IP Library › Granted Patent US 12666159

Granted Patent B2

US 12666159 · App. 18/646,581 · Granted Jun 23, 2026

Image sensor apparatus and method for obtaining multiple exposures with zero interframe time

Inventors: William Rivard (Menlo Park, CA); Adam Feder (Mountain View, CA); Brian Kindle (Sunnyvale, CA)

Assignee: DUELIGHT LLC

H04N23/741 G06T5/50 H04N23/6811 H04N23/72 H04N23/76 G06T2207/20208 G06T2207/20221

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 12666159
App. No.: 18/646,581
Granted: Jun 23, 2026
Kind: B2

External Links

USPTO Patent Center↗ Full Patent PDF↗

Abstract

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for obtaining multiple exposures with zero interframe time. In use, an analog signal associated with an image associated with an image of an image sensor is received. Amplified analog signals associated with the image are generated by amplifying the analog signal utilizing gains. The amplified analog signals are transmitted to analog-to-digital converter circuits. The amplified analog signals are converted to digital signals utilizing the analog-to-digital converter circuits. The digital signals are combined to create a high dynamic range (HDR) image.

Claims (579)

1 . An apparatus, comprising:

an image sensor including a plurality of cells including: a first cell having a first photodiode, and a second cell having a second photodiode, for being utilized to generate at least a portion of one or more line analog signals;

a line in communication with the plurality of cells, the line communicating the one or more line analog signals;

at least one analog-to-digital channel in communication with the line, the at least one analog-to-digital channel receiving at least one of the one or more line analog signals for conversion thereof, where the at least one analog-to-digital channel outputs a first line digital signal and a second line digital signal; and

circuitry in communication with the at least one analog-to-digital channel, the circuitry receiving at least one of the first line digital signal or the second line digital signal, for image generation;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

at least a portion of a first image is generated utilizing a first analog signal of at least three analog signals, such that the first analog signal is generated by sampling with a first exposure time of at least three different exposure times;

at least a portion of a second image is generated utilizing a second analog signal of the at least three analog signals, such that the second analog signal is generated by sampling with a second exposure time of the at least three different exposure times;

at least a portion of a third image is generated utilizing a third analog signal of the at least three analog signals, such that the third analog signal is generated by sampling with a third exposure time of the at least three different exposure times;

at least a portion of a fourth image is generated based on the at least portion of the second image and the at least portion of the third image; and

at least a portion of a high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated based on the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the at least portion of the fourth image is generated by combining the at least portion of the second image and the at least portion of the third image; and

the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated by combining the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image.

3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the at least portion of the fourth image is generated by combining the at least portion of the third image, and at least portions of a plurality of the second images generated utilizing a plurality of the second analog signals that are different and that are generated by sampling with the second exposure time; and

the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated by combining the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, where the first image is the only image for which portions thereof are combined with portions of the fourth image.

4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first image is one of a plurality of the first images that are captured, where the first image is selected from the plurality of the first images based on an analysis thereof.

5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first image is one of a plurality of the first images that are captured;

the plurality of the first images are captured and processed in an alternatively interleaved order with respect to the plurality of the second images.

6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

a first weight is utilized for the at least portion of the first image and a second weight, that is different than the first weight, is utilized for the at least portion of the fourth image.

7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

a first weight is utilized by being applied for a first pixel attribute for the at least portion of the first image that includes a single pixel of the first image; and

a second weight, that is different than the first weight, is utilized by being applied for a second pixel attribute for the at least portion of the fourth image that includes a single pixel of the fourth image.

8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

at least one of the first pixel attribute or the second pixel attribute includes at least one of a tone attribute, a color attribute, or a luminance attribute; and

at least one other of the first pixel attribute or the second pixel attribute includes another attribute different than the tone attribute, the color attribute, and the luminance attribute.

9 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

at least one of the first pixel attribute or the second pixel attribute includes at least one of a color attribute, or a luminance attribute; and

at least one other of the first pixel attribute or the second pixel attribute includes another attribute.

10 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

at least one of the first pixel attribute or the second pixel attribute includes at least one of a color attribute, or a luminance attribute; and

at least one other of the first pixel attribute or the second pixel attribute includes a detail attribute.

11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

first weights are utilized by being applied for first pixel attributes for the at least portion of the fourth image and second weights, that are different than the first weights, are utilized by being applied for second pixel attributes for the at least portion of the first image, to generate the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image.

12 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

a first one of the first weights is applied for a first one of the first pixel attributes that includes a color attribute, and a second one of the first weights is applied for a second one of the first pixel attributes that includes an luminance attribute.

13 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

different gains are applied to the second analog signal and the third analog signal.

14 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

a first gain is applied to the first analog signal;

a second gain, that is different than the first gain, is applied to the second analog signal; and

a third gain, that is different than the first gain and the second gain, is applied to the third analog signal.

15 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is greater than the second gain and the third gain, and the second gain is greater than the third gain.

16 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain, the second gain, and the third gain are applied to different analog signals before a read out of the different analog signals.

17 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain, the second gain, and the third gain are applied to different analog signals after a read out of the different analog signals.

18 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the third image is generated in response to detection of user shutter control input, and the at least three different exposure times do not overlap.

19 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that only the third image is generated in response to detection of user shutter control input.

20 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the third image is generated in response to detection of user shutter control input, and the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the second image, are not generated in response to the detection of user shutter control input.

21 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third exposure time is greater than the first exposure time and the second exposure time, and the second exposure time is greater than the first exposure time.

22 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third exposure time is at least four (4) times greater than the first exposure time.

23 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated utilizing a Laplacian technique.

24 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that different adjacent cells of the image sensor correspond with a same color of light, and are subject to, for the first image, the second image, and the third image: a corresponding sampling for which one or more analog signals generated by each of the different adjacent cells corresponding with the same color of light are sampled and combined before being utilized to generate at least a portion of at least one first line analog signal.

25 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that different adjacent cells of the image sensor correspond with a same color of light, and are subject to, for at least one of: the first image, the second image, or the third image: a corresponding sampling for which one or more analog signals generated by each of the different adjacent cells corresponding with the same color of light are sampled and combined before being utilized to generate at least a portion of at least one first line analog signal.

