Pixel Array CFA Sub-block Design for Image Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors with higher pixel counts experience image information loss due to increased interpolation distances between color pixels during the remosaic process, leading to reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A pixel array design with a color filter array (CFA) configuration that includes sub-blocks and outer regions with specific pixel arrangements, where the sub-blocks contain all three primary colors and the outer regions have a higher number of one color and fewer of another, minimizing interpolation distances and reducing image loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel count is increased to improve image resolution, then the image quality is improved, but the interpolation distance between color pixels increases causing image information loss
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple CFA blocks, each containing a sub-block with diverse color pixels (R, G, B) and an outer region with dominant color pixels. This segmentation allows each block to serve as an independent unit for interpolation, reducing the effective interpolation distance and minimizing information loss while maintaining high pixel count
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within each CFA block are designed with different color pixel compositions. The sub-block contains all three primary colors for accurate local color information, while the outer region contains predominantly one color type for spatial context. This local quality differentiation optimizes both color accuracy and interpolation performance
2Measurement precision
If the pixel count is increased to improve image resolution, then the image quality is improved, but the distance to neighboring color pixels increases during remosaic process
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into CFA blocks with sub-blocks and outer regions, the patent creates localized interpolation units. This segmentation reduces the effective interpolation distance within each block while maintaining the overall high pixel count across the entire array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical structure with sub-blocks and outer regions, adding a dimensional organization to the pixel array. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows for optimized interpolation paths that reduce effective distance while preserving resolution
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 CFA configuration effectively reduces image information loss by minimizing interpolation distances, thereby enhancing image quality and maintaining detailed information in high-definition images.
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 for reducing image information loss and an image sensor including the same are provided. The pixel array includes a plurality of color filter array (CFA) cells having a certain size and each including a plurality of CFA blocks in width and length directions of the CFA cell, wherein each of the CFA blocks includes a sub block, which is at a central region of each of the CFA blocks and includes m*n color pixels, and an outer region, which is other than the sub block and includes color pixels, wherein the m*n color pixels of the sub block include color pixels sensing first through third colors, and the outer region includes a relatively high number of first pixels sensing the first color and a relatively low number of second pixels sensing at least one selected from the second color and the third color.