18364873. IMAGE SENSOR FOR SENSING LED LIGHT WITH REDUCED FLICKERING simplified abstract (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

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IMAGE SENSOR FOR SENSING LED LIGHT WITH REDUCED FLICKERING

Organization Name

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Inventor(s)

Yun-Wei Cheng of Taipei City (TW)

Chun-Hao Chou of Tainan City (TW)

Kuo-Cheng Lee of Tainan City (TW)

Hsin-Chi Chen of Tainan City (TW)

IMAGE SENSOR FOR SENSING LED LIGHT WITH REDUCED FLICKERING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18364873 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR FOR SENSING LED LIGHT WITH REDUCED FLICKERING

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes an image sensor device that has two sets of pixels, with the same number of pixels in each set. A light-blocking structure is placed over the pixels, with different sizes of openings for each set of pixels. A microcontroller is used to control the activation of the pixels in the second set at different times.

  • The image sensor device has two sets of pixels with the same number of pixels in each set.
  • A light-blocking structure is placed over the pixels to control the amount of light that reaches them.
  • The light-blocking structure has different sizes of openings for each set of pixels.
  • A microcontroller is used to selectively activate the pixels in the second set at different points in time.

Potential Applications

  • This technology can be used in digital cameras and smartphones to improve image quality and dynamic range.
  • It can also be applied in surveillance systems to capture clear images in varying lighting conditions.
  • Medical imaging devices can benefit from this technology to enhance the accuracy of diagnostic imaging.

Problems Solved

  • The light-blocking structure helps to reduce the amount of unwanted light that reaches the pixels, improving image quality.
  • By selectively activating the pixels in the second set at different times, the device can capture a wider range of light intensities, resulting in better dynamic range.

Benefits

  • Improved image quality and dynamic range in digital cameras and smartphones.
  • Enhanced accuracy in medical imaging devices.
  • Clearer images in surveillance systems.


Original Abstract Submitted

An image sensor device has a first number of first pixels disposed in a substrate and a second number of second pixels disposed in the substrate. The first number is substantially equal to the second number. A light-blocking structure disposed over the first pixels and the second pixels. The light-blocking structure defines a plurality of first openings and second openings through which light can pass. The first openings are disposed over the first pixels. The second openings are disposed over the second pixels. The second openings are smaller than the first openings. A microcontroller is configured to turn on different ones of the second pixels at different points in time.