Samsung patents camera sensor method for faster focus and better light range

1. A method of operating an image sensor including a pixel array, the pixel array including a plurality of first pixels, a plurality of second pixels, a plurality of third pixels and a plurality of floating diffusions, the method comprising: outputting a plurality of first reset signals by resetting the plurality of floating diffusions in a first reset period; outputting a plurality of first digital signals based on the plurality of first reset signals and a plurality of first pixel signals in a first signal period, the plurality of first pixel signals being outputted from the plurality of first pixels; outputting a plurality of second reset signals by resetting the plurality of floating diffusions in a second reset period; outputting a plurality of second digital signals based on the plurality of second reset signals and a plurality of second pixel signals in a second signal period, the plurality of second pixel signals being outputted from the plurality of second pixels; outputting a plurality of third digital signals based on the plurality of second reset signals and a plurality of third pixel signals in a third signal period, the plurality of third pixel signals being outputted from the plurality of second pixels and the plurality of third pixels; performing an auto focus (AF) operation based on the plurality of first digital signals and the plurality of second digital signals; and performing a high dynamic range (HDR) merging operation based on the plurality of first digital signals, the plurality of second digital signals, and the plurality of third digital signals, and wherein at least one of the plurality of first pixels, at least one of the plurality of second pixels, and at least one of the plurality of third pixels are configured to share one of the plurality of floating diffusions.