A 256/spl times/256 pixel smart CMOS image sensor for line-based stereo vision applications

This paper presents a 256/spl times/256 pixel smart CMOS image sensor for line based vision applications. By combining the edge-based analog processing technique with an active pixel array, a dense and fast on-chip analog image processing has been achieved. The on-chip processing unit includes (1) an analog histogram equalizer, (2) a programmable recursive Gaussian filter, (3) a spatio-temporal differentiator, and (4) a local extrema extractor. An electronic shutter is applied to the active pixel sensor array in order to adapt the exposure time as a function of global illumination. The on-chip histogram equalizer extends the image into a constant and optimal range for all the following processing operators and gives a stable and predictable precision of the analog processing. A prototype chip has been designed and fabricated in a standard 0.8-/spl mu/m CMOS process with double poly and double metal, giving a pixel pitch of 20 /spl mu/m and die size of 7/spl times/7 mm/sup 2/. A line processing time is compatible with TV line scan period. The worst case power consumption measures 40 mA at 5 V.