Advanced computational pixel imagers with multiple in-pixel counters
AssigneeAnduril Industries, Inc.
InventorsMichael W. Kelly, Curtis Colonero, Christopher David, Justin Baker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A computational pixel imaging device can include multiple digitizing counters per pixel that can be used to execute simultaneous signal-processing threads on acquired image data. The imaging device can also include infinite dynamic range sensing and perform signal down-sampling.
Claims26
A computational pixel imaging system comprising a computational pixel imager having a plurality of pixels, each pixel including:
- a detector;
- a detector biasing line arranged to apply a bias or supply voltage modulated at a first frequency to the detector;
- one or more counters arranged to digitize a signal output from the detector;
- and
- a mixer, wherein an output from the mixer is used to determine a periodicity of count-up and count-down cycles for one or more of the counters.
A computational pixel imaging system comprising a computational pixel imager having a plurality of pixels, each pixel including:
- a detector;
- a detector biasing line arranged to apply a bias or supply voltage modulated at a first frequency to the detector;
- one or more counters arranged to digitize a signal output from the detector;
- and
- a current-to-frequency converter arranged to receive a signal from the detector, wherein an output from the current-to-frequency converter is provided to one or more of the counters.
A method of down-sampling with a pixel integrated circuit, the method comprising:
- illuminating an object with light modulated at a first frequency;
- receiving, at a detector of a pixel integrated circuit, the modulated light returned from the object;
- and
- modulating a bias or supply applied to the detector with a second frequency that differs from the first frequency, wherein the first frequency differs from the second frequency by an amount between 10 kilohertz and 500 kilohertz.
A method of multi-thread processing in a pixel of an array of pixels, the method comprising:
- receiving photons at a detector in a first pixel in the array;
- controlling a first counter connected to the detector and located in the first pixel to create a first digital signal for first image data in response to the received photons;
- controlling a second counter connected to the detector and located in the first pixel to create a second digital signal for second image data in response to the received photons;
- performing a first computational algorithm with a first value from the first counter to compute the first image data;
- and
- while performing the first computational algorithm, performing a second computational algorithm different from the first computational algorithm with a second value from the second counter to compute the second image data.
A computational pixel imager having an array of pixels, at least one pixel in the array comprising:
- a detector;
- a first transistor connected to the detector;
- and
- two or more second transistors connected in parallel between the first transistor and two or more signal converters.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.