Dynamic range extension for CMOS image sensors for mobile applications

摘要

A system for processing images may comprise a pixel configuration circuitry enabled to set for each pixel in a pixel array one of a plurality of integration times and one of a plurality of signal gains. A column analog-to-digital converter may be enabled to generate a corresponding digital data for a pixel in the pixel array, and digital processing circuitry may be enabled to interpolate output data from the corresponding digital data for pixels grouped into pixel groups, wherein the pixel group comprises a target pixel and neighboring pixels in a same color plane.

主权项

1. A method of processing images, the method comprising:
setting for each pixel in a pixel array one of a plurality of integration times, wherein each integration time is configured for one or more time values, and one of a plurality of analog signal gains, wherein each analog signal gain is configured for one or more gain values, wherein a group of pixels are configured with a plurality of time values and a plurality of gain values different from another group of pixels with another plurality of time values and another plurality of gain values, and further wherein the plurality of time values and the plurality of gain values respectively correspond to a long integration time and a high gain, a long integration time and a low gain, a short integration time and a high gain, and a short integration time and a low gain; generating corresponding digital data for each pixel in the pixel array; and interpolating output data from the corresponding digital data for pixels grouped into pixel groups, wherein the pixel group comprises a target pixel and neighboring pixels in a same color plane.