Patents by Inventor François Roy

François Roy 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).

  • Publication number: 20180278863
    Abstract: Each pixel of a global shutter back-side illuminated image sensor includes a photosensitive area. On a front surface, a first transistor includes a vertical ring-shaped electrode penetrating into the photosensitive area and laterally delimiting a memory area. The memory area penetrates into the photosensitive area less deeply than the insulated vertical ring-shaped electrode. A read area is formed in an intermediate area which is formed in the memory area. The memory area, the intermediate area and read area define a second transistor having an insulated horizontal electrode forming a gate of the second transistor. The memory area may be formed by a first and second memory areas and an output signal is generated indicative of a difference between charge stored in the first memory area and charge stored in the second memory area after a charge transfer to the first memory area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Publication number: 20180270439
    Abstract: A global shutter image sensor of a back-illuminated type includes a semiconductor substrate and pixels. Each pixel includes a photosensitive area, a storage area, a readout area and areas for transferring charges between these different areas. The image sensor includes, for each pixel, a protector extending at least partly into the substrate from the back of the substrate to ensure that the storage area is protected against back illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Francois Guyader, Francois Roy
  • Publication number: 20180260161
    Abstract: A computer device comprises a first processing device; a plurality of memory circuits, a first one of which comprises one or more other processing devices; a data bus coupling the first processing device to each of the memory circuits, each of the memory circuits having a data port with a width of m bits and the data bus having a width of n bits, n being higher than m, the first processing device and/or another circuit being suitable for reading or writing the data value of n bits in the first memory circuit by converting the first address into a plurality of second addresses corresponding to memory locations of m bits in the first memory circuit, and by performing the reading or writing operation of the data value of n bits in the first memory circuit over a plurality of memory access operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Fabrice Devaux, Jean-François Roy
  • Patent number: 10043837
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a control circuit and pixels. Each pixel includes: a photosensitive area, a substantially rectangular storage area adjacent to the photosensitive area, and a read area. First and second insulated vertical electrodes electrically connected to each other are positioned opposite each other and delimit the storage area. The first electrode extends between the storage area and the photosensitive area. The second electrode includes a bent extension opposite a first end of the first electrode, with the storage area emerging onto the photosensitive area on the side of the first end. The control circuit operates to apply a first voltage to the first and second electrodes to perform a charge transfer, and a second voltage to block charge transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: Francois Roy, Philippe Are
  • Publication number: 20180217919
    Abstract: Debugging a graphics application executing on a target device. The graphics application may execute CPU instructions to generate graphics commands to graphics hardware for generation of graphics on a display. A breakpoint for the graphics application may be detected at a first time. In response to detecting the breakpoint, one or more graphics commands which were executed by the graphics hardware proximate to the first time may be displayed. Additionally, source code corresponding to CPU instructions which generated the one or more graphics commands may be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew M. SOWERBY, Jean-Francois ROY, Filip ILIESCU
  • Patent number: 9998699
    Abstract: A global shutter image sensor of a back-illuminated type includes a semiconductor substrate and pixels. Each pixel includes a photosensitive area, a storage area, a readout area and areas for transferring charges between these different areas. The image sensor includes, for each pixel, a protector extending at least partly into the substrate from the back of the substrate to ensure that the storage area is protected against back illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventors: François Guyader, François Roy
  • Publication number: 20180158860
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a first semiconductor substrate supporting a photodiode and a source region of a transfer transistor. A first interconnect level on the first semiconductor substrate includes an interconnection dielectric layer on the first semiconductor substrate and interconnect line layers over the interconnection dielectric layer. A second semiconductor substrate that supports readout transistors is mounted over the first semiconductor substrate and first interconnect level. The first interconnect level further includes a first doped semiconductor material electrical connection in physical and electrical contact with the source region in the first semiconductor substrate that passes through the interconnection dielectric layer and the interconnect line layers to electrically connect to at least one transistor of the readout transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Publication number: 20180122846
