Patents by Inventor Motonari Honda
Motonari Honda 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).
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Patent number: 11910108Abstract: Time deviation between event detection and gradation acquisition is reduced. A solid-state imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a pixel array unit (300) including a plurality of pixel blocks (310) arrayed in a matrix; and a drive circuit (211) that generates a pixel signal in a first pixel block in which firing of an address event has been detected among the plurality of pixel blocks, each of the plurality of pixel blocks including a first photoelectric conversion element (331) that generates an electric charge according to an amount of incident light, a detection unit (400) that detects the firing of the address event based on the electric charge generated in the first photoelectric conversion element, a second photoelectric conversion element (321) that generates an electric charge according to an amount of incident light, and a pixel circuit (322, 323, 324, 325, 326) that generates a pixel signal based on the electric charge generated in the second photoelectric conversion element.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Atsumi Niwa, Motonari Honda
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Patent number: 11818475Abstract: The present technology relates to image data processing devices, image data processing methods, and programs. A frame data generation unit generates first frame data based on event data indicating a variation in an electrical signal of a pixel generating the electrical signal by performing photoelectric conversion during a first accumulation time from a first frame generation start time to a first frame generation end time, and second frame data based on event data occurring during a second accumulation time from a second frame generation start time to a second frame generation end time. A first frame period from the first frame generation start time to the second frame generation start time is set and supplied to the frame data generation unit. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a case where a frame data is generated from an event data output from a dynamic vision sensor (DVS).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventors: Motonari Honda, Shun Kaizu
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Publication number: 20230141384Abstract: Time deviation between event detection and gradation acquisition is reduced. A solid-state imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a pixel array unit (300) including a plurality of pixel blocks (310) arrayed in a matrix; and a drive circuit (211) that generates a pixel signal in a first pixel block in which firing of an address event has been detected among the plurality of pixel blocks, each of the plurality of pixel blocks including a first photoelectric conversion element (331) that generates an electric charge according to an amount of incident light, a detection unit (400) that detects the firing of the address event based on the electric charge generated in the first photoelectric conversion element, a second photoelectric conversion element (321) that generates an electric charge according to an amount of incident light, and a pixel circuit (322, 323, 324, 325, 326) that generates a pixel signal based on the electric charge generated in the second photoelectric conversion element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2023Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: ATSUMI NIWA, MOTONARI HONDA
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Patent number: 11646333Abstract: In an imaging element including a polarizer, accuracy of obtained polarization information is improved. The imaging element includes a polarizer and a photoelectric conversion element, from the incident light side. A plurality of types of polarizing members is arranged on the polarizer. The plurality of types of polarizing members is polarizing members having the same internal structures, and is formed as the plurality of types of polarizing members by rotationally moving or symmetrically moving one of the polarizing members. The photoelectric conversion element converts light incident through each of the plurality of types of polarizing members into electric charges.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Motoaki Nakamura, Motonari Honda
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Publication number: 20230039270Abstract: Distance measurement accuracy is improved while an increase in power consumption is suppressed. A solid-state imaging device includes a first pixel (210) that detects an address event based on incident light, and a second pixel (310) that generates information on a distance to an object based on the incident light. The second pixel generates the information on the distance to the object when the first pixel detects the address event.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2020Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: ATSUMI NIWA, MOTONARI HONDA
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Patent number: 11558565Abstract: Time deviation between event detection and gradation acquisition is reduced. A solid-state imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a pixel array unit (300) including a plurality of pixel blocks (310) arrayed in a matrix; and a drive circuit (211) that generates a pixel signal in a first pixel block in which firing of an address event has been detected among the plurality of pixel blocks, each of the plurality of pixel blocks including a first photoelectric conversion element (331) that generates an electric charge according to an amount of incident light, a detection unit (400) that detects the firing of the address event based on the electric charge generated in the first photoelectric conversion element, a second photoelectric conversion element (321) that generates an electric charge according to an amount of incident light, and a pixel circuit (322, 323, 324, 325, 326) that generates a pixel signal based on the electric charge generated in the second photoelectric conversion element.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Atsumi Niwa, Motonari Honda
