CN106331537A

CN106331537A - Digital image sensor, control method thereof and image collection device

Info

Publication number: CN106331537A
Application number: CN201510705455.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丁大勇
Original assignee: Beijing Zhigu Ruituo Technology Services Co Ltd
Current assignee: Beijing Zhigu Ruituo Technology Services Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-27
Filing date: 2015-10-27
Publication date: 2017-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-27
Also published as: CN106331537B

Abstract

The invention discloses a digital image sensor, a control method thereof and an image collection device. The digital image sensor comprises a pixel unit array, wherein each pixel unit in the pixel unit array comprises a counter, a controller connected with the counter, and a photoelectric detector connected with the controller, at least part of pixel units in the pixel unit array are associated into multiple pixel combinations, each pixel combination at least comprises a first pixel unit and a second pixel unit, the counter of the first pixel unit and the counter of the second pixel unit are cascaded, and the controller of the first pixel unit is connected with the counter of the second pixel unit. The sensor, the method and the device at least is beneficial for improving the allowed collection dynamic range of the first pixel in each pixel combination.

Description

Digital image sensor and control method, image capture device

Technical field

The application relates to field of terminal technology, particularly relate to a kind of digital image sensor and Control method, image capture device.

Background technology

Such as the resolution of the image that the image capture devices such as digital camera are collected, it is limited to sense The size of single physical pixel and the optical resolution of optical imaging system in optical chip.For For sensitive chip, current design main flow is miniaturization and high pixelation；For optical imagery For system, object point is when optical system imaging, and due to aberration, its imaging beam is generally at picture The circular projection of formation one diffusion in plane, referred to as blur circle (Circle of Confusion), The size of blur circle and lens opening (such as aperture size), light source departure degree (such as object distance), The factors such as focusing state (such as focus, the state such as out of focus) are relevant, can use disperse to a certain extent The size of circle weighs optical resolution.Along with in sensitive chip, the size of single physical pixel is more come The least, the restriction of the optical resolution of optical imaging system may affect image in some scenarios The further lifting of imaging effect.

Summary of the invention

The brief overview about the application given below, in order to provide about the application's Basic comprehension in terms of some.Should be appreciated that this general introduction is not exhaustive about the application Property general introduction.It is not intended to determine the key of the application or pith, is not to be intended to limit Determine scope of the present application.Its purpose is only to provide some concept in simplified form, makees with this For the preamble in greater detail discussed after a while.

The embodiment of the present application provides a kind of digital image sensor and control method, image acquisition Equipment.

First aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a kind of digital image sensor, including:

One pixel unit array, each pixel cell in described pixel unit array includes counting Controller that device is connected with enumerator and the photoelectric detector being connected with described controller；

At least part of pixel cell in described pixel unit array is associated as multiple combination of pixels, Each combination of pixels at least includes one first pixel cell and one second pixel cell, described first The enumerator of pixel cell and the enumerator of described second pixel cell cascade and described first picture The element controller of unit is connected with the enumerator of described second pixel cell.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described The enumerator of the first pixel cell and the enumerator asynchronous cascade of described second pixel cell.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described The enumerator of the first pixel cell and the enumerator asynchronous cascade of described second pixel cell include: The counting of the second pixel cell described in the spilling portion and of the enumerator of described first pixel cell The count section of device connects.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described The spilling portion of the enumerator of the first pixel cell at least negates device and described second pixel list through one The count section of the enumerator of unit connects.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described Combination of pixels also includes: one first MUX, one second MUX and a pixel are adopted Integrated mode selector；The input unit of described first MUX connects described first pixel respectively The spilling portion of the enumerator of unit and the count pulse trigger source of described second pixel cell, institute State the counting of the enumerator of output unit described second pixel cell of connection of the first MUX Portion, the control portion of described first MUX is respectively with described pixel drainage pattern selector even Connect；The input unit of described second MUX connects the control of described first pixel cell respectively Device and the controller of described second pixel cell, the selection portion of described second MUX and institute State pixel drainage pattern selector to connect, the output unit of described second MUX and described the The control portion of the enumerator of two pixel cells connects.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described The spilling portion one of the enumerator of the first pixel cell described in combination of pixels negates device with described The input unit of the first MUX connects.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described Digital image sensor also includes: one first gather information determination module, respectively with described at least Partial pixel unit connects, for according at least to the first pixel cell described in described combination of pixels Enumerator and the record information of enumerator of described second pixel cell determine described first picture The collection information of element unit.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described Combination of pixels also includes: an adder, the input unit of described adder respectively with described first picture The outfan of photoelectric detector of element unit and the photoelectric detector of described second pixel cell Outfan connects, and the output unit of described adder connects with the controller of described first pixel cell Connect.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described Combination of pixels also includes: one the 3rd MUX, the input of described 3rd MUX Respectively with the output unit in the Photoelectric Detection portion of described first pixel cell and described adder Output unit connects, the output unit of described 3rd MUX and the control of described first pixel cell Device processed connects, and the selection portion of described 3rd MUX is with pixel drainage pattern selector even Connect.

Any one digital image sensor provided in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application, alternatively, described Digital image sensor also includes: one second gathers information determination module, respectively with each pixel list The enumerator of unit connects, for according at least to the first pixel cell described in described combination of pixels The record information of the enumerator of enumerator and described second pixel cell determines described combination of pixels Collection information.

Second aspect, the embodiment of the present application additionally provides the controlling party of a kind of digital image sensor Method, any one digital picture sensing that described digital image sensor provides for the embodiment of the present application Device, described method includes:

In each described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, at least Control enumerator and the counting of described second pixel cell of described first pixel cell of cascade Device, at least remembers the collection information of described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Record；

Adopting of the most described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels is determined according to record result Collection information.

In conjunction with the control method of a kind of digital image sensor that the embodiment of the present application provides, optional Ground, described in each described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, At least control the enumerator of described first pixel cell of cascade and described second pixel cell Enumerator, is at least carried out the collection information of described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Record, including: in described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, At least control the enumerator of described first pixel cell of cascade and described second pixel cell Enumerator, remembers the collection information of described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Record；Described according to record result determine the most described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Collection information, including: determine the first pixel list described in described combination of pixels according to record result The collection information of unit.

In conjunction with the control method of a kind of digital image sensor that the embodiment of the present application provides, optional Ground, described in described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, at least Control enumerator and the counting of described second pixel cell of described first pixel cell of cascade Device, carries out record to the collection information of described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels, bag Include: control the output of described pixel drainage pattern selector and represent the control of pixel redundancy drainage pattern Signal, to trigger the enumerator of described first MUX described first pixel cell of gating Path between the count section of the enumerator of spilling portion and described second pixel cell and triggering Described second MUX gates the controller of the first pixel cell and described second pixel list Path between the control portion of the enumerator of unit.

In conjunction with the control method of a kind of digital image sensor that the embodiment of the present application provides, optional Ground, described method also includes: controls the output of described pixel drainage pattern selector and is just representing pixel The often control signal of drainage pattern, to trigger described first MUX described second picture of gating The count section of the enumerator of count pulse trigger source and described second pixel cell of element unit it Between path and trigger described second MUX and gate the controller of the second pixel cell And the path between the control portion of the enumerator of described second pixel cell.

