Patents Assigned to OmniVision Technologies
  • Patent number: 8792028
    Abstract: An image sensor apparatus is disclosed. The image sensor apparatus includes an image sensor for generating image data corresponding to an optical image. The image sensor apparatus also includes a color filter customized for a lens distortion model. A processor processes the image data with a plurality of distortion correction routines to generate a digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yongshen Ni, Jizhang Shan
  • Patent number: 8785885
    Abstract: A fluorescence imaging module includes an image sensor and a lens disposed between a fluorescence sample and the image sensor to focus a fluorescence image of the fluorescence sample onto the image sensor. The fluorescence sample is to be positioned an object distance away from the lens. The lens is positioned an image distance away from the image sensor. The image distance is greater than the object distance. An illuminating device is disposed between the fluorescence sample and the lens. The illuminating device includes a light source and an optical element. The light source is adapted to emit light in a first direction towards the optical element. The optical element is optically coupled to receive the light and redirect the light in a second direction towards the fluorescence sample to illuminate the fluorescence sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Suganda Jutamulia, Hasan Gadjali, Junzhao Lei
  • Patent number: 8787689
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for correcting for distortion in distorted digital data for a distorted image to produce corrected digital data for a corrected image partitions the distorted digital data into a plurality of distorted data blocks. Each distorted data block is separately encoded into an encoded distorted data block. A plurality of corrected regions of the corrected image is defined, each corrected region being associated with a respective corrected data block. For each corrected data block, a plurality of associated encoded distorted data blocks is identified, the plurality of associated encoded distorted data blocks is decoded into a respective plurality of associated decoded distorted data blocks, and corrected image data for the corrected data block are generated using the associated decoded distorted data blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jizhang Shan, Chengyu Xiong
  • Patent number: 8780211
    Abstract: A method of mutually aligning first and second imaging system fixturing components forms a first alignment structure on the first imaging system fixturing component, a second alignment structure on the second imaging system fixturing component, and engages the first and second alignment structures to align, with optical accuracy, the first and second imaging system fixturing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Barnes, IV, Goran M. Rauker, Mark Meloni
  • Patent number: 8775693
    Abstract: An SD/SDIO host controller is disclosed, which includes a control register and interrupt generation module, an internal DMA module, an SD/SDIO command interface module, an SD/SDIO data interface module, and a frequency divider and trigger/sampling enable signal generation module which is connected to an output end of the control register and interrupt generation module; the frequency divider and trigger/sampling enable signal generation module employs a frequency divider to perform frequency division on a local high-speed clock so as to obtain the operating clock of the SD/SDIO card, and simultaneously generates a trigger/sampling enable signal by the frequency divider and enables the position of the enable signal to be adjustable with respect to the operating clock of the SD/SDIO card. The present invention is capable of solving the setup/hold time issues caused by delay in digital signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Omnivision Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuchi Zheng, Jinxiang Chen
  • Patent number: 8772898
    Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor includes a semiconductor layer and a trench disposed in the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer has a frontside surface and a backside surface. The semiconductor layer includes a light sensing element of a pixel array disposed in a sensor array region of the semiconductor layer. The pixel array is positioned to receive external incoming light through the backside surface of the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer also includes a light emitting element disposed in a periphery circuit region of the semiconductor layer external to the sensor array region. The trench is disposed in the semiconductor layer between the light sensing element and the light emitting element. The trench is positioned to impede a light path between the light emitting element and the light sensing element when the light path is internal to the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duli Mao, Hsin-Chih Tai, Vincent Venezia, Yin Qian, Gang Chen, Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8768055
    Abstract: An image sensor apparatus is disclosed. The image sensor apparatus includes an image sensor for generating pixel data corresponding to a scene under a scene illuminant and a processor. The processor includes an illuminant estimation module for receiving a subset of the pixel data associated with a subset of a color space and finding a chromaticity trend in the pixel data subset to estimate the scene illuminant. A white balance and color correction module in the processor applies white balance and color correction coefficients to the pixel data according to the estimated scene illuminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhaojian Li
