Patents by Inventor Hirofumi Sumi

Hirofumi Sumi 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: 20200210699
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for obtaining image information of an organism including a set of optical data; calculating a growth index based on the set of optical data; and calculating an anticipated harvest time based on the growth index, where the image information includes at least one of: (a) visible image data obtained from an image sensor and non-visible image data obtained from the image sensor, and (b) a set of image data from at least two image capture devices, where the at least two image capture devices capture the set of image data from at least two positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Morio Ogura, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Patent number: 10700117
    Abstract: Methods for forming an image sensor structure are provided. The method includes forming a light-sensing region in a substrate and forming a storage node adjacent to light-sensing region in the substrate. The method further includes forming a front side isolation structure partially surrounding an upper portion of the light-sensing region and forming a trench fully surrounding a bottom portion of the light-sensing region to expose a bottom surface of the front side isolations structure. The method further includes forming a backside isolation structure in the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Yamashita, Chun-Hao Chuang, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Publication number: 20200128197
    Abstract: A solid-state image capture device and an image capture system capable of photographing a color image with high sensitivity in a wide illuminance environment from normal illuminance to darkness. A solid-state image capture device is provided with a first detection portion in which a first visible light pixel receiving first visible light and a first near-infrared pixel receiving first near-infrared light are provided adjacent to each other, a second detection portion in which a second visible light pixel receiving second visible light different in wavelength from the first visible light and a second near-infrared pixel receiving second near-infrared light are provided adjacent to each other, and a third detection portion in which a third visible light pixel receiving third visible light different in wavelength from the first visible light and the second visible light and a third near-infrared pixel receiving third near-infrared light are provided adjacent to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Koichiro ISHIGAMI, Hirofumi SUMI, Motoshi SOBUE
  • Patent number: 10607078
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for obtaining image information of an organism including a set of optical data; calculating a growth index based on the set of optical data; and calculating an anticipated harvest time based on the growth index, where the image information includes at least one of: (a) visible image data obtained from an image sensor and non-visible image data obtained from the image sensor, and (b) a set of image data from at least two image capture devices, where the at least two image capture devices capture the set of image data from at least two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Morio Ogura, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Publication number: 20190297278
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging element comprising a visible light detection area including a first visible light pixel for receiving first visible light, a second visible light pixel for receiving second visible light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first visible light, and a third visible light pixel for receiving third visible light having a wavelength different from the wavelengths of the first visible light and the second visible light; and a near infrared light detection area including a first near infrared pixel for receiving first near infrared light, a second near infrared light pixel for receiving second near infrared light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first near infrared light, and a third near infrared light pixel for receiving third near infrared light having a wavelength different from the wavelengths of the first near infrared light and the second near infrared light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: nanolux co. ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi SUMI, Koichiro ISHIGAMI, Motoshi SOBUE
  • Publication number: 20190109164
    Abstract: Methods for forming an image sensor structure are provided. The method includes forming a light-sensing region in a substrate and forming a storage node adjacent to light-sensing region in the substrate. The method further includes forming a front side isolation structure partially surrounding an upper portion of the light-sensing region and forming a trench fully surrounding a bottom portion of the light-sensing region to expose a bottom surface of the front side isolations structure. The method further includes forming a backside isolation structure in the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichiro YAMASHITA, Chun-Hao CHUANG, Hirofumi SUMI
  • Patent number: 10163959
    Abstract: An image sensor structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The image sensor structure includes a substrate having a front side and a backside and a light-sensing region formed in the substrate. The image sensor structure further includes a front side isolation structure formed at the front side of the substrate and a backside isolation structure formed at the back side of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Yamashita, Chun-Hao Chuang, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Patent number: 10063784
    Abstract: An object is to improve accuracy of photon counting in an imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus includes a light uniformizing unit. The light uniformizing unit included in the imaging apparatus substantially uniformizes distribution of photons in an orthogonal direction toward an optical axis of incident light, which is incident to an imaging element in the imaging apparatus and the number of photons of which is to be detected, a plurality of pixels being arranged to the imaging element. The light uniformizing unit supplies the uniformized light to the imaging element to which a plurality of pixels are arranged in the imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Patent number: 10027886
    Abstract: To improve a temporal resolution. An image-capturing device includes a pixel array unit and a control unit. The pixel array unit includes a plurality of pixels classified into two or more groups, wherein pixels which belong to a same group are driven at a same timing. The control unit controls driving of the pixel array unit so that a number of groups in a period of time of read-out of electrical charge is a same number in any given timing in image-capturing operation, and that a number of groups in a period of time of exposure and accumulation of electrical charge is a same number in any given timing in the image-capturing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Patent number: 9955098
    Abstract: To improve the speed of AD conversion. An amplifier amplifies, by a magnification larger than 1, signals of a pixel that outputs a signal in which there is no accumulation of a charge by a photon as a reset signal, and outputs a signal in which there is accumulation of a charge by a photon as an accumulation signal. A calculation unit generates an offset amount signal corresponding to an amount of own offset component using the amplified signal, and calculates a digital value corresponding to the own offset component using the generated offset amount signal and accuracy set for AD conversion of the amplified accumulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Patent number: 9706150
