{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854190","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854190","title":"Imaging systems and methods for transient signal integrity verification","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-03-24T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":18,"abstract":"An image sensor with an array of pixels is provided. In order to determine failure of transient signal generation circuitry within the image sensor, monitoring circuitry may be used to capture and adjust transient signals as the signals are being transmitted. The transient signals may be voltage booster signals that are generated by booster circuitry to adjust row control signal levels to be below the ground reference voltage or above the supply reference voltage before providing them to the array of image sensor pixels. The captured and adjusted transient signals may be multiplexed and transmitted through a common buffer circuit. The method of shifting/adjusting the captured voltages may also apply to static signals. The multiplexed adjusted signals may be converted from digital signals to analog signals with digital-to-analog conversion circuitry. The digitized signals may be transmitted to host circuitry for processing which may include pass/fail testing."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Imaging Systems and Methods for Transient Signal Integrity Verification patent addresses the critical need for reliable image sensor performance by focusing on the integrity of transient signals. The core innovation lies in a monitoring circuitry that captures and adjusts transient signals as they are transmitted within the image sensor, specifically targeting voltage booster signals used to control row signal levels. This system mitigates failures in transient signal generation circuitry, which can significantly degrade image quality. The key technical approach involves multiplexing and transmitting captured and adjusted transient signals through a common buffer circuit, followed by digital-to-analog conversion for detailed analysis and pass/fail testing.\n\nThe business value of this technology is substantial, offering improvements in image quality, reduced manufacturing defects, and extended product lifespans for imaging devices. It enables more efficient troubleshooting and optimization of image sensor designs, leading to faster development cycles and reduced time-to-market. The market opportunity is significant, as this innovation can be applied across a wide range of imaging applications, from consumer electronics to industrial imaging systems. By providing a reliable solution for transient signal verification, Imaging Systems and Methods for Transient Signal Integrity Verification is poised to make a significant impact on the image sensor industry, enhancing the performance and reliability of imaging devices worldwide.","layman_explanation":"The Imaging Systems and Methods for Transient Signal Integrity Verification patent addresses a critical issue in image sensor technology: ensuring the reliability of the signals that control how images are captured. Imagine the tiny sensors in your smartphone camera or a high-end digital camera. These sensors rely on precise voltage signals to accurately capture light and convert it into a digital image. If these signals are not properly controlled, the resulting image can be blurry, distorted, or simply of poor quality.\n\nThis patent provides a way to monitor and adjust these signals in real-time. Think of it like a quality control system built directly into the image sensor. The system captures the signals, analyzes them, and makes adjustments to ensure they are within the correct parameters. This is particularly important for 'transient' signals, which are signals that change rapidly over time. Ensuring the integrity of these transient signals is essential for capturing high-quality images.\n\nThe importance of this technology lies in its ability to improve the overall quality and reliability of imaging devices. By ensuring that the signals within the image sensor are properly controlled, this patent can lead to sharper, clearer images, fewer manufacturing defects, and longer-lasting products. This has significant implications for a wide range of industries, from consumer electronics to medical imaging.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be further developed to improve the performance of other types of sensors, such as those used in autonomous vehicles or industrial automation systems. As imaging technology continues to advance, the need for reliable signal control will only become more critical. This patent represents a significant step forward in ensuring the quality and reliability of imaging devices.","technical_analysis":"The Imaging Systems and Methods for Transient Signal Integrity Verification patent details a system designed to ensure the integrity of transient signals within image sensors. The technical architecture involves the integration of monitoring circuitry directly into the image sensor. This circuitry captures transient signals, particularly voltage booster signals, which are critical for adjusting row control signal levels. The captured signals are then adjusted to meet predefined specifications, ensuring that they fall within acceptable ranges. The adjusted signals are subsequently multiplexed and transmitted through a common buffer circuit, streamlining the data flow.\n\nThe implementation utilizes digital-to-analog conversion circuitry to convert the multiplexed adjusted signals into analog form. This conversion allows for more precise analysis of the signal characteristics. The digitized signals are then transmitted to host circuitry, where they undergo processing, including pass/fail testing. The algorithm specifics involve comparing the captured and adjusted signals against predetermined thresholds to identify any deviations or anomalies that could indicate a failure in the transient signal generation circuitry.\n\nIntegration patterns involve seamless incorporation of the monitoring circuitry into existing image sensor designs. The performance characteristics of the system are optimized for real-time monitoring and analysis, ensuring minimal impact on the overall image sensor performance. Code-level implications involve the development of software algorithms for processing the digitized signals and performing the pass/fail testing. This system can be integrated into existing image sensor manufacturing processes, improving quality control and reducing manufacturing defects. The ability to capture and adjust signals in real-time allows for more efficient troubleshooting and optimization of image sensor designs, leading to faster development cycles and reduced time-to-market for new image sensor products.","business_analysis":"The Imaging Systems and Methods for Transient Signal Integrity Verification patent presents a significant business opportunity within the image sensor industry. The market opportunity size is substantial, given the widespread use of image sensors in various applications, including smartphones, digital cameras, medical imaging devices, and automotive systems. The competitive advantages of this technology lie in its ability to provide real-time monitoring and adjustment of transient signals, leading to improved image quality, reduced manufacturing defects, and extended product lifespans.\n\nThe revenue potential is significant, as image sensor manufacturers can leverage this technology to improve the quality and reliability of their products, commanding higher prices and increasing market share. The business models that can be employed include licensing the technology to image sensor manufacturers, integrating the system into proprietary image sensor designs, and offering testing and verification services. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a critical need for reliable image sensor performance. By providing a comprehensive solution for transient signal verification, this patent enables image sensor manufacturers to differentiate their products and gain a competitive edge.\n\nThe ROI projections are favorable, as the implementation of this technology can lead to significant cost savings through reduced manufacturing defects and improved product yields. Furthermore, the improved image quality and reliability can lead to increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. The Imaging Systems and Methods for Transient Signal Integrity Verification is poised to make a significant impact on the image sensor industry, creating new business opportunities and driving innovation in imaging technology.","faqs":null,"topics":["image sensor integrity","transient signal monitoring","image sensor testing","signal verification","imaging technology"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Image Sensor Integrity - Imaging Systems and Methods for Transient Signal Integrity Verification","description":"Discover how Imaging Systems and Methods for Transient Signal Integrity Verification ensures image sensor integrity by monitoring transient signals, reducing defects & improving quality.","keywords":["image sensor integrity","transient signal monitoring","image sensor testing","signal verification","imaging technology","patent","patent US-9854190"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854190","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-9854190","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Imaging systems and methods for transient signal integrity verification\" (US-9854190). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854190","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854190","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854190","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T05:07:52.416Z"}