18456853. IMAGE SENSOR, METHOD OF OPERATING THE IMAGE SENSOR, AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Contents
- 1 IMAGE SENSOR, METHOD OF OPERATING THE IMAGE SENSOR, AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 IMAGE SENSOR, METHOD OF OPERATING THE IMAGE SENSOR, AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Original Abstract Submitted
IMAGE SENSOR, METHOD OF OPERATING THE IMAGE SENSOR, AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
IMAGE SENSOR, METHOD OF OPERATING THE IMAGE SENSOR, AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18456853 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR, METHOD OF OPERATING THE IMAGE SENSOR, AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an image sensor that utilizes different exposure times to capture image data and improve image quality.
- Pixel array generates analog signals based on different exposure times
- Analog-to-digital conversion circuit converts analog signals to digital signals using different ramp signals
- Image signal processor generates image data based on the digital signals
- Different ramp signals used for each exposure time to improve image quality
Potential Applications
The technology can be applied in:
- Digital cameras
- Surveillance systems
- Medical imaging devices
Problems Solved
The technology addresses issues such as:
- Improving image quality
- Enhancing dynamic range
- Reducing noise in images
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include:
- Higher quality images
- Improved low-light performance
- Enhanced overall image processing capabilities
Potential Commercial Applications
This technology has potential commercial applications in:
- Smartphone cameras
- Security cameras
- Medical imaging equipment
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art could be the use of dual exposure techniques in photography to enhance image quality.
Unanswered Questions
How does this technology compare to traditional image sensors in terms of image quality and performance?
This technology offers improved image quality and dynamic range compared to traditional image sensors by utilizing different exposure times.
What are the potential limitations or drawbacks of using different exposure times in image sensors?
One potential limitation could be increased complexity in image processing algorithms to combine data from different exposure times.
Original Abstract Submitted
An image sensor includes a pixel array, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, and an image signal processor. A pixel of the pixel array generates a first analog signal based on a quantity of charge accumulated during a first exposure time and generate a second analog signal based on a quantity of charge accumulated during a shorter second exposure time. The analog-to-digital conversion circuit may generate a first digital signal based on the first analog signal and a first ramp signal and may generate a second digital signal based on the second analog signal and a second ramp signal. The image signal processor may generate image data based on the first and second digital signals. The first ramp signal may be different from the second ramp signal in terms of at least one of a ramping time or a ramping start voltage level.