Charge-coupled Architecture Patents (Class 348/311)
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Patent number: 11962749Abstract: A method and system for aligning exposure center points of multiple cameras in a VR system are provided. The method includes: acquiring image data of a first type frame according to a preset frame rate; adjusting VTS data of the first type frame, the VTS data changing with the change of the exposure parameters so as to fix a time interval between an exposure center point of the first type frame and an FSIN synchronization signal in a VR system; acquiring image data of a second type frame according to the preset frame rate; and adjusting VTS data of the second type frame according to the VTS data of the first type frame, and fixing a time interval between an exposure center point of the second type frame and the FSIN synchronization signal so as to complete the alignment of exposure center points of the cameras.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: QINGDAO PICO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiuzhi Zhang, Hongwei Zhou, Guanghui Liu, Hengjiang Guo
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Patent number: 11948270Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for feedback on and improving the accuracy of super-resolution imaging. In some embodiments, a low resolution image of a specimen can be obtained using a low resolution objective of a microscopy inspection system. A super-resolution image of at least a portion of the specimen can be generated from the low resolution image of the specimen using a super-resolution image simulation. Subsequently, an accuracy assessment of the super-resolution image can be identified based on one or more degrees of equivalence between the super-resolution image and one or more actually scanned high resolution images of at least a portion of one or more related specimens identified using a simulated image classifier. Based on the accuracy assessment of the super-resolution image, it can be determined whether to further process the super-resolution image. The super-resolution image can be further processed if it is determined to further process the super-resolution image.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2023Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Nanotronics Imaging , Inc.Inventors: Matthew C. Putman, John B. Putman, Vadim Pinskiy, Joseph R. Succar
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Patent number: 11914105Abstract: A camera optical lens is provided, including, from an object side to an image side in sequence: a first, second, third, fourth and fifth lens respectively having positive, negative, negative, positive and negative refractive power, which satisfies conditions: ?0.17?f1/f2??0.12; 1.80?d1/d2?2.20; 0.15?d6/d8?0.20; 8.00?(R3+R4)/(R3?R4)?10.00. f1 and f2 respectively denote focal length of the first and second lens; d1 denotes on-axis thickness of the first lens; d2, d6 and d8 respectively denote on-axis distance from image-side surface of the first lens to object-side surface of the second lens, from image-side surface of the third lens to object-side surface of the fourth lens and from image-side surface of the fourth lens to object-side surface of the fifth lens; R3 and R4 respectively denote curvature radius of object-side surface and image-side surface of the second lens. The camera optical lens can satisfy design requirement of large aperture, wide-angle and ultra-thinness while having good optical functions.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: AAC Optics Solutions Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Zhanli Guo, Hiroyuki Teraoka, Wen Sun
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Patent number: 11906353Abstract: In one example, an apparatus comprises a photodiode, a charge storage unit, and a processing circuits configured to: transfer overflow charge from the photodiode to the charge storage unit to develop a first voltage; compare the first voltage against a first ramping threshold voltage to generate a first decision; generate, based on the first decision, a first digital value; transfer residual charge from the photodiode to the charge storage unit to develop a second voltage; compare the second voltage against a static threshold voltage to determine whether the photodiode saturates to generate a second decision; compare the second voltage against a second ramping threshold voltage to generate a third decision; generate, based on the third decision, a second digital value; and output, based on the second decision, one of the first digital value or the second digital value to represent an intensity of light received by the photodiode.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: Xinqiao Liu, Song Chen, Andrew Samuel Berkovich, Wei Gao
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Patent number: 11877083Abstract: A solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes two or more pixels. The pixels each include a photoelectric converter, a charge holding section, and a transfer transistor. The charge holding section holds electric charge transferred from the photoelectric converter. The transfer transistor transfers electric charge from the photoelectric converter to the charge holding section. The pixels each further include a light blocking section that is disposed in a layer between the photoelectric converter and the charge holding section. The light blocking section has an opening which a vertical gate runs through. The pixels each further include a charge blocking section that blocks transfer of electric charge to the transfer transistor via a region between an edge, of the opening, closer to the charge holding section and the vertical gate.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventors: Shuji Manda, Atsushi Okuyama, Tomoyuki Hirano
