An integrate and fire pixel with contrast outputs for a CMOS imager

This paper considers a novel pixel architecture inspired by the integrate and fire neurons in biological vision systems to improve the dynamic range and output bandwidth of CMOS imagers. An imager based on this pixel can operate in either image mode—outputting image data in order or illumination—or in contrast mode—outputting both contrast and image data in order of contrast. Simulation results for a 6 pixel array are presented, and shown to produce results consistent with a brief analysis. An array of 14 pixels has been submitted to MOSIS and is pending fabrication