SonyPatent applicationCameras & imagingInterest 4/10

Sony patents camera sensor that sends noise data with image

Sony describes a camera sensor that includes a built-in memory to store specific noise patterns unique to its pixels. When taking a picture, the sensor sends both the standard image data and this noise information to the processor. This allows the system to correct for slight differences between pixels during image processing.

Why it mattersThis improves image quality by helping software remove unwanted artifacts, though it is a standard technique in high-end camera design.

In the filing’s own words

A sensor device comprises a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels each being configured to receive light and to perform photoelectric conversion to generate an electrical signal, a storage unit that is configured to store fixed pattern noise, FPN, data indicating FPN of the pixel array, and an output unit that is configured to output the electrical signals generated by the pixels and the FPN data.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A sensor device comprising: a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels each being configured to receive light and to perform photoelectric conversion to generate an electrical signal; a storage unit that is configured to store fixed pattern noise, FPN, data indicating FPN of the pixel array; and an output unit that is configured to output the electrical signals generated by the pixels and the FPN data.

Facts

Company: Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
Official title: SENSOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A SENSOR DEVICE
Publication number: US20260281576A1
Application number: 19163887
Filed: Mar 7, 2024
Published: Sep 17, 2026
Inventors: 2
Claims: 13

Classified under

H04N 25/677 Electricity & electronicsG06V 10/82 Physics & computingH04N 25/47 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.