/Patent Tracker
SonyGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 6/10

Sony patents camera sensor design to improve global shutter image quality

Sony describes a camera sensor that captures images using a global shutter method, where all pixels record light at the same time to prevent motion blur. The design uses specific circuits to measure the light charge at the start and end of the exposure, storing these measurements in separate capacitors to calculate the final image data. This approach aims to reduce noise and improve the overall clarity of the captured picture.

Why it mattersThis technology could lead to sharper photos and videos in devices like smartphones or cameras, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects without distortion.

In the filing’s own words

To improve the image quality in a solid-state imaging element that performs exposure by a global shutter scheme. The solid-state imaging element includes a photoelectric conversion film, an upstream circuit, and a sample-hold circuit. The photoelectric conversion film converts incident light into a charge. The upstream circuit sequentially generates a reset level according to an amount of the charge at a time of a start of exposure and a signal level according to an amount of the charge at a time of an end of exposure, and outputs the reset level and the signal level to an upstream node. The sample-hold circuit causes the reset level and the signal level to be held at mutually different capacitive elements.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A solid-state imaging element, comprising: a photoelectric conversion film configured to convert incident light into a first charge; an upstream circuit configured to: sequentially generate a reset level based on an amount of the first charge at a time of a start of exposure; sequentially generate a signal level based on an amount of the first charge at a time of an end of exposure; and output the reset level and the signal level to an upstream node, wherein the upstream circuit includes a regulator, and the regulator is configured to output a generation voltage to the upstream node; and a sample-hold circuit that includes a plurality of capacitive elements, wherein the plurality of capacitive elements is configured to hold the generation voltage, and the sample-hold circuit is configured to cause the reset level and the signal level to be held at mutually different capacitive elements of the plurality of capacitive elements.

Facts

Company
Sony (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)
Official title
Solid-state imaging element, imaging device, and solid-state imaging element control method
Patent number
US12726731B2
Application number
18699440
Filed
Sep 16, 2022
Granted
Sep 1, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
18

Classified under

H04N 25/65 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/616 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/77 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/78 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

More from Sony in Cameras & imaging

Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.