SMART PIXELS WITH SMART ILLUMINATION

Smart pixels with smart illumination is a new concept in sensor array technology based on structured built-in illumination and optoelectroni c feedback. It offers many new possibilities and potential advantages over more traditional sensor arrays. We discuss an edge-detection syst em as an example of how smart illumination can advantageously be used to achieve a variety of functions. We also present initial experimenta l results from a fabricated chip based on this concept. The chip inclu des an integrated array of photodetectors and LED's. The output of eac h pixel can be controlled based on the feedback received by its dual d etectors. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.