Image sensing device

Abstract

The image sensing device includes: a first pixel group formed to include a plurality of first unit pixels arranged in a row direction and a column direction; a second pixel group disposed adjacent to the first pixel group in the row direction and including a plurality of second unit pixels arranged in the row direction and the column direction; a first transmission control signal line connected to any one of the first unit pixels located in the first direction with respect to the center of the first pixel group, a second pixel group disposed in the first direction and connected to any one of the second unit pixels located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to a center of the second pixel group; and a second transmission control signal line connected to a remaining one of the first unit pixels located in the first direction, and connected to a remaining one of the second unit pixels located in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technologies and implementations disclosed in this patent document generally relate to an image sensing device. Background Art

[0002] An image sensing device is a device for capturing an optical image by converting light into an electrical signal using a photosensitive semiconductor material that reacts to light. With the development of the automotive, medical, computer, and communication industries, the demand for high-performance image sensing devices is increasing in various fields such as smart phones, digital cameras, game consoles, the Internet of Things (IoT), robots, security cameras, and medical micro cameras.

[0003] Image sensing devices can be roughly classified into charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensing devices and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensing devices. CCD image sensing devices provide better image quality, but tend to consume more power and be larger compared to CMOS image sensing devices. CMOS image sensing devices are smaller in size and consume less power than CCD image sensing devices. In addition, CMOS manufacturing technology is used to manufacture CMOS sensors, so photosensitive elements and other signal processing circuits can be integrated into a single chip, enabling the production of miniaturized image sensing devices at a lower cost. For these reasons, CMOS image sensing devices are being developed for many applications including mobile devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various embodiments of the disclosed technology relate to an image sensing device capable of generating image data and phase data.

[0005] Various embodiments of the disclosed technology relate to an image sensing device capable of generating phase data using pixel signals generated by a plurality of unit pixels included in a pixel array without outputting additional pixel signals.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the disclosed technology, an image sensing device may include: a first pixel group formed to include a plurality of first unit pixels arranged in a row direction and a column direction, the first unit pixels being configured to respectively respond to incident light and generate first pixel signals; a second pixel group disposed adjacent to the first pixel group in the row direction and including a plurality of second unit pixels arranged in the row direction and the column direction, the second unit pixels being configured to respectively respond to incident light and generate second pixel signals; a first transmission control signal line connected to any one of the first unit pixels located in a first direction with respect to the center of the first pixel group and connected to any one of the second unit pixels located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the center of the second pixel group; and a second transmission control signal line connected to the remaining one of the first unit pixels located in the first direction and connected to the remaining one of the second unit pixels located in the second direction.

[0007] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a third transmission control signal line connected to any one of the first unit pixels located in a third direction opposite to the first direction and connected to any one of the second unit pixels located in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction; and a fourth transmission control signal line connected to the remaining one of the first unit pixels located in the third direction and connected to the remaining one of the second unit pixels located in the fourth direction.

[0008] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a third pixel group disposed adjacent to the first pixel group in the column direction and including a plurality of third unit pixels, the third unit pixels being configured to respectively respond to incident light and generate third pixel signals; a fourth pixel group disposed adjacent to the third pixel group in the row direction and including a plurality of fourth unit pixels, the fourth unit pixels being configured to respectively respond to incident light and generate fourth pixel signals; and fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth transmission control signal lines connected to the third unit pixels and the fourth unit pixels.

[0009] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a processor configured to calculate image data based on pixel signals output from the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth transmission control signal lines.

[0010] In some implementations, the fifth transmission control signal line is connected to any one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixel located in the first direction with respect to the center of the third pixel group, and is connected to any one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixel located in the second direction with respect to the center of the fourth pixel group; and the sixth transmission control signal line is connected to the remaining one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixel located in the first direction, and is connected to the remaining one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixel located in the second direction.

[0011] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a processor configured to calculate phase data based on pixel signals output from the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the seventh transmission control signal line, and the eighth transmission control signal line.

[0012] In some implementations, the fifth transmission control signal line is connected to any one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixel located in the second direction with respect to the center of the third pixel group, and is connected to any one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixel located in the first direction with respect to the center of the fourth pixel group; and the sixth transmission control signal line is connected to the remaining one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixel located in the second direction, and is connected to the remaining one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixel located in the first direction.

[0013] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a processor configured to calculate phase data based on pixel signals output from the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the seventh transmission control signal line, and the eighth transmission control signal line.

[0014] In some implementations, the fifth transmission control signal line is connected to any one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixel located in the third direction with respect to the center of the third pixel group, and is connected to any one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixel located in the fourth direction with respect to the center of the fourth pixel group; and the sixth transmission control signal line is connected to the remaining one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixel located in the third direction, and is connected to the remaining one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixel located in the fourth direction.

[0015] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a processor configured to calculate phase data based on pixel signals output from a first pixel group, a second pixel group, a third pixel group, and a fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through a first transmission control signal line, a second transmission control signal line, a fifth transmission control signal line, and a sixth transmission control signal line.

[0016] In some implementations, the fifth transmission control signal line is connected to any one of the third unit pixels in the third direction with respect to the center of the third pixel group and to any one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth direction with respect to the center of the fourth pixel group; and the sixth transmission control signal line is connected to the remaining one of the third unit pixels in the fourth direction and to the remaining one of the fourth unit pixels in the third direction.

[0017] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a processor configured to calculate phase data based on pixel signals output from a first pixel group, a second pixel group, a third pixel group, and a fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through a first transmission control signal line, a second transmission control signal line, a fifth transmission control signal line, and a sixth transmission control signal line.

[0018] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a row driver configured to provide a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level or a deactivation voltage level through each transmission control signal line.

[0019] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a first microlens disposed to overlap with the first pixel group; and a second microlens disposed to overlap with the second pixel group.

[0020] In some implementations, each of the first unit pixels includes a first color filter; and each of the second unit pixels includes a second color filter.

[0021] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a third pixel group disposed adjacent to the first pixel group in a column direction and including a plurality of third unit pixels; and a fourth pixel group disposed adjacent to the third pixel group in a row direction and including a plurality of fourth unit pixels, wherein each of the third unit pixels includes a third color filter; and each of the fourth unit pixels includes a first color filter.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the disclosed technology, an image sensing device may include: a first pixel group including a plurality of first transfer transistors arranged in two rows and two columns; and a second pixel group including a plurality of second transfer transistors arranged in another two rows and another two columns and disposed adjacent to the first pixel group in the row direction, wherein, in response to the activation of two first transfer transistors located in a first direction with respect to the center of the first pixel group, two second transfer transistors located in a second direction with respect to the center of the second pixel group are simultaneously activated, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0023] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a first microlens disposed to overlap with the first pixel group; and a second microlens disposed to overlap with the second pixel group.

[0024] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a third pixel group including a plurality of third transfer transistors and disposed adjacent to the first pixel group in the column direction; and a fourth pixel group including a plurality of fourth transfer transistors and disposed to contact the third pixel group in the row direction, wherein, in response to the activation of two first transfer transistors located in a first direction, two third transfer transistors located in a third direction opposite to the first direction are simultaneously activated, and two fourth transfer transistors located in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction are simultaneously activated.

[0025] In some implementations, the image sensing device may further include: a third pixel group including a plurality of third transfer transistors and disposed to contact the first pixel group in the column direction; and a fourth pixel group including a plurality of fourth transfer transistors and disposed to contact the third pixel group in the row direction, wherein, in response to the activation of two first transfer transistors located in a first direction, two third transfer transistors located in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction are simultaneously activated, and two fourth transfer transistors located in a third direction opposite to the first direction are simultaneously activated.

[0026] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the disclosed technology are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features and advantageous aspects of the disclosed technology will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description.

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an image sensing device (ISD) according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0029] Figure 2It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a part of a pixel array according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a part of a pixel array according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a part of a pixel array according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a part of a pixel array according to yet another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0033] Figure 6 It is an illustration of the Figure 2 circuit diagram showing an example of the equivalent circuit of the first pixel group PG1 shown.

[0034] Figure 7 It is an illustration of the operation of the Figure 2 timing diagram showing an example of the transmission control signal provided to the pixel array shown. Detailed Description

[0035] This patent document provides implementations and examples of an image sensing device, which can be configured to substantially solve one or more technical or engineering problems and alleviate limitations or drawbacks encountered in some other image sensing devices. Some implementations of the disclosed technology relate to an image sensing device capable of generating image data and phase data. Some implementations of the disclosed technology relate to an image sensing device capable of generating phase data using pixel signals generated by a plurality of unit pixels included in a pixel array without outputting additional pixel signals. The disclosed technology can provide an image sensing device capable of generating image data and phase data based on pixel signals output from a pixel array. The disclosed technology can provide an image sensing device capable of generating phase data based on pixel signals output from a pixel array and capable of performing a phase difference detection autofocus (PDAF) function using the generated phase data.

