Image Sensor Cover Microstructures for Stray Light Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensor packages suffer from stray light noise due to inner reflections within the protecting glass, which is exacerbated by the use of a soft rubber layer that can deform and block the light path.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor package incorporates a microstructure component, such as elongated prisms, glass bead reflectors, or cube corner reflectors, arranged on the upper surface of the cover or within a recess to redirect stray light away from the light sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft rubber layer is arranged between the image sensor package and the protecting glass to reduce reflected light energy, then stray light noise is reduced, but the total thickness of the device increases and the rubber layer deforms to block the light path at the openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light redirection function from the soft rubber layer and implements it through a dedicated microstructure component (prism array or reflector) positioned between the protecting glass and sensor. This separates the stray light management function from the sealing function, allowing the rubber layer to be eliminated or minimized while maintaining both dust protection and light path clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microstructure component as an intermediary element that mediates between the protecting glass and the sensor. This intermediary component specifically addresses the stray light problem through its optical structures (prisms or reflectors) without requiring the soft rubber layer, thus solving the contradiction between noise reduction and thickness reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft rubber layer is arranged between the image sensor package and the protecting glass to reduce reflected light energy, then stray light noise is reduced, but the rubber layer deforms to block the light path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light redirection function from the soft rubber layer and implements it through a dedicated microstructure component (prism array or reflector) positioned between the protecting glass and sensor. This separates the stray light management function from the sealing function, allowing the rubber layer to be eliminated or minimized while maintaining both dust protection and light path clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microstructure component as an intermediary element that mediates between the protecting glass and the sensor. This intermediary component specifically addresses the stray light problem through its optical structures (prisms or reflectors) without requiring the soft rubber layer, thus solving the contradiction between noise reduction and light path clearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different protecting glasses are used for different products, then the image sensor package can be adapted to various applications, but manufacturing cost increases due to needing to manufacture new packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor package into modular components: a standard base package and interchangeable microstructure components. Each microstructure component is designed to work with specific protecting glass types, allowing customers to select only the necessary microstructure component for their specific application rather than manufacturing entirely new packages, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base package design that can accommodate different microstructure components through a standardized mounting interface. This universal base package serves multiple product lines, while the specific optical performance is achieved through interchangeable microstructure components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 design effectively reduces stray light noise, improves image quality, and simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for a soft rubber layer, thereby reducing the overall device thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a microstructure component, such as elongated prisms, glass bead reflectors, or cube corner reflectors, arranged on the upper surface of the cover or within a recess to redirect stray light away from the light sensor
Implementation Method 2
The microstructure component includes multiple elongated prisms
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image sensor package including a substrate, a light source, a light sensor, a cover and a microstructure component. The light source and the light sensor are arranged on the substrate. The cover covers upon the substrate and has accommodation space for accommodating the light source and the light sensor. An upper surface of the cover has a recess. The microstructure component is arranged inside the recess to direct stray light toward a direction far from the light sensor.