Image Sensor Specific Filter for Light Source Detection in Sunlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras lack the capability to exhibit specific functions required for various applications, such as detecting the emission state of light sources and adjusting light emissions based on environmental conditions, particularly in bright sunlight scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus equipped with an image sensor having color filters and specific filters that transmit light in particular wavelength ranges with lower spectral irradiance, coupled with an image processor that detects light source emission states and adjusts light emissions to prevent glare and ensure accurate image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional color filter arrays are used in image sensors, then color image capture is achieved, but the capability to detect specific light source emissions and adapt to varying light conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed with multiple types of filters (first color filters for color imaging and second filters for specific wavelength detection) integrated into the same pixel structure. This allows the sensor to perform multiple functions including color image capture, light source emission detection, and adaptation to varying light conditions using a single device, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter array is segmented into different functional regions where some pixels are equipped with first color filters for color imaging and other pixels are equipped with second filters for detecting specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows specialized detection capabilities to be distributed across the sensor array, enabling multi-functional operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Measurement precision
If filters for specific wavelength ranges are added to detect light source emissions, then detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color imaging function and the light source detection function into a single integrated filter array structure. By combining first color filters and second wavelength-specific filters in the same sensor array, the system achieves precise light source emission detection without requiring separate detection devices, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The second filters are designed to transmit light in specific wavelength ranges that correspond to emission lines of common light sources (such as sodium lamps). This allows the same filter structure to serve dual purposes: enabling color image capture through the first filters and detecting light source emissions through the second filters, thereby improving detection precision without proportionally increasing complexity
3Illumination intensity
If images are captured in bright sunlight conditions, then sufficient light for imaging is obtained, but overexposure occurs and light source detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different filter characteristics to different pixels in the array. Some pixels use first color filters optimized for color imaging in various light conditions, while other pixels use second filters with specific transmission characteristics optimized for detecting light source emissions. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously capture images with adequate brightness and detect light source emissions even in bright sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The second filters act as intermediaries that selectively transmit specific wavelength ranges corresponding to light source emissions while blocking other wavelengths. This intermediary function allows the detection of light source emissions even when the overall scene is brightly illuminated by sunlight, as the filters isolate the specific emission wavelengths from the broad sunlight spectrum
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 detection of light source abnormalities and adjustment of light emissions to prevent glare, even in bright conditions, while reducing power consumption and preventing overexposure in images captured under varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a specific filter configured to transmit light in a particular wavelength range in which spectral irradiance of sunlight is lower than that in wavelength ranges adjacent to either side of the particular wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor having, in a manner corresponding to each pixel on a light receiving surface, at least one type of color filter and a specific filter
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor and an image processor. The image sensor has at least one type of color filter and a specific filter disposed thereon in a manner corresponding to each pixel on a light receiving surface. The specific filter transmits light in a particular wavelength range in which spectral irradiance of sunlight is lower than that in wavelength ranges adjacent to either side of the particular wavelength range. The image processor detects an emission state of a particular light source based on a signal component of an image signal generated by pixels having the specific filters thereon. The particular light source is different from the sunlight.