Imaging Element Color Filter Array for Dual-Band Spectral Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in simultaneously capturing high-quality color and near-infrared images without the need for additional IR filters, as they often require complex filter configurations and separate processing steps.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a color filter with multiple filters having different spectral transmission characteristics in both visible and near-infrared regions, allowing for the separation of image signals based on specific transmittance ratios, enabling the simultaneous capture of color and near-infrared images without an IR filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Bayer array with one IR filter replacement is used to capture visible and near-infrared images, then dual-band imaging capability is achieved, but the spectral accuracy and transmission characteristics become inconsistent across different color channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different types of green filters (first green filter and second green filter) with different spectral transmission characteristics at different pixel locations. The first green filter has a first spectral transmission characteristic and the second green filter has a second spectral transmission characteristic, allowing each pixel to be optimized for its specific function in capturing either visible or near-infrared light with high spectral accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The color filter array is segmented into multiple types of filters including red filters, blue filters, first green filters, and second green filters. This segmentation allows the imaging device to separately optimize the spectral characteristics for different wavelength regions, thereby maintaining high spectral accuracy across both visible and near-infrared bands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If infrared absorption filters are provided on all color filters to capture color and near-infrared images, then comprehensive spectral coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device achieves multi-functionality by using a color filter array where certain green filters serve dual purposes: the first green filters are optimized for visible light transmission while the second green filters are optimized for near-infrared transmission. This universal design allows the same basic filter structure to serve multiple spectral bands without requiring additional infrared absorption filters on every pixel.
3Measurement precision
If multiple filters with different spectral characteristics are used in the color filter array, then spectral accuracy in both visible and near-infrared regions is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the spectral transmission characteristics of the green filters to create two distinct types: first green filters with a first spectral transmission characteristic and second green filters with a second spectral transmission characteristic. These parameter variations are achieved through controlled changes in filter material composition or structure during manufacturing, allowing precise spectral control while maintaining compatibility with standard color filter array fabrication processes.
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 allows for the simultaneous acquisition of color and near-infrared images with improved spectral accuracy and reduced complexity, eliminating the need for additional filters and processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
a color filter including a plurality of filters that have different spectral transmission characteristics from each other in each of a visible region and a near-infrared region
Implementation Method 2
any one or more of the plurality of filters being configured to transmit light in the near-infrared region
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes: a pixel portion in which a plurality of pixels are disposed in a two-dimensional matrix; and a color filter including a plurality of filters that have different spectral transmission characteristics from each other in each of a visible region and a near-infrared region and that are disposed on the plurality of pixels, each filter corresponding to each pixel, any one or more of the plurality of filters being configured to transmit light in the near-infrared region, the plurality of filters including a first same-color filter and a second same-color filter which have different transmission wavelength characteristics from each other in a same color wavelength band, have a region with a constant spectral transmittance in each of the visible region and the near-infrared region, and have different spectral transmittances from each other in at least one of the visible region and the near-infrared region.