Optical Sensor Aperture Layout for Wider Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors face challenges in detecting the intensity and angles of light due to narrow directivity, inclusion of disturbance outputs, saturation of light ratios, increased costs, and limited accuracy in detecting incident directions and angles, particularly due to the limitations of light blocking masks and photodiode configurations.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor design features a semiconductor substrate with light receiving elements, a light transparent film, and a light blocking film with varying openings that define different elevation and right-left angles, allowing for wider directivity and accurate detection of light intensity and angles, while preventing disturbance outputs and reducing costs through adjustable signal gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light receiving area is made equal to the aperture area of the opening, then the directivity is improved, but the detection accuracy of light intensity and angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the light receiving area larger than the aperture area of the opening. This creates a local region (the light receiving area) that has different properties (larger area) than the opening itself, allowing the sensor to detect light from a wider range of angles while maintaining accurate measurement capability through the larger photosensitive region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-to-one correspondence between opening and light receiving area to a many-to-one relationship where multiple points in the larger light receiving area can receive light from the same opening at different angles. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous detection of light intensity and incident angles.
2Reliability
If a one-layer light blocking mask is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but disturbance outputs from unintended light propagation areas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light blocking mask into multiple layers, with each layer containing openings that correspond to specific light receiving areas. This segmentation allows precise control of light paths, preventing light from unintended areas from reaching the sensors while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular layering.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple layers of the light blocking mask act as intermediary structures between the light source and the light receiving areas. Each layer filters and directs light appropriately, ensuring that only light from the intended propagation areas reaches the corresponding sensors, thereby eliminating disturbance outputs.
3Measurement precision
If the light receiving area is made larger than the aperture area, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light receiving area serve multiple functions: it acts as both the photosensitive region for detecting light intensity and as an angular sensor for detecting incident angles. This multi-functionality allows the larger light receiving area to provide enhanced detection accuracy without proportionally increasing cost, as the same structure performs multiple measurement tasks.
4Measurement precision
If paired photodiodes are used for detecting light direction, then the detection capability is improved, but the saturation of light ratios occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using paired photodiodes (two-dimensional arrangement) to a matrix array of photodiodes (two-dimensional grid). This dimensional expansion provides multiple independent measurement channels, allowing the system to detect light direction from multiple angles simultaneously and preventing saturation by distributing the measurement load across numerous elements rather than relying on simple pairs.
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 design enhances the accuracy of light intensity and angle detection, prevents saturation of light ratios, and reduces costs by allowing for precise incident direction detection and improved versatility in light angle detection.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light receiving elements each for converting light to an electric signal are formed on a semiconductor substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor includes: first and second light receiving elements on a semiconductor substrate; a light blocking film over the semiconductor substrate via a light transmitting film; and first and second openings corresponding to the light receiving elements and disposed in the light blocking film. First and second virtual lines are defined to extend from the centers of the first and second light receiving elements and pass through the centers of the first and second openings, respectively. At least one of elevation angles and left-right angles of the first and second virtual lines are different. The photosensitive area of the first light receiving element is larger than the aperture area of the first opening. The photosensitive area of the second light receiving element is larger than the aperture area of the second opening.