Matrix Image Capture Module With Integrated LEDs and Photodetectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image capture devices that combine optical capture and light emission functions lack efficient integration of photodetectors and light-emitting diodes, leading to suboptimal performance in interactive display applications such as motion detection and face recognition.

Innovation Solution

A mixed image capture device comprising a transfer substrate with elementary monolithic electronic chips, each equipped with photodetectors and electronic circuits using MOS transistors, and organic light-emitting diodes, where the chips are connected to the substrate for control and arranged in a matrix for interleaved functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If photodetectors and light-emitting diodes are integrated in current image capture devices, then the device can perform both optical capture and light emission functions, but the integration efficiency is suboptimal leading to poor performance in interactive display applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive display application performanceVSAvoidintegration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple elementary chips, each containing a photodetector and associated electronic circuits. These chips are arranged in a matrix on the transfer substrate, allowing independent optimization of each chip's functionality while achieving system-level versatility for both image capture and light emission operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each elementary chip merges the photodetector sensor function with electronic control circuits into a single integrated unit. This combination is achieved by forming MOS transistors and photodetectors in and on a layer of monocrystalline silicon, creating a unified chip that performs both sensing and control operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If elementary chips are arranged in a matrix on the transfer substrate, then the device achieves efficient integration and improved performance, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration efficiencyVSAvoidmatrix arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each elementary chip is designed as a universal unit that can perform both photodetection and light emission functions through its integrated circuits. The chips are interconnected via the transfer substrate to form a matrix that operates as a cohesive system, reducing overall device complexity through standardized modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer substrate serves as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between multiple elementary chips. It provides the electrical interconnection network that enables the chips to function together as an integrated matrix while maintaining physical separation and modular organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device's ability to capture images and emit light effectively, improving performance in interactive applications like motion detection and face recognition by integrating photodetectors and LEDs efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

each elementary chip comprising at least one photodetector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the emission, capture or actuation element comprises at least one light-emitting diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4138128B1Image capturing device
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP4138128B1 patent drawingFigure 1A(a)~1C
  • EP4138128B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1F
  • EP4138128B1 patent drawingFigure 1G~1J

AI summary

This description relates to a device comprising: - a carrier substrate (200) having electrical connection elements; and - a plurality of elementary chips (153) fixed and electrically connected to the carrier substrate (200), each elementary chip (153) having at least one photodetector and an electronic circuit for reading said at least one photodetector, - the device further comprising, associated with at least one elementary chip (153), an external emission, capture or actuation element (LR, LG, LB) fixed and electrically connected to the carrier substrate (200), each elementary chip (153) having an electronic circuit for controlling the emission, capture or actuation element (LR, LG, LB) associated with the chip.