Dual Image Sensor Wide Color Gamut Alpha Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors have limited color gamuts due to the restricted wavelength bands transmitted by their color filters, which restricts the range of colors that can be expressed in acquired images.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition device comprising a first image sensor with a high spatial resolution capturing a standard RGB image and a second image sensor with a lower spatial resolution but capturing a wider wavelength band image. A processor registers and processes these images to generate images with expanded color gamuts through alpha blending and color statistic matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a color filter with limited wavelength bands is used in image sensors, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the color gamut for expressing a subject is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color sensing function into two separate image sensors: a first image sensor with a color filter having a first wavelength band, and a second image sensor with a color filter having a second wavelength band wider than the first. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving a wider color gamut without complicating the manufacturing of individual sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of two image sensors with different wavelength band capabilities through image processing. By merging the first image data from the narrow band sensor and the second image data from the wide band sensor, the system achieves an expanded color gamut while keeping each individual sensor relatively simple to manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single image sensor with a wide wavelength band is used, then the color gamut is expanded, but the spatial resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two specialized sensors: the first image sensor optimized for high spatial resolution with a narrow wavelength band, and the second image sensor optimized for wide wavelength band coverage with lower spatial resolution. This segmentation allows each sensor to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the resolution-gamut tradeoff by adding a temporal dimension through image processing. The processor combines spatial information from the high-resolution sensor with spectral information from the wide-band sensor, effectively adding a spectral dimension to the high-resolution image without sacrificing spatial detail.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two image sensors with different wavelength bands are used, then the color gamut is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of wide color gamut imaging into two simpler sensor components, each with a defined wavelength band. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual sensors while achieving the overall goal of expanded color gamut through their combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where two sensors with different spectral characteristics work together. The first sensor provides high-resolution spatial information, while the second sensor provides extended spectral information, and their combined output achieves both wide color gamut and acceptable resolution without requiring a single complex sensor.
4Adaptability or versatility
If image processing to replace color components is performed, then the color gamut is expanded, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing images from two sensors simultaneously during the image acquisition phase. The color component replacement processing is then applied to pre-aligned image pairs, reducing the computational burden compared to processing sequential images and minimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically replacing color components in the first image with corresponding color components from the second image based on registered positions. This methodical approach to color component substitution enables efficient processing while achieving expanded color gamut in the generated image.
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 device achieves images with a wide color gamut, enhancing color expression and fidelity by combining the high spatial resolution of the first image sensor with the expanded color range of the second image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
Image sensors are devices that receive light incident from a subject and photoelectrically convert the received light to generate an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a second image sensor having a second spatial resolution lower than the first spatial resolution and configured to acquire a second image based on a second wavelength band wider than the first wavelength band
Data Source
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AI summary
An image acquisition device includes a first image sensor having a first spatial resolution and configured to acquire a first image based on a first wavelength band, a second image sensor having a second spatial resolution lower than the first spatial resolution and configured to acquire a second image based on a second wavelength band wider than the first wavelength band, and a processor configured to register the first image and the second image by using a relative position information between the first image sensor and the second image sensor; generate a third image, of which a color component is determined by replacing a color component of the first image with a color component of the second image; and generate a fourth image, of which a color component is determined by synthesizing the color component of the first image and the color component of the third image through alpha blending.