Patents by Inventor Takuro Ohmaru
Takuro Ohmaru 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: 12058464Abstract: An imaging device with low power consumption is provided. The pixel of the imaging device includes first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and first to fifth transistors. A cathode of the first photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first transistor. An anode of a second photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the second transistor. Imaging data of a reference frame is obtained using the first photoelectric conversion element, and then imaging data of a difference detection frame is obtained using the second photoelectric conversion element. After the imaging data of the difference detection frame is obtained, a first potential that is a potential of a signal output from the pixel and a second potential that is a reference potential are compared. Whether or not there is a difference between the imaging data of the reference frame and the imaging data of the difference detection frame is determined using the first potential and the second potential.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2023Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Ohmaru, Naoto Kusumoto, Kentaro Hayashi
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Publication number: 20240250097Abstract: A solid-state imaging device with high productivity and improved dynamic range is provided. In the imaging device including a photoelectric conversion element having an i-type semiconductor layer, functional elements, and a wiring, an area where the functional elements and the wiring overlap with the i-type semiconductor in a plane view is preferably less than or equal to 35%, further preferably less than or equal to 15%, and still further preferably less than or equal to 10% of the area of the i-type semiconductor in a plane view. Plural photoelectric conversion elements are provided in the same semiconductor layer, whereby a process for separating the respective photoelectric conversion elements can be reduced. The respective i-type semiconductor layers in the plural photoelectric conversion elements are separated by a p-type semiconductor layer or an n-type semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2024Publication date: July 25, 2024Inventors: Yuki OKAMOTO, Yoshiyuki KUROKAWA, Hiroki INOUE, Takuro OHMARU
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Patent number: 11908876Abstract: A solid-state imaging device with high productivity and improved dynamic range is provided. In the imaging device including a photoelectric conversion element having an i-type semiconductor layer, functional elements, and a wiring, an area where the functional elements and the wiring overlap with the i-type semiconductor in a plane view is preferably less than or equal to 35%, further preferably less than or equal to 15%, and still further preferably less than or equal to 10% of the area of the i-type semiconductor in a plane view. Plural photoelectric conversion elements are provided in the same semiconductor layer, whereby a process for separating the respective photoelectric conversion elements can be reduced. The respective i-type semiconductor layers in the plural photoelectric conversion elements are separated by a p-type semiconductor layer or an n-type semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuki Okamoto, Yoshiyuki Kurokawa, Hiroki Inoue, Takuro Ohmaru
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Publication number: 20240015381Abstract: Provided is a novel semiconductor device, a semiconductor device with reduced area, or a versatile semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a pixel portion including a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, and a fourth pixel; a first switch and a second switch located outside the first to fourth pixels; a first wiring located outside the first to fourth pixels; a second wiring electrically connected to the first and second pixels; and a third wiring electrically connected to the third and fourth pixels. A first terminal of the first switch is electrically connected to the first wiring. A second terminal of the first switch is electrically connected to the second wiring. A first terminal of the second switch is electrically connected to the first wiring. A second terminal of the second switch is electrically connected to the third wiring.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventor: Takuro OHMARU
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Publication number: 20230396897Abstract: An imaging device with low power consumption is provided. The pixel of the imaging device includes first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and first to fifth transistors. A cathode of the first photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first transistor. An anode of a second photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the second transistor. Imaging data of a reference frame is obtained using the first photoelectric conversion element, and then imaging data of a difference detection frame is obtained using the second photoelectric conversion element. After the imaging data of the difference detection frame is obtained, a first potential that is a potential of a signal output from the pixel and a second potential that is a reference potential are compared. Whether or not there is a difference between the imaging data of the reference frame and the imaging data of the difference detection frame is determined using the first potential and the second potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Takuro OHMARU, Naoto KUSUMOTO, Kentaro HAYASHI
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Patent number: 11706545Abstract: An imaging device with low power consumption is provided. The pixel of the imaging device includes first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and first to fifth transistors. A cathode of the first photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first transistor. An anode of a second photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the second transistor. Imaging data of a reference frame is obtained using the first photoelectric conversion element, and then imaging data of a difference detection frame is obtained using the second photoelectric conversion element. After the imaging data of the difference detection frame is obtained, a first potential that is a potential of a signal output from the pixel and a second potential that is a reference potential are compared. Whether or not there is a difference between the imaging data of the reference frame and the imaging data of the difference detection frame is determined using the first potential and the second potential.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Ohmaru, Naoto Kusumoto, Kentaro Hayashi
