Dual-Image Sensor System for Low-Light Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RGB sensors used in low-light environments capture only a third of the available light, leading to poor image quality and high noise due to their filter-based light selection, which limits their ability to detect sufficient light for effective image processing.
Innovation Solution
A dual-image sensor system comprising a first RGB sensor with a band pass filter and a second sensor with a band rejection filter, where the second sensor detects twice the amount of light as the first sensor, allowing for image composition that enhances light capture and reduces noise by converting and combining data from both sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an RGB sensor with band pass filter is used to select specific color regions, then color information accuracy is improved, but the amount of light detected deteriorates (only 1/3 of available light)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different sensor types (RGB sensor with band pass filter and monochrome sensor without filter) into a dual-image sensor system. The RGB sensor captures color information while the monochrome sensor captures maximum light, and their data are merged to produce images with both color accuracy and high light sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-image sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously: the RGB sensor provides color information for color accuracy, while the monochrome sensor provides high light sensitivity for low-light performance. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between color precision and light detection capability.
2Illumination intensity
If a monochrome sensor without filter is used to detect maximum light, then the amount of light detected is improved, but color information accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from two specialized sensors: the monochrome sensor that detects maximum light and the RGB sensor that provides color information. By combining their respective strengths, the system achieves both high light sensitivity and color accuracy simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives data from both the monochrome sensor (high light sensitivity) and RGB sensor (color accuracy), processes and combines this information, and produces final images that benefit from both sensor types' advantages.
3Reliability
If dual-image sensor system is used to detect more light, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two specialized sensors: one optimized for color detection (RGB with band pass filter) and one optimized for light intensity detection (monochrome without filter). This segmentation allows each sensor to excel at its specific function while the processor integrates their outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two specialized sensors with complementary strengths into a unified dual-image sensor system. The RGB sensor handles color information while the monochrome sensor handles light sensitivity, and their merged output achieves high signal-to-noise ratio despite the increased device complexity.
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 dual-image sensor system significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio in low-light conditions, enabling higher-quality image capture by effectively doubling the amount of light detected and improving image depth information accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor which converts an amount of light incident on a pixel into an electric signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. Further, the present invention provides a method and device for image processing using a dual image sensor and, more particularly, provides a method and device for image processing using image sensors having different amounts of light.