JPS6336121A - Colorimetric sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain spectral characteristics matching with the purpose of use, etc., by connecting respective subordinate photodetection parts with sensing wavelengths to output terminals of main photodetection parts having sensing wavelengths different from said sensing wavelengths by different kinds of main/ subordinate connection lines. CONSTITUTION:The anodes of two blue photodiodes 2B2 as a blue subordinate light receiving part SB and the anodes of two red photodiodes 2R2 as a red subordinate light receiving part SR are connected to a green signal output terminal 5G by the different kinds of main/subordinate connection lines 6B and 6R. Thus, the subordinate light receiving parts SR, SG, and SB whose number is determined according to the purpose of use, etc., are connected to the output terminals of the main light receiving parts MR, MG, and MB with the sensing wavelengths different from their sensing wavelengths by the different kinds of main/subordinate connection lines 6R, 6G, and 6B, so spectral characteristics matching with the conditions of use are obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for forming light-receiving parts of multiple colors by forming a color separation filter on the light-receiving surface of each of a plurality of light-receiving elements formed on a chip. The present invention relates to the constructed colorimetric sensor. The colorimetric sensor according to the present invention can be used, for example, for white balance of a video camera! It is used for 111. However, it is not limited to this only.

This type of colorimetric sensor currently available has one light-receiving section for each of multiple colors (for example, R (red), G (green), and B (blue)).
The light receiving sections are independent from each other.

Conventional examples of such a configuration are shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, and each will be explained below.

In the conventional colorimetric sensor 30 shown in FIG. 14, three silicon photodiodes 22R, 22G, and 22B are formed as light-receiving elements on one chip 21, and on each light-receiving surface, a red transmission filter 23R1 a green transmission filter is formed. 23G
By forming the blue transmission filter 23B thinly, the red light receiving section 24R9, the Midorikawa light receiving section 24G, and the blue light receiving section 24B are constructed. Each filter 23R, 23G,
23B is an interference filter made of Ag-MgF. In addition, in order to match human visibility, each light receiving section 24R
, 24G, and 24B are adjusted.

In the conventional colorimetric sensor 40 shown in FIG. 15, three amorphous silicon photodiodes 32R, 32G, and 32B are formed as light-receiving elements on a glass substrate 31, and a red-transmitting filter 33R1 and a green-transmitting filter are placed on each light-receiving surface. By pasting the filter 33G and the blue transmission filter 33B, a red light receiving section 34R9, a green light receiving section 34G, and a blue light receiving section 34B are configured.

In the colorimetric sensor 30 shown in FIG.
R1 Midorikawa light receiving section 24G, blue light receiving section 24B, and in the colorimetric sensor 40 of FIG. 15, red light receiving section 34R.
1 green light receiving section 34G and blue light receiving section 34B each have 1 green light receiving section 34G and a blue light receiving section 34B.
only one and independent of each other.

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.

That is, when white balancing a video camera, a colorimetric sensor is required that has spectral characteristics that are the same as or similar to those of the image sensor used in the camera. In particular, when performing white balance under fluorescent lighting, it is necessary to fully satisfy the above conditions.

However, in the conventional colorimetric sensor 30, 40, there is only one light-receiving section for the sensing wavelength corresponding to each color, and the spectral characteristics of each are uniformly determined by the characteristics of the color separation filter in the light-receiving section. In other words, it is very difficult to always obtain the same or similar spectral characteristics with the conventional colorimetric sensor for the spectral characteristics of each image sensor, which are slightly different from each other.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to obtain spectral characteristics that match the purpose of use, conditions of use, etc.

According to the present invention No. 1-B ” The present invention takes the following configuration in order to solve the problems of the conventional example.

That is, the colorimetric sensor of the first invention includes: a main light-receiving section formed on one chip; an output terminal for a sensing wavelength signal connected to a light-receiving element in the main light-receiving section; and at least one sub-light receiving section, and different main/sub contact lines connecting the light receiving elements in the sub-light receiving section to the output terminals of the main light receiving section for sensing different wavelengths.

In other words, depending on the purpose of use, usage conditions, etc., sub-light receiving sections with a sensing wavelength different from the sensing wavelength of the main light-receiving section are determined in advance, and each of the sub-light receiving sections with a sensing wavelength so determined is It is connected to the output terminal of the main light receiving section having a sensing wavelength different from that sensing wavelength through a different type of main/sub connection line.

