Imaging Device Structured Light Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in efficiently separating visible and infrared signals, leading to deterioration in image quality due to strong infrared light reception by visible pixels, which affects noise and color reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device that uses a structured light source to irradiate specific pixels, allowing for the generation of images based on pixel signals obtained from these patterns, effectively separating visible and infrared signals by ensuring only infrared light is received by infrared pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a combination of normal image sensor for visible image and dedicated IR sensor for IR image is used, then both visible and IR images can be acquired, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visible light sensing and IR light sensing into a single image sensor by integrating multiple pixel types (R, G, B, and IR pixels) on the same sensor chip. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate visible and IR sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to acquire both visible and IR images simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating pixels that can detect different types of light (visible and IR) within the same sensor structure. The sensor can selectively capture visible light by specific pixels and IR light by IR pixels, allowing one device to perform multiple sensing functions
2Productivity
If one G pixel of 2×2 Bayer array is replaced with IR pixel, then IR image can be acquired simultaneously with visible image, but R, G, and B pixels receive strong IR light causing deterioration in visible image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional characteristics to different regions of the pixel array. IR pixels are specifically positioned to receive IR light while visible pixels (R, G, B) are arranged to capture visible light. This spatial differentiation ensures that IR light primarily reaches IR pixels and visible light reaches visible pixels, preventing IR light interference with visible image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array is segmented into distinct functional regions with R pixels, G pixels, B pixels, and IR pixels arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the sensor to separately process visible and IR light signals, enabling simultaneous acquisition of both image types while maintaining high quality for each
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 enables efficient separation of signals with different characteristics, improving image quality by preventing infrared light interference with visible signals and eliminating the need for dedicated on-chip filters.
Implementation Method 1
light of a predetermined pattern from a structured light (SL) light source is irradiated
Implementation Method 2
pixel signals obtained by performing imaging
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an imaging device capable of efficiently separating signals having different characteristics. An image generating unit generates an image of a subject on the basis of pixel signals obtained by performing imaging in a state where light of a predetermined pattern from a structured light (SL) light source is irradiated to projection areas of specific pixels of an imaging unit that images the subject. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a camera system including an SL light source and an imaging device.