Per-pixel integration time controlled image sensor

A per-pixel integration time controlled CMOS image sensor is presented. The main advantage of the device is that it converts high dynamic range scenes to regular dynamic range (8 bits) images on the focal plane. This is achieved by pixel level integration time control. The classic 3 transistor active pixel sensor (APS) architecture has been extended by a one bit latch, which controls a shutter switch. The content of the shutter latch (shutter map) is permanently updated in the entire sensor during the integration time from an external source. The shutter map is calculated by a biologically motivated adaptation algorithm.