Auto-Focus Pixel Array Layout for Multi-Directional AF Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in performing auto-focus (AF) functions quickly and efficiently in both vertical and horizontal directions, limiting their ability to capture images accurately and rapidly.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor incorporates a pixel array with two groups of pixels, each oriented in different directions, receiving the same transmission control signals, allowing simultaneous auto-focus operations in both directions through phase signals from first and second AF pixels, enhancing focus detection and distance measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single group of AF pixels is used for auto-focus, then the device complexity is low, but the AF speed and accuracy in multiple directions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into multiple groups, where each group contains AF pixels with photodiodes arranged in specific directions. The first group has photodiodes arranged in a first direction, the second group has photodiodes arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This segmentation enables simultaneous AF operations in both vertical and horizontal directions, significantly improving AF speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple groups of AF pixels with different orientations are implemented, then multi-directional AF capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple groups of AF pixels are implemented within the same pixel array, where each group serves a specific directional function. The first group with photodiodes in the first direction handles AF in one orientation, while the second group with photodiodes in the perpendicular second direction handles AF in another orientation. This multi-functional design enables the pixel array to perform auto-focus operations in multiple directions simultaneously, greatly enhancing adaptability and versatility without requiring separate dedicated pixel arrays for each direction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables high-speed auto-focus operations in both vertical and horizontal directions, improving image capture accuracy and speed by utilizing phase signals from multiple AF pixels, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel in the pixel array may include a photodiode. A photodiode may react according to the intensity of light reflected from an object
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor including: a pixel array including first and second pixel groups, each of the first and second pixel groups includes of pixels arranged in rows and columns; and a row driver configured to provide transmission control signals to the pixel array, the first pixel group includes a first auto-focus (AF) pixel including photodiodes arranged in a first direction, the pixels of the first pixel group output a pixel signal through a first column line, and the second pixel group includes a second AF pixel including photodiodes arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the pixels of the second pixel group output a pixel signal through a second column line, and the first AF pixel of the first pixel group and the second AF pixel of the second pixel group receive same transmission control signals.