Multi-Color Imaging System Using Filter and Lens Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-color mosaic based image sensors suffer from limited color resolution, leading to interpolation errors and artifacts, which are insufficient for applications requiring detailed color information such as product inspection, food quality control, and ambient lighting management.
Innovation Solution
A multi-color imaging system comprising a filter array and a lens array that filters and focuses electromagnetic waves onto an image sensor, capturing multiple colors per pixel to enhance color resolution, utilizing a multi-color filter array and fly eye lens configuration to provide detailed color information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a three-color mosaic CFA is used to capture color images, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the color resolution is limited and interpolation errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the color capture function into multiple segments by using multiple CFAs with different color filters (e.g., RGB, CMY, or other color spaces). Each CFA captures a different set of color information, and the segments are combined through image fusion algorithms to produce high-resolution color images without relying on interpolation within a single mosaic pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from capturing only spatial information to capturing both spatial and spectral information by incorporating multiple color filter arrays. This adds a spectral dimension to the imaging process, allowing each pixel to contribute to multiple color channels across different CFAs, thereby eliminating the need for color interpolation while enhancing color resolution.
2Measurement precision
If multiple CFAs are used to enhance color resolution, then the color information accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system employs multiple CFAs that can be configured to serve different color space requirements (e.g., RGB for display, CMY for printing, or custom color spaces for specific applications). Each CFA is designed with universal functionality to capture broad spectral information while being optimized for particular color representations, reducing the need for application-specific customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the color filter characteristics across different CFAs. Each CFA is designed with specific filter transmission curves, spectral bandwidths, and colorimetric properties that can be adjusted to optimize performance for different lighting conditions, spectral ranges, or application requirements, thereby managing complexity through standardized parameter variations.
3Productivity
If a three-color mosaic CFA is used, then the processing requirements are reduced, but color artifacts are introduced due to interpolation
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system performs preliminary color information capture by using multiple CFAs to directly record color data for all channels before any processing occurs. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-capture interpolation, as the color information is already present in the raw data from multiple CFAs, thereby preventing color artifacts from being introduced during processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple CFAs to create multiple copies of the scene captured through different color filter sets. These copies contain redundant color information that can be directly fused without interpolation. The copying approach ensures that each color channel has corresponding data from multiple sources, eliminating the need for artifact-prone interpolation algorithms.
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
The system achieves enhanced color resolution by capturing multiple colors per pixel, reducing interpolation errors and artifacts, and providing accurate color information for demanding applications.
Implementation Method 1
a filter array adapted to filter electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
a lens array adapted to focus electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 3
an image sensor configured to receive the focused electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system comprising a filter array adapted to filter electromagnetic waves, a lens array adapted to focus electromagnetic waves, and an image sensor configured to receive the focused electromagnetic waves. The filter array and the lens array are configured into elements that filter and focus electromagnetic waves that represent an object image window onto portions of the image sensor and each portion of the image sensor receives filtered electromagnetic waves that represent the object image window from one of the elements.