Color Filter Array 3x3 Sub-Array for IR and Color Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current color filter arrays in 3D image sensors face challenges in acquiring high-quality color and infrared data simultaneously, with existing designs often compromising on resolution due to the separate disposition of IR and color pixels in Bayer patterns.
Innovation Solution
A color filter array is designed with a 3×3 matrix structure, incorporating first pixels for visible and IR wavelengths, second pixels in a checkerboard pattern for visible wavelengths, and third and fourth pixels with low spectral correlation for color data acquisition, allowing for the generation of high-quality IR and color data through interpolation and weight calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If IR pixels and color pixels are separately disposed in Bayer patterns, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the resolution and quality of both IR and color data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines IR pixels and color pixels into a unified 3×3 sub-array structure where they work together as an integrated system. Each sub-array contains one central IR pixel surrounded by eight color pixels, merging the previously separate Bayer patterns into a coordinated multi-functional pixel array that simultaneously captures both IR and color data with high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D separate Bayer patterns to a three-dimensional hierarchical structure with 3×3 sub-arrays arranged in a matrix. This dimensional reorganization allows IR and color pixels to be spatially integrated while maintaining their respective functions, effectively adding a structural dimension that enables both data types to coexist without compromising resolution.
2Measurement precision
If more pixels are allocated to IR data acquisition, then IR data quality improves, but color data acquisition capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional roles to different positions within each 3×3 sub-array. The central pixel is dedicated to IR detection while the surrounding eight pixels are dedicated to color detection. This localized functional differentiation ensures optimal IR data quality in the center while maintaining sufficient color pixel quantity at the periphery, resolving the trade-off between IR quality and color quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple 3×3 sub-arrays, each functioning as an independent unit with its own IR and color pixels. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a high density of color pixels across the entire array while ensuring each local region has adequate color pixels surrounding its IR pixel, thus preserving both IR quality and overall color data quantity.
3Ease of manufacture
If third and fourth pixels with high spectral correlation are used, then color data acquisition is simple, but color data quality and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameter selection by deliberately choosing third and fourth pixels with low spectral correlation rather than high correlation. This parameter change in spectral sensitivity profiles ensures that the selected pixels capture different wavelength ranges with minimal overlap, thereby improving color data accuracy and differentiation while maintaining manufacturability through standard filter selection.
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 configuration enables the acquisition of high-quality IR data by surrounding first pixels with second pixels and utilizing third and fourth pixels with low spectral correlation for improved color data, enhancing the accuracy and quality of both data types without separately disposing IR pixels in RGB patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a color filter array may include: a plurality of first pixels suitable for transmitting light with visible and infrared (IR) wavelengths; a plurality of second pixels suitable for transmitting light with the visible wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A color filter array includes first pixels, second pixels, third pixels, and fourth pixels. The first pixels transmit light with visible and infrared (IR) wavelengths. The second pixels transmit light with the visible wavelengths and surround each of the first pixels. The third pixels transmit light with a first range of wavelengths among the visible wavelengths. The fourth pixels transmit light with a second range of wavelengths among the visible wavelengths.