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Patent number: 11869913Abstract: A pixel array of an image sensor includes a plurality of pixel groups. Each pixel group includes a plurality of unit pixels adjacent to each other and respectively including photoelectric conversion elements disposed in a semiconductor substrate, a color filter shared by the plurality of unit pixels, and a plurality of microlenses disposed on the color filter and having sizes different from each other such that the plurality of microlenses respectively focus an incident light to the photoelectric conversion elements included in the plurality of unit pixels. Deviations of sensing sensitivity of unit pixels are reduced and quality of images captured by the image sensor is enhanced by adjusting sizes of microlenses.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Dongmin Keum, Taehan Kim, Bumsuk Kim, Junsung Park, Kwanghee Lee, Yunki Lee
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Patent number: 11832796Abstract: An imaging module includes an imager having an optical member on a light receiving surface, an electronic component having a front surface facing the same direction as the one to which an incidence surface of the optical member faces, a resin portion that has a first surface flush with the incidence surface of the optical member and the front surface of the electronic component, and a second surface that is a surface on a side opposite to the first surface while having the imager and the electronic component being embedded therein such that the incidence surface and the front surface are exposed to the first surface, an external connection terminal provided on the second surface, and a through wiring that extends through the resin portion to connect at least one of the imager and the electronic component with the external connection terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Takuro Suyama
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Patent number: 11792549Abstract: An image sensor including: a pixel array including pixels each pixel including a photoelectric conversion element, a transmission transistor to transmit photocharges generated by the photoelectric conversion element to a floating diffusion node, and a reset transistor to reset the floating diffusion node based on a pixel power voltage; and a row driver to control the pixels, wherein the row driver includes a transmission control signal generator to provide a transmission control signal to the transmission transistor, wherein the transmission control signal generator includes: a first transistor to which a first voltage is applied; a second transistor connected to the first transistor; a third transistor to which a second voltage is applied, the second voltage being higher than the first voltage; and a fourth transistor connected to the third transistor, wherein an ON resistance of the second transistor is different from an ON resistance of the first transistor.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Eunsub Shim
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Patent number: 11783767Abstract: A display driving circuit includes a light emitting assembly which includes a first control switch having a first terminal connected to a cathode of the light emitting unit, a second terminal connected to a common terminal, and a control terminal connected to a first signal wire to provide a first control signal and a second control switch having a first terminal connected to a charging terminal, a second terminal connected to an anode of the light emitting unit and a control terminal connected to a second signal wire to provide a second control signal. When the light emitting unit is turned off, the first control switch disconnects the cathode of the light emitting unit and the common terminal in response to the first control signal, and the second control switch disconnects the anode of the light emitting unit and the charging terminal in response to the second control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2023Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: HKC CORPORATION LIMITEDInventors: Xiangheng Liu, Jun Shi, Tingting Yang, Chunyan Li, Yun Lin, Zhihao Wang, Haijiang Yuan
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Patent number: 11770629Abstract: The signal quality of a solid-state imaging element configured to detect address events is enhanced. The solid-state imaging element has open pixels and light-blocked pixels arrayed therein. In the solid-state imaging element, the open pixels each detect whether or not an amount of change in incident light amount exceeds a predetermined threshold, and output a detection signal indicating a result of the detection. On the other hand, in the solid-state imaging element, the light-blocked pixels each output a correction signal based on an amount of noise generated in the open pixels each configured to detect whether or not an amount of change in incident light amount exceeds the predetermined threshold and to output a detection signal indicating a result of the detection.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Shin Kitano
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Patent number: 11758744Abstract: An organic device comprising first and second conductive line, an insulator arranged above the first and second conductive lines, a first electrode arranged above the insulator, an organic layer arranged above the first electrode, a second electrode arranged above the organic layer, a first via including a first conductor connecting the first conductive line and the first electrode, and a second via including a second conductor connecting the second conductive line and the second electrode, is provided. An upper portion of the first via is filled with the first conductor. An upper portion of the second via includes a region which is not filled with the second conductor and covered by the second conductor. An inner wall of the second conductor along the second via includes a region without the organic layer in contact with the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuo Takahashi, Norifumi Kajimoto
