Image Sensor Pixel Grouping for High Resolution Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors that acquire both color and polarization information have a lower resolution due to the distribution of colored pixels with polarizing filters across multiple polarization azimuths, resulting in a lower ratio of pixels for each color and polarization azimuth, which affects the quality of polarization information acquisition.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with two-dimensionally arranged pixels, including first pixel groups sensitive to specific wavelength bands and a second pixel group sensitive to multiple wavelength bands, where the number of polarization pixel groups in the second pixel group is greater than in the first pixel groups, allowing for higher resolution polarization information acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a polarizing filter is attached to the front surface of a lens to acquire polarization information, then polarization components can be detected, but the resolution of the obtained polarization information becomes lower compared to general image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor divides pixels into multiple groups, each group having different main sensitivities to different wavelength bands. Within each pixel group, pixels are further segmented to detect different polarization components. This segmentation allows for a higher density of polarization-detecting pixels within each color channel, improving polarization information resolution while maintaining color information quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all colored pixels are distributed across multiple polarization azimuths to enable polarization detection, then both color and polarization information can be acquired, but the ratio of pixels for acquiring polarization components of the same color and polarization azimuth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical organization of pixels: first grouping pixels by wavelength band sensitivity (color dimension), then within each group organizing by polarization azimuth (polarization dimension). This two-dimensional organization allows simultaneous acquisition of color and polarization information while maintaining sufficient pixel density for high-resolution polarization detection, as each wavelength band group independently contributes to polarization information.
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 resolution of both color and polarization information by increasing the number of pixels sensitive to multiple polarization azimuths, improving the accuracy and detail in acquired images, particularly in capturing polarization states and reflected light textures.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to acquire polarization information... Image sensor with two-dimensionally arranged pixels... main sensitivity to light of a corresponding one of a plurality of wavelength bands... main sensitivity to each of polarization components
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a plurality of first pixel groups each having a main sensitivity to light of a corresponding one of a plurality of wavelength bands, and a second pixel group having the main sensitivity to a wavelength band including the plurality of wavelength bands. Each of the plurality of first pixel groups and the second pixel group includes a plurality of polarization pixel groups having the main sensitivity to each of polarization components having three or more polarization azimuths. A ratio of the number of pixels in the plurality of polarization pixel groups in the second pixel group to a total number of pixels on the image sensor is larger than a ratio of the number of pixels in the plurality of polarization pixel groups in each of the plurality of first pixel groups to the total number of pixels.