Sony Group has been granted a patent for an imaging apparatus that includes a matrix of pixels with photoelectric conversion elements and corresponding light-receiving lenses. The control section of the apparatus allows for different exposure times for different groups of pixels, enhancing image quality. GlobalData’s report on Sony Group gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Sony Group, adaptive video coding was a key innovation area identified from patents. Sony Group's grant share as of September 2023 was 37%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Patent granted for an imaging apparatus with controlled exposure times
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11778333B2) describes an imaging apparatus that includes a matrix of pixels on a light-receiving surface. The pixels are organized into pixel groups, including first, second, and third pixel groups. Each first pixel group consists of pixels arranged in a two rows×two columns configuration. The second pixel groups are formed by combining multiple first pixel groups in a similar arrangement. The third pixel group comprises the second pixel groups in a two rows×two columns arrangement. The second pixel groups within the third pixel group are further divided into three groups, each containing two pixels in different directions. The exposure time for each set of two pixels in the first and second directions is the same, but different from the exposure time of the third set of two pixels in the third direction. Additionally, the exposure time of the third set of two pixels is different from both the first and second sets of two pixels.
The imaging apparatus also includes a plurality of color filters arranged in a Bayer pattern, with each color filter associated with a corresponding pixel group. The patent further describes various configurations of the first and second pixel groups within the third pixel group, including different exposure times for specific sets of two pixels in different directions.
The patent also discloses a signal processing method for the imaging apparatus. The method involves controlling the exposure time for each pixel, generating phase difference data based on the image data obtained from the controlled exposure times, and generating a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image using the generated phase difference data.
Overall, this patent presents an imaging apparatus and signal processing method that utilize pixel groups and different exposure times to capture and process images, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and image quality. The disclosed technology could have applications in various fields, including photography, videography, and computer vision.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