In conjunction with the control method of a kind of digital image sensor that the embodiment of the present application provides, optional Ground, described in each described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, At least control the enumerator of described first pixel cell of cascade and described second pixel cell Enumerator, is at least carried out the collection information of described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Record, including: in described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, At least control the enumerator of described first pixel cell of asynchronous cascade and described second pixel list The enumerator of unit, carries out record to total collection information of pixel cell each in described combination of pixels； Described determine adopting of the most described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels according to record result Collection information, including: determine always adopting of each pixel cell in described combination of pixels according to record result Collection information.

In conjunction with the control method of a kind of digital image sensor that the embodiment of the present application provides, optional Ground, described in described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, at least Control the enumerator of described first pixel cell of asynchronous cascade and described second pixel cell Enumerator, carries out record to total collection information of pixel cell each in described combination of pixels, including: Control the output of described pixel drainage pattern selector and represent the control letter of combination of pixels drainage pattern Number, to trigger overflowing of the enumerator of described first MUX described first pixel cell of gating Path between the count section of the enumerator going out portion and described second pixel cell, trigger described Two MUX gate the controller of described first pixel cell and described second pixel cell Enumerator control portion between path and trigger described 3rd MUX gating institute State the path between the output unit of adder and the controller of described first pixel cell.

In conjunction with the control method of a kind of digital image sensor that the embodiment of the present application provides, optional Ground, described method also includes: controls the output of described pixel drainage pattern selector and is just representing pixel The often control signal of drainage pattern, to trigger described first MUX described second picture of gating The count section of the enumerator of count pulse trigger source and described second pixel cell of element unit it Between path, trigger described second MUX and gate controller and the institute of the second pixel cell Path between the control portion of the enumerator stating the second pixel cell and trigger described more than the 3rd Road selector gates the output unit and described first in the Photoelectric Detection portion of described first pixel cell Path between the controller of pixel cell.

The third aspect, the embodiment of the present application additionally provides a kind of image capture device, including:

One the embodiment of the present application provide any one digital image sensor, a processor, one lead to Letter interface, a memorizer and a communication bus；Described processor, described communication interface, institute State memorizer and described digital image sensor completes mutual by described communication bus Communication；

Described memorizer is used for depositing at least one instruction；Described instruction make described processor perform with Lower operation:

The technical scheme that the embodiment of the present application provides, certain pixel groups to digital image sensor For conjunction, the enumerator of the first pixel cell and the enumerator cascade of the second pixel cell, and By the controller of the first pixel cell to the enumerator of the first pixel cell and the second pixel list The enumerator of unit carries out planning as a whole control, from there through the enumerator cascaded at least to this combination of pixels In the collection information of the first combination of pixels carry out record, afterwards can be according to the enumerator of cascade Record result determines the collection information of the most described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels, by In the counter relative single enumerator dilatation of cascade, the most at least it is beneficial to raising described First pixel cell described in combination of pixels allows the dynamic range gathered.

By below in conjunction with the accompanying drawing detailed description to the alternative embodiment of the application, the application's The advantage of these and other will be apparent from.

Accompanying drawing explanation

The application can be by with reference to obtaining below in association with the description given by accompanying drawing more preferably Understanding, employ same or analogous reference the most in all of the figs to represent identical Or similar parts.Described accompanying drawing is included in this specification together with detailed description below In and form the part of this specification, and be used for being further illustrated by the application can Select embodiment and explain the principle and advantage of the application.In the accompanying drawings:

The structural representation of a kind of pixel unit array that Fig. 1 a provides for the embodiment of the present application；

The control method stream of a kind of digital image sensor that Fig. 1 b provides for the embodiment of the present application Cheng Tu；

The circuit logic structure chart of a kind of pixel cell that Fig. 2 a provides for the embodiment of the present application；

The circuit logic structure of the another kind of pixel cell that Fig. 2 b provides for the embodiment of the present application Figure；

The circuit logic structure chart of a kind of combination of pixels that Fig. 3 provides for the embodiment of the present application；

The circuit logic structure chart of the another kind of combination of pixels that Fig. 4 provides for the embodiment of the present application；

The application example of a kind of combination of pixels that Fig. 5 provides for the embodiment of the present application；

The application example of the another kind of combination of pixels that Fig. 6 provides for the embodiment of the present application；

The structural representation of a kind of image capture device that Fig. 7 provides for the embodiment of the present application.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the element in accompanying drawing is only used to simple and clear For the sake of and illustrate, and be not necessarily drawn to scale.Such as, some element in accompanying drawing Size may be exaggerated relative to other elements, in order to be favorably improved the embodiment of the present application Understanding.

Detailed description of the invention

Hereinafter in connection with accompanying drawing, the one exemplary embodiment of the application is described in detail.For Clear and simple and clear for the sake of, all features of actual embodiment are not the most described. It should be understood, however, that must make a lot during developing any this practical embodiments Decision specific to embodiment, in order to realize the objectives of developer, such as, meet Those restrictive conditions relevant to system and business, and these restrictive conditions may be with really Execute the difference of mode and change.Additionally, it also should be appreciated that, although development is likely It is extremely complex and time-consuming, but the those skilled in the art having benefited from present disclosure are come Saying, this development is only routine task.

Here, also need to explanation a bit, in order to avoid obscuring because of unnecessary details The application, merely depict closely-related with the scheme according to the application in the drawings and in the description Apparatus structure and/or process step, and eliminate little with the application relation, this area Parts known to those of ordinary skill and the expression of process and description.

Below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (label identical in some accompanying drawings represent identical element) and implement Example, is described in further detail the detailed description of the invention of the application.Following example are used for Bright the application, but it is not limited to scope of the present application.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that terms such as " first ", " second " in the application It is only used for distinguishing different step, equipment or module etc., neither represents any particular technology implication, The inevitable logical order between them is not indicated that yet.

Digital image sensor includes that pixel unit array, described pixel unit array include array Multiple pixel cells of distribution.It is different from the traditional image biography realizing signal transmission at analog domain Sensor, in digital image sensor, the multiplexing of photosignal realizes at numeric field, is conducive to Realize the Lossless transport of signal, improve the channel isolation of digital image sensor and anti-interference energy Power etc., therefore, in recent years, the research to described digital image sensor and application thereof causes industry The extensive concern of interior personage.

The embodiment of the present application provides a kind of digital image sensor, as shown in Figure 1a, described Digital image sensor includes: a pixel unit array 100, described pixel unit array 100 Including the pixel cell of multiple array distribution, each pixel cell includes enumerator and enumerator The controller connected and the photoelectric detector being connected with described controller, wherein, described light Photodetector is used for obtaining collection information, and the acquisition mode gathering information such as gathers optical signal also Be converted into analog electrical signal etc., described controller for according to the collection of described photoelectric detector Information controls described enumerator and it is carried out corresponding digitized record.Described pixel unit array At least part of pixel cell in 100 is associated as multiple combination of pixels, can according to as described in numeral All or part pixel cell in the whole pixel cell array of imageing sensor determines multiple Combination of pixels, or, can be according in the local pixel cell array of described digital image sensor All or part pixel cell determine multiple combination of pixels, etc..Each combination of pixels is at least Including one first pixel cell A and one second pixel cell B, described first pixel cell A Enumerator and described second pixel cell B enumerator cascade and described first pixel cell The controller of A is connected with the enumerator of described second pixel cell B.

The control method of described digital image sensor as shown in Figure 1 b, including:

S101: in each described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, At least control the enumerator of described first pixel cell of cascade and described second pixel cell Enumerator, is at least carried out the collection information of described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Record.