26 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for the first image, the second image, and the third image: corresponding analog signals generated by different cells of a first line corresponding with a same color of light are combined with corresponding analog signals generated by other different cells of a second line corresponding with the same color of light, before digital conversion thereof.

27 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for at least one of: the first image, the second image, or the third image: corresponding analog signals generated by different cells of a first line corresponding with a same color of light are combined with corresponding analog signals generated by other different cells of a second line corresponding with the same color of light, before digital conversion thereof.

28 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated based on the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, by combining the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, such that:

a first weight is utilized by being applied for a first pixel attribute for the at least portion of the first image that includes a pixel of the first image, and

a second weight, that is different than the first weight, is utilized by being applied for a second pixel attribute for the at least portion of the fourth image that includes a pixel of the fourth image, where:

at least one of the first pixel attribute or the second pixel attribute includes at least one of a color attribute or a luminance attribute; and

at least one of the first pixel attribute or the second pixel attribute includes another attribute different than the color attribute and the luminance attribute.

29 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the another attribute includes a detail attribute.

30 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated by combining the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, such that the first image is the only image for which portions thereof are combined with portions of the fourth image.

31 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first image is one of a plurality of the first images that are captured;

the plurality of the first images are captured and processed in an alternatively interleaved order with respect to the plurality of the second images.

32 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the third image is generated in response to detection of user shutter control input, the first image and the second image are generated before the third image is generated, and the at least three different exposure times do not overlap.

33 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that only the at least portion of the third image is generated in response to detection of user shutter control input.

34 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the third image is generated in response to detection of user shutter control input, and the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the second image, are not generated in response to the detection of user shutter control input.

35 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

a first gain is applied to the first analog signal;

a second gain, that is different than the first gain, is applied to the second analog signal; and

a third gain, that is different than the first gain and the second gain, is applied to the third analog signal.

36 . The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is greater than the second gain and the third gain, and the second gain is greater than the third gain.

37 . The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain, the second gain, and the third gain are applied to different analog signals before a line read out of the different analog signals.

38 . The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain, the second gain, and the third gain are applied to different analog signals after a line read out of the different analog signals.

39 . The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third exposure time is greater than the first exposure time and the second exposure time, and the second exposure time is greater than the first exposure time.

40 . The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third exposure time is at least four (4) times greater than the first exposure time.

41 . The apparatus of claim 36 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated utilizing a Laplacian technique.

42 . The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first image is one of a plurality of the first images that are captured;

the plurality of the first images are captured and processed in an alternatively interleaved order with respect to the plurality of the second images;

a first gain is applied to the first analog signal;

a second gain, that is different than the first gain, is applied to the second analog signal;

a third gain, that is different than the first gain and the second gain, is applied to the third analog signal;

the at least portion of the third image is generated in response to detection of user shutter control input; and

the first image and the second image are generated before the third image is generated.

43 . The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is greater than the second gain and the third gain, and the second gain is greater than the third gain.

44 . The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain, the second gain, and the third gain are applied to different analog signals before a line read out of the different analog signals.

45 . The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain, the second gain, and the third gain are applied to different analog signals after a line read out of the different analog signals.

46 . The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third exposure time is greater than the first exposure time and the second exposure time, and the second exposure time is greater than the first exposure time.

47 . The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that different adjacent cells of the image sensor correspond with a same color of light, and are subject to, for the first image, the second image, and the third image: a corresponding sampling for which one or more analog signals generated by each of the different adjacent cells corresponding with the same color of light are sampled and combined before being utilized to generate at least a portion of at least one first line analog signal.

48 . The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that different adjacent cells of the image sensor correspond with a same color of light, and are subject to, for at least one of: the first image, the second image, or the third image: a corresponding sampling for which one or more analog signals generated by each of the different adjacent cells corresponding with the same color of light are sampled and combined before being utilized to generate at least a portion of at least one first line analog signal.

49 . The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for the first image, the second image, and the third image: corresponding analog signals generated by different cells of a first line corresponding with a same color of light are combined with corresponding analog signals generated by other different cells of a second line corresponding with the same color of light, before digital conversion thereof.

50 . The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for at least one of: the first image, the second image, or the third image: corresponding analog signals generated by different cells of a first line corresponding with a same color of light are combined with corresponding analog signals generated by other different cells of a second line corresponding with the same color of light, before digital conversion thereof.

51 . The apparatus of claim 42 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the at least three different exposure times do not overlap;

the at least portion of the first image includes a single pixel of the first image;

the at least portion of the fourth image includes a single pixel of the fourth image; and

the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated based on a pixel-by-pixel analysis.

52 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third exposure time is at least four (4) times greater than the first exposure time, and the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated by combining the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, such that the first image is the only image for which portions thereof are combined with portions of the fourth image.

53 . The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least one of:

the image sensor includes a sensor that generates images based on sensed light;

the image sensor converts optical scene information to an electronic representation of a photographic scene;

the image sensor includes only the plurality of cells;

the image sensor includes the plurality of cells, in addition to other componentry;

the image sensor includes the plurality of cells, in addition to other componentry including the line;

the line in communication with the plurality of cells is one of a plurality of lines each in communication with a corresponding plurality of cells;

the line in communication with the plurality of cells is one of a plurality of columns;

the line in communication with the plurality of cells is one of a plurality of rows;

multiple of the cells correspond with a single pixel;

each cell corresponds with a pixel, by analog signals generated thereby being used to generate pixel data used to display the pixel;

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the one or more line analog signals, the first line digital signal, and the second line digital signal, are classes or types of signals that are generated for each image;

