Patents by Inventor Kwang-Bo Cho

Kwang-Bo Cho 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: 12161465
    Abstract: Disclosed is a biosensor. The biosensor comprises: an electrode; and a polymer structure disposed on the electrode and formed of poly-5,2?:5?,2?-terthiophene-3?-carboxylic acid (pTTCA), wherein an enzyme is present in a state of covalently binding with pTTCA inside the polymer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH & INDUSTRY COOPERATION, PUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kwang-bok Kim, Yoon-Bo Shim, Han-gyol Park, Youn-joo Song, Seong-je Cho, Chul-ho Cho, Dong-Min Kim
  • Patent number: 12133755
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for x-ray image data monitoring and signaling for patient safety. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes integrating energy associated with a received x-ray pulse at an array of pixels. The method also includes multiplexing a readout of the integrated energy from the array of pixels, as analog signals, into channels, and performing analog to digital conversion of the analog signals of the channels into digital signals. The method further includes generating an error indicator in response to determining that a calculated mean of the digital signals is either greater than an upper threshold value associated with saturation or less than a lower threshold value associated with underexposure. The method further includes transmitting the error indicator over a Universal Serial Bus, to an imaging system, to terminate transmission of further x-ray pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley K. Searing, Kwang Bo Cho, Hung T. Do, Stephen W. Mims, Marc K. Thacher, Bruce E. Willy, Glen L. Collier, Douglas W. Teeter, George Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 12126928
    Abstract: Examples include column readout amplifiers and image sensors including same. In one example, a column readout amplifier includes a signal amplifier having an amplifier output and first and second amplifier inputs, a filter capacitor having first and second terminals, the second terminal connected to a ground terminal, a buffer amplifier having a buffer amplifier input and a buffer amplifier output, a switching network configured to switchably connect the amplifier output to the buffer amplifier input and the buffer amplifier output to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a first time period, and to switchably connect the amplifier output directly to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a second time period, and a low-pass filter connected in a feedback path of the signal amplifier between the amplifier output and the first amplifier input, the low-pass filter including a series resistor and a capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hung T. Do, Khai Nguyen, Alexander Lu, Stephen W. Mims, Kwang Bo Cho, Angel Rogelio Lopez
  • Publication number: 20240223920
    Abstract: Examples include column readout amplifiers and image sensors including same. In one example, a column readout amplifier includes a signal amplifier having an amplifier output and first and second amplifier inputs, a filter capacitor having first and second terminals, the second terminal connected to a ground terminal, a buffer amplifier having a buffer amplifier input and a buffer amplifier output, a switching network configured to switchably connect the amplifier output to the buffer amplifier input and the buffer amplifier output to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a first time period, and to switchably connect the amplifier output directly to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a second time period, and a low-pass filter connected in a feedback path of the signal amplifier between the amplifier output and the first amplifier input, the low-pass filter including a series resistor and a capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hung T. Do, Khai Nguyen, Alexander Lu, Stephen W. Mims, Kwang Bo Cho, Angel Rogelio Lopez
  • Publication number: 20240196115
    Abstract: Examples include an image sensor comprising a pixel array having at least one column of addressable pixel sensors, and a column amplifier coupled to the at least one column of addressable pixel sensors, the column amplifier comprising a transistor bank including a plurality of transistors, and mode select circuitry coupled to the transistor bank and configured to establish one or more connections among the plurality of transistors to configure the column amplifier to operate in one of a differential mode of operation and a single-ended mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hung Trong Do, Khai Nguyen, Stephen W. Mims, Alexander Lu, Kwang Bo Cho, Angel Rogelio Lopez
  • Patent number: 11911197
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for x-ray sensing for intraoral tomography. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes detecting an x-ray pulse based on energy received at one or more pixels of a pixel array. The method also includes integrating the energy received at each of the pixels of the array of pixels, in response to the detection, wherein the energy received at each of the pixels is associated with the x-ray pulse. The method further includes multiplexing readouts of analog signals from the array of pixels into two or more parallel channels. The method further includes simultaneously converting (or otherwise in parallel) the analog signals of each of the channels into digital signals and storing the digital signals in memory as frames of data. The method may further include, for example, transmitting the frames of data from the memory, over a Universal Serial Bus, to an imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley K. Searing, Marc K. Thacher, Kwang Bo Cho, Hung T. Do, Stephen W. Mims, Bruce E. Willy, Glen L. Collier, Douglas W. Teeter, George Y. Wang
  • Publication number: 20230181133
