Patent ID: 8786732
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image sensor, comprising: a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixel regions, wherein the pixel array is adapted to generate at least one signal from each pixel region and a separate signal from a subset of pixels within each pixel region, both during one or more exposure periods; at least one first shift register in communication with the pixel array for receiving charges generated by the pixel regions; at least one second shift register in communication with the first shift register, wherein the at least one second shift register is adapted to separately transfer a first signal generated by the subset of pixels and a second signal generated by remaining pixels of the pixel array; and at least one amplifier for collecting the charges from the at least one second shift register, wherein the at least one amplifier is adapted to collect the first signal to define a low sensitivity image and the second signal to define a high sensitivity image, and to generate an output comprising the combined first signals and second signals from each of the plurality of pixel regions for one or more exposure periods.