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Sony patents camera sensor design to relax signal timing limits

Sony has filed a patent for an imaging device that uses a sample-and-hold circuit to store pixel data before sending it out. The design includes two separate vertical signal lines and switches to manage how this stored signal is transmitted. This setup aims to reduce the strict timing requirements for outputting feature data from the sensor.

Why it mattersThis is a technical improvement to camera sensor electronics that could help manufacturers build more flexible or efficient image sensors, though it does not describe a specific new consumer feature.

In the filing’s own words

The present technology relates to easing of timing constraints on output of a pixel signal used for feature data. An imaging device includes a signal generation unit, a sample-and-hold circuit, a first vertical signal line, a second vertical signal line, a first switch, and a second switch. The signal generation unit generates a signal on the basis of charges read from the photoelectric conversion unit. The sample-and-hold circuit holds the signal generated by the signal generation unit. The first vertical signal line transmits the signal read from the sample-and-hold circuit. The second vertical signal line transmits the signal generated by the signal generation unit. The first switch is provided between the signal generation unit and the sample-and-hold circuit. The second switch is provided between the signal generation unit and the second vertical signal line.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An imaging device comprising: a signal generation unit configured to generate a signal on a basis of charges read from a photoelectric conversion unit; a sample-and-hold circuit configured to hold the signal generated by the signal generation unit; a first vertical signal line configured to transmit the signal read from the sample-and-hold circuit; a second vertical signal line configured to transmit the signal generated by the signal generation unit; a first switch provided between the signal generation unit and the sample-and-hold circuit; and a second switch provided between the signal generation unit and the second vertical signal line.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
Official title
IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, AND IMAGING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD
Publication number
US20260270580A1
Application number
18727571
Filed
Jan 5, 2023
Published
Sep 10, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 25/531 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/532 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/771 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/772 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.