Patents by Inventor Kyoung-Min Koh

Kyoung-Min Koh 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: 11509850
    Abstract: An image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip, a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage, a selection circuit for outputting one of the external voltage, the internal voltages, and the temperature voltage, a digital code generation circuit for generating a digital code using an output voltage of the selection circuit, and a second terminal for outputting the digital code from the image sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Cho, Ji Yong Park, Dae Hwa Paik, Kyoung Min Koh, Min Ho Kwon, Seung Hyun Lim
  • Patent number: 10827144
    Abstract: An image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip, a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage, a selection circuit for outputting one of the external voltage, the internal voltages, and the temperature voltage, a digital code generation circuit for generating a digital code using an output voltage of the selection circuit, and a second terminal for outputting the digital code from the image sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Cho, Ji Yong Park, Dae Hwa Paik, Kyoung Min Koh, Min Ho Kwon, Seung Hyun Lim
  • Patent number: 10623677
    Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel configured to generate a reset signal and an image signal, a comparator configured to compare the reset signal with a reference signal and generate a first comparison signal, a counter configured to generate a first count value corresponding to the reset signal based on a clock signal and the first comparison signal, and a reference signal generator configured to generate the reference signal which changes between a first level corresponding to a maximum reset count value of the counter and a second level corresponding to a minimum reset count value of the counter during a reset signal period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Min Koh, Jae Jin Jung, Moo Young Kim, Jae Cheol Yun, Seung Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20200053306
    Abstract: An image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip, a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage, a selection circuit for outputting one of the external voltage, the internal voltages, and the temperature voltage, a digital code generation circuit for generating a digital code using an output voltage of the selection circuit, and a second terminal for outputting the digital code from the image sensor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Cho, Ji Yong Park, Dae Hwa Paik, Kyoung Min Koh, Min Ho Kwon, Seung Hyun Lim
  • Publication number: 20200053307
    Abstract: An image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip, a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage, a selection circuit for outputting one of the external voltage, the internal voltages, and the temperature voltage, a digital code generation circuit for generating a digital code using an output voltage of the selection circuit, and a second terminal for outputting the digital code from the image sensor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: SANG HYUN CHO, JI YONG PARK, DAE HWA PAIK, KYOUNG MIN KOH, MIN HO KWON, SEUNG HYUN LIM
  • Patent number: 10531032
    Abstract: An image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip, a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage, a selection circuit for outputting one of the external voltage, the internal voltages, and the temperature voltage, a digital code generation circuit for generating a digital code using an output voltage of the selection circuit, and a second terminal for outputting the digital code from the image sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Cho, Ji Yong Park, Dae Hwa Paik, Kyoung Min Koh, Min Ho Kwon, Seung Hyun Lim
  • Publication number: 20190349545
    Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel configured to generate a reset signal and an image signal, a comparator configured to compare the reset signal with a reference signal and generate a first comparison signal, a counter configured to generate a first count value corresponding to the reset signal based on a clock signal and the first comparison signal, and a reference signal generator configured to generate the reference signal which changes between a first level corresponding to a maximum reset count value of the counter and a second level corresponding to a minimum reset count value of the counter during a reset signal period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Min KOH, Jae Jin Jung, Moo Young Kim, Jae Cheol Yun, Seung Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 10389956
    Abstract: Provided are image sensors. An image sensor includes a pixel array comprising pixels configured to output signal voltages, each of the pixels comprising first and second photodiodes, first and second transfer transistors connected to the first and second photodiodes, respectively, and a floating diffusion node to which the first and second transfer transistors are connected; a ramp voltage generator configured to generate a ramp voltage that decreases with a slope according to a ramp clock to have a first gain; a correlation double sampler (CDS) configured to compare the ramp voltage with the signal voltages to output a comparison signal; a counter configured to count the comparison signal according to a counter clock to output a digital signal; and a digital scaling unit configured to scale the digital signal to have a second gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo Young Kim, Kyoung Min Koh, Woong Joo, Mi Ra Lee
  • Patent number: 10362253
    Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel configured to generate a reset signal and an image signal, a comparator configured to compare the reset signal with a reference signal and generate a first comparison signal, a counter configured to generate a first count value corresponding to the reset signal based on a clock signal and the first comparison signal, and a reference signal generator configured to generate the reference signal which changes between a first level corresponding to a maximum reset count value of the counter and a second level corresponding to a minimum reset count value of the counter during a reset signal period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Min Koh, Jae Jin Jung, Moo Young Kim, Jae Cheol Yun, Seung Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 10212375
    Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter includes a comparator, a switch, and a counter circuit. The comparator is configured to generate a comparison signal by comparing an analog signal received through a first signal line and a reference signal received through a second signal line. The switch is coupled between the first signal line and the comparator. The switch is open before the analog signal is applied to the first signal line to disconnect the first signal line from the comparator, and is closed after the analog signal is applied to the first signal line to provide the analog signal to the comparator. The counter circuit is configured to generate a digital signal corresponding to the analog signal by performing a count operation in synchronization with a count clock signal based on the comparison signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo-Young Kim, Kwang-Hyun Lee, Kyoung-Min Koh