  • Patent number: 8766391
    Abstract: Photodetector arrays, image sensors, and other apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a surface to receive light, a plurality of photosensitive regions disposed within a substrate, and a material coupled between the surface and the plurality of photosensitive regions. The material may receive the light. At least some of the light may free electrons in the material. The apparatus may also include a plurality of discrete electron repulsive elements. The discrete electron repulsive elements may be coupled between the surface and the material. Each of the discrete electron repulsive elements may correspond to a different photosensitive region. Each of the discrete electron repulsive elements may repel electrons in the material toward a corresponding photosensitive region. Other apparatus are also disclosed, as are methods of use, methods of fabrication, and systems incorporating such apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Nozaki
  • Patent number: 8767098
    Abstract: A method for preprocessing analog image data to reduce noise in the analog image data that is readout from a pixel array of an image sensor during a sampling time is disclosed. The method includes generating multiple samples of the analog image data during the sampling time and then limiting values of the multiple samples to an upper and lower threshold. The method also includes pre-conditioning the multiple samples by applying a weighting factor to each of the multiple samples in response to when a respective sample was generated during the sampling time. A median value of the multiple samples is then determined and outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Johannes Solhusvik
  • Patent number: 8759934
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a photosensitive region disposed within a semiconductor layer and a stress adjusting layer. The photosensitive region is sensitive to light incident through a first side of the image sensor to collect an image charge. The stress adjusting layer is disposed over the first side of the semiconductor layer to establish a stress characteristic that encourages photo-generated charge carriers to migrate towards the photosensitive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsin-Chih Tai, Howard E. Rhodes, Wei Zheng, Vincent Venezia, Yin Qian, Duli Mao
  • Patent number: 8760516
    Abstract: A task-based imaging system for obtaining data regarding a scene for use in a task includes an image data capturing arrangement for (a) imaging a wavefront of electromagnetic energy from the scene to an intermediate image over a range of spatial frequencies, (b) modifying phase of the wavefront, (c) detecting the intermediate image, and (d) generating image data over the range of spatial frequencies. The task-based imaging system also includes an image data processing arrangement for processing the image data and performing the task. The image data capturing and image data processing arrangements cooperate so that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the task-based imaging system is greater than SNR of the task-based imaging system without phase modification of the wavefront over the range of spatial frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paulo E. X. Silveira, Ramkumar Narayanswamy, Robert H. Cormack, Gregory E. Johnson, Edward R. Dowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8748798
    Abstract: A comparator circuit for generating a signal representing a comparison of an input signal and a reference signal. In an embodiment, the comparator circuit includes a first stage and a second stage to provide respective signal amplification, where switch circuitry of the second stage switchedly couples respective elements of the first and second stages. The comparator circuit further includes a third stage to generate an output signal based on an intermediate signal of the second stage. In another embodiment, feedback circuitry of the comparator circuit is to selectively control a voltage of the output stage based on the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangbin Zhang, Dennis Lee
  • Patent number: 8750436
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for channel estimation are disclosed. The method includes: converting ?1's in a local Barker code to 0's; receiving a first preamble symbol output from a first Barker correlator and a second preamble symbol output from a second Barker correlator with a symbol determination module, the first preamble symbol being adjacent to the second preamble symbol; multiplying a result output from the symbol determination module with a correlation result output from the cyclic Barker correlator by using a multiplication module so as to obtain a channel estimation response; and receiving channel estimation responses with a time-domain channel data storage unit, and averaging them to obtain a noise-reduced channel estimation response. The channel estimation method and apparatus of the present invention can be achieved based on few hardware resources and low computation complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Omnivision Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8748946