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Publication number: 20220345655Abstract: An imaging device with low power consumption is provided. The pixel of the imaging device includes first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and first to fifth transistors. A cathode of the first photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first transistor. An anode of a second photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the second transistor. Imaging data of a reference frame is obtained using the first photoelectric conversion element, and then imaging data of a difference detection frame is obtained using the second photoelectric conversion element. After the imaging data of the difference detection frame is obtained, a first potential that is a potential of a signal output from the pixel and a second potential that is a reference potential are compared. Whether or not there is a difference between the imaging data of the reference frame and the imaging data of the difference detection frame is determined using the first potential and the second potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Takuro OHMARU, Naoto KUSUMOTO, Kentaro HAYASHI
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Patent number: 11431932Abstract: An imaging device with low power consumption is provided. The pixel of the imaging device includes first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and first to fifth transistors. A cathode of the first photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first transistor. An anode of a second photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the second transistor. Imaging data of a reference frame is obtained using the first photoelectric conversion element, and then imaging data of a difference detection frame is obtained using the second photoelectric conversion element. After the imaging data of the difference detection frame is obtained, a first potential that is a potential of a signal output from the pixel and a second potential that is a reference potential are compared. Whether or not there is a difference between the imaging data of the reference frame and the imaging data of the difference detection frame is determined using the first potential and the second potential.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Ohmaru, Naoto Kusumoto, Kentaro Hayashi
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Publication number: 20220077205Abstract: A solid-state imaging device with high productivity and improved dynamic range is provided. In the imaging device including a photoelectric conversion element having an i-type semiconductor layer, functional elements, and a wiring, an area where the functional elements and the wiring overlap with the i-type semiconductor in a plane view is preferably less than or equal to 35%, further preferably less than or equal to 15%, and still further preferably less than or equal to 10% of the area of the i-type semiconductor in a plane view. Plural photoelectric conversion elements are provided in the same semiconductor layer, whereby a process for separating the respective photoelectric conversion elements can be reduced. The respective i-type semiconductor layers in the plural photoelectric conversion elements are separated by a p-type semiconductor layer or an n-type semiconductor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Yuki OKAMOTO, Yoshiyuki KUROKAWA, Hiroki INOUE, Takuro OHMARU
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Patent number: 11205669Abstract: A solid-state imaging device with high productivity and improved dynamic range is provided. In the imaging device including a photoelectric conversion element having an i-type semiconductor layer, functional elements, and a wiring, an area where the functional elements and the wiring overlap with the i-type semiconductor in a plane view is preferably less than or equal to 35%, further preferably less than or equal to 15%, and still further preferably less than or equal to 10% of the area of the i-type semiconductor in a plane view. Plural photoelectric conversion elements are provided in the same semiconductor layer, whereby a process for separating the respective photoelectric conversion elements can be reduced. The respective i-type semiconductor layers in the plural photoelectric conversion elements are separated by a p-type semiconductor layer or an n-type semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuki Okamoto, Yoshiyuki Kurokawa, Hiroki Inoue, Takuro Ohmaru
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Patent number: 11177299Abstract: A solid-state imaging device with high productivity and improved dynamic range is provided. In the imaging device including a photoelectric conversion element having an i-type semiconductor layer, functional elements, and a wiring, an area where the functional elements and the wiring overlap with the i-type semiconductor in a plane view is preferably less than or equal to 35%, further preferably less than or equal to 15%, and still further preferably less than or equal to 10% of the area of the i-type semiconductor in a plane view. Plural photoelectric conversion elements are provided in the same semiconductor layer, whereby a process for separating the respective photoelectric conversion elements can be reduced. The respective i-type semiconductor layers in the plural photoelectric conversion elements are separated by a p-type semiconductor layer or an n-type semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuki Okamoto, Yoshiyuki Kurokawa, Hiroki Inoue, Takuro Ohmaru
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Publication number: 20210314517Abstract: An imaging device with low power consumption is provided. The pixel of the imaging device includes first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and first to fifth transistors. A cathode of the first photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first transistor. An anode of a second photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the second transistor. Imaging data of a reference frame is obtained using the first photoelectric conversion element, and then imaging data of a difference detection frame is obtained using the second photoelectric conversion element. After the imaging data of the difference detection frame is obtained, a first potential that is a potential of a signal output from the pixel and a second potential that is a reference potential are compared. Whether or not there is a difference between the imaging data of the reference frame and the imaging data of the difference detection frame is determined using the first potential and the second potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Takuro OHMARU, Naoto KUSUMOTO, Kentaro HAYASHI
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Patent number: 10992891Abstract: An imaging device with low power consumption is provided. The pixel of the imaging device includes first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and first to fifth transistors. A cathode of the first photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first transistor. An anode of a second photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the second transistor. Imaging data of a reference frame is obtained using the first photoelectric conversion element, and then imaging data of a difference detection frame is obtained using the second photoelectric conversion element. After the imaging data of the difference detection frame is obtained, a first potential that is a potential of a signal output from the pixel and a second potential that is a reference potential are compared. Whether or not there is a difference between the imaging data of the reference frame and the imaging data of the difference detection frame is determined using the first potential and the second potential.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Ohmaru, Naoto Kusumoto, Kentaro Hayashi
