Color Filter Array, Imaging Device, and Image Processing Unit

Abstract

A color filter array includes a plurality of filters, each having one of a plurality of types of spectral sensitivity and being disposed at the location of a corresponding one of a plurality of pixels. The filters of a predetermined type selected from among the plurality of types are arranged at the locations of the pixels in a checkered pattern, and the filters of some or all of the other types are randomly arranged at the pixel locations at which the filters of the predetermined type are not present.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A color filter array comprising:
 a plurality of filters, each having one of a plurality of types of color components;   wherein an array pattern in which color filters of the first color component are arranged in a checker pattern is characterized in that a probability of occurrence of the first color component stays constant in a desired area;   wherein the array pattern in which color filters of at least two color components are arranged for an arbitrary pixel position is characterized in that a probability of occurrence of the each color component is smaller than the probability of occurrence of the first color component in the desired area and a probability of occurrence of the one color component of each color component is equal to the probability of occurrence of another color component.   
     
     
         29 . The color filter array of claim  1 , wherein the desired area is equal to three by three pixels. 
     
     
         30 . A color image sensor comprising:
 a color filter array, having a plurality of filters, each having one of a plurality of types of color components;   wherein an array pattern in which color filters of the first color component are arranged in a checker pattern is characterized in that a probability of occurrence of the first color component stays constant in a desired area;   wherein the array pattern in which color filters of at least two color component are arranged for an arbitrary pixel position is characterized in that a probability of occurrence of the each color component is smaller than the probability of occurrence of the first color component in the desired area and a probability of occurrence of the one color component of each color component is equal to the probability of occurrence of another color component.