RGB-IR Image Sensor Selective Readout Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RGB-IR image sensors consume high power, especially when capturing IR images, which reduces the battery life of cameras and camera phones, as they read out signals from all filters even when only IR signals are needed.
Innovation Solution
An RGB-IR image sensor design that selectively reads out IR signals and a part of multiple-color signals by skipping filter rows and columns without IR filters, reducing the frame rate and power consumption by only activating necessary circuits for IR signal output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If signals are read out from all filters in an RGB-IR image sensor, then complete image data is captured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively reading out signals only from filters necessary for IR mode operation, rather than reading from all filters. The reading circuit is configured to skip certain filter rows and columns that do not contain IR filters, thereby reducing the number of pixels actively read out and converting power while maintaining adequate IR imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the filter array into distinct regions containing IR filters and regions containing only visible light filters. By identifying and selectively activating only the segments containing IR filters during IR mode, the system reduces overall power consumption while maintaining IR imaging capability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the reading circuit reads out signals from all pixels, then complete image resolution is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the necessary subset of pixel data required for IR mode operation. By taking out and processing only the signals from pixels with IR filters, the system eliminates unnecessary power consumption from reading other pixels while preserving the essential IR image information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all circuits are activated for full RGB-IR functionality, then versatile imaging is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic circuit activation where the reading circuit adapts its operation based on the selected imaging mode. In IR mode, the system dynamically activates only the necessary circuits for reading IR filter signals, while in RGB mode, full circuit activation occurs. This dynamic adaptation maintains imaging versatility while optimizing power consumption for each specific mode.
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 solution decreases power consumption by reducing the frame rate and activity ratio of the image sensor, thereby extending battery life and optimizing power usage during IR mode operations.
Implementation Method 1
each color filter array pattern comprises multiple-color filters and at least one infrared (IR) filter; the multiple-color filters are configured to capture visible rays; the IR filters are configured to capture IR rays
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging method, an image sensor and an imaging device (100) are disclosed. The image sensor (110) includes: a filter array (210), a reading circuit (230), a controller (220), a converter (240) and an image output interface (250), the controller (220) is coupled to the reading circuit (230), the converter (240) and the image output interface (250), wherein the filter array (210) comprises a plurality of color filter array patterns, each color filter array pattern comprises multiple-color filters (111) and at least one infrared (IR) filter (112); the multiple-color filters (111) are configured to capture visible rays; the IR filters (112) are configured to capture IR rays; the reading circuit (230) is configured to read out IR signals from the IR filters (112) only or read out IR signals from the IR filters (112) and multiple-color signals from a part of the multiple-color filters (111) under control of the controller (220); the converter (240) is configured to convert the IR signals into IR digital signals under the control of the controller (220); the image output interface (250) is configured to output the IR digital signals under the control of the controller (220).