S102: determine the most described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels according to record result Collection information.

In traditional digital image sensor, the photosignal that each pixel cell collects is by each Pixel cell self record.Being different from traditional digital image sensor, the embodiment of the present application carries The technical scheme of confession, for certain combination of pixels of digital image sensor, the first pixel list The enumerator of unit and the enumerator cascade of the second pixel cell, and by the first pixel cell The enumerator of the first pixel cell and the enumerator of the second pixel cell are planned as a whole by controller Control, from there through the enumerator cascaded at least to the first combination of pixels in this combination of pixels Collection information carries out record, can determine described picture according to the record result of the enumerator of cascade afterwards The collection information of the most described first pixel cell in element combination, due to the counter relative of cascade The dilatation of single enumerator, is the most at least beneficial to improve described in described combination of pixels first Pixel cell allows the dynamic range gathered.

The device with simulation numeral (Analog to Digital is called for short AD) translation function is The important component part of digital image sensor, it is for by pixel list in digital image sensor The optical signal that unit is collected is transmitted after being converted into the signal of telecommunication.A kind of optional digital picture Sensor is Pixel-level digital image sensor, and the most each pixel cell has simulation numeral (Analog to Digital is called for short AD) transition count function, so, each pixel cell The signal collected can realize transmission at numeric field.

Such as, the optional structure of each pixel cell as shown in Figure 2 a, including Photoelectric Detection Device 23, controller 24, enumerator 25 and depositor 26；Photoelectric detector 23 includes: use In gather optical signal and be converted into analog electrical signal photodiode (Photo-Diode) 21, And the amplifier 22 that the analog electrical signal of photodiode is amplified；Controller 24 wraps Include integrating circuit 241 and comparator 242, by integrating circuit 241, comparator 242, meter Number device 25 and depositor 26 coordinate, and convert analog signals into digital signal and are transmitted. One optional AD conversion counting process is such as: when the image including digital image sensor is adopted After collection equipment has exposed, photodiode 21 optical signal collected is converted into the signal of telecommunication, The input "-" of input comparator 242, integrating circuit after the amplification of the signal of telecommunication amplified device 22 Outfan and comparator 242 input "+" be connected, integrating circuit in controller 24 The electric capacity of 241 starts to charge up, and controller 25 control counter 25 resets, and enumerator 25 leaves Begin to certain count pulse source (described count pulse source can be but be not limited to clock pulses or with light The pulse etc. that the collection information of photodetector is corresponding) pulse along counting；Work as comparator The input of 242 "+" voltage higher than the voltage of its input "-" time, comparator 242 Output end signal trigger controller 25 in integrating circuit 241 electric capacity electric discharge, controller 25 The count value the control counter 25 that control depositor 26 read-out counter 25 reset.

The most such as, the optional structure of each pixel cell as shown in Figure 2 b, including light electric-examination Survey device 23, controller 24 sum counter 25；Photoelectric detector 23 includes: be used for gathering light Signal is also converted into the photodiode 21 of analog electrical signal and the mould to photodiode Intend the amplifier 22 that the signal of telecommunication is amplified；Controller 24 includes for by defeated for amplifier 22 The analog information gone out is modulated into pulse frequency modulator 243 and the logic of corresponding pulse signal Control unit 244, logic control element 244 control pulse frequency modulator 243 action and Control counter 25 to the pulse of the pulse that pulse frequency modulator 243 exports along counting, Reset, counting mode setting, data read-out etc. operate.

Being appreciated that the structure of above pixel cell is only washability example, it is right to should not be construed as The restriction of the embodiment of the present application technical spirit.In actual use, counter overflow can make Counter resets and again start counting up or counter overflow can make this enumerator maintain counting Peak and no longer count, under this situation, if counter overflow and failing read in time (as Can be read by depositor) count value of enumerator, the then count value of enumerator and respective pixel The optoelectronic information of unit actual acquisition is not inconsistent, and causes misregistration.Carry in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application In any one technical scheme of confession, it is that the enumerator by cascade is at least in this combination of pixels The collection information of the first combination of pixels carries out record, due to the single counting of counter relative of cascade Device dilatation, is equivalent at least improve the first pixel cell and allows the upper of count information amount Limit, say, that, it is allowed to the maximum brightness value of the first pixel cell of record improves, thus At least can obtain the dynamic range that the first pixel cell is bigger, reduce and occur because of counter overflow Cause the probability of misregistration.

Each combination of pixels can include that multiple pixel cell, the plurality of pixel cell at least include One first pixel cell and one second pixel cell.For in each combination of pixels, multiple pixels The mode of the enumerator cascade of unit is very flexible, and this is not limiting as by the embodiment of the present application.Can Selection of land, can get up count by the enumerator serially concatenated of multiple pixel cells；Or, can Get up to count by the enumerator asynchronous cascade of multiple pixel cells；Or, can be to multiple pictures The enumerator asynchronous cascade of element unit is got up and enters the counting mode of at least one pixel cell Row suitably adjusts, to obtain bigger dynamic range, such as: the meter of described first pixel cell The spilling portion of number device is connected with the count section of the enumerator of the second pixel cell described in.Can manage Solve, if described combination of pixels except described first pixel cell and described second pixel cell it Also include other pixel cells outward, also can use similar cascade system, by other pixels described The enumerator of unit and described first pixel cell and/or the described second further level of pixel cell Connection, the as will be described enumerator of the count section of other pixel cells and described second pixel cell Spilling portion connects, etc..In addition to joining other enumerators by the spilling ministerial level of certain enumerator, Other ministerial levels also by this enumerator join, and as N-bit counter, can will be somebody's turn to do Enumerator N position (being equivalent to overflow position), N-1 position, N-2 position ... cascade other Enumerator, specific implementation is very flexible, and the embodiment of the present application does not repeats them here.And lead to Cross spilling portion and carry out the cascade between different enumerator, then can obtain bigger dilatation, and control Relatively simple convenience.Still optionally further, through overflowing the counting of two pixel cells of ministerial level connection Can carry out negating triggering through negating device between device, thus improve upper level counter overflow signal sense The susceptiveness known and the convenience of control.Such as: for certain combination of pixels, described The meter of the enumerator of the spilling portion of the enumerator of the first pixel cell and described second pixel cell Several connections, and the control portion of the enumerator of described second pixel cell and described first pixel list The controller of unit connects, concrete, can be by the controller of the first pixel cell to the second pixel Control signal is sent out in the control portion of the enumerator of unit, enters controlling the enumerator of the second pixel cell Horizontal reset, counting mode control etc. operate, and wherein, the counting mode of the first pixel cell can be adopted Count (as counted along triggering by the pulse of known pulse) by traditional mode, and the The counting mode of the enumerator of two pixel cells is different from tradition counting mode, and it is according to first The spill in the spilling portion of the enumerator of pixel cell counts, such as the first pixel cell There is to trigger during signal condition change the counter counts of the second pixel cell in the spilling portion of enumerator Number, and i.e. reset after the counter overflow of the first pixel cell and again start counting up, until the The enumerator of one pixel cell overflows again, and this spill over triggers the counting of the second pixel cell Device counts；So repeatedly until having counted；Enumerator for the ease of first pixel cell Spill over accurately triggers the counting operation of the enumerator of the second pixel cell, alternatively, first The spilling portion of the enumerator of pixel cell can be at least through a meter negating device and the second pixel cell The count section of number devices connects, and the program can the meter of sensitive perception the first pixel cell by negating device The state change of the spill over of number device, starts with the enumerator of accurately triggering the second pixel cell Counting.

