公开(公告)号：US08785986B1

公开(公告)日：2014-07-22

申请号：US13337851

申请日：2011-12-27

Applicant: Jaroslav Hynecek ,  Hirofumi Komori

Inventor： Jaroslav Hynecek ,  Hirofumi Komori

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H01L27/14641 ,  H01L27/1464 ,  H01L27/14654

Abstract: The invention describes the solid-state image sensor array and in particular describes in detail the junction gate BCMD pixel sensor array that can be used in the back side illuminated mode as well as in the front side illuminated mode. The pixels generally do not need addressing transistors and the reset is accomplished in a vertical direction to the junction gate, so no additional reset transistor is needed for this purpose. As a result of this innovation the pixel maintains large charge storage capacity when its size is reduced, has low noise due to the nondestructive charge readout, and no RTS noise. The pixel interface generated dark current is also drained to the gate, so the image sensor array operates with very low dark current noise even at high temperatures. The junction gate also serves as a drain for the overflow charge.

Abstract translation: 本发明描述了固态图像传感器阵列，并且具体地描述了可用于背面照明模式以及在正面照明模式中的结栅BCMD像素传感器阵列。 像素通常不需要寻址晶体管，并且在与栅极的垂直方向上实现复位，因此不需要额外的复位晶体管用于此目的。 作为这一创新的结果，当其尺寸减小时，像素保持较大的电荷存储容量，由于非破坏性电荷读出而具有低噪声，并且没有RTS噪声。 产生暗电流的像素接口也被排到栅极，因此图像传感器阵列即使在高温下也能以非常低的暗电流噪声工作。 结栅还用作溢流电荷的漏极。

公开(公告)号：US20140197511A1

公开(公告)日：2014-07-17

申请号：US14215975

申请日：2014-03-17

Applicant: Aptina Imaging Corporation

Inventor： Swarnal Borthakur ,  Kevin W. Hutto ,  Andrew Perkins ,  Marc Sulfridge

IPC: H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H01L27/14687 ,  H01L27/14618 ,  H01L27/14621 ,  H01L27/14636 ,  H01L27/1464 ,  H01L27/14685 ,  H01L31/0203 ,  H01L31/022408 ,  H01L31/20 ,  H01L2224/13

Abstract: Methods for forming backside illuminated (BSI) image sensors having metal redistribution layers (RDL) and solder bumps for high performance connection to external circuitry are provided. In one embodiment, a BSI image sensor with RDL and solder bumps may be formed using a temporary carrier during manufacture that is removed prior to completion of the BSI image sensor. In another embodiment, a BSI image sensor with RDL and solder bumps may be formed using a permanent carrier during manufacture that partially remains in the completed BSI image sensor. A BSI image sensor may be formed before formation of a redistribution layer on the front side of the BSI image sensor. A redistribution layer may, alternatively, be formed on the front side of an image wafer before formation of BSI components such as microlenses and color filters on the back side of the image wafer.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于形成具有金属再分布层（RDL）的背面照明（BSI）图像传感器和用于与外部电路的高性能连接的焊料凸块的方法。 在一个实施例中，具有RDL和焊料凸块的BSI图像传感器可以在制造期间使用临时载体形成，其在BSI图像传感器完成之前被移除。 在另一个实施例中，具有RDL和焊料凸块的BSI图像传感器可以在制造期间使用永久载体形成，其部分保留在完整的BSI图像传感器中。 BSI图像传感器可以在形成BSI图像传感器的前侧上的再分布层之前形成。 或者，在形成图像晶片的背侧上的诸如微透镜和滤色器之类的BSI部件之前，可以在图像晶片的正面上形成再分布层。

公开(公告)号：US08780086B2

公开(公告)日：2014-07-15

申请号：US13149503

申请日：2011-05-31

Applicant: Kenneth Edward Salsman

Inventor： Kenneth Edward Salsman

IPC: G06F3/042

CPC classification number: G06F3/042

Abstract: A light-based input device may be based on a wedge-shaped light-guide structure. Light may be introduced into the interior of the light-guide structure from a light source and corresponding reflected light exiting the light-guide structure may be measured using a light detector such as an image sensor. The location at which a user places an object in contact with an upper surface of the light-guide structure may be detected by analyzing the pattern of reflected light that exits the light-guide structure. Multiple layers of light-guide structures may be separated from each other by opaque material such as plastic so that the device can determine the direction in which the object is traversing the light-guide layers. A light-based input device may be implemented using free-space light beams that are interrupted by the user. Keys may be provided in a light-based input device by movably mounting contact pads to a light-guide structure.

