Imaging Pixel Layout for Accurate Distance Sensing and Color Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in achieving high-sensitivity and high-accuracy distance measurement while maintaining high-quality image information, particularly due to reduced pixel size leading to decreased light sensitivity and noise, which affects color reproduction and image recognition accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device is designed with pixels arranged in a specific pattern, where distance measurement pixels are shifted in the row direction by half a pixel size, and color filters are arranged in a unique array to enhance detection resolution and sensitivity, allowing for high-resolution distance measurement and image acquisition with improved color reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel size is decreased to improve detection resolution and distance measurement accuracy, then the distance measurement accuracy is improved, but the light sensitivity is decreased and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides pixels into different functional types: distance measurement pixels (with multiple photo-electric converters for high-resolution distance measurement) and image pixels (with color filters for high-quality image capture). This segmentation allows each pixel type to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between distance measurement accuracy and light sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the imaging device have different pixel configurations tailored to local functional requirements. Distance measurement pixels use multiple photo-electric converters without color filters for maximum sensitivity and resolution in distance measurement, while image pixels use color filters for accurate color reproduction. This local optimization resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to have the quality needed for its specific purpose.
2Measurement precision
If the pixel size is decreased to improve detection resolution, then the distance measurement accuracy is improved, but the image quality deteriorates due to increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device segments pixels into distance measurement pixels and image pixels with different structures. Distance measurement pixels are optimized for high-resolution distance measurement using multiple photo-electric converters, while image pixels are optimized for high-quality image capture with color filters. This segmentation allows both high detection resolution and high image quality to be achieved simultaneously in their respective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device achieves multi-functionality by integrating both distance measurement capability and high-quality image capture capability in a single device. Different pixel types perform different functions, allowing the device to simultaneously provide high-resolution distance measurement and high-quality color images without compromising either function.
3Measurement precision
If multiple photo-electric converters are arranged in each distance measurement pixel, then the distance measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-photoelectric converter structure is confined only to distance measurement pixels, while image pixels maintain a simpler structure with color filters. This segmentation limits the complexity increase to only the regions where high-resolution distance measurement is needed, rather than increasing complexity across the entire imaging device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple photo-electric converters in the row direction (horizontal dimension) rather than distributing complexity uniformly across all dimensions. This dimensional arrangement optimizes the complexity distribution and allows for more efficient packing and readout of the multiple converters within each distance measurement pixel.
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 configuration enables high-sensitivity and high-accuracy distance information acquisition while maintaining high-quality image information, improving color reproduction and reducing noise, thus addressing the limitations of smaller pixel sizes.
Implementation Method 1
distance measurement pixels each including multiple photo-electric converters arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the row direction
Implementation Method 2
color filters are arranged in the row direction in an array of N-number columns per cycle, and the color filters are arranged in the column direction in an array of 2MN-number rows per cycle
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device according to the present invention includes multiple pixels arranged in a row direction and a column direction, which are orthogonal to each other. The multiple pixels include distance measurement pixels each including multiple photo-electric converters arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the row direction. When M and N denote integers not smaller than one, the pixels are arranged at positions shifted in the row direction for every M-number rows by an amount corresponding to a half of the pixel, color filters are arranged in the row direction in an array of N-number columns per cycle, and the color filters are arranged in the column direction in an array of 2MN-number rows per cycle.