Nikon was granted a brand new patent titled “Image Sensor and Electronic Camera”. The patent was filed in April 2021 and was accepted a few days ago. Although it’s not mentioned in the application, there’s a possibility that this patent is related to the stacked 4K 17.8MP HDR 1,000fps CMOS image sensor whose development was announced on March 2022. Hence, that’s significant progress for Nikon regarding its sensor business segment.

Nikon’s “Image Sensor” patent

A new Nikon patent was spotted titled “Image Sensor and Electronic Camera”. As stated in the application: “The present invention relates to an image sensor and an electronic camera”. This is the abstract: “An image sensor includes a first voltage source that supplies a first voltage and a plurality of pixels supplied with the first voltage. The pixel includes a photoelectric conversion unit that photoelectrically converts incident light, an accumulation unit to which an electric charge resulting from photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion unit is transferred and accumulated, a transfer unit that transfers the electric charge from the photoelectric conversion unit to the accumulation unit; a second voltage source that supplies a second voltage, and a supply unit that supplies the transfer unit with a transfer signal based on either the first voltage supplied by the first voltage source or the second voltage supplied by the second voltage source”. In spite of the fact that the description doesn’t tell us much, it’s a good chance that this patent refers to the sensor development announced a month before the patent was filed.

Is it the 4K 17.8MP 1,000fps sensor?

In March 2021, Nikon announced the development of a stacked 4K × 4K, CMOS image sensor with a total pixel count of approximately 17.8 megapixels capable of high-resolution imaging, HDR, and 1,000 frames per second. This sensor uses a fine-pitch wafer level wire connection technology consistent with the 2.7 μm pixel size. This makes it possible to control the top chip with the image sensor directly from the logic circuit of the bottom chip. The top chip is divided into blocks of 16 × 16 pixels, with 264 × 264 blocks (4224 × 4224 pixels) arranged on the sensor. Exposure in each area of the image can be tuned by finely controlling the exposure time of each of the blocks. Although the recent patent application doesn’t indicate high-speed imaging, it’s stated that: “The image sensor 3 is a so-called backside illumination image sensor”. Thus, there’s a good chance that this application applies to this 4K 1,000fps sensor. 

Designing but not manufacturing

It’s well known that Nikon’s flagship, the Z9, incorporates a sensor manufactured by Sony. This sensor was designed by, but not manufactured by Nikon. However, as an optical instrument manufacturer, Nikon is heavily engaged in the research and development of cutting-edge image sensor technology. These efforts build upon Nikon’s optical technology, precision measurement/manufacturing technology, and material technology. The process of ‘just’ designing sensors, demands solid resources as well. The new patent confirms that Nikon invests vast R&D efforts in developing its sensors and if this patent belongs to the 4K 17.8MP HDR 1,000fps sensor then it can constitute a major achievement for Nikon and its professional camera systems.

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