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This paper presents a new High Dynamic Range (HDR) Image Sensor architecture that uses the capabilities of Three-Dimensional Integrated Circuit (3D IC) to attain a range of 120 dB without modifying the classic pixel architecture (3T, 4T). The integration time is evaluated by group of pixels on a stack IC and feedback by vertical interconnections to the sensor. A two level compression is then applied on the pixel groups to reduce the output data rate while keeping the high dynamic range.
RÉSUMÉ
A travers l’exploitation de l’intégration 3D, nous proposons d’améliorer la dynamique des capteurs d’images actuels et dépasser 120 dB. La technique utilisée se base sur l’adaptation du temps d’intégration par groupe de pixels en rétroagissant sur l’ensemble des pixels via les interconnexions verticales. L’architecture des pixels classiques, 3T ou 4T, n’est pas modifiée ce qui permet de bénéficier des hautes performances des imageurs classiques tout en rajoutant la grande dynamique. L’augmentation du nombre de bits pour représenter l’image grande dynamique est absorbée par une compression à deux niveaux, employée afin de réduire le flux de données en sortie du circuit tout en gardant la grande dynamique du signal.
3D-IC, image sensor, high dynamic range, compression, DCT, floating point coding
MOTS-CLÉS
3D Intégration, capteur d’images, HDR, compression, DCT, codage flottant
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