Stacked Image Sensor Eliminates Interpolation Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital image sensors face issues with defect sensitivity, spatial error, and interpolation errors, leading to increased hardware costs, energy consumption, and image degradation due to complex interpolation calculations and artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that capture multiple color data readings from a series of sensing elements during a single exposure using reflective optics or motor-driven movement, allowing for direct light redirection to non-defective elements and eliminating the need for two-dimensional interpolation, thereby reducing errors and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional color filters are used on sensing elements to capture color information, then color sensing capability is improved, but defect sensitivity increases and image quality degrades due to interpolation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of color-filtered sensing elements to a three-dimensional stacked architecture where multiple sensing layers (red, green, blue, and clear) are vertically positioned. This allows each pixel location to directly capture all color information simultaneously through the stacked layers, eliminating the need for spatial interpolation while maintaining color sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the color filter layer from the conventional sensor architecture. Instead of using color filters to separate wavelengths, the invention uses wavelength-selective photodetector layers that directly respond to specific color ranges, eliminating interpolation requirements and improving reliability.
2Loss of information
If interpolation calculations are performed to determine pixel colors from color-filtered sensing elements, then color information can be derived, but hardware costs increase and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked sensor architecture makes each pixel location self-sufficient by directly capturing red, green, blue, and clear color information through vertically stacked photodetector layers. Each pixel independently obtains complete color data without requiring external interpolation processing, thereby reducing hardware complexity and processing time.
3Loss of information
If interpolation calculations are performed to determine pixel colors from color-filtered sensing elements, then color information can be derived, but energy consumption increases and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked sensor enables continuous capture of all color information simultaneously in a single exposure without requiring sequential interpolation calculations. The direct optical path through stacked layers allows immediate color determination, improving productivity and reducing cycle time.
4Measurement precision
If vertically stacked sensing elements are used to read light at the same time (X3 technology), then spatial error and interpolation are eliminated, but noise increases and color saturation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning different photodetector layers with specific wavelength sensitivities at different vertical positions. Each layer is optimized for its specific color range with appropriate spectral response characteristics, allowing simultaneous color capture while maintaining signal quality and reducing noise through targeted wavelength selection.
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 hardware costs, improves power efficiency, and enhances image capturing speed by eliminating interpolation errors and artifacts, resulting in improved image quality with less spatial and inference error.
Implementation Method 1
reflective optics to redirect light to the series of sensing elements successively within one exposure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods to capture a digital image are disclosed. Embodiments include methods for taking multiple color data readings with a series of sensing elements in one collecting location during a single exposure, associating the collecting location with a pixel, and calculating a color value for the pixel based on the multiple color data readings. The method may include directing light successively to the sensing elements of the series of sensing elements within one exposure via reflective optics. The method may include determining that a sensing element of the series of sensing elements is defective. The method may include redirecting light to align a non-defective sensing element of the series of sensing elements with the collecting location. The non-defective sensing element and the defective sensing element may be associated with the same color.