Solid-State Imaging Unit Cells for Dual-Angle Light Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state imaging apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously receiving light from two different directions efficiently, particularly for stereoscopic viewing, as they require stationary operation, complex semiconductor processing, and the use of light-blocking plates with two openings.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging apparatus with unit cells arranged two-dimensionally, where each unit cell has a light-receiving element and a light-collecting element optimized for specific angles of incidence, allowing simultaneous light reception from two directions without the need for complex semiconductor processing or light-blocking plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If time-division optical path switching means is used to change the angle of incidence of light, then it is possible to receive incident light from two different angles for stereoscopic viewing, but images of different viewpoints are developed in the time axis which requires the imaging apparatus to remain stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus is segmented into multiple imaging regions (first imaging region and second imaging region) that can be independently positioned. Each region is associated with a specific viewpoint, allowing the system to capture stereoscopic images without requiring the entire apparatus to remain stationary. The segmented structure enables flexible positioning of different imaging regions to track moving subjects while maintaining stereoscopic viewing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inclined surfaces are formed on the surface of a single element with pixels at predetermined intervals to receive light from two different angles simultaneously, then stereoscopic viewing is enabled, but a special step for processing concavo-convex on the semiconductor substrate surface is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming inclined surfaces on the two-dimensional substrate surface, the patent extends the solution into the third dimension by providing a light-shielding plate with a specific three-dimensional structure. The light-shielding plate includes a first light-shielding portion and a second light-shielding portion arranged in the depth direction, creating spatial separation of light paths without requiring complex surface processing of the semiconductor substrate. This dimensional approach simplifies manufacturing while achieving simultaneous reception of light from two different angles.
3Measurement precision
If a light-blocking plate having two openings is used to prevent an image from two viewpoints from being incident on a single pixel, then stereoscopic imaging is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-shielding function with the imaging regions by integrating the light-shielding plate structure with the arrangement of imaging regions. The first light-shielding portion and second light-shielding portion are positioned to correspond with the first imaging region and second imaging region respectively, creating a unified structure that achieves viewpoint separation without requiring a separate complex light-blocking plate assembly. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precise viewpoint separation.
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 efficient simultaneous light reception from two directions, facilitating stereoscopic viewing without the constraints of stationary operation or complex processing, and eliminates the need for light-blocking plates with two openings.
Implementation Method 1
the first light-collecting element collects a first incident light to maximize an amount of a first light incident on the first light-receiving element when the first incident light is incident at a first angle-of-incidence
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state imaging apparatus is disclosed in which, in a first unit cell, light is collected to maximize an amount of light received when the light is incident at a first angle-of-incidence, and in a second unit cell adjacent to the first unit cell, light is collected to maximize an amount of light received when the light is incident at a second angle-of-incidence, the amount of light received when the light is incident at a third angle-of-incidence on the first unit cell is equal to the amount of light received when the light is incident at the third angle-of-incidence on the second unit cell, the first angle-of-incidence is greater than the third angle-of-incidence by a predetermined amount, and the second angle-of-incidence is smaller than the third angle-of-incidence by the predetermined amount.