Digital Pixel System (DPS) technology patented by PIXIM Inc., has made an important breakthrough in methods of image capturing. Digital Pixel System (DPS) technology patented by PIXIM Inc., has made the important break in methods of capture of the image. Wide dynamic range considerably improves the image quality in high-contrast stages. The main DPS invention is the use of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) directly in each pixel of a sensor. ADC translates the light signal into digital values directly in the pixel, thus minimizing the signal degradation and applying noise reduction methods. The signal received from each pixel is digitized immediately. DPS Technology allows signal processing in real time.

PIXIM Digital Pixel System Technology uses a «multisampling» method to collect the information and achieve unsurpassed quality and wide dynamic range of the image. PIXIM DPS technology is using five-level multisampling, which allows to take a signal from the sensor with one of five exposition values. During frame exposure (for video usually 50-60 times a second) gauging intensity of light exposure of each pixel is performed. The image processing system determines the optimal pixel exposure time and saves its value before the pixel is oversaturated and can no longer receive any charge. It is visible on the diagram that the value of light pixel is saved at the time of Т3 exposure (last moment before the pixel has been 100 % saturated). The dark pixel accumulated a charge more slowly, which required additional time; its value is saved at Т5 time. The saved values (intensity, time, noise level) captured in each pixel are simultaneously processed and transformed to high-quality images. Other technologies, as a rule, use one exposure time for all pixels, which leads to appearance of underexposed (very dark) or overexposed parts of the image.

The last generation of video processing systems PIXIM D2500 based on DPS technology consists of an image digital sensor and an image processor. The digital sensor and the digital processor function the same way as a human «eyes - brain» system with bilateral real time communication in order to receive the image of the highest quality. Just as the human brain, when a person enters a dark room, expands a pupil to receive more light, the digital processor loads a new code into the sensor to change not only the exposure time, but also the algorithms of image capturing. As a result, the best image for the given stage and lighting conditions is obtained.

As each pixel has its own analog-todigital converter and the generated information is captured and processed independently, each pixel actually works as a separate camera. Time of exposure for each pixel is adjusted to determine unique lighting conditions for a specific pixel placement in the whole sensor area.

The technology allows to fully compensate background exposure, to emphasize details, to estimate dimensional position of the objects and the details, which are placed not only at the front, but also at the background of the image.