured to transmit image data related to multiple exposures of a single image; a scan circuit configured to receive a plurality of activation signals from a processor to allow for the image data to be read out of the image sensor multiple times for each row of pixels in the array of pixels prior to a shutter reset, wherein a number of read outs and a frequency of read outs are determined by the processor prior to a first of the plurality of activation signals and based on feedback factors, the feedback factors associated with capture metrics for the single image; an image signal processor coupled to the data path, wherein the image signal processor is configured to receive the image data and to separate the image data into at least two categories based on at least one criteria; and a first buffer coupled to the image signal processor and configured to store a first portion of the image data, the first portion corresponding to at least one of the at least two categories.