Imaging Pixel Exposure Control for Night Color Capture

The imaging element is divided into two types of pixels: first pixels (e.g., white pixels) that receive both visible light and infrared light, and second pixels (e.g., color pixels) that receive only visible light. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of luminance information (from first pixels) and color information (from second pixels) within a single frame period, eliminating the need for alternating frames and restoring the original frame rate while obtaining color images in night mode.

Different exposure periods are assigned to different pixel types based on their specific functions. First pixels (white pixels) that detect infrared light are given a longer exposure period to ensure sufficient infrared light accumulation, while second pixels (color pixels) have a shorter exposure period appropriate for visible light detection. This local differentiation of exposure duration allows both pixel types to function optimally within a single frame period, maintaining high frame rate while ensuring adequate exposure for each pixel type.

The imaging element is divided into first pixels for infrared detection and second pixels for color detection. By segmenting the pixel functions, the first pixels can have extended exposure periods dedicated to infrared light accumulation without affecting the overall frame rate, since second pixels simultaneously capture visible light during their shorter exposure periods. This segmentation allows high-precision infrared detection and high frame rate operation to coexist.