After having counted, can be by gathering information determination module according to combination of pixels cascade The record result of each enumerator determines the most described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Collection information.

(1) in a kind of optional implementation, can be by described the in described combination of pixels The controller of one pixel cell, at least control cascade described first pixel cell enumerator and The enumerator of described second pixel cell, to described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Collection information carry out record, according to record result determine the first picture described in described combination of pixels The collection information of element unit.Under this situation, described digital image sensor comprises the steps that one first Gather information determination module, described first gather information determination module respectively with described pixel cell At least part of pixel cell in array connects (as described first collection information determination module can be led to Cross depositor respectively with enumerator and second pixel of the first pixel cell in each combination of pixels The enumerator of unit connects), for according at least to the first pixel list described in described combination of pixels The record information of the enumerator of unit and the enumerator of described second pixel cell determines described first The collection information of pixel cell.Described first gathers information determination module also can be with each pixel cell Controller connect, at corresponding controllers (such as the controller of described first pixel cell) Control under determine the need for reading the record result of corresponding counter and determining therefrom that corresponding Collection information.Due to the difference of each enumerator triggering mode of cascade, the first pixel cell The implication represented by unit count value of enumerator and the unit of the enumerator of the second pixel cell Implication expressed by count value is different, the unit count value of the enumerator of described second pixel cell Represent the once spilling (being equivalent to maximum count value) of the enumerator of the first pixel cell, namely The count value of each enumerator united recording of cascade can be determined by following formula:

M=M_n·N_max+M_n+1..............................................................(1)

Wherein, M represents the count value of united recording, M_nRepresent the counting of the second pixel cell The count value that device reads, N_maxRepresent the maximum count value of the enumerator of the first pixel cell, M_n+1 Represent the count value that the enumerator of the first pixel cell reads.Obtain each enumerator associating of cascade After the count value of record, prior art is used i.e. to can determine that the collection letter of the first pixel cell Breath, does not repeats them here.In the program, adopting of the first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Collection information carries out record not only by self, carries out also by the second pixel cell associated with it Record, so, in the recording mode of the information of collection, is by the multiple pixels in combination of pixels Unit records the collection information of a certain pixel cell jointly, which thereby enhances single pixel cell Allow the dynamic range gathered.Three or more than three pixel cells are included for combination of pixels Situation, the concrete mode that can cascade according to the enumerator of each pixel cell that this combination of pixels includes Determine the implication represented by unit count value of the enumerator of each pixel cell, and then combine each meter The count value of number device determines the count value of the first pixel cell described in this combination of pixels, specifically real Existing mode is similar with examples detailed above, does not repeats them here.

Alternatively, the enumerator of the first pixel cell and the second pixel cell in certain combination of pixels Enumerator realize cascade and the optional circuit logic diagram planning as a whole to control as it is shown on figure 3, described picture Element combination also includes: one first MUX 271,1 second MUX 272 and Drainage pattern selector 28；The input unit of described first MUX 271 connects institute respectively State spilling portion (the highest as by enumerator 251 of the enumerator 251 of the first pixel cell A N position, position is connected with the input unit of the first MUX 271) and described second pixel list The count pulse trigger source of unit B is (if needing the photoelectric detector to the second pixel cell B The information gathered individually counts, and this enumerator 252 is i.e. carried out based on this count pulse trigger source Counting), the output unit of described first MUX 271 connects described second pixel cell B The count section of enumerator 252, the control portion of described first MUX 271 is respectively with one Drainage pattern selector 28 connects；The input unit of described second MUX 272 connects respectively Connect controller 241 and the control of described second pixel cell B of described first pixel cell A Device 242, the selection portion of described second MUX 272 and described drainage pattern selector 28 Connect, the output unit of described second MUX 272 and the meter of described second pixel cell B The control portion of number device 252 connects.Can be according to the collection of described drainage pattern selector 28 output Model selection control signal, selects the second pixel cell B to be in pixel normal acquisition pattern also It is pixel redundancy drainage pattern, more preferably to meet diversified practical application request.

The program is controlled by the selection of image acquisition modality, compatible digital image sensor Conventional images acquisition mode, improves the universality of scheme, more preferably meets diversified actual application Demand, wherein, pixel drainage pattern includes that pixel normal acquisition pattern and pixel redundancy gather mould Formula.Described pixel normal acquisition pattern is traditional pixel drainage pattern, in this pattern, each picture The collection information of counter records each photoelectric detector of element unit, such as the meter of each pixel cell Number device carries out counting etc. to respective collection information, after having counted, according to each pixel list The respective record result (such as count results) of unit determines the collection information of each pixel cell respectively. And described pixel redundancy drainage pattern is different from traditional pixel normal acquisition pattern, at described picture Under element redundancy drainage pattern, and not all pixel cell all records the information self gathered, and It is to associate to carry out united recording with other pixel cells, thus improves partial pixel unit at figure As gatherer process allows the dynamic range obtained.

Still optionally further, the spilling portion warp of the enumerator 251 of described first pixel cell A One negates device 29 is connected with the input unit of described first MUX 271, in order to sensitive sense Know that the signal condition change in the spilling portion of enumerator 251 carrys out the counting of flip-flop number 252.

Alternatively, carrying out in image acquisition process based on digital image sensor, image acquisition Control device and can select control signal by drainage pattern selector output drainage pattern, control the One MUX 271 and the second MUX 272 select to export with drainage pattern selector Path corresponding to control signal.

Optionally control method is such as: when at least part of picture determined in described pixel unit array When element unit needs to use pixel redundancy drainage pattern to be acquired controlling, controllable pixels collection Mode selector 28 output represents the control signal of pixel redundancy drainage pattern, described to trigger First MUX 271 gates the spilling of the enumerator 251 of described first pixel cell A Path between the count section of the enumerator 252 of portion and described second pixel cell B and touching Sending out the second MUX 252 described gates controller 241 and the institute of the first pixel cell A Path between the control portion of the enumerator 252 stating the second pixel cell B.Specifically, as Really drainage pattern selector output drainage pattern selects control signal to be pixel redundancy drainage pattern, Then the second MUX 272 connects A input channel and (i.e. connects the first pixel cell A's The outfan of controller 241), the first MUX 271 connects A input channel and (i.e. connects The spilling portion of the enumerator 251 of logical first pixel cell A).This situation is equivalent to the first pixel The control of controller 241 adapter the second pixel cell B of unit A, by the first pixel cell The controller 241 of A control the enumerator 252 of the second pixel cell B carry out resetting, counting side Formula etc., additionally, the counting mode of the enumerator 252 of the second pixel cell B also there occurs change, It is that the signal condition change in the spilling portion of enumerator 251 by the first pixel cell A is carried out Counting triggers, and therefore, under this situation, the count value of the enumerator 252 of the second pixel cell B is not The collection information of the most corresponding second pixel cell B, but the first pixel cell A of correspondence Part gathers information, and the unit count value of the enumerator 252 of the second pixel cell B represents Be the once spilling of enumerator 251 of the first pixel cell A, such as, alternatively, The spilling portion one of the enumerator 251 of one pixel cell A negates device 29 and the first multi-path choice The input unit of device 271 connects, and when enumerator 251 overflows, enumerator 251 resets and again counts, The signal condition of the highest order (N position) of enumerator 251 changes and (assumes by " 1 " Become " 0 "), the signal condition after change is delivered to negate device 29 and carries out negating and (assume by " 0 " Become " 1 "), now, the enumerator 252 triggering the second pixel cell B counts (as performed Add 1 operation)；Same, enumerator 251 can flip-flop number 252 after again counting spilling Counting (as again performed to add 1 operation) again, etc..After having counted, according to first The count value of the enumerator 251 of pixel cell A and the enumerator 252 of the second pixel cell B Count value jointly determine the collection information of the first pixel cell A.Visible, in pixel redundancy Under drainage pattern, the collection information of multiple single pixel cells of pixel cell united recording, quite Actual active volume in the enumerator of corresponding single pixel cell is able to dilatation, which thereby enhances Single pixel cell allows the dynamic range gathered.

