Stacked Image Sensor Substrates for Simultaneous Normal and Narrow Band Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visible light sensors struggle to capture high-quality normal images while simultaneously achieving high wavelength resolution narrow band images, and narrow band light sensors face challenges in replicating the image quality of visible light sensors.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image capturing apparatus with multiple laminated substrates, where at least one substrate is a visible light sensor and another is a narrow band light sensor with narrow band filters, allowing for simultaneous capture of normal and narrow band images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a visible light sensor is used to capture normal images, then image quality is high, but the ability to capture narrow band light with wavelength resolution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple substrates, with each substrate dedicated to specific wavelength bands. The visible light sensor captures normal images while narrow band light sensors capture specific wavelength bands, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane sensor to a three-dimensional stacked structure with multiple substrates at different depths. This vertical dimension allows simultaneous capture of broad-spectrum visible light and narrow-band light at different wavelength ranges without spatial interference.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow band light sensor is used to capture narrow band images, then wavelength resolution is high, but image quality equivalent to visible light sensor is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple substrates with different sensor types are combined into a single stacked structure. The visible light sensor substrate and narrow band light sensor substrate are integrated, allowing the system to produce both high-quality normal images and high-resolution narrow band images simultaneously from the same optical input.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system uses composite structure with different photoelectric conversion materials optimized for different wavelength ranges. Each substrate employs materials and filter configurations suited to its specific function, creating a composite sensing system that leverages the strengths of each component.
3Measurement precision
If narrow band filters are used in narrow band light sensor, then wavelength resolution is improved, but photoelectric conversion efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
Different substrates have different optical properties optimized for their specific functions. The visible light sensor substrate has high transmission and conversion efficiency for broad spectrum, while narrow band substrates have selective filtering properties. Each substrate's properties are locally optimized rather than uniformly designed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters (wavelength range, filter characteristics, photoelectric conversion efficiency) for each substrate according to its specific function. This allows each substrate to operate at optimal parameters for its intended purpose without compromising overall system performance.
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
Enables the acquisition of high-quality normal images and high-resolution narrow band images simultaneously, addressing the limitations of both types of sensors by leveraging the strengths of each in a layered configuration.
Implementation Method 1
two or more substrates of the plurality of substrates having pixels that perform photoelectric conversion, at least one substrate of the substrates having the pixels being a visible light sensor that receives visible light
Implementation Method 2
at least another substrate of the substrates having the pixels being a narrow band light sensor that includes narrow band filters being optical filters permeating light in a narrow wavelength band, and receives narrow band light in the narrow band
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a solid-state image capturing apparatus and an electronic device that can acquire a normal image and a narrow band image at the same time. The solid-state image capturing apparatus includes a plurality of substrates laminated in two or more layers, and two or more substrates of the plurality of substrates have pixels that perform photoelectric conversion. At least one substrate of the substrates having the pixels is a visible light sensor that receives visible light, and at least another substrate of the substrates having the pixels is a narrow band light sensor that includes narrow band filters being optical filters permeating light in a narrow wavelength band, and receives narrow band light in the narrow band.