Dual Image Sensor Package for Compact Multi-Wavelength Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensor systems for near-eye display applications, such as AR/VR, require multiple devices for capturing images in different wavelength bands, leading to increased physical dimension, cost, and power consumption, making them unsuitable for compact mobile systems.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor device with two or more image sensor arrays and a low-power processor in a single package, capable of capturing images using visible light, NIR, and SWIR, with integrated lens assemblies and filters to select specific wavelength bands, reducing physical size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate image sensor devices are used to capture images in different wavelength bands, then multi-wavelength imaging capability is achieved, but physical dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple image sensor arrays (visible light sensor array and infrared sensor array) into a single integrated package, along with a shared lens assembly and processing unit. This merging approach enables multi-wavelength imaging capability while significantly reducing the physical volume compared to using separate devices for each wavelength band.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated package design allows a single device to perform multiple functions: capturing visible light images, infrared images, and processing both types of images simultaneously. The shared lens assembly and processing unit provide universal functionality across different wavelength bands, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate image sensor devices are used, then multi-wavelength imaging capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor arrays and sharing the processing unit, the patent reduces the total power consumption compared to running separate devices. The shared processing unit processes images from both visible and infrared sensors, eliminating redundant processing operations and reducing overall energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal processing unit handles both visible light and infrared image processing within a single device, providing multi-functional capability while consuming less power than multiple separate processing units would require.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate image sensor devices are used, then multi-wavelength imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor arrays and processing functions into a single integrated package, reducing device complexity. Instead of managing multiple separate devices with their own housings, mounting, and processing systems, the integration consolidates these elements into one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design of the processing unit and shared lens assembly provides multi-functional capability within a single device structure, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to multiple specialized devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate image sensor devices are used, then multi-wavelength imaging capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple sensor arrays and processing components into a single integrated package, the patent reduces manufacturing costs. The shared lens assembly, housing, and processing unit eliminate the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate devices, reducing overall production expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal processing unit and shared optical components provide multi-functional capability while reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
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
Enables multi-wavelength imaging in a compact, low-power, and cost-effective manner, suitable for mobile devices like AR/VR applications, by integrating multiple sensor arrays and a processor in a single package.
Implementation Method 1
a filter on a surface of at least one of the first lens, the first cover glass, or the first sensor array. The filter is configured to block light in a first wavelength range and transmit light in a second wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
a first lens in the first aperture, a second lens in the second aperture
Implementation Method 3
The image sensor may capture images or videos of the environmental features by converting optical images into electrical image data
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An image sensor device includes two or more image sensor arrays (or two or more regions of an image sensor array) and a low-power processor in a same package for capturing two or more images of an object, such as an eye of a user, using light in two or more wavelength bands, such as visible band, near-infrared band, and short-wave infrared band. The image sensor device includes one or more lens assemblies and/or a beam splitter for forming an image of the object on each of the two or more image sensor arrays. The image sensor device also includes one or more filters configured to select light from multiple wavelength bands for imaging by the respective image sensor arrays.