    Abstract: Provided are an image pickup device and a camera system that are capable of detecting an extremely small signal from a pixel or one photon signal with low noise and high precision at high speed, and are capable of performing various kinds of high-performance shooting by increasing a frame rate with use of this. Each sense circuit includes a comparator configured to compare an output signal from a pixel with a reference signal, and when signal detection is performed, a charge allowing a first pixel signal output from a selected pixel to be cancelled out is held in one or both of input sections of the comparator, an independent offset bias for each comparator is applied to one of the input sections of the comparator to cancel out an offset of the comparator, and a digital decision on intensity of light incident on the pixel is performed by comparing a reference signal changing in steps with a second pixel signal output from the selected pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Publication number: 20170150044
    Abstract: To improve a temporal resolution. An image-capturing device includes a pixel array unit and a control unit. The pixel array unit includes a plurality of pixels classified into two or more groups, wherein pixels which belong to a same group are driven at a same timing. The control unit controls driving of the pixel array unit so that a number of groups in a period of time of read-out of electrical charge is a same number in any given timing in image-capturing operation, and that a number of groups in a period of time of exposure and accumulation of electrical charge is a same number in any given timing in the image-capturing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Publication number: 20170141145
    Abstract: An image sensor structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The image sensor structure includes a substrate having a front side and a backside and a light-sensing region formed in the substrate. The image sensor structure further includes a front side isolation structure formed at the front side of the substrate and a backside isolation structure formed at the back side of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichiro YAMASHITA, Chun-Hao CHUANG, Hirofumi SUMI
  • Patent number: 9653509
    Abstract: There is provided an image sensor including pixels each configured to include a transfer transistor configured as an embedded channel type MOS transistor and to output a pixel signal based on a charge transferred to a floating diffusion from a photodiode by the transfer transistor in an on state, and a determination unit configured to convert the output pixel signal to a digital value, then compare the converted digital value to a threshold value, and thereby make a binary determination on presence or absence of incidence of a photon on the pixel that has generated the pixel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Patent number: 9568618
    Abstract: Provided is a radiation detector including a scintillator which generates, when a radial ray enters, scintillation light having light intensity according to energy of the radial ray, and then supplies a photon of the scintillation light to each of a plurality of pixels, a radial ray detection unit which detects whether or not the radial ray is made to enter based on a number of the photons supplied in an exposure period whenever the plurality of pixels are exposed by the scintillation light over the exposure period, and an exposure period adjusting unit which adjusts the exposure period based on an incident frequency of the detected radial ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Publication number: 20160366322
    Abstract: An object is to improve accuracy of photon counting in an imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus includes a light uniformizing unit. The light uniformizing unit included in the imaging apparatus substantially uniformizes distribution of photons in an orthogonal direction toward an optical axis of incident light, which is incident to an imaging element in the imaging apparatus and the number of photons of which is to be detected, a plurality of pixels being arranged to the imaging element. The light uniformizing unit supplies the uniformized light to the imaging element to which a plurality of pixels are arranged in the imaging apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: TOSHIYUKI NISHIHARA, HIROFUMI SUMI
  • Patent number: 9513382
    Abstract: To improve a temporal resolution. An image-capturing device includes a pixel array unit and a control unit. The pixel array unit includes a plurality of pixels classified into two or more groups, wherein pixels which belong to a same group are driven at a same timing. The control unit controls driving of the pixel array unit so that a number of groups in a period of time of read-out of electrical charge is a same number in any given timing in image-capturing operation, and that a number of groups in a period of time of exposure and accumulation of electrical charge is a same number in any given timing in the image-capturing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Patent number: 9462190
    Abstract: An object is to improve accuracy of photon counting in an imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus includes a light uniformizing unit. The light uniformizing unit included in the imaging apparatus substantially uniformizes distribution of photons in an orthogonal direction toward an optical axis of incident light, which is incident to an imaging element in the imaging apparatus and the number of photons of which is to be detected, a plurality of pixels being arranged to the imaging element. The light uniformizing unit supplies the uniformized light to the imaging element to which a plurality of pixels are arranged in the imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishihara, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Publication number: 20160283791
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for obtaining image information of an organism including a set of optical data; calculating a growth index based on the set of optical data; and calculating an anticipated harvest time based on the growth index, where the image information includes at least one of: (a) visible image data obtained from an image sensor and non-visible image data obtained from the image sensor, and (b) a set of image data from at least two image capture devices, where the at least two image capture devices capture the set of image data from at least two positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Morio Ogura, Hirofumi Sumi
  • Publication number: 20160234450
    Abstract: To improve the speed of AD conversion. An amplifier amplifies, by a magnification larger than 1, signals of a pixel that outputs a signal in which there is no accumulation of a charge by a photon as a reset signal, and outputs a signal in which there is accumulation of a charge by a photon as an accumulation signal. A calculation unit generates an offset amount signal corresponding to an amount of own offset component using the amplified signal, and calculates a digital value corresponding to the own offset component using the generated offset amount signal and accuracy set for AD conversion of the amplified accumulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Toshiyuki NISHIHARA, Hirofumi SUMI