Dual-Substrate Imaging Element for Accurate Color Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging elements with color filters, such as the Bayer array and CMY complementary color systems, face challenges in accurately interpolating color information due to missing data in each pixel, leading to suboptimal color reproduction and sensitivity in digital cameras.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging element employs a dual-substrate configuration with complementary and primary color filters, where the first substrate with a CMY complementary color filter transmits light in specific wavelength bands to a second substrate with a primary color filter, allowing for accurate calculation and interpolation of RGB color information using signal processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-plate imaging element with color filters (Bayer array or CMY system) is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the color interpolation accuracy deteriorates due to missing color information in each pixel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plate two-dimensional arrangement to a dual-substrate three-dimensional stacked configuration. The first substrate contains light receiving elements with CMY color filters, while the second substrate contains additional light receiving elements positioned to receive transmitted light. This vertical stacking enables each pixel location to access multiple wavelength bands through both substrates, providing complete color information without requiring complex interpolation, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and accurate color measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element is segmented into two separate substrates, each handling specific wavelength bands. The first substrate processes certain wavelength ranges while the second substrate processes transmitted light from the first substrate. This segmentation allows each substrate to be optimized for specific spectral regions, enabling accurate color information acquisition without requiring a complex single-plate design, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and color accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a color filter is disposed on each pixel to capture specific color information, then the color reproduction is improved, but the sensitivity deteriorates due to loss of other wavelength information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple color filter configurations by combining CMY color filters on the first substrate with additional color filters on the second substrate. Each pixel location effectively accesses multiple wavelength bands through both substrates, merging the color information capture capabilities. This allows the system to maintain high color reproduction accuracy while improving sensitivity by utilizing transmitted light that would otherwise be lost, resolving the contradiction between color accuracy and light sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-substrate configuration enables continuous utilization of incident light. The first substrate processes light in certain wavelength bands while allowing other wavelengths to transmit through. The second substrate continues to process the transmitted light, ensuring that useful light energy is not wasted but rather continuously utilized to generate color information. This continuous action improves overall sensitivity while maintaining accurate color reproduction, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
3Measurement precision
If a dual-substrate configuration with CMY and primary color filters is used, then the color interpolation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by moving from a complex two-dimensional lateral arrangement to a simpler three-dimensional vertical stacking. The first substrate with CMY filters and the second substrate with primary color filters are stacked vertically, with light passing through the first substrate to reach the second substrate. This vertical arrangement naturally aligns corresponding pixels and simplifies the optical path, reducing structural complexity while enabling complete color information acquisition for accurate interpolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-substrate configuration serves multiple functions within a unified structure. The first substrate with CMY filters captures certain wavelength bands, while the second substrate with primary color filters captures transmitted light in other wavelength bands. Both substrates work together as an integrated system, with each substrate being multi-functional in processing different spectral regions. This universality reduces overall device complexity compared to separate systems, while maintaining high color interpolation accuracy through comprehensive wavelength coverage.
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 enhances color interpolation accuracy and increases sensitivity by providing more adjacent pixels with missing color information, resulting in improved color reproduction and image quality in digital cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first color filters each of which is disposed on a light receiving surface of the first light receiving elements, and allow light in a first wavelength band including at least a second wavelength band and a third wavelength band to be transmitted
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of second color filters each of which is disposed on a light receiving surface of the second light receiving elements, and allow light in the second wavelength band to be transmitted
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of first light receiving elements which are regularly disposed on the first substrate and output a first signal corresponding to an intensity of emitted light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes: a first substrate; first light receiving elements regularly disposed on the first substrate; first color filters each of which is disposed on a light receiving surface of the first light receiving elements; a second substrate disposed so that light transmitted through the first substrate is emitted thereto; second light receiving elements regularly disposed on the second substrate; second color filters each of which is disposed on a light receiving surface of the second light receiving elements; and a signal processor which generates a pixel signal corresponding to each of the plurality of first light receiving elements using the first signal and the second signal.