Image Sensor Focusing Control via Micro-Lens Array Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in efficiently controlling focusing under varying light conditions, particularly in dark environments, where noise performance is compromised, and in bright conditions, where higher definition images are not effectively achieved without complex interpolation algorithms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an image sensor design with a photosensitive cell array, a filtering cell array, and a micro-lens array, where focusing photosensitive cells are covered by first micro-lenses and non-focusing cells by N*N second micro-lenses, allowing for focusing control by reading output values from specific pixel groups and generating phase values to adjust lens position for improved focusing speed and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image sensors use 16M structure with interpolation restoration algorithm to achieve higher definition images, then image definition is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor divides the photosensitive cell array into focusing photosensitive cells and non-focusing photosensitive cells. The focusing photosensitive cells are further divided into multiple photosensitive pixels that can be selectively read. This segmentation allows the system to obtain phase information directly from the divided pixel groups without requiring complex interpolation algorithms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining image definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary pixels (a part of the photosensitive pixels in focusing photosensitive cells) for focusing detection rather than processing all pixels. By reading output values of only a part of the photosensitive pixels as first output values and the remaining part as second output values, the system obtains sufficient phase information with reduced processing complexity, eliminating the need for complex interpolation restoration algorithms.
2Manufacturing precision
If image sensors use complex interpolation restoration algorithm to achieve higher definition images, then image definition is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-dividing the photosensitive cells into focusing and non-focusing cells during the sensor design phase. The focusing photosensitive cells are pre-configured with multiple photosensitive pixels that can be selectively read. This preliminary segmentation allows the system to directly obtain phase information without requiring time-consuming interpolation restoration algorithms during image processing, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining image definition.
3Measurement precision
If focusing control is implemented without preferential light gathering in center region, then device complexity is reduced, but focusing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring the micro-lens array with different lens types in different regions. First micro-lenses are positioned above the focusing photosensitive cells to gather light preferentially in the center region for accurate phase detection, while second micro-lenses cover the non-focusing photosensitive cells. This localized differentiation improves focusing accuracy in the critical center region without requiring complex modifications to the entire device structure.
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 design enhances focusing speed and image quality by preferentially gathering light in the center region, improving focusing accuracy and shooting effect without altering the ordinary photosensitive pixel structure, and simplifies phase focusing detection by using a cooperative design of micro-lens, filtering, and focusing cells.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens array, located above the filtering cell array, and including one or more first micro-lenses and a plurality of second micro-lenses
Implementation Method 2
a photosensitive cell array; Each of the focusing photosensitive cells may include a plurality of photosensitive pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor, a focusing control method, and an electronic device are disclosed. The image sensor includes: a photosensitive unit array, a filter unit array disposed above the photosensitive unit array, and a micro-lens array located above the filter unit array. The photosensitive cell array includes one or more focusing photosensitive cells and multiple non-focusing photosensitive cells. Each of the focusing photosensitive cells includes multiple photosensitive pixels. The micro-lens array includes one or more first micro-lenses and multiple second micro-lenses; wherein each of the focusing photosensitive cells is covered by a corresponding one of the first micro-lenses, and each of the non-focusing photosensitive cells is covered by N*N of the second micro-lenses; wherein N is a positive integer.