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Publication number: 20210051291Abstract: An imaging device that has a structure where a transistor is used in common by a plurality of pixels and is capable of imaging with a global shutter system is provided. A transistor that resets the potential of a charge detection portion, a transistor that outputs a signal corresponding to the potential of the charge detection portion, and a transistor that selects a pixel are used in common by the plurality of pixels. A node AN (a first charge retention portion), a node FD (a second charge retention portion), and a node FDX (the charge detection portion) are provided. Imaging data obtained in the node AN is transferred to the node FD, and the imaging data is sequentially transferred from the node FD to the node FDX to be read.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Takuro OHMARU, Naoto KUSUMOTO
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Patent number: 10917597Abstract: An imaging device that has a structure where a transistor is used in common by a plurality of pixels and is capable of imaging with a global shutter system is provided. A transistor that resets the potential of a charge detection portion, a transistor that outputs a signal corresponding to the potential of the charge detection portion, and a transistor that selects a pixel are used in common by the plurality of pixels. A node AN (a first charge retention portion), a node FD (a second charge retention portion), and a node FDX (the charge detection portion) are provided. Imaging data obtained in the node AN is transferred to the node FD, and the imaging data is sequentially transferred from the node FD to the node FDX to be read.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Ohmaru, Naoto Kusumoto
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Patent number: 10896923Abstract: An imaging device that has a structure where a transistor is used in common by a plurality of pixels and is capable of imaging with a global shutter system is provided. A transistor that resets the potential of a charge detection portion, a transistor that outputs a signal corresponding to the potential of the charge detection portion, and a transistor that selects a pixel are used in common by the plurality of pixels. A node AN (a first charge retention portion), a node FD (a second charge retention portion), and a node FDX (the charge detection portion) are provided. Imaging data obtained in the node AN is transferred to the node FD, and the imaging data is sequentially transferred from the node FD to the node FDX to be read.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuro Ohmaru, Naoto Kusumoto
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Publication number: 20200304691Abstract: Provided is a novel semiconductor device, a semiconductor device with reduced area, or a versatile semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a pixel portion including a first pixel, a second pixel, a third pixel, and a fourth pixel; a first switch and a second switch located outside the first to fourth pixels; a first wiring located outside the first to fourth pixels; a second wiring electrically connected to the first and second pixels; and a third wiring electrically connected to the third and fourth pixels. A first terminal of the first switch is electrically connected to the first wiring. A second terminal of the first switch is electrically connected to the second wiring. A first terminal of the second switch is electrically connected to the first wiring. A second terminal of the second switch is electrically connected to the third wiring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventor: Takuro OHMARU
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Publication number: 20200212094Abstract: An imaging device that has a structure where a transistor is used in common by a plurality of pixels and is capable of imaging with a global shutter system is provided. A transistor that resets the potential of a charge detection portion, a transistor that outputs a signal corresponding to the potential of the charge detection portion, and a transistor that selects a pixel are used in common by the plurality of pixels. A node AN (a first charge retention portion), a node FD (a second charge retention portion), and a node FDX (the charge detection portion) are provided. Imaging data obtained in the node AN is transferred to the node FD, and the imaging data is sequentially transferred from the node FD to the node FDX to be read.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORYCO., LTD.Inventors: Takuro Ohmaru, Naoto Kusumoto
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Patent number: 10498980Abstract: An imaging device that has a high degree of freedom for exposure time and is capable of taking an image with little distortion is provided. In an n-th frame period where n is a natural number of two or more, a potential of a first charge accumulation portion is reset; the first charge accumulation portion is charged with a potential in accordance with an output of a photoelectric conversion element and simultaneously, imaging data in the (n?1)-th frame that is output in accordance with a potential of a second charge accumulation portion is read; a potential of the second charge accumulation portion is reset; a potential of the first charge accumulation portion is transferred to the second charge accumulation portion, and a potential of the second charge accumulation portion is held. Through the steps, the degree of freedom for an exposure period is increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takuro Ohmaru
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Publication number: 20190355770Abstract: An imaging device with low power consumption is provided. The pixel of the imaging device includes first and second photoelectric conversion elements, and first to fifth transistors. A cathode of the first photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the first transistor. An anode of a second photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the second transistor. Imaging data of a reference frame is obtained using the first photoelectric conversion element, and then imaging data of a difference detection frame is obtained using the second photoelectric conversion element. After the imaging data of the difference detection frame is obtained, a first potential that is a potential of a signal output from the pixel and a second potential that is a reference potential are compared. Whether or not there is a difference between the imaging data of the reference frame and the imaging data of the difference detection frame is determined using the first potential and the second potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Takuro OHMARU, Naoto KUSUMOTO, Kentaro HAYASHI