Multi-Channel Image Sensor Exposure Parameter Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-channel image sensors, such as RGB-IR sensors, face challenges in capturing high-quality images due to significant differences in luminance between visible and invisible light bands, leading to suboptimal results when using a single set of exposure parameters, and suffer from cross-talk between channels, especially when coupled with infrared illumination sources.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel image capture system that uses separate capture parameters for visible and invisible light bands, allowing for sequential or interleaved capture of frames with a controllable projection source emitting light only during invisible light frame capture, thereby reducing cross-talk and optimizing exposure settings for each channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single set of capture parameters is used for multi-channel imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality for both visible and invisible channels deteriorates due to significant luminance differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the capture parameters into separate sets for visible light channels (RGB) and invisible light channels (IR). The image sensor system maintains multiple parameter sets including exposure time, gain, and other capture settings optimized specifically for each channel type, allowing independent optimization without increasing physical device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different capture parameter sets based on the active channel. The image signal processor selects appropriate parameters from stored sets corresponding to visible or invisible channels, enabling adaptive optimization of image quality while managing complexity through software-controlled parameter selection
2Illumination intensity
If infrared illumination is used to improve invisible channel capture, then the luminance of invisible light increases, but cross-talk between visible and invisible channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts capture parameters including exposure time and gain specifically for invisible light channels when infrared illumination is present. By modifying these parameters, the system optimizes the capture of illuminated invisible light while minimizing the impact of infrared light on visible channel sensors through parameter-based suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful cross-talk effect into a beneficial signal by detecting infrared illumination patterns in the visible channel and using this information to enhance invisible channel imaging. The cross-talk artifacts containing infrared pattern information are processed to improve depth reconstruction and invisible light channel quality
3Illumination intensity
If exposure time is increased to capture low luminance invisible light, then invisible channel quality improves, but visible channel overexposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate exposure time settings for visible and invisible channels. The image sensor system stores and applies different exposure durations optimized for each channel type, allowing long exposure for infrared detection without affecting visible channel exposure control through independent parameter management
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between visible and invisible channel capture modes with distinct exposure parameters. During invisible channel capture periods, extended exposure is applied; during visible channel periods, standard exposure is used, creating a temporal separation that prevents overexposure while maintaining sensitivity
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 production of high-quality 3D data under various ambient light conditions by independently adjusting capture parameters for visible and invisible light channels, reducing artifacts and improving the quality of reconstructed images.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-channel image sensor including a plurality of first pixels configured to detect light in a first band and a plurality of second pixels configured to detect light in a second band different from the first band
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel image capture system includes: a multi-channel image sensor including a plurality of first pixels configured to detect light in a first band and a plurality of second pixels configured to detect light in a second band different from the first band; an image signal processor coupled to the multi-channel image sensor, the image signal processor being configured to: store a first plurality of capture parameters and a second plurality of capture parameters; control the multi-channel image sensor to capture a first image frame according to the first plurality of capture parameters; control the multi-channel image sensor to capture a second image frame according to the second plurality of capture parameters; and transmit the first image frame and the second image frame to a host processor.