Method of operating a CMOS imager using color interpolation

An imaging system comprising:

• an array of pixels adapted to receive light, wherein the array of pixels is disposed on a semiconductor substrate, and wherein the array of pixels includes a red pixel to provide a red pixel signal, a green pixel to provide a green pixel signal, and a blue pixel to provide a blue pixel signal;
• and analog-to-digital converter that converts the red, green, and the blue pixel signals from analog to digital signals using a first number of analog-to-digital converters, wherein the analog-to-digital converter is disposed on the semiconductor substrate and is coupled to receive pixel signals from the array, wherein the number of analog to digital converters is at least one;
• means for providing pixel signals corresponding to one or more groups of pixels of the array to an interpolator disposed on the semiconductor substrate wherein the interpolator is adapted to estimate an amount of green and blue light received by the red pixel using at least the green and blue pixel signals an amount of red and blue light received by the green pixel using at least the red and blue pixel signals, and an amount of red and green light received by the blue pixel using at least the red and green pixel signals;
• a programmable register set coupled to an external interface, the programmable register set being programmable through the interface, wherein the register set is disposed on the semiconductor substrate, and wherein the interpolator estimate is based on one or more values stored in the register set;
• and
• wherein signals associated with the red, green, and blue pixel signals are output to the interface.