When at least part of pixel cell determined in described pixel unit array needs to use pixel When normal acquisition pattern is acquired controlling, described pixel drainage pattern selector 28 can be controlled Output represents the control signal of pixel normal acquisition pattern, to trigger described first MUX The 271 count pulse trigger source gating described second pixel cell B and described second pixel cells Path between the count section of the enumerator 252 of B and trigger described second MUX The controller 242 of 272 gating the second pixel cell B and the counting of described second pixel cell B Path between the control portion of device 252.Specifically, if the output of drainage pattern selector is adopted Integrated mode selects control signal to be pixel normal acquisition pattern, then the second MUX 272 is even Logical B input channel (i.e. connecting the outfan of the controller 242 of the second pixel cell B), the One MUX 271 connects B input channel and (i.e. connects the counting of the second pixel cell B Pulse triggering source).Under this situation, the controller 242 of the second pixel cell B controls the second picture The enumerator 252 of element unit B carries out resetting, counting mode etc. controls, the second pixel cell B Enumerator 252 the collection information of the second pixel cell B is counted, after having counted, Controller 242 controls the depositor 262 of the second pixel cell B and reads the counting of enumerator 252 Value, and the collection information of the second pixel cell B is determined according to this count value；First pixel cell The acquisition mode of A is same, it may be assumed that the controller 241 of the first pixel cell A controls The enumerator 251 of one pixel cell A carries out resetting, counting mode etc. controls, the second pixel The collection information of the first pixel cell A is counted by the enumerator 251 of unit B, counting After completing, controller 241 controls the depositor 261 of the first pixel cell A and reads counting The count value of device 251, and the collection information of the first pixel cell A is determined according to this count value； Etc..Visible, under pixel normal acquisition pattern, each pixel cell gathers respectively and each remembers Record the collection information of self.

(2) in another kind of optional implementation, can be by described in described combination of pixels The controller of the first pixel cell, at least controls the meter of described first pixel cell of asynchronous cascade Number device and the enumerator of described second pixel cell, to pixel cell each in described combination of pixels Total collection information carries out record；Each pixel cell in described combination of pixels is determined according to record result The information that always gathers.Under this situation, described digital image sensor comprises the steps that one second gathers Information determination module, described second gather information determination module respectively with described pixel unit array In at least part of pixel cell connect (as described first gather information determination module can be by posting Storage respectively with enumerator and second pixel cell of the first pixel cell in each combination of pixels Enumerator connect), for according at least to the first pixel cell described in described combination of pixels The record information of the enumerator of enumerator and described second pixel cell determines described combination of pixels Collection information.Described first gathers information determination module also can be with the controller of each pixel cell Connect, under the control of corresponding controllers (such as the controller of described first pixel cell) Determine the need for reading the record result of corresponding counter and determine therefrom that and gather letter accordingly Breath.

Determine that the formula of the count value of each enumerator united recording of cascade refers to above formula (1), After obtaining count value, can be according to the collection information represented by the unit count value of each enumerator Determine total collection information of described combination of pixels.Three or more than three are included for combination of pixels The situation of pixel cell, the enumerator of each pixel cell that can include according to this combination of pixels is asynchronous The concrete mode of cascade determines containing represented by the unit count value of the enumerator of each pixel cell Justice, and then the count value combining each enumerator determines the count value that this combination of pixels is overall, specifically Implementation is similar with examples detailed above.After obtaining the count value of combination of pixels entirety record, adopt I.e. can determine that the collection information of this combination of pixels by prior art, also repeat no more at this.

Alternatively, the enumerator of the first pixel cell and the second pixel cell in certain combination of pixels Enumerator realize cascade and plan as a whole control optional circuit logic diagram as shown in Figure 4, with Fig. 3 Shown circuit logic diagram is comparatively, the two passes through the first pixel cell A's at numeric field The mode united recording of enumerator 252 cascade of enumerator 251 and the second pixel cell B gathers The mode of information is similar, and the main distinction includes: note combined by each enumerator of (1) Fig. 3 cascade Record is the collection information of described first pixel cell A, and each enumerator of Fig. 4 cascade United recording is that each pixel cell of described combination of pixels (is described first pixel in this example Unit A and the second pixel cell B) the information that always gathers: the pixel collection that (2) Fig. 4 is corresponding Pattern includes: pixel normal acquisition pattern and combination of pixels drainage pattern, described pixel groups Close drainage pattern different from traditional pixel normal acquisition pattern, gather mould in described combination of pixels Under formula, the information that each pixel cell not separate records each gathers, but with at least two Pixel (such as the first pixel cell and the second pixel cell etc.) is a combination of pixels, with pixel groups It is combined into granularity by the way of the enumerator asynchronous cascade of pixel cell each in this combination of pixels pair Total collection information of this combination of pixels carries out record, thus improves combination of pixels in image acquisition mistake Journey allows the dynamic range obtained.

That adds up each pixel cell respective collection information in combination of pixels is concrete real Existing mode, can determine, the embodiment of the present application is not limiting as according to actual needs, alternatively, and can At analog domain, the mode of adder is set to the respective collection of each pixel cell in combination of pixels Information adds up, and the program the most easily realizes, specifically, alternatively, and described pixel groups Close and also include: an adder 210.The input unit of described adder 210 respectively with described pixel The outfan of the photoelectric detector of each pixel cell in combination connects, with at analog domain to each picture The collection information of the photoelectric detector output of element unit adds up；Described adder 210 defeated Go out portion to be connected with the controller of a certain pixel cell in described combination of pixels, and by this controller Carry out planning as a whole control, with by this pixel groups to the enumerator of pixel cell each in this combination of pixels In conjunction, the mode of the enumerator asynchronous cascade of each pixel cell always gathers letter to this combination of pixels Breath carries out record.Such as, the first pixel cell A and the second picture are included in described combination of pixels Element unit B when, the input unit of described adder 210 respectively with described first pixel list The outfan of photoelectric detector of unit A and the photoelectric detector of described second pixel cell B Outfan connects, the output unit of described adder 210 and the control of described first pixel cell A Device processed connects, from there through the enumerator of the first pixel cell A described in this combination of pixels and Mode always the adopting this combination of pixels of the enumerator asynchronous cascade of described second pixel cell B Collection information carries out record.

