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SonyPatent applicationCameras & imagingInterest 6/10

Sony patents camera sensor that tracks motion, brightness, and distance

Sony describes a light-detecting device that uses two different types of pixels to gather data. One pixel measures how fast a target is moving and how bright the light is, while the other pixel calculates the distance to that target.

Why it mattersThis design could help cameras in phones or cars track objects more accurately by combining speed, brightness, and distance data in a single sensor.

In the filing’s own words

There is provided a light detecting device including: a first pixel; a first circuit; a second pixel; and a second circuit. The first pixel includes a first light receiving element configured to receive light. The first circuit is coupled to the first light receiving element and configured to output a first signal related to a motion of a target and a second signal related to an intensity value. The second pixel includes a second light receiving element configured to receive light. The second circuit is coupled to the second light receiving element and configured to output a third signal related to a distance to the target.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A light detecting device comprising: a first pixel including a first light receiving element configured to receive light; a first circuit coupled to the first light receiving element and configured to output a first signal related to a motion of a target and a second signal related to an intensity value; a second pixel including a second light receiving element configured to receive light; and a second circuit coupled to the second light receiving element and configured to output a third signal related to a distance to the target.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
Official title
PHOTODETECTOR AND PHOTODETECTION SYSTEM
Publication number
US20260281570A1
Application number
18871941
Filed
May 29, 2023
Published
Sep 17, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
21

Classified under

H04N 25/47 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/707 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/773 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/7795 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.