Visible-Triggered Infrared Pixel Array Control for Low-Power Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices do not effectively utilize information from visible light images, limiting their functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device comprising a semiconductor substrate, a first pixel array for visible light, a second pixel array for infrared light, and a control unit that drives the second pixel array based on signals from the first pixel array, allowing effective use of visible light image information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second pixel array (infrared) is continuously driven to capture infrared images, then the infrared imaging function is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the driving state of the second pixel array changeable based on detection results. The control unit dynamically adjusts whether to drive the infrared pixel array according to the presence of targets detected by the visible light pixel array, transitioning between active and inactive states to optimize power consumption while maintaining functional reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible light pixel array serves the dual purpose of capturing visible images and controlling the infrared pixel array's operation. By using the detection results from the visible light imaging to trigger infrared imaging only when necessary, the system achieves self-service where one subsystem intelligently controls another, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the second pixel array is driven based on visible light image information, then power consumption is reduced, but the responsiveness to infrared imaging needs may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously capturing visible light images and analyzing them in advance to detect target presence. This pre-detection mechanism allows the control unit to immediately activate the infrared pixel array when targets are detected, ensuring rapid response while avoiding unnecessary continuous operation of the infrared array, thus balancing power consumption with responsiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both pixel arrays are always active, then complete imaging coverage is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it processes visible light images, detects target presence, determines imaging needs, and controls the infrared pixel array operation. By consolidating these control functions into a single unit that can adaptively manage both pixel arrays based on situational requirements, the system achieves versatile imaging coverage without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 imaging device reduces power consumption by selectively driving the second pixel array only when changes are detected in the visible light image, enhancing the overall efficiency and accuracy of image capture.
Implementation Method 1
a first light receiving pixel that is provided on the semiconductor substrate, has a stacked structure in which a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode are sequentially stacked, and photoelectrically converts light in a first wavelength region including a visible light region
Implementation Method 2
a second light receiving pixel that is provided at a position overlapping the first light receiving pixel in the semiconductor substrate in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate, and photoelectrically converts light in a second wavelength region including an infrared light region
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging devices and ranging devices are disclosed. In one example, an imaging device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first pixel array, a second pixel array, and a control unit. In the first pixel array, a first light receiving pixel on the semiconductor substrate has a stacked structure of a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode (80). It photoelectrically converts light in a first wavelength region including the visible light region. In the second pixel array, a second light receiving pixel is provided at a position overlapping the first light receiving pixel in a thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. It photoelectrically converts light in a second wavelength region including the infrared light region. The control unit drives and controls the second pixel array based on a signal photoelectrically converted by the first pixel array.