Multilayer Image Sensor Segmentation for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors, particularly CMOS and CCD, face challenges in low light conditions with noise and reduced sensitivity, and recent contact image sensors experience deterioration in image sensitivity as the number of valid pixels increases, limiting their ability to simultaneously obtain high-quality color and infrared radiation images.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer image sensor design with separate light receiving units for color and infrared information, utilizing a color filter that passes specific wavelength ranges and transparent parts to allow white and infrared light, and independent readout circuits for RGB and W + IR signals, allowing for simultaneous capture of color and black-and-white images with infrared data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used to capture both color and infrared information, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and signal quality deteriorate due to crosstalk between color components
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is segmented into multiple layers: a first light receiving unit for color information (RGB), a second light receiving unit for white light information, and a third light receiving unit for infrared information. This segmentation physically separates different spectral detection functions, eliminating crosstalk between color components while maintaining distinct measurement channels for each type of light information.
2Productivity
If the number of valid pixels is increased to improve image resolution, then productivity and image quality improve, but sensitivity deteriorates in contact image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer pixel array to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. By stacking multiple light receiving units at different depths, the sensor captures additional dimensional information (spectral dimension) without increasing the planar pixel count. This maintains high resolution while improving sensitivity through multiple detection opportunities for each spatial location.
3Measurement precision
If separate readout circuits are provided for color and infrared signals, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Separate readout circuits are provided for different signal types: an RGB readout circuit for color information and a W+IR readout circuit for white light and infrared information. This segmentation allows independent optimization of signal processing for each spectral range, improving measurement precision by preventing signal interference while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through functional separation.
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 image sensitivity, reduces crosstalk between color components, and achieves high-quality images even in low light conditions by controlling exposure times and integrating wide-band pixel units for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first light receiving unit which detects light of a specific wavelength range within a visible region of a light spectrum, and converts an amount of the light detected thereby into an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
a second light receiving unit which detects white light, and converts an amount of the white light detected thereby into an electric signal
Implementation Method 3
a third light receiving unit which detects infrared light, and converts an amount of the infrared light detected thereby into an electric signal
Implementation Method 4
a color filter which comprises color filter parts that pass the light of specific wavelength ranges within the visible region and the light of the infrared region
Data Source
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AI summary
An image sensor is provided which includes a multilayer structure having a first light receiving unit (101) to extract a signal corresponding to color information of incident light of a visible region and a second light receiving unit (102,103) to extract a signal corresponding to light of an infrared region and white light corresponding to the visible region.