Image sensor and imaging method with single shot compressed sensing

Abstract

A CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of pixel elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, analog signal multiplexers, over-sampling A/D converters and an activation code generator. The sensor is configured to construct an image by using less number of A/D conversions, thereby reducing the power consumption of the sensor. The activation code generator generates a bit stream of random binary sequences which determine which A/D converter is activated. The image sensor offers digitally compressed data, the number of which is significantly less than the total number of pixels. Further, the image sensor not only reduces the power consumption of the A/D converters (by reducing the number of A/D conversions) but also reduces the I/O power consumption. An original image focused on the sensor is recovered from the compressed data by using principles of compressed sensing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.