Light Sensor Module Multi-Property Detection Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in efficiently detecting multiple light properties simultaneously with high resolution, leading to increased data rates and reduced detection accuracy, especially in environments with complex lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A light sensor module with a sensor layer comprising five-channel macro cells, where a larger main pixel is surrounded by smaller satellite pixels, allowing for row-by-row and column-by-column selection and reading of sensor pixels, reducing data rate while enhancing detection accuracy by capturing different light properties simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor pixels are arranged in a conventional grid pattern with uniform size, then manufacturing is simple, but detection accuracy for multiple light properties is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pixel is divided into multiple independent photodetection regions (first, second, third, and fourth photodetection regions) with different spectral response characteristics. Each region detects different light properties (e.g., different wavelengths or polarizations), enabling multi-property detection within a single pixel unit without requiring multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the sensor pixel are assigned different functional characteristics - some regions are optimized for specific wavelength ranges or polarization sensitivities. This local differentiation allows each region to specialize in detecting particular light properties, improving overall measurement precision for multiple parameters simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If high resolution is achieved with multiple sensor pixels, then detection accuracy improves, but data rate increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photodetection regions with different spectral or polarization characteristics are merged into a single sensor pixel unit. This consolidation allows simultaneous detection of multiple light properties at one spatial location, reducing the total number of pixels needed for high-resolution imaging and thereby lowering the data rate while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor pixel is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating photodetection regions with different characteristics. A single pixel can detect various light properties (different wavelengths, polarizations, or intensities), making the sensor system more efficient and reducing the data burden compared to using separate specialized pixels for each property.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light properties are detected simultaneously with high resolution, then object classification improves, but data bandwidth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds spectral and polarization dimensions to the spatial detection capability. By incorporating photodetection regions sensitive to different wavelengths and polarization states within each pixel, the system extracts additional information dimensions without increasing spatial resolution, thereby improving object classification capability while avoiding proportional increases in data bandwidth.
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 approach enables efficient and accurate detection of various light properties, such as luminance, color, and polarization, with reduced data bandwidth, allowing for better object classification and differentiation in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
sensor pixels, each configured to detect a different light property
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a light-sensor module (300). The light-sensor module (300) comprises a sensor layer (302) with a plurality of sensor cells (304). The sensor cells (304) each have at least two sensor pixels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for capturing a respective different light property or transfer characteristic. The sensor pixels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) are arranged in columns and rows. Moreover, the light-sensor module (300) comprises a signal processing unit (402) for processing sensor signals from the sensor pixels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Here, the sensor pixels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of each column are connected in an electrically conductive manner to the signal processing unit (402) via at least one read line (800) assigned to a respective different light property. Likewise, the sensor pixels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of each row are connected in an electrically conductive manner to the signal processing unit (402) via at least one selection line (802). The signal processing unit (402) is embodied to select the sensor pixels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for read out by the read line (800) line-by-line via the selection line (802). (Figure 8)