Image Sensor Pixel Groups with Overlapping Green Spectral Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
CMOS image sensors face challenges in achieving high definition images due to increased sensor integration density, which leads to crosstalk, spectral distortion, and decreased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and color reproducibility, with conventional techniques like amplification and color correction being limited by noise and false color errors.
Innovation Solution
An array of color-selective sensors arranged in 2×2 unit pixel groups with each sensor selective for a color including a green component, along with an image processor circuit that includes an interpolator and crosstalk corrector to generate RGB signals and correct false color errors, thereby improving SNR and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor integration density is increased to produce high definition images, then resolution is improved, but crosstalk among sensors increases causing lowered sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into 2x2 unit pixel groups where each group contains sensors with overlapping spectral responses. This segmentation allows independent optimization of crosstalk compensation within each group while maintaining high resolution across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral response parameters of the color filters by using overlapping green spectral content instead of traditional non-overlapping filters. This parameter change enables crosstalk compensation through signal processing while maintaining high integration density.
2Measurement precision
If sensor integration density is increased, then resolution is improved, but spectral distortion in individual sensor outputs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through color correction circuits that receive sensor outputs and adjust the signals to compensate for spectral distortion. The correction is based on measured distortion characteristics and applies inverse filtering to restore accurate spectral information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral response parameters of the color filters by using overlapping green spectral content instead of traditional non-overlapping filters. This parameter change enables crosstalk compensation through signal processing while maintaining high integration density.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional color correction techniques are used to compensate for crosstalk, then crosstalk is reduced, but noise increases and color reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating crosstalk compensation directly into the sensor design phase through the 2x2 unit pixel group arrangement with overlapping spectral responses. This preliminary structural design enables later signal processing to effectively compensate for crosstalk without introducing additional noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral response parameters of the color filters by using overlapping green spectral content instead of traditional non-overlapping filters. This parameter change enables crosstalk compensation through signal processing while maintaining high integration density.
4Quantity of substance
If color interpolation is used to generate color information, then color data is produced, but false color errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by arranging sensors in 2x2 unit pixel groups with overlapping spectral responses before the interpolation process. This preliminary arrangement provides adjacent pixels with complementary spectral information that reduces false color errors during interpolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through color correction circuits that receive sensor outputs and adjust the signals to compensate for spectral distortion. The correction is based on measured distortion characteristics and applies inverse filtering to restore accurate spectral 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
The solution enhances image sensor performance by reducing crosstalk, improving signal-to-noise ratio, and achieving high resolution with low space modulation in the green spectrum, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional techniques.
Implementation Method 1
an array of color-selective sensors arranged as a plurality of repeating 2×2 unit pixel groups. Each sensor of a unit pixel group of the array is selective for a color including a green component
Implementation Method 2
color filters are typically arranged over the sensor array to filter particular color components of the light so that individual sensors may provide color component information
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an array of color-selective sensors arranged as a plurality of repeating 2×2 unit pixel groups. Each sensor of a unit pixel group of the array is selective for a color including a green component. The unit pixel group includes respective sensors selective for respective first and second colors and two sensors selective for a third color. Signals from the sensors of the unit pixel groups may define a first color signal space, and the apparatus may further include an image processor circuit configured to receive image sensor signals from the array of color-selective sensors and to process the image sensor signals to generate image signals in a second color signal space.