Image Sensor Diffuser Electrode for Damage Detection and EMI Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image sensors face challenges in detecting damage, cracks, or separation of diffusers and shielding electromagnetic interference noise, which can affect their performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transparent electrode on the diffuser to detect damage, cracks, or separation and shield electromagnetic interference noise by connecting it to ground, allowing the image sensing apparatus to operate in different modes based on the condition of the diffuser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transparent electrode is applied on the diffuser to detect damage, cracks, or separation, then the reliability of the image sensor is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffuser integrity detectionVSAvoidcomponent structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transparent electrode with the diffuser by applying it directly onto the diffuser surface, merging two separate components (diffuser and electrode) into a single integrated structure. This reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the functionality of both diffuser and electrode for damage detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent electrode serves multiple functions: it detects damage, cracks, or separation of the diffuser, and it shields electromagnetic interference noise. By making the electrode multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a transparent electrode film shielding electromagnetic interference noise is applied on the diffuser, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to separate components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidcomponent structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnetic interference shielding function with the diffuser structure by applying the transparent electrode directly onto the diffuser. This integration eliminates the need for separate shielding components while maintaining effective EMI protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: damage detection and electromagnetic interference shielding. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system, simplifying the device structure while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If separate components are used for diffuser damage detection and electromagnetic interference shielding, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the device volume and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent assemblyVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (diffuser, transparent electrode for damage detection, and transparent electrode film for EMI shielding) into a single integrated structure where the electrode is applied directly on the diffuser. This merging reduces the overall device volume and weight while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a streamlined assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If separate components are used for diffuser damage detection and electromagnetic interference shielding, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent assemblyVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate components into an integrated structure where the transparent electrode is applied directly on the diffuser, combining damage detection and EMI shielding functions in a single lightweight assembly, thereby reducing overall device weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent electrode serves multiple functions (damage detection and EMI shielding) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate heavy components for each function, thus reducing device weight while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 transparent electrode effectively detects diffuser issues and shields electromagnetic interference, enhancing the reliability and performance of the image sensing apparatus while reducing its volume and weight.

Implementation Method 1

a transparent electrode determining damage, cracks, or separation of the diffuser is applied on the diffuser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a transparent electrode film shielding electromagnetic interference noise radiated through the path through which the optical signal is emitted and incident may be applied on the diffuser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4343373B1Image sensing apparatus, electronic apparatus including the same, and driving method of image sensing apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 LX SEMICON CO LTD
  • EP4343373B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343373B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4343373B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an image sensing apparatus including a driver disposed on a substrate and configured to drive a light emitter and a light receiver to emit a first optical signal toward an object and receive a second optical signal reflected from the object, a housing coupled to the substrate and surrounding the light emitter, the light receiver, and the driver, a diffuser disposed on the housing, and a transparent electrode disposed on the diffuser, wherein the driver includes a transparent electrode driver configured to detect whether the diffuser is damaged in a first mode and shields electromagnetic interference noise in a second mode by using the transparent electrode.