DYNAMIC ADAPTIVE COLOR FILTER ARRAY
A microfluidic color filter array, color imager system, and method for dynamic color filtering are disclosed. The microfluidic color filter array includes a network of fluid channels configured to contain fluid solution. The color imager system includes a photodiode array and a microfluidic color filter array disposed over the photodiode array. Fluid solution is supplied through fluid channels of the microfluidic color filter array to provide color filtering when light is received through the fluid channels to a respective photodiode.
1 . A microfluidic color filter array comprising:
a network of fluid channels configured to contain a fluid solution and to provide color filtering when light is transmitted through the network of fluid channels;
at least one micropump operably coupled to the network of fluid channels, the at least one micropump configured to selectively pump the fluid solution through each fluid channel; and
at least one fluid source operably coupled to the at least one micropump, the at least one fluid source configured to supply the fluid solution to the network of fluid channels when pumped by the at least one micropump.
2 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 1 , wherein the at least one micropump includes a piezoelectric vibrator element.
3 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 2 , wherein the at least one micropump is electrically coupled to a microcontroller, the microcontroller configured to transmit an electrical signal to each micropump and thereby selectively control pumping of fluid solution through each fluid channel.
4 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 3 , wherein the fluid solution is selected from the at least one fluid source that contains a non-aqueous solution having a color pigment.
5 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 4 , wherein the non-aqueous solution comprises a colloid solution.
6 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 3 , wherein the fluid solution is selected from the at least one fluid source that contains an aqueous solution having a color pigment.
7 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 6 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises a hydrophobic solution.
8 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 6 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises a hydrophilic solution.
9 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 6 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises a colloid solution.
10 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 1 , wherein the microfluidic color filter array is arranged in a two-dimensional grid having respective rows and columns of fluid channels, each row of fluid channels being operably coupled to each column of fluid channels at respective intersection points.
11 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 10 , wherein the network of fluid channels includes passive baffles that each direct fluid flow in a single direction through a respective intersection point.
12 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 10 , wherein the network of fluid channels includes active valves that are each responsive to a respective control signal to direct fluid flow through a respective intersection point.
13 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 1 , wherein the network of fluid channels is arranged in a three-dimensional grid having substantially vertical and horizontal fluid channels, each horizontal fluid channel configured to operably couple to a vertical fluid channel at a respective intersection point.
14 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 1 , further comprising vats, each vat operably coupled to at least one of the fluid channels and to a respective valve that selectively supplies the fluid solution into the respective vat responsive to a control signal.
15 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 14 , wherein the vats are inflatable and, when inflated form a lens structure.
16 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 1 , further comprising reservoirs, each reservoir including at least one fluid channel inlet coupled to the fluid channel and configured to selectively supply the fluid solution into a respective reservoir.
17 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 16 , wherein each reservoir comprises a fluid channel outlet coupled to the fluid channel and configured to empty the fluid solution from a respective reservoir.
18 . The microfluidic color filter array of claim 16 , wherein each reservoir is operably coupled to at least one valve that selectively supplies or removes the fluid solution into or out of the respective reservoir responsive to a control signal.
19 . A color imager system comprising:
a photoelectric array including a plurality of photoelectric devices; and
a microfluidic color filter array disposed over the photoelectric array, the microfluidic array comprising a network of fluid channels operably coupled to at least one micropump and at least one fluid source, the at least one micropump configured to pump fluid solution from the at least one fluid source through the network of fluid channels, each fluid channel positioned over at least one photoelectric element and configured to contain a fluid solution and provide color filtering when light is transmitted through the network of fluid channels to the plurality of photoelectric elements.
20 . The color imager system of claim 19 , further comprising a lens supporting layer disposed over the microfluidic color filter array, the lens supporting layer having a plurality of microlens arranged over the network of fluid channels.
21 . A method for establishing dynamic color filtering of a color imager having a plurality of photodiodes, the method comprising the steps of:
alternating volumes of respectively different color filter fluid solutions through fluid channels of a microfluidic color filter array such that each volume of color filter fluid solution corresponds to a respective photodiode in the color imager; and
controlling directional flow of color filter fluid solution through the fluid channels to position each volume of color filter fluid solution adjacent a respective photodiode to provide a dynamic color scheme through the microfluidic color filter array.
22 . The method of claim 21 , comprising the step of alternating volumes of hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic color filter fluid solution through the fluid channels such that intermix between the volumes of hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic color filter fluid solution is minimized.
23 . The method of claim 21 comprising the step of supplying a colloid color filter solution through the fluid channels, the fluid channels having ligands coupled thereto and configured to operably bind to particulates in the colloid color filter solution, thereby altering a chromophore environment of the microfluidic color filter array.
24 . The method of claim 21 , wherein controlling directional flow of color filter fluid solution comprises controlling active valves coupled to the fluid channels thereby directing color filter fluid solution to a fluid channel positioned adjacent to a respective photodiode.
25 . The method of claim 21 , wherein controlling directional flow of color filter fluid solution comprises opening or closing valves coupled to the fluid channels responsive to a control signal thereby directing color filter fluid solution to a fluid channel positioned adjacent to a respective photodiode.