Still optionally further, described combination of pixels also includes: one the 3rd MUX 273, The input of described 3rd MUX 273 respectively with certain the pixel list in this combination of pixels Unit (such as the first pixel cell A) Photoelectric Detection portion output unit and as described in adder 210 Output unit connect, the output unit of described 3rd MUX 273 and certain pixel cell (as First pixel cell A) controller 241 connect, and described 3rd MUX 273 Selection portion is connected with pixel drainage pattern selector 28.Carrying out based on digital image sensor In image acquisition process, image acquisition is controlled device and can be gathered by the output of drainage pattern selector Model selection control signal, control first MUX the 271, second MUX 272, 3rd MUX 273 selects the path selecting control signal corresponding with this drainage pattern, by This more preferably meets diversified practical application request, optional control method such as:

When at least part of pixel cell determined in described pixel unit array needs to use pixel When normal acquisition pattern is acquired controlling, the output of described pixel drainage pattern selector can be controlled Represent the control signal of pixel normal acquisition pattern, to trigger described first MUX gating The count pulse trigger source of described second pixel cell and the enumerator of described second pixel cell Count section between path, trigger described second MUX and gate the second pixel cell Path between the control portion of the enumerator of controller and described second pixel cell and triggering Described 3rd MUX gates the output unit in the Photoelectric Detection portion of described first pixel cell And the path between the controller of described first pixel cell.Specifically, if drainage pattern Selector 28 exports drainage pattern and selects control signal to be pixel normal acquisition pattern, then and the 3rd MUX 273 connects A input channel (the i.e. photoelectric detector of connected pixel unit A Outfan).Under this situation, the collection information that pixel cell A exports to its controller 241 For the collection information of pixel cell A self, controller 241 controls the counting of pixel cell A Device 251 carries out resetting, counting mode etc. controls, and after having counted, controller 241 controls The depositor 261 of pixel cell A reads the count value of enumerator 251, and according to this counting Value determines the collection information of pixel cell A.And the second MUX 272 connects B input Passage (i.e. connecting the outfan of the controller 242 of the second pixel cell B), the first multichannel choosing Select device 271 and connect B input channel (i.e. the count pulse trigger source of connected pixel unit B). Under this situation, the controller 242 of the second pixel cell B controls the meter of the second pixel cell B Number devices 252 carry out resetting, counting mode etc. controls, the enumerator 252 of the second pixel cell B The collection information of the second pixel cell B is counted, after having counted, controller 242 The depositor 262 controlling the second pixel cell B reads the count value of enumerator 252, and according to This count value determines the collection information of the second pixel cell B.Visible, at pixel normal acquisition mould Under formula, each pixel cell gathers and each records the collection information of self respectively.

When at least part of pixel cell determined in described pixel unit array needs to use pixel When normal acquisition pattern is acquired controlling, the output of described pixel drainage pattern selector can be controlled Represent the control signal of combination of pixels drainage pattern, to trigger described first MUX gating The spilling portion of the enumerator of described first pixel cell and the enumerator of described second pixel cell Count section between path, trigger described second MUX gate described first pixel list Unit controller and described second pixel cell enumerator control portion between path and Trigger described 3rd MUX and gate the output unit and described first of described adder Path between the controller of pixel cell.Specifically, if drainage pattern selector 28 Output drainage pattern selects control signal to be combination of pixels drainage pattern, then the 3rd MUX 273 connection B input channels (i.e. connecting the outfan of adder 210).Under this situation, the One pixel cell A is to total collection that the collection information that its controller 241 exports is combination of pixels Information (the analog acquisition information and second of the photoelectric detector output of the i.e. first pixel cell A The accumulation information of the analog acquisition information of the photoelectric detector output of pixel cell B), the first picture The controller 241 of element unit A is to the enumerator 251 of the first pixel cell A and the second pixel The enumerator 252 of unit B carries out planning as a whole control, and wherein, the second MUX 272 connects A input channel (i.e. connecting the outfan of the controller 241 of the first pixel cell A), first MUX 271 connects A input channel and (i.e. connects the enumerator of the first pixel cell A The spilling portion of 251).This situation is equivalent to controller 241 adapter of the first pixel cell A The control of two pixel cell B, is controlled the second picture by the controller 241 of the first pixel cell A The enumerator 252 of element unit B carries out resetting, counting mode etc., additionally, the second pixel cell The counting mode of the enumerator 252 of B also there occurs change, by the first pixel cell A The signal condition change in the spilling portion of enumerator 251 carries out counting and triggers, therefore, under this situation The most corresponding second pixel cell B's of count value of the enumerator 252 of the second pixel cell B Collection information, but the partial information in total collection information of combination of pixels, and the second pixel What the unit count value of the enumerator 252 of unit B represented is the counting of the first pixel cell A The once spilling of device 251, such as, alternatively, the enumerator 251 of the first pixel cell A Spilling portion one negate device 29 and be connected with the input unit of the first MUX 271, work as meter Number devices 251 overflow, and enumerator 251 resets and again counts, the highest order of enumerator 251 (the N position) signal condition change (assuming to be become " 0 " from " 1 "), the signal after change State is delivered to negate device 29 and carries out negating (assuming to be become " 1 " from " 0 "), now, touches The enumerator 252 sending out the second pixel cell B counts (as performed to add 1 operation)；Same, Enumerator 251 can count (as again performed by flip-flop number 252 after again counting spilling again Add 1 operation), etc..After having counted, according to the enumerator 251 of the first pixel cell A Count value and the count value of enumerator 252 of the second pixel cell B jointly determine the first pixel The collection information of unit A.Visible, under combination of pixels drainage pattern, multiple pixel cells Enumerator asynchronous cascade carry out total collection information of this combination of pixels of united recording, be equivalent to this picture For in element combination, each pixel cell records the prior art each gathering information respectively, be equivalent to The permission counter capacity of this combination of pixels is carried out dilatation, which thereby enhances single pixel cell Allow the dynamic range gathered.

In actual application, can determine that digital picture passes according to the actual demand of image acquisition At least localized imaging region (i.e. at least part of pixel cell institute in pixel unit array of sensor Corresponding region) whether it is in which kind of pixel drainage pattern.Below optional scene is lifted Example explanation.

In the image acquisition application of (scene 1) some scene, the digitized map of image capture device Physical picture element resolution as sensor can exceed that the optical resolution of its camera lens, thus may be used Can cause the redundancy of pixel cell, the technical scheme that the embodiment of the present application provides can obtain digitized map As the size of blur circle in the image that at least localized imaging region of sensor collects；Calculate more Dissipate the ratio of the size of circle and the size of pixel cell, in response to size and the institute of described blur circle State the ratio of size of pixel cell more than a permissible range, determine described at least local tomography district Territory is in pixel redundancy drainage pattern or combination of pixels drainage pattern.If described blur circle is big The ratio of the size of little and described pixel cell falls into described permissible range, then can determine that described in extremely Few localized imaging region is in pixel normal acquisition pattern；At least localized imaging region described in determining After being in pixel normal acquisition pattern, in described at least localized imaging region, each pixel cell is adopted Image acquisition is carried out, if the enumerator of each pixel cell is to respective collection by existing mode Information carries out counting etc..The program is controlled by the selection of image acquisition modality, compatible number The conventional images acquisition mode of word imageing sensor, improves the universality of scheme, more preferably meets many The practical application request of sample.