[0036] Now, reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed technology, examples of which are shown in the drawings. As much as possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar components. Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0037] In the following, various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to specific embodiments, but includes various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments. Embodiments of the disclosed technology may provide various effects that can be directly or indirectly identified by the disclosed technology.

[0038] In the following description, a detailed description of related known configurations or functions incorporated herein will be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter.

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image sensing device ISD that exemplifies some implementation manners based on the disclosed technology. In the following, reference will be made to Figure 1 describe a method for performing an autofocus (AF) function by the image sensing device ISD and a method for generating image data by the image sensing device ISD.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1 , the image sensing device ISD may include an imaging circuit 300, an image sensor 100, and a processor 200.

[0041] The imaging circuit 300 may be a component that receives light. More specifically, the imaging circuit 300 may include a lens 310, a lens driver 320, a diaphragm 330, and a diaphragm driver 340.

[0042] The lens 310 may refer not only to a single lens but also to a configuration including multiple lenses.

[0043] The lens driver 320 may control the position of the lens 310 according to a control signal from the processor 200. As the position of the lens 310 is adjusted, the distance between the lens 310 and the target object(s) may also be adjusted.

[0044] The diaphragm 330 may adjust the amount of light incident on the lens 310 based on a control signal from the diaphragm driver 340. As the amount of light incident on the lens 310 (i.e., the received light amount) is adjusted by the diaphragm 330, the amplitude of the signal generated by the image sensor 100 may also be adjusted in response to the adjusted light amount.

[0045] The diaphragm driver 340 may control the diaphragm 330 such that the diaphragm driver 340 can use the diaphragm 330 to adjust the amount of light incident on the lens 310.

[0046] The processor 200 may send a signal for adjusting the position of the lens 310 to the lens driver 320 based on the signal generated by the image sensor 100, or may send a signal for adjusting the value of the diaphragm 330 to the diaphragm driver 340.

[0047] The image sensor 100 may include a pixel array 110, a correlated double sampler (CDS) 120, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 130, a buffer 140, a row driver 150, a timing generator 160, a control register 170, and a ramp signal generator 180.

[0048] In some implementations, the pixel array 110 may include at least one unit pixel. Here, a pixel group may include four unit pixels arranged in a (2×2) matrix.

[0049] The incident light (optical signal) that has passed through the lens 310 and the aperture 330 may be imaged by the pixel array 110 and converted into an electrical signal. The unit pixels may respectively generate electrical signals corresponding to an external object (S).

[0050] The photoelectric conversion elements of the unit pixels included in the pixel array 110 may absorb light to generate charges, and may provide electrical signals for the generated charges to the correlated double sampler (CDS) 120.

[0051] Each unit pixel included in the pixel array 110 may include a microlens, a filter, a photoelectric conversion element, and an interconnection layer (also referred to as a “wiring layer”). According to an embodiment, the unit pixels included in the same pixel group may overlap at least a part of one microlens. Additionally, each unit pixel included in the same pixel group may include a filter that transmits light of the same wavelength.

[0052] The microlens may allow the light incident on the pixel array 110 to converge onto the filter and the photoelectric conversion element. The filter may enable the incident light that has passed through the microlens to selectively pass therethrough according to the wavelength of the incident light.

[0053] Each unit pixel may include a photoelectric conversion element corresponding to the incident light.

[0054] The photoelectric conversion element may generate photo charges corresponding to the incident light that has passed through the microlens and the filter. Each photoelectric conversion element may be implemented as a photodiode, a phototransistor, a photogate, a pinned photodiode (PPD), or a combination thereof. For ease of description, as an example, it is assumed that each photoelectric conversion element is implemented as a photodiode.

[0055] If the photoelectric conversion element is a photodiode, the photoelectric conversion element may include a stacked structure in which an N-type impurity region and a P-type impurity region are vertically stacked. The photoelectric conversion element may be formed in a semiconductor substrate. For example, the semiconductor substrate may be a P-type semiconductor substrate.

[0056] The interconnection layer can be disposed under the photoelectric conversion element. Here, as needed, the interconnection layer can also be referred to as a wiring layer. The interconnection layer can include a reset transistor, a transfer transistor, a floating diffusion (FD) region, a driving transistor, a selection transistor, etc.

[0057] The reset transistor can be activated in response to a reset control signal, such that the reset transistor can reset the potential of each unit pixel to a predetermined voltage level (e.g., a pixel voltage level).

[0058] In addition, when the reset transistor is activated, the transfer transistor can also be activated to reset the floating diffusion (FD) region.

[0059] Since the transfer transistor is activated in response to a transfer control signal, the transfer transistor can send the optical charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element of each pixel to the floating diffusion (FD) region.

[0060] According to an embodiment, each unit pixel can include a transfer transistor corresponding to the photoelectric conversion element, and a pixel group including a plurality of unit pixels can include a plurality of transfer transistors.

[0061] The floating diffusion (FD) region can receive and accumulate the charges generated by the photoelectric conversion element. The floating diffusion (FD) region can be connected to the gate electrode of the driving transistor.

[0062] Each pixel group can include one floating diffusion (FD) region. More specifically, the floating diffusion (FD) region can be shared by the unit pixels included in the pixel group.

[0063] The driving transistor can receive a pixel voltage through its drain electrode, and can be connected to the floating diffusion (FD) region through its gate electrode. In addition, the driving transistor can be connected to the selection transistor through its source electrode.

[0064] The driving transistor can output a current corresponding to the voltage of the floating diffusion (FD) region connected to its gate electrode to the signal line through the selection transistor. In other words, the voltage in the floating diffusion (FD) region can be amplified by the driving transistor.

[0065] The selection transistor can be activated in response to a selection control signal applied to its gate electrode, such that the selection transistor can send the output signal of the driving transistor to the signal line. The pixel signal applied to the signal line can be provided to the correlated double sampler (CDS) 120.

[0066] The signal output from the pixel array 110 in response to the charges accumulated in the floating diffusion (FD) region included in the pixel array 110 can be referred to as a pixel signal.

[0067] A correlated double sampler (CDS) 120 may sample and hold an electrical signal received from a pixel array 110. The correlated double sampler (CDS) 120 may perform double sampling on a signal level caused by incident light and a specific noise level, and thus may output a signal level corresponding to a difference between the sampled result signals. Noise in the pixel signal may be removed by the correlated double sampler (CDS) 120.

[0068] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 130 may convert a received analog signal into a digital signal and may send the digital signal to a buffer 140.

[0069] The buffer 140 may latch the received digital signal and may sequentially output the latched digital signal to a processor 200. The buffer 140 may include a memory for latching the digital signal and a sense amplifier for amplifying the digital signal.

[0070] A row driver 150 may drive a plurality of unit pixels included in the pixel array 110 in response to an output signal of a timing generator 160.

[0071] For example, the row driver 150 may generate signals (e.g., a transfer control signal for controlling a transfer transistor, a reset control signal for controlling a reset transistor, a selection control signal for controlling a selection transistor, etc.) for controlling transistors included in a plurality of unit pixels included in the pixel array 110, and may provide the generated signals to the pixel array 110.

[0072] The row driver 150 may determine activation time points and deactivation time points of a transfer control signal, a reset control signal, and a selection control signal to be provided to unit pixels included in each of a plurality of pixel groups.

[0073] According to an embodiment, one transfer control signal to be provided by the row driver 150 to the pixel array 110 may be provided to a plurality of unit pixels located in different row lines at the same time.

[0074] In some implementations, a transfer control signal line through which the row driver 150 provides a transfer control signal may be connected to a plurality of unit pixels located in different row lines at the same time.

[0075] The row driver 150 may adjust an activation time point of a transfer control signal provided to the pixel array 110 such that pixel signals output from each pixel group may correspond to different phases. By outputting pixel signals corresponding to different phases at the same time, pixel signal calculations for phase data calculation may be simplified.

[0076] The timing generator 160 can cause the pixel array 110 to absorb light and accumulate charge, or can temporarily store the accumulated charge. Additionally, the timing generator 160 can control the row driver 150 to output an electrical signal corresponding to the stored charge to the outside of the pixel array 110. The electrical signal output to the outside of the pixel array 110 and corresponding to each unit pixel or each pixel group may hereinafter be referred to as a pixel signal.

