Solid-State Imaging Device Aberration Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state imaging devices face challenges in simultaneously capturing high-quality images of visible light and infrared light due to focus position misalignment caused by lens aberration, particularly axial chromatic aberration, which increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging device with a lens optical system, a first photoelectric conversion unit for visible light, a second photoelectric conversion unit for infrared light, and a storage unit to store and compensate for aberration at the focal point between visible and infrared light, allowing for simultaneous imaging and reduced size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging elements are provided for visible light and infrared light, then simultaneous capturing capability is improved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate visible light and infrared light imaging elements into a single integrated imaging element structure. Multiple photoelectric conversion elements (including both visible light-sensitive and infrared light-sensitive elements) are arranged in the same substrate, allowing simultaneous capturing of both wavelength ranges without requiring separate imaging devices, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element is designed with multi-functionality to capture both visible light and infrared light using a single device structure. The color filter layer and photoelectric conversion elements are configured to be sensitive to multiple wavelength ranges, enabling the same imaging element to perform both visible light imaging and infrared light imaging functions, thus reducing overall system complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If dual-bandpass filters are used to compensate for axial chromatic aberration, then focus position alignment is improved, but device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dual-bandpass filter components from the optical path by designing the color filter layer and photoelectric conversion elements to directly achieve wavelength-selective sensitivity. This removes the need for additional filter layers that would increase device height, while still providing effective focus position alignment through the inherent optical design of the imaging element itself
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging elements are provided for visible light and infrared light, then simultaneous capturing capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions (visible light imaging and infrared light imaging) into a single integrated imaging element, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices. This consolidation reduces material costs, manufacturing expenses, and assembly requirements while maintaining the ability to simultaneously capture both visible and infrared light, thereby reducing overall cost
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element is designed with multi-functionality to perform both visible light imaging and infrared light imaging using the same substrate and photoelectric conversion structure. This universal design eliminates the need for separate imaging elements, reducing component costs and manufacturing expenses while providing versatile capturing capability across multiple wavelength ranges
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
The solution enables simultaneous capturing of high-quality images of visible and infrared light, compensates for axial chromatic aberration, and reduces the size and cost of the imaging device, while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a lens optical system; a first photoelectric conversion unit including a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements provided in a matrix pattern
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements being configured to detect light in a first wavelength range including visible light reflected off a subject and perform photoelectric conversion
Implementation Method 3
a second photoelectric conversion unit provided at a position aligned with the first photoelectric conversion unit and including a plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements provided in a matrix pattern, the plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements being configured to detect light in a second wavelength range including infrared light reflected off the subject and perform photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
Solid-state imaging with simultaneously capture of images in infrared and visible light is disclosed. In one example, a solid-state imaging device includes a lens optical system, first and second photoelectric conversion units, and a storage unit. The first photoelectric conversion unit detects visible light. The second photoelectric conversion unit is aligned with the first photoelectric conversion unit and detects infrared light. The storage unit stores an amount of aberration at a focal point between the visible light and the infrared light. After focusing on a focal point of light in a second wavelength range detected by the second photoelectric conversion unit, the solid-state imaging device compensates for the aberration at a focal point between the visible light and the infrared light on the basis of the amount of aberration.