Image Sensor Integrating Imaging and Light Sensing Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile phones have a low screen-to-body ratio due to separate arrangements of front cameras and light sensors, which occupy valuable space and limit display screen area.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor that integrates both imaging and light sensing modes within a single pixel array, allowing the same sensor to operate in either imaging or light sensing mode, thereby eliminating the need for separate camera elements and optimizing space for a larger display screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate front camera and light sensor are arranged in mobile phone, then imaging and light sensing functions are achieved, but screen-to-body ratio is reduced due to occupied space
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is designed to perform both imaging and ambient light sensing functions by switching between different readout modes. The same photodetector elements capture images in imaging mode and measure light intensity in light sensing mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors and thereby maximizing the display screen area while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the front camera and light sensor functions into a single integrated sensor module. The pixel array serves as a unified structure that can be configured for either imaging or light sensing through control circuitry, merging previously separate components into one multifunctional unit to save space
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate front camera and light sensor are arranged in mobile phone, then imaging and light sensing functions are achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is designed to perform both imaging and ambient light sensing functions by switching between different readout modes. The same photodetector elements capture images in imaging mode and measure light intensity in light sensing mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors and thereby maximizing the display screen area while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the front camera and light sensor functions into a single integrated sensor module. The pixel array serves as a unified structure that can be configured for either imaging or light sensing through control circuitry, merging previously separate components into one multifunctional unit to save space
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 integration increases the screen-to-body ratio by allowing for a larger display screen area while maintaining effective illumination intensity detection and image acquisition capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensor includes a pixel array having pixel cells organized into rows and columns for capturing image data and ambient light data
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention are an image sensor (100), camera module (200), and electronic device (300). The image sensor (100) comprises a pixel array (10) and a control circuit (20). The pixel array (10) comprises multiple row pixels and multiple column pixels. The control circuit (20) is configured to control the image sensor (100) to operate in an imaging mode or a light sensing mode. The control circuit receives a first instruction to control an intersection region of a portion of the row pixels and a portion of the column pixels to detect an illumination intensity, such that the image sensor (100) operates in the light sensing mode. The control circuit receives a second instruction to control the pixel array to acquire an image, such that the image sensor (100) operates in the imaging mode.