Apparatus for multiple camera devices and method of operating same

Abstract

There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength. In addition, the digital camera may include signal processing circuitry, coupled to the first and second arrays of photo detectors, to generate a composite image using (i) data which is representative of the intensity of light sampled by the first array of photo detectors, and (ii) data which is representative of the intensity of light sampled by the second array of photo detectors; wherein the first array of photo detectors, the second array of photo detectors, and the signal processing circuitry are integrated on or in the same semiconductor substrate.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 11 / 212,803 (still pending), filed Aug. 25, 2005. In addition, this application claims priority to: (1) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 604,854, entitled “Solid State Camera”, filed Aug. 25, 2004; and (2) U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 695,946, entitled “Method and Apparatus for use in Camera and Systems Employing Same”, filed Jul. 1, 2005. The contents of the above-referenced Provisional and non-Provisional Applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The field of the invention is digital imaging. BACKGROUND [0003] The recent technology transition from film to “electronic media” has spurred the rapid growth of the imaging industry with applications including still and video cameras, cell phones, other personal communications devices, surveillance equipment, automotive applications, computer based video communication ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention relates to an image sensor that combines signals from multiple photo detectors to produce a composite image. The sensor has separate first and second arrays of photo detectors and a signal processing circuitry that combines the signals from each array. The sensor can have different arrays optimized for different colors or wavelengths. The sensor can be integrated into a semiconductor device or directly attached to a camera or other device. The invention also includes a compact solid-state camera with multiple camera channels that can provide separate images or a composite image. The image sensor and camera can be used for still and video imaging, calculating distance, and creating a 3D effect. The invention provides improved image quality and flexibility in optimizing the image sensor and camera."

Problems solved by technology

Although traditional component manufacturers continue to shrink the components to take advantage of the electronic media, it is difficult to achieve the ever tightening demand of digital camera producers for smaller sizes, lower costs and higher performance.

Several important issues remain, including: 1) the smaller the size of a digital camera (e.g., in cell phones), the poorer the image quality; 2) complex “lenses”, shutter and flash are still required for medium to higher quality imaging, thus negating much of the size advantage afforded by the electronic media; and 3) the cost advantage afforded by the electronic media is somewhat negated by the traditional complex and costly lens systems and other peripheral components.

These market needs can often be in conflict: higher performance often requires larger size, improved features can require higher cost as well as a larger size, and conversely, reduced cost and / or size can come at a penalty in performance and / or features.

As an example, consumers look for higher quality images from their cell phones, but are unwilling to accept the size or cost associated with putting stand-alone digital camera quality into their pocket sized phones.

These attributes (for example, increased number of pixels in the image sensor and optical zoom), although benefiting image quality and features, may adversely impact the camera size and cost.

In some cases, such as cell phones or other appliances where size and / or cost are critical, this approach to good image quality (high resolution and sensitivity) is not optimum.

In a manner similar to traditional enlargements, a degree of resolution is lost when performing this process.

Further, since digital cameras capture discrete input to form a picture rather than the ubiquitous process of film, the lost resolution is more pronounced.

These three color separation method have limitations as noted below.

The color filter array, such as the often used Bayer pattern, changes the incident color between adjacent pixels on the array and color crosstalk occurs that prevents accurate color rendition of the original image.

The color filter array may also have low and variable optical transmission that reduces received optical signal levels and creates pixel-to-pixel image non-uniformity.

The use of multiple imagers, with color separation methods such as a prism, provides accurate color rendition but the optical assembly is large and expensive.

Color separation methods within the pixel create crosstalk of colors and inaccurate color rendition.

Since multiple color charge collection and readout means are required in each pixel, pixel size reduction is limited.

Images