Exposure control circuit and related image sensor and electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses an exposure control circuit and related image sensor and electronic device. The exposure control circuit is used to control the exposure of a pixel array. The exposure control circuit includes a first sub-exposure control circuit, a second sub-exposure control circuit, a third sub-exposure control circuit, and a fourth sub-exposure control circuit arranged in two rows and two columns, correspondingly coupled to a first pixel group, a second pixel group, a third pixel group, and a fourth pixel group of the pixel array. In a first exposure mode, the exposure control circuit controls the first part of the pixels, the second part of the pixels, the third part of the pixels, and the fourth part of the pixels in the first pixel group to have a first exposure time length. In a second exposure mode, the exposure control circuit controls the fourth part of the pixels in the first pixel group, the third part of the pixels in the second pixel group, the second part of the pixels in the third pixel group, and the first part of the pixels in the fourth pixel group to have a ninth exposure time length.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic circuit technology, and in particular to an exposure control circuit and related image sensor and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, CMOS image sensors, in addition to requiring large-scale pixel arrays, also demand high dynamic range. Generally, when capturing an image, the exposure time of each pixel in the pixel array is the same. Therefore, to achieve high dynamic range, image signal processing is needed on multiple captured images to achieve a high dynamic range effect where some parts of the same image have shorter exposure times than others. This approach is time-consuming; therefore, solving this problem has become one of the most pressing issues in the field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the purposes of this application is to disclose an exposure control circuit and related image sensor and electronic device to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] One embodiment of this application discloses an exposure control circuit for controlling the exposure of a pixel array. The pixel array includes at least a first pixel group, a second pixel group, a third pixel group, and a fourth pixel group arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns. Each of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group includes a first portion of pixels, a second portion of pixels, a third portion of pixels, and a fourth portion of pixels. The exposure control circuit includes a first sub-exposure control circuit, a second sub-exposure control circuit, a third sub-exposure control circuit, and a fourth sub-exposure control circuit arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns, correspondingly coupled to the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group. A four-pixel group; wherein: in the first exposure mode, the exposure control circuit controls: the first portion of pixels, the second portion of pixels, the third portion of pixels, and the fourth portion of pixels in the first pixel group all have a first exposure time length; the first portion of pixels, the second portion of pixels, the third portion of pixels, and the fourth portion of pixels in the second pixel group all have a second exposure time length; the first portion of pixels, the second portion of pixels, the third portion of pixels, and the fourth portion of pixels in the third pixel group all have a third exposure time length; and the first portion of pixels, the second portion of pixels, the third portion of pixels, and the fourth portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group all have a third exposure time length. The fourth portion of pixels all have a fourth exposure time length; wherein the first exposure time length, the second exposure time length, the third exposure time length, and the fourth exposure time length are not all the same; and in the second exposure mode, the exposure control circuit controls: the first portion of pixels of the first pixel group all have a fifth exposure time length; the second portion of pixels of the first pixel group and the first portion of pixels of the second pixel group all have a sixth exposure time length; the second portion of pixels of the second pixel group all have a seventh exposure time length; the third portion of pixels of the first pixel group and the first portion of pixels of the third pixel group all have an eighth exposure time length; the fourth portion of pixels of the first pixel group, the third portion of pixels of the second pixel group, the second portion of pixels of the third pixel group, and the first portion of pixels of the fourth pixel group all have a ninth exposure time length; the fourth portion of pixels of the second pixel group and the second portion of pixels of the fourth pixel group all have a tenth exposure time length; the third portion of pixels of the third pixel group all have an eleventh exposure time length; the fourth portion of pixels of the third pixel group and the third portion of pixels of the fourth pixel group all have a twelfth exposure time length; and the third portion of pixels of the fourth pixel group all have a thirteenth exposure time length;The fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth exposure times are not all the same.

