Optical Filter Layout for Multi-Band Sensing and Light Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image sensors that divide the wavelength band into only three sections (red, green, and blue) limit the accuracy of color expression and object recognition in image analysis.

Innovation Solution

An optical filter with an active filter region including spectral and/or polarizing filters, and a reference filter region comprising a gray filter with a transmittance between 5% to 90%, a black filter with 0% transmittance, and a transparent filter, which includes a pixel array with active and reference filter regions, allowing for accurate measurement of light intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a spectral filter divides the wavelength band into more than three sections, then the accuracy of color expression and object recognition is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of color expression and object recognitionVSAvoidcomplexity of optical elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelength band is divided into multiple sections (red, green, blue, and additional spectral bands) using multiple spectral filters arranged in a pixel array. Each pixel can be assigned different spectral filters to detect specific wavelength ranges, enabling detailed spectral analysis without requiring complex dedicated camera optics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The image sensor chip integrates multiple spectral filters and polarizing filters directly onto the semiconductor substrate, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions: spectral imaging, polarization detection, and conventional color imaging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cameras with complex optical elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a reference filter region is added to measure light intensity, then the measurement precision of light intensity is improved, but the area of the filter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensity measurement accuracyVSAvoidarea of optical filter

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter is designed with spatially varying properties: some pixels contain spectral filters for wavelength selection, while adjacent pixels contain reference filters (gray filters with known transmittance values) for light intensity measurement. This local differentiation allows simultaneous spectral and intensity measurement without requiring a completely separate reference camera

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The reference filter region is merged with the active filter region on the same pixel array, allowing spectral and reference measurements to occur simultaneously in the same optical path. The gray filters are positioned adjacent to spectral filter pixels, enabling paired measurement of spectral content and light intensity without requiring additional separate optical paths or cameras

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances the accuracy of color expression and object recognition by providing a more detailed wavelength division, enabling precise light intensity measurement through the use of a reference filter region.

Implementation Method 1

the gray filter has a transmittance that is higher than a transmittance of the black filter and lower than a transmittance of the transparent filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an active filter region including at least one of a spectral filter and a polarizing filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

an active filter region including at least one of a spectral filter and a polarizing filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS12517290B2Optical filter, and image sensor and electronic device including optical filter

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An optical filter includes an active filter region including at least one of a spectral filter and a polarizing filter; and a reference filter region configured to sense an amount of light passing through the active filter region, wherein the reference filter region includes a gray filter and at least one of a black filter and a transparent filter, wherein the gray filter has a transmittance that is higher than a transmittance of the black filter and lower than a transmittance of the transparent filter.