    Abstract: An electrical component includes a semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type and a interconnect layer disposed adjacent to a frontside of the semiconductor layer. At least one bond pad is disposed in the interconnect layer and formed adjacent to the frontside of the semiconductor layer. An opening formed from the backside of the semiconductor layer and through the semiconductor layer exposes at least a portion of the bond pad. A first region having a second conductivity type extends from the backside of the semiconductor layer to the frontside of the semiconductor layer and surrounds the opening. The first region can abut a perimeter of the opening or alternatively, a second region having the first conductivity type can be disposed between the first region and a perimeter of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Omnivision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. McCarten, Cristian A. Tivarus
  • Patent number: 8749897
    Abstract: A lens system and a for a capsule endoscope includes a first lens having a concave aspheric surface having a radius R2 and a second lens having a convex aspheric surface having a radius R3 facing the first lens. A third lens has a convex aspheric surface having radius R6. The lens system satisfies the following conditions: (1) R2/Gap>1 and ABS(R3/R2)>1.28; (2) 1<ABS(R6/R2)<1.1 and R6<0; and (3) V2<V1 and V2<V3; wherein: i) Gap is a distance from a center of curvature of the concave aspheric surface of the first lens to a center of curvature of the convex aspheric surface of the second lens; (ii) ABS denotes absolute value; and (iii) V1 is an Abbe number of the first lens, V2 is an Abbe number of the second lens, and V3 is an Abbe number of the third lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ting-Yu Cheng
  • Patent number: 8742311
    Abstract: A backside illuminated pixel array having a buried channel source follower of a pixel cell which is coupled to output an analog signal directly to a bitline as image data. In one embodiment, the buried channel source follower of a pixel cell is coupled to a source follower power line having a line impedance which is less than that of one or more other signal lines for operating that same pixel cell. In another embodiment, a source follower power line has a line impedance which is less than at least one of a line impedance of a transfer signal line or a line impedance of a reset signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sohei Manabe
  • Patent number: 8735795
    Abstract: An image sensor having an image acquisition mode and an ambient light sensing mode includes a pixel array having pixel cells organized into rows and columns for capturing image data and ambient light data. Readout circuitry is coupled via column bit lines to the pixels cells to read out the image data along the column bit lines. An ambient light detection (“ALD”) unit is selectively coupled to the pixel array to readout the ambient light data and to generate an ambient light signal based on ambient light incident upon the pixel array. Control circuitry is coupled to the pixel array to control time sharing of the pixels cells between the readout circuitry during image acquisition and the ALD unit during ambient light sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenhao Qiao, Zheng Yang, Tiejun Dai
  • Patent number: 8736684
    Abstract: A novel image sensor includes a pixel array, a row control circuit, a test signal injection circuit, a sampling circuit, an image processing circuit, a comparison circuit, and a control circuit. In a particular embodiment, the test signal injection circuit injects test signals into the pixel array, the sampling circuit acquires pixel data from the pixel array, and the comparison circuit compares the pixel data with the test signals. If the pixel data does not correspond to the test signals, the comparison circuit outputs an error signal. Additional comparison circuits are provided to detect defects in the control circuitry of an image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Johansson, Tore Martinussen
  • Patent number: 8736699
    Abstract: An imaging system includes optics for forming an optical image, that provide a first region in the optical image that is characterized by a first range of best focus and a second region in the optical image that is characterized by a second range of best focus The first and second ranges correspond to object distance ranges that are discontiguous A sensor array converts the optical image to a data stream, and a digital signal processor processes the data stream to generate a final image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Dowski, Jr., Kennegth S. Kubala, Inga Tamayo, Dennis W. Dobbs, Satoru Tachihara, Edwin Penniman
  • Publication number: 20140139642
    Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of images of a scene recorded from different vantage points, where the plurality of images includes a color reference image captured by a Bayer type camera and at least one additional image, the method including (a) registering at least a portion of the plurality of images, and (b) generating a unitary color image from the plurality of images, wherein color information of the unitary color image is determined exclusively from the color reference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yongshen Ni, Guansong Liu