CIS Filter Unit Segmentation for Light Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ability to sense images decreases when the size of pixels in a Contact Image Sensor (CIS) is reduced, leading to a decrease in the amount of light reaching each pixel, despite an increase in pixel density, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device and method that includes a filter unit with a first filter region for limiting incident light to visually observable color light, a second filter region for passing light beyond visible color ranges, and a third filter region for blocking infrared wavelengths, along with an image sensor unit that compares filtered results to increase luminance and prevent image sensing degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of pixels in a Contact Image Sensor is reduced to increase pixel density, then the number of effective pixels increases, but the amount of light reaching each pixel decreases, causing the ability to sense images to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is divided into multiple filter regions with different spectral transmission characteristics (first filter region for visible light, second filter region for extended spectrum, third filter region for infrared blocking). This segmentation allows different portions of the light spectrum to be directed to appropriate sensor regions, maximizing light utilization while maintaining image quality even as pixel size decreases.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter unit have different optical properties tailored to specific needs: the first filter region transmits visible light for color imaging, the second filter region transmits extended spectrum light for enhanced luminance, and the third filter region blocks infrared to prevent color distortion. This local differentiation optimizes light reception for each functional requirement.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels increases in a CIS with limited size, then pixel density increases, but the amount of light reaching each pixel decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the light reception capability from the visible spectrum into the extended spectrum (beyond visible color ranges). By utilizing the second filter region to capture light in wavelength ranges beyond visible light, the system effectively adds another dimension of light capture, increasing total light reception without requiring larger pixel areas.
3Reliability
If an infrared blocking filter is formed on the Color Filter Array, then infrared sensitivity is prevented from changing image color, but the ability to sense images decreases when pixel size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second filter region that acts as an intermediary, allowing extended spectrum light to pass through while the third filter region selectively blocks harmful infrared wavelengths. This intermediary approach preserves the beneficial extended spectrum light for luminance enhancement while preventing the harmful infrared effects on color accuracy.
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
The solution effectively increases the amount of light reaching each pixel, preventing a decrease in image sensing ability and enabling high-resolution image capture without increasing the device size, by using a white filter and infrared blocking filter to enhance light transmission and reduce infrared sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter region to limit the incident light, after passing through the lens, to visually observable color light
Implementation Method 2
a second filter region to pass the incident light in wavelength ranges at least beyond the visually observable color light
Implementation Method 3
a third filter region to limit the incident light in an infrared wavelength range
Implementation Method 4
the image sensor is responsible for sensing light condensed by the lens and converting the sensed light into electrical image signals
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device and method, with the image capturing device including a lens, a filter unit, and an image sensor unit. The filter unit has a first filter region which limits incident light, having passed through the lens, to primary color light, a second filter region which passes the incident light in all wavelength ranges, and a third filter region which limits light in an infrared wavelength range. The image sensor unit senses an image using light passing through the filter unit. Thereby, the ability to sense an image can be improved.