Solid-state imaging element, imaging device, and method for controlling solid-state imaging element
AssigneeSony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
InventorsKeigo Nakazawa, Ryohei Kawasaki
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Improved frame image quality in a solid-state imaging element that processes the frame using metadata is disclosed. In one example, each of a plurality of pixels is provided with a sample-and-hold circuit that holds a pixel signal. A signal processing unit generates a first digital signal by performing signal processing on each of the held pixel signals, and generates a second digital signal by performing the signal processing on each of the held pixel signals. A metadata extraction unit extracts predetermined metadata from the first digital signal. An image processing unit performs predetermined image processing on the second digital signal using the metadata
Claims17
A solid-state imaging element comprising:
- a plurality of pixels, the pixels respectively including a sample-and-hold circuit that holds a pixel signal to collectively provide held pixel signals;
- and
- at least one processing circuit configured to:
- generate a first digital signal by executing a predetermined signal processing on the held pixel signals for an exposure event;
- generate a second digital signal by again executing the predetermined signal processing on the held pixel signals for the exposure event;
- extract predetermined metadata from the first digital signal;
- and
- perform predetermined image processing on the second digital signal using the metadata.
A method for controlling a solid-state imaging element, the method comprising:
- receiving held pixel signals for a plurality of pixels for an exposure event;
- generating a first digital signal by executing a predetermined signal processing on the held pixel signals for the exposure event;
- generating a second digital signal by again executing the predetermined signal processing on the held pixel signals for the exposure event;
- extracting predetermined metadata from the first digital signal;
- and
- performing predetermined image processing on the second digital signal using the metadata.
A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program for controlling a solid-state imaging element, the program being executable by a processor to perform operations comprising:
- receiving held pixel signals for a plurality of pixels for an exposure event;
- generating a first digital signal by executing a predetermined signal processing on the held pixel signals for the exposure event;
- generating a second digital signal by again executing the predetermined signal processing on the held pixel signals for the exposure event;
- extracting predetermined metadata from the first digital signal;
- and
- performing predetermined image processing on the second digital signal using the metadata.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.