Image Capturing Device 4x4 Polarization Pixel Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing devices with polarization filters only in G pixels fail to acquire red and blue reflection components effectively, leading to reduced sensitivity and resolution of non-polarization pixels, especially when polarizers are arranged in a stripe-like pattern.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device with a 4×4-pixel area where at least one pixel of each color component is a polarization pixel of the same direction, and the majority are non-polarization pixels, using pixel signals from both types to calculate unpolarized and diffuse reflection components, and adjusting these components to generate high-resolution non-polarization images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If polarizers are provided only in G pixels, then sensitivity at each pixel is improved, but red and blue reflection components cannot be acquired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating pixel functions within the 4×4 array: polarization pixels (including at least one of each color component) are dedicated to capturing polarization information, while non-polarization pixels (constituting the majority) capture general light intensity. This localized functional differentiation allows simultaneous acquisition of polarization data for color analysis and full-color reflection components without compromising sensitivity at any pixel type.
2Device complexity
If polarizers are formed in a stripe-like pattern, then device complexity is reduced, but resolution of non-polarization pixels in the orthogonal direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into distinct 4×4 blocks, each containing a specific configuration of polarization and non-polarization pixels. Within each block, at least one pixel of every color component is designated as a polarization pixel, while the majority are non-polarization pixels. This segmentation approach maintains relatively simple polarizer formation while preserving resolution by ensuring sufficient polarization sampling across different spatial locations and color channels.
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 acquisition of non-polarization images with high resolution and sensitivity, along with reflection components for each color component, by effectively utilizing pixel signals from polarization and non-polarization pixels.
Implementation Method 1
pixels including at least one pixel of every color component of a plurality of color components are polarization pixels of the same polarization direction
Data Source
AI summary
In an image capturing unit 20, an imaging element has a 4×4-pixel area in which: pixels including at least one pixel of every color component of a plurality of color components are polarization pixels of the same polarization direction; and pixels which are not the polarization pixels constitute a majority of the 4×4-pixel area, and are non-polarization pixels. The unpolarized component calculating unit 31 of the image processing unit 30 calculates unpolarized components for each pixel and for each color component by using pixel signals of polarization pixels, and pixel signals of non-polarization pixels that are generated at the image capturing unit 20. The diffuse reflection component calculating unit 32 calculates diffuse reflection components for each pixel and for each color component by using pixel signals of polarization pixels, and pixel signals of non-polarization pixels that are generated at the image capturing unit 20.