Integrated Image Sensor Merging Light Sensing and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile phones have a low screen-to-body ratio due to separate arrangements of front cameras and light sensors, limiting available space for the display screen.
Innovation Solution
An integrated image sensor with a pixel array that includes both a light sensing area and an imaging area, controlled by a single control circuit, which can detect illumination intensity and acquire images, allowing for a single camera module with an optical filter to optimize space usage and improve imaging effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the front camera and light sensor are separately arranged, then the light sensor can detect illumination intensity, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light sensor and camera into a single integrated image sensor. The pixel array includes both a light sensing area for detecting illumination intensity and an imaging area for capturing images, eliminating the need for separate components and increasing the display screen area.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated image sensor performs multiple functions: it can detect illumination intensity through the light sensing area and acquire images through the imaging area. This multi-functional design replaces both the dedicated light sensor and front camera, optimizing space utilization.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for light sensing and imaging, then each component can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sensor and camera into one integrated image sensor with a unified pixel array structure. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the device while maintaining the ability to independently optimize light sensing and imaging functions through dedicated areas within the pixel array.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are arranged on the device, then various functions can be achieved, but the available space for display screen is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated image sensor provides multiple functions within a single component: illumination detection through the light sensing area and image capture through the imaging area. This multi-functionality maintains adaptability while reducing the total space required compared to separate components.
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
This integration increases the screen-to-body ratio, enhances imaging quality, and allows for simultaneous detection of illumination intensity on both the front and back faces of the device, optimizing display brightness and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The pixel array includes a light sensing area and an imaging area... control the light sensing area and the imaging area to sense light together for acquiring an image
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor for an electronic device is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel array and a control circuit. The pixel array includes a light sensing area and an imaging area. The control circuit is coupled to the light sensing area and configured to receive a first instruction to control the light sensing area to detect an illumination intensity, and to receive a second instruction to control the light sensing area and the imaging area to sense light together, so as to acquire an image. A camera module and an electronic device are also provided.