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Patent number: 11739881Abstract: A gimbal control method includes determining a current state of a follow-configuration button, determining a current follow coefficient based on the current state of the follow-configuration button, and controlling a gimbal to follow a target object according to the current coefficient. The follow-configuration button corresponds to a plurality of states, and each state corresponds to a different follow coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Tie Su
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Patent number: 11719738Abstract: A circuital system that includes a differential low-pass filter having a differential output and operable in a first voltage domain. Some embodiments include a differential integrator including a differential input and a differential output, and operable in a second voltage domain different from the first voltage domain. Some embodiments include a pair of AC coupling capacitors coupling the differential output of the differential low-pass filter to the differential input of the differential integrator.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ali Fazli Yeknami, Younghoon Song
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Patent number: 11701080Abstract: Provided is a radiographic imaging device including: a first hardware processor; a sensor that includes multiple semiconductor elements arranged two-dimensionally and multiple switch elements respectively connected to the semiconductor elements; a gate driver that causes each of the switch elements of the sensor to switch between a conductive state and non-conductive state so as to release charge from each of the semiconductor elements; and a reader that performs readout of a signal value according to an amount of the charge released by the each of the semiconductor elements of the sensor. The first hardware processor sets an imaging condition that affects a dose of radiation reaching the sensor, selects a gate readout pattern according to the set imaging condition among different gate readout patterns, and drives the gate driver and the reader using the selected gate readout pattern.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventor: Keisuke Koeda
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Patent number: 11699720Abstract: Example embodiments relate to image sensors for time delay and integration imaging and methods for imaging using an array of photo-sensitive elements. One example image sensor for time delay and integration imaging includes an array of photo-sensitive elements that includes a plurality of photo-sensitive elements arranged in rows and columns of the array. Each photo-sensitive element includes an active layer configured to generate charges in response to incident light on the active layer. Each photo-sensitive element also includes a charge transport layer. Further, each photo-sensitive element includes at least a first and a second gate, each separated by a dielectric material from the charge transport layer. The array of photo-sensitive elements is configured such that the second gate of a first photo-sensitive element and the first gate of a second photo-sensitive element in a direction along a column of the array are configured to control transfer of charges.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: IMEC VZWInventors: Pierre Boulenc, Jiwon Lee
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Patent number: 11683591Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a controller that performs first synchronization control of outputting a first synchronization signal at a first timing after receiving an instruction of continuous imaging, outputting a second synchronization signal at a second timing after elapse of a first time period from the first timing, and outputting the second synchronization signal every time a second time period longer than the first time period elapses after the second timing; and an imaging unit that starts reading of a signal from an imaging element by a rolling shutter method at a third timing at which an input of the second synchronization signal is received after the second timing, and starts exposure of the imaging element by the rolling shutter method at a fourth timing before the third timing so that an interval between the fourth and third timings is equal to a length of an exposure time period.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Yoshinori Furuta
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Patent number: 11678081Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit including a plurality of pixels, respectively including photoelectric converters and charge accumulation nodes that accumulate signal charge. The imaging unit outputs image data based on signals corresponding to the signal charge accumulated in the charge accumulators. The imaging device includes an image processing unit that processes the image data output by the imaging unit. The imaging unit sequentially outputs a plurality of pieces of image data in one frame period by performing readout nondestructively. The image processing unit generates difference image data by determining a difference between two pieces of image data, selects output image data from initial image data and the difference image data, and combines the output image data and normal readout image data included in the plurality of pieces of image data, to generate combination-result image data.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2022Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEVENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Yusuke Okada
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Patent number: 11653101Abstract: An imaging system includes an image sensor configured to obtain first image data, based on a received light; and a processing circuit configured to determine an operating mode of the image sensor, among a first mode and a second mode, based on an illumination and a dynamic range corresponding to the obtained first image data. The image sensor includes a first sub-pixel configured to sense a target light corresponding to a target color, in the first mode, convert the target light sensed during a first exposure time, into a first signal, and in the second mode, convert the target light sensed during a second exposure time longer than the first exposure time, into a second signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jeongguk Lee, Yunseok Choi, Jaeseong Yu, Sangwoo Lee, Yongchul Lee
