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Term: Color filter array

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Term: Color filter array

Definition:
Digital image sensors used in scanners and digital cameras do not respond in a manner that differentiates color. The sensors respond to the intensity of light: the pixel that receives greater intensity produces a stronger signal. A color filter array (CFA) is a mosaic of color filters (generally red, green and blue) that overlays the pixels comprising the sensor. The color filters limit the intensity of light being recorded at the pixel to be associated with the wavelengths transmitted by that color. A demosaicing algorithm is able to take the information about the spectral characteristics of each color of a filter array, and the intensity of the signal at each pixel location to create a color encoded digital image.
Category:
Image
See also:
Array; Bayer color filter array