Polarization Member Integration in Solid-State Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-dimensional solid-state image capture devices lack the ability to effectively utilize polarization information from light, leading to reduced sensitivity and complex computation processing due to sub-optimal positional relationships between polarization members and other components, and the inability to obtain polarization information in multiple directions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional solid-state image capture device with pixel areas arranged in a matrix, each comprising sub-pixel regions with strip-shaped conductive light-shielding material layers and slit areas, where the polarization member is strategically positioned with respect to the wiring, light-shielding, and color filter layers to optimize light transmission and control, allowing for simultaneous detection of polarization components in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a polarizing filter is provided at the frontside of a lens to separate polarization components, then polarization information can be obtained, but the device complexity increases and only one direction of polarization information can be obtained at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor surface is divided into multiple pixel areas, with different polarization members (having different transmission axes) disposed in different pixel areas. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of polarization information in multiple directions across the sensor array, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation of a single polarizing filter while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from temporal multiplexing (rotating a single polarizer over time) to spatial multiplexing (arranging multiple polarizers with different orientations across the sensor array). By utilizing the spatial dimension of the pixel array, the system captures polarization information in multiple directions simultaneously, improving efficiency and reducing complexity.
2Productivity
If polarization members are disposed in multiple pixel areas with different orientations, then simultaneous detection of polarization components in multiple directions is enabled, but the positional relationship complexity with wiring and light-shielding layers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the positional relationships between polarization members, wiring layers, and light-shielding layers specifically in the regions where polarization members are disposed. By tailoring the local structure in these specific pixel areas rather than redesigning the entire sensor, the patent achieves efficient polarization detection while minimizing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization members are integrated directly into the pixel structure of the image sensor, merging the polarization detection function with the existing imaging architecture. This integration allows simultaneous polarization detection across multiple pixel areas without requiring separate complex positioning mechanisms for each component.
3Ease of manufacture
If sub-pixel regions have non-optimal positional relationships with polarization members, then manufacturing is simplified, but sensitivity reduction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the positional relationships between polarization members and sub-pixel regions specifically in the regions where polarization detection is performed. By applying local optimization only where needed rather than across the entire sensor, the invention maintains ease of manufacture for the overall device while improving sensitivity in the critical polarization detection areas.
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 minimizes sensitivity reduction, simplifies computation processing, and enables the capture of polarization information from a single image with improved spatial resolution and real-time data processing, overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The polarization member has strip-shaped conductive light-shielding material layers and slit areas, provided between the strip-shaped conductive light-shielding material layers, to transmit light having a polarization component in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the strip-shaped conductive light-shielding material layers extend and to suppress transmission of light having a polarization component in a direction parallel to the direction in which the strip-shaped conductive light-shielding material layers extend
Implementation Method 2
pixel areas arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, each pixel area being constituted by multiple sub-pixel regions, each sub-pixel region having a photoelectric conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
A two-dimensional solid-state image capture device includes pixel areas arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, each pixel area being constituted by multiple sub-pixel regions, each sub-pixel region having a photoelectric conversion element. A polarization member is disposed at a light incident side of at least one of the sub-pixel regions constituting each pixel area. The polarization member has strip-shaped conductive light-shielding material layers and slit areas, provided between the strip-shaped conductive light-shielding material layers. Each sub-pixel region further has a wiring layer for controlling an operation of the photoelectric conversion element, and the polarization member and the wiring layer are made of the same material and are disposed on the same virtual plane.