[0077] In some implementations, the timing generator 160 can control a correlated double sampler (CDS) 120 to sample and hold the pixel signal provided by the pixel array 110. The timing generator 160 can control an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 130 to convert the signal received from the correlated double sampler (CDS) 120 into a digital signal.

[0078] The control register 170 can generate and store control signals for controlling the buffer 140, the timing generator 160, and the ramp signal generator 180 based on the signals received from the processor 200.

[0079] The ramp signal generator 180 can generate a ramp signal to be compared with the pixel signal. The ramp signal generator 180 can provide the ramp signal to the correlated double sampler (CDS) 120 in response to the control signal of the timing generator 160, and the correlated double sampler (CDS) 120 can compare the pixel signal caused by the incident light and the ramp signal by using the ramp signal as a reference signal, and can output the result of the comparison.

[0080] The processor 200 can receive the digital signal output from the buffer 140, and can generate image data or phase difference data. Additionally, as described above, the processor 200 can use the generated image data to provide a control signal to the aperture driver 340. Additionally, the processor 200 can use the phase difference data to provide a control signal to the lens driver 320.

[0081] For example, the processor 200 can perform various processes, such as noise reduction, gain adjustment, waveform shaping, interpolation, white balance processing, gamma processing, and / or edge sharpening processing, etc.

[0082] In some implementations, the processor 200 can calculate the phase difference used in an autofocus (AF) operation based on the phase data.

[0083] The processor 200 can receive the output signal of the buffer 140, and can generate phase difference data or image data.

[0084] For example, the operation mode in which the processor 200 generates phase difference data can be referred to as the first mode.

[0085] In an embodiment, during the first mode, the processor 200 may generate phase difference data for an external object (S) using signals generated from a plurality of unit pixels included in different pixel groups.

[0086] A plurality of pixel groups adjacent to each other in the row direction or column direction of the pixel array may output pixel signals corresponding to different phases.

[0087] For example, when a pixel group includes four unit pixels arranged in a (2×2) matrix including two rows and two columns, first to fourth phase signals are obtained from different combinations of two unit pixels based on the positions of the unit pixels. For example, the pixel signals output from a pair of two unit pixels located above the center of a pixel group including four unit pixels arranged in a (2×2) matrix may be referred to as the first phase signal. The pixel signals output from a pair of two unit pixels located to the left of the center of the pixel group may be referred to as the second phase signal. The pixel signals output from a pair of two unit pixels located below the center of the pixel group may be referred to as the third phase signal. The pixel signals output from a pair of two unit pixels located to the right of the center of the pixel group may be referred to as the fourth phase signal.

[0088] The processor 200 may generate phase data of the object (S) based on the first to fourth phase signals.

[0089] If the distance between the lens 310 and the object (S) is considered to correspond to the "focus position", the incident light that has reached the corresponding unit pixel after passing through one microlens may have the same amplitude, such that the signals respectively detected by the unit pixels sharing one microlens may have the same amplitude.

[0090] Therefore, when the distance between the lens 310 and the object (S) satisfies the focus position, the first phase signal and the third phase signal collected by the processor 200 may have the same amplitude, and the second phase signal and the fourth phase signal may have the same amplitude.

[0091] On the other hand, when the distance between the lens 310 and the object (S) does not satisfy the focus position, the incident light that has reached the unit pixels may be different from each other in intensity (e.g., amplitude). In this case, light of different intensities may reach the corresponding unit pixels.

[0092] This is because after the incident light passes through one microlens, the paths of the incident light beams reaching the unit pixels are different from each other. Therefore, when the distance between the lens 310 and the object (S) does not satisfy the focus position, the first phase signal and the third phase signal collected by the processor 200 may be different from each other in amplitude, and the second phase signal and the fourth phase signal may also be different from each other in amplitude.

[0093] If the distance between the lens 310 and the object (S) does not satisfy the focus position, the processor 200 may calculate the amplitude difference between the phase signals, and thus may generate phase difference data based on the calculated difference.

[0094] The processor 200 may adjust the distance between the object (S) and the lens 310 and the distance between the pixel array 110 and the lens 310 by providing a control signal to the lens driver 320 based on the phase difference data.

[0095] By way of example, the operation mode in which the processor 200 generates image data may be referred to as the second mode.

[0096] The image data may be data generated in response to light reflected from the object (S) and then incident on the image sensor 100, and may be used as a signal for adjusting the value of the aperture 330.

[0097] The processor 200 may obtain an image signal corresponding to each pixel group from the pixel signals output from all the unit pixels included in an arbitrary pixel group.

[0098] The processor 200 may generate image data for the external object (S) based on the output signal of the buffer 140 corresponding to all the unit pixels included in each pixel group.

[0099] During the second mode, the processor 200 may use the signals generated from four unit pixels sharing one microlens to generate image data.

[0100] The processor 200 may perform various image signal processes (e.g., noise correction (or noise elimination) of image information, interpolation between adjacent pixels, etc.) to improve the image quality.

[0101] Although, for ease of description, Figure 1 the illustrated processor 200 is located outside the image sensor 100, the processor 200 may be located inside the image sensor 100 or may be separately located outside the image sensing device (ISD).

[0102] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a part of a pixel array according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0103] Referring to Figure 2, the pixel array portion 110a may include a plurality of pixel groups such as PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 as shown, and each pixel group (e.g., PG1) may include four or more adjacent unit pixels in the array, e.g., four adjacent unit pixels PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d arranged in a (2×2) matrix including two rows and two columns. Each unit pixel may include a photoelectric conversion element that converts incident light into an electrical signal representing the amount of incident light detected by the unit pixel. This enables the pixel array portion 110a to capture an image in the incident light. Figure 2 An example is shown having a first pixel group (PG1), a second pixel group (PG2), a third pixel group (PG3), and a fourth pixel group (PG4) included in the pixel array portion 110a.

[0104] Each unit pixel (e.g., PX1a) in the pixel array portion 110a included in each pixel group (e.g., PG1) may be connected to a transmission control signal line (e.g., TCL1). For ease of description, the connection relationship between the unit pixel (e.g., PX1a) and the corresponding transmission control signal line (e.g., TCL1) may be shown by a connection unit (CNT). For example, the connection unit (CNT) includes a through-silicon via (TSV) or other types of vertical contacts.

[0105] In various implementations, the unit pixels in the same pixel group may be implemented with unit pixel filters of the same color. For example, the four unit pixels (e.g., PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) shown included in one pixel group (e.g., PG1) may include the same color filter (e.g., CF1). In various implementations of an imaging device for capturing a color image, adjacent pixel groups may be configured with unit pixels having different color filters such that one pixel group is configured to detect incident light of one color while another adjacent pixel group is configured to detect incident light of another different color. For example, a Bayer filter pattern may be implemented with adjacent different filters that are 50% green, 25% red, and 25% blue to capture a color image. Thus, adjacent pixel groups may be designed based on the Bayer filter pattern to capture a color image in the incident light.

[0106] For example, each unit pixel (e.g., PX1a) may include a filter to allow light of a desired color to pass through the filter and be detected, e.g., at least one of a first filter (CF1) for transmitting light of a first color while blocking the transmission of other colors of light, a second filter (CF2) for transmitting light of a second color while blocking the transmission of the first color and other colors of light, or a third filter (CF3) for transmitting light of a third color while blocking the transmission of the first color, the second color, and other colors of light.

[0107] In Figure 2 the example of, according to the above Bayer filter pattern, each of the four first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in the first pixel group (PG1) may be a first color filter (CF1), which may be a green color filter that selectively transmits green light, each of the four second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2b, PX2c, PX2d) included in the second pixel group (PG2) may include a second color filter (CF2), which may be a blue color filter that selectively transmits blue light, and each of the four third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3b, PX3c, PX3d) included in the third pixel group (PG3) may include a third color filter (CF3), which may be a red color filter that selectively transmits red light. In addition, each of the four fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4b, PX4c, PX4d) included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) may include the same first color filter (CF1) as each unit pixel in the first pixel group PG1.

[0108] In some implementations, the pixel groups (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4) included in a part of the pixel array (hereinafter referred to as "pixel array part 110a") may overlap with microlenses (ML1, ML2, ML3, ML4) respectively, such that different unit pixels included in one pixel group may share a common microlens for that pixel group. For example, as shown in the example of Figure 2 , in the context where incident light is guided by the microlens ML1 to the four unit pixels PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d, the microlens ML1 in the pixel group PG1 is shared by the four unit pixels PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d that make it up.

[0109] Each of the four first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in the first pixel group (PG1) may overlap with at least a part of the first microlens ML1. Additionally, each of the first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) may include a first color filter (CF1). The first color filter (CF1) may be a green color filter that selectively transmits green light.

