Single Image Sensor Layout for Multi-FOV Image Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing devices face challenges in capturing images with various fields of view (FOVs) without increasing the size of the lens module, as they require a larger focal length and more lenses to avoid aberration, leading to increased thickness and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with a color filter array and a processor that groups sensing elements based on different binning sizes to generate data for multiple FOVs, allowing for image restoration across varying fields of view using a single sensor, while maintaining a consistent resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom lens is used to capture images with different fields of view, then the field of view can be adjusted, but the lens module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical zoom lens system with a fixed lens and multi-color-filter sensor array system. Instead of mechanically adjusting focal length to change FOV, the system uses different color filter patterns (Bayer pattern for wide FOV, RGB pattern for narrow FOV) to capture images at different fields of view with a fixed focal length lens, thereby eliminating the need for a large zoom lens mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single sensor module capable of capturing multiple FOVs by incorporating both Bayer pattern and RGB pattern color filters in different regions of the sensor array. The same sensor module can switch between capturing wide-angle images using the Bayer region and narrow-angle images using the RGB region, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate lenses or sensors
2Reliability
If the number of lenses in a zoom lens is increased to reduce lens aberration, then image quality improves, but the lens module thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex multi-lens zoom system with a simple fixed lens combined with a sophisticated color filter array. The image quality for different FOVs is achieved not through multiple optical lenses but through computational imaging and color filter pattern processing, thereby reducing lens module thickness while maintaining reliability
3Device complexity
If a single color filter array is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensitivity in low illuminance conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color filter array into multiple regions with different color filter patterns. The first region uses a Bayer pattern with higher green filter density optimized for low-light sensitivity, while the second region uses an RGB pattern optimized for color accuracy. This segmentation allows each region to specialize in different performance requirements, improving overall low-illuminance sensitivity while maintaining manageable sensor structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different color filter patterns to different regions of the sensor array based on local requirements. The first region (with Bayer pattern) is optimized for sensitivity in low-light conditions, while the second region (with RGB pattern) is optimized for color rendering. This local quality approach ensures that the sensor maintains good sensitivity in low illuminance conditions where the first region operates
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 the capture and restoration of images with different FOVs using a single image sensor, reducing the need for larger lens modules and maintaining image quality across multiple fields of view.
Implementation Method 1
a color filter array including a first color filter including a first number of blue pass filtering elements, the first number of red pass filtering elements, and green pass filtering elements
Implementation Method 2
a sensing array including first sensing elements arranged in a first sensing region configured to receive light passing through the first color filter
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a color filter array including a first color filter including a first number of blue pass filtering elements, the first number of red pass filtering elements, and green pass filtering elements in a first pattern, wherein a number of the green pass filtering elements in the first pattern is twice the first number, and a second color filter including a second number of blue pass filtering elements, the second number of red pass filtering elements, and green pass filtering elements in a second pattern, wherein a number of green pass filtering elements in the second pattern is twice the second number, and the second number is greater than the first number. The second color filter may surround an area of the first color filter.