Abstract translation: 基于光的输入装置可以基于楔形导光结构。 光可以从光源引入导光结构的内部，并且可以使用诸如图像传感器的光检测器来测量离开导光结构的对应的反射光。 可以通过分析离开导光结构的反射光的图案来检测用户将物体与导光结构的上表面接触的位置。 多层导光结构可以通过诸如塑料的不透明材料彼此分开，使得该装置可以确定物体横穿导光层的方向。 可以使用由用户中断的自由空间光束来实现基于光的输入设备。 键可以通过将接触垫可移动地安装到导光结构而设置在基于光的输入装置中。

公开(公告)号：US20140160326A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-12

申请号：US14091827

申请日：2013-11-27

Applicant: Aptina Imaging Corporation

Inventor： Robert A. Black

IPC: H04N9/09

CPC classification number: H04N5/2257 ,  H04N9/045

Abstract: Electronic devices may include camera modules. A camera module may include an array camera having an array of lenses and a corresponding array of image sensors. The array of image sensors may include a monochromatic image sensor such as a green image sensor and a polychromatic image sensor such as a red and blue image sensor.The red and blue image sensor may include a color filter array of red and blue color filter elements formed over an array of image pixels. The red and blue color filter elements in the polychromatic image sensor may be arranged in a checkerboard pattern, a zigzag pattern that extends vertically from the top of the pixel array to the bottom of the pixel array, or a diagonal strip pattern. The electronic device may include processing circuitry for combining monochromatic images from the monochromatic image sensor with polychromatic images from the polychromatic image sensor.

Abstract translation: 电子设备可以包括相机模块。 相机模块可以包括具有透镜阵列和相应的图像传感器阵列的阵列相机。 图像传感器阵列可以包括诸如绿色图像传感器的单色图像传感器和诸如红色和蓝色图像传感器的多色图像传感器。 红色和蓝色图像传感器可以包括形成在图像像素阵列上的红色和蓝色滤色器元件的滤色器阵列。 多色图像传感器中的红色和蓝色滤色器元件可以布置成棋盘图案，从像素阵列的顶部垂直延伸到像素阵列的底部或者对角条纹图案的Z字形图案。 电子设备可以包括用于将来自单色图像传感器的单色图像与来自多色图像传感器的多色图像组合的处理电路。

公开(公告)号：US08751554B2

公开(公告)日：2014-06-10

申请号：US12767405

申请日：2010-04-26

Applicant: Chihsin Wu

Inventor： Chihsin Wu

IPC: G06F17/10

CPC classification number: H03H21/0012 ,  H03H17/0294

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an adjustable filter engine. In particular, an electronic system is provided that can include a focus module, memory, and control circuitry. In some embodiments, the focus module can include an adjustable filter engine and a motor. By using the adjustable filter engine to generate a filter with a large number of filter coefficients, the control circuitry can accommodate a variety of system characteristics. For example, by generating a set of cumulative coefficients and re-arranging the order of the cumulative coefficients, the control circuitry can reduce the bit-width requirements of the adjustable filter engine hardware. For instance, the control circuitry can reduce the number of multipliers required to perform a convolution between an updated filter and one or more input signals. In some embodiments, the updated filter can be generated to reduce oscillations of the motor movement due to a new position request.

