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SonyGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 4/10

Sony patents camera sensor design to reduce color mixing

Sony describes an imaging device that uses two layers of light-blocking material to separate pixels on a camera sensor. One layer sits between the pixels, while a second layer is placed inside the transparent electrode layer with small gaps to improve light control.

Why it mattersThis design aims to make camera images cleaner by preventing light from one pixel from bleeding into its neighbors.

In the filing’s own words

[Problem] To provide an imaging device capable of suppressing color mixing and an electronic apparatus using the imaging device. [Solution] An imaging device of the present disclosure includes a photoelectric conversion layer disposed on a semiconductor substrate, a transparent electrode layer disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer, a first light-shielding portion that separates the photoelectric conversion layer into a plurality of pixels arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects the first direction, and is disposed along a boundary between the separated pixels, and a second light-shielding portion disposed along the boundary between the separated pixels inside the transparent electrode layer and disposed so that a portion of the boundary between adjacent pixels is interrupted.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An imaging device comprising: a photoelectric conversion layer disposed on a semiconductor substrate; a transparent electrode layer disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer; a first light-shielding portion that separates the photoelectric conversion layer into a plurality of pixels arranged in a first direction and a second direction that intersects the first direction, and is disposed along a boundary between the separated pixels; and a second light-shielding portion disposed along the boundary between the separated pixels inside the transparent electrode layer and disposed so that a portion of the boundary between adjacent pixels is interrupted.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
Official title
Imaging device and electronic apparatus
Patent number
US12745470B2
Application number
18554893
Filed
Mar 29, 2022
Granted
Sep 22, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
20

Classified under

H10F 39/8057 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/182 Electricity & electronics

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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.