Sony patents image sensor design that checks light levels before reading data
Sony describes an image sensor layout where a specific transistor helps drain electrical charge from a data line during the reading process. This setup connects to a detector circuit that flags a signal if the current flowing through it gets too high. The goal is to manage how light intensity is measured and converted into digital data within the camera chip.
In the filing’s own words
An image sensor assembly includes pixel circuits, wherein each pixel circuit includes an amplifier transistor electrically coupled to a data signal line. A buffer transistor is electrically connected to the data signal line. The buffer transistor discharges the data signal line in an AD conversion period. The image sensor assembly further includes a detector circuit that includes a sensing path. The amplifier transistor, the buffer transistor, and the sensing path are electrically connected in series. The detector circuit outputs an active comparator output signal when a current through the sensing path exceeds a predefined threshold value.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An image sensor assembly, comprising: a pixel circuit comprising an amplifier transistor electrically coupled to a data signal line; a buffer transistor electrically connected to the data signal line, the buffer transistor being configured to discharge the data signal line in an AD conversion period; and a detector circuit comprising a sensing path, wherein the amplifier transistor, the buffer transistor, and the sensing path are electrically connected in series, and wherein the detector circuit is configured to output an active comparator output signal when a current through the sensing path exceeds a predefined threshold value.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation)
- Official title
- IMAGE SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH DATA SIGNAL LINE FOR INTENSITY READOUT
- Publication number
- US20260281582A1
- Application number
- 19167389
- Filed
- Mar 13, 2024
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 23
Classified under
H04N 25/772 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/617 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/65 Electricity & electronicsMore from Sony in Chips & hardware
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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.