Variable Color Filter Imaging Without CFA Sensitivity Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensing devices with Color Filter Arrays (CFAs) face issues such as reduced sensitivity, crosstalk, and increased design complexity.
Innovation Solution
The image sensing device employs a variable color filter that adjusts its wavelength range in response to a filter control signal, allowing each pixel to receive light of a specific color without the need for a CFA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Color Filter Array (CFA) is used to enable color image sensing, then color information can be captured, but receiving sensitivity is reduced and crosstalk occurs between adjacent pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable color filter that can dynamically change its transmission characteristics in response to control signals. Instead of using a static CFA, the filter can be adjusted to transmit different wavelength ranges, allowing the system to adapt between color discrimination mode and high sensitivity mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between color accuracy and receiving sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the filter by applying control signals that modify the transmission wavelength range. This allows the same optical path to serve dual purposes: capturing color information when needed and maximizing light reception when color discrimination is less critical, thus eliminating the trade-off between color sensing and sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If a Color Filter Array (CFA) is used to capture color images, then color information is obtained, but design complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color filtering function from the pixel array structure itself and places it in a separate, controllable variable color filter component. This removes the need for complex CFA patterns integrated into each pixel, simplifying both the pixel design and the overall manufacturing process while maintaining color imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The variable color filter serves multiple functions: it can act as a color filter when color information is needed, and can be adjusted to transmit all wavelengths when maximum sensitivity is required. This single component replaces the need for complex CFA structures, reducing design complexity while providing versatile functionality
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 solution enables the acquisition of color images without the limitations of CFAs, improving sensitivity, reducing crosstalk, and simplifying the design process.
Implementation Method 1
a variable color filter configured to receive incident light on the image sensing device and operable to vary a wavelength range of light transmitted thereby
Implementation Method 2
a pixel array located to receive a portion of the incident light transmitted from the variable color filter and comprising a plurality of unit pixels, each unit pixel configured to generate a pixel signal corresponding to an intensity of light having transmitted through the variable color filter
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing device may include: a variable color filter configured to vary the wavelength range of light transmitted thereby; and a pixel array comprising a plurality of unit pixels each configured to generate a pixel signal corresponding to the intensity of light having penetrated the variable color filter.