Abstract translation: 为可调式过滤器引擎提供系统和方法。 特别地，提供了一种可以包括聚焦模块，存储器和控制电路的电子系统。 在一些实施例中，聚焦模块可以包括可调节的过滤器引擎和马达。 通过使用可调滤波器引擎来生成具有大量滤波器系数的滤波器，控制电路可以适应各种系统特性。 例如，通过产生一组累积系数并且重新排列累积系数的顺序，控制电路可以减小可调滤波器引擎硬件的位宽要求。 例如，控制电路可以减少在更新的滤波器和一个或多个输入信号之间执行卷积所需的乘法器的数量。 在一些实施例中，可以生成更新的滤波器以减少由于新的位置请求引起的电机运动的振荡。

公开(公告)号：US08749525B2

公开(公告)日：2014-06-10

申请号：US13149624

申请日：2011-05-31

Applicant: Kenneth Edward Salsman

Inventor： Kenneth Edward Salsman

IPC: G06F3/042

CPC classification number: G06F3/0428 ,  G06F3/0421

Abstract: A light-based input device may have multiple branches each based on a respective light-guide structure. A light source may launch light into the light-guide structures. A light sensor may detect light reflected from the light-guide structures or transmitted through the light-guide structures. The light-based input device may be used to gather user input from a user of an electronic device. The user may move an object into contact with the light-guide structures. The light sensor may monitor light intensity fluctuations from the light-guide structures to determine where the light-guide structures have been contacted by the object. Multiple wavelengths of light may be used by the light source and light sensor to reduce crosstalk between adjacent branches of the light-based input device.

Abstract translation: 基于光的输入设备可以具有各自基于各个导光结构的多个分支。 光源可以将光发射到导光结构中。 光传感器可以检测从导光结构反射或透过导光结构的光。 基于光的输入设备可以用于收集来自电子设备的用户的用户输入。 用户可以移动物体与导光结构接触。 光传感器可以监视来自导光结构的光强度波动，以确定导光结构已被物体接触的位置。 光源和光传感器可以使用多个波长的光以减少基于光的输入装置的相邻分支之间的串扰。

公开(公告)号：US20140125838A1

公开(公告)日：2014-05-08

申请号：US13951211

申请日：2013-07-25

Applicant: Aptina Imaging Corporation

Inventor： Jeffrey Mackey ,  Gershon Rosenblum ,  Alexandre G. Dokoutchaev

IPC: H04N9/73

CPC classification number: H04N9/045 ,  G02B5/201 ,  G02B5/223 ,  G06T3/4015

Abstract: An image sensor may have an array of image sensor pixels arranged in unit pixel cells each having at least one modified clear image pixel. Each modified clear image pixel may include a modified clear color filter element formed from a transparent material such as an oxide material that is modified with a colored pigment or colored dye such as yellow pigment. Each unit pixel cell may include one or more color pixels of other colors such as red pixels, blue pixels, and green pixels. Image signals such as yellow image signals from the modified clear pixels may be processed along with other color image signals such as red image signals and blue image signals to generate standard red, green, and blue image data. Image processing operations may include chroma demosaicing or point filtering of the image signals from the modified clear image pixels.

Abstract translation: 图像传感器可以具有布置在单元像素单元中的图像传感器像素的阵列，每个单元像素单元具有至少一个修改的清晰图像像素。 每个修改的清晰图像像素可以包括由透明材料形成的改进的透明滤色器元件，所述透明材料例如用有色颜料或着色染料如黄色颜料改性的氧化物材料。 每个单位像素单元可以包括其他颜色的一个或多个彩色像素，例如红色像素，蓝色像素和绿色像素。 诸如红色图像信号和蓝色图像信号的其它彩色图像信号可以处理来自修改的清除像素的诸如黄色图像信号的图像信号，以产生标准的红色，绿色和蓝色图像数据。 图像处理操作可以包括来自修改的清晰图像像素的图像信号的色度去马赛克或点滤波。

公开(公告)号：US08716823B2

公开(公告)日：2014-05-06

申请号：US13481589

申请日：2012-05-25

Applicant: Victor Lenchenkov

Inventor： Victor Lenchenkov

IPC: H01L31/0232

CPC classification number: H01L31/0232 ,  H01L27/14621 ,  H01L27/14627 ,  H01L27/1463 ,  H01L27/14636 ,  H01L27/1464 ,  H01L27/14678

Abstract: A backside illumination (BSI) image sensor pixel that includes microlenses with elevated refractive indices is provided. The image sensor pixel may include a photodiode formed in a silicon substrate, a first microlens formed in a back surface of the substrate, a second microlens formed over a front surface of the substrate, a dielectric stack formed on the front surface of the substrate, and a reflective structure formed in the dielectric stack above the second microlens. The first microlens may be fabricated by forming shallow trench isolation structures in the back surface. The second microlens may be fabricated by depositing polysilicon on the front substrate of the substrate. The first microlens may serve to concentrate light towards the photodiode, whereas the second microlens may serve to collimate light that traverses through the substrate so that light exiting the second microlens will reflect off the reflective structure and back into the photodiode.

