Pixel Array CFA Segmentation Reduces Image Information Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors experience image information loss during the remosaic process due to increasing distances between neighboring color pixels, particularly when converting raw images into RGB patterns, which worsens with higher pixel counts.
Innovation Solution
A pixel array with a color filter array (CFA) configuration that includes intra-sub blocks and inter-sub blocks within CFA cells, where intra-sub blocks have an interpolation distance of 0 and inter-sub blocks are strategically placed to minimize interpolation distances, ensuring that pixels within the same color pattern are closely arranged to reduce image loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel count is increased to improve image quality, then the resolution is improved, but the distance to neighboring color pixels increases causing image information loss
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple CFA cells, each containing multiple CFA blocks with specific color patterns. This segmentation allows for optimized local color sampling while maintaining overall high resolution, reducing the effective distance between neighboring pixels of the same color within each cell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array employ different CFA patterns (e.g., RBG, GB, GR, BG, GB, BR patterns in different blocks). This local quality variation ensures that each region has optimal color sampling for its specific location, maintaining low interpolation distances locally even as overall pixel count increases.
2Device complexity
If a standard Bayer pattern is used for simplicity, then the device complexity is reduced, but image information loss increases during remosaic process
Solution Approach 1:
The CFA array is divided into multiple blocks with different color patterns rather than using a single uniform Bayer pattern. This segmentation enables better color sampling distribution while keeping each individual block relatively simple, balancing complexity and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple different CFA patterns (RBG, GB, GR, BG, GB, BR) within a single pixel array structure. This composite approach creates a more effective overall color sampling system that reduces information loss during remosaic, while the modular nature of combining standard patterns keeps implementation complexity manageable.
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 significantly reduces image loss by maintaining a low interpolation distance and securing a sufficient number of pixels with an interpolation distance of 0, enhancing remosaic and binning performance.
Implementation Method 1
Image sensors generate an image of an object using a photoelectric conversion element, which reacts to the intensity of light reflected from the object.
Data Source
AI summary
A pixel array is provided. The pixel array includes: a plurality of color filter array (CFA) cells. Each of the plurality of CFA cells includes a plurality of CFA blocks provided along a width direction and a length direction. Each of the plurality of CFA blocks includes a first sub block and a second sub block. The first sub block includes m∗n pixels having an interpolation distance of 0 during conversion into a Bayer pattern. The second sub block includes at least one pixel having the interpolation distance of 0 during conversion into the Bayer pattern among pixels outside the first sub block, where “m” and “n” are integers of at least 2. The m∗n pixels of the first sub block include pixels corresponding to a first color, a second color and a third color. Respective second sub blocks of the plurality of CFA blocks form an inter-sub block in each of the plurality of CFA cells.