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor substrate with a first transistor therein. The first transistor includes a first source-drain formed by a doped region in the first semiconductor substrate. An intermediary insulating layer is formed on and above the first semiconductor substrate. A second semiconductor substrate is formed on and above the intermediary insulating layer. A second transistor is formed in the second semiconductor substrate, and includes a second source-drain formed by a doped region in the second semiconductor substrate. A trench is formed in the second semiconductor substrate and in contact with the doped region for the second semiconductor substrate. The trench has a thickness equal to that of the second semiconductor substrate. Metal wiring extends from a contact with the doped region for the first source-drain, through the intermediary insulating layer and the trench, to make electrical contact with the doped region for the second source-drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Patent number: 9941200
    Abstract: A first semiconductor substrate layer supports a first transistor including a first source-drain formed by a doped region of the substrate layer. A second semiconductor substrate layer supports a second transistor including a second source-drain formed by a doped region of the substrate layer. The second semiconductor substrate layer is stacked over the first semiconductor substrate layer and separated therefrom by an insulating layer. A metal wiring extends from an electrical contact with the doped region for the first source-drain, through the insulating layer and passing through an electrical isolation structure in the second semiconductor substrate layer to make an electrical contact with the doped region for the second source-drain. The electrical isolation structure is formed by one of a trench isolation or the doped region of the second source-drain itself. The isolation structure has a thickness equal to a thickness of the second semiconductor substrate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Publication number: 20180090435
    Abstract: A first semiconductor substrate layer supports a first transistor including a first source-drain formed by a doped region of the substrate layer. A second semiconductor substrate layer supports a second transistor including a second source-drain formed by a doped region of the substrate layer. The second semiconductor substrate layer is stacked over the first semiconductor substrate layer and separated therefrom by an insulating layer. A metal wiring extends from an electrical contact with the doped region for the first source-drain, through the insulating layer and passing through an electrical isolation structure in the second semiconductor substrate layer to make an electrical contact with the doped region for the second source-drain. The electrical isolation structure is formed by one of a trench isolation or the doped region of the second source-drain itself. The isolation structure has a thickness equal to a thickness of the second semiconductor substrate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Publication number: 20180072093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tensioning a canvas on a frame, which is for assembling two bars the ends of which comprise a groove. The device comprises: an optional sheath intended to be immobilized in a groove; a spacer comprising a central portion from which extend two lateral portions each having a bearing face coming to abut against the bottom of the sheath; a tensioner comprising a central portion from which extend securing means for securing the tensioner to the bars, via the sheath; a connecting member for connecting the spacer to the tensioner, and means for bringing the spacer closer to the tensioner, wherein the spacer being brought closer to the tensioner will cause each bar to translate along its longitudinal axis so as to space the bars apart from each other while keeping them perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Patent number: 9917125
    Abstract: A back-side imager includes a matrix of photosites in an active layer. An interconnect layer covers the active layer. A layer of germanium is positioned between the active layer and the interconnect layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Patent number: 9917124
    Abstract: An image sensor arranged inside and on top of a semi-conductor substrate having a front surface and a rear surface, the sensor including a plurality of pixels, each including: a photosensitive area, a reading area, and a storage area extending between the photosensitive area and the reading area; a vertical insulated electrode including an opening of transfer between the photosensitive area and the storage area; and at least one insulation element among the following: a) a layer of an insulating material extending under the surface of the photosensitive area and of the storage area and having its front surface in contact with the rear surface of the electrode; and b) an insulating wall extending vertically in the opening, or under the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Yvon Cazaux, François Roy, Arnaud Laflaquiere, Marie Guillon
  • Publication number: 20180061875
