Monolithic Photosensor Integrating Tristimulus and Spectral Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color measurement technologies either rely solely on tristimulus detection, which lacks detailed spectral information, or require separate spectral sensors, making them inefficient for applications where both types of data are needed, particularly in space-constrained and cost-sensitive devices like smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic semiconductor chip with multiple optical detection channels and an optical filter structure that includes filters for both tristimulus detection and spectral reconstruction, allowing for simultaneous XYZ color space measurement and spectral analysis, integrated with processing circuitry for ambient light adjustment and spectral reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tristimulus detection is used, then color measurement is simplified, but detailed spectral characteristics are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection channels (tristimulus channels and spectral channels) that can operate simultaneously. Each channel is optimized for its specific function, allowing the system to capture both simplified color measurements and detailed spectral information without interference between functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - both tristimulus color measurement and spectral reconstruction - using a single integrated sensor platform. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors while preserving both types of information.
2Loss of information
If separate spectral sensors are used, then detailed spectral information is obtained, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tristimulus detection and spectral detection into a single integrated sensor system. By combining previously separate sensor functions into one unified platform with shared components (substrate, filter structure, readout circuitry), the system reduces overall device size and complexity while maintaining both detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor system is designed to universally perform both tristimulus color measurement and spectral reconstruction tasks. This multi-functional sensor eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing device size, component count, and overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are used, then both tristimulus and spectral measurement are achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor functions are merged into a single physical device. The tristimulus channels and spectral channels are integrated on the same substrate with shared optical and electronic components, dramatically reducing the volume required compared to using separate sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
A compact universal sensor platform is created that can perform both tristimulus and spectral measurements simultaneously. This multi-functional design achieves versatile measurement capability in a single small device, ideal for space-constrained applications like smartphones.
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective color measurement by providing both tristimulus and spectral data from a single sensor, optimizing space and reducing device costs, while improving calibration accuracy and adaptability in mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
An optical filter structure is disposed over the sensor chip and includes filters defining respective spectral functions for different ones of the light sensitive channels
Implementation Method 2
a semiconductor sensor chip having multiple light sensitive regions each of which defines a respective light sensitive channel
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor package includes a semiconductor sensor chip having multiple light sensitive regions each of which defines a respective light sensitive channel. An optical filter structure is disposed over the sensor chip and includes filters defining respective spectral functions for different ones of the light sensitive channels. In particular, the optical filter structure includes at least three optical filters defining spectral functions for tristimulus detection by a first subset of the light sensitive channels, and at least one additional optical filter defining a spectral function for spectral detection by a second subset of the light sensitive channels encompassing a wavelength range that differs from that of the first subset of light sensitive channels.