[0110] Referring to Figure 2, any one of the two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center of the first pixel group (PG1) can be connected to the first transmission control signal line (TCL1), and the other first unit pixel (PX1b) among the two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center of the first pixel group (PG1) can be connected to the second transmission control signal line (TCL2).

[0111] In addition, the first transmission control signal line (TCL1) can be connected to any one of the two second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) included in the second pixel group (PG2) that contacts the first pixel group (PG1) in the row direction (ROW) and is located on the left side of the center of the second pixel group (PG2) at the same time. The second transmission control signal line (TCL2) can be connected to the other second unit pixel (PX2c) among the two second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) located on the left side of the center of the second pixel group (PG2).

[0112] , any one of the two first unit pixels (PX1c, PX1d) located below the center of the first pixel group (PG1) can be connected to the third transmission control signal line (TCL3), and the other first unit pixel (PX1d) among the two first unit pixels (PX1c, PX1d) located below the center of the first pixel group (PG1) can be connected to the fourth transmission control signal line (TCL4).

[0113] The third transmission control signal line (TCL3) can be connected to any one of the two second unit pixels (PX2b, PX2d) included in the second pixel group (PG2) that contacts the first pixel group (PG1) in the row direction (ROW) and is located on the right side of the center of the second pixel group (PG2) at the same time. The fourth transmission control signal line (TCL4) can be connected to the other second unit pixel (PX2d) among the two second unit pixels (PX2b, PX2d) located on the right side of the center of the second pixel group (PG2).

[0114] The third pixel group (PG3) may be in contact with the first pixel group (PG1) in the column direction (COLUMN). The fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) may be connected to any one of two third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3b) that are above the center of the third pixel group (PG3). The sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6) may be connected to the other third unit pixel (PX3b) among the two third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3b) that are above the center of the second pixel group (PG2).

[0115] In addition, the fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) may be connected to any one of two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4c) that are included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) in contact with the third pixel group (PG3) in the row direction (ROW) and are simultaneously on the left side of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4). The sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6) may be connected to the other fourth unit pixel (PX4c) among the two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4c) that are on the left side of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4).

[0116] Any one of two third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) that are below the center of the third pixel group (PG3) may be connected to the seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7), and the other third unit pixel (PX3d) among the two third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) that are below the center of the third pixel group (PG3) may be connected to the eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8).

[0117] The seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7) may be connected to any one of two fourth unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) that are included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) in contact with the third pixel group (PG3) in the row direction (ROW) and are simultaneously on the right side of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4). The eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8) may be connected to the other fourth unit pixel (PX4d) among the two fourth unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) that are on the right side of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4).

[0118] The transmission control signal line may be connected to the gate electrode of the transmission transistor included in each unit pixel. Figure 1 The row driver 150 may provide a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level or a deactivation voltage level to each transmission transistor through the transmission control signal line.

[0119] When a transfer control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a transfer transistor, the optical charges of the photoelectric conversion element included in the unit pixel can be moved to the floating diffusion (FD) region through the activated transfer transistor.

[0120] Accordingly, when a first transfer control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a first transfer control signal line (TCL1) and a second transfer control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a second transfer control signal line (TCL2), the first transfer transistors included in two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) among the first unit pixels included in the first pixel group (PG1) and located above the center of the first pixel group (PG1) can be activated. At this time, two second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) among the second unit pixels included in the second pixel group (PG2) and located to the left of the center of the second pixel group (PG2) can be activated at the same time point.

[0121] When a first transfer control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a first transfer control signal line (TCL1) and a second transfer control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a second transfer control signal line (TCL2), a seventh transfer control signal having an activation voltage level can be provided to a transfer control signal line (TCL7), and an eighth transfer control signal having an activation voltage level can be provided to an eighth transfer control signal line (TCL8).

[0122] When a seventh transfer control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a seventh transfer control signal line (TCL7) and an eighth transfer control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to an eighth transfer control signal line (TCL8), the third transfer transistors included in two third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) among the third unit pixels included in the third pixel group (PG3) and located below the center of the third pixel group (PG3) can be activated. At this time, two fourth unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) among the fourth unit pixels included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) and located to the right of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) can be activated at the same time point.

[0123] The row driver 150 included in the image sensor 100 may simultaneously provide transmission control signals having an active voltage level through the first transmission control signal line (TCL1), the second transmission control signal line (TCL2), the seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7), and the eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8). As a result, the row driver 150 may simultaneously obtain pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center with respect to each pixel group (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4), pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) located below the center with respect to each pixel group (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4), pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) located to the left of the center of each pixel group (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4), and pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) located to the right of the center of each pixel group (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4).

[0124] As described with reference to Figure 1 the pixel signal output from two unit pixels located above the center with respect to an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as a first-phase signal, and the pixel signal output from two unit pixels located below the center with respect to an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as a third-phase signal. Additionally, the pixel signal output from two unit pixels located to the left of the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as a second-phase signal, and the pixel signal output from two unit pixels located to the right of the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as a fourth-phase signal.

[0125] The image sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology may be configured such that the transmission control signals are commonly connected to unit pixels included in different pixel groups and located in different rows.

[0126] Through the connection layout of the transmission control signal lines as proposed in the implementation of the disclosed technology, the image sensor 100 may simultaneously acquire the first-phase signal, the second-phase signal, the third-phase signal, and the fourth-phase signal.

[0127] In the conventional technology, the corresponding transmission control signal lines may be commonly connected to multiple unit pixels located in the same row of the pixel array.

[0128] For example, in a conventional image sensor, a first transfer control signal line (TCL1) can be connected to a first unit pixel (PX1a) located at the first row and first column position of a first pixel group (PG1), and can be connected to a second unit pixel (PX2a) located at the first row and first column position of a second pixel group (PG2). Further, in a conventional image sensor, a second transfer control signal line (TCL2) can be connected to a first unit pixel (PX1b) located at the first row and second column position of the first pixel group (PG1), and can be connected to a second unit pixel (PX2b) located at the first row and second column position of the second pixel group (PG2).

[0129] In a conventional image sensor, by applying transfer control signals each having an activation voltage level to the first transfer control signal line (TCL1) and the second transfer control signal line (TCL2), a first phase signal can be output from the first pixel group (PG1), and a second phase signal can be output from a second pixel group (PG2) positioned in a row direction with respect to the first pixel group (PG1). Accordingly, the same first phase signal is output from the first pixel group and the second pixel group adjacent to each other in the row direction.

[0130] In a conventional image sensor, since the same phase signal is output from two pixel groups adjacent to each other in the row direction, separate computational processing may be required to collect the first phase signal to the fourth phase signal.

[0131] For example, a conventional image sensor can provide transfer control signals each having an activation voltage level to the first transfer control signal line to the fourth transfer control signal line (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4), such that the conventional image sensor can collect pixel signals corresponding to all unit pixels included in the first pixel group (PG1).

[0132] A conventional image sensor can obtain phase signals (i.e., third phase signals) corresponding to two unit pixels located in a direction downward from the center of the pixel group based on a difference between the first phase signal and pixel signals corresponding to all unit pixels included in the first pixel group (PG1).

[0133] Accordingly, a conventional image sensor requires additional computational processing to obtain all of the first phase signal to the fourth phase signal, and thus requires much more time to generate phase data.

[0134] Further, a conventional image sensor obtains the remaining phase signals based on a difference between an arbitrary phase signal and pixel signals corresponding to all unit pixels included in the pixel group, such that additional capacity of a floating diffusion (FD) region is required for phase signal calculation.

[0135] A conventional image sensor outputs a pixel signal by accumulating the optical charges of all unit pixels included in each pixel group, and obtains a remaining phase signal by subtracting an arbitrary phase signal from the pixel signal. As a result, in order to accurately output a pixel signal corresponding to an optical charge exceeding the saturation illuminance, the conventional image sensor needs to ensure an additional capacity of the floating diffusion (FD) region.

[0136] Different from the conventional image sensor, since the image sensor 100 according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can collect multiple phase signals simultaneously, it is not necessary to ensure the capacity of the floating diffusion (FD) region to output a pixel signal exceeding the saturation illuminance.

[0137] Therefore, compared with the conventional image sensor, the image sensor 100 according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can reduce the size of the floating diffusion (FD) region, and can ensure a space where a photoelectric conversion element or a pixel transistor can be arranged according to the reduction of the size of the floating diffusion (FD) region.

[0138] The conventional image sensor can only obtain the same phase signal from pixel groups located in the same row of the pixel array, so that the conventional image sensor cannot collect the first to fourth phase signals simultaneously.

