Color image sensors, methods and systems

Abstract

Noise performance of image sensors is improved by use of inter-pixel comparisons, which may number in the hundreds, all contributing information about a given pixel. This permits accurate determination of image chromaticity, even at extremely low signal-to-noise ratios. In other embodiments, filters of non-conventional spectral transmission functions are employed to reduce metamerism, enabling discernment of scene information not visible to the human eye. Still other embodiments involve fabricating a sparse array of transparent pedestals on an image photosensor array. When color resist is thereafter applied, these pedestals cause thickness variations in the resulting resist layer, leading to pixels having different spectral responses despite using the same color resist. Still other embodiments concern image sensor arrangements enabling generation of red, green, blue and NIR output data using only four conventional (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow) color resists. Many other novel features and arrangements are also detailed.

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