CFA Sensor Signal Separation for Visible and Near-Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image outputting apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously obtaining sharp visible and near-infrared images, often requiring multiple sensors and filters, which increase size and cost, and fail to efficiently separate these image signals from combined data.
Innovation Solution
An image outputting apparatus and method using a color filter array (CFA) sensor that receives a 4-channel combination image signal, separates it into visible and near-infrared signals using a signal separation coefficient with color and weight coefficients, and outputs these signals without the need for additional filters or sensors, employing interpolation and processing to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two independent sensors and prisms are used to simultaneously obtain visible and near-infrared images, then image quality in each wavelength range is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple sensors and prisms into a single CFA sensor that captures both visible and near-infrared images simultaneously. The CFA sensor integrates color filter arrays with near-infrared sensitivity, eliminating the need for separate sensors and optical path splitting components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The CFA sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing visible light through color filters and capturing near-infrared light simultaneously. This multi-functional sensor replaces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each wavelength range, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If an infrared ray shielding filter is used to obtain sharp visible images, then visible image quality is improved, but the ability to capture near-infrared images is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The CFA sensor employs color filters with specific spectral characteristics that allow selective transmission of visible light while maintaining near-infrared sensitivity. Different color filters (red, green, blue, yellow) have different transmission properties, enabling the sensor to capture visible images with color information while also being sensitive to near-infrared wavelengths for separate processing.
3Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for visible and near-infrared imaging, then image quality in each range is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate visible and near-infrared sensors into a single CFA sensor unit. This integration reduces the total component count, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to produce high-quality images in both wavelength ranges through software-based signal separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for outputting an image by using a color filter array (CFA) sensor are provided. The method includes receiving a 4-channel combination image signal through the CFA sensor, and separating the 4-channel combination image signal into a visible image signal and a near-infrared image signal, based on a signal separation coefficient including a color coefficient that is determined to convert 4-channel color data into 3-channel color data and a weight coefficient that is determined based on a 4-channel signal configured of near-infrared image signals. The method further includes outputting the visible image signal and the near-infrared image signal.