According to Part 1- The effects of the configuration of the first invention are as follows.

In other words, a number of sub light receiving sections (one may be sufficient) determined according to the purpose of use, usage conditions, etc. are connected to the output terminal of the main light receiving section whose sensing wavelength is different from that of the sub light receiving section through different main/sub connection lines. Since they are connected, the combined spectral characteristics of the composite light receiving section consisting of the main light receiving section and the sub light receiving section which are connected to each other match the purpose of use, conditions of use, etc. described above.

・ 2 ■The first invention connects the main light receiving part and the sub light receiving part, which have different sensing wavelengths, in advance, and the connection state is fixed and unchangeable. Therefore, the second invention adopts the following configuration in order to solve the problems of the conventional example.

That is, the colorimetric sensor of the second invention includes: a main light-receiving section formed on one chip; an output terminal for a sensing wavelength signal connected to a light-receiving element in the main light-receiving section; at least one sub-light receiving section, and a spectral sensitivity adjustment circuit capable of switching between a state in which a light receiving element in this sub-light receiving section is connected to and a state in which the light receiving element in the sub-light receiving section is connected to and separated from the output terminal of the main light receiving section that detects different wavelengths. A colorimetric sensor with a part.

It is equipped with the following.

・28. According to II The effects of the configuration of the second invention are as follows.

In other words, the sub-receivers with different sensing wavelengths to be connected to the output terminals of each main light-receiver are decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the purpose of use, conditions of use, etc., and the determined sub-receivers are handled in the spectral sensitivity adjustment circuit. When connected to the main light receiving section, the combined spectral characteristics of the combined light receiving section consisting of the main light receiving section and the sub light receiving section will match the purpose of use, conditions of use, etc. described above.

If the required synthetic spectral characteristics change due to changes in the purpose of use, usage conditions, etc., the sub light receiving section to be connected to the main light receiving section may be reselected in accordance with the change.

First embodiment of the first invention> Figures 1 to 4 relate to the first embodiment of the first invention, where Figure 1 is a front view of the colorimetric sensor and Figure 2 is a main part thereof. 3 is an enlarged sectional view thereof, and FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationship of a plurality of light receiving elements.

The colorimetric sensor 10 of this embodiment has one rectangular chip 1.
A large number of square silicon photodiodes 2R, 2G, and 2B as light-receiving elements are regularly formed in a two-dimensional matrix.

and individual silicon photodiodes 2R.

On the light-receiving surfaces of 2G and 2B, three types of color R, G, and B filters as color separation filters, that is, a red transmission filter 3R, a green transmission filter 3G, and a blue transmission filter 3B each having a square shape, are equally distributed. By forming them in a dispersed state, a plurality of red light receiving sections 4R, sewing light receiving sections 4G,
This constitutes the blue light receiving section 4B.

To explain the specific aspect of the dispersion, in the drawing, along the horizontal direction, the combination of (R, G, B) is taken as one unit,
This one unit is repeatedly arranged in a row, and even along the vertical direction in the drawing, the combination of (R, G, B) is considered as one unit, and this one unit is arranged in a repeated arrangement.

However, in each row and each column, when there is an R at the starting end, the operation is repeated in the order of (R-4G-4B) → (RG->B], and when there is a G at the starting end, CG- B→R〕→
It is a repetition in the order of (GB→R), and when B is at the starting end, it is a repetition in the order of CB-RG)→(B-R-4G).

As shown in FIG. 4, the entire distributed red light receiving section 4R is divided into a red main light receiving section MR and a red sub light receiving section SR. Similarly, the entire sewing light receiving section 4G is
It is divided into a sewing main light receiving section MG and a peripheral sub light receiving section SG. The same applies to the blue light receiving section 4B, and the MB
is the main light receiving section for blue, and SB is the sub light receiving section for blue.

A certain number of the total number of red light receiving sections 4R is assigned to the red main light receiving section MR. That is, the plurality of red light receiving sections 4R are connected in parallel to form one red main light receiving section MR. Then, the remaining red light receiving section 4
Each Rt constitutes a red sub-receptor SR,
1/2 of them are connected to the sewing main light receiving section MG,
The other 1/2 is connected to the blue main light receiving section MB.

The same applies to the sewing main light receiving section MG, the peripheral sub light receiving section SG, the blue main light receiving section MB, and the blue sub light receiving section SB.

