Switchable Optical Filter for Dual-Mode Image Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution and efficient power consumption while performing both 2D and 3D imaging, as they typically require separate pixel cells for different optical frequency ranges, leading to lower spatial resolution and increased form factor and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with a switchable optical filter and a controller that allows the same pixel cell to receive and measure different optical frequency ranges at different times, enabling both 2D and 3D imaging modes without the need for separate pixel cells, thereby improving spatial resolution and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate pixel cells are used for different optical frequency ranges, then measurement capability for both 2D and 3D imaging is achieved, but spatial resolution decreases and form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a switchable optical filter that can dynamically change its transmission characteristics to pass different optical frequency ranges at different times. This dynamic switching allows a single pixel cell to serve multiple measurement functions (2D imaging for visible light and 3D imaging for invisible light) by changing the filter's state based on the required measurement mode, thereby maintaining high spatial resolution while achieving versatile measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pixel cell universal by enabling it to perform both 2D imaging and 3D imaging functions through the switchable optical filter. The same pixel cell can measure visible light for 2D images and invisible light for 3D images by switching the filter state, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pixel cells for each function and thus improving spatial resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate pixel cells are used for different optical frequency ranges, then measurement capability for both 2D and 3D imaging is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple pixel cells (one for visible light/2D imaging and another for invisible light/3D imaging) into a single pixel cell by introducing a switchable optical filter. This filter can switch between allowing visible light and invisible light to pass, enabling one pixel cell to replace what would traditionally require two separate pixel cells, thereby reducing the overall device form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel cell is designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing both 2D imaging and 3D imaging measurements by switching the optical filter state. This universality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pixel cells for each function, consolidating the device structure and reducing the overall form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate pixel cells are used for different optical frequency ranges, then measurement capability for both 2D and 3D imaging is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple pixel cells into one by using a switchable optical filter that can switch between transmitting visible and invisible light. This merging means only one pixel cell needs to be active at any given time rather than simultaneously activating multiple pixel cells for different measurement modes, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to perform both 2D and 3D imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable optical filter operates in periodic switching between different transmission states (visible light pass and invisible light pass). This periodic switching allows the system to alternate between 2D and 3D imaging modes using the same pixel cell, ensuring that only one measurement function is active at a time, which reduces power consumption compared to having multiple pixel cells operating simultaneously.
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
The solution allows for improved correspondence and spatial resolution in both 2D and 3D images, reducing the form factor and power consumption of the image sensor, while enabling efficient operation in various imaging modes.
Implementation Method 1
A typical image sensor includes a photodiode to sense incident light by converting photons into charges (e.g., electrons or holes)
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of an image sensor are disclosed. In one example, the image sensor comprises a pixel cell, a switchable optical filter, and a controller. The switchable optical filter is configured to select a optical frequency range and allow incident light of the selected optical frequency range to reach the pixel cell. The controller is configured to operate the switchable optical filter to enable the pixel cell to: receive, at different times, information related to incident light of different optical frequency ranges, and generate, at the different times, intensity measurements of the incident light of different optical frequency ranges.