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the one or more line analog signals, the first line digital signal, and the second line digital signal, are generated for each of the first image, the second image, and the third image;

the first photodiode generating the first analog signal, by being an only photodiode that generates the first analog signal;

the first photodiode generating the first analog signal, by not being an only photodiode that generates the first analog signal;

the first photodiode generating the first analog signal, by the first photodiode providing at least one signal that is utilized in generating the first analog signal;

the first photodiode generating the first analog signal, by the first photodiode providing at least one signal that is combined with at least one other signal for generating the first analog signal;

the second photodiode generating the second analog signal, by being an only photodiode that generates the second analog signal;

the second photodiode generating the second analog signal, by not being an only photodiode that generates the second analog signal;

the second photodiode generating the second analog signal, by the second photodiode providing at least one signal that is utilized in generating the second analog signal;

the second photodiode generating the second analog signal, by the second photodiode providing at least one signal that is combined with at least one other signal for generating the second analog signal;

the first analog signal is generated by the first photodiode without being generated by any other photodiode;

the first analog signal is generated by the first photodiode and at least one other photodiode;

the second analog signal is generated by the second photodiode without being generated by any other photodiode;

the second analog signal is generated by the second photodiode and at least one other photodiode;

at least one of the first gain or the second gain is applied to the first analog signal;

at least one of a first gain or a second gain is not applied to the first analog signal;

at least one of the first gain or the second gain is applied to the second analog signal;

at least one of the first gain or the second gain is not applied to the second analog signal;

in communication with, includes constant communication;

in communication with, includes intermittent communication;

in communication with, includes fixed communication;

in communication with, includes selective communication;

in communication with, includes in direct communication;

in communication, includes in direct communication, with no intermediate circuit components therebetween;

in communication with, includes in indirect communication;

in communication, includes in indirect communication, with at least one intermediate circuit component therebetween;

in communication, includes in indirect communication, with at least one switch therebetween;

each cell of the plurality of cells includes a site of a corresponding photodiode;

each cell of the plurality of cells includes a photosite;

each cell of the plurality of cells corresponds with a single pixel;

the first cell is used to generate a first pixel and the second cell is used to generate a second pixel;

the first cell and the second cell are used to generate a same pixel;

the first cell is part of a first pixel and the second cell is part of a second pixel;

the first cell and the second cell are part of a same pixel;

the first analog signal is generated before the second analog signal;

the first analog signal is generated after the second analog signal;

the first analog signal is generated at the same time as the second analog signal;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel includes a first analog-to-digital channel or a second analog-to-digital channel;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel includes a single analog-to-digital channel;

the plurality of cells each include a single photodiode;

the plurality of cells each include a multiple photodiodes;

the first cell having the first photodiode, and the second cell having the second photodiode, are of different rows;

the first cell having the first photodiode, and the second cell having the second photodiode, are of different columns;

the one or more line analog signals are generated utilizing the first photodiode and the second photodiode;

the one or more line analog signals are generated utilizing only one of the first photodiode or the second photodiode;

the one or more line analog signals are generated utilizing only the first photodiode;

the one or more line analog signals are generated utilizing only the second photodiode;

the one or more line analog signals includes a single line analog signal;

the one or more line analog signals includes a plurality of line analog signals;

the one or more line analog signals includes a first line analog signal generated utilizing only the first photodiode, and a second line analog signal generated utilizing only the second photodiode;

the one or more line analog signals includes a first line analog signal generated utilizing both the first photodiode and the second photodiode, and a second line analog signal generated utilizing both the first photodiode and the second photodiode;

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal, include line analog signals;

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal, do not include line analog signals;

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal, include pixel analog signals;

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal, do not include pixel analog signals;

the line includes a column line;

the line includes a row line;

the line is one of a plurality of lines that are in communication with the image sensor;

the line is one of a plurality of lines that are in communication with the plurality of cells;

the line is one of a plurality of lines that are in communication with the image sensor and that are each equipped with one or more analog-to-digital channels;

the line is one of a plurality of lines that are in communication with the plurality of cells;

the line being in communication with the plurality of cells by being in communication with the first photodiode and the second photodiode;

the line being in communication with the plurality of cells by being in communication with the first photodiode and the second photodiode thereof;

the line being in communication with the plurality of cells by being in selective communication therewith;

the line being in communication with the plurality of cells by being in communication therewith via a switch that turns the communication on and off;

the line being in communication with the plurality of cells by being in constant communication therewith;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel outputs the first line digital signal and the second line digital signal for a same photodiode;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel outputs the first line digital signal and the second line digital signal for different photodiodes;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel includes a first analog-to-digital channel that outputs the first line digital signal and a second analog-to-digital channel that outputs the second line digital signal;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel includes a single analog-to-digital channel that outputs the first line digital signal and the second line digital signal;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel includes a single analog-to-digital channel that outputs the first line digital signal based on an output of the first node, and the second line digital signal based on an output of the second node;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel includes a same single analog-to-digital channel that outputs the first line digital signal and the second line digital signal;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel includes an analog-to-digital converter;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel includes an amplifier;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel does not include an amplifier;

the circuitry receives only the first line digital signal;

the circuitry receives only the second line digital signal;

the circuitry receives only one of the first line digital signal or the second line digital signal;

the circuitry receives the first line digital signal and the second line digital signal;

the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of cells are each sampled, by the first photodiode and the second photodiode being sampled;

the image generation includes the generation of the at least portion of the at least one high dynamic range (HDR) image;

the image generation does not include the generation of the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image;

the high dynamic range (HDR) image is directly generated by combining the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image;

the high dynamic range (HDR) image is indirectly generated by combining the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, by being generated by further processing a combination of the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image;

the high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated based on a global shutter;

the high dynamic range (HDR) image is not generated based on a global shutter;

the at least portion of the first image is generated utilizing the first analog signal, by utilizing a processed version of the first analog signal;

the at least portion of the first image is generated utilizing the first analog signal, by processing the first analog signal, and then utilizing a processed version of the first analog signal;

the at least portion of the second image is generated utilizing the second analog signal, by utilizing a processed version of the second analog signal;

the at least portion of the second image is generated utilizing the second analog signal, by processing the second analog signal, and then utilizing a processed version of the second analog signal;

the at least portion of the third image is generated utilizing the third analog signal, by utilizing a processed version of the third analog signal;

the at least portion of the third image is generated utilizing the third analog signal, by processing the third analog signal, and then utilizing a processed version of the third analog signal;

the first analog signal of the at least three analog signals is generated by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells to generate a plurality of first analog signal components that are combined to generate the first analog signal;

the second analog signal of the at least three analog signals is generated by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells to generate a plurality of second analog signal components that are combined to generate the second analog signal;

the third analog signal of the at least three analog signals is generated by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells to generate a plurality of third analog signal components that are combined to generate the third analog signal;

the at least three different exposure times include at least three different exposure durations;

the at least three different exposure times include at least three different sample times;

