US 12,452,562 B1
Fast DCG pixel readout scheme for HDR CMOS image sensors
Dexue Zhang, Arcadia, CA (US)
Assigned to Gigajot Technology, Inc., Glendale, CA (US)
Filed by Gigajot Technology, Inc., Glendale, CA (US)
Filed on May 26, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/324,877.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/346,727, filed on May 27, 2022.
Int. Cl. H04N 25/78 (2023.01); H04N 25/772 (2023.01)
CPC H04N 25/78 (2023.01) [H04N 25/772 (2023.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An image sensor, comprising:
a plurality of pixel circuits configured to generate analog signals based on photoelectrons accumulated by the pixel circuits when exposed to light, wherein at least one pixel circuit includes a conversion gain selection circuit configured to switch an analog signal output of the at least one pixel circuit between a first conversion gain analog signal and a second conversion gain analog signal;
a readout circuit coupled to the output of the at least one pixel circuit, wherein the readout circuit is configured to convert the analog signal output received from the at least one pixel circuit to digital singal;
wherein the readout circuit is configured to switch between a first readout mode and a second readout mode;
wherein, in the first readout mode, the readout circuit outputs a digital reset value and a first digital signal value for the digital signal; and
wherein, in the second readout mode, the readout circuit outputs a second digital signal value for the digital signal.