Integrated Light-Blocking Member for Low-Profile Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image sensors in compound eye optical systems face challenges in achieving a low profile due to the need for a light blocking member and a microlens configuration that increases the overall height, making it difficult to minimize the sensor's profile and potentially leading to issues like dew condensation and image deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a light-blocking member with integrated light-transmitting and lens portions, where the light-blocking member is positioned directly above the photodetector layer, eliminating the need for a separate microlens array and planarization film, and is joined by a transparent resin layer to minimize gaps and enhance image focus without increasing the sensor's height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light blocking member and microlens array are stacked above the photodetector layer, then light focusing function is improved, but the overall height of the image sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light blocking member and microlens array into a single integrated component. The light blocking member includes light blocking walls and light transmitting portions, with the microlens array formed on the light transmitting portions. This integration eliminates the need for separate stacking of these components, thereby reducing the overall height while maintaining the light focusing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking member is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks stray light through its light blocking walls, transmits necessary light through its light transmitting portions, and focuses the transmitted light via the microlens array formed on those portions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple stacked components.
2Shape
If a cover glass is stacked on the microlens array for planarization, then surface flatness is improved, but the overall height increases further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the planarization function with the light blocking member structure itself. The light blocking member is designed with a configuration that inherently provides the necessary surface flatness for the microlens array, eliminating the need for an additional cover glass layer.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are stacked to achieve the light blocking and focusing functions, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (light blocking member, light transmitting portions, and microlens array) into a single integrated structure. This reduces the number of separate components that need to be stacked and assembled, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining the necessary light blocking and focusing functions.
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 allows for a lower-profile image sensor that reduces the occurrence of dew condensation and improves image quality by focusing light directly onto the photodetector layer, eliminating the need for a microlens array and planarization film, thereby enhancing the sensor's performance and reducing its overall height.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one lens portion is formed within the at least one light-transmitting portion
Implementation Method 2
improves image quality by focusing light directly onto the photodetector layer
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector layer; and a light-blocking member stacked above the photodetector layer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided imaging devices and methods of forming the same, the imaging devices, including: a photodetector layer; and a light-blocking member stacked above the photodetector layer, where the light-blocking member includes at least one light-transmitting portion and at least one lens portion.