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Patent number: 11627264Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a pixel unit having pixels arranged to form rows and columns, each including a transfer transistor that transfers charge in a photoelectric converter to an output unit, and a pixel control unit that controls the pixels. The pixel control unit is configured to supply a control signal in accordance with an exposure period individually defined for pixel blocks of the pixel unit to pixels of each pixel block and read out, from each pixel, a first signal obtained when the photoelectric converter is in a reset state and a second signal based on charge accumulated in the photoelectric converter during the exposure period. A period excluding both the exposure period and a readout period of the second signal corresponds to a reset period of the photoelectric converter. The transfer transistor is off in a readout period of the first and second signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinya Igarashi, Noriyuki Shikina
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Patent number: 11627275Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of pixels in a two-dimensional array. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts incident light into electric charge, and a charge holding element that receives the electric charge from the photoelectric conversion element, and transfers the electric charge to a corresponding floating diffusion. The charge holding element further includes a plurality of electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Takeshi Takeda
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Patent number: 11553144Abstract: Provided is an imaging unit including an imaging section that includes a pixel capable of performing charge accumulation a plurality of times in response to an imaging instruction for generating one frame of image data; a storage section that stores a pixel signal based on output from the pixel; an updating section that updates the pixel signal already stored in the storage section by performing an integration process to integrate the pixel signal output from the pixel as a result of a new charge accumulation and the pixel signal already stored in the storage section; and a control section that controls whether the updating section performs the update, for each of a plurality of pixel groups that each include one or more pixels.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Takashi Kuriyama
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Patent number: 11516433Abstract: The development of a region of interest (ROI) video frame that includes only ROIs of interest and not other elements and providing the ROI video frames in a single video stream simplifies the development of gallery view continuous presence displays. ROI position and size information metadata can be provided or subpicture concepts of the particular codec can be used to separate the ROIs in the ROI video frame. Metadata can provide perspective/distortion correction values, speaker status and any other information desired about the participant or other ROI, such as name. Only a single encoder and a single decoder is needed, simplifying both transmitting and receiving endpoints. Only a single video stream is needed, reducing bandwidth requirements. As each participant can be individually isolated, the participants can be provided in similar sizes and laid out as desired in a continuous presence display that is pleasing to view.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: PLANTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Yong Yan, Stephen C. Botzko, Jian David Wang
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Patent number: 11482400Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of training a network for reconstructing and/or segmenting microscopic images comprising the step of training the network in the cloud. Further, for training the network in the cloud training data comprising microscopic images can be uploaded into the cloud and a network is trained by the microscopic images. Moreover, for training the network the network can be benchmarked after the reconstructing and/or segmenting of the microscopic images. Wherein for benchmarking the network the quality of the image(s) having undergone the reconstructing and/or segmenting by the network can be compared with the quality of the image(s) having undergone reconstructing and/or segmenting by already known algorithm and/or a second network.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Inventors: Remco Schoenmakers, Maurice Peeman, Faysal Boughorbel, Pavel Potocek
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Patent number: 11451415Abstract: Signals sent to a memory component are received by circuitry included in the memory component. The circuitry comprises a comparator circuit to process the received signals. The circuitry further comprises a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit coupled to the comparator circuit to increase bandwidth and reduce interference in the received signals processed by the comparator circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Taylor Loftsgaarden, Ming-ta Hsieh
