Abstract: Methods of calibrating a linear-logarithmic image sensor pixel include performing a reset of the pixel in advance of establishing a leakage current between a photodiode and a floating diffusion region of the pixel. A first voltage of the floating diffusion region is then read through a source follower and selection transistor, after the leakage is terminated. A step is then performed to transfer charge between the photodiode and the floating diffusion region of the pixel so that a voltage of a cathode of the photodiode is increased. Thereafter, a second voltage of the floating diffusion region is read. The first and second read voltages are then used to perform a calibration operation. These steps may be repeated to establish another leakage current of different duration/magnitude and yield third and fourth read voltages, which support further calibration.

Abstract: A method of increasing the dynamic range of a captured image using a pixel array having a plurality of rows includes reading first pixel information corresponding to a long integration period from each pixel of a first row, reading second pixel information corresponding to a short integration period from each pixel of the first row, and merging the first pixel information and the second pixel information to thereby produce wide dynamic range pixel information for each pixel of the first row. Reading first pixel information takes place during a first interval, reading second pixel information takes place during a second interval, and at least a portion of the second interval takes place during a long integration period corresponding to a second row of the pixel array.

Abstract: A method of capturing an image of a scene using an image capture device having an array of pixels arranged into a plurality of rows includes, for a first duration, capturing a first portion of the scene with a first plurality of the rows and, for a second duration that is longer than the first duration, capturing a second portion of the scene with a second plurality of the rows. If a pixel value is below a first threshold, an interpolated pixel value is used. If the pixel value is above a second predetermined threshold, a different interpolated pixel value is used.

Abstract: A method of operating an image sensor apparatus is provided. In this method, first digital image data is generated based on a first exposure data signal, wherein the first exposure data signal is indicative of an exposure level of the image sensor during a first exposure period. The first digital image data is stored in a storage circuit. Second digital image data is generated based on a second exposure data signal, wherein the second exposure data signal is indicative of an exposure level of the image sensor during a second exposure period. The second exposure period is different from the first exposure period. The second digital image data associated with the image sensor is selectively stored based on a value of the first digital image data associated with the image sensor.

Abstract: A method of increasing the dynamic range of a captured image using a pixel array having a plurality of rows includes reading first pixel information corresponding to a long integration period from each pixel of a first row, reading second pixel information corresponding to a short integration period from each pixel of the first row, and merging the first pixel information and the second pixel information to thereby produce wide dynamic range pixel information for each pixel of the first row. Reading first pixel information takes place during a first interval, reading second pixel information takes place during a second interval, and at least a portion of the second interval takes place during a long integration period corresponding to a second row of the pixel array.

Abstract: A method of capturing an image of a scene using an image capture device having an array of pixels arranged into a plurality of rows includes, for a first duration, capturing a first portion of the scene with a first plurality of the rows and, for a second duration that is longer than the first duration, capturing a second portion of the scene with a second plurality of the rows. If a pixel value is below a first threshold, an interpolated pixel value is used. If the pixel value is above a second predetermined threshold, a different interpolated pixel value is used.