Imaging Device Wavelength Separation via Pixel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face challenges in achieving high-quality images of multiple wavelength bands at high speeds while maintaining low component costs, particularly due to the need for expensive lenses that correct axial chromatic aberration across visible and infrared regions.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a focus control unit and pixel control unit that allows for separate charge accumulation and signal readout periods for different wavelength bands within a single frame, using a lens with axial chromatic aberration correction only for visible light, enabling simultaneous high-speed imaging of visible and infrared light without increasing component costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lens correcting axial chromatic aberration across visible and infrared regions is used, then high-quality imaging of multiple wavelength bands is achieved, but component cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple exposure periods within a single frame, with each period dedicated to capturing a specific wavelength band (visible light, infrared, etc.). The pixel control unit selectively activates different pixel types during different periods, allowing each wavelength band to be imaged at its optimal focal position without requiring a complex multi-wavelength corrected lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the exposure timing of different pixel types through the pixel control unit, which switches between accumulation periods for different wavelength bands within a single frame. This dynamic temporal separation allows the use of a simpler, lower-cost lens while maintaining high imaging quality for multiple wavelength bands.
2Measurement precision
If a lens correcting axial chromatic aberration across visible and infrared regions is used, then all pixels can be focused simultaneously, but imaging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel control unit implements periodic action by dividing a single frame into multiple exposure periods, with each period dedicated to accumulating charge for a specific wavelength band. This periodic switching between wavelength bands allows each band to be captured at its optimal focal position sequentially, achieving high focusing accuracy while maintaining high imaging speed through efficient time-multiplexed operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate imaging for different wavelength bands is performed, then component cost is reduced, but imaging speed decreases due to sequential capture
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by performing sequential exposures for different wavelength bands within a single, continuous frame period. The pixel control unit coordinates the accumulation and readout of different pixel types such that each wavelength band is captured without interruption, and all data is read out within the same frame time, thereby maintaining high imaging speed while using a lower-cost lens.
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 high-quality imaging of multiple wavelength bands at high speeds while reducing the need for costly lenses that correct axial chromatic aberration across the entire visible to infrared spectrum, thereby lowering component costs and improving imaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric converter
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed imaging device includes pixels each including a photoelectric convertor, a focus controller controlling a focal position of light, and a pixel controller controlling charge accumulation in the photoelectric convertors and readout of signals from the pixels. The pixels include a first pixel outputting signal corresponding to light in a first wavelength band and a second pixel outputting signal corresponding to light in a second wavelength band. The pixel controller executes, during one frame, a first period of accumulating charge in the photoelectric convertor of the first pixel in a state that the light in the first wavelength band is focused on, a second period of accumulating charge in the photoelectric convertor of the second pixel in a state that the light in the second wavelength band is focused on, and a third period of reading out signals corresponding to amount of charge generated in the photoelectric convertors.