Polarization Color Image Capture Device Using Unit Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarization imaging cameras require a mosaic pattern of patterned polarizers and color filters over each pixel to obtain both polarization and color information, which is complex and costly, limiting their efficiency in capturing color images.
Innovation Solution
A polarization color image capture device with a polarization color filter plate and an image sensor featuring unit blocks with different polarization filters, allowing for the transmission of light in specific wavelength ranges and directions, enabling the separation and processing of polarization and color information through arithmetic operations between pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a mosaic pattern of patterned polarizers and color filters is arranged over each pixel, then both polarization information and color information can be obtained, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple unit blocks, where each unit block contains a specific arrangement of polarization filters and photosensitive cells. This segmentation allows different regions to capture different polarization states, enabling polarization information extraction without requiring complex mosaic patterns over the entire sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it captures color information through the photosensitive cells while simultaneously extracting polarization information through the arranged polarization filters within each unit block. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate polarization filtering layers.
2Loss of information
If a color filter is arranged over each pixel to obtain color information, then color images can be captured, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization filtering function and color imaging function are merged into a single integrated image sensor structure. The polarization filters are arranged within unit blocks that also contain photosensitive cells, combining both functions in one component rather than requiring separate layers or structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor structure itself performs both color filtering and polarization filtering functions through its internal arrangement of photosensitive cells and polarization filters within unit blocks, eliminating the need for additional external filtering components.
3Loss of information
If multiple patterned polarizers and color filters are stacked over pixels, then polarization and color information can be obtained simultaneously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into unit blocks with specific polarization filter arrangements, allowing polarization information to be extracted from structured regions while color information is captured by the photosensitive cells, avoiding the need for complex mosaic patterns across the entire sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
Each unit block is designed to simultaneously provide polarization filtering and color imaging capabilities through its integrated structure of polarization filters and photosensitive cells, making the entire sensor array multi-functional without requiring separate filtering systems.
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 the generation of color images and polarization information without the need for a color filter over each pixel, improving efficiency and reducing costs by using signal processing to calculate color information and obtain polarization data through different optical configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization filter configured to transmit the light having a first polarization direction, a second polarization filter configured to transmit light having a second polarization direction
Implementation Method 2
a first photosensitive cell, a second photosensitive cell and a third photosensitive cell
Data Source
AI summary
A polarization color image capture device includes: a polarization color filter plate including a first area configured to transmit light that is polarized in a first direction and that falls within a first wavelength range, a second area configured to transmit light that is polarized in a second direction and that falls within a second wavelength range, and a third area configured to transmit incoming light at least partially; an image sensor in which a plurality of unit blocks, each including first, second and third photosensitive cells and first, second and third polarization filters that are arranged to face the first, second and third photosensitive cells, respectively, are arranged on an imaging area, the polarization transmission axis directions of the first, second and third polarization filters being different from each other; and an optical lens that produces an image on the imaging area of the image sensor.