Systems, methods, and media for single-photon imaging with improved energy efficiency

A method for generating digital image data with improved energy efficiency, comprising:

• generating, during a first period of time using an image sensor, first image data representing a scene,
• wherein the image sensor comprises a plurality of pixels arranged in an array, each of the plurality of pixels comprises a detector of a plurality of detectors, and each of the plurality of detectors is configured to generate a signal based on arrival of one or more photons during an exposure time,
• wherein the first image data comprises a first plurality of pixel values, each of the first plurality of pixel values associated with a pixel of the plurality of pixels, and
• wherein each pixel value of the first plurality of pixel values is based on a signal generated by the respective detector associated with the pixel during the first period of time;
• determining, for each pixel, a local inhibition value based on at least the pixel value associated with the pixel;
• determining, for a first pixel of the plurality of pixels based on a first local inhibition value associated with the first pixel, that the first pixel is to be inhibited during a second period of time;
• determining, for a second pixel of the plurality of pixels based on a second local inhibition value associated with the second pixel, that the second pixel is to be enabled during the second period of time;
• inhibiting the first pixel during the second period of time;
• and
• causing the image sensor to generate, during the second period of time, second image data representing the scene,
• wherein the second image data comprises a second plurality of pixel values, each of the second plurality of pixel values corresponds to a pixel of the plurality of pixels, and
• wherein the second plurality of pixel values includes:
• a pixel value associated with the first pixel that is consistent with the first pixel being inhibited during the second period of time;
• and
• a pixel value associated with the second pixel that is based on a signal generated by the detector associated with the first pixel during the second period of time.

A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for generating digital image data with improved energy efficiency, the method comprising:

• generating, during a first period of time using an image sensor, first image data representing a scene,
• wherein the image sensor comprises a plurality of pixels arranged in an array, each of the plurality of pixels comprises a detector of a plurality of detectors, and each of the plurality of detectors is configured to generate a signal based on arrival of one or more photons during an exposure time,
• wherein the first image data comprises a first plurality of pixel values, each of the first plurality of pixel values associated with a pixel of the plurality of pixels, and
• wherein each pixel value of the first plurality of pixel values is based on a signal generated by the respective detector associated with the pixel during the first period of time;
• determining, for each pixel, an the first local inhibition value based on at least the pixel value associated with the pixel;
• determining, for a first pixel of the plurality of pixels based on the first local inhibition value, that the first pixel is to be inhibited during a second period of time;
• determining, for a second pixel of the plurality of pixels based on the second local inhibition value, that the second pixel is to be enabled during the second period of time;
• inhibiting the first pixel during the second period of time;
• and
• causing the image sensor to generate, during the second period of time, second image data representing the scene,
• wherein the second image data comprises a second plurality of pixel values, each of the second plurality of pixel values corresponds to a pixel of the plurality of pixels, and
• wherein the second plurality of pixel values includes:
• a pixel value associated with the first pixel that is consistent with the first pixel being inhibited during the second period of time;
• and
• a pixel value associated with the second pixel that is based on a signal generated by the detector associated with the first pixel during the second period of time.