Color Filter Array Infrared Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image sensors require additional infrared cut filters to capture accurate color information, which increases manufacturing costs and can distort images in low-light environments due to the need for temporal removal of these filters and the use of infrared light sources.

Innovation Solution

A color filter array that simultaneously detects infrared and visible light by incorporating filter patterns with specific wavelength ranges, allowing for the intersection of these ranges to isolate and remove infrared information without the need for additional infrared cut filters, thereby enabling accurate color information capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an infrared cut filter is added to filter out infrared light, then color information accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor information accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the infrared cut filter function with existing color filter layers (red, green, blue filters). The infrared cut capability is integrated into the color filter structure by utilizing the natural light absorption characteristics of these filters at infrared wavelengths, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated infrared cut filter component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing color filter layers are designed to serve dual purposes: their primary function of filtering visible light for color detection and a secondary function of blocking infrared light. This multi-functionality approach allows the same filter structures to accomplish both color separation and infrared rejection without additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the infrared cut filter is temporarily removed to capture images in low-light environments, then image clarity is improved, but color information accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage clarityVSAvoidcolor information accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movement system (moving the infrared cut filter in and out) with a static multi-layer filter structure. Different pixel types have different filter configurations that inherently provide either color accuracy or infrared sensitivity without requiring physical movement or switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If components for moving the infrared cut filter are added, then adaptability to different lighting conditions is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to lighting conditionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensor array into different pixel types with specialized filter configurations. Some pixels have full color filters for accurate color detection, while others have modified filters for infrared sensitivity. This segmentation allows the system to capture both color and infrared information simultaneously without requiring moving parts or complex switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for the acquisition of accurate color information without increasing manufacturing costs and improves image quality in low-light conditions by eliminating the need for additional infrared cut filters, ensuring true color representation.

Implementation Method 1

the color filter array comprising a plurality of filter patterns and each filter pattern comprises at least one first filter, corresponding to a first wavelength range of a first color; at least one second filter, corresponding to a second wavelength range of a second color; at least one third filter, corresponding to a third wavelength range of a third color; at least one fourth filter, corresponding to a first infrared wavelength range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS9608022B2Color filter array and image receiving method thereof

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 NOVATEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A color filter array, for an image sensing device, includes a plurality of filter patterns. Each filter pattern includes at least one first filter, corresponding to a first wavelength range of a first color; at least one second filter, corresponding to a second wavelength range of a second color; at least one third filter, corresponding to a third wavelength range of a third color; at least one fourth filter, corresponding to a first infrared wavelength range, wherein the first infrared wavelength range is an intersection of the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range; and at least one fifth filter, corresponding to a second infrared wavelength range, wherein the second infrared wavelength range is an intersection of the first wavelength range and the third wavelength range.