Micro Usa, Inc.

Pixon Imaging, Inc.

Vesa Junkkarinen

Richard C Puetter

An image sensor comprises a pixel array having a plurality of pixel regions, wherein the pixel array is adapted to generate at least one signal from each pixel region and a separate signal from a subset of pixels within each pixel region, both during a single exposure period. In one embodiment, the sensor is in communication with a shift register which accumulates the separate signal and transfers the separate signal to an amplifier. The shift register further accumulates the at least one signal from the pixel region after the separate signal has been transferred to the amplifier and transfers the at least one signal to the amplifier.

Device and method for extending dynamic range in an image sensor

A method for spatially-adaptive tone mapping in an image having high dynamic range includes using a computing device to receive an input image from an image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels having pixel locations and determine within the input image a plurality of local size scales, each comprising a neighborhood having substantially constant illumination. The variation in reflectance within each neighborhood is estimated and local contrast within each neighborhood is enhanced. Using the illumination and variation within the contrast-enhanced neighborhoods, the image is remapped to a reduced dynamic range to generate an output image.

Spatially adaptive tone mapping operator

A method for determining a level of haze within a field of view of an image sensor adapted for detecting a plurality of color components includes collecting a first image of the field of view at a first point in time, defining regions of the first image as a reference and determining reference intensities for each color component. At least one second image is collected at different points in time and intensities for each color component are determined and compared against the reference intensities. If the intensities of second image differ from the reference intensities by more than a predetermined threshold, all or a portion of the second image is designated as being obscured by haze and requiring correction.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Vesa Junkkarinen