Patent ID: 9344647
Filing Date: 2016-05-17
CPC Classification: H04N

Claim Text:
1. A method for capturing image data with first and second image pixels during an image frame, wherein the first image pixel comprises a photosensor, a power supply terminal, a first transistor coupled between the power supply terminal and the photosensor, a charge storage region, a charge readout circuit coupled between the charge storage region and an output line, and a second transistor coupled between the photosensor and the charge storage region, the method comprising: with the photosensor in the first image pixel, accumulating a first amount of charge over a first exposure time, wherein the first exposure time is non-continuous and comprises multiple integration periods that are each shorter than the first exposure time, wherein the integration periods are separated by non-integration periods; prior to each integration period, resetting the photosensor using the first transistor; at the end of each integration period, transferring a portion of the first amount of charge from the photosensor to the charge storage region using the second transistor; asserting the first transistor during each non-integration period, wherein charge is drained from the photosensor when the first transistor is asserted; and with the second image pixel, accumulating a second amount of charge over a second exposure time, wherein the second exposure time is continuous and overlaps the integration periods and non-integration periods of the first image pixel.