Abstract: A system and method for averaging incident light on plural pixels using a CMOS sensor is provided. The process includes resetting all pixels in a given region during a reset phase; and reading a voltage of a floating reset node as a function of time during a measurement phase. During the reset phase, an access select signal and a reset voltage are both high. The measurement phase begins when the access select signal is low and the reset voltage is still high. The system and method may be used to perform automatic exposure control and automatic white balancing operations.

Abstract: A system and method for averaging incident light on plural pixels using a CMOS sensor is provided. The process includes resetting all pixels in a given region during a reset phase; and reading a voltage of a floating reset node as a function of time during a measurement phase. During the reset phase, an access select signal and a reset voltage are both high. The measurement phase begins when the access select signal is low and the reset voltage is still high. The system and method may be used to perform automatic exposure control and automatic white balancing operations.

Abstract: A method and system for inter-processor communication in a pixel array in a CMOS sensor is provided. The system includes a bus for transmitting information between a first processor and a second processor, wherein such information is used for performing image processing operations in the pixel array in an analog domain. The bus may be a pixel read-out bus and/or an access bus. The information is used to perform outlier detection, bad pixel detection, and/or bad pixel correction in the analog domain, or any other image processing operation. The method includes sharing information between a first and a second processor; and using the information to perform image processing operations in an analog domain.

Abstract: A method and system for converting a patterned color image in a first color space to a second color space, prior to image compression is provided. The process includes, dividing the image into plural tiles; converting the plural tiles from the first color space to the second color space; retaining certain pixel values in the second color space; discarding certain pixel values in the second color space; and creating a pattern in the second color space, similar to the patterned color image in the first color space. Also, a method for decoding a compressed image pattern from a first color space to second color space is provided. The method includes, assembling pixels from a first pattern based on the first color space; transforming triplets form the first color space to the second color space; and determining pixel values for a dominant color.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic bad pixel correction in image sensors is provided. The process includes identifying outlier pixels, identifying bad pixels, and performing bad pixel correction. Bad pixels are identified by comparing pixels in a single row or more than one row. A bad pixel value is replaced by a pixel value that depends on the pixel value of non-bad pixels located next to the bad pixel. The system includes means for identifying outlier pixels, means for identifying bad pixels, and means for performing bad pixel correction.

Abstract: A system and method for processing data representative of a color image is disclosed. Image data represents an intensity of photoexposure of an imaging array at specific locations in the imaging array and in distinct spectral regions corresponding to color channels. A process identifies “white” regions in the color image by comparing the intensities of photoexposure of groups of associated pixels which are responsive to photon energy in different spectral regions. If the intensities of photoexposure of the pixels in the group of associated pixels are proportionally equivalent, these pixels are determined to be in a white region of the image. White balancing gain coefficients are then based upon the pixel intensity values at pixel locations in the white regions of the image.

Abstract: A system and method of processing data associated with an array of pixels arranged in two dimensions are disclosed. The data includes a value representative of an intensity of photoexposure in one of a plurality of distinct spectral regions for each pixel location in the array. For at least one pixel location being associated with a first one of the plurality of spectral regions, a direction for interpolation is selected based upon an intensity gradient at the pixel location and an intensity continuity bias representative of a trend in changes in intensity in a neighborhood in the array of pixels about the pixel location.

Abstract: Described herein are a system and method for reconstructing a color image from sparse image data collected at an imaging sensor which provides intensity data for exactly one color for each pixel location. A pattern for color selection preferably defines an assignment of color information to each pixel location from neighboring pixels. Thus, the color selection pattern provides an assignment of multicolor image data for each pixel location including color information collected at the pixel location in the imaging sensor and color information selected from neighboring pixels according to the color selection pattern. The color selection pattern may be formulated to minimize the effect of color artifacts in the resulting reconstructed image.

Abstract: A semiconductor imaging sensor utilizes a color filter pattern. The imaging sensor includes light sensitive-elements, each of which is sensitive to photon energy in a spectral region or color band associated with the light-sensitive elements. Select light-sensitive elements in the array are sensitive to energy in a wide band spectral region or “white” color band. This permits the capture of color information which can be lost with the use of typical semiconductor imaging sensors in digital photography. This capture of the additional color information in digital photography allows for better quality of reproduction of an image on a selected medium such as color prints.

Abstract: A system and method for reading out pixel signals from a multi-color imaging array. The imaging array includes light-sensitive elements which are arranged in rows and columns. Each of the light-sensitive elements is sensitive to photon energy in one of a plurality of spectral regions or color bands. Read-out circuits extract signals representative of an intensity of the photo exposure of the light-sensitive elements at extraction intervals one row at a time. At any particular extraction interval, all of the signals extracted by a particular read-out circuit originate at light-sensitive elements which are sensitive to photon energy in the same spectral region or color band.

Abstract: A color optimized CMOS photodiode pixel array is provided. The pixel array employs different dimensions to take advantage of different characteristics of the photodiode physics to produce an enhanced image while minimizing the need for post processing. The design includes a relatively shallow blue pixel photodiode, a deeper green pixel photodiode, and a relatively deep red pixel photodiode. The red pixel photodiode is larger and deeper than the green pixel photodiode, which is larger and deeper than the blue pixel photodiode. Each color pixel photodiode comprises a junction diode and a depletion region. The CMOS construction of the three color pixel photodiodes may vary, but one possible construct of the red pixel photodiode would be an N Well/P Sub diode construct, the green pixel photodiode a N+/P Sub diode construct, and the blue being a N+/P Well or N+/P Sub diode construct.