Color Filter Array on B&W Film for Simplified Color Photography
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color photography processes are costly and require professional darkrooms, while black and white film is stable and less expensive but lacks the ability to produce color images without additional chemical processing.
Innovation Solution
A method using a panchromatic black and white photographic emulsion combined with a color filter array on a transparent substrate to create a full color image through black and white film processing, including a reversal process to produce a positive transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If color photography processes are used, then color images can be produced, but the cost increases and professional darkroom processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the color imaging function into two separate components: a color filter array (CFA) layer and a black and white emulsion layer. The CFA captures color information while the B&W emulsion captures luminance information, allowing color images to be produced through simplified processing without requiring full color film chemistry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent substrate as an intermediary between the color filter array and the black and white emulsion. This substrate enables the combination of color filtering and B&W recording in a single film structure, allowing color information to be captured and reconstructed using B&W processing techniques
2Ease of manufacture
If black and white film is used, then cost is reduced and processing is simplified, but color image production capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the color filtering function with the black and white recording function in a single film structure. The color filter array is positioned in front of the B&W emulsion, allowing the B&W film to capture both luminance and color information simultaneously through the filtered light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the film structure: the color filter array regions filter specific wavelength bands (red, green, blue) while the interstitial regions remain transparent or black. This local differentiation enables color information capture while maintaining B&W processing compatibility
3Loss of information
If a color filter array is added to black and white emulsion, then color image capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the color filtering function from the emulsion chemistry itself and places it in a separate, pre-formed color filter array layer. This separation allows the emulsion to remain a simple black and white formulation while the CFA provides the color discrimination, reducing overall system complexity
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
Enables the production of color images using black and white film, reducing costs and simplifying the processing steps, while maintaining image quality and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a color filter array can be made up of spatially organized color domains, such as, but not limited to, the primary colors red, green, and blue
Implementation Method 2
a panchromatic black and white photographic emulsion can be applied to a filter array surface of a substrate material
Implementation Method 3
the emulsion can be chemically processed using chemistry prescribed for the development, reversal processing and fixing of the panchromatic black and white emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
A photographic film is formed by combining panchromatic black and white emulsion with a color filter array to produce a full color image using only black and white film and processing.