SonyPatent applicationCameras & imagingInterest 6/10

Sony patents camera sensor that uses a light guide to capture infrared

Patent drawing from the official filing.

Sony describes an imaging device with two sensors and a light guide. The first sensor captures light, while the second sensor picks up infrared light that passes through the first sensor and travels via the light guide.

Why it mattersThis design could allow cameras to capture infrared data alongside regular images, which is useful for night vision or specialized sensing applications.

In the filing’s own words

An imaging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first photoelectric conversion element, a light guide member, and a second photoelectric conversion element. The first photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts light. The light guide member includes a plurality of first structures. Infrared light transmitted through the first photoelectric conversion element enters the light guide member. The second photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts the infrared light that enters through the light guide member.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An imaging device comprising: a first photoelectric conversion element that photoelectrically converts light; a light guide member including a plurality of first structures and into which infrared light transmitted through the first photoelectric conversion element enters; and a second photoelectric conversion element that photoelectrically converts the infrared light that enters through the light guide member.

Facts

Company: Sony (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)
Official title: IMAGING DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Publication number: US20260304984A1
Application number: 19478053
Filed: Apr 17, 2024
Published: Oct 1, 2026
Inventors: 1
Claims: 20

Classified under

H10F 39/806 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/811 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.