SonyPatent applicationChips & hardwareInterest 4/10

Sony patents method to switch timing for multiple light sensors

Sony has filed a patent for a system that manages how multiple SPAD sensors, which are tiny detectors for single photons of light, operate together. The device automatically switches between a mode where all sensors take readings at the exact same time and a mode where they take turns to avoid overlapping.

Why it mattersThis could improve the accuracy of depth sensors or cameras in future electronics by preventing data interference when multiple light detectors are used in close proximity.

In the filing’s own words

Provided is an information processing device that performs processing related to a SPAD sensor. The information processing device includes: a determination unit that determines a condition in which a plurality of SPAD sensors are present; and a control unit that, based on a result of the determination by the determination unit, controls switching of an operation mode of the plurality of SPAD sensors. The control unit switches between a synchronous mode in which exposure times of the plurality of SPAD sensors are synchronized and the plurality of SPAD sensors perform sensing simultaneously, and an asynchronous mode in which the plurality of SPAD sensors perform sensing alternately such that the exposure times thereof do not overlap.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An information processing device comprising: a determination unit that determines a condition in which a plurality of SPAD sensors are present; and a control unit that, based on a result of the determination by the determination unit, controls switching of an operation mode of the plurality of SPAD sensors.

Facts

Company: Sony (Sony Group Corporation)
Official title: INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD
Publication number: US20260259325A1
Application number: 18863649
Filed: Apr 4, 2023
Published: Sep 3, 2026
Inventors: 2
Claims: 14

Classified under

G01S 17/894 Physics & computingG01S 17/66 Physics & computingG06T 7/20 Physics & computingG06T 2207/10028 Physics & computing

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.