[0139] Different from the conventional image sensor, the image sensing device 100 according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can commonly connect one transfer control signal line to unit pixels located in different rows, so that the phase signals collected from pixel groups adjacent to each other in the row direction can be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0140] Different from the conventional image sensor, the image sensor 100 according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can collect the first to fourth phase signals at the same time point by changing the connection layout of the transfer control signal lines, thereby enabling fast phase data calculation.

[0141] The processor 200 (see Figure 1 ) can calculate the phase data of the object (S) based on the first to fourth phase signals. Specifically, the image sensing device (ISD) according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can generate phase data by calculating the vertical phase difference of the object (S) and the horizontal phase difference of the object (S).

[0142] When transfer control signals each having an activation voltage level are provided to the first to eighth transfer control signal lines (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4, TCL5, TCL6, TCL7, TCL8), the processor 200 (see Figure 1Image data can be generated based on pixel signals output for each pixel group (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4).

[0143] Figure 2 The structure of the pixel array portion 110a shown can be referred to as a four-Bayer structure, but is not limited thereto. The first color filter (CF1) can be a color filter that selectively transmits cyan light, the second color filter (CF2) can be a color filter that selectively transmits magenta light, and the third color filter (CF3) can be a color filter that selectively transmits yellow light.

[0144] Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a part of a pixel array according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0145] Figure 3 FIG. shows an example of a connection layout of transmission control signal lines according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0146] The remaining features other than the connection relationship between the transmission control signal lines and the unit pixels have been described in Figure 2 and thus, redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0147] Referring to Figure 3 the pixel array portion 110b of, in which the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the third transmission control signal line, and the fourth transmission control signal line (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4) are respectively connected to the first connection shape of the first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in the first pixel group (PG1) and in which the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the third transmission control signal line, and the fourth transmission control signal line (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4) are respectively connected to the second connection shape of the second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2b, PX2c, PX2d) included in the second pixel group (PG2) can be the same as Figure 2 the shape of.

[0148] The fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) can be connected to any one of the third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3c) located to the left of the center of the third pixel group (PG3), and the other third unit pixel (PX3c) among the third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3c) located to the left of the center of the third pixel group (PG3) can be connected to the sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6).

[0149] The fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) can be connected to any one of two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4b) included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) that contacts the third pixel group (PG3) in the row direction (ROW) and is located above the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) at the same time, and the other fourth unit pixel (PX4b) among the two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4b) located above the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) can be connected to the sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6).

[0150] Any one of two third unit pixels (PX3b, PX3d) located on the right side of the center of the third pixel group (PG3) can be connected to the seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7), and the other third unit pixel (PX3d) among the two third unit pixels (PX3b, PX3d) located on the right side of the center of the third pixel group (PG3) can be connected to the eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8).

[0151] The seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7) can be connected to any one of two fourth unit pixels (PX4c, PX4d) included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) that contacts the third pixel group (PG3) in the row direction (ROW) and is located below the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) at the same time. The eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8) can be connected to the other fourth unit pixel (PX4d) among the two fourth unit pixels (PX4c, PX4d) located below the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4).

[0152] According to another embodiment of the disclosed technology, when a first transmission control signal having an active voltage level is provided to the first transmission control signal line (TCL1) and a second transmission control signal having an active voltage level is provided to the second transmission control signal line (TCL2), a first transmission transistor included in two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) among the first unit pixels included in the first pixel group (PG1) can be activated. Here, the two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) can be located above the center of the first pixel group (PG1). At this time, two second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) located on the left side of the center of the second pixel group (PG2) among the second unit pixels included in the second pixel group (PG2) can be activated at the same time point.

[0153] When a first transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a first transmission control signal line (TCL1) and a second transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a second transmission control signal line (TCL2), a seventh transmission control signal having an activation voltage level may be provided to a seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7), and an eighth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level may be provided to an eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8).

[0154] When a seventh transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7) and an eighth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to an eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8), third transmission transistors included in two of the third unit pixels (PX3b, PX3d) among the third unit pixels included in the third pixel group (PG3) may be activated. Here, the two third unit pixels (PX3b, PX3d) may be located to the right of the center of the third pixel group (PG3). At this time, two of the fourth unit pixels (PX4c, PX4d) located below the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) among the fourth unit pixels included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) may be activated simultaneously.

[0155] The row driver 150 included in the image sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology may simultaneously provide transmission control signals having an activation voltage level through the first transmission control signal line (TCL1), the second transmission control signal line (TCL2), the seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7), and the eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8). As a result, the row driver 150 may simultaneously obtain pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center of each pixel group (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4), pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX4c, PX4d) located below the center of each pixel group, pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) located to the left of the center of each pixel group, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX3b, PX3d) located to the right of the center of each pixel group.

[0156] As Figure 1 shown, pixel signals output from two unit pixels located above the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as first phase signals, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels located below the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as third phase signals. Additionally, pixel signals output from two unit pixels located to the left of the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as second phase signals, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels located to the right of the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as fourth phase signals.

[0157] The image sensor 100 may include transmission control signal lines commonly connected to unit pixels included in different pixel groups and located in different rows, such that a first phase signal, a second phase signal, a third phase signal, and a fourth phase signal can be obtained at the same time point.

[0158] The processor 200 may generate phase data of an object (S) based on the first phase signal, the second phase signal, the third phase signal, and the fourth phase signal acquired at the same time point.

[0159] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a part of a pixel array according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0160] Figure 4 An example of a connection layout of transmission control signal lines according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology is shown.

[0161] Referring to Figure 4 the pixel array portion 110c, wherein a first connection shape in which a first transmission control signal line, a second transmission control signal line, a third transmission control signal line, and a fourth transmission control signal line (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4) are respectively connected to first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in a first pixel group (PG1) and a second connection shape in which the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the third transmission control signal line, and the fourth transmission control signal line (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4) are respectively connected to second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2b, PX2c, PX2d) included in a second pixel group (PG2) may be the same as Figure 2 the shape of

[0162] In an implementation as shown in Figure 4 a fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) may be connected to any one of third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) located below the center of a third pixel group (PG3), and the other third unit pixel (PX3c) among the third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) located below the center of the third pixel group (PG3) may be connected to a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6).

[0163] The fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) can be connected to any one of the two fourth unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) that contacts the third pixel group (PG3) in the row direction (ROW) and is simultaneously located on the right side of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4), and the other fourth unit pixel (PX4d) among the two fourth unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) located on the right side of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) can be connected to the sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6).

[0164] Any one of the two third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3b) located above the center of the third pixel group (PG3) can be connected to the seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7), and the other third unit pixel (PX3b) among the two third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3b) located above the center of the third pixel group (PG3) can be connected to the eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8).

[0165] The seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7) can be connected to any one of the two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4c) included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) that contacts the third pixel group (PG3) in the row direction (ROW) and is simultaneously located on the left side of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4). The eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8) can be connected to the other fourth unit pixel (PX4c) among the two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4c) located on the left side of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4).

[0166] According to another embodiment of the disclosed technology, when a first transmission control signal having an active voltage level is provided to the first transmission control signal line (TCL1) and a second transmission control signal having an active voltage level is provided to the second transmission control signal line (TCL2), a first transmission transistor included in two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) among the first unit pixels included in the first pixel group (PG1) can be activated. Here, the two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) can be located above the center of the first pixel group (PG1). At this time, two second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) located on the left side of the center of the second pixel group (PG2) among the second unit pixels included in the second pixel group (PG2) can be activated simultaneously.

[0167] When a first transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a first transmission control signal line (TCL1) and a second transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a second transmission control signal line (TCL2), a fifth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level may be provided to a fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5), and a sixth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level may be provided to a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6).

[0168] When a fifth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) and a sixth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6), third transmission transistors included in two third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) among the third unit pixels included in a third pixel group (PG3) may be activated. Here, the two third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) may be located below the center of the third pixel group (PG3). At this time, two fourth unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) located to the right of the center of a fourth pixel group (PG4) among the fourth unit pixels included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) may be activated simultaneously.

[0169] A row driver 150 included in an image sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology may simultaneously provide transmission control signals having an activation voltage level through a first transmission control signal line (TCL1), a second transmission control signal line (TCL2), a fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5), and a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6). As a result, the row driver 150 may simultaneously obtain pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center of each pixel group (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4), pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) located below the center of each pixel group, pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) located to the left of the center of each pixel group, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) located to the right of the center of each pixel group.

[0170] As Figure 1 shown, pixel signals output from two unit pixels located above the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as first-phase signals, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels located below the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as third-phase signals. Additionally, pixel signals output from two unit pixels located to the left of the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as second-phase signals, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels located to the right of the center of an arbitrary pixel group may be referred to as fourth-phase signals.

