Polygonal Pixel Unit Design for Solid-State Image Sensor Color Reproduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state image sensors with increased color filters for higher color reproducibility suffer from degraded resolution, and existing solutions either lead to false colors or complex signal processing.
Innovation Solution
The design of pixel units with a polygonal outer shape, including at least six equilateral sides, where pixels receive different colors and are arranged diagonally to prevent false colors, allowing for high-quality image capture while maintaining resolution through pixel signal synthesis and shared transistors for efficient signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of color filters is increased to improve color reproducibility, then color reproduction quality is improved, but resolution is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple pixel units, each containing a specific combination of color filter pixels (e.g., RGBW or RGBY). This segmentation allows each pixel unit to capture multiple color information while maintaining overall resolution through the periodic arrangement of these units across the entire sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel unit serves multiple functions: it captures three primary color information (RGB) for standard image reproduction, additional color information (W or Y) for enhanced color reproduction, and enables both high resolution through the regular pixel grid and improved color accuracy through the multi-color filter configuration within each unit.
2Measurement precision
If complementary color pixels are embedded in gaps to improve color reproducibility, then color reproduction is improved, but false colors are generated due to charge saturation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly distributing complementary color pixels throughout the sensor, the invention concentrates them within specific pixel units arranged periodically. This local concentration ensures that complementary color pixels receive appropriate light intensity without saturation, preventing false color generation while still improving overall color reproduction through the diverse color information captured in each unit.
3Measurement precision
If pixels receiving the same color light are spaced apart to accommodate multiple color filters, then color reproducibility is improved, but the pitch between same-color pixels increases causing resolution degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional consideration of pixel pitch to a two-dimensional pixel unit structure. Within each pixel unit, different color filters are arranged in specific patterns (e.g., RGBW or RGBY), and these units are periodically arranged across the sensor. This dimensional approach allows same-color pixels to be spaced appropriately for color reproduction while maintaining high resolution through the overall periodic structure.
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 enables high-quality image capture with improved color reproducibility and resolution, preventing false colors and simplifying signal processing, even when defects occur in pixels.
Implementation Method 1
a first photodiode 31-1 having a first sensitivity to a first wavelength range, a second photodiode 31-2 having a second sensitivity to a second wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image sensor includes pixel units each having a group of pixels forming a polygonal outer shape to cover an entire light receiving plane. The polygonal outer shape has at least six equilateral sides and the group of pixels includes pixels receiving light of at least four different colors.