Apple inc. (20240107186). RGBIR CAMERA MODULE simplified abstract
Contents
- 1 RGBIR CAMERA MODULE
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 RGBIR CAMERA MODULE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 How does the alignment process work in the image signal processor?
- 1.11 What is the resolution of the captured images in both visible and infrared wavelengths?
- 1.12 Original Abstract Submitted
RGBIR CAMERA MODULE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Hossein Sadeghi of San Jose CA (US)
Andrew T. Herrington of San Francisco CA (US)
Gilad Michael of Sunnyvale CA (US)
John L. Orlowski of Santa Clara CA (US)
Yazan Z. Alnahhas of Stanford CA (US)
RGBIR CAMERA MODULE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240107186 titled 'RGBIR CAMERA MODULE
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes a patent application for a single RGBIR camera module capable of imaging at both visible and infrared wavelengths. The camera module includes an image sensor with a microlens array, a color filter array (CFA) with red, blue, green, and infrared filters, and a pixel array to convert light into electrical signals. An image signal processor (ISP) initiates the capture of frames, aligns them, and extracts the infrared frame to generate an enhanced frame.
- Image sensor with microlens array, color filter array, and pixel array
- Image signal processor for frame capture, alignment, and extraction
Potential Applications
This technology can be used in various applications such as surveillance, automotive safety systems, medical imaging, and augmented reality.
Problems Solved
This technology solves the problem of capturing both visible and infrared images with a single camera module, reducing the need for multiple cameras in different wavelengths.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include cost savings, compact design, improved image quality, and enhanced capabilities for applications requiring both visible and infrared imaging.
Potential Commercial Applications
Potential commercial applications include security cameras, automotive cameras for night vision, medical imaging devices, and industrial inspection systems.
Possible Prior Art
Prior art may include separate visible and infrared camera modules, which require additional hardware and integration for capturing images in different wavelengths.
Unanswered Questions
How does the alignment process work in the image signal processor?
The alignment process in the image signal processor involves matching corresponding pixels in the visible and infrared frames to ensure accurate extraction of the infrared image.
What is the resolution of the captured images in both visible and infrared wavelengths?
The resolution of the captured images depends on the specifications of the image sensor and pixel array used in the camera module.
Original Abstract Submitted
embodiments are disclosed for a single rgbir camera module that is capable of imaging at both the visible and ir wavelengths. in some embodiments, a camera module comprises: an image sensor comprising: a microlens array; a color filter array (cfa) comprising a red filter, a blue filter, a green filter and at least one infrared (ir) filter; and a pixel array comprising pixels to convert light received through the color filter array into electrical signals; and an image signal processor (isp) configured to: initiate capture of a first frame by reading signal pixels from the pixel array; initiate capture of a second frame by reading ir pixels from the pixel array; align the first and second frames; and extract the second frame from the first frame to generate a third enhanced frame.
