Dual Sensor Imaging System for Thin Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera modules that combine near-infrared (NIR) and RGB capabilities often result in larger, more expensive, and thicker devices due to the need for high-quality sensors and lenses, which complicates thin form factor designs in portable devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A dual sensor camera system comprising a monochrome sensor for high luminance resolution and a color sensor for lower resolution color and NIR data, optimized to provide improved resolution, sensitivity, and noise performance while reducing the Z-height and cost, by using two 720P cameras instead of a single 1080P camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera is configured to incorporate both NIR and RGB visible light sensitivity, then both functions can be performed with a single camera module, but the result is larger than the standard primary camera with worse optical performance and more noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into two separate camera modules: one dedicated to NIR imaging and another to RGB visible light imaging. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, avoiding the performance degradation and noise issues that arise when a single sensor attempts to capture both NIR and RGB simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If high quality sensors and lenses are used to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but the camera module becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the imaging functions into two separate 720P camera modules (one for NIR, one for RGB), the patent achieves high effective resolution without requiring a single large 1080P camera. Each module uses optimized sensors and lenses for its specific function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high image quality through computational combination of the two streams.
3Reliability
If a larger sensor is used to receive more light and reduce noise, then sensitivity is improved, but the camera module thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two separate 720P sensors instead of one large sensor, allowing each sensor to be thinner while collectively achieving comparable or superior light sensitivity. The segmentation enables optimized sensor design for specific wavelength ranges, improving noise performance without increasing overall module thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (one large sensor) to a multi-dimensional approach (multiple smaller sensors capturing different wavelength ranges). By combining NIR and RGB data from separate sensors, the system achieves enhanced light sensitivity and noise performance through spectral diversity rather than relying solely on sensor size.
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 sensor system achieves higher effective resolution, improved sensitivity, and reduced noise, with the monochrome sensor providing high signal quality even with smaller pixels, and the color sensor enhancing RGB performance without affecting perceived image quality, thus addressing the challenges of device thickness and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first image sensor to detect the luminance of a scene
Implementation Method 2
a second image sensor to detect the visible light chrominance of the scene and to detect an infrared image of the scene
Implementation Method 3
The system includes an optical filter to filter light from the scene to remove infrared light except for a narrow infrared passband
Data Source
AI summary
A dual sensor imaging system is described for visible and infrared light. One example includes a first image sensor to detect the luminance of a scene, a second image sensor to detect the visible light chrominance of the scene and to detect an infrared image of the scene, and an image processor to receive the luminance from the first image sensor and the chrominance from the second sensor to generate a visible light image of the scene, the image processor to further receive the infrared image from the second image sensor and to extract the infrared image from the visible light chrominance of the scene.