Image Sensor Color Filter Array Infrared Signal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital cameras face challenges in adjusting infrared light signals, which can interfere with image processing and cause errors in color representation, especially under varying light conditions, and require the use of infrared cut filters or additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device with a single image sensor and a color filter array that allows both visible and infrared light to pass, using a processor to adjust the proportion of infrared images in the output composite image through auto exposure control, eliminating the need for infrared cut filters and enabling flexible infrared signal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an infrared cut filter is used to filter out infrared light, then color accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the infrared cut filter from the optical path, extracting the harmful filtering function. Instead of using a physical filter to block infrared light, the system allows infrared light to reach the sensor and then uses software processing to separate and adjust infrared components from the captured image, thereby simplifying the hardware structure while maintaining color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical infrared cut filter with a computational image processing system. The processor analyzes the captured image data, identifies infrared signal components based on their spectral characteristics, and adjusts them through algorithmic operations, substituting a physical filtering mechanism with an electronic/software-based solution.
2Illumination intensity
If a flash lamp is used to increase brightness in insufficient light conditions, then illumination is improved, but the image quality becomes unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the illumination source by utilizing the infrared portion of the spectrum. Instead of adding visible light from a flash lamp, the system enhances the infrared component of the existing light and uses it for illumination, thereby improving brightness in low-light conditions while avoiding the unnatural appearance caused by visible flash illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful infrared signal that interfered with color accuracy into a beneficial illumination source. By allowing infrared light to pass through to the sensor and then selectively enhancing its contribution to the final image, the system transforms what was once considered noise or interference into a useful resource for improving low-light image quality.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to capture infrared signals, then infrared detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing image sensor multi-functional by enabling it to capture both visible light and infrared signals simultaneously. Through specialized processing techniques, the sensor performs dual functions of visible imaging and infrared detection without requiring additional hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced infrared detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the visible light capture and infrared signal detection functions into a single imaging system. By combining these previously separate functions into one integrated process using the existing sensor and processor, the system eliminates the need for additional sensors while achieving both visible and infrared imaging capabilities.
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 solution allows for improved image quality by dynamically adjusting infrared content in images based on ambient brightness, enhancing color accuracy and brightness without the need for additional sensors or filters, thus simplifying the imaging process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the image sensor includes a color filter array and a sensor chip. The color filter array includes a first region which permits visible light and infrared light to pass and a second region which permits the infrared light to pass. The sensor chip obtains a target image through the color filter array
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device and a method thereof are provided. The image capturing device includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor includes a color filter array and a sensor chip. The color filter array includes a first region permitting visible light and infrared light to pass and a second region permitting the infrared light to pass. The sensor chip obtains a target image through the color filter array, wherein the target image includes a composite image corresponding to the first region and a first group infrared image corresponding to the second region, and the composite image includes a second group infrared image, where the second group infrared image and the first group infrared image are linear correlated. The processor adjusts a proportion of the second group infrared image in the composite image by employing the first group infrared image, so as to generate a processed image.