Patents by Inventor Seog-heon Ham

Seog-heon Ham 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: 10972693
    Abstract: An image sensor and an image processing system including the same are provided. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels each connected to one of first through m-th column lines to output a pixel signal, where “m” is an integer of at least 2; analog-to-digital converters each configured to receive the pixel signal corresponding to one of the first through m-th column lines, to compare the pixel signal with a ramp signal, and to convert the pixel signal to a digital pixel signal; and a blocking circuit connected to an input terminal of at least one of the analog-to-digital converters to block an influence of an operation of others among the analog-to-digital converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hong Kim, Seung Hyun Lim, Han Kook Cho, Dong Hun Lee, Seog Heon Ham
  • Publication number: 20200137344
    Abstract: An image sensor and an image processing system including the same are provided. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels each connected to one of first through m-th column lines to output a pixel signal, where “m” is an integer of at least 2; analog-to-digital converters each configured to receive the pixel signal corresponding to one of the first through m-th column lines, to compare the pixel signal with a ramp signal, and to convert the pixel signal to a digital pixel signal; and a blocking circuit connected to an input terminal of at least one of the analog-to-digital converters to block an influence of an operation of others among the analog-to-digital converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hong Kim, Seung Hyun LIM, Han Kook CHO, Dong Hun LEE, Seog Heon HAM
  • Patent number: 10565447
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixel units, and a controller configured to generate a light control signal for controlling light reflected from an object to expose the plurality of pixel units to the light at least twice during generation of an image frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Se Hyeon Kang, Dong Wook Won, Seog Heon Ham
  • Patent number: 10469773
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array and N analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The pixel array includes N pixels arranged in each of a plurality of rows, and each of the N pixels include M photoelectric conversion elements. At least one of the N ADCs are shared by at least one of the M photoelectric conversion elements included in each of the N pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung Jo Kim, Seog Heon Ham, Sung Ho Suh, Se Jun Kim, Young Tae Jang
  • Publication number: 20190082136
    Abstract: An image sensor and an image processing system including the same are provided. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels each connected to one of first through m-th column lines to output a pixel signal, where “m” is an integer of at least 2; analog-to-digital converters each configured to receive the pixel signal corresponding to one of the first through m-th column lines, to compare the pixel signal with a ramp signal, and to convert the pixel signal to a digital pixel signal; and a blocking circuit connected to an input terminal of at least one of the analog-to-digital converters to block an influence of an operation of others among the analog-to-digital converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hong KIM, Seung Hyun LIM, Han Kook CHO, Dong Hun LEE, Seog Heon HAM
  • Publication number: 20180349697
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixel units, and a controller configured to generate a light control signal for controlling light reflected from an object to expose the plurality of pixel units to the light at least twice during generation of an image frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SE HYEON KANG, DONG WOOK WON, SEOG HEON HAM
  • Publication number: 20180295297
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array and N analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The pixel array includes N pixels arranged in each of a plurality of rows, and each of the N pixels include M photoelectric conversion elements. At least one of the N ADCs are shared by at least one of the M photoelectric conversion elements included in each of the N pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung Jo Kim, Seog Heon Ham, Sung Ho Suh, Se Jun Kim, Young Tae Jang
  • Patent number: 10084982
    Abstract: An image sensor and an image processing system including the same are provided. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels each connected to one of first through m-th column lines to output a pixel signal, where “m” is an integer of at least 2; analog-to-digital converters each configured to receive the pixel signal corresponding to one of the first through m-th column lines, to compare the pixel signal with a ramp signal, and to convert the pixel signal to a digital pixel signal; and a blocking circuit connected to an input terminal of at least one of the analog-to-digital converters to block an influence of an operation of others among the analog-to-digital converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hong Kim, Seung Hyun Lim, Han Kook Cho, Dong Hun Lee, Seog Heon Ham
  • Patent number: 10015414
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array and N analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The pixel array includes N pixels arranged in each of a plurality of rows, and each of the N pixels include M photoelectric conversion elements. At least one of the N ADCs are shared by at least one of the M photoelectric conversion elements included in each of the N pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung Jo Kim, Seog Heon Ham, Sung Ho Suh, Se Jun Kim, Young Tae Jang
  • Patent number: 9978431
    Abstract: A line memory device includes a plurality of memory cells, a data line pair, a sense amplifier and an output unit. The plurality of memory cells are disposed adjacent to each other in a line. The data line pair is coupled to the memory cells to sequentially transfer memory data bits stored in the memory cells to the sense amplifier. The sense amplifier is configured to amplify the memory data bits that are sequentially transferred through the data line pair by corresponding delay times which are different from each other. The output unit samples an output of the sense amplifier to sequentially output retimed data bits of the memory data bits in response to a read clock signal. The read clock signal has a cyclic period which is less than a maximum delay time among the delay times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wun-Ki Jung, Min-Ho Kwon, Kwi-Sung Yoo, Won-Ho Choi, Dong-Hun Lee, Seog-Heon Ham
  • Patent number: 9973682
