Importance

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Abstract

An image sensor system comprises an array of pixels. Each of these pixels includes a light sensitive element that generates a pixel signal that is indicative of the amount of light received by that pixel. A comparator then compares the pixel signal to a reference signal and generates a strobe signal in response to this comparison, while a global counter generates a count across a shutter period. Finally, an array of memory elements is provided. Each of these memory elements stores a count from the global counter in response to receiving the strobe signal from the corresponding pixel of the array of pixels. As a result, the array of pixels has relatively little logic functionality. Each pixel need only contain the light sensitive element and the comparator. Thus, the system can provide a good fill factor. Further, the global counter can be shared across the entire memory array. It is most applicable to implementation in CMOS technology.

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First Claim