the at least three different exposure times include at least three different sample durations;

the at least three different exposure times are at least three different sample times;

the at least three different exposure times are at least three different sample durations;

the plurality of cells are sampled with the first exposure time by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells simultaneously during a signal duration equal to the first exposure time;

the plurality of cells are sampled with the first exposure time by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells serially during serial signal durations each equal to the first exposure time;

the plurality of cells are sampled with the second exposure time by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells simultaneously during a signal duration equal to the second exposure time;

the plurality of cells are sampled with the second exposure time by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells serially during serial signal durations each equal to the second exposure time;

the plurality of cells are sampled with the third exposure time by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells simultaneously during a signal duration equal to the third exposure time;

the plurality of cells are sampled with the third exposure time by sampling at least one of the plurality of cells serially during serial signal durations each equal to the third exposure time;

the fourth image includes a synthetic image;

the fourth image is generated for display within dynamic range constraints of a display unit;

the fourth image is generated utilizing an image blend operation;

the fourth image is generated utilizing a pixel blend operation;

the fourth image is generated utilizing images in a same position;

the fourth image is generated utilizing images that are aligned;

the fourth image is generated utilizing images each with details in a same position;

the fourth image is generated utilizing images each with details that are aligned;

the fourth image is generated from an image stack;

the fourth image includes overall image detail;

the fourth image includes overall image detail, in addition to first image detail from a high brightness region and second image detail from a low brightness region;

the fourth image includes pixel stream;

the at least portion of the fourth image is generated directly based on the at least portion of the second image and the at least portion of the third image, by directly utilizing the combining of the at least portion of the second image and the at least portion of the third image;

the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image is directly generated based on the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, by directly utilizing the combining of the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image;

the at least portion of the fourth image is generated indirectly based on the at least portion of the second image and the at least portion of the third image, by indirectly utilizing the combining of the at least portion of the second image and the at least portion of the third image;

the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image is indirectly generated based on the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, by indirectly utilizing the combining of the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image;

the at least portion of the fourth image is generated indirectly based on the at least portion of the second image and the at least portion of the third image, by indirectly utilizing a processed version of a result of the combining of the at least portion of the second image and the at least portion of the third image;

the at least portion of the high dynamic range (HDR) image is indirectly generated based on the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image, by indirectly utilizing a processed version of a result of the combining of the at least portion of the first image and the at least portion of the fourth image;

the first weight is applied for the first pixel attribute, by being applied to a particular pixel in connection with the first pixel attribute;

the second weight is applied for the second pixel attribute, by being applied to a particular pixel in connection with the second pixel attribute;

the first weight is applied for the first pixel attribute, by being applied to a particular pixel to emphasize the first pixel attribute of the pixel of the first image;

the second weight is applied for the second pixel attribute, by being applied to a particular pixel to emphasize the second pixel attribute of the pixel of the second image;

the first weight is applied for the first pixel attribute, by being applied to the first pixel attribute;

the second weight is applied for the second pixel attribute, by being applied to the second pixel attribute;

the image generation includes digital image generation;

the at least portion of the first image, includes at least a digital image portion;

the at least portion of the first image, includes at least an analog image portion;

the first image and the second image are evaluation images;

the first image and the second image are displayed;

the first image and the second image are not displayed;

the first analog signal is generated by sampling with the first exposure time, by receiving a current from at least one photodiode of the image sensor, for the first exposure time;

the first analog signal is generated by sampling with the first exposure time, by receiving a current from at least one photodiode of the image sensor, for the first exposure time, and subsequently amplifying the first analog signal;

the at least portion of the second image, includes at least a digital image portion;

the at least portion of the second image, includes at least an analog image portion;

the second image and the second image are displayed;

the second image and the second image are not displayed;

the second analog signal is generated by sampling with the second exposure time, by receiving a current from at least one photodiode of the image sensor, for the second exposure time;

the second analog signal is generated by sampling with the second exposure time, by receiving a current from at least one photodiode of the image sensor, for the second exposure time, and subsequently amplifying the second analog signal;

the at least portion of the third image, includes at least a digital image portion;

the at least portion of the third image, includes at least an analog image portion;

the third image and the third image are displayed;

the third image and the third image are not displayed;

the third analog signal is generated by sampling with the third exposure time, by receiving a current from at least one photodiode of the image sensor, for the third exposure time;

the third analog signal is generated by sampling with the third exposure time, by receiving a current from at least one photodiode of the image sensor, for the third exposure time, and subsequently amplifying the third analog signal;

the weights control how one or more portions of one or more images are merged with one or more other portions of one or more other images;

the weights control how one or more portions of one or more images are merged with one or more other portions of one or more other images, in connection with at least one pixel attribute;

only the first pixel attribute includes the color attribute;

only the first pixel attribute includes the luminance attribute;

only the first pixel attribute includes the another attribute;

only the second pixel attribute includes the color attribute;

only the second pixel attribute includes the luminance attribute;

only the second pixel attribute includes the another attribute;

the first pixel attribute includes only the color attribute;

the first pixel attribute includes only the luminance attribute;

the first pixel attribute includes only the another attribute;

the second pixel attribute includes only the color attribute;

the second pixel attribute includes only the luminance attribute;

the second pixel attribute includes only the another attribute;

the first pixel attribute is only for the at least portion of the first image;

the first pixel attribute is not only for the at least portion of the first image;

the second pixel attribute is only for the at least portion of the fourth image;

the second pixel attribute is not only for the at least portion of the fourth image;

the at least portion of the first image includes at least a pixel thereof, the at least portion of the first image includes at least a pixel thereof, and the at least portion of the first image includes at least a pixel thereof;

the at least portion of the first image includes at least multiple pixels thereof, the at least portion of the first image includes at least multiple pixels thereof, and the at least portion of the first image includes at least multiple pixels thereof;

the at least portion of the first image includes at least a portion of a line thereof, the at least portion of the first image includes at least a portion of a line thereof, and the at least portion of the first image includes at least a portion of a line thereof;

the at least portion of the first image includes at least a line thereof, the at least portion of the first image includes at least a line thereof, and the at least portion of the first image includes at least a line thereof;

the at least three analog signals including a first one of the at least three analog signals that is generated based on sampling the plurality of cells for a first exposure time, a second one of the at least three analog signals that is generated based on sampling the plurality of cells for a second exposure time, and a third one of the at least three analog signals that is generated based on sampling the plurality of cells for a third exposure time;

the at least three analog signals including a first one of the at least three analog signals that is generated based on sampling each of the plurality of cells for a first exposure time, a second one of the at least three analog signals that is generated based on sampling each of the plurality of cells for a second exposure time, and a third one of the at least three analog signals that is generated based on sampling each of the plurality of cells for a third exposure time;

the at least three different exposure times are overlapping;

the at least three different exposure times are not overlapping;

the at least three different exposure times are overlapping in duration; or

the at least three different exposure times are not overlapping in duration.

