SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION patent applications published on November 30th, 2023

Patent applications for SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION on November 30th, 2023

LIGHT RECEIVING DEVICE (18249759)

Main Inventor

HISASHI AKIYAMA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a light receiving device with multiple photoelectric conversion element units.

• Each unit consists of multiple photoelectric conversion elements arranged in two directions.
• Each photoelectric conversion element includes a quarter wavelength layer, a wire grid polarizer, and a photoelectric conversion section.
• The photoelectric conversion elements in the first direction have the same fast axis orientation for their quarter wavelength layers.
• The photoelectric conversion elements in the second direction have different fast axis orientations for their quarter wavelength layers.
• The photoelectric conversion elements in the second direction have the same polarization orientation for their wire grid polarizers.
• The photoelectric conversion elements in the first direction have different polarization orientations for their wire grid polarizers.

Abstract

A light receiving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion element units. Each of the photoelectric conversion element units includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, the photoelectric conversion elements being M×N in total number, with M photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a first direction, and N photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a second direction. Each of the photoelectric conversion elements includes a quarter wavelength layer, a wire grid polarizer, and a photoelectric conversion section that are disposed in this order from a light entrance side. The M photoelectric conversion elements disposed side by side along the first direction include the quarter wavelength layers that have the same fast axis orientation. The N photoelectric conversion elements disposed side by side along the second direction include the quarter wavelength layers that have different fast axis orientations. The N photoelectric conversion elements disposed side by side along the second direction include the wire grid polarizers that have the same polarization orientation. The M photoelectric conversion elements disposed side by side along the first direction include the wire grid polarizers that have different polarization orientations.

LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE AND RANGING SYSTEM (18248741)

Main Inventor

Kohei IMAYOSHI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a light emitting device and a ranging system that can move the position where light is emitted.

• The light emitting device includes multiple light emitting elements that generate light.
• A moving unit is included to drive a specific part related to the light in a first direction, thereby moving the position where the light is emitted.
• The light emitting elements are arranged at the intersections of multiple straight lines in different directions.
• The straight lines extend in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and in a third direction that is parallel to neither the first nor second direction.
• The light emitting elements on one straight line and the adjacent straight line are arranged in a way that they are not next to each other in the first direction.
• The position where the light is emitted can be moved using uniaxial drive or other methods.

Abstract

A light emitting device and a ranging system capable of moving an irradiation position of light The light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting elements that generate light, and a moving unit to move an irradiation position of the light by driving a predetermined portion related to the light in a first direction. The light emitting elements are arranged at intersections of a plurality of first straight lines extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and a plurality of second straight lines extending in a third direction parallel to neither the first direction nor the second direction. Light emitting elements on straight line A and the light emitting elements on adjacent straight line B are arranged so as not to be adjacent to each other in the first direction. The irradiation position of the light can be moved by, for example, uniaxial drive.

LASER-SAFETY CONTROL FOR LIDAR APPLICATIONS (17752115)

Main Inventor

Jianming Xu

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a lidar system that can automatically adjust the optical power of its optical-probe beam.

- The adjustment is based on measurements of the scan rate and/or detection of a person within the system's field of view. - The system can turn off the laser source if the scanning mirror stalls. - The scan rate can be continuously monitored using photodiodes, a position-sensing photodetector, or a two-dimensional light sensor. - The reflected light used for monitoring can include a small portion of the optical-probe-beam light or can be generated using a separate light source.

Abstract

A lidar system capable of automatically adjusting the optical power of an optical-probe beam thereof based on scan-rate measurements and/or detection of a person within the system's field of view. In an example embodiment, the automatic power-adjustment capability includes a capability of turning OFF the corresponding laser source, e.g., when the scanning mirror has stalled. In various embodiments, the scan rate may continuously be monitored using suitably positioned photodiodes, a position-sensing photodetector, or a two-dimensional, pixelated light sensor configured to receive light reflected from the scanning mirror. Depending on the specific embodiment, the reflected light may include a small portion of the optical-probe-beam light or may be generated using a separate dedicated light source.

LIGHT RECEIVING DEVICE AND DISTANCE MEASURING APPARATUS (18044827)

Main Inventor

Jun Ogi

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a light receiving device that consists of a stacked chip structure.