More specifically, the cathodes of the plurality of Akagawa photodiodes 2R+ constituting the main light receiving section MR for red, the cathodes of the two peripheral photodiodes 2G8 that are the sub light receiving section SG for sewing, and the sub light receiving section for blue. The cathodes of the two blue photodiodes 2B, which are SB, are connected to each other and to a common terminal COM connected to the ground terminal. On the other hand, the anodes of the plurality of red photodiodes 2R1 constituting the red main light receiving section MR are connected to each other and to the red signal output terminal 5R. For this red signal output terminal 5R, the anodes of the two peripheral photodiodes 2G, which are the sewing sub-light receiving section SG, and the two peripheral photodiodes 2G, which are the blue sub-light receiving section SB, are connected to the red signal output terminal 5R.
The anodes of the two blue photodiodes 28z are connected via different main/sub connection lines 6G and 6B, respectively. The red main light receiving section MR1 and the peripheral sub light receiving section SG and the blue sub light receiving section SB constitute a composite light receiving section 7R mainly for red.

Further, the cathodes of the plurality of peripheral photodiodes 2c+ constituting the peripheral main light receiving section MG, the cathodes of the two blue photodiodes 2B which are the blue sub light receiving section SB, and the red sub light receiving section SR. Two red photodiodes 2R.

The cathodes of C are connected to each other, and the common terminal C
Connected to OM. On the other hand, the anodes of the plurality of peripheral photodiodes 2G+ constituting the main light receiving section MG are connected to each other and to the green signal output terminal 5G. For this green signal output terminal 5G, two blue photodiodes 2, which are blue sub light receiving sections SB,
The anodes of the red photodiodes 2Rt and the anodes of the two red photodiodes 2Rt, which are the red sub-light receiving sections SR, are connected via different main/sub connection lines 6B and 6R, respectively. And these main light receiving parts MG.

The blue sub-light receiving section SB and the red sub-light receiving section SR constitute a composite light receiving section 7G mainly composed of green.

Furthermore, the cathodes of the plurality of blue photodiodes 2B constituting the blue main light receiving section MB, the cathodes of the two red photodiodes 2Rz that are the red sub light receiving section SR, and the sewing sub light receiving section SG. The cathodes of the two peripheral photodiodes 20t are connected to each other and to the common terminal COM. On the other hand, the anodes of the plurality of blue photodiodes 2B+ constituting the main light receiving section for blue MB are connected to each other and to the blue signal output terminal 5B. For this blue signal output terminal 5B, the anodes of the two red photodiodes 2Rx, which are the red sub-light receiving section SR, and the anodes of the two peripheral photodiodes 20g, which are the sewing sub-light receiving section SG, are connected to different main /Connected via sub-connection lines 6R and 6G. The main light receiving section MB for blue, the sub light receiving section SR for red, and the sub light receiving section SG for sewing constitute a composite light receiving section 7B mainly for blue.

In FIG. 4, each silicon photodiode 2R, 2
The square portions shown overlapping G and 2B are the red transmission filter 3R, green transmission filter 3G, and blue transmission filter 3B in FIGS. 1 to 3. These filters 3R, 3G, and 3B may be interference filters or absorption filters.

FIG. 5 shows the spectral characteristics of a single red light receiving section 4R, a single green light receiving section 4G, and a single blue light receiving section 4B.

Regarding the composite light receiving section 7G mainly composed of green, for the photodiode 2G constituting the main light receiving section MG,
The ratio of the photodiode 2R2 of the red sub-light receiving section SR and the photodiode 2B of the blue sub-light receiving section SH is 2 G+: 2 Rt: 2 Bt ζ3:1
:1, the composite spectral characteristics of the composite light receiving section 7G connected to the green signal output terminal 5G are as shown in FIG.

Regarding the composite light receiving section 7B mainly for blue, the photodiode 2B forming the main light receiving section MB for blue, the photodiode 2G□ of the sewing sub light receiving section SG,
The ratio of photodiode 2Rz in the red sub-light receiving section SR is 2Bl : 2Gz : 2Rz #3 : 2 i
1, the composite spectral characteristics of the composite light receiving section 7B connected to the blue signal output terminal 5B are as shown in FIG.

