Abstract: A imager has an array of photodetectors, each of which accumulates charge during an integration period as a result of light detected during said integration period, said array having a charge capacity which increases during the integration period. A charge capacity controller coupled to said imager adjusts how the imager increases the charge capacity of the array based upon the brightness distribution detected by said imager during at least one previous integration period.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extended dynamic range imager. An array of pixels provides an output signal for each pixel related to an amount of light captured for each pixel during an integration period. A row of extended dynamic range (XDR) sample and hold circuits having an XDR sample and hold circuit for each column of the array captures an XDR signal related to a difference between the output signal and an XDR clamp level to which the pixel is reset at a predetermined time before the end of the integration period. A row of linear sample and hold circuits having a linear sample and hold circuit for each column of the array captures a linear signal related to a difference between the output signal and an initial output signal to which the pixel is reset at the beginning of the integration period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an image stream to enhance a parameter of the image. The image stream comprises a plurality of picture elements (pixels), each of which include a characteristic related to the image parameter to be enhanced. The pixels are processed according to a controllable function to produce a processed image stream. A statistical distribution of the pixel characteristic of interest is determined, optimized and used to generate control information to modify the operation of the controllable function.