Patents Assigned to OmniVision Technologies
  • Patent number: 8013907
    Abstract: The disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus comprising an image sensor including a pixel array having a plurality of pixels and an automatic white balance (AWB) circuit coupled to the pixel array. The AWB circuit is used to determine a local white balance component for each pixel, determine a global white balance component for each pixel, and apply a white balance adjustment to each pixel, the applied white balance adjustment comprising a combination of the local white balance component and the global white balance component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiangtao Kuang, Weihua Xiong
  • Patent number: 8008695
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a semiconductor layer that low-pass filters light of different wavelengths. For example, the semiconductor layer proportionately absorbs photons of shorter wavelengths and proportionately passes more photons of longer wavelengths such that the longer wavelength photons often pass through without being absorbed. An imaging pixel having a photodiode is formed on a front surface of the semiconductor layer, where the photodiode is an N? region formed within the P-type region of the semiconductor layer. A P+ layer is formed between the N? region of the photodiode and a back surface of the semiconductor layer. A mirror that primarily reflects photons of red and/or infra-red wavelengths is formed on the back surface of the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Rhodes, Hidetoshi Nozaki
  • Patent number: 8000041
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lens module is provided, which includes a first lens assembly including a first patterned substrate, a first recess formed from a first surface of the first patterned substrate, a first lens element disposed in the first recess, and a second lens element disposed on the first patterned substrate, wherein the second lens element aligns along an optical axis through the first lens element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignees: VisEra Technologies Company Limited, OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Pang Lin, San-Yuan Chung, Weng-Chu Chu
  • Patent number: 8000520
    Abstract: An image sensor testing apparatus is disclosed. The image sensor testing apparatus includes an electronic test system having a light source for illuminating an image sensor wafer to generate pixel data and a host processor for receiving the pixel data. An interface card coupled to the electronic test system has a programmable processor for processing the pixel data to generate processed data, the processed data transmitted to and analyzed by the host processor together with the pixel data to detect pixel defects in the image sensor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Lun Chang, Chih-huei Wu, John T. Yue
  • Patent number: 7999870
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor or other type of image sensor comprises an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns, with the columns being separated into groups each comprising two or more columns that share a common output. The image sensor further comprises sampling and readout circuitry that includes, for each group of columns in the pixel array, a corresponding set of two or more column circuits. The sampling and readout circuitry is configured to sample the common output for each group of columns independently into one of the column circuits associated with that group, and to read out the common output for each group of columns as previously sampled into another of the column circuits associated with that group. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of image capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Compton, John F. Hamilton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7995124
    Abstract: An image sensor apparatus comprises an image sensor for generating digital images having a high dynamic range. The image sensor apparatus includes an image sensor for generating a first and a second set of digital image samples at a first bit depth, with each set of digital image samples generated by a different column readout circuit path. A processor combines the first and second set of digital image samples to generate a digital image at a second bit depth, the second bit depth higher than the first bit depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tiejun Dai
  • Patent number: 7995853
    Abstract: An image processing system includes a wavefront coding element that codes a wavefront forming an optical image, a detector for converting the optical image to a data stream and an image processor for processing the data stream with a reduced set filter kernel to reverse effects of wavefront coding and generate a final image. The reduced set filter kernel may include a reduced set distributive filter kernel. An image processing method includes wavefront coding a wavefront that forms an optical image, converting the optical image to a data stream, and processing the data stream with a reduced set filter kernel to reverse effects of wavefront coding and generate a final image. The processing consists of processing the image, for each pixel, with filter tap logic consisting of a shifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Raymond Dowski, Jr., Gregory Edward Johnson, Ashley K. Macon, Hans B. Wach
  • Patent number: 7990445
    Abstract: An image sensor includes filters formed over a portion of an array of photosensitive elements in a predetermined pattern. The pattern can be such that the exposure of a matrix (such as a 2-by-2 square of pixels) to light (such as blue light) is improved, while maintaining acceptable capability to capture light across the entire spectrum. The pattern can be such that two blue filters, one red, and one green filter is used by a 2-by-2 square matrix of pixels. The pattern can also include cyan, yellow, and magenta (CYM) filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Rhodes, Ian Montandon
  • Patent number: 7989859
    Abstract: A backside illuminated imaging sensor includes a semiconductor layer, a metal interconnect layer and a silicide light reflecting layer. The semiconductor layer has a front surface and a back surface. An imaging pixel that includes a photodiode region is formed within the semiconductor layer. The metal interconnect layer is electrically coupled to the photodiode region and the silicide light reflecting layer is coupled between the metal interconnect layer and the front surface of the semiconductor layer. In operation, the photodiode region receives light from the back surface of the semiconductor layer, where a portion of the received light propagates through the photodiode region to the silicide light reflecting layer. The silicide light reflecting layer is configured to reflect the portion of light received from the photodiode region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duli Mao, Hsin-Chih Tai, Vincent Venezia, Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7982177
