Bio-Inspired Imaging Sensors

Bio-Inspired Image Sensors

Image Sensors Specs

Image Sensor

ET-1080

Image Sensor

ET2-GS

ETReadOUT Board

The ETReadOUT board is included with the sensor and serves as an extension module that integrates the ET-1080 and ET2-GSA sensors. It includes the necessary conversion and control electronics for facilitating communication between the sensors and the FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). This board is responsible for controlling and converting the two differential outputs into digital signals, which are then transmitted to the ZCU104 board through the onboard FMC connector.

The board operates at 100 MHz, allowing a maximum achievable frame rate of 12 frames per second (fps) in full-frame mode. To achieve a higher frame rate, sub-windowing is required.

Why Eye2Drive Sensors?

Adaptive HDR

Using the EYE2DRIVE imaging sensor, High Dynamic Range (HDR) can be dynamically tuned from standard low to very high, offering the best trade-off for contrast.

Tuned Sensitivity

If lighting is low in the current context, EYE2DRIVE’s imaging sensor can increase sensitivity in real time, providing the critical, reliable information needed.

No Artefacts

Get rid of flickering and ghosting! Everything is native in a single image, which means zero data payload and no artifacts or ghosting when moving objects are involved.

Low Power

The EYE2DRIVE E2D-1080 and ET2-GS image sensors are built around a standard linear pixel and designed for low-power applications such as autonomous car navigation systems.

Eye2Drive’s Strategic Patents

EYE2DRIVE hardware technology for adaptive HDR is protected by a patent family that the company owns:

United States Patent Office

Patent US9918026

Photodetector device for electro-optical sensors with variable light dynamics

The EYE2DRIVE’s patent US9918026, also registered as WO2013046003, EP2761657, and ITUD20110149, has been officially registered with the United States of America Patent Office. It was filed in 2012. It describes a mechanism for photodetection in electro-optical sensors. It has a pixel that can convert light into voltage output. The mechanism has a system for charge dissipation and a specialized circuit to regulate the reset voltage. This regulation circuit is designed to connect the reset terminal and the externally programmable reference terminal alternately. Moreover, it can be used by multiple pixels simultaneously, which enhances the device’s functionality and flexibility in capturing light information.

United States Patent Office

Patent US11184568

Pixel charge control circuit in digital devices for image acquisition

The EYE2DRIVE’s patent US2014204189, also registered as WO2018229645, EP3639512, and IT201700066147, has been officially registered with the United States of America Patent Office. It was filed in 2012. It describes a photodetector device for electro-optical sensors. It comes equipped with a pixel that converts light into a voltage signal. The device includes a mechanism for controlling charge dissipation and a circuit that adjusts the reset voltage. This circuit can switch connections between a reset and an external programmable reference terminal. It can be shared among multiple pixels, enhancing device efficiency and photo-detection adaptability.

European Patent Office

EP4154517.A1

Multi-dynamic vision sensor

The EYE2DRIVE’s patent EP4154517 also registered as WO2021234566, has been officially registered with the European Patent Office. It describes an electro-optical image acquisition device with multiple light-sensing sub-blocks. It uses pixel discharge control circuitry to create a range of reset curves that are dynamically selected for each photosensitive element. This approach captures “multi-dynamic” images with varying light dynamics, enhancing image quality and facilitating advanced information extraction. The patent highlights a method that applies reset curves line by line, ensuring operation under any lighting condition.

Italian Patent Office

IT102024000011512

Not yet available

Monica Vatteroni, Carmen Cavallotti, and Alessandro Caleo officially filed the EYE2DRIVE patent IT102024000011512 with the Italian Patent Office in 2024.