Color Co-Site Sampling With Wavelength-Separating Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image capture systems using color filter arrays and color reconstruction algorithms are not always ideal for obtaining accurate color information, as they require interpolation and can be inefficient in capturing and processing color data.
Innovation Solution
The use of a sensor with drift-field demodulation pixels and wavelength separating optical elements (WSOEs) such as diffractive optical elements, metalenses, or high dispersion lenses, which focus different wavelengths at different depths within the pixel, allowing for enhanced detection and readout of various wavelengths without the need for physical scanning or color reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color filter arrays and color reconstruction algorithms are used, then color information can be obtained, but measurement precision and processing efficiency deteriorate due to interpolation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple pixel types (e.g., red, green, blue, and clear pixels) with different functions. Clear pixels capture full-spectrum light while colored pixels capture specific wavelength ranges, allowing direct measurement of multiple color components without requiring interpolation between pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by capturing multiple images at different focal depths. By focusing light from different wavelengths at different depths within the sensor, the system can separate and measure different color components across multiple image captures, eliminating the need for spatial interpolation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pixels are used to capture the same image through sensor movement, then color co-site sampling can be achieved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor movement system with an optical focusing mechanism. Instead of physically moving the sensor to capture multiple images, the system uses variable focus optics to direct light from different wavelengths to different depths within the same sensor array, achieving color co-site sampling without mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel in the sensor array serves multiple functions: it can detect specific wavelength ranges through color filtering, capture full-spectrum information through clear pixels, and contribute to multiple focal depths through variable focus optics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors or mechanical movement mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength separating optical elements are used to focus different wavelengths at different depths, then spectral detection precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength separating optical elements are integrated directly into the sensor structure, with optical elements nested within or adjacent to each pixel. This nested arrangement allows the optical functionality to be embedded within the existing sensor architecture rather than requiring separate external optical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wavelength separation function with the light detection function by integrating optical elements (such as diffractive optical elements or micro-lenses) directly onto the sensor surface. This combining of functions into a single integrated structure reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 micro scanning-free color co-site sampling, improving the concentration of wavelengths and allowing for more accurate spectral data determination and multi-color image generation without the need for sensor movement or complex reconstruction algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
The WSOE is configured to focus different wavelengths of the incident radiation at different respective depths in a photo-sensitive detection region of the pixel
Implementation Method 2
The WSOE is configured to focus different wavelengths of the incident radiation at different respective depths in a photo-sensitive detection region of the pixel
Implementation Method 3
photo-generated charges generated at the different respective depths have different respective drift velocities
Implementation Method 4
photo-generated charges generated at the different respective depths have different respective drift velocities
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a sensor having one or more drift-field demodulation pixels and wavelength separating optical elements (WSOEs) such as metalenses and diffractive optical elements (DOEs). The WSOE can be configured such that when light is incident on a pixel, the light passes through the WSOE first and such that different wavelengths are focused by the WSOE on different spatial points in the associated pixel.