54 . An apparatus, comprising:

a plurality of cells having a plurality of photodiodes, including a first cell having a first photodiode and a second cell having a second photodiode, at least one of the plurality of photodiodes generating at least one analog signal for being utilized to generate at least a portion of one or more line analog signals;

a first node in communication with the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes, the first node making available for sampling a first analog signal with a first gain applied thereto, such that the first analog signal is sampled to generate at least a portion of a first one of the one or more line analog signals;

a second node in communication with the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes, the second node making available for sampling a second analog signal with a second gain applied thereto that is different than the first gain, such that the second analog signal is sampled to generate at least a portion of a second one of the one or more line analog signals;

one or more lines in communication with the first node and the second node, the one or more lines communicating the at least portion of the one or more line analog signals, including the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals and the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals;

at least one analog-to-digital channel in communication with the one or more lines, the at least one analog-to-digital channel receiving the at least portion of at least one of the one or more line analog signals for conversion thereof to at least one digital signal, including a first digital signal corresponding to the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals and a second digital signal corresponding to the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals; and

circuitry in communication with the at least one analog-to-digital channel, the circuitry receiving the first digital signal and the second digital signal for utilizing at least a portion of the first digital signal and at least a portion of the second digital signal, for image generation.

55 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is applied by a single amplifier, before the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines; and the second gain is applied by the single amplifier, before the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines.

56 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is applied by a same single amplifying circuit, before the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines; and the second gain is applied by the same single amplifying circuit, before the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines.

57 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is applied by a first amplifying circuit, before the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines; and the second gain is applied by a second amplifying circuit, before the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines.

58 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is greater than one (1) and the second gain is less than one (1).

59 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is less than one (1) and the second gain equals one (1).

60 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain and the second gain are greater than one (1).

61 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least one of the first gain or the second gain equals one (1).

62 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal without utilizing any capacitance of any of the plurality of photodiodes for making available for sampling the first analog signal by the first node after receiving a photodiode current; and the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal without utilizing any capacitance of any of the plurality of photodiodes for making available for sampling the second analog signal by the second node after receiving another photodiode current.

63 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal without utilizing any capacitance of any of the plurality of photodiodes for making available for sampling the first analog signal by the first node; and the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal utilizing a capacitance of the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes for making available for sampling the second analog signal by the second node.

64 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first node has a first capacitance associated therewith, and the second node has a second capacitance associated therewith that is different than the first capacitance.

65 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first node is directly electrically coupled to a physical capacitor.

66 . The apparatus of claim 65 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second node is directly electrically coupled to another physical capacitor.

67 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first node does not store the first analog signal utilizing any photodiode, after receiving current from the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes.

68 . The apparatus of claim 67 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second node does not store the second analog signal utilizing any photodiode, after receiving additional current from the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes.

69 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first node is directly electrically coupled to a first physical capacitor with a first capacitance associated therewith, and the second node is directly electrically coupled to a second physical capacitor with a second capacitance associated therewith that is different than the first capacitance.

70 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first node is directly electrically coupled, with no analog electrical processing component therebetween, to a first physical capacitor with a first capacitance associated therewith, and the second node is directly electrically coupled, with no analog electrical processing component therebetween, to a second physical capacitor with a second capacitance associated therewith that is different than the first capacitance.

71 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first node is directly electrically coupled to a first physical capacitor of the first cell with a first capacitance associated therewith, and the second node is directly electrically coupled to a second physical capacitor of the first cell with a second capacitance associated therewith that is different than the first capacitance.

72 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of cells are integrated on a first integrated circuit, and at least one of the first node or the second node is integrated on a second integrated circuit.

73 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of cells are integrated on a first integrated circuit, and only one of the first node or the second node is integrated on a second integrated circuit.

74 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of cells are integrated on a first integrated circuit, and both of the first node and the second node are integrated on a second integrated circuit.

75 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that only two transistors are in communication between the first node, and the one or more lines.

76 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that one or more corresponding reset analog signals is sampled between the sampling of the first analog signal and the sampling of the second analog signal.

77 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that no corresponding reset analog signal is sampled between the sampling of the first analog signal and the sampling of the second analog signal.

78 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for each of the first analog signal and the second analog signal, one or more corresponding reset analog signals are stored and sampled to generate one or more corresponding digital signals, at least a portion of which are processed with at least one of: the at least portion of the first digital signal or the at least portion of the second digital signal.

79 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for each of the first analog signal and the second analog signal, one or more corresponding reset analog signals are processed in an analog domain with at least one of: the at least portion of the first analog signal or the at least portion of the second analog signal.

80 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal and the second analog signal are sampled for different durations.

81 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal is sampled for a first duration, and the second analog signal is sampled for a second duration that is after and is shorter than the first duration.

82 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal is sampled for a first duration, and the second analog signal is sampled for a second duration that is after and is longer than the first duration.

83 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal is sampled for a first duration, and the second analog signal is sampled for a second duration that starts after the first duration has completed.

84 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated for a first exposure based on integrations that occur at least in part simultaneously.

85 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal is generated based on a first integration that occurs at least in part during a first exposure and the second analog signal is generated based on a second integration that occurs at least in part during the first exposure, such that the first integration and the second integration overlap at least in part.

86 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal is generated based on a first integration that occurs at least in part during a first exposure and the second analog signal is generated based on a second integration that occurs at least in part during the first exposure, such that the first integration and the second integration overlap at least in part, and the second integration is different in duration than the first integration.

