Imaging Device In-Substrate Photoelectric Conversion Simultaneous RGB Infrared Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic imaging devices struggle to obtain high-precision RGB color image data and infrared image data simultaneously, with the frame sequential imaging method causing color shifts and the simultaneous imaging method having low precision in infrared image data.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a semiconductor substrate and multiple photoelectric converting devices, each paired with a color filter that transmits different wave ranges, including visible and infrared regions, allowing for simultaneous capture of RGB and infrared data by generating electric charges corresponding to incident light across various wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If frame sequential imaging method is used to obtain RGB color image data and infrared image data, then it is possible to obtain information about three colors of RGB and infrared region, but color shift is generated for moving objects causing image disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photoelectric converting devices with different spectral sensitivity characteristics (infrared-sensitive device and visible light-sensitive devices with RGB color filters) into a single imaging device. This allows simultaneous capture of infrared image data and RGB color image data in one imaging operation, eliminating the color shift problem caused by sequential filtering while maintaining complete information acquisition.
2Reliability
If simultaneous imaging method is used to obtain RGB color image data and generate infrared image data through image processing, then color shift is not generated for moving objects, but precision in infrared image data is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photoelectric converting devices into distinct types: infrared-sensitive photoelectric converting devices that directly detect infrared light, and visible light-sensitive photoelectric converting devices with color filters for RGB detection. This segmentation allows each device type to specialize in its optimal detection range, with infrared devices providing high-precision infrared image data without relying on post-processing of RGB data.
3Productivity
If multiple photoelectric converting devices with different spectral sensitivity are arranged on the same plane, then simultaneous capture of RGB and infrared data is enabled, but device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a unified imaging device structure where multiple photoelectric converting devices with different spectral sensitivity characteristics are integrated on the same semiconductor substrate. Each device performs its specialized function (infrared detection or RGB detection) while contributing to a comprehensive multi-spectral imaging capability, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate imaging systems.
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
Enables the capture of high-precision RGB color image data and infrared image data in a single imaging process, reducing color shifts and enhancing the precision of infrared data, while also allowing for higher resolution image generation compared to single plate type imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converting layer which absorbs a light in an infrared region and generates an electric charge corresponding to the light
Implementation Method 2
a color filter layer that is formed above the semiconductor substrate and transmits a light in a different wave range from a wave range of light to be absorbed by the photoelectric converting layer
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device comprising: in-substrate photoelectric converting devices arranged on the same plane in a semiconductor substrate; on-substrate photoelectric converting devices, formed on the same plane above the semiconductor substrate, each of which corresponds to each of at least a part of the in-substrate photoelectric converting devices and comprises a first electrode formed above the semiconductor substrate, a photoelectric converting layer formed on the first electrode and a second electrode formed on the photoelectric converting layer; a color filter layer that is formed above the semiconductor substrate and transmits a light in a different wave range from a wave range of a light to be absorbed by the photoelectric converting layer; and a signal reading section that reads a signal corresponding to an electric charge generated in the on-substrate photoelectric converting device and a signal corresponding to an electric charge generated in the in-substrate photoelectric converting device respectively.