Imaging Device Temperature Calibration via Thermocouple Pad

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices, there is a need for improved temperature detection accuracy in imaging devices, which current technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device with a calibration method that includes a temperature sensor and a pad electrode on a semiconductor substrate, where the temperature is measured using a thermocouple, and calibration parameters are generated and stored to correct temperature codes, enhancing temperature detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature calibration is performed using conventional methods, then temperature detection capability is provided, but temperature detection accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidtemperature detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs temperature calibration in advance during the manufacturing process by measuring temperatures at multiple predetermined temperature points and storing calibration parameters. This preliminary action ensures that when the imaging device is used, the temperature detection has already been optimized, resolving the contradiction between providing temperature detection capability and achieving high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the calibration parameters stored in memory based on the relationship between temperature sensor output values and actual temperatures measured at different temperature points. By adjusting these parameters during manufacturing, the system achieves high temperature detection accuracy without compromising reliability during actual use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple temperature points are measured for calibration, then temperature detection accuracy improves, but calibration process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the complex multi-point temperature measurement and calibration process in advance during manufacturing. By completing this complex calibration work beforehand, the patent achieves high temperature detection accuracy while keeping the actual product simple to use, as no complex calibration is needed during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device automatically uses the pre-stored calibration parameters for temperature compensation without requiring user intervention. The system self-adjusts using the calibration data, eliminating the need for users to perform complex calibration procedures while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If temperature calibration data is stored in the imaging device, then post-manufacturing temperature measurement accuracy improves, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing process ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs temperature calibration during the manufacturing process by measuring temperatures at multiple points and storing the calibration parameters in the device's memory. This preliminary calibration action ensures high temperature measurement accuracy is built into the device during manufacturing, making the manufacturing process more comprehensive but enabling accurate temperature detection throughout the device's lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from temperature measurements at multiple calibration points to determine and store appropriate calibration parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the manufacturing process to automatically adjust and optimize temperature detection accuracy, making the enhanced manufacturing process systematic and controllable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 improves temperature detection accuracy by allowing for precise calibration and correction of temperature codes, even across various temperature ranges, thereby enhancing the overall performance of imaging devices.

Implementation Method 1

a thermocouple, the temperature is measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3747187B1Imaging device and calibration method
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP3747187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3747187B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3747187B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To obtain an imaging device that can improve temperature detection accuracy. An imaging device of the present disclosure includes a processing unit formed on a first semiconductor substrate and capable of performing predetermined image processing on the basis of image data obtained by an imaging unit, a temperature sensor formed on the first semiconductor substrate and capable of generating a detection signal according to a temperature, and a first pad electrode formed on the first semiconductor substrate and electrically insulated from a circuit formed on the first semiconductor substrate.