SonyPatent applicationCameras & imagingInterest 6/10

Sony patents image sensor pixel that counts light particles

Sony describes a camera sensor design that uses a diode to detect individual particles of light. It includes a circuit that counts these particles and records the exact time when the count reaches a specific limit.

Why it mattersThis technology could help cameras capture more precise timing data for each pixel, which is useful for high-speed photography or scientific imaging.

In the filing’s own words

The present disclosure generally pertains to image sensor pixel circuitry comprising: a single photon avalanche diode configured to generate a pulse in response to detection of incident photons; a charge pump configured to integrate a number of the incident photons; a comparator configured to generate an overflow signal when the number of incident photons exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a sample and hold switch configured to register a point of time at which the overflow signal is generated.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An image sensor pixel comprising: a single photon avalanche diode configured to generate a pulse in response to detection of incident photons; a charge pump configured to integrate a number of the incident photons; a comparator configured to generate an overflow signal when the number of incident photons exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a sample and hold switch configured to register a point of time at which the overflow signal is generated.

Facts

Company: Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
Official title: IMAGE SENSOR PIXEL, IMAGE SENSOR, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN IMAGE SENSOR PIXEL
Publication number: US20260270576A1
Application number: 19167840
Filed: Mar 28, 2024
Published: Sep 10, 2026
Inventors: 2
Claims: 20

Classified under

H04N 25/47 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/773 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.