A method to use array sensors to measure multiple types of data at full resolution of the sensor
AssigneeIcclarity, Inc.
InventorMagued (aka Fr. Gregory) BISHAY
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An actuator is configured to move a sensor array between first and second positions in order to provide color image data and other data with full resolution of the sensor array. In many embodiments, the output resolution of the sensor array for each type of data comprises twice the resolution of the sensor array without movement. The alternating movement of the sensor array between the first and second positions provides output images with decreased artifacts that might otherwise be present without the alternating movement of the sensor array.
Claims36
An apparatus comprising:
- (a) a sensor array comprising a plurality of Bayer patterns disposed on a first plurality of pairs of adjacent linear arrays to sense Bayer pattern data, a second plurality of pairs of adjacent linear arrays having different patterns located between the first plurality of pairs of adjacent linear arrays to sense a different type of data;
- (b) an actuator to move the sensor array from a first position to a second position, wherein physical positions of the first plurality of adjacent pairs of linear arrays alternate with physical positions of the second plurality of pairs of adjacent linear arrays;
- and
- (c) circuitry coupled to the actuator and the sensor array to output the Bayer pattern data and the different type of data from each of the first position and the second position.
A system, comprising:
- (a) a sensor array operable to sense a first type of data and a second type of data, the first and second types of data being different;
- and
- (b) a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) to move at least one of (1) the sensor array such that, at a common location, different sensors of the sensor array capture different ones of the first and second type of data and (2) a filter positioned over at least one of the sensors of the sensor array such that a selected sensor can capture first or second type of data depending on the position of the filter.
A method, comprising:
- (a) over a first time interval, collecting, by a sensor array, a first and/or second types of data, the first and second types of data being different;
- (b) moving, by a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS), at least one of (1) the sensor array such that, at a common location, different sensors of the sensor array capture different ones of the first and second type of data and (2) a filter positioned over at least one of the sensors such that a selected sensor can capture first or second type of data depending on the position of the filter;
- and
- (c) over a second time interval, collecting, by the sensor array after movement by the MEMS, first and/or second types of data.
A tangible and non-transient computer readable medium comprising microprocessor executable instructions operable, when executed by the microprocessor, to perform at least the following steps:
- (a) over a first time interval, collecting, by a sensor array, a first and/or second types of data, the first and second types of data being different;
- (b) moving, by a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS), at least one of (1) the sensor array such that, at a common location, different sensors of the sensor array capture different ones of the first and second type of data and (2) a filter positioned over at least one of the sensors such that a selected sensor can capture first or second type of data depending on the position of the filter;
- and
- (c) over a second time interval, collecting, by the sensor array after movement by the MEMS, first and/or second types of data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.