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Patent number: 11442170Abstract: An image sensor including a pixel array which includes pixels for sensing a reflected signal, incident on the pixel array to form reflected light spots separated from each other. Each pixel includes a photodetector and a readout circuit. The photodetector is configured to detect the reflected signal and output a photo response signal. The readout circuit is configured to generate a pixel output according to the photo response signal. The pixels include a first pixel and a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel along a first predetermined direction. The readout circuit of the first pixel is adjacent to the photodetector of the second pixel along the first predetermined direction, and adjacent to the photodetector of the first pixel along a second predetermined direction perpendicular to the first predetermined direction. The pixel array has a small pixel pitch and a high fill factor.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Meng-Ta Yang
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Patent number: 11437417Abstract: The first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit each include a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type disposed at a first depth, a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type disposed at a second depth, a third semiconductor region of the first conductivity type disposed at a third depth, and a fourth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type disposed at a fourth depth. An impurity concentration of the second semiconductor region of the first photoelectric conversion unit and an impurity concentration of the second semiconductor region of the second photoelectric conversion unit are different at the second depth.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takashi Matsuda
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Patent number: 11375136Abstract: The present technology relates to an imaging device, a method of driving the same, and an electronic instrument capable of improving functions by using high-speed readout in a period shorter than the output cycle of an image. An imaging device includes a pixel array unit in which pixels are arranged in a matrix, and a control unit that controls image readout by the pixel array unit. The control unit causes the pixel array unit to perform image readout twice or more within a cycle of outputting one image to the outside. The present technology can be applied to an imaging device or the like including a memory area, for example.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Norihiro Ichimaru, Masao Zen
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Patent number: 11367794Abstract: A solid-state image pickup unit includes: a substrate made of a first semiconductor; a substrate made of a first semiconductor; a photoelectric conversion device provided on the substrate and including a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode in order from the substrate; and a plurality of field-effect transistors configured to perform signal reading from the photoelectric conversion device. The plurality of transistors include a transfer transistor and an amplification transistor, the transfer transistor includes an active layer containing a second semiconductor with a larger band gap than that of the first semiconductor, and one terminal of a source and a drain of the transfer transistor also serves the first electrode or the second electrode of the photoelectric conversion device, and the other terminal of the transfer transistor is connected to a gate of the amplification transistor.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Tetsuji Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 11330220Abstract: Shared-readout pixels conventionally disposed in two or more physical columns of a pixel array are spatially interleaved (merged) within a single physical column to yield a pixel array in which each physical pixel column includes two or more logical columns of shared-readout pixels coupled to respective logical-column output lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Gigajot Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jiaju Ma, Saleh Masoodian
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Patent number: 11322536Abstract: An image sensor is disclosed. The image sensor may include a plurality of unit pixels, a color filter array provided on the plurality unit pixels, the color filter array including color filters, an anti-reflection layer disposed between the plurality of unit pixels and the color filter array, and a fence pattern including a lower portion buried in the anti-reflection layer and an upper portion separating the color filters from each other. A width of the upper portion of the fence pattern may be greater than a width of the lower portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hongki Kim, Donghyun Kim, Minkyung Kim, Minkwan Kim
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Patent number: 11315968Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a first photodiode made up of a first first-electroconductive-type semiconductor region formed on a first principal face side of a semiconductor substrate, and a first second-electroconductive-type semiconductor region formed within the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the first first-electroconductive-type semiconductor region; a second photodiode made up of a second first-electroconductive-type semiconductor region formed on a second principal face side of the semiconductor substrate, and a second second-electroconductive-type semiconductor region formed within the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the second first-electroconductive-type semiconductor region; and a gate electrode formed on the first principal face side of the semiconductor substrate; with impurity concentration of a connection face between the second first-electroconductive-type semiconductor region and the second second-electroconductive-type semiconductor region being equal to or greater than imType: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hideo Kido, Takayuki Enomoto, Hideaki Togashi