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for x-ray sensing for intraoral tomography. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes detecting an x-ray pulse based on energy received at one or more pixels of a pixel array. The method also includes integrating the energy received at each of the pixels of the array of pixels, in response to the detection, wherein the energy received at each of the pixels is associated with the x-ray pulse. The method further includes multiplexing readouts of analog signals from the array of pixels into two or more parallel channels. The method further includes simultaneously converting (or otherwise in parallel) the analog signals of each of the channels into digital signals and storing the digital signals in memory as frames of data. The method may further include, for example, transmitting the frames of data from the memory, over a Universal Serial Bus, to an imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley K. Searing, Marc K. Thacher, Kwang Bo Cho, Hung T. Do, Stephen W. Mims, Bruce E. Willy, Glen L. Collier, Douglas W. Teeter, George Y. Wang
  • Publication number: 20230181134
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for x-ray image data monitoring and signaling for patient safety. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes integrating energy associated with a received x-ray pulse at an array of pixels. The method also includes multiplexing a readout of the integrated energy from the array of pixels, as analog signals, into channels, and performing analog to digital conversion of the analog signals of the channels into digital signals. The method further includes generating an error indicator in response to determining that a calculated mean of the digital signals is either greater than an upper threshold value associated with saturation or less than a lower threshold value associated with underexposure. The method further includes transmitting the error indicator over a Universal Serial Bus, to an imaging system, to terminate transmission of further x-ray pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley K. Searing, Kwang Bo Cho, Hung T. Do, Stephen W. Mims, Marc K. Thacher, Bruce E. Willy, Glen L. Collier, Douglas W. Teeter, George Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 9392198
    Abstract: An imaging system may be provided with a backside illuminated pixel array that includes imaging pixels and rows of auto-focus pixels. The imaging pixels may generate image data and the auto-focus pixels may generate application-specific data. The imaging pixels may be provided with an array of color filters. The auto-focus pixels may be provided with rows of color filters that are offset with respect to the imaging pixel color filters. The auto-focus pixel color filters may include clear color filters and opaque color filters for blocking image light received at selected incident angles. The system may include an adjustable lens that focuses light onto the pixel array. The pixel array may be coupled to processing circuitry that determines whether an image is focused based on the application-specific data and may adjust the lens in response to determining that the image is not focused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dongsoo Kim, Kwang-bo Cho
  • Patent number: 9319612
    Abstract: An imager may include an array of pixels. The pixel array may be arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel of the pixel array may include a photodiode that is coupled to a floating diffusion region by a transfer gate. A source-follower transistor may be coupled between the floating diffusion region and a pixel output node. The imager may include ramp circuitry that provides a ramp signal to the floating diffusion region. A capacitor interposed between the ramp circuitry and the floating diffusion region may be used in conveying the ramp signal to the floating diffusion region. The pixel may be coupled to a comparator that is implemented using separate circuitry or may include portions of the pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Hai Yan, Kwang-bo Cho
  • Publication number: 20150244957
    Abstract: An imaging system may be provided with a backside illuminated pixel array that includes imaging pixels and rows of auto-focus pixels. The imaging pixels may generate image data and the auto-focus pixels may generate application-specific data. The imaging pixels may be provided with an array of color filters. The auto-focus pixels may be provided with rows of color filters that are offset with respect to the imaging pixel color filters. The auto-focus pixel color filters may include clear color filters and opaque color filters for blocking image light received at selected incident angles. The system may include an adjustable lens that focuses light onto the pixel array. The pixel array may be coupled to processing circuitry that determines whether an image is focused based on the application-specific data and may adjust the lens in response to determining that the image is not focused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Dongsoo Kim, Kwang-bo Cho
  • Publication number: 20150009379
    Abstract: An imager may include an array of pixels. The pixel array may be arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel of the pixel array may include a photodiode that is coupled to a floating diffusion region by a transfer gate. A source-follower transistor may be coupled between the floating diffusion region and a pixel output node. The imager may include ramp circuitry that provides a ramp signal to the floating diffusion region. A capacitor interposed between the ramp circuitry and the floating diffusion region may be used in conveying the ramp signal to the floating diffusion region. The pixel may be coupled to a comparator that is implemented using separate circuitry or may include portions of the pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Hai Yan, Kwang-bo Cho
  • Patent number: 8797432
    Abstract: An integrated circuit may have rows and columns of imaging pixel arrays. Row driver circuitry and column readout circuitry may be shared between the imaging pixel arrays. Control circuit blocks may bypass inactive pixel arrays and may shift signals between different signal paths on the integrated circuit. The control circuit blocks may include synchronizing circuitry for deskewing control signals and buffer circuitry for regenerating weak signals as they are distributed across the integrated circuit. An array of lenses may be associated with the integrated circuit. The spacing between imaging pixel arrays may differ at different parts of the integrated circuit. Images from multiple image sensor pixel arrays may be combined to form a single digital image. Image sensors may be provided with unique lenses, different color responses, different image pixels, different image pixel patterns, and other differences. Reference pixels may be interposed in the gaps between image sensor arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Kwang-Bo Cho