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Patent number: 11457201Abstract: An imaging device capable of further increasing the accuracy of distance information and an electronic apparatus equipped with the imaging device are provided. The present technology provides an imaging device that includes a stereo imager, and the stereo imager includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors has an imaging unit formed with a plurality of repeating units. The imaging unit includes a polarizer having at least one kind of polarization spindle angle, and at least two unit images obtained by a plurality of the imaging units are combined, to obtain information about polarization in at least three directions, and generate normal information. The present technology further provides an electronic apparatus equipped with the imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Takeshi Matsunuma, Motonari Honda
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Publication number: 20220291385Abstract: A distance measurement system according to the present disclosure includes: a surface emitting semiconductor laser that projects light of a predetermined pattern onto a subject; an event detection sensor that receives light reflected off the subject and detects, as an event, that a change in luminance of a pixel exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a controller that controls the surface emitting semiconductor laser and the event detection sensor. An arrangement of light sources of the surface emitting semiconductor laser is an array dot arrangement in which the light sources are two-dimensionally arranged in an array form. With two light sources that are adjacent in the array dot arrangement as a unit of driving, the controller drives the two light sources to be on at the same time in a period between respective times when the two light sources are driven to be on independently of each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2020Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventor: MOTONARI HONDA
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Patent number: 11424279Abstract: In an imaging element, a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion part is arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Some of the plurality of pixels each have a polarizer placed therein on a side of a light beam incidence plane. At least some of pixels having no polarizer placed therein each have a material layer placed therein that prevents transmission of a light beam having a wavelength of a predetermined range, to reduce color mixture in the pixel having the polarizer placed therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventors: Takeshi Matsunuma, Motonari Honda
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Publication number: 20220141381Abstract: An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes: an event detection device that outputs an event signal corresponding to a temporal change of a first pixel signal, the first pixel signal being obtained by imaging; and an expression detector that detects an expression on a basis of the event signal to be outputted from the event detection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: KEI NAKAGAWA, MOTONARI HONDA
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Publication number: 20220109799Abstract: Time deviation between event detection and gradation acquisition is reduced. A solid-state imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a pixel array unit (300) including a plurality of pixel blocks (310) arrayed in a matrix; and a drive circuit (211) that generates a pixel signal in a first pixel block in which firing of an address event has been detected among the plurality of pixel blocks, each of the plurality of pixel blocks including a first photoelectric conversion element (331) that generates an electric charge according to an amount of incident light, a detection unit (400) that detects the firing of the address event based on the electric charge generated in the first photoelectric conversion element, a second photoelectric conversion element (321) that generates an electric charge according to an amount of incident light, and a pixel circuit (322, 323, 324, 325, 326) that generates a pixel signal based on the electric charge generated in the second photoelectric conversion element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2020Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: ATSUMI NIWA, MOTONARI HONDA
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Publication number: 20220070392Abstract: The present technology relates to an event signal detection sensor and a control method for shortening latency and reducing overlooking objects. A plurality of pixel circuits detects an event that is a change in an electrical signal of a pixel that generates the electrical signal by performing photoelectric conversion, and outputs event data indicating the occurrence of the event. A detection probability setting unit calculates a detection probability per unit time for detecting the event for each region formed with one or more pixel circuits, in accordance with a result of pattern recognition. The detection probability setting unit controls the pixel circuits in such a manner that event data is output in accordance with the detection probability. The present technology can be applied to an event signal detection sensor that detects an event that is a change in an electrical signal of a pixel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: SHINICHIRO IZAWA, MOTONARI HONDA
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Publication number: 20220030185Abstract: The present technology relates to image data processing devices, image data processing methods, and programs. A frame data generation unit generates first frame data based on event data indicating a variation in an electrical signal of a pixel generating the electrical signal by performing photoelectric conversion during a first accumulation time from a first frame generation start time to a first frame generation end time, and second frame data based on event data occurring during a second accumulation time from a second frame generation start time to a second frame generation end time. A first frame period from the first frame generation start time to the second frame generation start time is set and supplied to the frame data generation unit. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a case where a frame data is generated from an event data output from a dynamic vision sensor (DVS).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2019Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicants: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION, SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Motonari HONDA, Shun KAIZU
