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Extended dynamic range image sensor system

  • US 6,441,852 B1
  • Filed: 02/04/2000
  • Issued: 08/27/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/29/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An extended dynamic range (XDR) imager, comprising:

  • an array of pixels for providing an output signal for each pixel related to an amount of light captured for each pixel during an integration period;

    circuitry that resets the pixels in a selected row of the array to an initial output signal value before the integration period begins and that applies an XDR clamp level signal to the pixels in a selected row of the array of pixels at a predetermined time before the integration period ends;

    a row of sample and hold circuits having a sample and hold circuit for each column of the array for capturing, during a first time interval, an XDR signal for each column of the selected row that is related to a difference between the output signal and the XDR clamp level signal, and for capturing, during a second time interval distinct from the first time interval, a linear signal for each column of the selected row, the linear signal being related to a difference between the initial output signal and the greater of the output signal and the XDR clamp level signal.

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