  • Patent number: 8406540
    Abstract: A relatively non-complex signal processor supporting an active pixel sensor imaging system is disclosed. The signal processor only requires the first sample from a group of samples in a multiple sample to be transmitted to the signal processor at full resolution. The subsequent samples in that group can be transmitted using only a subset of least significant bits. The minimum number of required LSBs is based upon the level of noise in the system. In one embodiment, the number of LSBs transmitted is k+2 per sample, where k indicates the number bits corresponding to peak noise. In an alternative embodiment, each subsequent sample is transmitted using only k+1 bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Bo Cho
  • Publication number: 20120263396
    Abstract: A relatively non-complex signal processor supporting an active pixel sensor imaging system is disclosed. The signal processor only requires the first sample from a group of samples in a multiple sample to be transmitted to the signal processor at full resolution. The subsequent samples in that group can be transmitted using only a subset of least significant bits. The minimum number of required LSBs is based upon the level of noise in the system. In one embodiment, the number of LSBs transmitted is k+2 per sample, where k indicates the number bits corresponding to peak noise. In an alternative embodiment, each subsequent sample is transmitted using only k+1 bits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Kwang-Bo Cho
  • Patent number: 8266818
    Abstract: A macro pixel is provided. The macro pixel includes at least two color pixel elements. Each color pixel element includes a photoreceptor that in response to receiving light, generates an output signal that is indicative of the quantity of light photons of a color are received. Each of the color pixel elements are configured to receive a corresponding color. The photoreceptor of each color pixel element has a geometry and a responsivity to light that is a function of the geometry of the photoreceptor such that the responsivity of the output signal of the photoreceptor to the corresponding color is controllable by changing the geometry. The geometries of the photoreceptors are selected so that a predetermined relative sensitivity to each color is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Bo Cho
  • Publication number: 20120188422
    Abstract: An integrated circuit may have rows and columns of imaging pixel arrays. Row driver circuitry and column readout circuitry may be shared between the imaging pixel arrays. Control circuit blocks may bypass inactive pixel arrays and may shift signals between different signal paths on the integrated circuit. The control circuit blocks may include synchronizing circuitry for deskewing control signals and buffer circuitry for regenerating weak signals as they are distributed across the integrated circuit. An array of lenses may be associated with the integrated circuit. The spacing between imaging pixel arrays may differ at different parts of the integrated circuit. Images from multiple image sensor pixel arrays may be combined to form a single digital image. Image sensors may be provided with unique lenses, different color responses, different image pixels, different image pixel patterns, and other differences. Reference pixels may be interposed in the gaps between image sensor arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Kwang-Bo Cho
  • Patent number: 8200031
    Abstract: A relatively non-complex signal processor supporting an active pixel sensor imaging system is disclosed. The signal processor only requires the first sample from a group of samples in a multiple sample to be transmitted to the signal processor at full resolution. The subsequent samples in that group can be transmitted using only a subset of least significant bits. The minimum number of required LSBs is based upon the level of noise in the system. In one embodiment, the number of LSBs transmitted is k+2 per sample, where k indicates the number bits corresponding to peak noise. In an alternative embodiment, each subsequent sample is transmitted using only k+1 bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Bo Cho
  • Patent number: 7973842
    Abstract: The invention provides a new method and apparatus for NTSC and PAL image sensors which employs fusion of adjacent row pixel charge samples to generate image data for a row. A variety of fusion schemes are possible for fusing the pixel signals from the adjacent rows. The rows of pixels are scanned so that each scan takes an odd row signal sample and, in some cases, an adjacent even row signal sample when specified conditions are met. One sampled row of the two adjacent rows integrate an image with a first integration period while the other adjacent row integrates an image with a second integration period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Kwang-Bo Cho, Igor Subbotin, Michael Kaplinsky, Sandor L. Barna, Gary E. Slayton
  • Publication number: 20110037738
    Abstract: A relatively non-complex signal processor supporting an active pixel sensor imaging system is disclosed. The signal processor only requires the first sample from a group of samples in a multiple sample to be transmitted to the signal processor at full resolution. The subsequent samples in that group can be transmitted using only a subset of least significant bits. The minimum number of required LSBs is based upon the level of noise in the system. In one embodiment, the number of LSBs transmitted is k+2 per sample, where k indicates the number bits corresponding to peak noise. In an alternative embodiment, each subsequent sample is transmitted using only k+1 bits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Kwang-Bo Cho