Irregular Hexagonal Phase Difference Pixels for Image Sensor Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors with phase difference sensing pixels arranged in rectangular shapes face inefficiencies in phase difference sensing and have a high rate of failed pixels, which limits their ability to accurately and quickly sense phase differences in various positions from video information.
Innovation Solution
The image sensors incorporate phase difference sensing pixels arranged in irregular hexagonal shapes, allowing for improved phase difference sensing efficiency, reduced failed pixels, and increased planar space utilization, enabling more accurate and rapid phase difference sensing across multiple positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase difference sensing pixels are arranged in rectangular shapes, then the arrangement is simple and regular, but phase difference sensing efficiency is low and failed pixels occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from conventional rectangular pixel arrangements to irregular hexagonal arrangements. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the spatial distribution of phase difference sensing pixels, reducing failed pixels and improving sensing accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through periodic repetition patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by arranging pixels in hexagonal patterns that extend beyond traditional rectangular grid constraints. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization and better phase difference sensing coverage across the pixel array.
2Productivity
If phase difference sensing pixels are arranged in rectangular shapes, then the arrangement is easy to manufacture, but space utilization is low and sensing speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
By adopting hexagonal arrangements instead of rectangular grids, the patent achieves more efficient planar space utilization. The hexagonal pattern allows for denser pixel packing and better coverage of the pixel array area, thereby improving space utilization while enhancing sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of pixel arrangement from rectangular to hexagonal configurations. This parameter change optimizes the spatial distribution of pixels, enabling faster phase difference sensing by reducing the number of failed pixels and improving the overall sensing efficiency across the array.
3Measurement precision
If conventional rectangular pixel arrangements are used, then the structure is simple, but the number of failed pixels is high and sensing accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric hexagonal arrangements to improve measurement precision for phase difference sensing. The irregular hexagonal configuration optimizes the spatial relationships between pixels, reducing the occurrence of failed pixels and enhancing the accuracy of phase difference measurements compared to symmetric rectangular arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image sensor. The image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixel blocks. Each of the plurality of pixel blocks includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of phase difference sensing pixels. Each of the plurality of phase difference sensing pixels may be periodically repeatedly arranged in the pixel array in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.