[0005] One embodiment of this application discloses an exposure control circuit for controlling the exposure of a pixel array. The pixel array includes at least a first pixel group, a second pixel group, a third pixel group, and a fourth pixel group arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns. Each of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group includes a first portion of pixels, a second portion of pixels, a third portion of pixels, and a fourth portion of pixels. The exposure control circuit includes a first sub-exposure control circuit, a second sub-exposure control circuit, a third sub-exposure control circuit, and a fourth sub-exposure control circuit arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns, correspondingly coupled to the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group. Each of the first sub-exposure control circuit, the second sub-exposure control circuit, the third sub-exposure control circuit, and the fourth sub-exposure control circuit includes: a control unit for generating an exposure control signal; and a first multiplexer, a second multiplexer, a third multiplexer, and a fourth multiplexer, each having a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The output terminal of the first multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the first pixel group. The first portion of pixels controls the exposure time length. The output terminal of the second multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the second portion of pixels in the first pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the third multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the third portion of pixels in the first pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the fourth portion of pixels in the first pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the first multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the first portion of pixels in the second pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the second multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the second portion of pixels in the second pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the third multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the third portion of pixels in the second pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the fourth portion of pixels in the second pixel group to control the exposure time length.The output terminal of the first multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the first portion of pixels in the third pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the second multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the second portion of pixels in the third pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the third multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the third portion of pixels in the third pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the fourth portion of pixels in the third pixel group to control the exposure time length; the first... The output terminal of the first multiplexer is coupled to the first portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the second multiplexer in the fourth sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the second portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the third multiplexer in the fourth sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the third portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the fourth multiplexer in the fourth sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the fourth portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group to control the exposure time length; the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, and the first... The first input terminals of the triplet and the fourth multiplexer are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the first sub-exposure control circuit; the first input terminals of the first, second, third, and fourth multiplexers of the second sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the second sub-exposure control circuit; the first input terminals of the first, second, third, and fourth multiplexers of the third sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the third sub-exposure control circuit; The first input terminals of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, the third multiplexer, and the fourth multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit; the second input terminals of the fourth multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit, the second input terminals of the third multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit, the second input terminals of the second multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit, and the second input terminals of the first multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the first sub-exposure control circuit.

[0006] One embodiment of this application discloses an image sensor, including the exposure control circuit described above; and the pixel array.

[0007] One embodiment of this application discloses an electronic device including the image sensor described above.

[0008] Compared to existing technologies, the exposure control circuit and related image sensor and electronic device of this application can improve the performance of high dynamic range. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling the pixel array in the first exposure mode.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an example of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling the exposure time of each pixel group of the pixel array in the first exposure mode.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling a pixel array in a second exposure mode.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an example of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling the exposure time of each pixel group of the pixel array in the second exposure mode in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 To be Figure 2 and Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the integrated exposure time.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling a pixel array in a second exposure mode.

[0015] Figure 7 This is an example of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling the exposure time of each pixel group of the pixel array in the second exposure mode.

