Pixel Scattering Layout to Reduce Sensor Flare
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sensor devices with scattering structures for improving light receiving efficiency, flare due to the periodicity of the scattering structure occurs, which reduces the effectiveness of the device.
Innovation Solution
The sensor device incorporates a plurality of pixel units arranged in a row and column direction, where each unit pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element and a scattering structure. By varying the formation pattern of the scattering structure among unit pixels, the periodicity of the scattering structure is disturbed, reducing flare while maintaining consistent manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a scattering structure is provided for each pixel to improve light receiving efficiency, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but flare due to the periodicity of the scattering structure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the formation patterns of scattering structures different among different pixel units. Specifically, while each pixel unit contains scattering structures with consistent patterns, different pixel units have different formation patterns (e.g., different positions, orientations, or configurations), thereby breaking the periodicity that causes flare while maintaining the light scattering function for improving photoelectric conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensor device into multiple pixel units, where each pixel unit contains multiple pixels with scattering structures. By organizing pixels into units and applying different formation patterns to different units, the patent achieves both local consistency (within each unit) and global variation (across different units), resolving the contradiction between maintaining scattering efficiency and eliminating periodic flare
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the formation pattern of scattering structure is varied among unit pixels to reduce flare, then flare is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the scattering structure formation patterns different at different locations (different pixel units) while maintaining consistency within each local unit. This allows flare reduction through global variation while keeping manufacturing relatively simple through local consistency, as the same scattering structure design can be replicated within each pixel unit using standardized processes
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 effectively reduces flare in sensor devices while improving the manufacturing efficiency by maintaining consistent scattering structure patterns within each pixel unit.
Implementation Method 1
a scattering structure that scatters light incident on the photoelectric conversion element
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of unit pixels includes at least one pixel having a photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device according to the present technology includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in a row direction and a column direction, in which each of the plurality of pixel units includes a plurality of unit pixels arranged in a row direction and a column direction, each of the plurality of unit pixels includes at least one pixel having a photoelectric conversion element and a scattering structure that scatters light incident on the photoelectric conversion element, and at least one of the unit pixels has a different formation pattern of the scattering structure from that of the other unit pixels.