Imaging Pixel Block Sensitivity Calibration Without External Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring polarization information require calibration to measure sensitivity differences between polarization and non-polarization pixels, which is inconvenient and may introduce noise due to the presence of polarizers.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a first pixel block containing polarization pixels with two different polarization directions and a non-polarization pixel, and a second pixel block with multiple polarization directions, including a different polarization direction, allows for the calculation of a correction coefficient for sensitivity differences without calibration, using pixel values from both blocks to generate accurate polarization information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to measure sensitivity difference between polarization pixel and non-polarization pixel, then measurement precision of polarization information is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing process are worsened due to requiring additional calibration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring specific pixel blocks with known polarization characteristics (first pixel block with two polarization directions and second pixel block with multiple polarization directions) to enable automatic sensitivity difference calculation without requiring external calibration equipment or procedures. The pixel arrangement itself performs the calibration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device performs self-calibration by using its own pixel blocks to calculate the sensitivity difference between polarization and non-polarization pixels. The system uses captured images from different pixel blocks to automatically determine correction coefficients without external intervention, making the calibration process self-contained.
2Loss of information
If polarizer is disposed in front of imaging unit to acquire polarization image, then polarization information is improved, but noise increases due to decrease in quantity of light entering imaging unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging device into different pixel blocks with different polarization configurations. The first pixel block has polarization pixels with two different polarization directions and non-polarization pixels, while the second pixel block has polarization pixels with multiple polarization directions. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of polarization information and sufficient light quantity across different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor have different local qualities - some regions (first pixel block) are optimized for polarization measurement with two directions, while other regions (second pixel block) have multiple polarization directions for sensitivity calibration. Non-polarization pixels are strategically placed to provide reference measurements without polarization filtering, reducing noise in those specific locations.
3Measurement precision
If non-polarization pixels without polarizer are provided to acquire accurate polarization information, then polarization information quality is improved, but sensitivity difference between non-polarization pixel and polarization pixel must be measured through calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring specific pixel blocks with known polarization characteristics (first pixel block with two polarization directions and second pixel block with multiple polarization directions) to enable automatic sensitivity difference calculation without requiring external calibration equipment or procedures. The pixel arrangement itself performs the calibration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device performs self-calibration by using its own pixel blocks to calculate the sensitivity difference between polarization and non-polarization pixels. The system uses captured images from different pixel blocks to automatically determine correction coefficients without external intervention, making the calibration process self-contained.
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 the acquisition of accurate polarization information without calibration, reducing noise and sensitivity differences, and simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for pre-calibration, while maintaining high image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit 11 having a first pixel block 1101 and a second pixel block 1102 in a pixel region, the first pixel block including polarization pixels with two different polarization directions
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus (10) includes an imaging unit (11) that has a first pixel block and a second pixel block provided in a pixel region, the first pixel block including polarization pixels with two different polarization directions and a non-polarization pixel, the second pixel block including polarization pixels with a plurality of polarization directions including a different polarization direction from the first pixel block. An image processing apparatus (20) acquires a captured image generated by the imaging apparatus (10), and a correction coefficient calculation unit (40) calculates a correction coefficient that absorbs a sensitivity difference between polarization pixels and non-polarization pixels, on the basis of an image of the second pixel block. A polarization information generation unit (50) generates polarization information indicating the polarization characteristics of the object included in the captured image, using a non-polarization image and polarization component images generated by a demosaicing unit (30) and the correction coefficient calculated by the correction coefficient calculation unit (40). The correction coefficient of the sensitivity difference between the polarization pixels and the non-polarization pixels can be acquired without any calibration.