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SamsungGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 6/10

Samsung patents image sensor with split regions to handle bright light

This patent describes an image sensor where each pixel is divided into two distinct areas, each containing its own set of light detectors. By using separate overflow capacitors for each area, the sensor can better manage excess electrical charge when exposed to bright light, preventing the image from becoming washed out.

Why it mattersThis design could lead to sharper photos in high-contrast scenes, such as taking pictures of a landscape with both bright skies and dark shadows.

In the filing’s own words

An image sensor including: a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements included in a first region of a pixel; a plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements included in a second region of the pixel; a first overflow capacitor connected to the plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements to store overflow charges of the first photoelectric conversion elements; a second overflow capacitor connected to the plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements to store overflow charges of the second photoelectric conversion elements; and one or more microlenses disposed on the pixel.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An image sensor comprising: a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements included in a first region of a unit pixel; a plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements included in a second region of the unit pixel; a first overflow capacitor connected to the plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements to store overflow charges of the first photoelectric conversion elements; a second overflow capacitor connected to the plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements to store overflow charges of the second photoelectric conversion elements; and two or more microlenses disposed on the unit pixel, wherein the first region and the second region respectively correspond to a first side of two or more microlenses and a second side of two or more microlenses.

Facts

Company
Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Official title
Image sensor
Patent number
US12732718B2
Application number
18198882
Filed
May 18, 2023
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 25/771 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/59 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/704 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/772 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/778 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/79 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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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.