Pixel Array Segmentation for Visible and IR Signal Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors with silicon substrates absorb both visible and IR light bands, leading to mixed image signals, making precise image processing difficult, and existing solutions require additional components like IR cut filters or complex signal processing schemes that are not suitable for semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A pixel array with separate first and second photo-sensing units, where the first unit detects both visible and IR light, and the second unit detects only visible light by blocking IR, allowing independent processing of visible and IR band signals without the need for an IR cut filter, using silicon's light absorption characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an IR cut filter is used to block IR light and transmit only visible light, then visible band image processing is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels with an IR cut filter for visible light detection and second pixels without the filter for both visible and IR light detection. This segmentation allows independent processing of visible and IR band signals, eliminating the need for a separate IR cut filter component while maintaining precise visible band image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The IR cut filter function is merged into specific pixels within the pixel array rather than being a separate component. The first pixels integrate the IR cut filter to block IR light, while second pixels detect both visible and IR light, combining multiple functions within the pixel structure itself.
2Measurement precision
If a layer transmitting only IR band light is provided around RGB color filter layers, then IR band signal detection is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incompatibility with current semiconductor manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel structure is designed to perform multiple functions using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. The same pixel array structure supports both RGB color filter layers for visible light and detects IR band light, eliminating the need for specialized IR-transmitting layers that are incompatible with current manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixed signals from RGB pixels are classified into visible and IR band signals using a complex image signal processor, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels for visible light detection and second pixels for both visible and IR light detection. This spatial segmentation enables independent signal processing for different wavelength bands, eliminating the need for complex post-processing classification algorithms in the image signal processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of visible and IR light detection is performed preliminarily at the pixel level before signals reach the image signal processor. By pre-separating the light bands at the sensing stage, the subsequent signal processing becomes simpler and does not require complex classification functions.
4Use of energy by moving object
If both visible and IR light are absorbed by silicon substrate, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but image processing precision deteriorates due to mixed image signals
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels with an IR cut filter that absorb only visible light and second pixels without the filter that absorb both visible and IR light. This segmentation maintains high photoelectric conversion efficiency for both wavelength bands while enabling precise separate processing of visible and IR band signals.
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 effective and independent processing of visible and IR band signals, expanding application ranges from image processing to NIR IR sensing without requiring an IR cut filter, and simplifying semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first photo-sensing unit to detect a visible light and an IR (Infra Red)
Implementation Method 2
a second photo-sensing unit provided at one side of the first photo-sensing unit to detect a light in which an IR is blocked
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a pixel, a pixel array, and an image sensor including the pixel array. The pixel includes a first photo-sensing unit to detect a visible light and an IR, and a second photo-sensing unit provided at one side of the first photo-sensing unit to detect a light in which the IR is blocked.