/Patent Tracker
SonyGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 6/10

Sony patents stacked camera sensor that filters light in two layers

Sony describes a camera sensor design where two layers of pixels are stacked on top of each other. The top layer detects specific light colors, while the bottom layer detects the remaining light that passes through the top layer, allowing both to capture different parts of the same image.

Why it mattersThis approach could help cameras capture more accurate color details by processing different light wavelengths separately within a single compact chip.

In the filing’s own words

Accuracy of results obtained by integrally processing information acquired by different sensors is improved. A solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment includes: a first sensor that detects light in a first wavelength band; and a second sensor that detects light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, in which the first sensor includes a first pixel ( 110) that detects light of the first wavelength band in incident light, and the second sensor includes a second pixel ( 110) that detects light in the second wavelength band that has transmitted through the first pixel among the incident light.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A light detecting device comprising: a first chip and a second chip stacked on each other, wherein the first chip comprises: a first pixel that detects light of a first wavelength band in incident light and generates a first pixel signal, and a second pixel that detects light of a second wavelength band that has transmitted through the first pixel among the incident light and generates second pixel signal; and wherein the second chip comprises: a first driving circuit configured to supply a control signal to the first pixel, a second driving circuit configured to supply a control signal to the second pixel, the second driving circuit being disposed adjacent to the first driving circuit, a first readout circuit configured to read out the first pixel signal, and a second readout circuit configured to read out the second pixel signal, the second readout circuit being disposed adjacent to the first readout circuit.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Group Corporation)
Official title
Solid-state imaging device and electronic apparatus
Patent number
US12732722B2
Application number
18660673
Filed
May 10, 2024
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
5
Claims
9

Classified under

H04N 25/79 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/131 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/134 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/65 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/766 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/77 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.