Sony patents camera sensor that adjusts for light leaks
Sony has been granted a patent for an image sensor design that uses a separate control line to manage specific pixels. This allows the sensor to measure background noise, known as black level, more accurately without interfering with the main image capture.
In the filing’s own words
Provided are an imaging element and an electronic device capable of suppressing fluctuation of a black level. The imaging element includes a pixel array unit in which a plurality of pixels including a photoelectric conversion element is arranged in a matrix, the pixel array unit including a plurality of first pixels that perform normal imaging, a second pixel capable of acquiring black-level information, a first control line that controls charge transfer of the plurality of first pixels, and a second control line that is different from the first control line and controls charge transfer of the second pixel.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An imaging element, comprising: a pixel array unit that comprises: a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels includes a respective photoelectric conversion element, and the plurality of pixels includes: a first plurality of pixels configured to perform a normal imaging process; and a second plurality of pixels configured to: perform the normal imaging process in a first mode; acquire black level information in a second mode; and switch between the first mode and the second mode; a first control line configured to control charge transfer of a set of pixels of the first plurality of pixels; and a second control line configured to: control charge transfer of a set of pixels of the second plurality of pixels; and control the switch between the first mode and the second mode, wherein the second control line is different from the first control line, the second control line is connected to the first control line through a first switching element, and the second control line and the set of pixels of the first plurality of pixels are associated with a same row of the pixel array unit.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)
- Official title
- Imaging element and electronic device
- Patent number
- US12739530B2
- Application number
- 18726427
- Filed
- Dec 23, 2022
- Granted
- Sep 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 18
Classified under
H04N 25/633 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/78 Electricity & electronicsMore from Sony in Cameras & imaging
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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.