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Active pixel sensor with mixed analog and digital signal integration

  • US 8,462,248 B2
  • Filed: 12/10/2010
  • Issued: 06/11/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of operating a CMOS image sensor, the method comprising:

  • exposing an array of active pixels of the CMOS image sensor to an image;

    reading out a first group of pixel analog signals from the array of pixels, while the pixels continue to generate charge from the exposure to the image, to generate a first group of circuitry analog signals associated with a first exposure of the pixels to the image;

    converting the first group of circuitry analog signals into a corresponding first group of digital signals associated with the first exposure of the pixels to the image;

    storing the first group of digital signals;

    reading out a second group of pixel analog signals from the array of pixels, while the pixels continue to generate charge from the exposure to the image, to generate a second group of circuitry analog signals associated with a second exposure of the pixels to the image;

    converting the second group of circuitry analog signals into a corresponding second group of digital signals associated with the second exposure of the pixels to the image;

    storing the second group of digital signals;

    combining the first group of digital signals with the second group of digital signals to produce a final group of digital signals representing the image;

    storing the final group of digital signals; and

    reading out the final group of digital signals.

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