Solid-State Imaging Device Multi-Wavelength Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compound-eye camera modules are limited in their ability to generate image data exposed by light of different wavelengths in a single imaging process, as they primarily rely on a plurality of lenses to obtain image data without effectively utilizing wavelength-specific information.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging device comprising a plurality of lenses, a filter unit with regions transmitting different wavelength bands, and an image sensor with matrix-arranged pixels and color filters corresponding to these transmission patterns, allowing for efficient conversion of light into electric signals across various wavelength bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of lenses are provided to obtain multiple image data, then the ability to capture different wavelength bands is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is divided into multiple regions, with each region containing filters for specific wavelength bands. This segmentation allows different wavelength bands to be captured simultaneously through a single lens, achieving multi-band imaging capability while avoiding the need for multiple separate lens systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple filter functions are merged into a single filter unit that contains multiple regions. Each region captures different wavelength bands, and all regions work together through one lens system, combining the functions of multiple lenses into a unified structure that reduces overall device complexity.
2Loss of information
If multiple image data are obtained in a single imaging, then the information completeness is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the filter unit are designed with specific filter characteristics tailored to their intended wavelength band. Each region has optimized filter properties (e.g., bandpass, longpass, shortpass) that match the spectral characteristics of the target wavelength band, making detection and measurement more straightforward for each specific band.
3Manufacturing precision
If color filters are provided corresponding to transmission patterns, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a wavelength selection mechanism and a structural organization element. By integrating the filter array into a single unit that corresponds to the pixel matrix, the system achieves precise wavelength filtering without requiring separate complex alignment mechanisms for multiple lenses and filters.
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 generation of image data exposed by light of different wavelengths in a single imaging process, enhancing the capability to visualize specific components like chlorophyll, meat deterioration, and water content, while improving light sensitivity and reducing information loss in wavelength bands.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lenses configured to condense light
Implementation Method 2
pixels configured to convert light transmitted through the filter unit into electric signals
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a solid-state imaging device capable of generating image data exposed by light of different wavelengths in a single imaging.There is provided a solid-state imaging device including: a plurality of lenses configured to condense light; a filter unit having a plurality of regions respectively irradiated by light passing through the plurality of lenses, the plurality of regions including transmission patterns configured to transmit different wavelength bands of the light; and an image sensor in which pixels configured to convert light transmitted through the filter unit into electric signals are arranged in a matrix, the image sensor being provided with color filters that correspond to the transmission patterns on a filter-unit side of the pixels.