Imaging Element Dual-Pass Filter for Thin Camera Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera systems used in portable electronic devices cannot be sufficiently thinned due to the configuration required for simultaneously acquiring color and near-infrared images by dividing incoming light into multiple types and using independent light-receiving means.
Innovation Solution
An imaging element with a one-lens-one-sensor structure, featuring a dual-pass filter and photoelectric conversion sections for visible and near-infrared light, which includes red, green, and blue light photoelectric conversion sections, and a signal processing section that adjusts matrix coefficients to eliminate near-infrared influence from visible light signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If incoming light is divided into four types of light (near-infrared, red, green, blue) using cold mirrors or dichroic mirrors with independent light-receiving means, then color images and near-infrared images can be simultaneously acquired, but the camera system cannot be sufficiently thinned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light-receiving functions into a single imaging element by integrating a visible light imaging section and a near-infrared light imaging section in a stacked configuration. This allows simultaneous acquisition of color and near-infrared images without requiring separate optical paths and independent light-receiving means, thereby thinning the overall camera system while maintaining dual-image acquisition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element achieves multi-functionality by enabling a single device to capture both visible light color images and near-infrared images simultaneously. The stacked structure allows the same optical path to serve both imaging sections, making the camera system compact while providing versatile imaging capabilities across different wavelength ranges
2Measurement precision
If a dual-pass filter with transmission bands for visible light and near-infrared light is used, then simultaneous acquisition of color and near-infrared images is enabled, but near-infrared light influence is included in signals from visible light photoelectric conversion sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different spectral response characteristics to different regions of the imaging element. The visible light photoelectric conversion section and near-infrared light photoelectric conversion section are positioned at different locations in the stacked structure, with each section optimized to respond primarily to its designated wavelength range. This spatial separation combined with spectral filtering allows the dual-pass filter to transmit both visible and near-infrared light while minimizing cross-contamination between the two imaging sections
3Measurement precision
If matrix computation is performed to eliminate near-infrared light influence, then color accuracy is improved, but computation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing matrix computation during the image signal processing stage to eliminate near-infrared light influence from visible light channel signals. By applying predetermined matrix coefficients to the raw signals from the photoelectric conversion sections, the system proactively removes spectral contamination before final image generation, ensuring color accuracy without requiring complex real-time processing during capture
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 simultaneous acquisition of color and near-infrared images, reducing tone differences between image centers and peripheries, and improves screen uniformity by effectively managing near-infrared light absorption and transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a dual-pass filter that has transmission bands for visible light and a predetermined range of near-infrared light
Implementation Method 2
photoelectric conversion sections that are arrayed on a substrate to receive light incident through a dual-pass filter
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections. The photoelectric conversion sections are arrayed on a substrate to receive light incident through a dual-pass filter that has transmission bands for visible light and a predetermined range of near-infrared light. The photoelectric conversion sections include a visible light photoelectric conversion section and a near-infrared light photoelectric conversion section. The visible light photoelectric conversion section includes a red light photoelectric conversion section, a green light photoelectric conversion section, and a blue light photoelectric conversion section.