[0016] Figure 8 To be Figure 2 and Figure 7 A diagram illustrating the integrated exposure time.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the operation of the exposure control circuit of this application in the first exposure mode.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the operation of the exposure control circuit of this application in the second exposure mode. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following disclosure provides various implementations or examples that can be used to achieve different features of this disclosure. Specific examples of components and configurations described below are for simplification purposes. It is understood that these descriptions are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, in the following description, forming a first feature on or over a second feature may include, in some embodiments, the first and second features being in direct contact with each other; and may also include, in some embodiments, additional components being formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, component symbols and / or reference numerals may be reused in multiple embodiments of this disclosure. Such reuse is for the purpose of brevity and clarity and does not in itself represent a relationship between the different embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0020] While the numerical ranges and parameters used to define the broader scope of this application are approximate values, the relevant values ​​in the specific embodiments have been presented as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inevitably contains standard deviations due to individual test methods. Here, "approximately" generally means that the actual value is within plus or minus 10%, 5%, 1%, or 0.5% of a particular value or range. Alternatively, the term "approximately" may mean that the actual value falls within the acceptable standard error of the average, as determined by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. It is understood that, except for experimental examples, or unless explicitly stated otherwise, all ranges, quantities, values, and percentages used herein (e.g., to describe material usage, duration, temperature, operating conditions, quantity ratios, and the like) are modified with "approximately". Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the numerical parameters disclosed in this specification and the accompanying claims are approximate values ​​and are subject to change as needed. At a minimum, these numerical parameters should be understood as the indicated significant digits and values ​​obtained by applying general rounding. Here, a range of values ​​is expressed as a distance from one endpoint to the other or between the two endpoints; unless otherwise stated, the range of values ​​described herein includes the endpoints.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling the pixel array in the first exposure mode. Figure 1 The pixel array 100 contains multiple pixels arranged in m rows and n columns, where m and n can be positive integers. Figure 1 The pixel array 100 is divided into multiple pixel groups by thick lines, for ease of explanation. Figure 1Only pixel groups G11, G12, G21, and G22, arranged in 2 rows * 2 columns, are shown. In this embodiment, pixel groups G11, G12, G21, and G22 are all the same size and each contains multiple pixels arranged in a p * q pattern, where p and q can be positive integers. In this embodiment, pixel groups G11, G12, G21, and G22 each contain pixels P11, P12, P13, P14, P21, P22, P23, P24, P31, P32, P33, P34, P41, P42, P43, and P44, arranged in a 4 * 4 pattern.

[0022] In the first exposure mode, the exposure control circuit of this application will use Figure 1 The pixel grouping method is used to individually control each pixel group. For example, when sensing image I1, the exposure control circuit of this application controls pixel groups G11, G12, G21, and G22 to have corresponding exposure time lengths T1, T2, T3, and T4. That is, when sensing image I1, all pixels in pixel group G11 are exposed for exposure time length T1 to complete sensing; all pixels in pixel group G12 are exposed for exposure time length T2 to complete sensing; all pixels in pixel group G21 are exposed for exposure time length T3 to complete sensing; and all pixels in pixel group G22 are exposed for exposure time length T4 to complete sensing. Furthermore, the exposure time lengths T1, T2, T3, and T4 can be different from each other. For example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the exposure time T1 is 1 unit of time; the exposure time T2 is 3 units of time; the exposure time T3 is 3 units of time; and the exposure time T4 is 6 units of time.

[0023] use Figure 1 The advantage of the first exposure mode is that, within the same image I1, the exposure times of different pixel groups in the pixel array can be different. Therefore, only one image I1 needs to be captured to achieve a high dynamic range effect where some parts of the same image have short exposure times and others have long exposure times. Figure 2 As shown. In this way, if each pixel group contains only one pixel (i.e., p and q are 1), and each pixel group contains only multiple pixels arranged in a 1x1 pattern, then the exposure time of each pixel can be effectively controlled independently, achieving the highest resolution exposure control. However, this might result in excessively complex exposure control circuitry. To save on hardware costs, a compromise can be made where p and q are greater than 1, for example... Figure 1Each pixel group in the image is 4*4, or it can also be configured as 8*8, 8*16, or 16*16, etc. However, this reduces the resolution of exposure control, and can easily lead to severe discontinuities between different exposure blocks, resulting in poor linearity. In view of this, this application proposes a method to further improve the resolution of exposure control without excessively increasing complexity.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling a pixel array in a second exposure mode. It should be noted that... Figure 3 The designations G11, G12, G21, and G22 still refer to Figure 1 The pixel groups are G11, G12, G21, and G22. Figure 3 and Figure 1 The difference lies in the different ways of allocating pixel groups, among which Figure 1 Each pixel group is divided into four equal parts, specifically, according to Figure 3 In the first exposure mode, each pixel group is divided into a first part of pixels (pixels P11, P12, P21 and P22), a second part of pixels (pixels P13, P14, P23 and P24), a third part of pixels (pixels P31, P32, P41 and P42) and a fourth part of pixels (pixels P33, P34, P43 and P44) of the same size in the second exposure mode.