In the case of this embodiment, as the light receiving parts for the three colors R, G, and H, there are a plurality of light receiving parts for each color, and these light receiving parts, that is, a plurality of red light receiving parts 4R, a plurality of red light receiving parts 4R, Since the sewing light receiving section 4G and the plurality of blue light receiving sections 4B are distributed in a uniform distribution on one chip 1, there is no locality in the light receiving sections of each color. Even if the light from the target is unevenly incident on a part of the target, there will be
Since there are substantially the same number of light receiving sections 4R, 4G, and 4B for each color, the color temperature characteristics of the coloring object measured in this state are accurate.

In addition, each different type of main/sub connection line 6R, 6G.

6B may be an Af wiring patterned on the chip 1 or an external wiring. In the case of an external wiring, the user can change the wiring according to the usage and conditions of use. By cutting, it is also possible to adjust the synthetic spectral characteristics.

Second Embodiment of the First Invention Next, a second embodiment of the first invention will be described based on FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the colorimetric sensor, and FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationship of a plurality of light receiving elements.

In this embodiment, the configuration that differs from the first embodiment is as follows.
It is as follows.

That is, each of the red main light receiving section MR1 peripheral main light receiving section MG and the blue main light receiving section MB is constituted by a single light receiving section having a large area.

Since the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same parts and parts are given the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<First embodiment of the second invention> FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationship of a plurality of light receiving elements.

The colorimetric sensor of this embodiment is based on the configuration of the first embodiment of the first invention, and has different main/sub connection lines 6R, 6G, 6B.
Instead, a spectral intensity adjustment circuit section 8 is provided which can switch the light receiving elements of each sub-light receiving section between connected and separated states with respect to the output terminal of the main light receiving section which has different sensing wavelengths. It is.

That is, in the red-based composite light receiving section 7R, the anodes of the two edge photodiodes 2G2, which are the edge sub-light receiving sections SG, are connected to the red signal output terminal 5R via the switches 8G, respectively. Also, two blue photodiodes 2B, which are the blue sub-light receiving section SB! are connected to each other via a switch 8B.

In addition, in the composite light receiving section 7G mainly for green, the anodes of two blue photodiodes 28g, which are the sub light receiving section SB for blue, are connected to the green signal output terminal 5G via switches 8B. At the same time, the anodes of two red photodiodes 2Rt, which are red sub-light receiving sections SR, are connected via switches 8R, respectively.

Furthermore, in the composite light receiving section 7B mainly for blue, the red sub light receiving section SR is connected to the blue signal output terminal 5B.
Two red photodiodes 2R.

The anodes of the two peripheral photodiodes 2G, which are peripheral sub-light receiving sections SG, are connected to each other via the switch 8R, and the anodes of the two peripheral photodiodes 2G, which are peripheral sub-light receiving sections SG, are connected to the switch 8R, respectively.
Connected via G.

By selecting ON or OFF of each switch 8R, 8G, 8B, the combined spectral characteristics of each combined light receiving section 7R, IG, 7B can be arbitrarily adjusted.

Note that each of the switches 8R, 8G, and 8B may be a manual changeover switch or an electronic switching element such as a transistor.

Second Embodiment of the Second Invention> FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationship of a plurality of light receiving elements.

The colorimetric sensor of this embodiment is based on the configuration of the second embodiment of the first invention, and has different main/sub connection lines 6R, 6G, 6B.
Instead, a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment of the second invention is adopted.

In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the number of colors to be measured was three, R, G, and B, but neither the first invention nor the second invention is limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The number of types of color separation filters, the number of light-receiving elements, the arrangement pattern of light-receiving elements and color separation filters, etc. can be selected arbitrarily (however, the number of light-receiving elements is greater than the number of types of color separation filters, and usually the color (the number of types of separation filters is an integral multiple of the number of types of separation filters)).

In particular, when using a color separation filter (for example, an Ag interference filter) with narrow bandpass characteristics as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to arbitrarily create a wide variety of synthetic spectral characteristics. An example of such synthetic spectral characteristics is x
, y, and z.

The first aspect of the second invention. Based on the second embodiment, as representatively illustrated in FIG.
In addition to the green photodiode 2G, the blue photodiode 28g, and the red photodiode 2Rt are also connected to the output terminal 5R of the output terminal 5R via the switch 8R. For 5G, cost photodiode 2B8, red photodiode 2Rt
In addition to the peripheral photodiode 2G, the switch 8G
In addition to the red photodiode 2Rt and the Midorikawa photodiode 20z, the blue photodiode 28g is also connected to the output terminal 5B of the blue-based composite light receiving section 7B via the switch 8B. You can.

