Color Filter Array With Selectable Meshed Filter Sets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image sensors require multiple silicon chip mask sets and color filter array mask sets for different applications, leading to inefficiencies in design and production due to the need for various CFA patterns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a color filter array with multiple and selectable meshed filter sets, allowing for the formation of a minimal repeating unit that can be tiled to create a versatile and adaptable color filter array, enabling the use of different primary color sets and clear filters, and the ability to read specific filter sets individually or in combination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple silicon chip mask sets and color filter array mask sets are used for different CFA patterns, then different application needs are met, but design and production efficiency deteriorate and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCFA pattern varietyVSAvoiddesign and production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple CFA patterns into a single color filter array by dividing the pixel array into multiple groups, where each group is associated with a different CFA pattern. This merging approach allows the system to support multiple application needs (different CFA patterns) while using a single unified structure, thereby improving design and production efficiency without sacrificing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel array is segmented into multiple groups, with each group assigned to a specific CFA pattern. This segmentation enables the system to handle different application requirements independently within each group while maintaining overall system efficiency. The segmented approach avoids the need for multiple complete mask sets, as each segment can be processed using a unified manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple silicon chip mask sets and color filter array mask sets are used for different CFA patterns, then different application needs are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCFA pattern varietyVSAvoidmask set complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal color filter array structure that can serve multiple functions by supporting different CFA patterns within a single device. The pixel array is organized into groups that can be assigned to different CFA patterns, allowing the same physical device to adapt to various application needs without requiring multiple specialized mask sets, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9368530B2Image sensor and color filter array including multiple selectable meshed filter sets

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An apparatus including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels and a filter array positioned over the pixel array, the color filter array comprising a plurality of tiled minimal repeating units, each minimal repeating unit including a plurality of enmeshed filter sets, each filter set including a different set of colors than any other filter set in the filter array. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.