Image Sensor RGB Bayer Signal Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image sensors with non-RGB Bayer patterns are not compatible with universal image signal processors (ISPs) due to their inability to convert electrical signals into standard RGB Bayer signals, leading to incompatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

An image sensor with a pixel array arranged in a non-RGB Bayer pattern, equipped with an analog-to-digital converter and an RGB converter that interpolates, averages, or sums digital pixel signals to generate RGB Bayer signals, ensuring compatibility with universal ISPs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an image sensor uses a pixel array with a non-RGB Bayer pattern, then the sensor can achieve improved color sampling or reduced moire effects, but the sensor becomes incompatible with universal image signal processors that expect standard RGB Bayer data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with universal ISPVSAvoidpixel array pattern flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an RGB converter as an intermediary component between the non-RGB Bayer pixel array and the universal ISP. This converter receives digital pixel signals from the non-RGB Bayer pattern and transforms them into standard RGB Bayer signals, enabling compatibility with universal ISPs while allowing the sensor to use alternative pixel patterns for improved optical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the data format parameter from non-RGB Bayer pattern to standard RGB Bayer pattern through the RGB converter. This parameter transformation involves reorganizing and interpolating the color channel data to match the expected RGB Bayer structure, allowing the sensor to maintain flexibility in physical pixel arrangement while ensuring digital signal compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If an image sensor uses a non-RGB Bayer pixel array, then the sensor structure can be optimized for specific optical performance, but additional conversion circuitry is required to generate compatible output signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidsignal conversion circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RGB conversion functionality directly into the image sensor device, integrating the converter with the pixel array and readout circuitry. This combination allows the sensor to maintain optimized pixel structures for optical performance while incorporating the necessary conversion circuitry as a unified system rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9380243B2Image sensor for outputting RGB bayer signal through internal conversion and image processing apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a non-red-green-blue (RGB) Bayer pattern, an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an analog pixel signal output from each of the pixels into a digital pixel signal, and an RGB converter configured to convert the digital pixel signal into an RGB Bayer signal. Accordingly, the image sensor is compatible with a universal image signal processor (ISP), which receives and processes RGB Bayer signals, without an additional compatible device or module.