초록 ▼

The dynamic range of an imaging system that utilizes an array of active pixel sensor cells is substantially increased by reading each cell in the array multiple times during each integration period. Each time a cell is read, the number of photons collected by the cell is saved and the cell is reset

The dynamic range of an imaging system that utilizes an array of active pixel sensor cells is substantially increased by reading each cell in the array multiple times during each integration period. Each time a cell is read, the number of photons collected by the cell is saved and the cell is reset if the cell would normally saturate by the end of the integration period. At the end of the integration period, the number of photons collected by each cell is defined by the sum of the values collected during the integration period.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An imaging system comprising:an array of active pixel sensor cells arranged in a number of rows and a number of columns;a plurality of detection circuits corresponding to the number of columns;an array controller and memory unit;a plurality of row select lines connected t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An imaging system comprising:an array of active pixel sensor cells arranged in a number of rows and a number of columns;a plurality of detection circuits corresponding to the number of columns;an array controller and memory unit;a plurality of row select lines connected to the array and the array controller and memory unit so that each row select line is connected to each of the cells in a row of active pixel sensor cells;a plurality of row reset lines connected to the array and the array controller and memory unit so that each row reset line is connected to each of the cells in a row of active pixel sensor cells;a plurality of column reset lines connected to the array and the array controller and memory unit so that each column reset line is connected to each of the cells in a column of active pixel sensor cells;a plurality of cell output lines connected to the array and the detection circuits so that each cell output line is connected to each of the cells in a column of active pixel sensor cells and to a detection circuit that corresponds with the column of cells; anda plurality of detection output lines connected to the detection circuits and the array controller and memory unit so that each detection output line is connected to a detection circuit.