Image Sensor Pixel Array Segmentation for Light Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic image sensors with two-dimensional arrays of pixels face reduced light sensitivity due to the use of color filters, limiting their ability to capture high-quality color images, especially in low-light conditions, and require complex systems or increased noise to compensate.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional image sensor with a combination of color and panchromatic pixels, where the placement of these pixels defines a pattern with a minimal repeating unit that includes both types, allowing for improved light sensitivity and effective production of full-color images by intermixing pixels with different spectral responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If color filters are applied to pixels to enable color image capture, then color information is obtained, but light sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple types of pixels including color-filtered pixels (for color information) and panchromatic pixels (for high sensitivity luminance information). This segmentation allows each pixel type to specialize in its function, resolving the contradiction by not requiring all pixels to simultaneously provide both color and high sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array have different qualities - color-filtered pixels provide color information while panchromatic pixels provide high sensitivity luminance information. The local quality varies across the array, allowing optimal performance for different imaging needs in different locations.
2Measurement precision
If two-dimensional sensor arrays are used for image capture, then spatial resolution is improved, but light sensitivity remains reduced due to color filters
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional array is segmented to include both color-filtered pixels and panchromatic pixels. This segmentation allows the sensor to maintain the spatial resolution benefits of a 2D array while compensating for the light sensitivity loss through the inclusion of sensitive panchromatic pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array uses a composite structure combining different pixel types (color-filtered and panchromatic) in a single array. This composite approach allows the sensor to leverage the advantages of both pixel types - color information from filtered pixels and high sensitivity from panchromatic pixels.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors with beam splitters are used to improve light sensitivity, then sensitivity increases, but system complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pixel types (color-filtered and panchromatic) are merged into a single two-dimensional sensor array, eliminating the need for separate sensors and beam splitters. This merging maintains the light sensitivity benefits while reducing system complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor array performs multiple functions - capturing both color information and high sensitivity luminance information simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for different imaging modes.
4Measurement precision
If gain is applied to color pixels to match monochrome signal levels, then signal balance is achieved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of amplifying the weaker color pixel signals through gain (which amplifies noise), the approach is inverted by capturing strong luminance signals from panchromatic pixels that naturally match the signal levels of color pixels, eliminating the need for gain amplification.
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 configuration enhances the overall sensitivity of the image sensor, enabling the capture of high-quality color images with improved light sensitivity and reduced noise, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective system.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional array of pixels that provide a way of converting incident light into electrical signals
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~5
AI summary
An image sensor for capturing a color image is disclosed having a two-dimensional array having first and second groups of pixels, arranged in rows and columns, wherein pixels from the first group of pixels have narrower spectral photoresponses than pixels from the second group of pixels; and the placement of the first and second groups of pixels defining a pattern that has a minimal repeating unit including at least six pixels, so that at least some rows or columns of the minimal repeating unit are composed only of pixels from the second group and some rows or columns of the minimal repeating unit are composed only of pixels from the first group, wherein the rows or columns that are composed only of pixels from the first group are composed of at most two colors of pixels from the first group.