Sensor Module Substrate Lens Structure for Peripheral Distortion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules with larger area and higher resolution face increasing peripheral distortion, leading to complex lens designs, which complicates manufacturing and hinders the miniaturization of mobile devices like smartphones.

Innovation Solution

A sensor module with a light transmissive substrate having a flat region and an uneven region, where the uneven region includes concave or convex sections, functions as a lens to simplify the lens module design and reduce the number of lenses, thereby reducing the camera module's height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor chips have larger area and higher resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and height increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor resolutionVSAvoidlens module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light transmissive substrate with lens functions by forming convex sections directly on the substrate surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate lens components, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while reducing device complexity and height

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light transmissive substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and an optical lens component. The convex sections formed on the substrate provide focusing functionality, enabling the substrate to simultaneously fulfill mechanical and optical roles, thus reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the number of lenses is increased to reduce peripheral distortion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion controlVSAvoidmanufacturing yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by forming convex sections at specific locations on the light transmissive substrate. These localized convex structures provide the necessary optical correction for peripheral distortion without requiring a complete multi-lens system, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the light transmissive substrate by forming convex sections with specific curvatures and dimensions. This parameter modification enables the substrate to provide optical focusing and distortion correction functions that would otherwise require multiple separate lens components, improving manufacturing yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If lens module design is simplified by using light transmissive substrate with convex sections, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens module structureVSAvoidconvex section formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light transmissive substrate serves itself by forming convex sections directly on its own surface through known semiconductor manufacturing techniques. This self-integration approach reduces the need for precise assembly of multiple separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while managing manufacturing precision requirements through established processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies the lens module, reduces peripheral distortion, and enhances manufacturing yield while allowing for a smaller and thinner camera module.

Implementation Method 1

The light transmissive substrate has a flat region and an uneven region on another surface opposite to one surface opposed to the light receiving surface of the sensor substrate. The uneven region has a concave section or a convex section formed therein. This makes it possible to use this light transmissive substrate as a lens.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3869562B1Sensor module and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP3869562B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3869562B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3869562B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sensor module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a sensor substrate; and a light transmissive substrate. The sensor substrate has a light receiving surface on which a plurality of light receiving elements is arranged. The light transmissive substrate is provided on the light receiving surface. The light transmissive substrate has a flat region and an uneven region on another surface opposite to one surface opposed to the light receiving surface of the sensor substrate. The flat region has a flat front surface. The uneven region has a concave section or a convex section formed therein.