3D Color Image Sensor Wavelength Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional sensors cannot provide color image information simultaneously with depth information within a single chip, as they require different wavelengths of light for color and depth sensing, making it complex to segregate visible and infrared light within a single chip.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional color image sensor is developed with a rejection filter and depth sensor, where the rejection filter is selectively transparent to visible and near-infrared light, and the depth sensor uses an infrared filter surrounded by color sensors, allowing for the segregation of light wavelengths and enabling both color and depth information capture within a single chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single chip is used to integrate both color sensor region and depth sensor region, then both color and depth information can be captured simultaneously, but it becomes complicated to allow different wavelength lights to enter corresponding regions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chip is divided into distinct color sensor regions and depth sensor regions with separate optical paths. The color sensors capture visible light (400-700nm) while depth sensors capture infrared light (>700nm), allowing each region to be optimized for its specific wavelength range without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A rejection filter is introduced as an intermediary component to selectively block infrared light from reaching color sensors while allowing visible light to pass through. This mediator enables the coexistence of different wavelength sensing regions on the same chip by preventing wavelength cross-contamination.
2Loss of information
If visible light is incident on color sensor region and infrared light on depth sensor region, then both color and depth information can be captured, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The rejection filter is integrated directly into the color sensor structure, where it automatically performs the function of blocking infrared light without requiring external intervention or complex additional components. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The rejection filter functionality is merged with the color sensor structure, and the infrared filter is merged with the depth sensor structure. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the ability to capture both color and depth information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for the simultaneous capture of three-dimensional color images by effectively filtering light wavelengths, enabling the integration of color and depth information in a single chip, enhancing imaging capabilities in devices like mobile phones and computer systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rejection filter which extends opposite a light receiving surface of the 3-D image sensor pixel, and is selectively transparent to visible and near-infrared light relative to far-infrared light
Implementation Method 2
the depth sensor includes an infrared filter that is selectively transparent to near-infrared light having wavelengths greater than about 700 nm relative to visible light
Implementation Method 3
the rejection filter may include a composite of at least one inorganic material having a first refractive index and at least another inorganic material having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index
Implementation Method 4
the rejection filter may include a plurality of silicon dioxide layers and a plurality of titanium oxide layers arranged in an alternating sequence
Data Source
AI summary
Image sensors include three-dimensional (3D) color image sensors having an array of sensor pixels therein. A 3-D color image sensor may include a 3-D image sensor pixel having a plurality of color sensors and a depth sensor therein. The plurality of color sensors may include red, green and blue sensors extending adjacent the depth sensor. A rejection filter is also provided. This rejection filter, which extends opposite a light receiving surface of the 3-D image sensor pixel, is configured to be selectively transparent to visible and near-infrared light relative to far-infrared light. The depth sensor may also include an infrared filter that is selectively transparent to near-infrared light having wavelengths greater than about 700 nm relative to visible light.