Single-Chip Image Sensor for Plant Vitality Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for acquiring visible and Near-IR images to measure plant vitality are costly due to the complexity of optics and frame buffers required, and involve complicated operations for aligning images.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with alternately disposed IR and visible pixels on a single chip, where IR strength and color strengths are compared to measure vitality, eliminating the need for separate IR and visible image sensors and optical filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate IR and visible image sensors with optical filters are used, then measurement precision of plant vitality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines IR and visible image sensors into a single sensor unit, where the sensor can detect both IR light and visible light separately through different spectral response characteristics of the same photodetector elements. This eliminates the need for separate sensors and complex optical filtering systems, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed with multi-functionality to perform both IR imaging and visible light imaging using the same sensor array. By utilizing the spectral response characteristics of the photodetectors across different wavelength ranges, the single sensor achieves dual functionality, reducing device complexity while maintaining vitality measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If separate IR and visible image sensors with frame buffers are used, then measurement precision of plant vitality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate IR and visible image sensors into a single sensor unit, eliminating the need for multiple frame buffers and associated processing hardware. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs while preserving the capability to perform precise vitality measurements through spectral comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor is designed with universal capability to detect both IR and visible light spectra, replacing multiple specialized sensors and their supporting infrastructure. This multi-functional approach significantly reduces bill of materials costs and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If optical filters are used to separate IR and visible light, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated alignment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines IR and visible light detection into a single sensor array that captures both spectral components simultaneously without requiring physical optical filters. This eliminates the need for complex filter alignment operations while maintaining the precision of spectral comparison for vitality measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical filter-based spectral separation system with an electronic/digital approach where the same sensor detects different wavelengths and the separation is achieved through signal processing. This substitution eliminates complicated mechanical alignment operations while preserving measurement precision.
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 approach reduces costs by eliminating the need for complex frame buffers and optics, while enabling efficient measurement of plant vitality through direct comparison of IR and color strengths on a single chip.
Implementation Method 1
receiving light reflected on the subject through a lens by using an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
obtaining IR strength and color strengths from the light which is incident to a plurality of IR pixels and a plurality of visible pixels
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a one-chip vitality measuring image sensor. The image sensor includes one chip where a plurality of IR pixels and a plurality of visible pixels are alternately disposed, IR pass filters which are disposed on the IR pixels, and color pass filters which are disposed on the visible pixels. In the image sensor, IR strength and color strengths are obtained from light which is incident to the IR pixels and the visible pixels, and a vitality of a subject is measured by comparing the IR strength with the color strengths.