Color Sensor Using ITF Filters and Transformation Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color sensors require complex and costly dicroic interference filters to achieve precise tristimulus values, while simpler Induced Transmission Filters (ITF) cannot replicate the desired sensor characteristics, particularly for the X channel with two wavelength peaks for the red color channel.
Innovation Solution
A method involving three sensor elements with unique element characteristics and cooperating color filters, where the filter element characteristics are adjusted to produce an interim characteristic that deviates from the desired sensor characteristic, using a transformation algorithm with parameters to correct and achieve the desired spectral course.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dicroic interference filters are used to achieve precise tristimulus values, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from physically precise filters to mathematically precise processing. Instead of using complex dicroic interference filters with many layers to achieve the desired spectral characteristics, the patent uses simpler ITF filters combined with a transformation algorithm that applies transformation parameters to the sensor signals. This mathematical transformation compensates for the deviations caused by the simpler filters, achieving the desired XYZ sensor characteristics without the complexity of precision optical filters.
2Manufacturing precision
If dicroic interference filters are used to achieve precise sensor characteristics, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex dicroic interference filters with cheaper, simpler ITF (Induced Transmission Filters) that have fewer layers and are more economical to produce. While these simpler filters cannot achieve the desired sensor characteristics on their own, their lower cost and simpler manufacturing are compensated by a mathematical transformation algorithm that corrects their spectral response to achieve the required precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If ITF filters are used to reduce production cost and complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transformation algorithm as an intermediary between the simple ITF filters and the final sensor output. This algorithm acts as a mediator that takes the imperfect signals from the economically-produced ITF filters and transforms them into accurate tristimulus values. The transformation parameters, determined through simulation and measurement, enable this conversion from simple filter responses to precise color measurements.
4Device complexity
If ITF filters are used to simplify production, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to realize desired sensor characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor characteristics dynamically adjustable through software rather than being fixed by complex optical filter designs. The transformation parameters can be adapted and adjusted to achieve different sensor characteristics without changing the physical filter structure. This allows the system to be customized for different applications while maintaining the simplicity of the ITF filter design.
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 sensors with client-specific characteristics using fewer and more economical ITF filters, allowing for compensation of production fluctuations and spectral shifts, thereby reducing production costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
filter elements are arranged on the wafer surface in front of the sensor elements and which transmit only predetermined spectral wavelengths onto the sensor element underneath according to their filter characteristic
Implementation Method 2
Sensor elements, e.g. photodiodes are integrated in a silicon wafer
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method for producing a color sensor with a sensor characteristic adjusted by three sensor elements that each comprise an element characteristic, and a color filter cooperating with the sensor elements and consisting of color filter elements that each comprise a filter element characteristic, and to a color sensor. Embodiments include a method with which a color sensor with a precisely adjustable sensor characteristic can be produced from several photosensitive elements and from simple filter elements is solved in that the particular filter element characteristics are adjusted in such a manner that they have in cooperation with the respective element characteristic an interim characteristic of the sensor which deviates from the sensor characteristic on the whole, wherein the sensor characteristic is generated from the interim characteristic by a transformation algorithm using transformation parameters.