Oblique Pixel Array Enhances Color Reproducibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices face limitations in improving resolution and color reproducibility, particularly in controlling color information at varying luminosity levels using traditional color filter and transparent filter pixel arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a pixel array system where color filter pixels with different spectral sensitivities (red, blue, and green) are arranged in an oblique configuration, accompanied by clear pixels with high transmittance, allowing for separate read channels and electronic shutter drives, enhancing color interpolation and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional color filter pixel arrangements (Bayer array) are used, then color reproducibility is improved, but resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple types of pixels (color filter pixels with R, G, B filters and clear pixels without filters) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows different pixel types to serve different functions: color filter pixels provide color information while clear pixels provide high-sensitivity luminance information, resolving the contradiction between color reproducibility and resolution by combining both capabilities in a single array.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension to the traditional Bayer array by incorporating clear pixels in addition to color filter pixels. This dimensional expansion of the pixel types allows the system to simultaneously capture both color information (from color filter pixels) and high-resolution luminance information (from clear pixels), thereby improving overall resolution without sacrificing color reproducibility.
2Quantity of substance
If transparent filter pixels are added to increase sensitivity, then signal charge amount is improved, but color resolution control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel array have different qualities: color filter pixels (R, G, B) are placed in specific positions to capture color information, while clear pixels are placed in other positions to capture high-sensitivity luminance information. This local differentiation allows the system to control color information selectively through the color filter pixels while using clear pixels for sensitivity enhancement, thereby managing color resolution control despite the added complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If pixels are miniaturized to improve resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but signal charge amount decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both color filter pixels and clear pixels in a single miniaturized pixel array. By combining color filter pixels (for color information) and clear pixels (for high sensitivity and signal charge) in an integrated arrangement, the system achieves high resolution through miniaturization while compensating for the reduced signal charge amount per pixel through the complementary strengths of different pixel types.
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 configuration improves resolution and color reproducibility, enabling the creation of natural colors based on luminosity levels by optimizing pixel arrangement and read processes.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel array part in which a plurality of pixels with different characteristics of spectral sensitivity are arranged in an array and which converts light transmitted through the pixel is converted into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device including an electronic shutter and a pixel array with color pixels with different characteristics of spectral sensitivity arranged. The pixel array part has at least one clear pixel, the plurality of color pixels including at least two of (i) a first color filter pixel having a peak of spectral sensitivity characteristics for red, (ii) a second color filter pixel having a peak for blue, and (iii) a third color filter pixel having a peak for green. The clear pixel has a high transmittance arranged in an oblique pixel array system at a given position of a given row and a given column with respect to the first color filter pixel, the second color filter pixel, and the third color filter pixel. An electronic shutter is separately driven for the at least one clear pixel and for the plurality of color filter pixels.