WORKSHOP PAPER
High Dynamic Range Imaging with High Speed MSB Subframe Readout of In-Pixel Counters in SPAD Image Sensors
Kosuke Mikawa1, Hiroki Koda1, Toshinori Otaka1, Shunichi Sato1, Yusuke Kameda2, Yoshihiro Maeda3, Takayuki Hamamoto1
1Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
2Sophia University, 7-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, 102-8554, Japan
3Shibaura Institute of Technology, 3-7-5 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8548, Japan

Abstract

We propose a high dynamic range (HDR) imaging method using the most significant bit (MSB) subframe readout to extend the dynamic range (DR) without increasing the in-pixel counter bit depth. In this method, binary MSB images are generated at high speed during exposure, and a final image is obtained by combining these subframes with the multi-level image captured after exposure. The chip is fabricated using a 0.18 µm CMOS process and features a 64×32 SPAD pixel array with a 7-bit in-pixel counter. Experimental results show that the proposed approach enhances the photon detection capability while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Year: 2025
Workshop: IISW
URL: https://doi.org/10.60928/xp0l-2eqh
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Keywords

High Dynamic Range Imaging, MSB Subframe Readout, In-Pixel Counters, SPAD Image Sensors,

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