Such as, optical diffraction forms Airy disk is that object point forms the blur circle with a certain size One of form of expression of picture, might as well illustrate as a example by Airy disk, due to the undulatory property of light, When carrying out image acquisition, even if in the case of perfect optical system exact focus, mesh The imaging on digital image sensor of the light of each object point of mark object is also to have a certain size Hot spot, i.e. Airy disk；For visible ray (might as well calculate by wavelength 530 nanometer of green glow), When using aperture F/22 to carry out image acquisition, produced Airy disk diameter is about 29.3 Micron；If size (the most single pixel cell big of physical picture element on digital image sensor Little) be 6.3 microns, then under this situation, optical resolution becomes the bottleneck of imaging effect, adopts Digital image sensor with high physical picture element resolution (size such as single physical pixel is little) Carry out the imaging effect that image acquisition is obtained, with the slightly lower physical picture element resolution of employing (such as list The size of individual physical picture element is slightly larger) digital image sensor carry out the one-tenth that image acquisition is obtained As effect difference is inconspicuous, accordingly, it can be determined that the pixel unit array of digital image sensor is whole Body or partial pixel unit are in pixel redundancy drainage pattern or combination of pixels drainage pattern.The party Case calculates the size of Airy disk and the ratio of the size of pixel cell, by this ratio and predetermined appearance Permitted scope to compare, if this ratio falls into described permissible range, then can not be started pixel superfluous Remaining drainage pattern or combination of pixels drainage pattern (pixel normal acquisition pattern can be started), otherwise, If this ratio exceeds described permissible range, then can start pixel redundancy drainage pattern；Wherein, Described permissible range can determine according to actual needs, as can determine that radius and the pixel list of Airy disk The ratio of the length of side of the unit scope less than or equal to 2, for described permissible range.The program can be Little apertures etc. carry out under the conditions of there may be optical diffraction restriction etc. starting pixel during image acquisition Redundancy drainage pattern or combination of pixels drainage pattern, to improve single pixel cell or combination of pixels Allow the dynamic range gathered.

Alternatively, each pixel cell of a certain combination of pixels is adjacent one another are, such as: a kind of optional Implementation in, as shown in Figure 1, it may be determined that the pixel unit array of digital image sensor Imaging region corresponding to all pixel cells, use pixel redundancy drainage pattern or picture for needs The imaging region of element combination drainage pattern, the most adjacent pixel cell is a combination of pixels, with Combination of pixels is that granularity carries out pixel redundancy acquisition controlling or combination of pixels acquisition controlling.Figure is given Go out the example of the mode that two adjacent pixel cells are a combination of pixels, it will be understood that root The needs of border application factually, it is possible to determine three or three according to principles such as position are adjacent or close Above pixel cell is a combination of pixels, counting between each pixel cell in this combination of pixels Device carries out the asynchronous cascade dynamic range with the bigger possible collection of acquisition, and asynchronous cascade mode can be adopted By modes such as concatenation or overflow position flip-flop numbers, repeat no more.

In the image acquisition application of (scene 2) some scene, use number at image capture device When code zoom mode carries out image acquisition to destination object, in its digital image sensor only locally Central imaging area carries out image acquisition, other edge imaging regions do not carry out image acquisition, It is to say, for the image acquisition of Digital Zoom mode, the office of digital image sensor For effective imaging region, other imaging regions are invalid imaging region to portion's imaging region, full Under foot certain condition, can be by the pixel cell in invalid imaging region in effective imaging region Pixel cell be associated being formed combination of pixels, and then come in extremely efficient imaging region Pixel cell allows the dynamic range gathered.Specifically, determine described at least local tomography district Territory is in pixel redundancy drainage pattern, it may include: obtain the image of described digital image sensor The Digital Zoom multiplying power of collecting device；Set more than or equal to one in response to described Digital Zoom multiplying power Determine threshold value, determine described at least localized imaging region be in pixel redundancy drainage pattern.Described set Determining threshold value can determine according to actual needs, optionally, described setting threshold value can be 1.4 times or big In a certain Digital Zoom multiplying power of 1.4 times, such as, as it is shown in figure 5, for the numeral of 13 × 13 For imageing sensor, when Digital Zoom multiplying power is more than 1.4 times, digital image sensor The quantity of the pixel cell in invalid imaging region is more than or equal to the picture in effective imaging region The quantity of element unit.Can determine that in digital image sensor corresponding with described Digital Zoom multiplying power Effectively in imaging region, the partial pixel unit of (representing with white portion in figure) is described first At least part of in other imaging regions outside pixel cell set, described effective imaging region Pixel cell is described second pixel cell set (representing by darker regions in figure).Might as well be with Pixel cell in Two Areas uses the mode of 1:1 to illustrate as a example by setting up association, the Certain first pixel cell in one pixel cell set and certain in the second pixel cell set Individual second pixel cell association, by two pixel cell united recording the first pixel cells associated Collection information, wherein, the mode of connection can be set up between the pixel cell of association and set up Association, and for the complexity connected between pixel cell when facilitating chip designs as far as possible and fall Low-losses etc., can use some predetermined strategy to determine associating policy, such as, design core During sheet, can according to the shortest pairing optimized between two class pixel cells of overall wire length even Connect that (arrow in figure illustrates the pairing of the second pixel cell of the first pixel cell and associated Relation), further, it is also based on greedy random algorithm and combines the prior aries such as local improvement It is optimized pairing, does not repeats them here.

In the image acquisition application of (scene 3) some scene, digital image sensor is not adopted Collect full focal length or full depth image, say, that digital image sensor correspondence destination object scape First imaging region acquired image of the image of the part in the range of Shen is clear, and corresponding mesh Second imaging of the collection of mark object part out of focus (the usually part outside field depth) image Region acquired image obscures.As shown in Figure 6, for image the first imaging region clearly (usually central area) can use pixel normal acquisition pattern to carry out image acquisition；For figure As fuzzy the second imaging region (the usually marginal area in addition to central area) can pass through The mode of combination of pixels improves at least one pixel cell in combination of pixels and allows the dynamic of collection Scope, as improved the dynamic range that the first pixel cell in combination of pixels allows to gather, or, Improve the dynamic range etc. that combination of pixels entirety allows to gather, it may be assumed that in response to described at least local The collection of the corresponding destination object parts of images out of focus of imaging region (such as described second imaging region), Described in determining, at least localized imaging region is in pixel redundancy drainage pattern or combination of pixels collection Pattern.Alternatively, adjacent one another are between different pixels unit in combination of pixels, in order to not With setting up association between pixel cell.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any of the above-described side in the application detailed description of the invention In method, the sequence number size of each step is not meant to the priority of execution sequence, the execution of each step Order should determine with its function and internal logic, and should be to the reality of the application detailed description of the invention Process of executing constitutes any restriction.

In the application the various embodiments described above, the sequence number of embodiment and/or sequencing are the most just In description, do not represent the quality of embodiment.Description to each embodiment all emphasizes particularly on different fields, certain Individual embodiment does not has the part described in detail, may refer to the associated description of other embodiments.Relevant The enforcement principle of device, equipment or system embodiment or the associated description of process, can be found in corresponding The record of embodiment of the method, does not repeats them here.

The structural representation of a kind of image capture device that Fig. 7 provides for the embodiment of the present application, this The specific implementation of image capture device 700 is not limited by application specific embodiment.As Shown in Fig. 7, image capture device 700 may include that

Processor (Processor) 710, communication interface (Communications Interface) 720, memorizer (Memory) 730, communication bus 740 and digital image sensor 750. Wherein:

Processor 710, communication interface 720 and memorizer 730 are by communication bus 740 Complete mutual communication.

