Segmented Image Sensor for Infrared Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital imaging devices face challenges in blocking infrared radiation during daytime conditions while allowing infrared imaging in dark conditions, with existing solutions being expensive and compromising image quality due to moving parts or leaky filters.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device with an image sensing arrangement featuring a lens and image sensor, where some pixels are exposed to all wavelengths and others are blocked from infrared wavelengths, allowing for efficient switching between normal and infrared imaging without moving parts, enhancing image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a removable infrared block filter is used to block infrared light in daytime conditions, then infrared light blocking is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared light blockingVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is divided into two distinct groups: first pixels that block infrared wavelengths and second pixels that are sensitive to infrared wavelengths. This segmentation allows each pixel type to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for mechanical filters while maintaining reliable infrared blocking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single sensor with a removable filter to block infrared light, the invention inverts the approach by having some pixels inherently block infrared light while others are sensitive to it. This eliminates the mechanical filter system and its associated reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanically removable infrared filter is used to enable infrared imaging in dark conditions, then infrared imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared imaging capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is segmented into first pixels for visible light imaging and second pixels for infrared imaging. This allows the device to capture both visible and infrared images simultaneously using the same optical path, eliminating the need for complex mechanical filter systems and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The image sensor performs multiple functions: it captures visible light images using all pixels and infrared images using the second pixels. This multi-functionality is achieved without additional mechanical components, simplifying the device while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a leaky infrared filter is used to pass some infrared light to the sensor, then infrared imaging in dark conditions is improved, but image quality deteriorates as a compromise in both daylight and dark conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared imaging capabilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the sensor into dedicated infrared-sensitive pixels and visible light pixels, the invention eliminates the need for leaky filters. The infrared-sensitive pixels naturally pass infrared light while the visible light pixels block it, achieving optimal image quality without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a robust, cost-effective, and fast switching mechanism between normal and infrared imaging, offering improved image quality compared to mechanical or leaky filter solutions.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared filter arrangement in front of the image sensor so that some of the pixels of the sensor are exposed to all wavelengths and some of the pixels of the sensor are blocked from infrared wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

An imaging sensor detects light and outputs an electrical current which is in proportion to the detected light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7746396B2Imaging device and method of creating image file

Publication Date: 2010.06.29 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A method of creating an image file in an imaging device, and an imaging device are provided. The method comprises providing an image sensor comprising pixels with an infrared filter arrangement so that some of the pixels of the sensor may be exposed to all wavelengths and some of the pixels of the sensor are blocked from infrared wavelengths. The pixels of the sensor that may be exposed to all wavelengths are utilized when taking an infrared image and the pixels of the sensor that are blocked from infrared wavelengths are utilized when taking a normal image.