17989811. PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

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PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Takeru Ohya of Tokyo (JP)

Kenji Michimata of Kanagawa (JP)

PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17989811 titled 'PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a photoelectric conversion element with a pixel area consisting of multiple rows and columns. It includes various filters and a light reduction unit to enhance the performance of the element.

  • The pixel area is divided into two types of pixels: first and second pixels.
  • The first pixel has a filter that allows visible light and infrared light to pass through in specific wavelength bands.
  • The second pixel also allows the passage of visible and infrared light but lacks the first filter.
  • A first light reduction unit is used to reduce the infrared light that has passed through the second pixel.
  • All other pixels in the pixel area, excluding the first and second pixels, have a third filter that allows the passage of visible and infrared light.

Potential Applications

This technology could have various applications, including:

  • Digital cameras and image sensors: The photoelectric conversion element can improve the quality and accuracy of captured images by selectively filtering visible and infrared light.
  • Surveillance systems: By effectively filtering infrared light, the element can enhance the detection and recognition of objects in low-light or nighttime conditions.
  • Medical imaging: The technology can be utilized in medical devices such as endoscopes or imaging systems to improve the visualization and analysis of tissues and organs.

Problems Solved

The patent application addresses several issues in photoelectric conversion elements:

  • Reduction of infrared interference: By incorporating filters and a light reduction unit, the element minimizes the negative impact of infrared light on image quality.
  • Enhanced image accuracy: The selective filtering of visible and infrared light helps to improve the accuracy and fidelity of captured images.
  • Optimization of pixel performance: The use of different filters in different pixels allows for better customization and optimization of pixel performance based on specific requirements.

Benefits

The technology offers several benefits:

  • Improved image quality: By effectively filtering infrared light, the element can reduce noise and improve the overall quality of captured images.
  • Enhanced low-light performance: The selective filtering and reduction of infrared light enable better performance in low-light conditions, resulting in clearer and more detailed images.
  • Customizable pixel performance: The ability to use different filters in different pixels allows for customization and optimization of pixel performance, leading to improved image accuracy and sensor efficiency.


Original Abstract Submitted

A photoelectric conversion element includes a pixel area which includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, a first filter which is provided in a first pixel constituting the pixel area and allows passage of visible light in a first wavelength band and infrared light in a second wavelength band, a second filter which is provided in a second pixel constituting the pixel area and allows the passage of the visible light band and the infrared light, and a first light reduction unit which reduces the infrared light having passed through the second filter. The third filter which allows the passage of the visible light and the infrared light is provided in, among pixels constituting the pixel area, each pixel other than the first pixel and the second pixel.