Dual Sensor Imaging System for Reduced Track Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thickness of electronic devices with cameras is limited by the total track length of the camera, which restricts thickness reduction due to image quality requirements, as reducing sensor size or pixel count compromises image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a black-and-white camera with a first sensor area for luma data and a color camera with a second sensor area for chroma data, using logic to correlate and interpolate data to produce high-quality images, eliminating the need for a color filter mosaic and enhancing light reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the sensor size is reduced to decrease track length, then the device thickness can be reduced, but the image quality deteriorates due to insufficient luma and chroma data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two separate sensors: a first sensor dedicated to capturing luma data and a second sensor dedicated to capturing chroma data. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function, enabling reduced sensor size while maintaining overall image quality through specialized data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single sensor capturing both luma and chroma to a dual-sensor system where each sensor specializes in one dimension of image data. This dimensional separation in data capture enables compact sensor design while preserving complete image information through subsequent processing that combines luma and chroma data.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of photo sensors is reduced to decrease sensor size, then the track length can be reduced, but the luma and chroma data become insufficient for constructing quality images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photo sensor array into two specialized groups: one optimized for luma detection and another for chroma detection. This segmentation allows the total number of sensors to be reduced while maintaining image quality, as each sensor type focuses on collecting specific data rather than requiring all sensors to perform both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different regions or groups of sensors different specialized functions - some sensors are optimized for luma sensitivity while others are optimized for chroma sensitivity. This localized specialization enables efficient data collection with fewer total sensors while maintaining overall image quality.
3Area of stationary object
If the pitch between adjacent photo sensors is reduced to decrease sensor size, then the sensor area can be reduced, but the light reception becomes insufficient and signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor array into specialized luma and chroma sensor groups, allowing each sensor to have larger individual photo detection elements. This segmentation enables reduced overall sensor area while maintaining adequate light reception per sensor, preserving signal-to-noise ratio through optimized photo detector size in each specialized group.
4Loss of information
If a color filter mosaic is used in the color camera, then chroma data can be captured, but the optical filter transivity is low and light reception is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the color filter mosaic from the chroma sensor by segmenting the imaging function - the chroma sensor captures full-color light without filters, and chroma information is extracted through processing differences between the luma and chroma sensor outputs. This segmentation approach removes the energy-lossy optical filters while preserving chroma data capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts chroma information from the chroma sensor's full-color data through image processing, rather than using optical filters to separate colors during light capture. This extraction approach removes the need for low-transivity color filters, improving light reception while maintaining chroma data quality.
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 allows for reduced device thickness while maintaining image quality by leveraging a black-and-white camera for luma data and a color camera for chroma data, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing costs through fewer pixels and no color filter mosaic, thus enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
Sensor area 116 may include an array of photo sensors (typically charge coupled device or CCD) configured to collect/receive luma data (i.e., data pertaining to light intensity)
Implementation Method 2
The second sensor area may correspond to a second pixel array. The chroma data may be associated with the second pixel array
Implementation Method 3
Optical filter 114 may be configured to differentiate colors according to wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for producing an image of an object is disclosed. The electronic device may include a black-and-white camera having a first sensor area configured to receive luma data pertaining to the object. The first sensor area may correspond to a first pixel array, the luma data associated with the first pixel array. The electronic device may also include a color camera having a second sensor area configured to receive chroma data pertaining to the object. The second sensor area may correspond to a second pixel array. The chroma data may be associated with the second pixel array. The electronic device may also include first logic configured to correlate pixels in the first pixel array with locations on the second sensor area.