Patents by Inventor Katsuya Nozawa

Katsuya Nozawa has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11968457
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device that has variable sensitivity and that acquires images with a sampling cycle; and a control circuit that controls the imaging device. The control circuit changes a sensitivity of the imaging device with a first cycle shorter than the sampling cycle. Based on control of the control circuit, the imaging device acquires a plurality of images of a subject with the sampling cycle. The subject includes a first component that changes with a second cycle different from the first cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuya Nozawa
  • Publication number: 20240127574
    Abstract: There is provided an imaging system including: a filter array that includes filters having different transmission spectra; an image sensor that images light passing through the filter array and generates image data; and a processing circuit, in which the processing circuit acquires luminance pattern data generated on the basis of subject data that includes spectral information of at least one substance, the luminance pattern data being generated by predicting a luminance pattern detected when the substance is imaged by the image sensor, acquires first image data obtained by imaging a target scene by the image sensor, and generates output data regarding whether the substance is present in the target scene by comparing the luminance pattern data with the first image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: TAKAYUKI KIYOHARA, MOTOKI YAKO, KATSUYA NOZAWA
  • Publication number: 20240119645
    Abstract: A signal processing method executed by a computer includes acquiring compressed image data including two-dimensional image information of a subject obtained by compressing hyperspectral information in a target wavelength region, acquiring reference spectrum data including information on one or more spectra associated with the subject, and generating, from the compressed image data, pieces of two-dimensional image data corresponding to designated wavelength bands decided on the basis of the reference spectrum data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: MOTOKI YAKO, TAKAYUKI KIYOHARA, KATSUYA NOZAWA
  • Patent number: 11955493
    Abstract: An image sensor includes pixel electrodes, a control electrode, a photoelectric conversion film arranged on the pixel electrodes, a transparent electrode arranged on the photoelectric conversion film, an insulating layer arranged on at least a portion of a top surface of the transparent electrode, and a connection layer that electrically connects the control electrode to the transparent electrode. The connection layer is in contact with at least one side surface of the transparent electrode. A side surface of the insulating layer, the at least one side surface of the transparent electrode, and a side surface of the photoelectric conversion film are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuuko Tomekawa, Katsuya Nozawa
  • Publication number: 20240073495
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: at least one light source that emits excitation light for irradiating an object including at least one light emitter; a coding filter array including filters whose transmission spectra differ from each other; an image sensor that captures an image of object light, which is generated by irradiating the object with the excitation light, through the coding filter array and generates compressed image data; and a processing circuit that generates hyperspectral image data based on the compressed image data. The object light includes emission light, which is produced by the at least one light emitter by absorbing the excitation light, and reflection light of the excitation light reflected by the object. The filters include two filters whose transmission spectra differ from each other. A spectrum of the excitation light overlaps a transmission region in the transmission spectrum of each of the two filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: KATSUYA NOZAWA, MOTOKI YAKO, TAKAYUKI KIYOHARA
  • Patent number: 11910625
    Abstract: An imaging device includes a pixel electrode, a counter electrode that faces the pixel electrode, a first photoelectric conversion layer that is located between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode and that generates first signal charge, a second photoelectric conversion layer that is located between the first photoelectric conversion layer and the pixel electrode and that generates second signal charge, a first barrier layer that is located between the first photoelectric conversion layer and the second photoelectric conversion layer and that forms a first heterojunction barrier against the first signal charge in the first photoelectric conversion layer, and a charge accumulator that is electrically connected to the pixel electrode and that accumulates the first signal charge and the second signal charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Nozawa, Takeyoshi Tokuhara, Nozomu Matsukawa, Sanshiro Shishido
  • Publication number: 20230401303
    Abstract: A contactless authentication system includes: at least one illumination apparatus that projects illumination light onto a portion of a hand, the portion being not in contact of an object, the illumination light containing a light component in a wavelength range greater than or equal to 1380 nm; and an imaging apparatus that obtains at least one selected from the group consisting of a fingerprint image and a palm print image as authentication information by imaging the light component in the wavelength range in reflected light generated by reflection of the illumination light from the portion of the hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventor: KATSUYA NOZAWA
