Image Sensor Wavelength Resolution via Angle-Dependent Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors that use color filters in a mosaic pattern struggle to distinguish between light in the R and G wavelength bands, leading to loss of spectral information, and require complex configurations or long times to change transmission wavelengths, limiting wavelength resolution and spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus that changes the state of the imaging optical system or image sensor based on the angle of incidence of reflected light, generating multiple image signals with different wavelength bands, allowing for the output of spectral images using a simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If color filters with different transmission wavelength bands (R, G, B) are arranged in a mosaic pattern on pixels, then three wavelength bands can be obtained, but detailed spectral information cannot be distinguished and most spectral information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral information acquisition by dividing the pixel array into multiple regions, each equipped with different color filters (R, G, B). By combining the output signals from these segmented regions, the system reconstructs detailed spectral information that would be lost in a conventional single mosaic pattern, thus resolving the contradiction between obtaining three wavelength bands and preserving spectral information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to spectral information acquisition by using multiple pixel arrays with different color filter configurations. Instead of relying solely on the traditional mosaic pattern arrangement, the system captures images from multiple dimensional perspectives (different filter combinations) and synthesizes them to recover complete spectral information across the visible spectrum.
2Ease of manufacture
If an image sensor with color filters arranged in a mosaic pattern is used, then color images can be captured, but it is impossible to distinguish light in the R band close to infrared from light close to the G band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function across multiple pixel arrays, each with specific color filter configurations (R, G, B). This segmentation allows the system to capture color images while simultaneously preserving the ability to distinguish between closely spaced wavelength bands by combining data from the segmented arrays, thus maintaining both ease of manufacture and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that combines the output signals from multiple pixel arrays with different color filter configurations. This intermediary synthesis process enables the system to maintain the simplicity of conventional color filter manufacturing while achieving high wavelength discrimination precision by mediating between the filtered signals from different arrays.
3Loss of information
If a variable bandpass filter using liquid crystal retardation change is arranged in front of an optical system, then spectral information can be obtained, but the apparatus increases in size and it takes time (several hundred milliseconds) to change transmission wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple pixel arrays with different color filter arrangements (R, G, B) before image capture. Instead of dynamically changing filters during operation, the system prepares all necessary filter configurations in advance and selects appropriate arrays based on the desired spectral information, thereby eliminating the time delay associated with real-time filter wavelength changes while still acquiring complete spectral information.
4Measurement precision
If a push-broom apparatus with a prism or diffraction grating is used to acquire spectral information, then spatial resolution is not sacrificed, but the apparatus increases in size and requires additional configuration elements for accurate line scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral dispersion function from the complex push-broom apparatus (prism or diffraction grating) and replaces it with simpler color filter arrays directly on the pixel sensors. This extraction eliminates the need for moving mechanical components and complex line scanning mechanisms while maintaining spatial resolution through the multi-array configuration, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing measurement precision.
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 approach reduces limitations on wavelength resolution and allows for the acquisition of spectral information using a straightforward setup, enabling the generation of spectral images with improved wavelength resolution without sacrificing spatial resolution or increasing system size.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optical system whose wavelength that reaches a light-receiving surface is different in accordance with an angle of incidence of reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensor that receives beams of reflected light from a subject incident via an imaging optical system whose wavelength that reaches a light-receiving surface is different in accordance with an angle of incidence of reflected light, and generates an image signal. The apparatus changes a state of the imaging optical system or the image sensor such that a second image signal is generated by beams for which the angle of incidence of the reflected light from the imaging optical system is different from the beams by which a first image signal is generated. The apparatus outputs a spectral image based on a plurality of the image signals generated by receiving the beams in different state of the imaging optical system or the image sensor.