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Patent number: 11310444Abstract: Provided is a solid-state image pickup element that includes a pixel, a light-receiving-surface-sided trench, and a light-receiving-surface-sided shielding member. A plurality of protrusions is formed on the light-receiving surface of the pixel in the solid-state image pickup element. In addition, the light-receiving-surface-sided trench is formed around the pixel having the plurality of protrusions formed, at the light-receiving surface in the solid-state image pickup element. In addition, the light-receiving-surface-sided member is buried in the light-receiving-surface-sided trench formed around the pixel having the plurality of protrusions formed on the light-receiving surface in the solid-state image pickup element. In addition, the photoelectric conversion region of a near-infrared-light pixel expands to the surface side opposed to the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion region of a visible-light pixel.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Harumi Tanaka, Itaru Oshiyama, Sozo Yokogawa
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Patent number: 11302727Abstract: A pixel includes a semiconductor substrate, a photodiode region, a floating diffusion region, and a dielectric layer. The substrate has a top surface forming a trench lined by the dielectric layer, and having a trench depth relative to a planar region of the top surface. The photodiode region is in the substrate and includes a bottom photodiode section beneath the trench and a top photodiode section adjacent to the trench, adjoining the bottom photodiode section, and extending toward the planar region to a photodiode depth less than the trench depth. The floating diffusion region is adjacent to the trench and has a junction depth less than the trench depth. A top region of the dielectric layer is between the planar region and the junction depth. A bottom region of the dielectric layer is between the photodiode depth and the trench depth, and thicker than the top region.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Zang, Qin Wang, Gang Chen
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Patent number: 11250233Abstract: A fingerprint driving circuit and a display panel are provided. A first stage of amplifying unit is configured to receive a fingerprint voltage, perform a voltage amplifying process on the fingerprint voltage, and output the fingerprint voltage on which the voltage amplifying process has been performed. A second stage of amplifying unit is configured to receive the fingerprint voltage on which the voltage amplifying process has been performed, perform a current and power amplifying process on the fingerprint voltage on which the voltage amplifying process has been performed, and output the fingerprint voltage on which the current and power amplifying process has been performed. A voltage difference between a valley and a ridge of a fingerprint is amplified, so that the signal can be read out easily and correctly and the output ability of the signal is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Inventor: Yongxiang Zhou
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Patent number: 11233085Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate including a first photodiode to generate a first charge, a second photodiode to generate a second charge, a barrier layer between the first photodiode and the second photodiode, wherein the first photodiode, the barrier layer, and the second photodiode form a stack. The apparatus further includes a floating drain and one or more gates including: a first gate portion on the semiconductor substrate and a second gate portion extending from the front side surface through the first photodiode and reaching the barrier layer. The first gate portion is configured to conduct a first signal to control flow of charge from the first photodiode to the floating drain, and the second gate portion is configured to conduct a second signal to control the barrier layer to control the flow of the second charge.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Song Chen, Xinqiao Liu
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Patent number: 11233209Abstract: An imaging device including a semiconductor substrate having a pixel region where pixels are arranged and a peripheral region adjacent to the pixel region; an insulating layer that covers the pixel region and the peripheral region; a first electrode that is located on the insulating layer above the pixel region; a photoelectric conversion layer that covers the first electrode; and a first layer that covers the photoelectric conversion layer, the first layer being located above the pixel region and the peripheral region. The thickness of the first layer above the peripheral region is larger than a thickness of the first layer above the pixel region, and a level of an uppermost surface of the first layer above the peripheral region is higher than a level of an uppermost surface of the first layer above the pixel region.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Shunsuke Isono, Akio Nakajun
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Patent number: 11211412Abstract: An imaging device includes a plurality of pixel transistors at a substrate surface of a semiconductor substrate, an element isolation region that isolates the plurality of pixel transistors from each other, a charge storage region at a deeper position in the semiconductor substrate than the substrate surface, and a charge discharge layer of the same conductivity type as the charge storage region. The charge discharge layer is arranged between the element isolation region and the charge storage region.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Yoshiharu Kudoh
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Patent number: 11177313Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging optical system, an imaging device, an actuator, and control circuitry. The actuator changes a relative position of a plurality of pixel cells and an image of a subject. The pixel cells include a photoelectric converter and a charge accumulation region. The control circuitry sets the relative position to a first position, and a first signal charge obtained at the photoelectric converter during a first exposure is accumulated in the charge accumulation region. The relative position is set to a second position different from the first position, and a second signal charge obtained at the photoelectric converter during a second exposure time that is different from the first exposure time is accumulated in the charge accumulation region in addition to the first signal charge.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuya Nozawa
