Back to results
US 9,854,186 B2Granted
Methods and apparatus for an images sensor with row-level gain control
AssigneeSemiconductor Components Industries, LLC
InventorsRichard Scott Johnson, Orit Skorka
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise methods and systems image sensors. The methods and systems may comprise selectively activating either high or low conversion gain mode for a predetermined number of rows by comparing pixel row data to predetermined threshold values prior to image signal processing.
Claims20
An image sensor comprising:
- an array of pixels, arranged in rows and columns, wherein each pixel is configured to:
- operate in a high conversion gain mode and a low conversion gain mode;
- and
- apply one of a high conversion gain and a low conversion gain to a plurality of pixel signals prior to signal readout;
- a column circuit coupled to the array and configured to receive the plurality of pixel signals from the array;
- a gain control circuit coupled to the column circuitry and the array, and configured to:
- receive the pixel signals;
- and
- select the gain mode for a row of pixels according to the pixel signals received from at least one different row of pixels.
6 more elements
An imaging system comprising:
- an image sensor comprising:
- an array of pixels, arranged in rows and columns, wherein each pixel:
- operates in a high conversion gain mode and a low conversion gain mode;
- and
- applies one of a high conversion gain and a low conversion gain to a plurality of pixel signals prior to signal readout;
- column circuitry coupled to the array and configured to receive the plurality of pixel signals from the array;
- a gain control circuit coupled to the column circuitry and the array, wherein the gain control circuit is configured to:
- receive the pixel signals;
- derive a statistical value from the pixel signals;
- select a gain mode for a row of pixels based on the statistical value;
- and
- provide a control signal to the array, wherein the row of pixels are configured to operate in the selected gain mode in response to the control signal;
- and
- an image signal processor coupled to the image sensor and configured to receive and process the pixel signal, and transmit a final output signal.
11 more elements
A method for improving high dynamic range in an image sensor comprising:
- arranging an array of dual conversion gain pixels in rows and columns, wherein each pixel is configured to operate in a high conversion gain mode and a low conversion gain mode;
- selectively activating a row of pixels to produce pixel signals;
- receiving, with a gain control circuit, the pixel signals from the activated row;
- calculating a statistical value of the pixel signals from the activated row;
- comparing the statistical value to a first threshold value and a second threshold value;
- selecting a control signal wherein:
- a first control signal is selected if the statistical value is less than or equal to the first threshold value;
- and
- a second control signal is selected if the statistical value is greater than or equal to the second threshold value;
- transmitting one of the first control signal and second control signal to a subsequent row of pixels;
- operating the subsequent row of pixels in one of the high conversion gain mode or the low conversion gain mode according to the control signal;
- and
- receiving and processing the pixel signals with an image signal processor.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.