  • Patent number: 11812625
    Abstract: A photoelectric converter includes a first electrode containing a transparent conductive material, a second electrode, and a multilayer body that is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, and that has a photoelectric conversion function. The multilayer body includes a first layer and a second layer positioned between the first layer and the second electrode. The first layer absorbs light in a first wavelength band of 360 nm or longer and transmits light in a second wavelength band, the second wavelength band including wavelengths longer than wavelengths included in the first wavelength band. The second layer absorbs the light in the second wavelength band. The multilayer body substantially does not have sensitivity for photoelectric conversion in the first wavelength band and has sensitivity for photoelectric conversion in the second wavelength band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuya Nozawa
  • Patent number: 11793008
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: pixels arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, each of the pixels including an electrode that is electrically connected to the other pixels, a charge capturing unit that is separated from the other pixels, and a photoelectric conversion layer that is located between the electrode and the charge capturing unit, the photoelectric conversion layer being continuous among the pixels. The photoelectric conversion layer contains semiconductor carbon nanotubes, and one of a first substance and a second substance, the first substance having an electron affinity larger than that of the semiconducting carbon nanotubes, the second substance having a ionization energy smaller than that of the semiconductor carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuya Nozawa
  • Patent number: 11711932
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element includes providing a base structure including a semiconductor substrate having a principal surface, a first electrode located on or above the principal surface, second electrodes which are located on or above the principal surface and which are one- or two-dimensionally arranged, and a photoelectric conversion film covering at least the second electrodes; forming a mask layer on the photoelectric conversion film, the mask layer being conductive and including a covering section covering a portion of the photoelectric conversion film that overlaps the second electrodes in plan view; and partially removing the photoelectric conversion film by immersing the base structure and the mask layer in an etchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaya Hirade, Manabu Nakata, Katsuya Nozawa, Yasunori Inoue
  • Publication number: 20230025030
    Abstract: An imaging system includes: a first light source that emits first light having a spectrum including discrete first frequency components arranged at first frequency intervals; a second light source that emits second light having a spectrum including discrete second frequency components arranged at second frequency intervals, the second frequency intervals being different from the first frequency intervals; a mixing optical system that mixes the first light and the second light to generate third light including at least one optical beat the intensity of which changes at a beat frequency expressed by the difference between at least one of the discrete first frequency components and at least one of the discrete second frequency components; an imaCCging element having a variable sensitivity in an exposure period; and a control circuit that changes the sensitivity of the imaging element at the beat frequency of the at least one optical beat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventor: KATSUYA NOZAWA
  • Publication number: 20220415970
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a function layer including a photoelectric conversion region containing a plurality of semiconductor-type carbon nanotubes; a transparent electrode that collects first electric charges that are positive electric charges or negative electric charges, the positive electric charges or the negative electric charges being generated in the photoelectric conversion region upon entry of light; a first collection electrode that collects second electric charges having a polarity opposite to the first electric charges among the positive electric charges and the negative electric charges; a second collection electrode that collects the second electric charges; a first control electrode that controls movement of the second electric charges toward the first collection electrode; a second control electrode that controls movement of the second electric charges toward the second collection electrode; and an electric charge accumulator in which the second electric charges collected by the first collect
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventor: KATSUYA NOZAWA
  • Publication number: 20220336745
    Abstract: An organic device includes at least one electrode, an insulating layer adjacent to the at least one electrode in a plan view, and an organic layer that is continuously in contact with an upper surface of the at least one electrode and an upper surface of the insulating layer. The organic layer contains a polymer of an organic material. The organic material contains a basic molecular skeleton and a polymerizable functional group. In the polymer, the organic material is polymerized through the polymerizable functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: NOZOMU MATSUKAWA, KATSUYA NOZAWA, SHINICHI MACHIDA, SANSHIRO SHISHIDO
  • Patent number: 11438539
