Image Sensor Filtering Unit for High Dynamic Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and dynamic range, as reducing the unit area of each pixel decreases light exposure and limits sensitivity, while existing methods for obtaining multiple sensitivities either deteriorate spatial resolution or image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image generating apparatus and method that utilize a filtering unit with complementary color and whole wavelength band filter regions, along with photoelectric conversion elements of varying sizes and efficiencies, to sense and process light signals of different sensitivities, allowing for the generation of high dynamic range images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the unit area of each pixel is reduced to increase resolution, then the number of pixels increases and high-resolution image is obtained, but the amount of light reaching each pixel decreases and sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions with different sensitivity characteristics. Specifically, the sensor includes high-sensitivity pixels and low-sensitivity pixels arranged in different regions, allowing each region to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor are assigned different sensitivity properties to match local imaging requirements. High-sensitivity regions capture low-light scenes while low-sensitivity regions capture high-light scenes, with each region optimized for its specific luminance range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dynamic range sensor with both high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity properties is used to photograph scenes with high and low luminance objects, then the dynamic range is improved, but the spatial resolution and integration are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple pixel types (high-sensitivity pixels and low-sensitivity pixels) that can be independently controlled and processed. This allows the image processing unit to selectively use appropriate pixel data for different luminance regions, maintaining spatial resolution while achieving extended dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the sensing capability into a new dimension by adding multiple sensitivity levels across different spatial regions, rather than relying on temporal multiplexing. This spatial arrangement of different sensitivity pixels allows simultaneous capture of multiple luminance ranges without time delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the method of temporal sensitivity distribution is used to obtain a sensor with multiple sensitivities, then the dynamic range is improved, but the image quality deteriorates due to memory requirements and prolonged photographing time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple regions with different sensitivity characteristics that operate simultaneously. This spatial segmentation eliminates the need for temporal sequencing, allowing all sensitivity measurements to be captured in a single exposure, thereby reducing photographing time and eliminating memory buffer requirements.
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
The solution enables the creation of high dynamic range images by effectively managing light exposure across pixels, maintaining image quality and resolution, and allowing for the capture of both high and low luminance scenes.
Implementation Method 1
a filtering unit to filter a plurality of light signals including a first filter region and a second filter region, where the first filter region is configured to allow a complementary color wavelength band of an incident light signal to pass through and the second filter region is configured to allow a whole wavelength band of the incident light signal to pass through
Implementation Method 2
an image sensing unit to sense at least one of the filtered light signals of different sensitivities in the complementary color wavelength band and the filtered light signals of different sensitivities in the whole wavelength band from the filtering unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image generating apparatus including a filtering unit to filter a plurality of light signals including a first filter region and a second filter region. The first filter region may allow a complementary color wavelength band of an incident light signal to pass through and the second filter region may allow a whole wavelength band of the incident light signal to pass through. At least one of the first filter region and the second filter region includes two sub-regions configured to pass filtered light signals with two different sensitivities. In addition, an image sensing unit may sense at least one of the filtered light signals of different sensitivities in the complementary color wavelength band and the filtered light signals of different sensitivities in the whole wavelength band from the filtering unit and an image processing unit may generate an image based on the sensed light signals.