- The stacked chip structure includes a pixel chip and a circuit chip that are stacked on top of each other. - The pixel chip contains a light receiving element that generates a signal when it receives a photon. - The circuit chip contains a circuit section that is part of a readout circuit. - The circuit section is positioned perpendicular to the substrate surface of the circuit chip, relative to the electrical coupling section between the pixel chip and the circuit chip. - The readout circuit is responsible for reading the signal generated by the light receiving element.

Abstract

A light receiving device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a stacked chip structure including a pixel chip and a circuit chip that are stacked. In the pixel chip, a light receiving element is provided. The light receiving element generates a signal in accordance with reception of a photon. In the circuit chip, a circuit section that is included in a readout circuit is disposed along a direction perpendicular to a substrate surface of the circuit chip with respect to an electrical coupling section between the pixel chip and the circuit chip. The readout circuit reads the signal generated by the light receiving element.

MEMORY CONTROL CIRCUIT, MEMORY, AND MEMORY MODULE (18245969)

Main Inventor

KEN ISHII

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a method for effectively using a memory module composed of multiple memories.

• Memory access control unit divides write data and its error correction code into multiple memories for writing.
• The presence or absence of verify errors in each memory related to the writing is determined.
• If verify errors occur in any of the memories, the error bit length is acquired from each memory.
• The write control unit determines the success or failure of the writing based on the total bit length of the verify errors.
• If the total bit length falls within the allocated error bit length tolerance, the writing is considered successful.
• If the total bit length falls outside the allocated error bit length tolerance, the writing is considered failed.

Abstract

To effectively use a memory when a plurality of memories is combined to constitute a memory module. A memory access control unit performs writing by dividing write data and an error correction code thereof into a plurality of memories, and acquires presence or absence of occurrence of a verify error in each of the plurality of memories related to the writing. In a case where the verify errors occur in at least any of the plurality of memories, an error bit length acquisition unit acquires bit lengths of the verify errors from the plurality of memories. In the case where the verify errors occur in at least any of the plurality of memories, a write control unit determines that the writing has succeeded if a total bit length of the verify errors falls within a range of a capability allocated to an error bit length tolerance of the error correction code, and determines that the writing has failed if the total bit length of the verify errors falls outside the range of the capability allocated to the error bit length tolerance of the error correction code.

MEMORY CELL ARRAY UNIT (18248113)

Main Inventor

LUI SAKAI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a memory cell array unit that includes a memory cell array and a microcontroller. 

• The memory cell array has an n-bit allocation bit allocated by a memory controller for read/write control.
• The memory cell array also has a redundant bit, which is not provided with a switching mechanism like the allocation bit.
• The microcontroller uses the allocation bit and the redundant bit to read and write n-bit data from and into the memory cell array.
• The microcontroller performs these operations based on the read/write control received from the memory controller.

Abstract

A memory cell array unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a memory cell array and a microcontroller. The memory cell array includes an n-bit allocation bit allocated from a memory controller in read/write control, and a redundant bit of one or a plurality of bits not being provided with a switching mechanism that switches as a substitution for a portion of the allocation bit. The microcontroller reads and writes n-bit data from and into the memory cell array using the allocation bit and the redundant bit on the basis of the read/write control from the memory controller.

COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM (18320662)

Main Inventor

Junya Yamada

Brief explanation

The patent application proposes a method to reduce the memory capacity required for storing address information in an I2C communication instrument, along with reducing the number of encoders and decoders involved. 

• The innovation aims to simplify the memory requirements and reduce the complexity of I2C communication instruments.
• It addresses the need to optimize the storage of address information, which is crucial for efficient communication.
• The proposed method aims to reduce the number of encoders and decoders involved in the communication process.
• By reducing the memory capacity and the number of components, the innovation can potentially lead to cost savings in manufacturing I2C communication instruments.
• The patent application focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of I2C communication instruments without compromising their functionality.

Abstract

The memory capacity for storing address information etc. of an I2C communication instrument, as well as the number of encoders and decoders can be reduced.

IMAGING APPARATUS (18360601)

Main Inventor

Kozo Hoshino

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes an imaging apparatus that consists of multiple pixel blocks and lenses.

