Multiband Color Filter Array for Gradient Information Acquisition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses with a small number of color filter bands face challenges in accurately acquiring gradient information, leading to reduced accuracy and potential false colors due to decreased sample density and complex processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a color filter array featuring five or more types of color filters, where at least two types are designated as reference filters, arranged in a two-dimensional pattern to allow for gradient information acquisition in two common directions, using differential information calculation based on pixel signals from adjacent pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of color filter bands is increased to achieve multiband imaging, then color reproduction is improved, but processing complexity increases and high frequency component information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal color filter array structure that simultaneously supports multiple functions: color separation, gradient calculation in multiple directions, and high-frequency preservation. The same spatial arrangement serves all these purposes, reducing overall processing complexity despite multiband capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of color filters in a predetermined two-dimensional pattern before image processing. This pre-arranged structure with filters of the same type positioned at specific intervals allows gradient calculations to be performed directly from the captured data without complex post-processing, simplifying the workflow.
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 highly accurate gradient information acquisition in two common directions, reducing the loss of high-frequency components and simplifying processing, while improving color reproducibility and reducing false color generation.
Implementation Method 1
a color filter array including five or more types of color filters having different spectral sensitivity characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pixels covered by the color filters of any type in the color filter array, the plurality of pixels generating pixel signals in accordance with the quantity of received light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus has a color filter array, an image sensor, and a differential information acquisition unit. In the color filter array, including five or more types of color filters are arranged in a two dimensional form. The image sensor has a plurality of pixels covered by the color filters, and the plurality of pixels generate pixel signals. The acquisition unit designates one of the pixels covered by the color filters of interest as a pixel of interest one pixel at a time in order. The acquisition unit calculates first differential information based on pixel signals generated by two of the pixels arranged on both sides of the pixel of interest along the first direction. The acquisition unit calculates second differential information based on pixel signals generated by two of the pixels arranged on both sides of the pixel of interest along the second direction.