{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854130","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854130","title":"Image reading apparatus and semiconductor device","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-12-13T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":12,"abstract":"An image reading apparatus includes an image reading chip for reading an image. The image reading chip includes a plurality of pixel units which include a light receiving element which receives light from the image so as to perform photoelectric conversion, an analog circuit, a logic circuit, and a power source pad to which a power source voltage is supplied. The image reading chip has a shape which includes a first side and a second side shorter than the first side. A distance between the analog circuit and a median point of the first side is shorter than a distance between the logic circuit and the median point of the first side, and a distance between the analog circuit and the power source pad is shorter than a distance between the logic circuit and the power source pad."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Reading Apparatus and Semiconductor Device patent introduces an innovative design for image reading chips, aimed at improving image quality and reducing power consumption. The core innovation lies in the strategic placement of pixel units, analog circuits, logic circuits, and a power source pad within the image reading chip. The chip features a geometric configuration with a shorter second side compared to the first, allowing for optimized placement of components. The key technical approach involves minimizing the distance between the analog circuit and the power source to enhance signal integrity and reduce noise. The logic circuit is positioned further away from the power source to balance power distribution. This design results in improved image quality, reduced power consumption, and enhanced signal integrity. The technology has significant business value in various applications, including smartphones, cameras, medical imaging, and industrial inspection. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for high-performance, energy-efficient image sensors continues to grow. The Image Reading Apparatus and Semiconductor Device is well-positioned to meet this demand, providing a robust and reliable solution for image capture and processing. This technology has the potential to transform the image sensor industry and drive innovation in various fields. The innovation can be used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for autonomous vehicles, providing high-resolution images for object detection and recognition. The efficient layout also streamlines manufacturing, reducing production costs and increasing scalability.","layman_explanation":"The Image Reading Apparatus and Semiconductor Device addresses the common problem of poor image quality and high power consumption in electronic devices like smartphones and cameras. Existing image sensors often struggle with signal degradation and inefficient power usage, leading to blurry images and short battery life.\n\nThis innovation works by optimizing the design of the image sensor chip. Instead of focusing on new materials or complex algorithms, it strategically rearranges the existing components. Imagine organizing your desk to make it easier to find things and work more efficiently. The patent describes a specific layout where the parts of the chip that process the image signal (analog circuits) are placed closer to the power source. This reduces the distance the signal has to travel, minimizing signal loss and noise. The logic circuits, which consume more power, are placed further away to balance the energy distribution.\n\nThis matters because it can significantly improve the performance of image sensors. Better image quality means clearer pictures and videos, which is crucial for everything from casual snapshots to professional photography. Reduced power consumption translates to longer battery life for portable devices, a major selling point for consumers. This innovation also has potential applications in medical imaging, industrial inspection, and other fields where high-quality images are essential.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could pave the way for even more advanced image sensors with improved performance and efficiency. As the demand for high-quality imaging continues to grow, this innovation is likely to become increasingly valuable. It could also attract investment from companies seeking to improve their image sensor technology and gain a competitive edge.","technical_analysis":"The Image Reading Apparatus and Semiconductor Device patent details a novel architecture for image reading chips that promises significant performance and efficiency gains. The technical architecture centers around the strategic arrangement of pixel units, analog circuits, logic circuits, and power source pads within the image reading chip. A key aspect is the chip's geometric configuration, featuring a shorter second side. This design allows for the optimized placement of the analog and logic circuits relative to the power source. Implementation involves advanced computer-aided design (CAD) tools to optimize component placement and state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing processes to ensure high precision and reliability. The algorithm specifics focus on minimizing the distance between the analog circuit and the power source, reducing signal degradation and noise. The logic circuit is positioned further away from the power source to balance power distribution and minimize interference. Integration patterns involve seamless integration with existing image processing pipelines. Performance characteristics include improved image quality, reduced power consumption, and enhanced signal integrity. Code-level implications involve optimized code for image processing algorithms to take advantage of the improved sensor characteristics. The system architecture also enables the use of smaller and more efficient components, which can further improve performance and reduce power consumption. The invention's focus on optimizing signal integrity and minimizing noise has significant implications for applications requiring high-precision imaging, such as medical diagnostics and scientific research.","business_analysis":"The Image Reading Apparatus and Semiconductor Device patent presents a significant business opportunity in the image sensor market. The market opportunity size is substantial, as the demand for high-performance, energy-efficient image sensors continues to grow across various industries, including smartphones, cameras, medical imaging, and industrial inspection. The competitive advantages of this technology include improved image quality, reduced power consumption, and enhanced signal integrity compared to existing image sensor architectures. The revenue potential is significant, as the technology can be licensed to image sensor manufacturers or integrated into new products. Potential business models include licensing the technology to image sensor manufacturers, developing and selling new image sensors based on the technology, and providing image processing solutions that leverage the technology. Strategic positioning involves targeting high-end applications where image quality and power efficiency are critical, such as medical imaging and professional photography. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology offers significant performance improvements and cost savings compared to existing solutions. The commercial applications of this technology are vast. In the smartphone industry, it can be used to develop cameras with better image quality and longer battery life. In the medical imaging industry, it can be used to develop high-resolution image sensors for diagnostic imaging. In the industrial inspection industry, it can be used to develop high-sensitivity image sensors for quality control. The technology's potential to improve image quality and reduce power consumption makes it a valuable asset for companies operating in these markets.","faqs":null,"topics":["image reading apparatus","semiconductor device","image sensor","analog circuit","logic circuit"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Reading Apparatus & Semiconductor Device - Patent US-9854130","description":"Discover how the Image Reading Apparatus and Semiconductor Device patent optimizes image sensor chip design for improved image quality & reduced power consumption. Claims, analysis & more.","keywords":["image reading apparatus","semiconductor device","image sensor","analog circuit","logic circuit","power consumption","signal integrity","pixel units","photoelectric conversion","patent","patent US-9854130"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854130","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854130","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image reading apparatus and semiconductor device\" (US-9854130). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854130","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854130","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854130","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T05:49:08.264Z"}