Solid State Image Sensor with Overlapping Photoelectric Conversion Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image sensors face limitations in color reproducibility, as they typically provide color signals in only three colors, which restricts spectral sensitivity and compromises resolution when attempting to improve color representation.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image sensor design incorporating four or more photoelectric conversion units with distinct spectral sensitivity characteristics, grouped and equipped with amplifier units, transfer units, and color filters, allowing for selective operation modes to prioritize color reproducibility without sacrificing resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If four or more photoelectric conversion units with different spectral sensitivity characteristics are provided in each pixel, then color reproducibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric conversion units are segmented into multiple groups (first group with first photoelectric conversion units, second group with second photoelectric conversion units, etc.), where each group has distinct spectral sensitivity characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to capture broader spectral information for improved color reproducibility while managing complexity through organized grouping and shared circuitry within each group.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photoelectric conversion units are disposed in alignment along the light entry direction, then color reproducibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photoelectric conversion units are nested in alignment along the light entry direction, with each unit having its charge storage layer positioned at different depths. This nested arrangement allows different units to capture different spectral bands (shorter wavelengths at shallower depths, longer wavelengths at greater depths) while maintaining a compact structure that manages manufacturing precision requirements through systematic depth positioning.
3Measurement precision
If four or more photoelectric conversion units are provided per pixel, then color reproducibility is improved, but the number of amplifier units and transfer units increases
Solution Approach 1:
Photoelectric conversion units with similar spectral sensitivity characteristics are merged into groups that share common amplifier units and transfer units. For example, multiple first photoelectric conversion units share a first amplifier unit, and multiple second photoelectric conversion units share a second amplifier unit. This merging reduces the total number of amplifier and transfer units compared to having dedicated units for each photoelectric conversion unit, while still maintaining the ability to process signals from all units.
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
The design enhances color reproducibility by capturing a broader range of color spectral sensitivity characteristics while maintaining image resolution, with the ability to switch between operation modes for optimal signal-to-noise ratio or color fidelity based on lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
four or more photoelectric conversion units having spectral sensitivity characteristics different from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image sensor includes: four or more photoelectric conversion units having spectral sensitivity characteristics different from one another; an amplifier unit disposed in correspondence to each group of photoelectric conversion units among N groups (N represents an integer less than a quantity of the four or more photoelectric conversion units and equal to or greater than one), the four or more photoelectric conversion units being divided into the N groups; and transfer units, each disposed in correspondence to one of the four or more photoelectric conversion units, which transfer a signal generated at the photoelectric conversion unit to the amplifier unit disposed for the group to which the photoelectric conversion unit belongs.