Apple inc. (20240107782). Same Focal Plane Pixel Design for RGB-IR Image Sensors simplified abstract

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Same Focal Plane Pixel Design for RGB-IR Image Sensors

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Hong Wei Lee of San Jose CA (US)

Oray O. Cellek of Los Altos CA (US)

Same Focal Plane Pixel Design for RGB-IR Image Sensors - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240107782 titled 'Same Focal Plane Pixel Design for RGB-IR Image Sensors

Simplified Explanation

The sensor module described in the patent application includes a silicon substrate with isolation walls that define an array of silicon-based image sensor pixels and an array of cavities. Within these cavities, an infrared (IR)-sensitive material forms an array of IR sensor pixels in the same focal plane as the silicon-based image sensor pixels.

  • The sensor module consists of a silicon substrate with isolation walls.
  • The silicon substrate contains an array of silicon-based image sensor pixels and an array of cavities.
  • An IR-sensitive material in the cavities forms an array of IR sensor pixels in the same focal plane as the silicon-based image sensor pixels.

Potential Applications

This technology could be used in:

  • Security systems
  • Surveillance cameras
  • Automotive safety systems

Problems Solved

This technology helps in:

  • Enhancing image quality in low-light conditions
  • Providing accurate IR sensing capabilities

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

  • Improved image sensor performance
  • Enhanced IR sensing capabilities
  • Compact design for integration into various devices

Potential Commercial Applications

The potential commercial applications of this technology include:

  • Consumer electronics
  • Industrial automation
  • Medical imaging devices

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the integration of IR sensors with image sensors in separate modules, leading to bulkier and less efficient designs.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing IR sensor technologies in terms of sensitivity and resolution?

This article does not provide a direct comparison with existing IR sensor technologies in terms of sensitivity and resolution.

What is the manufacturing cost of implementing this technology compared to traditional sensor modules?

The article does not address the manufacturing cost implications of implementing this technology compared to traditional sensor modules.


Original Abstract Submitted

a sensor module includes a silicon substrate. a set of isolation walls defines, in the silicon substrate, an array of silicon-based image sensor pixels and an array of cavities. an infrared (ir)-sensitive material in the array of cavities forms an array of ir sensor pixels in a same focal plane as the array of silicon-based image sensor pixels.