[0171] The image sensor 100 may include transmission control signal lines commonly connected to unit pixels included in different pixel groups and located in different rows, such that a first phase signal, a second phase signal, a third phase signal, and a fourth phase signal can be obtained at the same time point.

[0172] The processor 200 may generate phase data of an object (S) based on the first phase signal, the second phase signal, the third phase signal, and the fourth phase signal acquired at the same time point.

[0173] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a part of a pixel array according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0174] Figure 5 FIG. shows an example of a connection layout of transmission control signal lines according to another embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0175] Referring to Figure 5 the pixel array portion 110d, wherein a first connection shape in which a first transmission control signal line, a second transmission control signal line, a third transmission control signal line, and a fourth transmission control signal line (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4) are respectively connected to first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in a first pixel group (PG1) and a second connection shape in which the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the third transmission control signal line, and the fourth transmission control signal line (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4) are respectively connected to second unit pixels (PX2a, PX, PX2c, PX2d) included in a second pixel group (PG2) may be the same as Figure 2 the shape of

[0176] A fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) may be connected to any one of third unit pixels (PX3b, PX3d) located to the right of the center of a third pixel group (PG3), and another third unit pixel (PX3d) among the third unit pixels (PX3b, PX3d) located to the right of the center of the third pixel group (PG3) may be connected to a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6).

[0177] The fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) may be connected to any one of two fourth unit pixels (PX4c, PX4d) included in a fourth pixel group (PG4) positioned in a row direction with respect to a third pixel group (PG3) and simultaneously below the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4), and the other fourth unit pixel (PX4c) of the two fourth unit pixels (PX4c, PX4d) below the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) may be connected to a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6).

[0178] Any one of two third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3c) to the left of the center of a third pixel group (PG3) may be connected to a seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7), and the other third unit pixel (PX3c) of the two third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3c) to the left of the center of the third pixel group (PG3) may be connected to an eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8).

[0179] The seventh transmission control signal line (TCL7) may be connected to any one of two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4b) included in a fourth pixel group (PG4) in contact with the third pixel group (PG3) in a row direction (ROW) and simultaneously above the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4). The eighth transmission control signal line (TCL8) may be connected to the other fourth unit pixel (PX4b) of the two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4b) above the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4).

[0180] According to another embodiment of the disclosed technology, when a first transmission control signal having an active voltage level is provided to a first transmission control signal line (TCL1) and a second transmission control signal having an active voltage level is provided to a second transmission control signal line (TCL2), a first transmission transistor included in two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) included in a first pixel group (PG1) may be activated. Here, the two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) may be above the center of the first pixel group (PG1). At this time, two second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) to the left of the center of a second pixel group (PG2) included in the second pixel group (PG2) may be activated simultaneously.

[0181] When a first transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a first transmission control signal line (TCL1) and a second transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a second transmission control signal line (TCL2), a fifth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level can be provided to a fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5), and a sixth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level can be provided to a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6).

[0182] When a fifth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5) and a sixth transmission control signal having an activation voltage level is provided to a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6), third transmission transistors included in two third unit pixels (PX3b, PX3d) among the third unit pixels included in a third pixel group (PG3) can be activated. Here, the two third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) can be located on the right side of the center of the third pixel group (PG3). At this time, two fourth unit pixels (PX4c, PX4d) located below the center of a fourth pixel group (PG4) among the fourth unit pixels included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) can be activated simultaneously.

[0183] A row driver 150 included in an image sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology can simultaneously provide transmission control signals having an activation voltage level through a first transmission control signal line (TCL1), a second transmission control signal line (TCL2), a fifth transmission control signal line (TCL5), and a sixth transmission control signal line (TCL6). As a result, the row driver 150 can simultaneously obtain pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center of each pixel group (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4), pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX4c, PX4d) located below the center of each pixel group, pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) located on the left side of the center of each pixel group, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels (PX3b, PX4d) located on the right side of the center of each pixel group.

[0184] As Figure 1 shown, pixel signals output from two unit pixels located above the center of an arbitrary pixel group can be referred to as first-phase signals, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels located below the center of an arbitrary pixel group can be referred to as third-phase signals. Additionally, pixel signals output from two unit pixels located on the left side of the center of an arbitrary pixel group can be referred to as second-phase signals, and pixel signals output from two unit pixels located on the right side of the center of an arbitrary pixel group can be referred to as fourth-phase signals.

[0185] The image sensor 100 may include a transmission control signal line commonly connected to unit pixels included in different pixel groups and located in different rows, such that a first phase signal, a second phase signal, a third phase signal, and a fourth phase signal can be obtained at the same time point.

[0186] The processor 200 may generate phase data of an object (S) based on the first phase signal, the second phase signal, the third phase signal, and the fourth phase signal acquired at the same time point.

[0187] Figures 2 to 5 The connection layout between the illustrated transmission control signal line and the unit pixels is merely an example, and any connection layout capable of obtaining four different phase signals from four pixel groups (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4) may be included in the technical idea of the disclosed technology.

[0188] In some implementations, Figures 2 to 5 the shape of the pixel array portions (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) shown in may be repeated throughout the pixel array 110.

[0189] Figure 6 is an example of Figure 2 a circuit diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the first pixel group PG1 shown in.

[0190] Referring to Figure 6 , the four first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in the first pixel group (PG1) may each include a first photoelectric conversion element (PD1a, PD1b, PD1c, PD1d).

[0191] In some implementations, the first photoelectric conversion elements (PD1a, PD1b, PD1c, PD1d) may be respectively connected to first transfer transistors (TX1a, TX1b, TX1c, TX1d).

[0192] The first transfer control signal to the fourth transfer control signal (TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4) may be respectively provided to the first transfer transistors (TX1a, TX1b, TX1c, TX1d) through the transmission control signal line.

[0193] The first unit pixel (PX1a) located at the first row and first column position of the first pixel group (PG1) may include a first transfer transistor (TX1a) provided with the first transfer control signal (TS1). The gate electrode of the first transfer transistor (TX1a) provided with the first transfer control signal (TS1) may be connected to the first transmission control signal line TCL1 (see Figure 2)。The first unit pixel (PX1a) located at the first row and first column position of the first pixel group (PG1) may include a first photoelectric conversion element (PD1a).

[0194] The first unit pixel (PX1b) located at the first row and second column position of the first pixel group (PG1) may include a first transfer transistor (TX1b) provided with a second transfer control signal (TS2). The gate electrode of the first transfer transistor (TX1b) provided with the second transfer control signal (TS2) may be connected to the second transfer control signal line TCL2 (see Figure 2 )。The first unit pixel (PX1b) located at the first row and second column position of the first pixel group (PG1) may include a first photoelectric conversion element (PD1b).

[0195] The first unit pixel (PX1c) located at the second row and first column position of the first pixel group (PG1) may include a first transfer transistor (TX1c) provided with a third transfer control signal (TS3). The gate electrode of the first transfer transistor (TX1c) provided with the third transfer control signal (TS3) may be connected to the third transfer control signal line TCL3 (see Figure 2 )。The first unit pixel (PX1c) located at the second row and first column position of the first pixel group (PG1) may include a first photoelectric conversion element (PD1c).

[0196] The first unit pixel (PX1d) located at the second row and second column position of the first pixel group (PG1) may include a first transfer transistor (TX1d) provided with a fourth transfer control signal (TS4). The gate electrode of the first transfer transistor (TX1d) provided with the fourth transfer control signal (TS4) may be connected to the fourth transfer control signal line TCL4 (see Figure 2 )。The first unit pixel (PX1d) located at the second row and second column position of the first pixel group (PG1) may include a first photoelectric conversion element (PD1d).

[0197] Each of the first transfer transistors (TX1a, TX1b, TX1c, TX1d) has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first photoelectric conversion elements (PD1a, PD1b, PD1c, PD1d) may be connected to the first terminals of the first transfer transistors (TX1a, TX1b, TX1c, TX1d), and the first floating diffusion region (FD1) may be connected to the second terminals of the first transfer transistors (TX1a, TX1b, TX1c, TX1d). The first floating diffusion region (FD1) may be commonly connected to the four first transfer transistors (TX1a, TX1b, TX1c, TX1d).

[0198] Based on the voltage levels of the first transfer control signal to the fourth transfer control signal (TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4) respectively applied to the first transfer transistors (TX1a, TX1b, TX1c, TX1d), photo charges can move from the first photoelectric conversion elements (PD1a, PD1b, PD1c, PD1d) to the first floating diffusion region (FD1).

