Apple has filed a patent for a brand new kind of picture sensor that would give future iPhones and different Apple units the flexibility to seize photographs and movies with dynamic vary ranges approaching that of the human eye.
The patent, titled “Image Sensor With Stacked Pixels Having High Dynamic Range And Low Noise,” was first noticed by Y.M.Cinema Magazine and describes a complicated sensor structure that mixes stacked silicon, a number of ranges of sunshine seize, and on-chip noise suppression mechanisms to succeed in as much as 20 stops of dynamic vary.
For comparability, the dynamic vary of the human eye is estimated to be round 20 to 30 stops, relying on how the pupil adjusts and the way gentle is processed over time. Most smartphone cameras at this time seize between 10 and 13 stops. If Apple’s proposed sensor reaches its potential, it will not solely surpass present iPhones but additionally outperform {many professional} cinema cameras, such because the ARRI ALEXA 35.
The patent outlines a stacked sensor design made up of two layers. The highest layer, referred to as the sensor die, accommodates the components that seize gentle. The layer beneath, the logic die, handles processing, together with noise discount and publicity management.
At present, Apple makes use of sensors made by Sony throughout the iPhone lineup. These sensors additionally use a two-layer design, however Apple’s model contains a number of authentic options and takes up much less house.
Some of the necessary components of the sensor design is a system referred to as a Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC). This permits every pixel within the sensor to retailer completely different quantities of sunshine relying on how shiny the scene is, all in the identical picture. With this, the sensor can deal with extraordinarily large lighting variations, similar to an individual standing in entrance of a shiny window, with out shedding element within the shadows or highlights.
One other a part of the design focuses on lowering picture noise and grain. Every pixel has its personal built-in reminiscence circuit that measures and cancels out heat-related digital noise in actual time. That is executed on the chip itself, earlier than the picture is saved or edited by software program.
Patent filings can’t be taken as proof of Apple’s fast plans, however they do point out areas of lively analysis and curiosity for the corporate, in addition to what it’s contemplating creating for future units.