17978568. IMAGE SENSOR AND OPERATION METHOD OF THE IMAGE SENSOR simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
IMAGE SENSOR AND OPERATION METHOD OF THE IMAGE SENSOR
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Yooseung Jung of Suwon-si (KR)
Seokyong Hong of Suwon-si (KR)
IMAGE SENSOR AND OPERATION METHOD OF THE IMAGE SENSOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17978568 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR AND OPERATION METHOD OF THE IMAGE SENSOR
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an image sensor and its operation method. The image sensor includes different types of pixels (white, color, and auto focus) and shared pixels with conversion gain transistors to control the conversion gain. These transistors are connected to different conversion gain control lines.
- The image sensor includes white, color, and auto focus pixels.
- Shared pixels are used, which include conversion gain transistors.
- The conversion gain transistors control the conversion gain of the shared pixels.
- Different conversion gain control lines are used for each conversion gain transistor.
Potential Applications
- This technology can be used in digital cameras and smartphones to improve image quality and focus accuracy.
- It can be applied in surveillance systems to enhance image capture and analysis.
- Medical imaging devices can benefit from this technology to capture high-resolution images for diagnosis.
Problems Solved
- The image sensor addresses the problem of capturing high-quality images with accurate focus.
- It solves the issue of controlling the conversion gain of different types of pixels in a pixel array.
- The technology provides a solution for improving image sensor performance and versatility.
Benefits
- The image sensor allows for better image quality by controlling the conversion gain of pixels.
- It enhances focus accuracy by incorporating auto focus pixels and shared pixels with conversion gain control.
- The technology provides flexibility in adjusting the conversion gain of different pixels, improving overall image sensor performance.
Original Abstract Submitted
Provided is an image sensor and an operation method of the image sensor. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of white pixels, a plurality of color pixels, and a plurality of auto focus (AF) pixels, a first shared pixel including the plurality of white pixels and the plurality of color pixels includes a first conversion gain transistor and a second conversion gain transistor configured to control a conversion gain of the first shared pixel, and a second shared pixel including some of the plurality of white pixels and the plurality of color pixels and at least one AF pixel includes a third conversion gain transistor and a fourth conversion gain transistor configured to control a conversion gain of the second shared pixel. The first conversion gain transistor, the second conversion gain transistor, the third conversion gain transistor, and the fourth conversion gain transistor are connected to different conversion gain control lines, respectively.
