Quad CFA Image Sensor Aperture Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras require mechanical actuators to adjust aperture sizes for depth of field and high dynamic range imaging, which increases production costs and makes them more vulnerable to damage.
Innovation Solution
A quad color filter array image sensor with pixel-based aperture simulation and phase detection capabilities, allowing for single capture high dynamic range imaging and dense phase detection without mechanical actuators, by using different exposure regions and photodiodes with separate photosensitive surfaces to simulate various aperture sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuators are used to adjust aperture sizes, then depth of field and high dynamic range imaging capabilities are improved, but production costs increase and device reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical aperture actuators with a pixel-level aperture simulation system using masks and photodiodes. Each pixel or group of pixels has associated masks that can be selectively positioned to simulate different aperture sizes, eliminating the need for mechanical aperture adjustment while achieving the same depth of field and dynamic range effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of aperture effects at the pixel level. By using multiple photodiodes with different mask configurations, the system simulates multiple aperture sizes simultaneously across different pixel regions, effectively copying the optical aperture function at the electronic level rather than using a single mechanical aperture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuators are used to adjust aperture sizes, then imaging capabilities are improved, but vulnerability to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical actuators entirely by implementing aperture control through fixed masks and photodiode arrays. The aperture simulation is achieved through electronic control of mask positions and photodiode readings, creating a solid-state system that is inherently more durable and resistant to damage from drops, vibration, or environmental factors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photodiodes with separate photosensitive surfaces are used, then high dynamic range imaging is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensor into multiple pixel regions, each containing multiple photodiodes with different mask configurations. This segmentation allows each pixel group to independently simulate different aperture sizes, enabling high dynamic range imaging through localized control rather than requiring complex global mechanical adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic aperture simulation at the pixel level by selectively activating different photodiode-mask combinations based on the desired aperture size. This allows the system to dynamically adjust effective aperture without mechanical movement, using electronic control to switch between different photodiode readings and mask configurations.
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 simpler camera designs, reduces the need for mechanical components, and provides high dynamic range and phase detection autofocus capabilities without mechanical aperture adjustments, enhancing image quality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor pixel may include a photodiode which captures image data based on sensing the incoming light
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to quad color filter array image sensors. A quad color filter array (CFA) image sensor is configured to capture image data. The quad CFA image sensor includes a quad CFA and an image sensor coupled to the quad CFA. The image sensor includes a plurality of quads including a plurality of pixels. For each quad, each pixel of the plurality of pixels is coupled to a same color filter of the plurality of color filters, a first pixel of the plurality of pixels is associated with a first exposure region of the quad and corresponds to a first aperture size, a second pixel of the plurality of pixels is associated with a second exposure region of the quad and corresponds to a second aperture size, and at least two pixels of the plurality of pixels are configured as phase detection pixels.