87 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal is generated based on a first integration that occurs at least in part during a first exposure and the second analog signal is generated based on a second integration that occurs at least in part during the first exposure, such that the first integration and the second integration start at a same time, and the second integration is different in duration than the first integration.

88 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal is generated based on a first integration that occurs at least in part during a first exposure and the second analog signal is generated based on a second integration that occurs at least in part during the first exposure, such that the first integration and the second integration completely overlap.

89 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal is generated based on a first integration that occurs during a first duration of a first subset of a first exposure and the second analog signal is generated based on a second integration that occurs during a second duration of a second subset of the first exposure, where the first integration and the second integration overlap at least in part, and the first duration of the first subset of the first exposure is different than the second duration of the second subset of the first exposure.

90 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first node makes available for sampling a third analog signal, such that the third analog signal is sampled to generate at least a portion of a third one of the one or more line analog signals;

the one or more lines communicates the at least portion of the one or more line analog signals, including the at least portion of the third one of the one or more line analog signals;

the circuitry receives the third digital signal for utilizing the at least portion of the first digital signal, the at least portion of the second digital signal, and at least a portion of the third digital signal, for the image generation.

91 . The apparatus of claim 90 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third analog signal has the second gain applied thereto.

92 . The apparatus of claim 90 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third analog signal has a third gain applied thereto that is different than the first gain and the second gain.

93 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

a third node makes available for sampling a third analog signal, such that the third analog signal is sampled to generate at least a portion of a third one of the one or more line analog signals;

the one or more lines communicates the at least portion of the one or more line analog signals, including the at least portion of the third one of the one or more line analog signals;

94 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated based on current received from the first photodiode; and

the third analog signal is generated based on current received from another one of the plurality of photodiodes other than the first photodiode.

95 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal, are sampled for different durations that do not overlap.

96 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the image generation is performed utilizing a single exposure.

97 . The apparatus of claim 96 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, between a sampling of at least two of the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal: one or more corresponding reset analog signals are utilized.

98 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal are generated based on integrations that occur at least in part simultaneously.

99 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated based on integrations that occur at least in part simultaneously; and

the third analog signal is generated based on another integration.

100 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third analog signal has the second gain applied thereto.

101 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third analog signal has a third gain applied thereto that is different than the first gain and the second gain.

102 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second gain is applied to the second analog signal while the second analog signal is sampled, and the third analog signal has one or more gains applied thereto while the third analog signal is sampled.

103 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first node makes available for sampling a fourth analog signal with at least one gain applied thereto that is different than the first gain, such that the fourth analog signal is sampled to generate at least a portion of a fourth one of the one or more line analog signals;

the one or more lines communicates the at least portion of the one or more line analog signals, including the at least portion of the fourth one of the one or more line analog signals;

the circuitry receives the fourth digital signal for utilizing the at least portion of the first digital signal, the at least portion of the second digital signal, the at least portion of the third digital signal, and at least a portion of the fourth digital signal, for the image generation.

104 . The apparatus of claim 103 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the fourth analog signal are generated utilizing the first photodiode;

the third analog signal is generated utilizing another one of the plurality of photodiodes other than the first photodiode;

the first gain is applied, before the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines;

the second gain is applied, before the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines; and

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, and the fourth analog signal are sampled for durations that do not overlap.

105 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that a drain terminal of a transistor is in communication with the first node and a source terminal of the transistor is in communication with the second node.

106 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that a drain terminal of a transistor is in communication with the first node and a source terminal of the transistor is in communication with the second node, where the transistor controls a flow of current between the first node and the second node and operates is in a first mode of operation when the first analog signal is sampled and in a second mode of operation when the second analog signal is sampled.

107 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated utilizing the first photodiode; and

the third analog signal is generated utilizing another one of the plurality of photodiodes other than the first photodiode.

108 . The apparatus of claim 107 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first photodiode and the another one of the plurality of photodiodes, are included in a same cell.

109 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for each of the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal, one or more corresponding reset analog signals are utilized.

110 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first gain is applied by a single amplifier, before the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines; and the second gain is applied by the single amplifier, before the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines.

111 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third node is directly electrically coupled to a physical capacitor.

112 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third node is directly electrically coupled to at least a portion of a dynamic random access memory.

113 . The apparatus of claim 93 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated utilizing the first photodiode;

the third analog signal is generated utilizing another one of the plurality of photodiodes other than the first photodiode;

the first gain is applied, before the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines;

the second gain is applied, before the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines;

the third node is directly electrically coupled to a physical capacitor; and

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal, are sampled for durations that do not overlap.

114 . The apparatus of claim 113 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that different adjacent cells correspond with a same color of light, and are subject to, for at least one of: the first digital signal, the second digital signal, or the third digital signal: a corresponding sampling for which one or more analog signals generated by each of the different adjacent cells corresponding with the same color of light are sampled and combined before line analog signal generation.

115 . The apparatus of claim 113 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for at least two of the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal: one or more corresponding reset analog signals are utilized.

116 . The apparatus of claim 113 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the image generation is performed utilizing a single exposure.

117 . The apparatus of claim 116 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that one or more corresponding reset analog signals are utilized between sampling of at least two of the first analog signal, the second analog signal, and the third analog signal.

118 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

a third node makes available for sampling a third analog signal, such that the third analog signal is sampled to generate at least a portion of a third one of the one or more line analog signals;

a fourth node makes available for sampling a fourth analog signal, such that the fourth analog signal is sampled to generate at least a portion of a fourth one of the one or more line analog signals;

the one or more lines communicates the at least portion of the one or more line analog signals, including the at least portion of the third one of the one or more line analog signals and the at least portion of the fourth one of the one or more line analog signals;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel receives the at least portion of the at least one of the one or more line analog signals for conversion thereof to the at least one digital signal, including a third digital signal corresponding to the at least portion of the third one of the one or more line analog signals and a fourth digital signal corresponding to the at least portion of the fourth one of the one or more line analog signals; and

the circuitry receives the third digital signal and the fourth digital signal for utilizing the at least portion of the first digital signal, the at least portion of the second digital signal, at least a portion of the third digital signal, and at least a portion of the fourth digital signal, for the image generation.