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Patent number: 11128827Abstract: In an imaging device that transmits control signals to a large number of pixels, an influence is reduced of delay at the time of signal transmission. An imaging device drive circuit includes a plurality of control signal lines, a control signal distribution line, two control signal transmission units, and two operation units. The plurality of control signal lines each transmits a control signal for each of a plurality of pixels that generates image signals depending on incident light on the basis of the control signal. The control signal distribution line has a shape of a line, and the plurality of control signal lines is connected thereto in a distributed manner, and the control signal distribution line distributes the control signals supplied from both ends of the line to the plurality of control signal lines.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoyuki Hiro
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Patent number: 11107853Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, first and second micro lenses, a first filter with a transmittance of infrared light, and a second filter with a transmittance of visible light. At least one photoelectric conversion portion disposed so as to overlap the first filter in a planar view and a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions disposed so as to overlap the second filter in the planar view each include a first semiconductor region and a second semiconductor region. An impurity concentration of at least a part of the second semiconductor region of the at least one photoelectric conversion portion is lower than an impurity concentration of a portion in the second semiconductor regions of the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions that is disposed at the same depth as the at least a part of the second semiconductor region.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Taro Kato, Yoichiro Handa, Hajime Ikeda
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Patent number: 11095289Abstract: An electronic device includes at least one photodetection block, where the at least one photodetection block includes a plurality of macropixels arranged into an array. Each macropixel includes an array of photodiodes, with logic circuitry coupled to outputs of the array of photodiodes and configured to generate a detection signal as a function of logically combining the outputs of the array of photodiodes. Each macropixel has associated therewith selection circuitry configured to selectively pass the detection signal to output combining logic or to output combining logic of at least one neighboring macropixel of the plurality thereof. The output combining logic has inputs coupled to the selection circuitry and to the selection circuitry of the at least one neighboring macropixel, and is configured to generate an output detection signal as a function of logically combining outputs of the selection circuitry and the selection circuitry of the at least one neighboring macropixel.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) LimitedInventors: Bruce Rae, Neale Dutton
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Patent number: 11081510Abstract: A photosensitive module is provided, which can be disposed in an electronic device for receiving light passing through a lens in the electronic device, including a base assembly, an image sensor, a first plastic member and a transparent plate. The base assembly includes a substrate, and the substrate has a main body including a metal material. The image sensor is disposed on the base assembly and adjacent to the main body of the substrate. The first plastic member is connected to the base assembly and configured to protect the image sensor. The transparent plate is located on the first plastic member. When the photosensitive module receives the light passing through the lens, the light passes through the transparent plate to the image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chen-Er Hsu, Sin-Jhong Song
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Patent number: 11043538Abstract: Organic image sensors are provided. An organic image sensor includes a pixel electrode including a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other. The organic image sensor includes an insulating region including a protruding portion that protrudes beyond surfaces of the plurality of first electrodes. The organic image sensor includes an organic photoelectric conversion layer on the pixel electrode and the protruding portion of the insulating region. Moreover, the organic image sensor includes a second electrode opposite the pixel electrode and on the organic photoelectric conversion layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Inventors: Min-jun Choi, Kwan-sik Kim, Beom-suk Lee, Hae-min Lim, Man-geun Cho
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Patent number: 11019292Abstract: An imager includes: an imaging sensor chip; a fixing member to which the imaging sensor chip is fixed, and which is electrically connected to the imaging sensor chip and has a first linear expansion coefficient; and a circuit board that is fixed to the fixing member via a conductive member, the circuit board comprises a first member having the first linear expansion coefficient and a second member having a second linear expansion coefficient smaller than the first linear expansion coefficient and larger than a linear expansion coefficient of a semiconductor substrate forming the imaging sensor chip, and a content of the second member in the back side portion is greater than a content of the second member in the front side portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Kazuya Mayumi
