Image Sensor With Peripheral Power Generation Unit

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices with solar batteries face challenges in achieving both excellent pixel characteristics and high power generation without reducing the number or area of sensor pixels or increasing the semiconductor substrate size.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device is designed with a semiconductor substrate that includes an imaging unit and an electric power generating unit, where the electric power generating unit is provided around the imaging unit, performing photoelectric conversion without reducing the number or area of sensor pixels, and is electrically isolated from the imaging unit to optimize both pixel characteristics and power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the solar battery is provided between arranged light receiving cells, then the power generation amount is improved, but the pixel characteristics deteriorate due to reduced sensor pixel area or number

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation amountVSAvoidpixel characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The semiconductor substrate is divided into two distinct functional regions: an imaging unit containing sensor pixels for capturing light signals and an electric power generating unit containing solar batteries for power generation. This spatial segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between power generation and pixel characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement where solar batteries are placed between light receiving cells to a configuration that utilizes the third dimension and peripheral areas. The electric power generating unit is positioned around the imaging unit on the semiconductor substrate, effectively using the substrate's perimeter and unused regions to accommodate solar batteries without encroaching on the sensor pixel area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If the number or area of sensor pixels is reduced to accommodate solar batteries, then the power generation amount is improved, but the imaging capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation amountVSAvoidimaging capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The semiconductor substrate is divided into two distinct functional regions: an imaging unit containing sensor pixels for capturing light signals and an electric power generating unit containing solar batteries for power generation. This spatial segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between power generation and pixel characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement where solar batteries are placed between light receiving cells to a configuration that utilizes the third dimension and peripheral areas. The electric power generating unit is positioned around the imaging unit on the semiconductor substrate, effectively using the substrate's perimeter and unused regions to accommodate solar batteries without encroaching on the sensor pixel area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If the semiconductor substrate area is increased to accommodate both sensor pixels and solar batteries, then the power generation amount is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation amountVSAvoidsubstrate size

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The semiconductor substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the imaging platform for sensor pixels and the power generation platform for solar batteries. By making the substrate multi-functional and positioning the electric power generating unit around the imaging unit, the patent maximizes power generation capacity without requiring additional substrate area, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation and device size

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

This configuration allows for an imaging device with excellent pixel characteristics and a significant power generation capacity, addressing the need for efficient energy harvesting in IoT applications without compromising pixel density or substrate size.

Implementation Method 1

The imaging unit is provided in the semiconductor substrate and includes a plurality of sensor pixels that performs photoelectric conversion. The electric power generating unit is provided around the imaging unit of the semiconductor substrate and performs photoelectric conversion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10777611B1Image sensor

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

To provide an imaging device that is able to have both excellent pixel characteristics and a great power generation amount. An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a semiconductor substrate that includes one surface to be a light entering surface and another surface opposed to the one surface; an imaging unit that is provided in the semiconductor substrate and includes a plurality of sensor pixels that performs photoelectric conversion; and an electric power generating unit that is provided around the imaging unit of the semiconductor substrate and performs photoelectric conversion.