Bayer Matrix Image Sensor Phase Mask Wavelength Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bayer matrix image sensors face challenges in reconstructing images from wavelength bands with significant optical impulse response dispersion, particularly when the wavelength bands are distant or have different optical filter qualities, leading to suboptimal demosaicing and increased exposure times.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with a phase mask arranged on the pupil of the optical system, projecting at least 98% of the optical signal energy from both wavelength bands onto the reference and adjacent optical filters, allowing for improved alignment of optical impulse responses and modulation of F number, exposure time, and photo-detector dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If known demosaicing algorithms are used that overlook OPSF dispersion, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when wavelength bands are distant or optical filter qualities differ significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple OPSF models corresponding to different wavelength bands and optical filter qualities before actual image acquisition. During demosaicing, the appropriate pre-computed OPSF model is selected and applied, avoiding real-time complex calculations while maintaining high measurement precision for distant wavelength bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting demosaicing parameters based on the specific wavelength bands and optical filter qualities being used. Different OPSF models with varying dispersion characteristics are selected to match the actual optical conditions, thereby maintaining measurement precision across different operational scenarios without increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If exposure time is increased to compensate for energy loss in distant wavelength bands, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the optical impulse response characteristics specifically for distant wavelength bands through tailored OPSF models. Each wavelength band receives customized demosaicing treatment with appropriate OPSF parameters, maximizing measurement precision for SWIR and MWIR bands without requiring increased exposure time, thus maintaining productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical system is designed to handle distant wavelength bands with different OPSFs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of pre-computed OPSF models that act as mediators between the optical system and the demosaicing process. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of different wavelength band characteristics, allowing the optical system itself to remain relatively simple while achieving high adaptability to distant wavelength bands through software-based OPSF selection and application
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
Enables effective reconstruction of multi-spectral images by aligning optical impulse responses across different wavelength bands, enhancing image processing capabilities and reducing exposure time requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the optical impulse response generated by the Bayer matrix (also called 'Optical Point Spread Function', abbreviated as OPSF)
Implementation Method 2
a phase mask arranged on the pupil and configured to project at least 98% of the optical signal energy carried in the first wavelength band and 98% of the optical signal energy carried in the second wavelength band selectively
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an image sensor comprising: •an optical system (2a) for receiving an optical signal; •a Bayer matrix (4) located on the image focal plane of the optical system (2a), the Bayer matrix (1) comprising: a reference optical filter (B1) configured to eliminate or attenuate, in the received optical signal, a first band of wavelengths and to allow through, in the received optical signal, a second band length of wavelengths, and also eight optical filters adjacent to the reference optical filter (B1); •a phase mask (2c, 22, 28) arranged on a pupil (2b) of the optical system (2a) and configured to selectively project at least 98% of the energy of the optical signal carried in the first band of wavelengths and 98% of the energy of the optical signal carried in the second band of wavelengths on the reference optical filter (B1) and on at least one adjacent optical filter, which is configured to allow through, in the received optical signal, the first band of wavelengths.