Sony Semiconductor Solutions describes an image sensor with pixel groups exposed at different times. Several partial views would be captured within one frame period, allowing motion detection or a higher dynamic range.
Published on September 3, application US 2026/0261774 A1 divides the pixel array into groups. Their exposures start and end at different times. Subsequent processing reconstructs an image from the subsampled views.
More information per frame
Short time offsets between groups can reveal movement and provide optical flow. Different exposure durations also capture bright and dark areas. According to the description, both should be possible without waiting for an entirely new frame for each partial image.
The control circuit can occupy a different semiconductor layer from the pixel array. That saves sensor area but adds construction complexity.
Assessment: Reconstruction is the hurdle
The technique could interest automotive, security and mobile camera makers because frame rate, motion detection and HDR compete with each other. Staggered pixels see moving subjects at slightly different positions, however. Without precise calibration, edge, motion or fusion artifacts may result. The application provides no publicly measured image quality and identifies no production sensor. It is an international application in the US national phase, not a granted patent or a product announcement.