Image Sensor with Integrated Illuminance and Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face challenges in night photography and proximity measurement due to increased manufacturing costs and potential color quality degradation when using IR CCD cameras, and require separate illuminance sensors for illuminance measurement.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor system incorporating an LED with a wavelength of 650 nm or 610 nm to 650 nm, an illuminance sensor section, and red or blue pixels alternately arranged with illuminance sensors to enable night photography, proximity sensing, and illuminance measurement without a separate illuminance sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an IR cutoff filter is mechanically removed at night and an LED with IR wavelength band is turned on, then night photographing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to the mechanical moving device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the IR cutoff filter from the optical path by providing a separate illuminance sensor that receives light through a different optical path than the image sensor. This allows the image sensor to always use the IR cutoff filter while the illuminance sensor can detect IR light for night mode operation, eliminating the need for mechanical filter removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the illuminance sensor serve multiple functions: it acts as both an illuminance sensor for display brightness control and as a proximity sensor for night photographing detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors and mechanical components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining night photographing capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the IR cutoff filter properties are set to pass only a specified IR wavelength band and an LED with certain wavelength band is externally used, then night photographing is possible without mechanical moving device, but color quality is degraded in daytime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical filter characteristics to different sensors: the image sensor uses an IR cutoff filter that blocks IR wavelengths to maintain color accuracy for visible light photography, while the illuminance sensor uses a different optical path that allows IR light passage for night mode detection. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between daytime color quality and nighttime operation capability.
3Measurement precision
If a separate illuminance sensor is mounted to provide illuminance measurement function, then illuminance measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the illuminance sensor to perform multiple functions: it measures illuminance for display brightness control, detects proximity for night photographing mode, and serves as a proximity sensor. By integrating these functions into a single sensor component, the patent reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement precision.
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 night photography and simultaneous functionality of proximity and illuminance sensing at a reduced cost, preventing glaring and maintaining high image sensor sensitivity, while eliminating the need for a separate illuminance sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting light toward a subject
Implementation Method 2
an illuminance sensor section for sensing an illuminance of surrounding environment from light reflected from the subject
Implementation Method 3
a sensor section having an image sensor unit for sensing an image signal from the light reflected from the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor capable of realizing night-photographing and functions of a proximity sensor and an illuminance sensor. The image sensor includes a light source for emitting light toward a subject; a light source control section for controlling current applied to the light source; an illuminance sensor section for sensing an illuminance of surrounding environment; and a sensor section having an image sensor unit for sensing an image signal.