    Abstract: An array of pixels is formed using a substrate, where each pixel has a substrate having an incident side for receiving incident light, a photosensitive region formed in the substrate, and a reflector having a complex-shaped surface. The reflector is formed in a portion of the substrate that is opposed to the incident side such that light incident on the complex-shaped surface of the reflector is reflected towards the photosensitive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Nozaki, Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7973836
    Abstract: A method for lowering dark current in an image sensor pixel, the method includes the steps of providing a photosensitive area for receiving incident light which is converted into a charge; providing a gate for transferring charge from the photosensitive area; wherein the gate is held at a voltage which will accumulate majority carriers at a semiconductor-dielectric interface during integration for the photosensitive area. Alternatively, a potential profile can be provided under the gate to drain the dark current away from the photogeneration diffusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Daniel McGrath, Edward T. Nelson, Robert M. Guidash, Charles V. Stancampiano, James P. Lavine
  • Patent number: 7973968
    Abstract: A method of automatic white balance for an image capture system is disclosed. The automatic white balance mechanism ascertains the illuminant source of an image by analyzing the number of white pixels within a predefined white area in a color space diagram. The automatic white balance mechanism also determines gain adjustments based on the evaluating the average RGB values to achieve white balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ge Shi
  • Patent number: 7968923
    Abstract: An image sensor pixel includes a photo-sensor region, a microlens, a first color filter layer, and a second color filter layer. The photo-sensor region is disposed within a semiconductor die. The microlens is disposed on the semiconductor die in optical alignment with the photo-sensor region. The first color filter layer is disposed between the photo-sensor region and the microlens. The second color filter layer is disposed on an opposite side of the microlens as the first color filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Satyadev Nagaraja, Vincent Venezia
  • Patent number: 7969469
    Abstract: A primary integrated image sensor is operatively connected to one or more secondary image sensors. The primary integrated image sensor includes a pixel array integrated on a semiconductor substrate along with one or more of an image signal processing circuit, readout circuitry, a digital serial interface, storage, a timing circuit, an analog-to-digital converter, and a bi-directional digital input/output circuit. Each secondary image sensor can be implemented as a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) or a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor and include a pixel array along with one or more of a readout circuitry, a digital serial interface, a timing circuit, an output circuit, and an optional analog-to-digital converter. Images captured by the primary integrated image sensor and each secondary image sensor are processed by the primary image sensor. Each secondary image sensor can also transmit physical and operational data to the primary integrated image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Michael Guidash
  • Patent number: 7965329
    Abstract: An image sensor includes (a) a first wafer having (i) a photosensitive area; (ii) a charge-to-voltage conversion region; (b) a second wafer having (i) a first amplifier that receives a signal from the charge-to-voltage conversion region; (c) an electrical interconnect connecting the charge-to-voltage conversion region to an input of the amplifier; (d) an electrically biased shield at least partially enclosing at least a portion of the electrical interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. McCarten, Joseph R. Summa, Todd J. Anderson, Cristian A. Tivarus
  • Patent number: 7964840
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel includes a first photosensitive region that collects charge in response to light and having a first sensitivity; a second photosensitive region that collects charge in response to light and having a second sensitivity that is lower than the sensitivity of the first photosensitive region; and a polarizer spanning the second photosensitive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Parks
  • Patent number: 7956913
    Abstract: A pixel and image sensor formed in accordance with the present invention has two modes of operation: a normal mode and a low light mode. The present invention switches from a normal to a low light mode based upon the amount of illumination on the image sensor. Once the level of illumination is determined, a decision is made by comparing the level of illumination to a threshold whether to operate in normal mode or low light mode. In low light mode, the reset transistor (for a 3T pixel) or the transfer transistor (for a 4T pixel) is biased positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7952096
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating an array of backside illuminated (“BSI”) image sensors is disclosed. Front side components of the BSI image sensors are formed into a front side of the array. A dopant layer is implanted into a backside of the array. The dopant layer establishes a dopant gradient to encourage photo-generated charge carriers to migrate towards the front side of the array. At least a portion of the dopant layer is annealed. A surface treatment is formed on the backside of the dopant layer to cure surface defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7948018
    Abstract: An image sensor pixel includes a substrate, an epitaxial layer, and a light collection region. The substrate is doped to have a first conductivity type. The epitaxial layer is disposed over the substrate and doped to have a second conductivity type opposite of the first conductivity type. The light collection region is disposed within the epitaxial layer for collecting photo-generated charge carriers. The light collection region is doped to have the first conductivity type as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Venezia, Hidetoshi Nozaki, Duli Mao, Yin Qian, Hsin-Chih Tai, Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7944438
    Abstract: A method for synchronizing a light source control signal with modulation of a display includes the steps of receiving a video signal including a synchronization signal (e.g., a Vsync signal) and using the synchronization signal to generate a light source control signals at high and low values. The light source control signal is pulsed between its high and low values between subsequent synchronization signals to cause a light source to produce light pulses at the same time over each frame of the display. Optionally, the low and/or high time periods are adjustable. A novel display driver is also disclosed and includes an input terminal for receiving the synchronization signal, a light source driver for generating the light source control signal in response to the synchronization signal, and an output terminal for providing the light source control signal to a light source control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Bone, Justin John Skaife