Methods of controlling image sensors using modified rolling shutter methods to inhibit image over-saturation

摘要

An image capture device includes an image sensor having an array of pixels therein, which are configured to receive light reflected from an object during an image capture time interval. A light source is provided, which is configured to project light to the object during at least a portion of the image capture time interval. A control circuit/unit is provided, which is electrically coupled to the image sensor and the light source. This control circuit is configured to drive the light source with signals that cause the light source to project light to the object without interruption during at least a first time interval when all rows of a frame of pixels within the array are being sequentially read and during a second time interval when all rows of the frame of pixels within the array are being sequentially read.

主权项

1. An image capture device, comprising:
an image sensor having an array of pixels therein configured to receive light reflected from an object during an image capture time interval; a light source configured to project light to the object during at least a portion of the image capture time interval; and a control circuit electrically coupled to said image sensor and said light source, said control circuit configured to drive said light source with signals that cause said light source to continuously project light to the object without interruption during at least a first time interval when all rows of a frame of pixels within the array are being sequentially read to yield a first frame of image data and a second time interval when all rows of the frame of pixels within the array are being sequentially read to yield a second frame of image data, wherein said control circuit is further configured to drive said light source with signals that cause said light source to terminate projection of light to the object during a time interval when all of the rows of the frame of pixels within the array are concurrently capturing image data and none of the rows are being read, wherein the 3D image sensor operates as a rolling shutter image sensor, and wherein the light source emits modulated light for acquiring depth information of the object.