Four-Sensor Imaging System Using Dichroic Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems typically use three primary color image sensors (red, green, and blue) and struggle to effectively incorporate a fourth color or wavelength band, such as infrared, for applications like night vision or time-of-flight detection, which requires complex and separate circuitry for IR pixels.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with four image sensors, utilizing beam splitter cubes and dichroic filters to separate and direct different wavelength bands (e.g., blue, green, red, and infrared) to dedicated image sensors, allowing for the creation of vivid four-color images without interpolating IR data into RGB pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three primary color image sensors (RGB) are used, then the system can capture standard color images, but it cannot effectively detect infrared or other fourth wavelength bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into four separate image sensors, each dedicated to detecting a specific wavelength band (R, G, B, and IR). This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive multi-spectral imaging capability, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitter cubes and dichroic filters as intermediary optical components that separate and direct different wavelength bands to appropriate sensors. These intermediaries enable the system to handle multiple wavelength bands without requiring complex integration, thus maintaining system manageability while expanding detection capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IR pixels are integrated into RGB pixels in a single image sensor, then four-color imaging is achieved, but the circuit complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating IR pixels with RGB pixels in a single sensor array, the patent segments the system into four separate image sensors. Each sensor processes its designated wavelength band independently with dedicated, simpler circuitry, avoiding the complex integration challenges while achieving four-color imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the IR detection function from the RGB sensor array and places it in a separate dedicated image sensor. This extraction eliminates the need for complex integrated circuits that would be required to handle both RGB and IR signals within a single sensor, thereby reducing overall circuit complexity.
3Measurement precision
If four separate image sensors are used, then dedicated detection for each wavelength band is achieved, but the system structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter cubes and dichroic filters serve multiple functions: they separate wavelength bands, direct light to appropriate sensors, and can be integrated into a compact optical path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing system structural complexity while enabling precise multi-wavelength detection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If beam splitter cubes and dichroic filters are used to separate wavelength bands, then four-color image detection is enabled, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical path design where beam splitter cubes and dichroic filters are integrated within a compact structure. The optical components are arranged in a nested configuration that allows light to pass through multiple filtering and splitting stages in a space-efficient manner, reducing the overall system volume while maintaining multi-wavelength detection capability.
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
Enables the simultaneous detection and display of visible and infrared scenes, facilitating easier implementation of time-of-flight pixels for 3D imaging and improving image quality by capturing four colors (red, green, blue, and yellow) without integrating IR pixels with RGB pixels.
Implementation Method 1
A first dichroic filter reflects incident light having a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band toward a second dichroic filter, and transmits incident light having a third wavelength band and a fourth wavelength band toward a third dichroic filter
Implementation Method 2
The second dichroic filter reflects incident light having the first wavelength band toward the first image sensor, and transmits incident light having the second wavelength band toward the second image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system having four image sensors comprises a first dichroic filter, a second dichroic filter, and a third dichroic filter. The first dichroic filter reflects light having a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band toward a second dichroic filter, and transmits light having a third wavelength band and a fourth wavelength band toward the third dichroic filter. The second dichroic filter reflects light having the first wavelength band toward the first image sensor, and transmits light having the second wavelength band toward the second image sensor. The third dichroic filter reflects light having the third wavelength band toward the third image sensor, and transmits light having the fourth wavelength band toward the fourth image sensor. The first dichroic filter, the second dichroic filter, and the third dichroic filter are included in an integrated part.