119 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated utilizing the first photodiode;

the third analog signal and the fourth analog signal are generated utilizing another one of the plurality of photodiodes other than the first photodiode;

the first gain is applied by an amplifier, before the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals is communicated, as part of a read out thereof, utilizing the one or more lines;

the third analog signal and the fourth analog signal have different gains applied thereto;

the fourth node is directly electrically coupled to a physical capacitor; and

the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, and the fourth analog signal, are sampled for durations that do not overlap.

120 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the image generation is performed utilizing a single exposure.

121 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the physical capacitor includes at least a portion of a dynamic random access memory.

122 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first photodiode and the another one of the plurality of photodiodes are situated in a same single sub-component of a pixel.

123 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated based on an integration; and

the third analog signal and the fourth analog signal are generated based on another integration.

124 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, and the fourth analog signal are generated based on integrations that occur at least in part simultaneously.

125 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third analog signal has at least one of the first gain or the second gain applied thereto.

126 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third analog signal has a third gain applied thereto that is different than the first gain and the second gain.

127 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that different adjacent cells correspond with a same color of light, and are subject to, for the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, and the fourth digital signal: a corresponding sampling for which one or more analog signals generated by each of the different adjacent cells corresponding with the same color of light are sampled and combined before being utilized for line analog signal generation.

128 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that different adjacent cells correspond with a same color of light, and are subject to, for at least one of: the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, or the fourth digital signal: a corresponding sampling for which one or more analog signals generated by each of the different adjacent cells corresponding with the same color of light are sampled and combined before being utilized for line analog signal generation.

129 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, and the fourth digital signal: corresponding analog signals generated by different cells of a first line corresponding with a same color of light are combined with corresponding analog signals generated by other different cells of a second line corresponding with the same color of light, before digital conversion thereof.

130 . The apparatus of claim 119 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for at least one of: the first digital signal, the second digital signal, the third digital signal, or the fourth digital signal: corresponding analog signals generated by different cells of a first line corresponding with a same color of light are combined with corresponding analog signals generated by other different cells of a second line corresponding with the same color of light, before digital conversion thereof.

131 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated utilizing the first photodiode; and

the third analog signal and the fourth analog signal are generated utilizing another one of the plurality of photodiodes other than the first photodiode.

132 . The apparatus of claim 131 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first photodiode and the another one of the plurality of photodiodes are situated in a same single cell.

133 . The apparatus of claim 131 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that one or more corresponding reset analog signals are utilized between a first sampling involving the first photodiode and a second sampling involving the another one of the plurality of photodiodes.

134 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the fourth node is directly electrically coupled to a physical capacitor; and the third analog signal and the fourth analog signal have different gains applied thereto.

135 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the fourth node is directly electrically coupled to at least a portion of a dynamic random access memory, and the first, second, and third nodes are not directly electrically coupled to any physical capacitor.

136 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, and the fourth analog signal, are sampled for durations that do not overlap.

137 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the image generation is performed utilizing a single exposure.

138 . The apparatus of claim 137 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that one or more corresponding reset analog signals are utilized between at least two samplings involving at least two of the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, and the fourth analog signal.

139 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that, for at least two of the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, and the fourth analog signal: one or more corresponding reset analog signals are utilized.

140 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that:

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated based on an integration; and

the third analog signal and the fourth analog signal are generated based on another integration.

141 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the first analog signal, the second analog signal, the third analog signal, and the fourth analog signal are generated based on at least two integrations that occur at least in part simultaneously.

142 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third analog signal has at least one of the first gain or the second gain applied thereto.

143 . The apparatus of claim 118 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the third analog signal has a third gain applied thereto that is different than the first gain and the second gain.

144 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least two different images are generated based on different exposures including a first exposure utilizing a first gain that is based on a first brightness of only a subset of a first one of the at least two different images and a second exposure utilizing a second gain that is based on a second brightness of only a subset of a second one of the at least two different images, where a resulting high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated based on the at least two different images.

145 . The apparatus of claim 144 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the subset of the first one of the at least two different images and the subset of the second one of the at least two different images, include different regions included in a scene of the at least two different images.

146 . The apparatus of claim 144 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the subset of the first one of the at least two different images and the subset of the second one of the at least two different images, include different objects included in a scene of the at least two different images.

147 . The apparatus of claim 144 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that zero-interframe time exists between a capture of the at least two different images.

148 . The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least one of:

the circuitry includes a processor;

the circuitry includes digital circuitry;

the circuitry includes analog circuitry;

the circuitry is separate from the at least one analog-to-digital channel;

the circuitry is integrated with the at least one analog-to-digital channel;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a charge storing device;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a charge storing device that is circuitry;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes circuitry;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a charge storing device that is a capacitor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a charge storing device that is a transistor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a terminal node of a capacitor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a terminal node of a transistor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a terminal node of a transistor, including at least one of a gate, a drain, or a source;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes an analog sampling circuit;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes at least a portion of an analog sampling circuit;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a node of an analog sampling circuit;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a storage node;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a sample storage node;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a node of a terminal of a capacitor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a node of a terminal of a transistor;

the first node includes a first terminal of a same transistor and the second node includes a second terminal of the same transistor;

the first node includes a first terminal of a first transistor and the second node includes a second terminal of a second transistor;

the first node and the second node, include different nodes of different sampling circuits;

the first node and the second node, include different nodes that are not of different sampling circuits;

the first node and the second node are embodied on a same integrated circuit as the plurality of photodiodes;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes any device for storing any sample or value that is a function of a light intensity detected at one or more photodiodes;

at least one of the first node or the second node, stores a charge;

at least one of the first node or the second node, is controllable via at least one control signal;

at least one of the first node or the second node, is controllable via at least one control signal including at least one of: a sample signal; a reset signal; or a row select signal;

at least one of the first node or the second node, is capable of communicating a signal thereof via another one of the first node or the second node;

at least one of the first node or the second node, is capable of sharing a charge thereof with another one of the first node or the second node, before the charge being sampled;

the first node and the second node, each includes a storage node;

at least one of the first node or the second node, does not include a storage node;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a single analog component;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a single charge storing device that is a portion of a wire;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes only a portion of a wire;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes only a portion of a wire, where the portion of the wire is in communication with at least one transistor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a capacitor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, does not include a capacitor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, includes a transistor;

at least one of the first node or the second node, does not include a transistor;

