Image Sensor Sensing Region Size Variation for Saturation Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors experience sensitivity saturation issues due to varying light sensitivity levels for different wavelengths of light, leading to reduced accuracy in image sensing.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor is designed with distinct sensing regions of varying sizes and light sensitivity levels to manage light amounts, using a corresponding gain value for each region to prevent saturation, allowing for controlled light reception and signal amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image sensor uses uniform sensing regions for all light wavelengths, then the device complexity is reduced, but sensing saturation occurs for high-sensitivity wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different sensing regions with different sizes according to the specific light wavelength they detect. High-sensitivity wavelengths (e.g., blue light) are detected by smaller sensing regions, while low-sensitivity wavelengths (e.g., red light) are detected by larger sensing regions. This localized differentiation prevents saturation for high-sensitivity wavelengths while maintaining adequate sensitivity for low-sensitivity wavelengths, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and sensing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the image sensor increases sensing region size to improve sensitivity, then light detection capability is enhanced, but saturation occurs more easily for high-sensitivity wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the size parameter of sensing regions based on the sensitivity characteristics of different light wavelengths. For wavelengths with high sensor sensitivity, the sensing region size is reduced to decrease the amount of light captured and prevent saturation. For wavelengths with low sensitivity, the sensing region size is increased to enhance light detection capability. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and saturation resistance.
3Reliability
If the image sensor uses different sized sensing regions for different wavelengths, then sensing saturation is avoided, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensor array into multiple sensing regions with different sizes, each dedicated to detecting specific wavelength ranges. The sensor is segmented into first sensing regions for blue light, second sensing regions for green light, and third sensing regions for red light, with each segment having optimized dimensions for its specific wavelength range. This segmentation approach enables saturation avoidance while maintaining manufacturability through systematic regional differentiation.
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 approach effectively prevents sensitivity saturation, enhancing image sensing accuracy and reducing the overall cost and volume of the image sensing apparatus while maintaining high performance across different wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
R pixels in the image sensor receives red light to generate sensing units, and B pixels in the image sensor receives blue light to generate sensing units
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor, comprising: a first sensing region having a first size, configured to sense first kind of light having a first range of wavelengths; and a second sensing region having a second size, configured to sense second kind of light having a second range of wavelengths, wherein the first size and the second size are different, wherein at least portion of the first range of wavelengths and at least portion of the second range of wavelengths are different. The image sensor has a first light sensitivity level for sensing the first kind of light and has a second light sensitivity level for sensing the second kind of light, and a relation between the first size and the second size corresponds to a relation between the first light sensitivity level and the second light sensitivity level.