Dual-Core Image Sensor White Filter Low-Light Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual Pixel Autofocus technology faces challenges in low light environments due to reduced light amount, making it difficult to perform focusing accurately and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A dual-core focusing image sensor with an array of photosensitive pixels, filter units, and micro lenses, where a white filter unit covers part of the focusing photosensitive unit, increasing light passage and improving focusing speed without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Dual Pixel Autofocus technology uses two photodiodes for each pixel, then focusing speed and range are improved, but light amount is reduced making it difficult to focus in low light environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the function of different pixels: most pixels use dual photodiodes for autofocus, while specific focusing pixels use a single photodiode with a white filter to maximize light intake. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each pixel type for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pixel array into different functional zones: regular pixels with dual photodiodes for standard autofocus operation, and dedicated focusing pixels with single photodiode and white filter for low-light focusing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain fast focusing performance while providing specialized pixels for challenging lighting conditions.
2Speed
If a white filter unit covers part of the focusing photosensitive unit, then light passage is increased improving focusing speed, but image quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel functionality by designating specific pixels as focusing pixels that are optimized for autofocus operations with white filters, while other pixels maintain full-color imaging capability. This segmentation ensures that image quality is preserved in non-focusing areas while focusing performance is enhanced in dedicated zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses interpolation algorithms to generate missing color information for pixels covered by white filters, effectively copying or reconstructing the color data that would otherwise be lost. This allows the system to maintain image quality by computationally recovering the color information that the white filter blocks from reaching the photodiode.
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
Enhances focusing speed and accuracy in low light environments while maintaining image quality by increasing light passage through the focusing pixels.
Implementation Method 1
an array of micro lenses arranged above the array of filter units... each first micro lens is corresponding to one focusing photosensitive unit
Implementation Method 2
an array of photosensitive pixels... each photosensitive pixel includes a first photodiode and a second photodiode
Implementation Method 3
a white filter unit covers part of the focusing photosensitive unit, increasing light passage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a dual-core focusing image sensor, a focusing control method for the same and an electronic device. The dual-core focusing image sensor includes an array of photosensitive pixels, an array of filter units arranged on the array of photosensitive pixels and an array of micro lenses arranged above the array of filter units. The array of micro lenses includes at least one first micro lens and a plurality of second micro lenses, each second micro lens is corresponding to one photosensitive pixel, each first micro lens is corresponding to one focusing photosensitive unit, each focusing photosensitive unit includes N∗N photosensitive pixels, and at least a part of the focusing photosensitive unit is covered by a white filter unit, where N is an even number greater than or equal to 2.