[0199] The first floating diffusion region (FD1) can be connected to one terminal of the first reset transistor (RX1). The pixel voltage (VDD) can be connected to the other terminal of the first reset transistor (RX1), and the reset operation of the first pixel group (PG1) can be performed according to the voltage level of the first reset control signal (RS1).

[0200] The first floating diffusion region (FD1) can be connected to the gate electrode of the first driving transistor (DX1). The voltage of the first floating diffusion region (FD1) can be amplified by the first driving transistor (DX1).

[0201] The first selection transistor (SX1) in contact with one side of the first driving transistor (DX1) can determine whether to output a pixel signal (V pixel_out ) corresponding to the change in the voltage amplified by the first driving transistor (DX1). Whether to output the pixel signal (V pixel_out ) can be determined according to the voltage level of the first selection control signal (SS1).

[0202] For the first mode in which the processor 200 generates phase difference data, each of the first transfer control signal (TS1) and the second transfer control signal (TS2) can have an active voltage level.

[0203] At this time, photo charges can move from the first photoelectric conversion element (PD1a) included in the first unit pixel (PX1a) located at the first row and first column position of the first pixel group (PG1) toward the first floating diffusion region (FD1). Photo charges can move from the first photoelectric conversion element (PD1b) included in the first unit pixel (PX1b) located at the first row and second column position of the first pixel group (PG1) toward the first floating diffusion region (FD1).

[0204] In this implementation, the photo charges generated in the two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center of the first pixel group (PG1) can move to the first floating diffusion region (FD1).

[0205] The optical charges corresponding to two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center of the first pixel group (PG1) can be moved to the first floating diffusion region (FD1), and can be output as a pixel signal (V pixel_out ) after passing through the first driving transistor (DX1) and the first selection transistor (SX1).

[0206] The first floating diffusion region FD1 is provided with the optical charges corresponding to two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) located above the center of the first pixel group PG1, and can output a pixel signal (V pixel_out ) through the first driving transistor DX1 and the first selection transistor SX.

[0207] At this time, the output pixel signal can be a first-phase signal output from a pair of two unit pixels located above the center of the pixel group.

[0208] For the second mode in which the processor 200 generates image data, each of the first transfer control signal (TS1), the second transfer control signal (TS2), the third transfer control signal (TS3), and the fourth transfer control signal (TS4) can have an active voltage level.

[0209] At this time, the optical charges can move from the first photoelectric conversion elements (PD1a, PD1b, PD1c, PD1d) respectively included in the first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in the first pixel group (PG1) toward the first floating diffusion region (FD1).

[0210] The optical charges corresponding to all the first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in the first pixel group (PG1) can be moved to the first floating diffusion region (FD1), and can be output as a pixel signal (V pixel_out ) after passing through the first driving transistor (DX1) and the first selection transistor (SX1).

[0211] At this time, the output pixel signal can be a signal corresponding to the incident light that has passed through the filter CF1 (see Figure 2 ) included in the first pixel group (PG1). In other words, the pixel array 110 can output a signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident light whose wavelength has been selectively transmitted by the filter as a pixel signal.

[0212] The processor 200 can calculate the color data of each pixel (or pixel group) based on the output pixel signal, and can generate image data based on the color data of each pixel or the color data of each pixel group.

[0213] Figure 7 is a timing chart illustrating operations of transmission control signals provided to Figure 2 the pixel array shown.

[0214] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 2 and Figure 7 to describe Figure 2 operations of the pixel array portion 110a shown.

[0215] Figure 7 shows activation time points of the first through eighth transmission control signals (TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4, TS5, TS6, TS7, TS8) provided to Figure 2 the pixel array portion 110a shown via transmission control signal lines (TCL1, TCL2, TCL3, TCL4, TCL5, TCL6, TCL7, TCL8).

[0216] During a period from a first time point (T1) to a second time point (T2), the first through eighth transmission control signals (TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4, TS5, TS6, TS7, TS8) may have an activation voltage level (e.g., logic high).

[0217] Each of the first time point T1 to the second time point T2 may be a reset time point. Since the first reset control signal RS1 (see Figure 6 ) has an activation level, a reset transistor (e.g., Figure 6 RX1 of

[0218] may perform a reset operation at each of the first time point T1 and the second time point T2.

[0219] After the reset operation, the first through eighth transmission control signals (TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4, TS5, TS6, TS7, TS8) may have a deactivation voltage level (e.g., logic low) until reaching a third time point (T3).

[0220] At this time, unit pixels included in the pixel array 110 may receive incident light, and may generate photo charges corresponding to the incident light in a photoelectric conversion region included in each unit pixel.

[0221] During a period from the third time point (T3) to the fourth time point (T4), some of the transmission control signals may selectively have an activation voltage level (e.g., logic high). [[ID=X]]

[0222] For example, during the time period from the third time point (T3) to the fourth time point (T4), each of the first transmission control signal (TS1), the second transmission control signal (TS2), the seventh transmission control signal (TS7), and the eighth transmission control signal (TS8) may have an active voltage level (e.g., logic high).

[0223] When some of the transmission control signals selectively have an active voltage level, the photo charges generated by the unit pixels located on one side with respect to the center of the pixel group may move to the floating diffusion regions included in the pixel group.

[0224] In some implementations, when the first transmission control signal (TS1), the second transmission control signal (TS2), the seventh transmission control signal (TS7), and the eighth transmission control signal (TS8) have an active voltage level, the photo charges generated by the two first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b) among the first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in the first pixel group (PG1) that are above the center of the first pixel group (PG1) may move to the first floating diffusion region included in the first pixel group (PG1), and the photo charges generated by the two second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2c) among the second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2b, PX2c, PX2d) included in the second pixel group (PG2) that are to the left of the center of the second pixel group (PG2) may move to the second floating diffusion region included in the second pixel group (PG2).

[0225] In some implementations, the photo charges generated by the two third unit pixels (PX3c, PX3d) among the third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3b, PX3c, PX3d) included in the third pixel group (PG3) that are below the center of the third pixel group (PG3) may move to the third floating diffusion region included in the third pixel group (PG3), and the photo charges generated by the two fourth unit pixels (PX4b, PX4d) among the fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4b, PX4c, PX4d) included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) that are to the right of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) may move to the fourth floating diffusion region included in the fourth pixel group (PG4).

[0226] Accordingly, the corresponding pixel groups (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4) may output phase signals corresponding to different phases as pixel signals.

[0227] The processor 200 is capable of quickly generating phase data based on the phase signals without additional operations to obtain the phase signals.

[0228] After the phase data is generated, the first through eighth transmission control signals (TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4, TS5, TS6, TS7, TS8) may have a deactivated voltage level (e.g., logic low) until reaching the fifth time point (T5).

[0229] During the time period from the fifth time point (T5) to the sixth time point (T6), each of the third through sixth transmission control signals (TS3, TS4, TS5, TS6) may have an activated voltage level (e.g., logic high).

[0230] The time period from the fifth time point (T5) to the sixth time point (T6) may be an operation time for outputting a phase signal that is opposite to the corresponding phase signal output during the time period from the third time point (T3) to the fourth time point (T4).

[0231] When the third transmission control signal (TS3), fourth transmission control signal (TS4), fifth transmission control signal (TS5), and sixth transmission control signal (TS6) have an activated voltage level, the optical charges generated by two first unit pixels (PX1c, PX1d) among the first unit pixels (PX1a, PX1b, PX1c, PX1d) included in the first pixel group (PG1) that are located below the center of the first pixel group (PG1) may move to the first floating diffusion region included in the first pixel group (PG1), and the optical charges generated by two second unit pixels (PX2b, PX2d) among the second unit pixels (PX2a, PX2b, PX2c, PX2d) included in the second pixel group (PG2) that are located to the right of the center of the second pixel group (PG2) may move to the second floating diffusion region included in the second pixel group (PG2).

[0232] In addition, the optical charges generated by two third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3b) among the third unit pixels (PX3a, PX3b, PX3c, PX3d) included in the third pixel group (PG3) that are located above the center of the third pixel group (PG3) may move to the third floating diffusion region included in the third pixel group (PG3), and the optical charges generated by two fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4c) among the fourth unit pixels (PX4a, PX4b, PX4c, PX4d) included in the fourth pixel group (PG4) that are located to the left of the center of the fourth pixel group (PG4) may move to the fourth floating diffusion region included in the fourth pixel group (PG4).

[0233] The interval from the fifth time point (T5) to the sixth time point (T6) can be substantially the same as the interval from the third time point (T3) to the fourth time point (T4). In other words, the time required to output a pair of phase signals corresponding to each other can be the same.