    Abstract: A transfer gate transistor includes a semiconductor substrate including a charge collection source region, a portion forming a channel region and a top region forming a drain region. A trench in the substrate surrounds the top region and the portion of the substrate. A vertical insulated gate structure for the transistor is formed in the trench. The vertical insulated gate structure includes an insulating liner on sidewalls and a bottom of said trench and an electrode including an upper conductive part and a lower conductive part. A width of the upper conductive part parallel to an upper surface of the substrate increases as depth from the upper surface of the substrate increases. A thickness of the insulating liner adjacent the upper conductive part decreases as depth from the upper surface of the substrate increases. A thickness of the insulating liner adjacent the lower conductive part is substantially constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Publication number: 20180047770
    Abstract: A back-side illuminated pixel including a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type coated, on the front side of the pixel, with a three-layer assembly successively including a first layer of the second conductivity type, an insulating layer, and a second semiconductor layer. The three-layer assembly is interrupted in a central portion of the pixel by a transfer region of the first conductivity type laterally delimited by an insulated conductive wall extending from the front surface, Transistors are formed in the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: François Roy, Helene Wehbe-Alause, Olivier Noblanc
  • Patent number: 9892018
    Abstract: Debugging a graphics application executing on a target device. The graphics application may execute CPU instructions to generate graphics commands to graphics hardware for generation of graphics on a display. A breakpoint for the graphics application may be detected at a first time. In response to detecting the breakpoint, one or more graphics commands which were executed by the graphics hardware proximate to the first time may be displayed. Additionally, source code corresponding to CPU instructions which generated the one or more graphics commands may be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Sowerby, Jean-Francois Roy, Filip Iliescu
  • Publication number: 20180039586
    Abstract: A memory circuit having: a memory array including one or more memory banks (418); a first processor (420); and a processor control interface for receiving data processing commands directed to the first processor from a central processor (P1, P2), the processor control interface being adapted to indicate to the central processor when the first processor has finished accessing one or more of the memory banks of the memory array, these memory banks becoming accessible to the central processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: UPMEM
    Inventors: Fabrice Devaux, Jean-François Roy
  • Patent number: 9886739
    Abstract: Analyzing an application executing on a target device. An application may be executed on a target device. Low cost measurement may be gathered regarding the application executing on the target device. In response to a trigger, high cost measurement data may be gathered regarding the application executing on the target device. The high cost measurement data may include graphics commands provided by the application. The graphics commands and related information may be stored and provided to a host. The host may modify the graphics commands to perform experiments to determine performance issues of the application executing on the target device. The host may determine whether the performance is limited by the CPU or the GPU and may determine specific operations that are causing performance issues. The host may provide suggestions for overcoming the performance issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Roy, Filip Iliescu
  • Publication number: 20180012926
    Abstract: A pixel includes a semiconductor layer with a charge accumulation layer extending in the semiconductor layer. A transistor has a read region penetrating into said semiconductor layer down to a first depth. An insulating wall penetrates into the semiconductor layer from an upper surface and containing an insulated conductor connected to a node of application of a potential. The insulating wall includes at least a portion provided with a deep insulating plug penetrating into the insulated conductor down to a second depth greater than the first depth. A continuous portion of the insulating wall laterally delimits, at least partially, a charge accumulation area and includes a wall portion with the deep insulating plug at least partially laterally delimiting the read region of the transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Francois Roy
  • Publication number: 20180012925
    Abstract: An image sensor arranged inside and on top of a semi-conductor substrate having a front surface and a rear surface, the sensor including a plurality of pixels, each including: a photosensitive area, a reading area, and a storage area extending between the photosensitive area and the reading area; a vertical insulated electrode including an opening of transfer between the photosensitive area and the storage area; and at least one insulation element among the following: a) a layer of an insulating material extending under the surface of the photosensitive area and of the storage area and having its front surface in contact with the rear surface of the electrode; and b) an insulating wall extending vertically in the opening, or under the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Yvon CAZAUX, François ROY, Marie GUILLON, Arnaud LAFLAQUIERE