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Patent number: 11002941Abstract: A calibration method of an optical system is provided, wherein the optical system includes a movable element that can move within an operation interval. The calibration method includes the step of establishing a relationship between the operation interval and an electrical signal coding sequence. The calibration method further includes the step of establishing a relationship between the operation interval and a sensing signal coding sequence.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Yi-Chun Cheng, Chao-Chang Hu, Che-Wei Chang, Chih-Wen Chiang, Tsung-Tung Li, Sin-Jhong Song
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Patent number: 10999453Abstract: A motor control device includes a phase determiner, a detector, and a controller configured to control the driving current so that a deviation between a value of a torque current component of the driving current detected by the detector and a target value of the torque current component is reduced, and perform field weakening for weakening an intensity of magnetic flux through the winding. In a state where a value corresponding to a rotational velocity is greater than a first predetermined value, the controller sets a degree of the field weakening to a first degree in a case where the value of the torque current component is greater than a second predetermined value, and sets the degree of the field weakening to a second degree smaller than the first degree in a case where the value of the torque current component is smaller than the second predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuta Nito
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Patent number: 10978644Abstract: The present disclosure provides an organic compound expressed by the following General Formula 1: In General Formula 1, a partial structure Z1 represents a condensed polycyclic group that may include a nitrogen atom in a skeleton, and that includes at least one of a five-membered ring and a six-membered ring. The partial structure Z1 may include, as a substituent, a carbonyl group, a dicyanovinylidene group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aromatic heterocyclic group, or an aryl group. R1 and R2 represent an alkyl group, aryl group, an aromatic heterocyclic group, a halogen group, or a cyano group. Ar1 represents an arylene group or a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group, and Ar2 and Ar3 represent an aryl group or an aromatic heterocyclic group. n represents an integer of 1 to 4.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Naoki Yamada, Jun Kamatani, Hiroki Ohrui, Hironobu Iwawaki, Masumi Itabashi, Yosuke Nishide, Hirokazu Miyashita, Satoru Shiobara, Tomona Yamaguchi, Tetsuo Takahashi
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Patent number: 10903264Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging optical system, an imaging device, an actuator, and control circuitry. The actuator changes a relative position of a plurality of pixel cells and an image of a subject. The pixel cells have variable sensitivity, and include a photoelectric converter and a charge accumulation region. The control circuitry sets the relative position to a first position, and also sets the sensitivity of each pixel cell to a first sensitivity. A first signal charge obtained at the photoelectric converter is accumulated in the charge accumulation region. The relative position is set to a second position different from the first position, and also the sensitivity of each pixel cell is set to a second sensitivity different from the first sensitivity. A second signal charge obtained at the photoelectric converter is accumulated in the charge accumulation region in addition to the first signal charge.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuya Nozawa
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Patent number: 10880509Abstract: The present technology is provided to accurately correct uneven luminance while suppressing an increase in the size of the solid-state imaging element. A pixel array unit includes a plurality of lines each including a predetermined number of pixels each being arrayed in a predetermined direction. An analog-to-digital conversion unit includes more than the predetermined number of analog-to-digital converters that convert analog signals into digital signals. A scanning circuit controls to sequentially select the plurality of lines and output more than the predetermined number of analog signals to the analog-to-digital conversion unit every time the line is selected. A correction unit performs black level correction processing on the digital signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Atsumi Niwa, Shizunori Matsumoto, Eiji Hirata
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Patent number: 10868203Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, an array of pixel circuits formed on the semiconductor substrate and including respective pixel electrodes. A layer of a photosensitive medium overlies the pixel electrodes and has a lower surface in electrical contact with the pixel electrodes, and is configured to convert incident photons into charge carriers, which are collected by the pixel electrodes. A planar conductive top electrode, which is at least partially transparent, overlies an upper surface of the photosensitive medium. A bias circuit is formed on the semiconductor substrate and configured to provide a bias potential for application to the photosensitive medium. A bias contact extends from the bias circuit to the top electrode so as to apply the bias potential to the top electrode while contacting the top electrode along a plane that is parallel to the upper surface of the photosensitive medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventor: Hong-Wei Lee