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SamsungPatent applicationCameras & imagingInterest 7/10

Samsung patents image sensor that captures depth and bright scenes

Samsung describes an image sensor that produces both high dynamic range photos and depth information from the same hardware. It uses pixels with multiple smaller light sensors sharing a single lens, allowing the chip to measure light intensity and phase data simultaneously.

Why it mattersThis design could help phones or cameras create sharper images in bright or dark conditions while also enabling features like background blur or 3D scanning.

In the filing’s own words

An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels; a readout circuit configured to digitally convert pixel signals of the plurality of pixels to a plurality of image signals; and an image processing circuit configured to output high dynamic range (HDR) image data and phase data based on the plurality of image signals. The plurality of pixels includes a first pixel and a second pixel. Each of the first pixel and the second pixel includes sub-pixels sharing a microlens, each of the sub-pixels including a photoelectric element and a transfer transistor connecting the photoelectric element to a floating diffusion node. In each of the first pixel and the second pixel, a subset of sub-pixels at the same position with respect to the microlens, is configured to receive control signals of the transfer transistor through different interconnections.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An image sensor comprising: a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels; a readout circuit configured to digitally convert pixel signals of the plurality of pixels to a plurality of image signals; and an image processing circuit configured to output high dynamic range (HDR) image data and phase data based on the plurality of image signals, and wherein: the plurality of pixels comprises a first pixel and a second pixel; each of the first pixel and the second pixel comprises sub-pixels sharing a microlens, each of the sub-pixels comprising a photoelectric element and a transfer transistor connecting the photoelectric element to a floating diffusion node; and in each of the first pixel and the second pixel, a subset of sub-pixels at the same position with respect to the microlens, is configured to receive control signals of the transfer transistor through different interconnections.

Facts

Company
Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Official title
IMAGE SENSOR OUTPUTTING PHASE DATA AND HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE IMAGE
Publication number
US20260292370A1
Application number
19444935
Filed
Jan 9, 2026
Published
Sep 24, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 25/78 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/57 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.