Camera Module Complementary Color Filter Array Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules face challenges in enhancing image sensor sensitivity while minimizing computation overhead and maintaining resolution, often resulting in increased pixel size or processing delays.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a lens module, an image sensor module with a micro lens, photo diodes, and a filter array that includes complementary color filters, allowing for efficient light detection and processing with reduced computation, enabling improved sensitivity and image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to improve image sensor sensitivity, then sensitivity is enhanced, but processing delay increases due to excessive computation amount

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage sensor sensitivityVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image sensor divides each pixel into multiple sub-pixels (first photo diodes and second photo diodes), with each sub-pixel having dedicated color filters. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different color components, reducing computation time while maintaining sensitivity through increased light capture area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Color filters are positioned in advance above the photo diodes to pre-separate light wavelengths before detection. This preliminary optical filtering reduces the computational burden during image processing by providing pre-processed color information, thus reducing processing delay while enhancing sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to improve image sensor sensitivity, then sensitivity is enhanced, but resolution drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage sensor sensitivityVSAvoidresolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each pixel is segmented into multiple photo diodes with specific color filters, allowing sensitivity enhancement through increased light capture while maintaining resolution through the structured arrangement that preserves spatial information and color accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of each pixel are assigned different color filters (first color filters for first photo diodes, second color filters for second photo diodes), creating local specialization that enhances sensitivity for specific wavelengths while maintaining overall image resolution through the coordinated arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to improve image sensor sensitivity, then sensitivity is enhanced, but unit pixel size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage sensor sensitivityVSAvoidunit pixel size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking multiple photo diodes and color filters in layers above each pixel location. This three-dimensional arrangement increases sensitivity through multiple light detection paths without expanding the horizontal pixel area, thus maintaining high resolution while enhancing sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple photo diodes and color filters are nested within each pixel structure, with first photo diodes and second photo diodes arranged in overlapping or adjacent configurations. This nesting allows sensitivity enhancement through increased light capture capacity while confining the structure within the original pixel footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 effectively enhances image sensor sensitivity with minimal computational burden, maintaining high resolution and reducing pixel size, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

an image sensor module including a micro lens, at least one photo diode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 2

at least one photo diode for converging light passing the micro lens to an electric signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a filter array including a first filter passing a first designated band of light and a second filter passing a second band of light, the first and second bands corresponding to colors complementary to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering by complementary colors: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS11558587B2Camera module comprising complementary color filter array and electronic device comprising same

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises a lens module including at least one lens, and an image sensor module coupled to the lens module, wherein the image sensor module comprises a micro lens, at least one photodiode, and a filter array, the filter array includes a first filter capable of transmitting light of a first designated band and a second filter capable of transmitting light of a second designated band corresponding to a color having a complementary color relationship with another color corresponding to the first designated band, and the filter array may be disposed between the micro lens and the at least one photodiode. Various other embodiments are possible.