The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 02, 2024
Filed:
May. 10, 2022
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, Kanagawa, JP;
Tatsuki Nishino, Kanagawa, JP;
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, Kanagawa, JP;
Abstract
This technology relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging system for improving the accuracy of distance measurement performed by use of SPADs. The imaging apparatus includes a pixel array section having pixel sections arrayed therein. Each pixel section includes: an SPAD (single photon avalanche photodiode); a resistance component configured to be connected serially with the SPAD; an output section configured to output a light reception signal indicating photon incidence on the SPAD; and a pulse generation section configured to output a pulse signal in synchronism with the output of the light reception signal. Each pixel sections further includes at least one of: a switch configured to be connected interposingly between the SPAD and the resistance component and turned off in synchronism with the pulse signal; or a pull-in section configured to pull in an input current flowing through the SPAD via the resistance component in synchronism with the pulse signal, thereby suppressing the input current flowing through the SPAD. This technology may be applied to cameras that capture range images, for example.