18539789. PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, CAMERA MODULE, ENDOSCOPE, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

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PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, CAMERA MODULE, ENDOSCOPE, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

KAZUNORI Matsuyama of Kanagawa (JP)

NORIYUKI Shikina of Tokyo (JP)

PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, CAMERA MODULE, ENDOSCOPE, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18539789 titled 'PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, CAMERA MODULE, ENDOSCOPE, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a photoelectric conversion device with a pixel array, drive controller, horizontal transfer unit, AD converter, and clock generators.

  • Pixel array arranged with pixels
  • Drive controller to operate the pixel array
  • Horizontal transfer unit to output analog signals from pixel array columns
  • AD converter to convert analog signals to digital
  • First clock generator for drive controller operation
  • Second clock generator for horizontal transfer unit and AD converter control
  • Clock trees for distributing clock signals from the generators

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in digital cameras, image sensors, and other devices requiring high-quality image capture and processing.

Problems Solved

The device solves the problem of efficiently converting analog signals to digital in a pixel array system, ensuring accurate image processing.

Benefits

The device offers improved image quality, faster signal conversion, and precise control over pixel array operations.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be utilized in the development of advanced digital cameras, surveillance systems, medical imaging devices, and industrial inspection equipment.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include similar patents related to pixel array systems, analog-to-digital converters, and clock signal distribution in electronic devices.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing pixel array systems in terms of image quality and processing speed?

The article does not provide a direct comparison with existing technologies in the market.

What are the potential limitations or drawbacks of implementing this photoelectric conversion device in practical applications?

The article does not address any potential limitations or drawbacks that may arise when implementing this technology in real-world scenarios.


Original Abstract Submitted

A photoelectric conversion device is provided. The device includes a pixel array in which pixels are arranged, a drive controller configured to drive the pixel array, a horizontal transfer unit configured to sequentially output analog signals respectively output from columns of the pixel array, an AD converter configured to convert an analog signal output from the horizontal transfer unit into a digital signal, a first clock generator configured to generate a clock signal used to control an operation of the drive controller, and a second clock generator configured to generate a clock signal used to control the horizontal transfer unit and the AD converter. A clock tree in which a clock signal is distributed from the first clock generator and a clock tree in which a clock signal is distributed from the second clock generator form clock trees different from each other.