SamsungPatent applicationCameras & imagingInterest 3/10

Samsung patents camera sensor part that converts light to digital data

Samsung has filed a patent for a specific circuit used in camera sensors to turn light into digital numbers. The design uses a ramp signal and multiple input paths to compare and process the data from image pixels.

Why it mattersThis is a routine improvement to the internal hardware of camera sensors, which helps ensure accurate image processing in phones and cameras.

In the filing’s own words

A comparator includes a ramp signal input circuit configured to input a ramp signal, a plurality of pixel signal input circuits, each configured to input a pixel signal, and a comparator circuit configured to compare the ramp signal input from the ramp signal input circuit with the pixel signal input from one of the plurality of pixel signal input circuits and output a comparison result.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A comparator of an AD conversion circuit, wherein the AD conversion circuit is configured to convert an analog pixel signal into a digital signal, the comparator comprising: a ramp signal input circuit configured to receive a ramp signal and output a ramp-side signal; a plurality of pixel signal input circuits, each configured to receive the analog pixel signal and output a pixel-side signal; and a comparison circuit configured to: compare the ramp-side signal received from the ramp signal input circuit, with the pixel-side signal received from one of the plurality of pixel signal input circuits, and output a comparison result.

Facts

Company: Samsung (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Official title: COMPARATOR AND SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE WITH MULTI-GAIN AD CONVERSION
Publication number: US20260281590A1
Application number: 19563381
Filed: Mar 11, 2026
Published: Sep 17, 2026
Inventors: 3
Claims: 20

Classified under

H04N 25/78 Electricity & electronicsH03M 1/56 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/51 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/57 Electricity & electronics

Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

More from Samsung in Cameras & imaging

Samsung patents syncing multiple cameras to record one video Sep 1, 2026
Samsung patents camera system that auto-picks best lens for video Oct 13, 2026
Samsung patents camera design that bends light to fit in thinner phones Oct 20, 2026
Samsung patents camera feature that saves video clips around photos Sep 10, 2026
Samsung patents image sensor that captures depth and bright scenes Sep 24, 2026

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.