[0025] Pixel array 100 is in the second exposure mode Figure 3 The thick lines indicate that the area is divided into multiple pixel groups, each of which contains multiple pixels arranged in a p*q pattern. For example, by... Figure 3 As can be seen, the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G11, the third portion of pixels in pixel group G12, the second portion of pixels in pixel group G21, and the first portion of pixels in pixel group G22 are merged into the same pixel group in the second exposure mode. For example, the second portion of pixels in pixel group G11, the first portion of pixels in pixel group G12, the fourth portion of pixels in the pixel group above pixel group G11 (not shown in the figure), and the third portion of pixels in the pixel group above pixel group G12 (not shown in the figure) are merged into the same pixel group in the second exposure mode. The remaining pixel groups can be deduced similarly, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0026] Therefore, with Figure 3In the second exposure mode, the first portion of pixels in pixel group G11 all have an exposure time length T5; the second portion of pixels in pixel group G11 and the first portion of pixels in second pixel group G12 all have an exposure time length T6; the second portion of pixels in pixel group G12 all have an exposure time length T7; the third portion of pixels in pixel group G11 and the first portion of pixels in pixel group G21 all have an exposure time length T8; the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G11, the third portion of pixels in pixel group G12, the second portion of pixels in pixel group G21, and the first portion of pixels in pixel group G22 all have an exposure time length T9; the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G12 and the second portion of pixels in pixel group G22 all have an exposure time length T10; the third portion of pixels in pixel group G21 all have an exposure time length T11; the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G21 and the third portion of pixels in pixel group G22 all have an exposure time length T12; and the third portion of pixels in pixel group G22 all have an exposure time length T13. Furthermore, the exposure time lengths T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, T12, and T13 can be different from each other.

[0027] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the exposure time T5 is 1 unit; the exposure time T6 is 2 units; the exposure time T7 is 3 units; the exposure time T8 is 2 units; the exposure time T9 is 4 units; the exposure time T10 is 5 units; the exposure time T11 is 3 units; the exposure time T12 is 4 units; and the exposure time T13 is 6 units.

[0028] Compared to Figure 1 The image I1 obtained from the first exposure mode is obtained by using Figure 3 The image I2 obtained from the second exposure mode does not have high exposure control resolution, but the pixel grouping methods in images I1 and I2 are different. Therefore, when the results from images I1 and I2 are combined, a higher resolution can be obtained. For example, ... Figure 2 and Figure 4 Direct combination Figure 5 As can be seen, the resolution of exposure control is compared to Figure 2 and Figure 4 For any one of them, it has increased fourfold.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the exposure control circuit of this application controlling a pixel array in a second exposure mode. Figure 3 The difference is that, Figure 6 Lieutenant General Figure 1 The pixels are unevenly divided into four parts, specifically, according to Figure 6 In the first exposure mode, each pixel group is divided into a first part of pixels (pixels P11, P12, P13, P21, P22, P23, P31, P32 and P33), a second part of pixels (pixels P14, P24 and P34), a third part of pixels (pixels P41, P42 and P43) and a fourth part of pixels (pixel P44) of different sizes in the second exposure mode.