Abstract translation: 提供了包括具有升高的折射率的微透镜的背面照明（BSI）图像传感器像素。 图像传感器像素可以包括形成在硅衬底中的光电二极管，形成在衬底的后表面中的第一微透镜，形成在衬底的前表面上的第二微透镜，形成在衬底的前表面上的电介质叠层， 以及形成在第二微透镜上方的电介质叠层中的反射结构。 可以通过在后表面中形成浅沟槽隔离结构来制造第一微透镜。 可以通过在衬底的前衬底上沉积多晶硅来制造第二微透镜。 第一微透镜可以用于将光聚焦到光电二极管，而第二微透镜可以用于准直穿过衬底的光，使得离开第二微透镜的光将反射离开反射结构并返回光电二极管。

公开(公告)号：US08710420B2

公开(公告)日：2014-04-29

申请号：US13450154

申请日：2012-04-18

Applicant: Jaroslav Hynecek

Inventor： Jaroslav Hynecek

IPC: H01L27/00

CPC classification number: C07H1/00 ,  H01L27/1461 ,  H01L27/1464 ,  H01L27/14641 ,  H01L27/14679

Abstract: Image sensor pixels are provided having junction gate photodiodes. A group of pixels may have a shared floating diffusion region and a shared source-follower transistor. The source-follower transistor may be a JFET source-follower with a gate that forms the floating diffusion region. The JFET source-follower may be a vertical or lateral JFET. A reset diode may be forward-biased to reset the floating diffusion region. Each pixel may have a JFET that serves as a charge transfer barrier between the junction gate photodiode and the floating diffusion region. The charge transfer barrier JFET may be a lateral JFET. The image sensor pixels may be formed without any metal-oxide-semiconductor devices.

Abstract translation: 提供具有结栅光电二极管的图像传感器像素。 一组像素可以具有共享浮动扩散区域和共享源极跟随器晶体管。 源极 - 跟随器晶体管可以是具有形成浮动扩散区域的栅极的JFET源极跟随器。 JFET源极跟随器可以是垂直或侧向JFET。 复位二极管可以被正向偏置以复位浮动扩散区域。 每个像素可以具有用作结栅极光电二极管和浮动扩散区域之间的电荷转移势垒的JFET。 电荷转移势垒JFET可以是侧向JFET。 图像传感器像素可以形成为没有任何金属氧化物半导体器件。

公开(公告)号：US08704935B2

公开(公告)日：2014-04-22

申请号：US13053728

申请日：2011-03-22

Applicant: Ulrich Boettiger

Inventor： Ulrich Boettiger

IPC: H04N5/225 ,  H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H01L27/00 ,  H01L31/062 ,  H01L31/113 ,  H01L31/0232

CPC classification number: H04N5/2254

Abstract: An imaging system may include an array of lenses, each of which is aligned over a respective one of a plurality of imaging pixels. The array of lenses may be formed in two layers. The first layer may include a first set of non-adjacent lenses and centering structures between the first lenses. The centering structures may be aligned with the first set of lenses as part of a mask design with a high level of accuracy. The second layer may include a second set of lenses, each of which is formed on a respective one of the centering structures. Forming the second set of lenses may include a reflow process in which surface tension forces center the second set of lenses on their respective centering structures, thereby aligning the second set of lenses with the first set of lenses with a high level of accuracy.

Abstract translation: 成像系统可以包括透镜阵列，每个透镜阵列在多个成像像素中的相应一个上对准。 透镜阵列可以形成为两层。 第一层可以包括第一组非相邻透镜和第一透镜之间的定心结构。 定心结构可以与第一组透镜对准，作为掩模设计的一部分，具有高精度。 第二层可以包括第二组透镜，每个透镜形成在相应的定心结构之一上。 形成第二组透镜可以包括回流处理，其中表面张力将第二组透镜定位在它们各自的对中结构上，从而以高精度对准第二组透镜与第一组透镜。