Integrated Light Source and Sensor Imaging Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization and thinning when combined with light sources, particularly for infrared applications, and struggle with high power consumption, slow image capture speeds, and reliability, especially when used for diverse light sources like visible light, infrared, and X-rays.
Innovation Solution
The development of a thin imaging apparatus incorporating a light source with a pixel circuit that includes a light-emitting device and a photoelectric conversion device, utilizing metal oxide transistors for low off-state current, enabling efficient correlated double sampling and A/D conversion, and employing flexible substrates for compactness and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional light sources (light bulb type lamp, LED, laser) are combined with imaging apparatuses, then imaging functionality is achieved, but miniaturization and thinning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and imaging sensor into a single integrated device structure, where the light emitting layer and photoelectric conversion layer are stacked together. This integration eliminates the need for separate external light sources, enabling miniaturization while maintaining imaging functionality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus employs a nested layered structure where the light emitting layer is positioned adjacent to and integrated with the photoelectric conversion layer. This nesting approach allows both functions to coexist in a compact thin-film configuration, achieving thinning without compromising performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional imaging apparatuses are designed for diverse light sources (visible light, infrared, X-rays), then versatility is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal light-emitting material layer that can emit across multiple wavelengths (visible light, infrared, and potentially X-ray regions) by adjusting material composition and structure. This single multi-functional layer replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized light sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus achieves versatility through parameter changes in the light-emitting materials and photoelectric conversion layers. By adjusting material composition, thickness, and optical properties, the same basic device structure can capture different light spectrums, avoiding the need for complex multi-component systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If metal oxide transistors are used in pixel circuits, then off-state current is reduced and power consumption decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional silicon-based transistor manufacturing with metal oxide semiconductor transistor fabrication. This substitution enables lower-temperature processing and relaxed precision requirements compared to traditional semiconductor manufacturing, while achieving superior off-state current characteristics and lower power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus uses composite material structures in the transistor channels, combining metal oxide semiconductors with other functional layers. This composite approach optimizes both electrical performance (low off-state current) and manufacturability, balancing power consumption reduction with achievable manufacturing precision.
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 solution allows for a compact, low-power, high-speed imaging apparatus capable of capturing images with high reliability across various light spectrums, including infrared, and supports product-sum operations of pixels, enhancing image detail and reducing external calculation needs.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting device and a photoelectric conversion device... including a light source
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting device and a photoelectric conversion device... captures an image from light emitted from the light source and reflected by a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus including a light source is provided. The imaging apparatus includes a light-emitting device and a photoelectric conversion device in a pixel, and a pixel circuit has a function of outputting third data generated by multiplying obtained first data by second data (weight). Calculating the third data externally enables more detailed information on a subject with respect to a specific wavelength to be obtained. In addition, reading out collectively a plurality of pixels to which proper weight is given enables output of difference data between pixels and the like, which allows external calculation to be omitted.