Evenly Arranged Phase Detection Pixels in Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in achieving optimal image quality due to uneven arrangement of phase detection pixels, leading to increased crosstalk and reduced signal-to-noise ratio, which affects auto focusing and image resolution.
Innovation Solution
A pixel array with phase detection pixels evenly arranged across each color channel, minimizing crosstalk and enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio by ensuring a consistent number of phase detection pixels per color pixel, thereby improving imaging performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If phase detection pixels are discontinuously and irregularly arranged in the pixel array, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the crosstalk between pixels increases and the signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each pixel group contains a specific arrangement of color pixels and phase detection pixels. This segmentation allows for systematic organization of phase detection pixels in a regular pattern (e.g., every other pixel in alternating columns), reducing crosstalk while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
2Reliability
If phase detection pixels are evenly arranged in each color pixel, then the signal-to-noise ratio increases and crosstalk reduces, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different arrangements of phase detection pixels to different pixel groups or regions within the pixel array. Each pixel group maintains a consistent local pattern (e.g., specific columns containing phase detection pixels at regular intervals), which ensures uniform signal-to-noise ratio across the array while allowing flexibility in manufacturing by treating each pixel group as a repeatable unit.
3Device complexity
If phase detection pixels are irregularly arranged, then the device complexity is reduced, but the auto focusing performance and image resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that phase detection pixels are distributed uniformly across the pixel array with consistent spacing and arrangement patterns in each pixel group. This equipotential distribution of phase detection pixels throughout the array ensures uniform auto focusing performance and image resolution across all regions, eliminating performance variations that would result from irregular arrangements.
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
The even arrangement of phase detection pixels reduces crosstalk and increases the signal-to-noise ratio, leading to improved image quality and enhanced auto focusing capabilities in image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of color pixels configured to sense pieces of light having different wavelength bands
Data Source
AI summary
A pixel array includes a plurality of pixel groups. Each of the plurality of pixel groups includes a plurality of subpixels arranged in an M×N matrix, where M is a natural number equal to or greater than 2, and N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2, as well as a plurality of color pixels configured to sense pieces of light having different wavelength bands. Each of the plurality of color pixels includes a same number of phase detection pixels.