Sensor Array Microchip Spatial Separation for Wide Field of Regard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient light sensors face challenges in achieving a wide field of regard without increasing the size of the microchip, as traditional methods either require more pixels or precise lens placement, which can be difficult to manufacture and affect sensor accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Spatially separating sensor elements on a substrate allows for a wide field of regard without occupying a large surface area, enabling additional electronic elements to be placed between the sensors, and interpolating outputs from multiple pixels to estimate ambient light levels across the field of regard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If more pixels are arranged in a pixel array to achieve a wide field of regard, then the field of regard is improved, but the microchip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor array into spatially separated groups of pixels rather than using a continuous dense array. This segmentation allows the sensors to cover a wider field of regard while maintaining a compact microchip footprint, as the separated groups can be strategically positioned to maximize angular coverage without requiring a large continuous area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional dense pixel array to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where pixel groups are separated in space. This dimensional change allows the sensor array to achieve a wide field of regard by utilizing spatial separation rather than simply increasing the area of a flat array, thereby decoupling field of regard from microchip size.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of pixels are arranged densely to improve ambient light sensing accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise lens placement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into spatially separated groups, the patent reduces the manufacturing precision requirements for lens placement. Each group can be independently positioned and calibrated, eliminating the need for extremely precise placement of a single large lens over a dense pixel array, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple separate pixel groups that collectively provide sufficient ambient light sensing capability without requiring each individual group to be perfectly positioned. This partial action approach allows for manufacturing tolerances in lens placement while still achieving accurate ambient light measurements through the combined output of multiple groups.
3Device complexity
If sensor elements are placed close together to maximize pixel density, then device complexity is reduced, but space for support electronics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor array into spatially separated pixel groups, creating intermediate spaces between the groups. These spaces can be utilized to accommodate support electronics such as readout circuits, signal processing units, and control logic, thereby providing room for necessary electronic components without significantly increasing the overall device complexity or reducing pixel array effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a dense two-dimensional pixel array to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement with separated pixel groups, the patent creates vertical and lateral spaces that can be filled with support electronics. This dimensional change allows for better integration of electronic components within the microchip structure without compromising pixel density or requiring a larger overall device footprint.
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 provides a wide field of regard for ambient light sensing without increasing the microchip size, allowing space for support electronics and improving accuracy in ambient light measurement, while also enabling a combined ambient and proximity sensor package for space-saving in devices.
Implementation Method 1
A light sensor is a device comprising one or more radiation sensitive elements having an electrical property that changes when radiation is incident upon them
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor array microchip apparatus includes a substrate and a lens positioned over the substrate. A plurality of radiation sensor elements are formed on the substrate in an array format and spatially separated from each other. The substrate further includes power supply circuitry (generating power for the radiation sensor elements) and processing circuitry (operable to control and process information from the radiation sensor elements). The power supply circuitry and said processing circuitry are positioned on the substrate within the array between two or more of the radiation sensor elements. The lens, in combination with the spatial separation of the radiation sensor elements in the array format, defines a relatively wide (30-80 degrees) field of regard for the sensor.