Sony semiconductor solutions corporation (20240348945). SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE simplified abstract

SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE

Organization Name

sony semiconductor solutions corporation

Inventor(s)

YUKIHITO Iida of KANAGAWA (JP)

SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240348945 titled 'SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE

The abstract describes a solid-state imaging device that includes a photoelectric conversion element, transfer transistors, a pixel array, a floating diffusion, a pixel circuit, a switch, and a variable capacitor.

• Photoelectric conversion element generates electric charge from light.
• Transfer transistors are coupled to the photoelectric conversion element.
• Pixel contains multiple photoelectric conversion elements and transfer transistors.
• Floating diffusion is commonly coupled to the photoelectric conversion elements and transfers the electric charge.
• Pixel circuit converts the electric charge into electric signals.
• Switch controls conductive state based on electric charge amount of the floating diffusion.
• Variable capacitor controls capacitance value based on electric charge amount.

Potential Applications: - Digital cameras - Smartphones - Surveillance systems - Medical imaging devices

Problems Solved: - Efficient conversion of light into electric signals - Precise control of electric charge transfer

Benefits: - Improved image quality - Enhanced sensitivity to light - Reduced noise in captured images

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Image Sensor Technology for Enhanced Photography This technology can be used in digital cameras, smartphones, surveillance systems, and medical imaging devices to improve image quality, sensitivity, and noise reduction. The market implications include increased demand for high-quality imaging devices in various industries.

Questions about Solid-State Imaging Device Technology: 1. How does this technology improve image quality in digital cameras and smartphones? This technology enhances image quality by efficiently converting light into electric signals and controlling the transfer of electric charge.

2. What are the potential applications of this solid-state imaging device technology in medical imaging? This technology can be used in medical imaging devices to capture high-quality images with enhanced sensitivity to light, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Original Abstract Submitted

a solid-state imaging device includes: a photoelectric conversion element that generates electric charge from light through photoelectric conversion; a transfer transistor that is coupled to the photoelectric conversion element; a pixel in which a plurality of the photoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of the transfer transistors are arrayed; a floating diffusion that is commonly coupled, with the respective transfer transistors interposed in between, to the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements of the pixel, and transfers the electric charge; a pixel circuit that is coupled to the floating diffusion and converts the electric charge into electric signals; a switch that has a first main electrode coupled to the floating diffusion and has a first control electrode to which a first control signal is inputted, the first control signal controlling a conductive state and a non-conductive state in accordance with an electric charge amount of the floating diffusion; and a variable capacitor that has a first electrode coupled to a second main electrode of the switch and has a second electrode to which a second control signal is inputted, the second control signal controlling a capacitance value in accordance with the electric charge amount.