Color Filter Imaging Sensor With Illuminance-Adaptive Pixel Binning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image capturing devices face challenges in optimizing image quality and sensitivity, particularly in low illuminance conditions, due to limitations in the number and arrangement of sensing elements and color filters, which affect the resolution and dynamic range of captured images.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging device incorporates a color filter array and sensing array with multiple imaging lenses, where sensing elements are grouped based on binning sizes determined by illuminance levels, generating sensing data that reconstructs images with improved resolution and sensitivity by adjusting the binning size according to environmental illuminance, and includes an additional color filter pattern for enhanced green channel sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of sensing elements is increased to improve resolution, then the device volume increases, but the focal length must be maintained which conflicts with miniaturization goals
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the sensing array into multiple color sensing regions (first, second, and third color sensing regions) corresponding to different wavelength ranges. Each region processes specific color information independently, allowing resolution to be improved through regional specialization without requiring a uniform increase in total sensing element count across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectral dimension by organizing sensing elements into distinct color sensing regions with different wavelength sensitivities. This spectral segmentation allows the system to achieve high resolution through wavelength-based differentiation rather than solely relying on increasing the spatial density of sensing elements, thereby avoiding device volume expansion.
2Reliability
If binning size is increased to improve sensitivity in low illuminance, then resolution decreases, but if binning size is decreased to maintain resolution, then sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the binning size based on illuminance conditions. In low illuminance environments, the controller increases binning size to improve sensitivity by combining signals from multiple sensing elements. In higher illuminance conditions, the controller reduces binning size to maintain resolution. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing both high sensitivity and high resolution at different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the binning parameter according to illuminance levels. By adjusting this processing parameter rather than the physical sensor structure, the device can optimize between sensitivity and resolution based on environmental conditions without hardware modifications.
3Measurement precision
If multiple color filters are implemented to improve color accuracy, then the complexity of the color filter array increases, but maintaining uniform color distribution across different lens regions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different color filter configurations in different regions of the color filter array. Specifically, the first color sensing region has a different color filter arrangement compared to the second and third color sensing regions. This local quality approach allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall color accuracy, reducing the complexity of designing a single uniform configuration for the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
Within each color sensing region, the patent maintains homogeneous color filter patterns to ensure uniform color distribution. The controller processes data from each region considering its specific filter characteristics, ensuring that color accuracy is maintained across different lens regions despite the heterogeneous overall structure.
4Reliability
If the size of individual sensing elements is increased to improve light capture, then the total number of sensing elements decreases, reducing resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing array is segmented into multiple color sensing regions with specialized functions. By dividing the array into regions that handle different wavelength ranges, the system can optimize light capture efficiency in each region without sacrificing overall resolution, as each region contributes specific color information to the complete image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional spatial arrangement to a three-dimensional consideration by adding the spectral dimension. This allows larger sensing elements to capture more light while the spectral segmentation maintains effective resolution through wavelength-based differentiation, effectively adding a new dimension to the resolution equation.
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
This approach enables the imaging device to capture high-quality images with optimized color distribution and reduced noise, achieving improved sensitivity and resolution across varying illuminance conditions while minimizing image quality loss.
Implementation Method 1
a color filter array comprising a first color filter configured to pass light of a first wavelength corresponding to a first color among light passing through a first imaging lens, a second color filter configured to pass light of a second wavelength corresponding to a second color among light passing through a second imaging lens, and a third color filter configured to pass light of a third wavelength corresponding to a third color among light passing through a third imaging lens
Implementation Method 2
a sensing array comprising first sensing elements disposed in a first color sensing region configured to receive light passing through the first color filter, second sensing elements disposed in a second color sensing region configured to receive light passing through the second color filter, and third sensing elements disposed in a third color sensing region configured to receive light passing through the third color filter
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device is provided. The imaging device may sense light passing through a corresponding imaging lens and a corresponding color filter in sensing elements disposed in a sensing region for each color channel, and generate sensing data based on a grouping of color intensity values sensed by the sensing elements for each sensing region based on a binning size determined based on an illuminance of light.