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a first illuminator that emits light whose intensity varies with time; and a first imaging device that comprises a first imaging cell; and a first bias control line. The first imaging cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode electrically connected to the first bias control line, and a photoelectric conversion layer sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. During a first period from a reset of the first imaging cell until a readout of signal charge accumulated in the first imaging cell, the first bias control line supplies to the second electrode a first bias control signal. The first bias control signal is synchronized with the intensity of the light varying with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Nozawa, Yasuo Miyake
  • Publication number: 20220238576
    Abstract: An imaging device includes pixels. Each of the pixels includes a first single-crystal semiconductor layer transmitting light, a first electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer in contact with the first single-crystal semiconductor layer. The photoelectric conversion layer is positioned between the first single-crystal semiconductor layer and the first electrode and absorbs the light. The first single-crystal semiconductor layer, the photoelectric conversion layer, and the first electrode are arranged in order mentioned such that the light after passing through the first single-crystal semiconductor layer is incident on the photoelectric conversion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventor: KATSUYA NOZAWA
  • Publication number: 20220216440
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a photoelectric conversion layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and containing semiconducting carbon nanotubes and a first material that functions as a donor or an acceptor for the semiconducting carbon nanotubes. The semiconducting carbon nanotubes have light absorption characteristics including a first absorption peak at a first wavelength, a second absorption peak at a second wavelength shorter than the first wavelength, and a third absorption peak at a third wavelength shorter than the second wavelength. The first material is transparent to light in at least one wavelength range selected from the group consisting of a first wavelength range between the first wavelength and the second wavelength and a second wavelength range between the second wavelength and the third wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: SHINICHI MACHIDA, KATSUYA NOZAWA, SANSHIRO SHISHIDO
  • Publication number: 20220210310
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device that has variable sensitivity and that acquires images with a sampling cycle; and a control circuit that controls the imaging device. The control circuit changes a sensitivity of the imaging device with a first cycle shorter than the sampling cycle. Based on control of the control circuit, the imaging device acquires a plurality of images of a subject with the sampling cycle. The subject includes a first component that changes with a second cycle different from the first cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventor: KATSUYA NOZAWA
  • Patent number: 11177313
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging optical system, an imaging device, an actuator, and control circuitry. The actuator changes a relative position of a plurality of pixel cells and an image of a subject. The pixel cells include a photoelectric converter and a charge accumulation region. The control circuitry sets the relative position to a first position, and a first signal charge obtained at the photoelectric converter during a first exposure is accumulated in the charge accumulation region. The relative position is set to a second position different from the first position, and a second signal charge obtained at the photoelectric converter during a second exposure time that is different from the first exposure time is accumulated in the charge accumulation region in addition to the first signal charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Nozawa
  • Publication number: 20210327962
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: pixels arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, each of the pixels including an electrode that is electrically connected to the other pixels, a charge capturing unit that is separated from the other pixels, and a photoelectric conversion layer that is located between the electrode and the charge capturing unit, the photoelectric conversion layer being continuous among the pixels. The photoelectric conversion layer contains semiconductor carbon nanotubes, and one of a first substance and a second substance, the first substance having an electron affinity larger than that of the semiconducting carbon nanotubes, the second substance having a ionization energy smaller than that of the semiconductor carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventor: Katsuya Nozawa
  • Publication number: 20210266481
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a first illuminator that emits light whose intensity varies with time; and a first imaging device that comprises a first imaging cell; and a first bias control line. The first imaging cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode electrically connected to the first bias control line, and a photoelectric conversion layer sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. During a first period from a reset of the first imaging cell until a readout of signal charge accumulated in the first imaging cell, the first bias control line supplies to the second electrode a first bias control signal. The first bias control signal is synchronized with the intensity of the light varying with time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Katsuya NOZAWA, Yasuo MIYAKE