Apparatus and method of imaging

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided to improve dynamic range (DR) extension ability, signal to noise ratio (SNR) of CMOS devices. The apparatus includes a memory storage unit, a pixel array, the plurality of pixels configured to generate output based on an amount of light incident on each pixel; a comparator in communication with the pixel array, configured to convert the output to a binary code for storage in the memory storage unit; and a processor in communication with the comparator and the pixel array, configured to determine if the comparator converted the output and to reset the pixel associated with the output when the comparator converted the output. The method includes determining a plurality of digitization points based on a DR requirement; setting a capture time based on a selected digitization point; obtaining a pixel readout; and performing a first conditional digitization on the pixel readout.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.