Diagonal Color Filter Pixel Array for Dual-Contrast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors struggle to generate optimized color images in both low-contrast and high-contrast modes due to limitations in pixel array configurations and color filter patterns.
Innovation Solution
The proposed image sensor features a pixel array with a 4×4 unit pixel structure, comprising sub-pixel arrays with specific color filters arranged in diagonal directions, allowing for improved color synthesis and remosaic operations across varying contrast modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pixel array configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality in low-contrast and high-contrast modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple sub-pixel arrays (first, second, third, and fourth sub-pixel arrays) with different color filter configurations. Each sub-pixel array captures specific color combinations, allowing the system to process low-contrast and high-contrast modes separately and optimize image quality in each mode without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different color filter patterns tailored to specific imaging requirements. The first and second sub-pixel arrays use green and yellow filters for low-contrast mode optimization, while the third and fourth sub-pixel arrays use red, magenta, blue, and cyan filters for high-contrast mode optimization, allowing each region to serve its specific function optimally.
2Measurement precision
If conventional color filter patterns are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but color synthesis accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The color filter pattern is segmented into multiple types across different sub-pixel arrays. Each sub-pixel array has a dedicated color filter configuration optimized for specific color synthesis requirements, enabling accurate color reproduction in both low-contrast and high-contrast modes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular replication of sub-unit structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array configuration is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - capturing different color combinations in different sub-pixel arrays enables the system to handle both low-contrast and high-contrast imaging scenarios, as well as various color synthesis requirements, all within a single integrated structure that maintains manufacturing feasibility.
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 configuration enables the generation of optimal images in both low-contrast and high-contrast modes, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and supporting high-resolution imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first sub-pixel array including first and second pixels disposed in a first diagonal direction and each having a green filter, and third and fourth pixels disposed in a second diagonal direction and each having a yellow filter
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image sensor including a pixel array, wherein the pixel array includes a first sub-pixel array including pixels disposed in a first diagonal direction and each having a green filter, and pixels disposed in a second diagonal direction and each having a yellow filter; a second sub-pixel array including pixels disposed in the first diagonal direction and each having the green filter, and pixels disposed in the second diagonal direction and each having the yellow filter; a third sub-pixel array including pixels disposed in the second diagonal direction and each having a red filter, and pixels disposed in the first diagonal direction and each having a magenta filter; and a fourth sub-pixel array including pixels disposed in the second diagonal direction and each having a blue filter, and pixels disposed in the first diagonal direction and each having a cyan filter.