A colorimetric sensor having such a configuration is also included in the embodiment of the second invention.

In addition to the above, examples of the second invention include:
The switches 8R, 8G, and 8B may be replaced with jumper wires or the like that are connected each time.Furthermore, only one main light receiving section and one sub light receiving section each may be provided.

Woodworking light plate koshirai According to the first invention, the following effects are achieved.

In other words, a predetermined number of sub light receiving sections depending on the purpose of use, usage conditions, etc. are connected to the output terminal of the main light receiving section whose sensing wavelength is different from that of the sub light receiving sections. The combined spectral characteristics of the combined light-receiving section consisting of the sub-light receiving sections can be matched to the purpose of use, conditions of use, etc. described above.

For example, when white balancing a video camera, it is possible to easily obtain a colorimetric sensor that has composite spectral characteristics that are the same or similar to the spectral characteristics of the image sensor used in the camera.

Woodworking 1 light plate second fruit According to the second invention, the following effects are achieved.

In other words, the number of sub-light receiving sections with different sensing wavelengths to be connected to the output terminal of the main light receiving section is determined by the purpose of use.

Since it is possible to decide each time according to the usage conditions, etc., and to connect the decided sub-receiver to the corresponding main receiver in the spectral sensitivity adjustment circuit section, the combined spectral light receiver consisting of the main receiver and the sub-receiver can be The characteristics can be matched to the purpose of use, conditions of use, etc. described above.

If the required synthetic spectral characteristics change due to changes in the purpose of use, usage conditions, etc., the sub light receiving section to be connected to the main light receiving section may be reselected in accordance with the change.

In the first invention, the purpose of use.

While it has not been possible to respond to changes in usage conditions, etc., according to the second invention, it is possible to respond to changes at will, and desired synthetic spectral characteristics can be obtained.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures 1 to 4 relate to the first embodiment of the first invention, in which Figure 1 is a front view of the colorimetric sensor, Figure 2 is an enlarged front view of a partially broken main part thereof, and Figure 3 is Its enlarged sectional view, FIG. 4, is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationship of a plurality of light receiving elements. FIG. 5 is a spectral characteristic diagram of a single red light receiving section, peripheral light receiving section, and blue light receiving section, and FIG. 6 is a composite spectral characteristic diagram of a combined light receiving section connected to a green signal output terminal. FIG. 7 is a composite spectral characteristic diagram of the composite light receiving section connected to the blue signal output terminal. 8 and 9 relate to a second embodiment of the first invention, in which FIG. 8 is a front view of the colorimetric sensor, and FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationship of a plurality of light receiving elements. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationship of a plurality of light receiving elements in the colorimetric sensor according to the first embodiment of the second invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a connection relationship between a plurality of light receiving elements in a colorimetric sensor according to an example. FIG. 12 is a spectral characteristic diagram of a color separation filter having narrow bandpass characteristics according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of a colorimetric sensor according to yet another embodiment. FIGS. 14 and 15 relate to conventional examples, with FIG. 14 being a front view of a conventional colorimetric sensor, and FIG. 15 being a front view of another conventional colorimetric sensor. MR... Main light receiving section for red MG... Main light receiving section around the periphery MB... Main light receiving section for blue SR... Sub light receiving section for red SG... Midorikawa sub light receiving section SB... For blue Sub light receiving section 1...Chip 2R, 2G, 2B...Silicon photodiode (light receiving element) 5R...Red signal output terminal 5G...Green signal output terminal 5B...Blue signal output terminal 6R, 6G, 6B...Different main/sub connection line 8...
・Spectral sensitivity adjustment circuit part

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) a main light receiving section formed on one chip; an output terminal for a sensing wavelength signal connected to a light receiving element in this main light receiving section; at least one sub light receiving section formed on the chip; A colorimetric sensor comprising different types of main/sub connection lines connecting the light receiving elements in the sub light receiving part to the output terminals of the main light receiving part that detect different wavelengths. (2) a main light receiving section formed on one chip; an output terminal for a sensing wavelength signal connected to a light receiving element in this main light receiving section; and at least one sub light receiving section formed on the chip; A colorimetric sensor comprising a spectral sensitivity adjustment circuit section capable of switching between a state in which a light receiving element in the sub light receiving part is connected to the output terminal of the main light receiving part and a state in which the light receiving element in the sub light receiving part is separated from the output terminal of the main light receiving part which has a different sensing wavelength.