Image Sensor Light Shielding Structure for Reflected Light Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensing devices face the challenge of preventing light reflected from modules or portions of the device from entering the effective pixel region, leading to image quality degradation and noise introduction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image sensing device with a substrate layer having an image pixel region and a dummy region, where a first light shielding structure covers the dummy region to block incident light, and a second light shielding structure, extending from the first structure, is used to block reflected light from entering the image pixel region, ensuring that the flare protection wall is formed with a predetermined height to penetrate the color filter and lens layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light shielding structure is added to block reflected light, then image quality is improved by reducing noise and flare, but device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding structure is divided into two distinct parts: a first light shielding structure covering the dummy region and a second light shielding structure extending toward the color filter layer to block reflected light. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, effectively addressing the flare problem while maintaining clear structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The second light shielding structure extends in the vertical dimension from the first light shielding structure toward the color filter layer, creating a three-dimensional configuration. This vertical extension enables the structure to block reflected light paths that horizontal shielding alone cannot prevent, solving the flare issue without requiring extensive lateral expansion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the second light shielding structure extends toward the color filter layer with predetermined height, then reflected light blocking is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first light shielding structure is formed first to establish a base level, and the second light shielding structure is then formed extending from this predetermined height. This preliminary action creates a reference plane that simplifies subsequent manufacturing steps and ensures consistent height positioning for effective reflected light blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The first light shielding structure serves as an intermediary element that supports and positions the second light shielding structure at the required height. This intermediate structure makes it easier to achieve the precise vertical positioning needed for effective flare protection without requiring direct formation of the second structure at its final height.
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 configuration effectively prevents undesired light from entering the effective pixel region, enhancing image quality by reducing noise and flare effects, thereby improving the overall imaging performance of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a first light shielding structure configured to cover the substrate layer of the dummy region and configured to block the incident light from being incident upon the substrate layer of the dummy region
Implementation Method 2
a second light shielding structure configured to block reflected light from entering the image pixel region
Implementation Method 3
image pixels including photoelectric conversion elements configured to produce image pixel signal by a photoelectric conversion of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing device includes a substrate layer configured to include an image pixel region and a dummy region disposed separately from the image pixel region; a first light shielding structure configured to cover the substrate layer of the dummy region to block light from being incident upon the substrate layer of the dummy region; a color filter layer disposed over the first light shielding structure; and a second light shielding structure configured to block reflected light from entering the image pixel region and disposed over the first light shielding structure, to the second light shielding structure extending from the first light shielding structure toward the color filter layer and having a predetermined height that allows the second light shielding structure to penetrate the color filter layer.