Stacked Pixel Substrate for High-Resolution NBI Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional narrow-band imaging (NBI) devices using RGB Bayer arrays suffer from insufficient resolution due to the limited proportion of blue pixels, which hinders effective observation of capillary vessels and cancer detection.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a stacked substrate configuration with distinct pixel arrays on each substrate, where the first substrate outputs signals for green and blue light, and the second substrate outputs signals for red light, allowing for simultaneous generation of RGB and NBI images with improved resolution by optimizing the proportion and arrangement of pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an RGB Bayer array is used for NBI imaging, then the device structure remains simple, but the resolution is insufficient due to only one B pixel per four pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane pixel array to a stacked three-dimensional pixel array structure. The first substrate contains first pixels and second pixels, while the second substrate contains third pixels positioned beneath the first pixels. This vertical stacking enables multiple pixel types to occupy different spatial layers, increasing the proportion of blue-sensitive pixels without expanding the horizontal footprint, thereby resolving the resolution limitation of conventional Bayer arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested pixel arrangement where third pixels on the second substrate are positioned directly beneath first pixels on the first substrate. This nested configuration allows the system to capture blue light through multiple pixel layers (first pixels and third pixels both contribute to blue channel data), effectively increasing blue pixel density while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If the proportion of B pixels is increased to improve NBI resolution, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to different pixel array configurations
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking pixel substrates vertically, the patent increases blue pixel proportion from 25% in conventional Bayer arrays to a significantly higher percentage in the stacked configuration. The third substrate contains only third pixels (all blue-sensitive), and when combined with first pixels on the first substrate, creates a high-density blue pixel array that enhances NBI resolution without requiring complex lateral rearrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pixel array into functionally distinct substrates: the first substrate handles green and blue light detection, while the second substrate specializes in blue light detection. This segmentation allows each substrate to be optimized for its specific function, with the second substrate dedicated entirely to blue channel data collection, thereby maximizing NBI imaging capability.
3Measurement precision
If a stacked substrate configuration is used to increase blue pixel proportion, then NBI resolution improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to achieve high blue pixel density, which would be difficult to accomplish through planar arrangements. By moving to the third dimension, the system can stack substrates with standard bonding techniques, making the manufacturing process more feasible compared to creating complex lateral pixel interconnections required for alternative high-resolution designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pixels on the first substrate are designed to detect both green and blue light, providing multi-functional capability. This means the first substrate serves dual purposes: capturing green channel data for RGB imaging and contributing to blue channel data for NBI imaging. This universality reduces the need for dedicated blue-only pixels on the first substrate, simplifying the overall design and manufacturing.
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 configuration enhances the resolution of both RGB and NBI images, particularly improving the visibility of capillary vessels and mucosal patterns, thereby aiding in more effective cancer observation.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of first pixels are configured to transmit a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of red light
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of second pixels are configured to output signals corresponding to a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of blue light
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of third pixels are configured to output signals corresponding to a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of red light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a first substrate including a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels, a second substrate including a plurality of third pixels and facing the first substrate, and a processing unit. The plurality of third pixels receive light transmitted through the plurality of first pixels. The plurality of first pixels output signals corresponding to a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of green light and transmit a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of red light. The plurality of second pixels output signals corresponding to a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of blue light and not including wavelengths of red light and wavelengths of green light. The plurality of third pixels output signals corresponding to a wavelength bandwidth including wavelengths of red light. The processing unit generates a signal at least from an output of the plurality of first pixels and an output of the plurality of third pixels.