Image Sensor Modulator for Dual Visible and Infrared Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors that attempt to capture both visible light and infrared images simultaneously suffer from reduced resolution and sensitivity due to the use of separate infrared and visible light pixels, and face challenges in creating filters that effectively block visible light while allowing infrared transmission.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design that employs a color filter array with a modulator, such as a reflective or transmissive modulator, which changes light transmission rates based on applied voltage, allowing for the simultaneous capture of visible light and infrared images without the need for separate infrared pixels, thereby maintaining image resolution and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate infrared pixels are used to capture infrared images, then infrared image capture capability is improved, but image resolution and sensitivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the color filter array to serve multiple functions: it captures both visible light images and infrared images using the same pixel structure. The modulator is introduced as a controllable element that allows the system to switch between capturing visible light and infrared light, eliminating the need for separate infrared pixels while maintaining high resolution and sensitivity for both image types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both visible light color pixels and infrared pixels are used to simultaneously acquire visible light and infrared images, then dual image capture capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visible light capture and infrared capture functions into a single integrated system. The color filter array and modulator are combined in such a way that the same physical pixels can capture both visible light and infrared light at different times, controlled by the modulator's switching between transparent and opaque states. This eliminates the need for separate infrared pixel arrays and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics through the modulator, which can dynamically change its state between transparent and opaque based on applied voltage. This dynamic control allows the system to adaptively switch between capturing visible light images and infrared images, providing flexibility without requiring static separate structures for each function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a visible light elimination filter is used to capture infrared images, then infrared transmission is improved, but visible light blocking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic modulator that can change its optical properties based on applied voltage. When capturing infrared images, the modulator switches to a transparent state that allows infrared light to pass through while blocking visible light. This dynamic switching capability provides superior filtering performance compared to static filters, as the modulator can adapt its transmission properties to the specific capture mode required.
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 capture of both visible light and infrared images without compromising resolution or sensitivity, eliminating the need for additional filters, and allows for the calculation of each image type by processing images obtained with and without the applied voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a modulator that is disposed on an upper portion or a lower portion of the photoelectric conversion cell array and changes a rate of light transmitted to the photoelectric conversion cell array according to an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
The modulator may be a reflective modulator disposed on the lower portion of the photoelectric conversion cell array and has a light reflectivity that changes according to the applied voltage
Implementation Method 3
a photoelectric conversion cell array that detects light that has been transmitted through the color filter
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor, and an apparatus and method of acquiring an image by using the image sensor are provided. The image sensor includes a color filter having an array of a plurality of types of color filter elements, where each of the color filter elements transmits visible light in a certain wavelength band and blocks visible light outside the certain wavelength band; a photoelectric conversion cell array that detects light that has been transmitted through the color filter; and a modulator, disposed on the photoelectric conversion cell array, which changes a rate of light transmitted to the photoelectric conversion cell array based on an applied voltage.