RGB-IR Pixel Binning Layout to Reduce Aliasing and Buffer Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Bayer pixel binning methods suffer from aliasing and require long line buffers, which are inefficient and lead to reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A binning system and method for an RGB-IR image sensor that combines adjacent pixels in 2x2 sub-groups, reducing aliasing and line buffer length by averaging or weighted summing pixels within the same pixel group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional Bayer pixel binning methods are used, then data rate is reduced, but aliasing occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel array into multiple pixel groups, where each group contains a specific arrangement of color filters (e.g., 2x2 or 3x3 patterns with R, G, B, and IR pixels). This segmentation allows independent processing of each group, enabling binning operations that maintain color accuracy while reducing aliasing effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different binning strategies to different pixel groups based on their local color filter arrangements. Each pixel group is processed according to its specific composition (e.g., groups with different ratios of green, red, blue, and infrared pixels), preserving local image quality while achieving overall data rate reduction.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional digital pixel binning methods are used, then data rate is reduced, but line buffer length requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pixel array into independent pixel groups with complete color information within each group, the patent enables processing of smaller data units. This reduces the buffer length required to store intermediate results during binning operations, as each group can be processed independently rather than requiring buffers for entire rows or large sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary organization of pixels into color-balanced groups before binning operations. This pre-grouping ensures that all necessary color information is available within each pixel group, eliminating the need for long buffers to accumulate data from multiple rows or columns during the binning process.
3Manufacturing precision
If pixel resolution is increased, then image quality is improved, but sensitivity and power consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pixels within each pixel group to form a single binned pixel, merging their signal values. This increases the effective pixel size and light-collecting area, thereby improving sensitivity while maintaining the original spatial resolution through the structured arrangement of color filters in each group.
Data Source
AI summary
A binning system includes a red-green-blue-infrared (RGB-IR) image sensor including at least one pixel group composed of 2×2 sub-groups, each having 2×2 pixels including two green pixels, one infrared pixels and one red or blue pixel, the 2×2 sub-groups being arranged such that the pixel group is half green, one quarter infrared, one eighth red and one eighth blue; and a digital binning device that performs pixel binning on at least one addend pixel to result in a binned pixel. The binned pixel and the at least one addend pixel are located in a same pixel group.