[0234] An image sensing device according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can obtain a total of four pairs of phase signals through two-phase signal output operations.

[0235] Additionally, the processor 200 can generate image data for each pixel group by summing a pair of phase signals corresponding to the optical charge generated by each pixel group.

[0236] It is apparent from the above description that an image sensing device according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can generate image data and phase data based on pixel signals output from a pixel array.

[0237] An image sensing device according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can generate phase data based on pixel signals output from a pixel array, and can use the generated phase data to perform a phase difference detection autofocus (PDAF) function.

[0238] Furthermore, an image sensing device according to some implementations of the disclosed technology can simplify the readout operation by adjusting the layout structure of transmission control signal lines connected to unit pixels included in the pixel array.

[0239] Embodiments of the disclosed technology can provide various effects that can be directly or indirectly recognized through the above patent documents.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed technology can be implemented in other specific ways different from the ways described herein. Additionally, claims not explicitly set forth in the appended claims can be presented as combinations of embodiments, or included as new claims through subsequent amendments after the filing of the application.

[0241] Although multiple exemplary embodiments have been described, it should be understood that modifications and enhancements to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, can be conceived based on the content described and / or illustrated in this patent document.

[0242] Cross - reference to related applications

[0243] This patent document claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0016191, filed on February 1, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as part of the disclosure of this patent document.

Claims

1. An image sensing device, the image sensing device comprising: A first pixel group, the first pixel group being formed to include a plurality of first unit pixels arranged in a row direction and a column direction, the first unit pixels respectively responding to incident light and generating first pixel signals; A second pixel group, the second pixel group being disposed adjacent to the first pixel group in the row direction and including a plurality of second unit pixels arranged in the row direction and the column direction, the second unit pixels respectively responding to incident light and generating second pixel signals; A first transmission control signal line, the first transmission control signal line being connected to any one of the first unit pixels of the first pixel group located in a first direction with respect to the center of the first pixel group, and being connected to any one of the second unit pixels of the second pixel group located in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; And A second transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line being connected to the remaining one of the first unit pixels of the first pixel group located in the first direction, and being connected to the remaining one of the second unit pixels of the second pixel group located in the second direction.

2. The image sensing device according to claim 1, the image sensing device further comprising: A third transmission control signal line, the third transmission control signal line being connected to any one of the first unit pixels of the first pixel group located in a third direction opposite to the first direction, and being connected to any one of the second unit pixels of the second pixel group located in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction; And A fourth transmission control signal line, the fourth transmission control signal line being connected to the remaining one of the first unit pixels of the first pixel group located in the third direction, and being connected to the remaining one of the second unit pixels of the second pixel group located in the fourth direction.

3. The image sensing device according to claim 2, the image sensing device further comprising: A third pixel group, the third pixel group being disposed adjacent to the first pixel group in the column direction and including a plurality of third unit pixels, the third unit pixels respectively responding to incident light and generating third pixel signals; A fourth pixel group, the fourth pixel group being disposed adjacent to the third pixel group in the row direction and including a plurality of fourth unit pixels, the fourth unit pixels respectively responding to incident light and generating fourth pixel signals; And A fifth transmission control signal line, a sixth transmission control signal line, a seventh transmission control signal line, and an eighth transmission control signal line connected to the third unit pixels and the fourth unit pixels.

4. The image sensing device according to claim 3, the image sensing device further comprising: A processor that calculates image data based on pixel signals output from the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the third transmission control signal line, the fourth transmission control signal line, the fifth transmission control signal line, the sixth transmission control signal line, the seventh transmission control signal line, and the eighth transmission control signal line.

5. The image sensing device according to claim 3, wherein the fifth transmission control signal line is connected to any one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixels located in the first direction with respect to the center of the third pixel group, and is connected to any one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixels located in the second direction with respect to the center of the fourth pixel group, and the sixth transmission control signal line is connected to the remaining one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixels located in the first direction, and is connected to the remaining one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixels located in the second direction.

6. The image sensing device according to claim 5, the image sensing device further comprising: A processor that calculates phase data based on pixel signals output from the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the seventh transmission control signal line, and the eighth transmission control signal line.

7. The image sensing device according to claim 3, wherein the fifth transmission control signal line is connected to any one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixels located in the second direction with respect to the center of the third pixel group, and is connected to any one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixels located in the first direction with respect to the center of the fourth pixel group, and the sixth transmission control signal line is connected to the remaining one of the third unit pixels in the third unit pixels located in the second direction, and is connected to the remaining one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth unit pixels located in the first direction.

8. The image sensing device according to claim 7, the image sensing device further comprising: A processor that calculates phase data based on pixel signals output from the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an activation voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the seventh transmission control signal line, and the eighth transmission control signal line.

9. The image sensing device according to claim 3, wherein The fifth transmission control signal line is connected to any one of the third unit pixels in the third direction with respect to the center of the third pixel group, and is connected to any one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth direction with respect to the center of the fourth pixel group, and The sixth transmission control signal line is connected to the remaining one of the third unit pixels in the third direction, and is connected to the remaining one of the fourth unit pixels in the fourth direction.

10. The image sensing device according to claim 9, wherein the image sensing device further comprises: A processor that calculates phase data based on pixel signals output from the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an active voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the fifth transmission control signal line, and the sixth transmission control signal line.

11. The image sensing device according to claim 3, wherein The fifth transmission control signal line is connected to any one of the third unit pixels in the fourth direction with respect to the center of the third pixel group, and is connected to any one of the fourth unit pixels in the third direction with respect to the center of the fourth pixel group, and The sixth transmission control signal line is connected to the remaining one of the third unit pixels in the fourth direction, and is connected to the remaining one of the fourth unit pixels in the third direction.

12. The image sensing device according to claim 11, wherein the image sensing device further comprises: A processor that calculates phase data based on pixel signals output from the first pixel group, the second pixel group, the third pixel group, and the fourth pixel group in response to a transmission control signal having an active voltage level, the transmission control signal being provided through the first transmission control signal line, the second transmission control signal line, the fifth transmission control signal line, and the sixth transmission control signal line.

13. The image sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the image sensing device further comprises: A row driver that provides a transmission control signal having an active voltage level or a deactivated voltage level through each transmission control signal line.

14. The image sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the image sensing device further comprises: A first microlens disposed to overlap with the first pixel group; And A second microlens disposed to overlap with the second pixel group.

15. The image sensing device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the first unit pixels includes a first color filter, and Each of the second unit pixels includes a second color filter.

16. The image sensing device according to claim 15, wherein the image sensing device further comprises: a third pixel group, which is arranged adjacent to the first pixel group in the column direction and comprises a plurality of third unit pixels; and a fourth pixel group, which is arranged adjacent to the third pixel group in the row direction and comprises a plurality of fourth unit pixels, wherein, each of the third unit pixels comprises a third color filter, and each of the fourth unit pixels comprises the first color filter.

17. An image sensing device, comprising: a first pixel group, which comprises a plurality of first transfer transistors arranged in two rows and two columns; and a second pixel group, which comprises a plurality of second transfer transistors arranged in another two rows and another two columns and is arranged adjacent to the first pixel group in the row direction, wherein, in response to the activation of two first transfer transistors located in a first direction with respect to the center of the first pixel group, two second transfer transistors located in a second direction with respect to the center of the second pixel group are simultaneously activated, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

18. The image sensing device according to claim 17, wherein the image sensing device further comprises: a first microlens, which is arranged to overlap with the first pixel group, and a second microlens, which is arranged to overlap with the second pixel group.

19. The image sensing device according to claim 17, wherein the image sensing device further comprises: a third pixel group, which comprises a plurality of third transfer transistors and is arranged adjacent to the first pixel group in the column direction; and a fourth pixel group, which comprises a plurality of fourth transfer transistors and is arranged to contact the third pixel group in the row direction, wherein in response to the activation of two first transfer transistors located in the first direction, two third transfer transistors located in a third direction opposite to the first direction are simultaneously activated, and two fourth transfer transistors located in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction are simultaneously activated.

20. The image sensing device according to claim 17, wherein the image sensing device further comprises: a third pixel group, which comprises a plurality of third transfer transistors and is arranged to contact the first pixel group in the column direction; and a fourth pixel group, which comprises a plurality of fourth transfer transistors and is arranged to contact the third pixel group in the row direction, wherein, in response to the activation of two first transfer transistors located in the first direction, two third transfer transistors located in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction are simultaneously activated, and two fourth transfer transistors located in a third direction opposite to the first direction are simultaneously activated.

Images