[0030] Pixel array 100 is in the second exposure mode Figure 6 The thick lines indicate that the area is divided into multiple pixel groups, each of which contains multiple pixels arranged in a p*q pattern. For example, by... Figure 6 As can be seen, the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G11, the third portion of pixels in pixel group G12, the second portion of pixels in pixel group G21, and the first portion of pixels in pixel group G22 are merged into the same pixel group in the second exposure mode. For example, the second portion of pixels in pixel group G11, the first portion of pixels in pixel group G12, the fourth portion of pixels in the pixel group above pixel group G11 (not shown in the figure), and the third portion of pixels in the pixel group above pixel group G12 (not shown in the figure) are merged into the same pixel group in the second exposure mode. The remaining pixel groups can be deduced similarly, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0031] Therefore, with Figure 6In the second exposure mode, the first portion of pixels in pixel group G11 all have an exposure time length T14; the second portion of pixels in pixel group G11 and the first portion of pixels in second pixel group G12 all have an exposure time length T15; the second portion of pixels in pixel group G12 all have an exposure time length T16; the third portion of pixels in pixel group G11 and the first portion of pixels in pixel group G21 all have an exposure time length T17; the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G11 and the third portion of pixels in pixel group G12... The second portion of pixels in pixel group G21 and the first portion of pixels in pixel group G22 both have an exposure time length T18; the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G12 and the second portion of pixels in pixel group G22 both have an exposure time length T19; the third portion of pixels in pixel group G21 both have an exposure time length T20; the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G21 and the third portion of pixels in pixel group G22 both have an exposure time length T21; and the third portion of pixels in pixel group G22 both have an exposure time length T22. Furthermore, the exposure time lengths T14, T15, T16, T17, T18, T19, T20, T21, and T22 can be different from each other.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the exposure time T14 is 1 unit; the exposure time T15 is 3 units; the exposure time T16 is 4 units; the exposure time T17 is 3 units; the exposure time T18 is 4 units; the exposure time T19 is 6 units; the exposure time T20 is 4 units; the exposure time T21 is 5 units; and the exposure time T22 is 6 units.

[0033] Compared to Figure 1 The image I1 obtained from the first exposure mode is obtained by using Figure 6 The image I3 obtained from the second exposure mode does not have high exposure control resolution, but the pixel grouping methods in images I1 and I3 are different. Therefore, when the results from images I1 and I3 are combined, a higher resolution can be obtained. For example, ... Figure 2 and Figure 7 Direct combination Figure 8 As can be seen, the resolution of exposure control is compared to Figure 2 and Figure 7 On average, each of them improved by four times, and the effect was the same as... Figure 5They are not quite the same. Designers can choose the configuration method they need based on different requirements.

[0034] In summary, by alternately switching between the first and second exposure modes and combining the results obtained from both modes, the resolution of exposure control can be substantially improved. Furthermore, the dynamic range settings used in the first and second exposure modes can be different. For example, a high dynamic range setting can be used for exposure in the first exposure mode, and a low dynamic range setting can be used for exposure in the second exposure mode.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the operation of the exposure control circuit of this application in the first exposure mode. The exposure control circuit 400 includes a plurality of sub-exposure control circuits correspondingly coupled together. Figure 1 A pixel array of 100 consists of multiple pixel groups. For ease of explanation, Figure 9 Only the sub-exposure control circuits C11, C12, C21, and C22, arranged in a 2x2 row * 2 column configuration, are shown. In this embodiment, the sub-exposure control circuits C11, C12, C21, and C22 are of the same size and each includes a control unit and multiple multiplexers. In this embodiment, a control signal S is used to select the first input terminal (input terminal marked as 0) of each multiplexer to be connected to the output terminal to enter the first exposure mode.

[0036] Specifically, the sub-exposure control circuit C11 includes a control unit 10 for generating an exposure control signal SC10 to the first input terminal (input terminal marked as 0) of multiplexers 15, 16, 17, and 18. The output terminals of multiplexers 15, 16, 17, and 18 are correspondingly coupled to the first portion of pixels, the second portion of pixels, the third portion of pixels, and the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G11 via drivers 11, 12, 13, and 14 to control the exposure time length. Figure 9 The thick line represents the output mode of the exposure control signal SC10, which is determined by... Figure 9 It can be clearly seen that, in the first exposure mode, the first part of the pixels, the second part of the pixels, the third part of the pixels, and the fourth part of the pixels in the pixel group G11 are controlled by the same exposure control signal SC10.

[0037] The sub-exposure control circuit C12 includes a control unit 20 for generating an exposure control signal SC20 to the first input terminals (input terminals marked as 0) of multiplexers 25, 26, 27, and 28. The output terminals of multiplexers 25, 26, 27, and 28 are correspondingly coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth portions of pixels in pixel group G12 via drivers 21, 22, 23, and 24 to control the exposure time length. Figure 9 The thick line represents the output mode of the exposure control signal SC20, which is determined by... Figure 9 It can be clearly seen that, in the first exposure mode, the first part of the pixels, the second part of the pixels, the third part of the pixels, and the fourth part of the pixels in the pixel group G12 are controlled by the same exposure control signal SC20.

