Method for recording ultra-short-exposure, high dynamic range images and related imaging device

A method to be performed by a control system and a shutter of an imaging device for recording images, the imaging device comprising a global shutter image sensor having an array of photoelectric conversion units and light-shielded storage units, imaging optics arranged for incoming light to form an image on the global shutter image sensor, the shutter having an open state in which it allows incoming light to reach the image sensor and a closed state in which it prevents incoming light to reach the image sensor, the method comprising:

• starting exposure by resetting the photoelectric conversion units;
• stopping exposure by moving charges generated in the photoelectric conversion units to the light-shielded storage units;
• in accordance with the stopping of exposure, initiating readout of the light-shielded storage units;
• and
• timing a closing of the shutter so that the shutter reaches its closed state before the readout of the light-shielded storage units has completed;
• wherein timing the closing of the shutter comprises initiating the closing of the shutter by sending a first signal from the control system to the shutter;
• after receiving the first signal, sending a shutter closing signal related to closing the shutter from the shutter to the control system;
• and
• starting exposure in response to receiving the shutter closing signal.

Use of a shutter in an imaging device comprising a global shutter image sensor having an array of photoelectric conversion units and light-shielded storage units, imaging optics arranged for incoming light to form an image on the global shutter image sensor, and a control system, wherein the shutter has an open state in which it allows incoming light to reach the image sensor and a closed state in which it prevents incoming light to reach the image sensor and wherein the mechanical shutter is used to block incoming light from impinging on the global shutter image sensor during readout of the light-shielded storage units, the use comprising

• initiating the closing of the shutter by sending a first signal from the control system to the shutter;
• after receiving the first signal, sending a shutter closing signal related to closing the shutter from the shutter to the control system;
• and
• starting exposure in response to receiving the shutter closing signal.