Thin Imaging Device With Integrated Infrared Light Source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face challenges in miniaturization, thinning, and power consumption when integrated with light sources, particularly for applications requiring visible or infrared light, such as biometric authentication and failure analysis, where they struggle to achieve high-speed image capture with low power consumption and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A thin imaging device is designed with a layered structure incorporating a light-emitting device and a photoelectric conversion device, utilizing metal oxide transistors with low off-state current to enable efficient infrared light emission and image capture, allowing for a compact, low-power, and high-speed imaging solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a dedicated light source (light bulb type lamp, LED) is combined with imaging device, then light emission function is improved, but device thickness and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and imaging device into a single integrated structure where the light-emitting layer is formed between first and second electrodes that are part of the imaging device itself. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated light sources and reduces overall device thickness while maintaining light emission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device structure serves multiple functions: the first electrode acts as both a structural component and a light-emitting electrode, the light-emitting layer provides illumination, and the photoelectric conversion layer captures light. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and minimizes device thickness.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are integrated with imaging device, then light emission capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the light source function directly into the imaging device structure through the light-emitting layer and electrode configuration, the system eliminates energy losses associated with separate light source components and achieves more efficient energy utilization for both light emission and image capture.
3Illumination intensity
If additional light sources are added to imaging device, then light emission function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and imaging device into a single integrated structure where the light-emitting layer is formed between first and second electrodes that are part of the imaging device itself. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated light sources and reduces overall device thickness while maintaining light emission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device structure serves multiple functions: the first electrode acts as both a structural component and a light-emitting electrode, the light-emitting layer provides illumination, and the photoelectric conversion layer captures light. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and minimizes device complexity.
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 provides a compact, low-power, and reliable imaging device capable of high-speed image capture using infrared light, suitable for various applications including biometric authentication and failure analysis, without the need for additional light sources, while maintaining image quality and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the light-emitting device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light-emitting layer
Implementation Method 2
the pixel circuit includes a photoelectric conversion device and a transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A thin imaging device including a light source is provided. The imaging device includes a light-emitting device which emits infrared light. Infrared light emitted by the light-emitting device and reflected by a subject is received by a photoelectric conversion device included in a pixel circuit. Since an EL element is used as the light-emitting device, a thin imaging device with a light source can be formed. A pixel circuit utilizing an oxide semiconductor transistor having a property of low off-state current is used, whereby image capturing by a global shutter method is possible and a distortion-free image can be obtained even when the subject is moving.