[0038] The sub-exposure control circuit C21 includes a control unit 30 for generating an exposure control signal SC10 to the first input terminals (input terminals marked as 0) of multiplexers 35, 36, 37, and 38. The output terminals of multiplexers 35, 36, 37, and 38 are correspondingly coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth portions of pixels in pixel group G21 via drivers 31, 32, 33, and 34 to control the exposure time length. Figure 9 The thick line represents the output mode of the exposure control signal SC30, which is determined by... Figure 9 It can be clearly seen that, in the first exposure mode, the first part of the pixels, the second part of the pixels, the third part of the pixels, and the fourth part of the pixels in the pixel group G21 are controlled by the same exposure control signal SC30.

[0039] The sub-exposure control circuit C22 includes a control unit 40 for generating an exposure control signal SC10 to the first input terminal (input terminal marked as 0) of multiplexers 45, 46, 47, and 48. The output terminals of multiplexers 45, 46, 47, and 48 are correspondingly coupled to the first portion of pixels, the second portion of pixels, the third portion of pixels, and the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G22 via drivers 41, 42, 43, and 44 to control the exposure time length.

[0040] Figure 9 The thick line represents the output mode of the exposure control signal SC40, which is determined by... Figure 9It can be clearly seen that, in the first exposure mode, the first part of the pixels, the second part of the pixels, the third part of the pixels, and the fourth part of the pixels in the pixel group G22 are controlled by the same exposure control signal SC40.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the operation of the exposure control circuit of this application in the second exposure mode. In this embodiment, the second input terminal (input terminal marked 1) of each multiplexer is selected to be connected to the output terminal by the control signal S to enter the second exposure mode.

[0042] like Figure 10 As shown, the exposure control signal SC10 generated by the control unit 10 of sub-exposure control circuit C11 is also sent to the second input terminal (input terminal marked as 1) of multiplexer 18 of sub-exposure control circuit C11, the second input terminal (input terminal marked as 1) of multiplexer 27 of sub-exposure control circuit C12, the second input terminal (input terminal marked as 1) of multiplexer 32 of sub-exposure control circuit C21, and the second input terminal (input terminal marked as 1) of multiplexer 41 of sub-exposure control circuit C22. The exposure control signal SC20 generated by the control unit 20 of sub-exposure control circuit C12 is also sent to the second input terminal (input terminal marked as 1) of multiplexer 28 of sub-exposure control circuit C12, the second input terminal (input terminal marked as 1) of multiplexer 42 of sub-exposure control circuit C22, and the second input terminals of multiplexers in the other two adjacent sub-exposure control circuits (not shown in the figure). The connection methods of the second input terminals of the remaining multiplexers can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 10 I won't go into details here.

[0043] Figure 10 The thick lines represent the output methods of each exposure control signal, which are... Figure 10 It can be clearly seen that, in the first exposure mode, the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G11, the third portion of pixels in pixel group G12, the second portion of pixels in pixel group G21, and the first portion of pixels in pixel group G22 are controlled by the same exposure control signal SC10; the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G12 and the second portion of pixels in pixel group G22 are controlled by the same exposure control signal SC20; the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G21 and the third portion of pixels in pixel group G22 are controlled by the same exposure control signal SC30; and the fourth portion of pixels in pixel group G22 is controlled by the same exposure control signal SC40.

[0044] The exposure control circuit of this application can obtain high dynamic range images more quickly, and the resolution of exposure control can be increased by 4 times with similar hardware costs.

[0045] This application also proposes an image sensor including an exposure control circuit 400 and a pixel array 100. In some embodiments, the exposure control circuit 400 and the pixel array 100 may be disposed in a 2.5D IC or a 3D IC. For example, the exposure control circuit 400 is disposed on a first substrate, and the pixel array 100 is disposed on a second substrate different from the first substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate are stacked by hybrid bonding, so that the exposure control circuit 400 is coupled to the pixel array 100.

