| 摘要 |
An architecture for a digital pixel sensor (300) is disclosed in which the dynamic range of the sensor is increased by taking multiple samples of an image. In the preferred embodiment, an array of pixel elements is fabricated in an integrated circuit (302). Each of the pixel elements outputing a digital signal comprises a photodetector integrated with an analog to digital converter. An array of threshold memory cells (304), each corresponding to one of the pixel elements, is also provided. An array of time memory cells (308), each corresponding to one of the pixel elements, establishes a different sampling time for each of the pixel elements for each of multiple samples. An array of data memory elements (310), each coupled to one of the pixel elements, is also provided. The data memory elements (310) are also fabricated in the integrated circuit to receive a value from a corresponding one of the pixel elements when the content in a corresponding one of the threshold memory cells permits. As a result, multiple samples may be collected for an image to thereby extend the dynamic range of a photodetector. <IMAGE> |