- Each pixel block contains several light-receiving pixels with color filters of the same color. - The light-receiving pixels are divided into pairs, with each pair consisting of two pixels. - The apparatus includes multiple lenses, positioned to correspond with each pixel pair.

Abstract

An imaging apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of pixel blocks that each includes a plurality of light-receiving pixels including color filters of mutually the same color, the plurality of light-receiving pixels being divided into a plurality of pixel pairs each including two light-receiving pixels; and a plurality of lenses provided at respective positions corresponding to the plurality of pixel pairs.

PIXEL WITH DIFFRACTIVE SCATTERING GRATING AND HIGH COLOR RESOLUTION ASSIGNING SIGNAL PROCESSING (17752586)

Main Inventor

Victor A. Lenchenkov

Brief explanation

- The patent application is about color image sensors and systems.

- The color image sensor described in the application has an array of pixels, each of which has multiple sub-pixels. - A diffraction layer is placed on the light incident surface side of the pixel array. - The diffraction layer has transparent diffraction features that focus and diffract light onto the sub-pixels of each pixel. - The color information of the incident light on a pixel is determined by comparing the ratios of signals between pairs of sub-pixels. - A calibration table containing ratios of signals at different known wavelengths is used for comparison. - The color of the incident light on a pixel is assigned based on the wavelength with signal ratios that have the smallest difference compared to the observed set of signal ratios.

Abstract

Color image sensors and systems are provided. A color image sensor as disclosed includes a plurality of pixels disposed within an array, each of which includes a plurality of sub-pixels. A diffraction layer is disposed adjacent a light incident surface side of the array of pixels. The diffraction layer provides a set of transparent diffraction features for each pixel. The diffraction features focus and diffract light onto the sub-pixels of the respective pixel. Color information regarding light incident on a pixel is determined by comparing ratios of signals between pairs of sub-pixels to a calibration table containing ratios of signals determined using incident light at a number of different, known wavelengths. A wavelength with signal ratios that result in a smallest difference as compared to the observed set of signal ratios is assigned as a color of the light incident on the pixel.

IMAGING DEVICE (18034233)

Main Inventor

Masanori Tanaka

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an imaging device with a semiconductor substrate that has pixels arranged in a matrix.

• The semiconductor substrate includes photoelectric conversion sections that generate electric charge based on the amount of light received for each pixel.
• Each pixel has a first lens and each photoelectric conversion section has a second lens between the substrate and the first lens.
• A first separation section is provided between adjacent photoelectric conversion sections to optically separate them.
• A second separation section is provided between adjacent pixels to optically separate them and protrudes further than the first separation section in the direction of light incident.

Abstract

An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a semiconductor substrate which has a first surface and a second surface opposed to each other, and in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in matrix, the semiconductor substrate including a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections that each generate electric charge corresponding to a light receiving amount by photoelectric conversion for each pixel; a first lens disposed for each pixel; a second lens disposed between the semiconductor substrate and the first lens for each photoelectric conversion section; a first separation section provided between adjacent photoelectric conversion sections in each pixel and optically separating the adjacent photoelectric conversion sections from each other; and a second separation section provided between adjacent pixels, optically separating the adjacent pixels from each other, and protruding farther than the first separation section in a light incident direction.

IMAGING APPARATUS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS (18249356)

Main Inventor

YASUNORI TSUKUDA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an imaging apparatus with multiple photoelectric conversion units stacked in a light incident direction.

• The imaging apparatus includes photoelectric conversion elements that convert light into electrical signals in different wavelength regions.
• The photoelectric conversion units are stacked one on top of another.
• A charge holding unit is used to store the electrical charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements.
• The apparatus allows for capturing images in different wavelength regions simultaneously.
• The stacked configuration improves the efficiency and accuracy of the photoelectric conversion process.
• The charge holding unit ensures that the electrical charges are properly stored and not lost during the conversion process.

Abstract

An imaging apparatus according to the present technology includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units, each including a photoelectric conversion element that performs photoelectric conversion with light in a different wavelength region, the photoelectric conversion units being stacked in a light incident direction, and a charge holding unit that holds charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element in the different photoelectric conversion units.

HORN ANTENNA (18250815)

Main Inventor

YOSHITAKA YOSHINO

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a horn antenna design that consists of a waveguide portion and a horn portion.

