Nikon has been granted a patent for an advanced image sensor featuring adjustable filter units and photoelectric conversion units. The sensor can selectively connect or disconnect these units based on the wavelength of light transmitted, enhancing its ability to process different light ranges efficiently. GlobalData’s report on Nikon 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 Nikon, Welding robots was a key innovation area identified from patents. Nikon's grant share as of June 2024 was 41%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Adjustable wavelength image sensor with multiple filters and units
The patent US12044869B2 describes an innovative image sensor designed to enhance the functionality of electronic cameras. The sensor features two adjacent filters that adjust and transmit different wavelength ranges of light. It includes two photoelectric conversion units that generate electric charges based on the light transmitted through these filters. The system is equipped with accumulating units for each conversion unit, which store the generated electric charges. Additionally, the sensor incorporates a control unit that manages the electrical connection between the accumulating units, allowing for selective operation based on the wavelength ranges being transmitted. This configuration enables the sensor to operate in distinct modes, either transmitting different wavelengths or the same wavelength, depending on the imaging requirements.
The patent further details the integration of this image sensor into an electronic camera, which utilizes circuitry to generate image data from the signals produced by the sensor. The camera can operate in multiple modes, such as still image photography and movie shooting, with the control unit adjusting the connection state of the accumulating units accordingly. The design also accommodates different zoom magnifications, allowing for flexibility in capturing images. The arrangement of the filters can be in either a column or row direction, and each filter may consist of multiple layers, enhancing the sensor's capability to process light effectively. This technology aims to improve image quality and adaptability in various shooting conditions.
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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.
