Integrated Image Sensor Merging Light Sensing and Imaging Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of front cameras and light sensors in mobile phones occupies a large space, resulting in a low screen-to-body ratio due to their combined presence, which limits the available space for the display screen.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with a pixel array that includes both a light sensing area for detecting illumination intensity and an imaging area for acquiring images, controlled by a single control circuit, allowing for simultaneous detection and image acquisition without the need for separate camera and light sensing elements, thus reducing the number of components and increasing space for the display screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a front camera and light sensor are arranged separately in a mobile phone, then both functions (image capture and illumination detection) can be performed, but the occupied space increases and the screen-to-body ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the front camera and light sensor functions into a single image sensor component. The pixel array includes both an imaging area for capturing images and a light sensing area for detecting illumination intensity, allowing both functions to be performed by one integrated component rather than separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed with multi-functionality, where the same pixel array serves dual purposes: the imaging area captures images while the light sensing area detects illumination intensity. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated camera and light sensor elements
2Reliability
If separate camera and light sensing elements are used, then dedicated functions are achieved, but the number of components increases and available space for display decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated image sensor. The pixel array contains both imaging pixels and light sensing pixels that work together within one component structure, reducing the total number of separate components needed in the device
Solution Approach 2:
Within the unified pixel array, the patent segments different regions for different functions: the imaging area is separated from the light sensing area. This internal segmentation allows dedicated functional zones while maintaining overall component integration
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 configuration enhances the screen-to-body ratio by reducing the number of components needed, allowing for a larger display screen area while maintaining effective illumination detection and image acquisition capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The light sensing area is configured to detect an illumination intensity
Implementation Method 2
the imaging area is configured to acquire an image
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed in the present disclosure are an image sensor (10), camera module (100), and electronic device (1000). The image sensor (10) comprises a pixel array (12) and a control circuit (14). The pixel array (12) comprises a light sensing area (122) and an imaging area (124). The light sensing area (122) is configured to detect an illumination intensity, and the imaging area (124) is configured to acquire an image. The control circuit (14) is configured to control, upon receiving a first instruction, the light sensing area (122) to detect an illumination intensity, and control, upon receiving a second instruction, the imaging area (124) to acquire an image. The control circuit (14) may receive the first instruction and the second instruction at the same time.