Patents by Inventor Tatsuki Nishino
Tatsuki Nishino 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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Publication number: 20210325538Abstract: The present technology relates to a light receiving element and a ranging system to reduce power consumption. A light receiving element includes a pixel which includes an SPAD, a first transistor configured to set a cathode voltage of the SPAD at a first negative voltage, a voltage conversion circuit configured to convert the cathode voltage of the SPAD upon incidence of a photon and output the converted cathode voltage, and an output unit configured to output a detection signal indicating the incidence of the photon on the SPAD on the basis of the converted cathode voltage. The present technology is applicable to a ranging system that detects a range in a depth direction to a subject, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2019Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventor: TATSUKI NISHINO
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Patent number: 11114498Abstract: An image signal output unit is controlled in accordance with a first control signal indicating either voltage state of an on voltage for causing a conductive state and an off voltage having a polarity different from that of the on voltage, and outputs an analog image signal corresponding to the electric charge held by an electric charge holding unit in the conductive state. A reset unit is controlled in accordance with a second control signal indicating either voltage state of the on voltage and the off voltage, resets the electric charge holding unit in the conductive state, transmits a fluctuation in the off voltage to the electric charge holding unit, and fluctuates the analog image signal. A reference signal generation unit generates a reference signal being a signal serving as a reference used when conversion from an analog image signal output from the image signal output unit into a digital image signal is performed.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Yosuke Ueno, Yusuke Moriyama, Shizunori Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20210208280Abstract: The present disclosure has an objective of providing a time measurement apparatus that enables reduction in power consumption. A time measurement apparatus (1) of the present disclosure includes: a pixel (PZ) that includes a light receiving element (31) and is configured to generate a pulse signal (a pixel signal SIG) including a logic pulse on the basis of a light reception result in the light receiving element; a timing detector (a counter section 123) configured to detect a light reception timing in the light receiving element on the basis of the pulse signal; a pulse number detector (a time measurement section 124) configured to detect a pulse number of the logic pulse included in the pulse signal; and a controller (27) configured to control, on the basis of the pulse number, an operation of a light source (11) outputting a plurality of light pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2019Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventor: TATSUKI NISHINO
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Publication number: 20200314375Abstract: To control an excess bias to an appropriate value in a light detection device. A solid-state image sensor includes a photodiode, a resistor, and a control circuit. In this solid-state image sensor, the photodiode photoelectrically converts incident light and outputs a photocurrent. Furthermore, in the solid-state image sensor, the resistor is connected to a cathode of the photodiode. Furthermore, in the solid-state image sensor, the control circuit supplies a lower potential to an anode of the photodiode as a potential of the cathode of when the photocurrent flows through the resistor is higher.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2018Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Hiroki Hiyama, Shizunori Matsumoto, Takahiro Miura, Akihiko Miyanohara, Tomohiro Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20200295079Abstract: An image signal output unit is controlled in accordance with a first control signal indicating either voltage state of an on voltage for causing a conductive state and an off voltage having a polarity different from that of the on voltage, and outputs an analog image signal corresponding to the electric charge held by an electric charge holding unit in the conductive state. A reset unit is controlled in accordance with a second control signal indicating either voltage state of the on voltage and the off voltage, resets the electric charge holding unit in the conductive state, transmits a fluctuation in the off voltage to the electric charge holding unit, and fluctuates the analog image signal. A reference signal generation unit generates a reference signal being a signal serving as a reference used when conversion from an analog image signal output from the image signal output unit into a digital image signal is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: TATSUKI NISHINO, YOSUKE UENO, YUSUKE MORIYAMA, SHIZUNORI MATSUMOTO
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Publication number: 20200296313Abstract: This technology relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging system for improving the accuracy of distance measurement performed by use of SPADs. The imaging apparatus includes a pixel array section having pixel sections arrayed therein. Each pixel section includes: an SPAD (single photon avalanche photodiode); a resistance component configured to be connected serially with the SPAD; an output section configured to output a light reception signal indicating photon incidence on the SPAD; and a pulse generation section configured to output a pulse signal in synchronism with the output of the light reception signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2018Publication date: September 17, 2020Applicant: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Tatsuki Nishino
