Deflection Microsplitting Spectral Filter for Low Light Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral filtering technologies in vehicle vision systems for driver assistance systems are not optimized for enhanced light sensitivity and color rendition, particularly under low light conditions, leading to reduced performance in capturing high-quality color images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a deflection microsplitting spectral filter system in forward-facing imagers, which splits white light into specific spectral bands and uses red and blue deflectors diagonally across the imaging array, allowing for enhanced light sensitivity and true-to-life color rendition by calculating RGB values from light intensities measured at individual pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional RGB filters are used in forward-facing imagers, then the device structure is simple, but light sensitivity is reduced and color rendition is compromised under low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging array into multiple sub-arrays, with different spectral filters applied to different sub-arrays. Specifically, first sub-arrays have first spectral filters, second sub-arrays have second spectral filters, and third sub-arrays have third spectral filters. This segmentation allows each sub-array to capture specific spectral bands independently, improving overall light sensitivity and color rendition without requiring every pixel to have complex filtering capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional per-pixel spectral filtering to a sub-array level filtering approach, adding a spatial dimension to the filtering strategy. By organizing pixels into sub-arrays and applying filters at this higher level, the system achieves better spectral discrimination and light sensitivity while reducing the complexity burden on individual pixels.
2Measurement precision
If spectral filters are applied to every pixel, then color rendition is improved, but light sensitivity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging array into multiple sub-arrays, each with specific spectral filters, rather than applying filters to every pixel uniformly. This allows for optimized color accuracy in specific spectral bands while reducing the overall number of filtered pixels, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sub-arrays are assigned different spectral filtering characteristics based on their specific functional requirements. First sub-arrays, second sub-arrays, and third sub-arrays have different filters optimized for their respective roles, allowing each region to have the quality needed for its purpose while reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If no spectral filtering is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but light sensitivity and color differentiation are insufficient under low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spectral filters selectively to specific sub-arrays rather than universally to all pixels or none at all. This segmented approach maintains manufacturing simplicity by limiting the number of filtered elements while still providing the light sensitivity and color differentiation benefits where needed for driver assistance functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements spectral filtering partially, applying it only to specific sub-arrays rather than the entire imaging array. This partial application provides sufficient light sensitivity enhancement and color accuracy for driver assistance applications while avoiding the excessive manufacturing complexity and cost that would result from universal filtering.
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 approach achieves up to twice the light sensitivity compared to conventional RGB filters, delivering high-quality color images even in low light conditions, and is particularly beneficial for automotive cameras used in driver assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
White light incident at the lens passes through the deflection microsplitting spectral filter and is split so that (i) light within a first spectral band is imaged at the first pixel of the sub-array, (ii) light within a second spectral band is imaged at the second pixel of the sub-array and (iii) light within a third spectral band is imaged at the third pixel of the sub-array
Implementation Method 2
A deflection microsplitting spectral filter is disposed in front of the second pixel of the sub-array... White light incident at the lens passes through the deflection microsplitting spectral filter and is split
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system of a vehicle includes an imaging array and a spectral filter disposed at the imaging array. The imaging array includes a two dimensional array of photosensing pixels. The spectral filter includes a deflection color microsplitting configuration. The deflection microsplitting spectral filters are disposed in front of a pixel of a respective sub-array of a plurality of sub-arrays and not disposed in front of other pixels of the respective sub-array. The imaging array captures image data for use in a driver assistance system of the vehicle.