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Lens array for photodiode device with an aperture having a lens region and a non-lens region

Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1993-04-08
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Granted: 1994-06-28
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Expires: 2013-04-08
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Abstract

Abstract In an image sensor using photodiodes, the structure is arranged so that a lens for each photodiode focuses light onto a first portion of the photodiode. Light from the scene directly illuminates a second portion of the photodiode.

Inventors

  • 👤 Joseph Jech, Jr.

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-08 05:19
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/40; H10F30/00; H10F30/20; H10F30/21; H10F30/22; H10F30/221; H10F77/30; H10F77/306; H10F77/331; H10F77/334; H10F77/413

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim 90 words
In an image sensor having a plurality of photodiodes and a lens array having individual lenses, each such lens being disposed over a particular photodiode, the improvement comprising: (a) a light shield provided for each photodiode and having an aperture; and (b) each lens being provided over a lens region of the aperture to focus light from a scene on a first portion of the photodiode and arranged so that light from the scene also directly illuminates a second portion of the photodiode through a non-lens region of the aperture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 90 words
In an image sensor having a plurality of photodiodes and a lens array having individual lenses, each such lens being disposed over a particular photodiode, the improvement comprising: (a) a light shield provided for each photodiode and having an aperture; and (b) each lens being provided over a lens region of the aperture to focus light from a scene on a first portion of the photodiode and arranged so that light from the scene also directly illuminates a second portion of the photodiode through a non-lens region of the aperture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 21 words
The image sensor of claim 1 further including a color filter array positioned between the lens array and the light shield.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4694185A Cited
US4684599A Cited
US4966831A Cited
US5172206A Cited
US5132251A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1997-06-27 1997-12-27 1998-06-28 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2001-06-27 2001-12-27 2002-06-28 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2005-06-27 2005-12-27 2006-06-28 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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