  • Patent number: 10205905
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels, first and second row selection lines separated from each other, and first and second column lines separated from each other are disposed and a column selecting circuit configured to connect the first and second column lines using a column selection signal. The pixel array includes a first pixel which is connected to the first row selection line and the first column line and a second pixel which is disposed in the same row as the first pixel and connected to the second row selection line and the second column line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-Min Koh, Ju-Hyun Ko, Han Yang, Jae-Cheol Yun, Kwang-Hyun Lee, Seon-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 10200645
    Abstract: An image sensor is disclosed. The image sensor includes a plurality of pixels, a switch circuit coupled to the pixels and configured to substantially simultaneously output signals output only from pixels having similar characteristics among the pixels in response to a control signal; and a comparison circuit configured to convert the signals output from the switch circuit into digital signals. The pixels having similar characteristics are located across among the plurality of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Min Koh, Ju Ha Kim, Jae Cheol Yun
  • Publication number: 20180205897
    Abstract: Provided are image sensors. An image sensor includes a pixel array comprising pixels configured to output signal voltages, each of the pixels comprising first and second photodiodes, first and second transfer transistors connected to the first and second photodiodes, respectively, and a floating diffusion node to which the first and second transfer transistors are connected; a ramp voltage generator configured to generate a ramp voltage that decreases with a slope according to a ramp clock to have a first gain; a correlation double sampler (CDS) configured to compare the ramp voltage with the signal voltages to output a comparison signal; a counter configured to count the comparison signal according to a counter clock to output a digital signal; and a digital scaling unit configured to scale the digital signal to have a second gain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo Young KIM, Kyoung Min Koh, Woong Joo, Mi Ra Lee
  • Publication number: 20180205886
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of operating an image sensor supporting a low speed mode and a high speed mode includes: outputting a first set of output signals from a first pixel group to a first output line group by enabling, during a first period of the low speed mode, a first load circuit group connected to the first set of output signals; outputting a second set of output signals from a second pixel group to a second output line group by enabling, during a second period of the low speed mode different from the first period, a second load circuit group connected to the second set of output signals; and disabling the second load circuit group during at least a part of the first period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Seon-ju Lee, Dae-hwa Paik, Seung-hyun Lim, Kyoung-min Koh, Min-ho Kwon, Jin-woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20180131887
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels, first and second row selection lines separated from each other, and first and second column lines separated from each other are disposed and a column selecting circuit configured to connect the first and second column lines using a column selection signal. The pixel array includes a first pixel which is connected to the first row selection line and the first column line and a second pixel which is disposed in the same row as the first pixel and connected to the second row selection line and the second column line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-Min Koh, Ju-Hyun Ko, Han Yang, Jae-Cheol Yun, Kwang-Hyun Lee, Seon-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 9860460
    Abstract: An image sensor can include a pixel array including a plurality of unit pixels and a row driver arranged in a matrix form that includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Respective ones of the unit pixels may convent an incident light to an electric signal and may store the electric signal. The row driver may sequentially scan the plurality of rows and may sequentially perform an electronic shutter operation and read-out operation. The electronic shutter operation may reset the stored electric signal in each unit pixel and the read-out operation may read-out the stored electric signal in each unit pixel. The electric shutter operation can include a preliminary shutter operation and a main shutter operation which are sequentially performed on one row. The row driver may overlap the main shutter operation on a first row and the preliminary shutter operation on a second row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo-Young Kim, Kwang-Hyun Lee, Woong Joo, Kyoung-Min Koh
  • Publication number: 20170347045
    Abstract: Provided are an image sensor and a method of driving the same. The image sensor includes n optical black pixels which are arranged in the same horizontal line; and m comparators which are matched with the n optical black pixels, wherein n is a natural number greater than or equal to two, and m is a natural number greater than n.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kyoung-Min KOH, Kwang-Hyun LEE, Ju-Ha KIM, Han YANG, Jae-Cheol YUN
  • Publication number: 20170339360
    Abstract: An image sensor chip includes an internal voltage generator for generating internal voltages using an external voltage received at a first terminal of the image sensor chip, a temperature sensor for generating a temperature voltage, a selection circuit for outputting one of the external voltage, the internal voltages, and the temperature voltage, a digital code generation circuit for generating a digital code using an output voltage of the selection circuit, and a second terminal for outputting the digital code from the image sensor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: SANG HYUN CHO, JI YONG PARK, DAE HWA PAIK, KYOUNG MIN KOH, MIN HO KWON, SEUNG HYUN LIM
  • Patent number: 9806721
    Abstract: A counter includes a buffer unit and a ripple counter. The buffer unit generates at least one least significant signal of a count by buffering at least one clock signal until a termination time point. The ripple counter generates at least one most significant signal of the count by sequentially toggling in response to at least one of the least significant signal. The counter performs multiple data rate counting with enhanced operation speed and reduced power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-min Kim, Kyoung-min Koh, Yoon-seok Han
  • Patent number: 9769405
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, a row driver configured to control an operation of each of the plurality of pixels, a voltage supply line connected to a reset transistor included in each of the plurality of pixels, and a voltage supply circuit which detects a signal from the voltage supply line and supplies one of a first voltage and a second voltage to the voltage supply line based on the signal from the voltage supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Min Koh, Kwang Hyun Lee, Shin Hoo Kim, Ju Ha Kim, Ji Yong Kim, Seok Yong Park, Jae Cheol Yun, Jae Jin Jung, Woong Joo