[0046] This application also proposes an electronic device incorporating the aforementioned image sensor. Specifically, the electronic device includes, but is not limited to, mobile communication devices, ultra-mobile personal computer devices, portable entertainment devices, and other electronic devices with data interaction capabilities. Mobile communication devices are characterized by their mobile communication functions and their primary purpose is to provide voice and data communication. These terminals include: smartphones (e.g., iPhones), multimedia phones, feature phones, and low-end phones. Ultra-mobile personal computer devices fall under the category of personal computers, possessing computing and processing capabilities, and generally also have mobile internet access capabilities. These terminals include: PDAs, MIDs, and UMPCs, such as iPads. Portable entertainment devices can display and play multimedia content. These devices include: audio and video players (e.g., iPods), handheld game consoles, e-book readers, as well as smart toys and portable car navigation devices.

[0047] The foregoing description briefly outlines the features of certain embodiments of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to more fully understand the various forms of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that this disclosure serves as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to achieve the same objectives and / or advantages as the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art should understand that these equivalent embodiments remain within the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An exposure control circuit for controlling exposure of a pixel array, the pixel array comprising at least a first group of pixels, a second group of pixels, a third group of pixels and a fourth group of pixels arranged in two rows and two columns, wherein the first group of pixels, the second group of pixels, the third group of pixels and the fourth group of pixels each comprise a first portion of pixels, a second portion of pixels, a third portion of pixels and a fourth portion of pixels, characterized in that, The exposure control circuit includes: The first sub-exposure control circuit, the second sub-exposure control circuit, the third sub-exposure control circuit, and the fourth sub-exposure control circuit, arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns, are correspondingly coupled to the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group; in: In the first exposure mode, the exposure control circuit controls: The first sub-exposure control circuit provides control signals to configure each pixel of the first part of the pixel group, the second part of the pixel group, the third part of the pixel group, and the fourth part of the pixel group to have a first exposure time length. The first part of the pixels, the second part of the pixels, the third part of the pixels, and the fourth part of the pixels in the second pixel group all have a second exposure time length; The first portion of pixels, the second portion of pixels, the third portion of pixels, and the fourth portion of pixels in the third pixel group all have a third exposure time length; and The first part of the pixels, the second part of the pixels, the third part of the pixels, and the fourth part of the pixels in the fourth pixel group all have a fourth exposure time length; The first exposure time length, the second exposure time length, the third exposure time length, and the fourth exposure time length are not all the same; and In the second exposure mode, the exposure control circuit controls: The first portion of pixels in the first pixel group all have a fifth exposure time length; The second part of the pixels in the first pixel group and the first part of the pixels in the second pixel group both have a sixth exposure time length; The second portion of pixels in the second pixel group all have a seventh exposure time length; The third portion of pixels in the first pixel group and the first portion of pixels in the third pixel group both have an eighth exposure time length; The first sub-exposure control circuit provides the control signal to configure the fourth part of the pixels of the first pixel group, the third part of the pixels of the second pixel group, the second part of the pixels of the third pixel group, and the first part of the pixels of the fourth pixel group into the same pixel group, so that each pixel in the same pixel group has a ninth exposure time length. The fourth portion of the pixels in the second pixel group and the second portion of the pixels in the fourth pixel group both have a tenth exposure time length; The third portion of pixels in the third pixel group all have an eleventh exposure time length; The fourth portion of the pixels in the third pixel group and the third portion of the pixels in the fourth pixel group both have a twelfth exposure time length; and The fourth portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group all have a thirteenth exposure time length; The fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth exposure times are not all the same to each other.

2. The exposure control circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first portion of pixels in the first pixel group, the first portion of pixels in the second pixel group, the first portion of pixels in the third pixel group, and the first portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group each contain a b pixels; The second portion of pixels in the first pixel group, the second portion of pixels in the second pixel group, the second portion of pixels in the third pixel group, and the second portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group each contain c d pixels; The third portion of pixels in the first pixel group, the third portion of pixels in the second pixel group, the third portion of pixels in the third pixel group, and the third portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group each contain e. f pixels; and The fourth portion of pixels in the first pixel group, the fourth portion of pixels in the second pixel group, the fourth portion of pixels in the third pixel group, and the fourth portion of pixels in the fourth pixel group each contain g. h pixels; Where a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and h are positive integers.

