Nano-Photonic Lens Array Layout for Binning Without Resolution Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors using color filters suffer from low light utilization efficiency due to absorption of unwanted light wavelengths, and pixel arrangements like the Bayer pattern degrade resolution when using binning techniques for low light sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A nano-photonic lens array with a novel pixel arrangement where pixels are diagonally aligned, and nano-structures are strategically positioned to condense specific wavelengths onto each pixel, accompanied by a color filter layer to enhance light transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a color filter is used to sense light color, then light color detection is achieved, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates due to absorption of non-intended wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the color filtering function into multiple specialized filters (red color filter, green color filter, blue color filter) arranged in a specific pattern. Each filter is optimized to transmit only its intended wavelength range, reducing cross-contamination and improving overall light utilization efficiency while maintaining accurate color detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different color filter types (red, green, blue) based on their specific functional requirements. Each pixel region has locally optimized filter characteristics matched to its sensing purpose, allowing maximum light transmission for the intended wavelength while blocking others.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel size is reduced to increase resolution, then image detail is improved, but sensitivity under low light levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple pixels of the same color into pixel groups (e.g., four green pixels grouped together). These grouped pixels can be read out individually for high-resolution imaging or combined their signals for enhanced sensitivity in low-light conditions, providing dual functionality without requiring larger individual pixel sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different readout modes: high-resolution mode where individual pixels are read separately, and high-sensitivity mode where pixel groups are combined. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between resolution and sensitivity based on lighting conditions and application requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If binning technique is used to improve low light sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically switches between pixel grouping modes (e.g., 1×1, 2×2, 4×4 grouping) depending on lighting conditions. Under bright conditions, pixels remain individually readable for maximum resolution. Under low light, pixels are grouped for enhanced sensitivity, with the grouping size being adjustable based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array is designed to serve multiple functions through configurable grouping: it can operate as a high-resolution sensor with individual pixel readout, or as a high-sensitivity sensor with grouped pixel readout. The same hardware structure supports both modes without requiring separate sensor arrays.
4Measurement precision
If Bayer pattern pixel arrangement is used, then color sensing is achieved, but demosaic processing is required which increases complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into distinct color regions (red pixel regions, green pixel regions, blue pixel regions) with contiguous arrangements of the same color. This segmentation eliminates the need for demosaic interpolation since pixels of the same color are adjacent and can be directly read out without complex processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional Bayer pattern where colors are interleaved (R-G-B-G-R-G...), the patent inverts the arrangement by grouping same-color pixels together (R-R-R-G-G-G-B-B-B...). This inversion simplifies the readout process and eliminates the need for demosaic algorithms, reducing computational complexity and power consumption.
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
Improves light utilization efficiency and maintains image resolution by reducing light loss and eliminating the need for demosaic processing, thereby enhancing sensitivity and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
nano-structures that are disposed to condense light of a first wavelength onto a first pixel, condense light of a second wavelength to a second pixel and a fourth pixel, and condense light of a third wavelength to a third pixel
Data Source
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AI summary
An image sensor includes a sensor substrate including a plurality of pixels that are two-dimensionally disposed in a first direction and a second direction; and a nanophotonic lens array including a first pixel corresponding region, a second pixel corresponding region, a third pixel corresponding region, and a fourth pixel corresponding region respectively corresponding to the plurality of pixels, wherein each of the first to fourth pixel corresponding regions includes a plurality of nano-structures that are arranged to condense light of a first wavelength, light of a second wavelength, and light of a third wavelength respectively onto the plurality of pixels, and in each of the second pixel corresponding region and the fourth pixel corresponding region, cross-sectional area sizes of the plurality of nano-structures are distributed asymmetrically in the first direction, the second direction, and a first diagonal direction, and are distributed symmetrically in a second diagonal direction that crosses the first diagonal direction.