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Publication number: 20220007001Abstract: An imaging device capable of further increasing the accuracy of distance information and an electronic apparatus equipped with the imaging device are provided. The present technology provides an imaging device that includes a stereo imager, and the stereo imager includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors has an imaging unit formed with a plurality of repeating units. The imaging unit includes a polarizer having at least one kind of polarization spindle angle, and at least two unit images obtained by a plurality of the imaging units are combined, to obtain information about polarization in at least three directions, and generate normal information. The present technology further provides an electronic apparatus equipped with the imaging device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2019Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: TAKESHI MATSUNUMA, MOTONARI HONDA
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Publication number: 20210167108Abstract: In an imaging element including a polarizer, accuracy of obtained polarization information is improved. The imaging element includes a polarizer and a photoelectric conversion element, from the incident light side. A plurality of types of polarizing members is arranged on the polarizer. The plurality of types of polarizing members is polarizing members having the same internal structures, and is formed as the plurality of types of polarizing members by rotationally moving or symmetrically moving one of the polarizing members. The photoelectric conversion element converts light incident through each of the plurality of types of polarizing members into electric charges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2018Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: MOTOAKI NAKAMURA, MOTONARI HONDA
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Publication number: 20210118931Abstract: In an imaging element, a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion part is arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Some of the plurality of pixels each have a polarizer placed therein on a side of a light beam incidence plane. At least some of pixels having no polarizer placed therein each have a material layer placed therein that prevents transmission of a light beam having a wavelength of a predetermined range, to reduce color mixture in the pixel having the polarizer placed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2018Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Takeshi Matsunuma, Motonari Honda
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Patent number: 10665629Abstract: The present technology relates to an imaging device designed to be able to reduce luminance unevenness. An imaging device includes a photodiode and a wiring layer formed on a surface facing the incident surface of the photodiode. A wiring line is formed in the wiring layer, and the wiring line in a pixel is formed in a different pattern from a pattern in a different pixel. Another imaging device including a photodiode and a wiring layer formed on a surface facing the incident surface of the photodiode. A wiring line is formed in the wiring layer. A gap having a different dielectric constant from the dielectric constant of the material forming the wiring layer is formed in the wiring layer, and the gap in a pixel is formed in a different pattern from a pattern in a different pixel. The present technology can be applied to imaging devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Motonari Honda, Ryoji Suzuki, Takeshi Matsunuma
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Patent number: 10425624Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state image capturing device and an electronic device which are capable of improving detection accuracy for polarization information and color information. The solid-state image capturing device includes a pixel array unit including a plurality of polarizing pixels configured to detect polarization information, and a plurality of color pixels configured to detect color information. The polarizing pixels are arranged in a row direction and a column direction in a grid form. The color pixels are arranged in the row direction and the column direction in the grid form between the polarizing pixels that are adjacent, at positions shifted from the polarizing pixels in the row direction and the column direction. For example, the present technology can be applied to the solid-state image capturing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Motonari Honda
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Publication number: 20190043911Abstract: The present technology relates to an imaging device designed to be able to reduce luminance unevenness. An imaging device includes a photodiode and a wiring layer formed on a surface facing the incident surface of the photodiode. A wiring line is formed in the wiring layer, and the wiring line in a pixel is formed in a different pattern from a pattern in a different pixel. Another imaging device including a photodiode and a wiring layer formed on a surface facing the incident surface of the photodiode. A wiring line is formed in the wiring layer. A gap having a different dielectric constant from the dielectric constant of the material forming the wiring layer is formed in the wiring layer, and the gap in a pixel is formed in a different pattern from a pattern in a different pixel. The present technology can be applied to imaging devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: February 7, 2019Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: MOTONARI HONDA, RYOJI SUZUKI, TAKESHI MATSUNUMA
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Publication number: 20180302597Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state image capturing device and an electronic device which are capable of improving detection accuracy for polarization information and color information. The solid-state image capturing device includes a pixel array unit including a plurality of polarizing pixels configured to detect polarization information, and a plurality of color pixels configured to detect color information. The polarizing pixels are arranged in a row direction and a column direction in a grid form. The color pixels are arranged in the row direction and the column direction in the grid form between the polarizing pixels that are adjacent, at positions shifted from the polarizing pixels in the row direction and the column direction. For example, the present technology can be applied to the solid-state image capturing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventor: Motonari HONDA