3. The exposure control circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and h are all the same.

4. The exposure control circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, a, b, c, and f are all the same, d, e, g, and h are all the same, and a, b, c, and f are different from d, e, g, and h.

5. The exposure control circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The exposure control circuit controls the switching between the first exposure mode and the second exposure mode alternately.

6. An exposure control circuit for controlling the exposure of a pixel array, the pixel array comprising at least a first pixel group, a second pixel group, a third pixel group, and a fourth pixel group arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns, wherein each of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group comprises a first portion of pixels, a second portion of pixels, a third portion of pixels, and a fourth portion of pixels, characterized in that, The exposure control circuit includes: The first sub-exposure control circuit, the second sub-exposure control circuit, the third sub-exposure control circuit, and the fourth sub-exposure control circuit, arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns, are correspondingly coupled to the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group; The first sub-exposure control circuit, the second sub-exposure control circuit, the third sub-exposure control circuit, and the fourth sub-exposure control circuit each include: The control unit is used to generate exposure control signals; and The first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, the third multiplexer, and the fourth multiplexer each have a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal; in: The output terminal of the first multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the first portion of pixels of the first pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the second multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the second portion of pixels of the first pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the third multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the third portion of pixels of the first pixel group to control the exposure time length; and the output terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the fourth portion of pixels of the first pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the first multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the first portion of pixels of the second pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the second multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the second portion of pixels of the second pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the third multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the third portion of pixels of the second pixel group to control the exposure time length; and the output terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the fourth portion of pixels of the second pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the first multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the first portion of pixels of the third pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the second multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the second portion of pixels of the third pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the third multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the third portion of pixels of the third pixel group to control the exposure time length; and the output terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the fourth portion of pixels of the third pixel group to control the exposure time length. The output terminal of the first multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the first portion of pixels of the fourth pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the second multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the second portion of pixels of the fourth pixel group to control the exposure time length; the output terminal of the third multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the third portion of pixels of the fourth pixel group to control the exposure time length; and the output terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit is coupled to the fourth portion of pixels of the fourth pixel group to control the exposure time length. The first input terminals of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, the third multiplexer, and the fourth multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the first sub-exposure control circuit; The first input terminals of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, the third multiplexer, and the fourth multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the second sub-exposure control circuit; The first input terminals of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, the third multiplexer, and the fourth multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the third sub-exposure control circuit. The first input terminals of the first multiplexer, the second multiplexer, the third multiplexer, and the fourth multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit. The second input terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the first sub-exposure control circuit, the second input terminal of the third multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit, the second input terminal of the second multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit, and the second input terminal of the first multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit are all used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the first sub-exposure control circuit.

7. The exposure control circuit as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second input terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the second sub-exposure control circuit and the second input terminal of the second multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit are both used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the second sub-exposure control circuit.

8. The exposure control circuit as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second input terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the third sub-exposure control circuit and the second input terminal of the third multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit are both used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the third sub-exposure control circuit.

9. The exposure control circuit as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second input terminal of the fourth multiplexer of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit is used to receive the exposure control signal generated by the control unit of the fourth sub-exposure control circuit.

10. The exposure control circuit as described in any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The exposure control circuit controls the dynamic range of the pixel array's exposure in the first exposure mode to be greater than the dynamic range of its exposure in the second exposure mode.

11. An image sensor, characterized in that, include: The exposure control circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; and The pixel array.

12. The image sensor as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The exposure control circuit is disposed on the first substrate, and the pixel array is disposed on the second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate are stacked by hybrid bonding.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The image sensor as described in claim 12.

Images