• The waveguide portion includes a first dielectric block and a first post wall, which forms a first waveguide.
• The first post wall is made up of multiple conductive columnar bodies that pass through the first dielectric block.
• The horn portion is connected to one end of the waveguide portion and includes a first widening portion.
• The first widening portion consists of a second dielectric block that is thicker than the first dielectric block.
• The second widening portion also includes a second post wall made up of conductive columnar bodies.
• The second post wall demarcates a second waveguide that increases in width as it moves away from the first waveguide.
• The conductive columnar bodies pass through the second dielectric block.

Abstract

[Solving Means] A horn antenna according to an embodiment of the present technology includes: a waveguide portion; and a horn portion. The waveguide portion includes a first dielectric block and a first post wall, the first post wall including a plurality of conductive columnar bodies that passes through the first dielectric block and demarcating a first waveguide that extends in one axial direction. The horn portion includes a first widening portion that is connected to one end of the waveguide portion in the one axial direction. The first widening portion includes a second dielectric block that is thicker than the first dielectric block and a second post wall that includes a plurality of conductive columnar bodies and demarcates a second waveguide whose width increases as a distance from the first waveguide increases, the plurality of conductive columnar bodies passing through the second dielectric block.

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM (18132558)

Main Inventor

Yoshiaki Matsubara

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an image processing apparatus that can communicate with multiple image sensors.

• The apparatus can receive additional data from each image sensor, including region information and region image data.
• The region information includes identification information, position, and size of each region in the captured image.
• The processing unit of the apparatus can process the region image data based on the region information for each region.
• The apparatus allows for efficient processing of image data from multiple sensors by associating the region information with the corresponding region image data.

Abstract

Provided is an image processing apparatus (), comprising: a communicating unit () capable of communicating with each of a plurality of image sensors configured to transmit, in respectively different packets, additional data including region information corresponding to a region set with respect to a captured image for each region and region image data indicating an image for each row corresponding to the region; and a processing unit () configured to process, in association with each region, the region image data acquired from each of the plurality of image sensors based on the region information included in the additional data acquired from each of the plurality of image sensors, wherein the region information includes a part of or all of identification information of the region, information indicating a position of the region, and information indicating a size of the region.

IMAGING DEVICE (18356058)

Main Inventor

Tetsuro TAKADA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an imaging device that includes two regions: an effective pixel region and an optical black region.

• The effective pixel region contains imaging elements that amplify and read signal charges generated by photoelectric conversion.
• The optical black region contains imaging elements that output optical black, which serves as a reference for black level.
• The imaging elements in both regions share a common photoelectric conversion layer.
• The common photoelectric conversion layer is located on the outer side of the optical black region and extends towards the outer edge region surrounding it.
• An outer edge electrode is placed in the outer edge region.

Abstract

An imaging device includes: an effective pixel region that includes a plurality of imaging elements-A, amplifies signal charges generated by photoelectric conversion, and reads the signal charges into a drive circuit; and an optical black region that includes a plurality of imaging elements-B, surrounds the effective pixel region, and outputs optical black that serves as the reference for black level. In the imaging device, the photoelectric conversion layer forming the plurality of imaging elements-A and the plurality of imaging elements-B is a common photoelectric conversion layer, the common photoelectric conversion layer is located on an outer side of the optical black region, and extends toward an outer edge region surrounding the optical black region, and an outer edge electrode is disposed in the outer edge region.

IMAGING ELEMENT, STACKED-TYPE IMAGING ELEMENT, AND SOLID-STATE IMAGING APPARATUS (18357060)

Main Inventor

YUSUKE SATO

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an imaging element with a photoelectric conversion unit.

• The photoelectric conversion unit includes a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode.
• The unit also includes a charge storage electrode and a transfer control electrode, both separated from the first electrode by an insulating layer.
• The photoelectric conversion layer is located above the charge storage electrode via the insulating layer.

Abstract

There is provided an imaging element includes a photoelectric conversion unit that includes a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode, in which the photoelectric conversion unit further includes a charge storage electrode that has an opposite region opposite to the first electrode via an insulating layer, and a transfer control electrode that is opposite to the first electrode and the charge storage electrode via the insulating layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer is disposed above at least the charge storage electrode via the insulating layer.