Image Sensor Infrared Intensity via Segmented Optical Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors used in iris recognition systems face challenges in effectively receiving and processing both visible light and infrared light, leading to reduced infrared intensity and difficulties in image signal analysis.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design includes a visible light receiving portion with an infrared cutoff filter ball layer and an infrared receiving portion with a micro-lens layer or infrared pass filter ball layer, which allows for separate collection and focus of visible and infrared light, optimizing the light path to enhance infrared intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional image sensor uses two different portions for receiving visible light and infrared separately, then both visible light and infrared can be received, but the infrared intensity is reduced and light loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two distinct receiving portions: a visible light receiving portion with an infrared cutoff filter and an infrared receiving portion with an infrared pass filter. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in receiving its designated wavelength range, preventing cross-interference and reducing energy loss. The infrared receiving portion specifically uses an infrared pass filter to transmit infrared light while blocking visible light, thereby improving infrared intensity without suffering from visible light interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical filters are applied to different portions of the image sensor to optimize local light reception characteristics. The infrared receiving portion is equipped with an infrared pass filter that has specific optical properties for transmitting infrared wavelengths, while the visible light receiving portion has an infrared cutoff filter. This local quality differentiation ensures that each region of the sensor is optimized for its specific function, maximizing infrared intensity where needed.
2Illumination intensity
If separate filtering layers are used for visible and infrared light, then light path optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared cutoff filter layer and infrared pass filter layer are combined into a single integrated filter structure within the image sensor. Rather than using completely separate filtering systems, the patent merges the filtering functions into a unified architecture where the infrared receiving portion contains both the infrared pass filter and the necessary optical paths, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining light path optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed with a universal filter structure that serves multiple functions: the infrared pass filter not only transmits infrared light but also blocks visible light, while the overall filter assembly contributes to both wavelength separation and focal plane optimization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
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
This design improves the intensity of infrared received by the image sensor, reducing light loss and meeting user demands, thereby simplifying subsequent image signal analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the infrared cutoff filter ball layer 116 is disposed on the color filter 114... the infrared cutoff filter ball layer 116 is configured to collect the visible light
Implementation Method 2
the infrared receiving portion 120 includes a micro-lens layer configured to collect the infrared
Implementation Method 3
the infrared receiving portion includes an infrared pass filter ball layer configured to collect the infrared
Implementation Method 4
the photodiode 102 is configured to receive the light to generate image signals accordingly
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a visible light receiving portion and an infrared receiving portion. The visible light receiving portion is configured to receive a visible light. The infrared receiving portion is configured to receive infrared. The visible light receiving portion includes an infrared cutoff filter ball layer configured to collect the visible light. In some embodiments of the present invention, the infrared receiving portion includes a micro-lens layer configured to collect the infrared. In some other embodiments of the present invention, the infrared receiving portion includes an infrared pass filter ball layer configured to collect the infrared.