Array Camera Light Barriers Reduce Optical Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Array cameras with multiple image sensors suffer from unwanted light reflections and optical crosstalk due to high-angle incident light and adhesive-related issues, which negatively impact system performance.
Innovation Solution
A light blocking material is applied to the adhesive and cover layer of the image sensors, either coating the outer surfaces of the adhesive or filling trenches within the adhesive and cover layer, to prevent light from passing between adjacent sensors, thereby minimizing optical crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protective cover glass and adhesive are provided over the array of image sensors, then the image sensors are protected, but unwanted light reflections and optical crosstalk occur between adjacent sensors
Solution Approach 1:
A light blocking material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the adhesive and the cover glass, or within trenches in the adhesive, to prevent light from passing between adjacent image sensors. This intermediary layer blocks optical crosstalk while maintaining the protective function of the cover glass and adhesive assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking material is applied locally at specific locations where optical crosstalk occurs - either coating the outer surfaces of the adhesive in the regions between sensors, or filling trenches that are positioned between adjacent image sensors. This localized application prevents crosstalk without compromising the overall protective function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light blocking material is applied to the adhesive and cover layer, then optical crosstalk is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Trenches are formed in the adhesive layer before the light blocking material is applied. This preliminary structuring of the adhesive creates predefined pathways or regions where the light blocking material can be precisely deposited, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by establishing a clear sequence of operations and ensuring accurate placement of the light blocking material.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking material is applied as a coating or fill that changes the optical properties (specifically the light-blocking properties) of the adhesive and cover glass assembly. This material absorbs or reflects light in the regions between sensors, preventing crosstalk while integrating with the existing manufacturing processes for applying adhesives and cover glasses.
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 implementation of light blocking materials significantly improves the performance of array cameras by reducing unwanted light reflections and crosstalk, enhancing image capture quality.
Implementation Method 1
A light blocking material is applied to the adhesive and cover layer of the image sensors... to prevent light from passing between adjacent sensors
Implementation Method 2
unwanted light reflections and optical crosstalk can occur in an array camera... The implementation of light blocking materials significantly improves the performance of array cameras by reducing unwanted light reflections and crosstalk
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system such as an array camera may include an array of image sensors. The image sensors may each include an array of image pixels formed in a common image sensor substrate. A protective glass cover layer may be provided over the array of image sensors. The cover layer may be attached to the image sensor substrate using an adhesive. The adhesive may be formed on the image sensor substrate in a grid-like pattern in between adjacent image sensors in the array. A light blocking material may be formed on the adhesive grid to minimize optical crosstalk between neighboring image sensors. The light blocking material may fill or partially fill a trench in the adhesive, may coat the outer surfaces of the adhesive, and/or may coat the inner surfaces of the adhesive. If desired, light barriers may also be formed in openings in the glass cover layer.