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Patent number: 10707264Abstract: To prevent a decline in image quality by reducing a fluctuation in an image signal that is based on a fluctuation in a voltage of a negative voltage power source. An image signal output unit is controlled in accordance with a first control signal indicating either voltage state of an on voltage for causing a conductive state and an off voltage having a polarity different from that of the on voltage, and outputs an analog image signal corresponding to the electric charge held by an electric charge holding unit in the conductive state. A reset unit is controlled in accordance with a second control signal indicating either voltage state of the on voltage and the off voltage, resets the electric charge holding unit in the conductive state, transmits a fluctuation in the off voltage to the electric charge holding unit, and fluctuates the analog image signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Yosuke Ueno, Yusuke Moriyama, Shizunori Matsumoto
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Patent number: 10694124Abstract: The present technique relates to an image pickup element and an electronic apparatus which enable a higher-quality image to be obtained. An image pickup element includes an input sense portion configured to produce a noise correction signal portion includes a first transistor and a second transistor configuring a current mirror circuit, a switch provided between a gate of the first transistor and a gate of the second transistor, and a capacitive element one electrode of which is connected between the switch and the gate of the second transistor on an output side of the current mirror circuit, and the other electrode of which is connected to the predetermined power source.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Yosuke Ueno, Yusuke Moriyama, Shizunori Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20190288029Abstract: To prevent a decline in image quality by reducing a fluctuation in an image signal that is based on a fluctuation in a voltage of a negative voltage power source. An image signal output unit is controlled in accordance with a first control signal indicating either voltage state of an on voltage for causing a conductive state and an off voltage having a polarity different from that of the on voltage, and outputs an analog image signal corresponding to the electric charge held by an electric charge holding unit in the conductive state. A reset unit is controlled in accordance with a second control signal indicating either voltage state of the on voltage and the off voltage, resets the electric charge holding unit in the conductive state, transmits a fluctuation in the off voltage to the electric charge holding unit, and fluctuates the analog image signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: TATSUKI NISHINO, YOSUKE UENO, YUSUKE MORIYAMA, SHIZUNORI MATSUMOTO
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Patent number: 10237502Abstract: To reduce fluctuations in image signals when the voltage of a negative power supply supplied to pixels changes. A pixel operates based on a first ground potential applied to a first ground line and outputs an analog image signal according to emitted light. An analog-digital converter operates based on a second ground potential applied to a second ground line, the second ground potential higher than the first ground potential, and converts the analog image signal into a digital image signal based on a reference voltage as a standard for the conversion. A reference voltage generation unit operates based on the second ground potential and generates the reference voltage. A reference voltage correction unit corrects the reference voltage generated according to a change in the first ground potential and supplies the reference voltage to the analog-digital converter.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Yosuke Ueno, Yusuke Ikeda, Yusuke Moriyama, Shizunori Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20190068902Abstract: The present technique relates to an image pickup element and an electronic apparatus which enable a higher-quality image to be obtained. An image pickup element includes an input sense portion configured to produce a noise correction signal for correcting a noise generated in a predetermined power source. The input sense portion includes a first transistor and a second transistor configuring a current mirror circuit, a switch provided between a gate of the first transistor and a gate of the second transistor, and a capacitive element one electrode of which is connected between the switch and the gate of the second transistor on an output side of the current mirror circuit, and the other electrode of which is connected to the predetermined power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Tatsuki NISHINO, Yosuke UENO, Yusuke MORIYAMA, Shizunori MATSUMOTO
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Patent number: 10194107Abstract: To reduce fluctuations in image signals when the voltage of a negative power supply supplied to pixels changes. A pixel operates based on a first ground potential applied to a first ground line and outputs an analog image signal according to emitted light. An analog-digital converter operates based on a second ground potential applied to a second ground line, the second ground potential higher than the first ground potential, and converts the analog image signal into a digital image signal based on a reference voltage as a standard for the conversion. A reference voltage generation unit operates based on the second ground potential and generates the reference voltage. A reference voltage correction unit corrects the reference voltage generated according to a change in the first ground potential and supplies the reference voltage to the analog-digital converter.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Yosuke Ueno, Yusuke Ikeda, Yusuke Moriyama, Shizunori Matsumoto
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Patent number: 9959836Abstract: An image output apparatus includes a light emitting unit, a power supplying unit, and a control unit. The light emitting unit is configured to emit a laser beam. The power supplying unit is configured to supply power to the light emitting unit at a predetermined voltage. The control unit is configured to control the power supplying unit to supply the power to the light emitting unit in a predetermined period at the voltage associated with a peak light emission amount of the light emitting unit in image data for the predetermined period.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Susumu Seino
