18356373. IMAGE SENSOR, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
IMAGE SENSOR, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Hideta Nishizawa of Tokyo (JP)
IMAGE SENSOR, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18356373 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an image sensor that includes sample-and-hold circuits, converters, a switch, and output circuits. The sample-and-hold circuits sample and hold signals from different pixels. The converters convert the held signals into currents corresponding to their potentials. The switch connects/disconnects the converters. The output circuits either add and output the converted currents or directly output them, depending on the switch's state.
- The image sensor includes sample-and-hold circuits to capture signals from multiple pixels.
- Converters are used to convert the held signals into currents that represent their potentials.
- A switch is present to connect or disconnect the converters.
- The output circuits either add and output the converted currents or directly output them, based on the switch's state.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Digital cameras and smartphones: The image sensor can be used in digital cameras and smartphones to capture high-quality images.
- Surveillance systems: The image sensor can be utilized in surveillance cameras for monitoring and recording purposes.
- Medical imaging: This technology can be applied in medical devices such as X-ray machines and ultrasound scanners to capture and process medical images.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Improved image quality: The use of sample-and-hold circuits and converters helps in capturing and converting signals accurately, resulting in better image quality.
- Signal processing efficiency: The image sensor simplifies the process of converting signals into currents, making it more efficient and reliable.
Benefits of this technology:
- Higher resolution: The image sensor allows for the capture of signals from multiple pixels, enabling higher resolution images.
- Enhanced image accuracy: The converters ensure that the signals are accurately converted into currents, leading to more precise image representation.
- Energy efficiency: The switch allows for the selective use of converters, reducing power consumption when not required.
Original Abstract Submitted
An image sensor comprises: a plurality of sample-and-hold circuits that sample and hold a plurality of signals input from a plurality of different pixels; a plurality of converters that convert the signals held in the plurality of sample-and-hold circuits to currents corresponding to potentials of the signals, respectively; a switch that connects/disconnects the plurality of converters; and a plurality of output circuits wherein, in a case where the switch connects the plurality of converters, the currents converted by the plurality of converters are added and output from one of the plurality of output circuits, and, in a case where the switch disconnects the plurality of converters, the currents converted by the plurality of converters are output from the plurality of output circuits, respectively.
