Image sensor with exposure control, selectable interlaced, pseudo interlaced or non-interlaced readout and video compression

摘要

The present invention is an integrated imaging device capable of providing preprocessed images. An image processing unit receives command and control signals to perform selected image or signal processing operations before outputting the image. The imaging array uses either a full or linear array of photodetectors to capture an image of pixel charges. A plurality of pixel storage registers store the pixel charges and allow internal signal processing before transferring the image via an output register to an outside receiving device. A transfer register allows for transferring the pixel charges to a frame storage register. A dump drain permits is included for dumping unwanted data before transfer to the frame storage register. The array uses Si detectors or platinum silicide (PtSi) Schottky barrier detectors (or both) and is capable of both infrared and visual imaging.