Bayer-Pattern Image Sensor Layout for Low-Light Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors face a challenge in maintaining image quality due to reduced pixel size, which leads to decreased light sensitivity and subsequently deteriorated image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Bayer pattern-type pixel array with extended blocks, where specific pixels are arranged to sense different colors and illuminance, and a signal processing circuitry that bins signals to generate Bayer pattern color and illuminance information, merging these to produce a color image with improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel size is reduced to increase resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the light sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple pixel blocks (first to fourth pixel blocks) arranged in a 2×2 matrix pattern. Each pixel block contains pixels that sense different wavelengths (color pixels and white light pixels), allowing the system to segment the light sensing function across multiple specialized units rather than relying on a single pixel type, thereby maintaining sensitivity while achieving high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional approach by organizing pixels not just in a simple grid but in extended blocks with diagonal arrangements (first and fourth pixels in one diagonal direction, second and third pixels in the other diagonal direction). This spatial reorganization allows efficient signal binning while preserving both resolution and sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If the pixel size is reduced to increase resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing circuitry merges signals from multiple pixels through binning operations. Specifically, it bins signals from first and fourth pixels to generate color information, and bins signals from second and third pixels to generate illuminance information. This merging of signals from multiple pixels compensates for the reduced sensitivity of individual small pixels, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array incorporates pixels with different sensing capabilities (color-sensitive pixels and white light-sensitive pixels) within the same extended block structure. This multi-functional design allows the system to simultaneously capture both color information and illuminance information, improving overall signal quality and noise performance
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 enhances the dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the image sensor, improving image quality by compensating for low sensitivity, particularly in color pixels.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel included in the pixel array may include a light sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a Bayer pattern-type pixel array including a plurality of Bayer pattern-type extended blocks each having first to fourth pixel blocks, each of the first to fourth pixel blocks including first to fourth pixels, the first and fourth pixels of the first and fourth pixel blocks being configured to sense green light, the first and fourth pixels of the second and third pixel blocks being configured to sense red light and blue light, respectively, and the second and third pixels of the first to fourth pixel blocks being configured to sense white light, and a signal processing unit merging Bayer pattern color information generated from the first and fourth pixels of the first to fourth pixel blocks, and the Bayer pattern illuminance information generated from the second and third pixels of the first to fourth pixel blocks.