Imaging Apparatus Crosstalk Reduction via Segmented Optical Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses face challenges in obtaining high-quality images under multiple optical conditions due to crosstalk, where light spills onto unintended pixels, especially as the size of the apparatus and pixel pitch decrease, leading to reduced light intensity and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging apparatus includes an optical system with n orthogonally arranged optical areas, an image sensor with n pixels, an optical element array, and a processor that calculates converted pixel signals using a matrix of coefficients to minimize crosstalk by accurately directing light to corresponding pixels, potentially using a micro-lens array and a light-shielding member to optimize light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the imaging apparatus and pixel pitch are decreased, then the imaging apparatus becomes more compact and has higher resolution, but light intensity and sensitivity are reduced due to increased crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple optical areas (n≥2) arranged orthogonally to the optical axis. Each optical area is assigned to correspond with a specific pixel in an n-pixel group on the image sensor. This segmentation prevents crosstalk by ensuring that light from each optical area is directed only to its corresponding pixel, thereby maintaining sensitivity even when the apparatus size and pixel pitch are reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical components are arranged in the optical element array to correspond with different optical areas. Each optical component is optimized to handle light from its specific optical area, ensuring that light from each area is accurately directed to the corresponding pixel. This local optimization maintains high sensitivity and image quality in compact configurations.
2Productivity
If multiple optical conditions are captured simultaneously with one shot, then productivity is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to crosstalk between optical areas
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple optical areas (n≥2), each corresponding to a specific pixel group on the image sensor. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple optical conditions (different wavelength bands, polarization conditions, exposure conditions) without crosstalk, as light from each optical area is directed only to its designated pixel group.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus is designed to capture multiple optical conditions simultaneously using a single image sensor and optical system. The n-pixel groups correspond to different optical conditions, enabling the system to perform multiple imaging functions at once while maintaining high image quality through the crosstalk-preventing optical design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light is directed to multiple pixels to capture multiple optical conditions, then versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light spilling onto unintended pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple optical areas (n≥2), each corresponding to a specific pixel group on the image sensor. This segmentation ensures that light from each optical area is directed only to its corresponding pixel group, preventing crosstalk and maintaining high measurement precision while capturing multiple optical conditions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical components are arranged in the optical element array to correspond with different optical areas. Each optical component is optimized to handle light from its specific optical area, ensuring accurate light direction to the corresponding pixel group. This local optimization maintains high measurement precision while enabling versatile multi-condition imaging.
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 solution enables the capture of high-quality images under desired optical conditions by reducing crosstalk, maintaining sensitivity, and ensuring that light is effectively directed to intended pixels, thereby improving image quality and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that has plural groups formed of n pixels and converts light incident on the pixels into pixel signals by photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an optical system, an image sensor, an optical element array which is positioned between the optical system and the image sensor, a memory that stores a group of coefficients configured with a matrix of n rows and n columns in which elements are expressed by Rik (i and k being integers that satisfy 1≦i≦n and 1≦k≦n), and a processor that receives the group of coefficients from the memory and calculates n converted pixel signals x′1, x′2, . . . , x′n from n pixel signals x1, x2, . . . , xn by the following equation.(x1′x2′⋮xn′)=(R1,1R1,2…R1,nR2,1R2,2…R2,n⋮⋮⋱⋮Rn,1Rn,2…Rn,n)(x1x2⋮xn)