Communication interface 720, is used for and digital image sensor 750 communication such as grade.

Processor 710, is used for the program that performs 732, specifically can perform any of the above-described method real Execute the correlation step in example；

Any one digital picture that digital image sensor 750 provides for the embodiment of the present application passes Sensor.

Such as, program 732 can include that program code, described program code include that computer is grasped Instruct.

Processor 710 is probably a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, letter Claim CPU), or specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, It is called for short ASIC), or it is configured to implement the one or more integrated electricity of the embodiment of the present application Road.

Memorizer 730, is used for program of depositing 732.Memorizer 730 may comprise random access memory Memorizer (Random Access Memory is called for short RAM), it is also possible to also include non-volatile Property memorizer (Non-volatile memory), for example, at least one disk memory.

Such as, in one alternatively implementation, processor 710 is by performing program 732 Following steps can be performed: in each described combination of pixels, by described first pixel cell Controller, at least controls the enumerator of described first pixel cell of cascade and described second pixel The enumerator of unit, at least collection to described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels are believed Breath carries out record；The most described first pixel list in described combination of pixels is determined according to record result The collection information of unit.

In other alternatively implementation, processor 710 also can be held by execution program 732 The step that row other any embodiment above-mentioned are mentioned, does not repeats them here.

In program 732, each step implements the corresponding step that may refer in above-described embodiment Suddenly, corresponding in module, submodule, unit description, do not repeat them here.Art Technical staff is it can be understood that arrive, for convenience and simplicity of description, and the equipment of foregoing description With the specific works process of module, the corresponding process being referred in preceding method embodiment is retouched State, do not repeat them here.

Those of ordinary skill in the art are it is to be appreciated that combine the embodiments described herein and retouch The unit of each example stated and method step, it is possible to electronic hardware or computer software and Being implemented in combination in of electronic hardware.These functions perform with hardware or software mode actually, Depend on application-specific and the design constraint of technical scheme.Professional and technical personnel can be to often Individual specifically should being used for uses different methods to realize described function, but this realization is not It is considered as beyond scope of the present application.

If described function realizes and as independent product pin using the form of SFU software functional unit When selling or use, can be stored in a computer read/write memory medium.Based on such Understand, part that prior art is contributed by the technical scheme of the application the most in other words or The part of this technical scheme of person can embody with the form of software product, this computer software Product is stored in a storage medium, including some instructions with so that a computer equipment (can be personal computer, server, or the network equipment etc.) performs the application, and each is real Execute all or part of step of method described in example.And aforesaid storage medium includes: USB flash disk, shifting Dynamic hard disk, read only memory (Read-Only Memory is called for short ROM), random access memory are deposited Reservoir (Random Access Memory is called for short RAM), magnetic disc or CD etc. are various can To store the medium of program code.

In the embodiments such as the device of the application, method, system, it is clear that each parts (system, Subsystem, module, submodule, unit, subelement etc.) or each step be can decompose, group Reconfigure after closing and/or decomposing.These decompose and/or reconfigure and should be regarded as the application's Equivalents.Meanwhile, in description to the application specific embodiment above, real for one The mode of executing describes and/or the feature that illustrates can be in same or similar mode one or more Other embodiment individual uses, combined with the feature in other embodiment, or substitute it Feature in its embodiment.

It should be emphasized that term " includes/comprises " referring to when using feature, key element, step herein Rapid or the existence of assembly, but be not precluded from one or more further feature, key element, step or The existence or additional of assembly.

Last it is noted that embodiment of above is merely to illustrate the application, and not to this The restriction of application, about the those of ordinary skill of technical field, without departing from spirit herein In the case of scope, it is also possible to make a variety of changes and modification, the technology of the most all equivalents Scheme falls within the category of the application, and the scope of patent protection of the application should be limited by claim Fixed.

Claims

1. a digital image sensor, it is characterised in that including:

Digital image sensor the most according to claim 1, it is characterised in that described The enumerator of the first pixel cell and the enumerator asynchronous cascade of described second pixel cell.

Digital image sensor the most according to claim 2, it is characterised in that described The enumerator of the first pixel cell and the enumerator asynchronous cascade of described second pixel cell include: The counting of the second pixel cell described in the spilling portion and of the enumerator of described first pixel cell The count section of device connects.

Digital image sensor the most according to claim 3, it is characterised in that described The spilling portion of the enumerator of the first pixel cell at least negates device and described second pixel list through one The count section of the enumerator of unit connects.

5. according to the digital image sensor described in claim 3 or 4, it is characterised in that Described combination of pixels also includes: one first MUX, one second MUX and a picture Element drainage pattern selector；

The input unit of described first MUX connects the meter of described first pixel cell respectively The spilling portion of number device and the count pulse trigger source of described second pixel cell, described more than first The output unit of road selector connects the count section of the enumerator of described second pixel cell, and described the The control portion of one MUX is connected with described pixel drainage pattern selector respectively；

The input unit of described second MUX connects the control of described first pixel cell respectively Device processed and the controller of described second pixel cell, the selection portion of described second MUX with Described pixel drainage pattern selector connects, and the output unit of described second MUX is with described The control portion of the enumerator of the second pixel cell connects.

6. the control method of a digital image sensor, it is characterised in that described digitized map As sensor be as arbitrary in claim 1-5 as described in digital image sensor, described method bag Include:

Method the most according to claim 6, it is characterised in that

Described in each described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, At least control the enumerator of described first pixel cell of cascade and described second pixel cell Enumerator, is at least carried out the collection information of described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Record, including: in described combination of pixels, by the controller of described first pixel cell, At least control the enumerator of described first pixel cell of cascade and described second pixel cell Enumerator, remembers the collection information of described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Record；

Described according to record result determine the most described first pixel cell in described combination of pixels Collection information, including: according to record result determine the first pixel described in described combination of pixels The collection information of unit.

Method the most according to claim 7, it is characterised in that described in described pixel In combination, by the controller of described first pixel cell, at least control described the first of cascade The enumerator of pixel cell and the enumerator of described second pixel cell, in described combination of pixels The collection information of described first pixel cell carry out record, including:

Control the output of described pixel drainage pattern selector and represent the control of pixel redundancy drainage pattern Signal processed, to trigger the enumerator of described first MUX described first pixel cell of gating Spilling portion and described second pixel cell enumerator count section between path and touch Send out the second MUX described and gate the controller of the first pixel cell and described second pixel Path between the control portion of the enumerator of unit.

9. according to the method described in claim 7 or 8, it is characterised in that described method is also Including:

Control the output of described pixel drainage pattern selector and represent the control of pixel normal acquisition pattern Signal processed, to trigger the counting arteries and veins of described first MUX described second pixel cell of gating Path between the count section of the enumerator rushing trigger source and described second pixel cell and touching Send out the second MUX described and gate the controller of the second pixel cell and described second pixel Path between the control portion of the enumerator of unit.

10. an image capture device, it is characterised in that including:

Just like the arbitrary described digital image sensor of claim 1-5, a processor, one lead to Letter interface, a memorizer and a communication bus；Described processor, described communication interface, institute State memorizer and described digital image sensor completes mutual by described communication bus Communication；