at least one instance of the sampling, includes communication of an analog signal;

at least one instance of the sampling, includes communication of an analog signal based on an accumulated charge at a node;

at least one of the first node or the second node, makes available for sampling by holding an analog signal available for sampling;

at least one of the first node or the second node, makes available for sampling by accumulating an analog signal available for sampling;

at least one of the first node or the second node, is a node that makes available for sampling by the node making an analog signal available for sampling;

at least one of the first node or the second node, is a node that makes available for sampling by the node making a voltage available for sampling;

at least one of the first node or the second node, is a node that makes available for sampling by the node holding an analog signal available for sampling;

at least one of the first node or the second node, is a node that makes available for sampling by the node accumulating an analog signal available for sampling;

the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal, by not storing the first analog signal;

the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal, by being in communication with sampling circuitry for the sampling;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal, by storing the first analog signal;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal, by not storing the first analog signal;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal, by being in communication with sampling circuitry for the sampling;

the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal utilizing a capacitance that is not of any of the plurality of photodiodes;

the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal utilizing a capacitance that is of one or more of the plurality of photodiodes;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal utilizing a capacitance that is not of any of the plurality of photodiodes;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal utilizing a capacitance that is of one or more of the plurality of photodiodes;

the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes includes a single photodiode;

the first node and the second node are both in communication with the first photodiode of the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes;

the first node and the second node are both in communication with the first photodiode of the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes, and only one of the first node or the second node is in communication with the second photodiode of the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes;

the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal by storing the first analog signal;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal by storing the second analog signal;

the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal by communicating the first analog signal;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal by communicating the second analog signal;

the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal by allowing communication of the first analog signal;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal by allowing communication of the second analog signal;

the first node makes available for sampling the first analog signal after the first analog signal is generated by the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes;

the second node makes available for sampling the second analog signal after the second analog signal is generated by the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes;

the first node and the second node have a single transistor electrically coupled therebetween;

the first node and the second node have at least one transistor electrically coupled therebetween;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal before being sampled and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal before being sampled;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal while being sampled and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal while being sampled;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal after being sampled and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal after being sampled;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal before being sampled and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal after being sampled;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal by a transistor-based amplifier before being sampled and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal before being sampled;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal while being generated and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal while being generated;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal after being generated and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal after being generated;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal while being generated and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal after being generated;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal by a transistor-based amplifier while being generated and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal after being generated;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal while being stored and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal while being stored;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal after being stored and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal after being stored;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal while being stored and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal after being stored;

the first gain is applied to the first analog signal by a transistor-based amplifier while being stored and the second gain is applied to the second analog signal after being stored;

the utilizing includes combining;

the utilizing includes merging;

the first digital signal corresponds to the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals, by being a digital version thereof;

the first digital signal corresponds only to the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals;

the second digital signal corresponds to the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals, by being a digital version thereof;

the second digital signal corresponds only to the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals;

the first digital signal represents only a portion of an associated image;

the first digital signal represents only a portion of an associated scene;

the at least one analog signal being utilized to generate the at least portion of the one or more line analog signals, by being processed utilizing at least one analog electrical component;

the at least one analog signal being utilized to generate the at least portion of the one or more line analog signals, by being amplified utilizing at least one analog electrical component;

the first analog signal is generated for a first portion of the first exposure and the second analog signal is generated for a second portion of the first exposure;

the first analog signal is generated for a first portion of the first exposure and the second analog signal is generated for a second portion of the first exposure, where the first portion and the second portion at least partially overlap;

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are generated for the first exposure, by each utilizing at least a portion of a same charge accumulated by a same current received from the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes, such that the second analog signal is generated for the first exposure by utilizing additional charge accumulated by additional current received from the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes, and the first analog signal is generated for the first exposure by not utilizing the additional charge accumulated by the additional current received from the at least one of the plurality of photodiodes;

only the first analog signal is sampled to generate the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals;

only the second analog signal is sampled to generate the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals;

the first analog signal is only stored at the first node;

the second analog signal is only stored at the second node;

the second analog signal is stored at the second node, in addition to the first node;

the first analog signal and the second analog signal are sampled by the stored first analog signal and the stored second analog signal being used to control a gate of a transistor to generate the first one of the one or more line analog signals and the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals;

the first analog signal is sampled by the stored first analog signal being used to control a gate of a transistor to generate the first one of the one or more line analog signals;

the second analog signal is sampled by the stored second analog signal being used to control a gate of a transistor to generate the second one of the one or more line analog signals;

the second analog signal is sampled by the stored first analog signal and the stored second analog signal both being used to control a gate of a transistor to generate the second one of the one or more line analog signals;

the one or more lines include a first line for communicating the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals, and a second line for communicating and the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals;

the one or more lines include a same line for communicating the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals and the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals;

the one or more lines include a same set of lines for communicating the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals and the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals;

the at least portion of the first digital signal and the at least portion of the second digital signal, that are combined for the image generation, include digital portions thereof;

the at least portion of the first digital signal and the at least portion of the second digital signal, that are combined for the image generation, include aspects thereof;

the at least one analog-to-digital channel receives the at least portion of the at least one of the one or more line analog signals for conversion thereof to the at least one digital signal, by receiving the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals for conversion thereof to the first digital signal corresponding to the at least portion of the first one of the one or more line analog signals and by receiving the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals for conversion thereof to the second digital signal corresponding to the at least portion of the second one of the one or more line analog signals.

149 . An apparatus, comprising:

a line in communication with the plurality of cells, the line communicating the one or more line analog signals;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least two different images are generated based on different exposures including a first exposure utilizing a first gain that is based on a first brightness of only a subset of a first one of the at least two different images and a second exposure utilizing a second gain that is based on a second brightness of only a subset of a second one of the at least two different images, where a resulting high dynamic range (HDR) image is generated based on the at least two different images.

150 . The apparatus of claim 149 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the subset of the first one of the at least two different images and the subset of the second one of the at least two different images, include different regions included in a scene of the at least two different images.

151 . The apparatus of claim 149 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that the subset of the first one of the at least two different images and the subset of the second one of the at least two different images, include different objects included in a scene of the at least two different images.

152 . The apparatus of claim 149 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that zero-interframe time exists between a capture of the at least two different images.