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including first to fourth pixels having an R, G, and B Bayer pattern. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) block converts a pixel signal of each of the first to fourth pixels into a digital pixel signal. At least one among the first to fourth pixels includes two photo diodes separated in a first direction, and at least one other of the first to fourth pixels includes two photo diodes separated in a second direction which is different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seog Heon Ham
  • Patent number: 9866775
    Abstract: A digital double sampling method, a related complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and a digital camera comprising the CMOS image sensor are disclosed. The method includes generating first digital data corresponding to an initial voltage level apparent in a pixel in response to a reset signal, inverting the first digital data, outputting a detection voltage corresponding to image data received from outside of the CMOS image sensor, and counting in synchronization with a clock signal, starting from an initial value equal to the inverted first digital data, and for an amount of time responsive to a voltage level of the detection voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Myung Lee, Gun-Hee Han, Seog-Heon Ham
  • Patent number: 9800843
    Abstract: An image sensor for reducing channel variation and an image processing system including the same. The image sensor includes first to mth pixels (m?2), each of which is connected to a corresponding column line from among first to mth column lines and is configured to output a respective pixel signal.’ The image sensor further includes first to mth bias circuits, each of which is connected to a corresponding column line from among the first to mth column lines and is configured to fix a voltage of the corresponding column line to a bias voltage when a column line-specific pixel is not selected to output the respective pixel signal. An analog-to-digital converter in the image sensor is configured to convert the pixel signals into digital signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Lim, Jae Hong Kim, Han Kook Cho, Dong Hun Lee, Jin Uk Jeon, Seog Heon Ham
  • Patent number: 9693001
    Abstract: A method of operating an image processing system includes storing differences between first analog pixel signals and second analog pixel signals and converting the stored differences to one-bit digital signals, the first analog pixel signals being output from a plurality of pixels and corresponding to a previous frame, and the second analog pixel signals being output from the plurality of pixels and corresponding to a current frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo Young Kim, Tae Chan Kim, Jae Cheol Yun, Seog Heon Ham
  • Publication number: 20170094204
    Abstract: A digital double sampling method, a related complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and a digital camera comprising the CMOS image sensor are disclosed. The method includes generating first digital data corresponding to an initial voltage level apparent in a pixel in response to a reset signal, inverting the first digital data, outputting a detection voltage corresponding to image data received from outside of the CMOS image sensor, and counting in synchronization with a clock signal, starting from an initial value equal to the inverted first digital data, and for an amount of time responsive to a voltage level of the detection voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: DONG-MYUNG LEE, GUN-HEE HAN, SEOG-HEON HAM
  • Patent number: 9584742
    Abstract: A method of binning pixels in an image sensor including: dividing a pixel array into a plurality of binning areas, wherein each binning area includes (2n)*(2n) pixels, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than two; and generating binning pixel data in each of the binning areas, wherein the locations of the binning pixel data of each binning area are evenly distributed within the binning area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byung-Chul Park, Won-Baek Lee, Byung-Jo Kim, Jin-Ho Seo, Seog-Heon Ham
  • Publication number: 20170019584
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including first to fourth pixels having an R, G, and B Bayer pattern. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) block converts a pixel signal of each of the first to fourth pixels into a digital pixel signal. At least one among the first to fourth pixels includes two photo diodes separated in a first direction, and at least one other of the first to fourth pixels includes two photo diodes separated in a second direction which is different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: SEOG HEON HAM
  • Patent number: 9538105
    Abstract: A digital double sampling method, a related complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and a digital camera comprising the CMOS image sensor are disclosed. The method includes generating first digital data corresponding to an initial voltage level apparent in a pixel in response to a reset signal, inverting the first digital data, outputting a detection voltage corresponding to image data received from outside of the CMOS image sensor, and counting in synchronization with a clock signal, starting from an initial value equal to the inverted first digital data, and for an amount of time responsive to a voltage level of the detection voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Myung Lee, Gun-Hee Han, Seog-Heon Ham
  • Publication number: 20160353041
    Abstract: A method of operating an image processing system includes storing differences between first analog pixel signals and second analog pixel signals and converting the stored differences to one-bit digital signals, the first analog pixel signals being output from a plurality of pixels and corresponding to a previous frame, and the second analog pixel signals being output from the plurality of pixels and corresponding to a current frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moo Young KIM, Tae Chan KIM, Jae Cheol YUN, Seog Heon HAM
  • Publication number: 20160301891
    Abstract: An image sensor and an image processing system including the same are provided. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels each connected to one of first through m-th column lines to output a pixel signal, where “m” is an integer of at least 2; analog-to-digital converters each configured to receive the pixel signal corresponding to one of the first through m-th column lines, to compare the pixel signal with a ramp signal, and to convert the pixel signal to a digital pixel signal; and a blocking circuit connected to an input terminal of at least one of the analog-to-digital converters to block an influence of an operation of others among the analog-to-digital converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Jae Hong KIM, Seung Hyun LIM, Han Kook CHO, Dong Hun LEE, Seog Heon HAM