Multi-zone Imaging Sensor with Filter Zones for Multispectral Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multispectral imaging systems require separate image sensors for capturing depth and color data, which are cumbersome and expensive, and often necessitate active alignment and registration processes.
Innovation Solution
A single semiconductor substrate-based imaging module with a matrix of detector elements, multiple filter zones, and objective optics that form images of a common field of view on different regions, allowing simultaneous capture of multispectral data, including infrared and visible light, with a processor to generate and register 3D and 2D images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate image sensors are used to capture depth and color data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral imaging functions into a single image sensor device. The sensor captures images in multiple spectral bands (visible and infrared) simultaneously using a single detector array, eliminating the need for separate sensors for depth and color data. This merging approach reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through multi-spectral detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing visible light images for color information and infrared images for depth information. The sensor acts as a universal device that can detect different spectral bands, replacing what would traditionally require separate specialized sensors for each function.
2Measurement precision
If separate image sensors are used for depth and color imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging depth and color imaging capabilities into a single sensor, the patent eliminates the need for complex alignment and registration processes between separate sensors. The single sensor inherently provides spatial registration of multiple spectral bands, greatly simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used, then multispectral imaging capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal single sensor design that provides multispectral imaging capability by detecting both visible and infrared light. This approach achieves the versatility of multiple specialized sensors while reducing cost by eliminating redundant hardware components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple spectral detection functions into a single sensor device, reducing the total number of components required. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the adaptability to capture images across multiple spectral bands including visible and infrared regions.
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 compact, cost-effective simultaneous capture of multispectral data with easy image alignment and registration, enhancing imaging capabilities for applications like 3D mapping and high dynamic range imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A filter layer is disposed over the detector elements and includes multiple filter zones overlying different, respective, convex regions of the matrix and having different, respective passbands. The respective passbands of the filter zones include an infrared passband and at least one visible passband.
Implementation Method 2
a matrix of detector elements formed on a single semiconductor substrate and configured to output electrical signals in response to optical radiation that is incident on the detector elements
Implementation Method 3
Objective optics are configured to form respective images of a common field of view on all of the regions of the matrix
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging module includes a matrix of detector elements formed on a single semiconductor substrate and configured to output electrical signals in response to optical radiation that is incident on the detector elements. A filter layer is disposed over the detector elements and includes multiple filter zones overlying different, respective, convex regions of the matrix and having different, respective passbands.