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SamsungGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 6/10

Samsung patents image sensor that fixes blown-out highlights

This patent describes an image sensor that captures two sets of pixel data to improve photo quality. It uses a processor to repair parts of the image that are too bright (saturated) by using the second set of data, then combines them to create a high dynamic range (HDR) image.

Why it mattersThis technology could help phone cameras capture clearer details in very bright scenes, such as sunsets or reflections, without losing information in the brightest parts of the picture.

In the filing’s own words

There is provided an image sensor including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, a readout circuit that outputs first pixel data and second pixel data based on an output signal of the pixel array, and an image signal processor that generates third pixel data by restoring at least a portion of saturated pixel data of the first pixel data based on the second pixel data, and outputs the HDR image data based on the second pixel data and the third pixel data. At least a portion of the first pixel data may have a higher intensity value than the second pixel data.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An image sensor comprising: a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels; a readout circuit configured to output first pixel data and second pixel data based on an output signal of the pixel array; and an image signal processor configured to: generate third pixel data by restoring at least a portion of saturated pixel data of the first pixel data based on the second pixel data, and output high dynamic range (HDR) image data based on the second pixel data and the third pixel data, wherein a portion of the first pixel data has a higher intensity value than the second pixel data.

Facts

Company
Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Official title
Image sensor and method of operating the same
Patent number
US12750609B2
Application number
19062486
Filed
Feb 25, 2025
Granted
Sep 29, 2026
Inventors
6
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 25/78 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/134 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/51 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/58 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.