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Publication number: 20180103223Abstract: To reduce fluctuations in image signals when the voltage of a negative power supply supplied to pixels changes. A pixel operates based on a first ground potential applied to a first ground line and outputs an analog image signal according to emitted light. An analog-digital converter operates based on a second ground potential applied to a second ground line, the second ground potential higher than the first ground potential, and converts the analog image signal into a digital image signal based on a reference voltage as a standard for the conversion. A reference voltage generation unit operates based on the second ground potential and generates the reference voltage. A reference voltage correction unit corrects the reference voltage generated according to a change in the first ground potential and supplies the reference voltage to the analog-digital converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Tatsuki NISHINO, Yosuke UENO, Yusuke IKEDA, Yusuke MORIYAMA, Shizunori MATSUMOTO
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Publication number: 20180084211Abstract: To reduce fluctuations in image signals when the voltage of a negative power supply supplied to pixels changes. A pixel operates based on a first ground potential applied to a first ground line and outputs an analog image signal according to emitted light. An analog-digital converter operates based on a second ground potential applied to a second ground line, the second ground potential higher than the first ground potential, and converts the analog image signal into a digital image signal based on a reference voltage as a standard for the conversion. A reference voltage generation unit operates based on the second ground potential and generates the reference voltage. A reference voltage correction unit corrects the reference voltage generated according to a change in the first ground potential and supplies the reference voltage to the analog-digital converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2016Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Tatsuki NISHINO, Yosuke UENO, Yusuke IKEDA, Yusuke MORIYAMA, Shizunori MATSUMOTO
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Patent number: 9105219Abstract: A light emitting element drive device includes: a light emitting section having a light emitting element; output capacitance capable of storing power supplied to the light emitting section; a driver connected between the light emitting section and a reference potential and including a switch section whose conductive state is controlled by a pulse-like lighting signal depending on magnitude of a load current and a constant current source section connected in series to the switch section; and a power supply controller being a power supply that provides drive power to the light emitting section and including a function to adjust an output current supplied to the output capacitance. The power supply controller changes the supply amount of the output current for the light emitting section from the power supply controller based on load current information that is necessary peak power of the light emitting section.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Yasushi Katayama, Makoto Kobori, Yoshiki Oyama
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Publication number: 20140125715Abstract: An image output apparatus includes a light emitting unit, a power supplying unit, and a control unit. The light emitting unit is configured to emit a laser beam. The power supplying unit is configured to supply power to the light emitting unit at a predetermined voltage. The control unit is configured to control the power supplying unit to supply the power to the light emitting unit in a predetermined period at the voltage associated with a peak light emission amount of the light emitting unit in image data for the predetermined period.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Susumu Seino
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Publication number: 20130249972Abstract: A light emitting element drive device includes: a light emitting section having a light emitting element; output capacitance capable of storing power supplied to the light emitting section; a driver connected between the light emitting section and a reference potential and including a switch section whose conductive state is controlled by a pulse-like lighting signal depending on magnitude of a load current and a constant current source section connected in series to the switch section; and a power supply controller being a power supply that provides drive power to the light emitting section and including a function to adjust an output current supplied to the output capacitance. The power supply controller changes the supply amount of the output current for the light emitting section from the power supply controller based on load current information that is necessary peak power of the light emitting section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Tatsuki Nishino, Yasushi Katayama, Makoto Kobori, Yoshiki Oyama
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Patent number: 8427078Abstract: A light-emitting element driving device includes: a plurality of light emitters; a power supply; a plurality of current control transistors; a plurality of constant-current circuits; a voltage selecting circuit; a control circuit; and a voltage controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiro Naito, Yasushi Katayama, Tatsuki Nishino
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Patent number: 8305785Abstract: Power source apparatus utilizing a synchronous rectification system including a main transformer having a primary coil, and two secondary coils connected to each other by a tap mutually electromagnetically coupled to the primary coil. The power source apparatus includes a gate driver generating a first drive signal and a second drive signal to a gate of a first field effect transistor and to a gate of a second field effect transistor, respectively. The first field effect transistor and the second field effect transistor are turned on and off alternative by the gate driver.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Tatsuki Nishino