Image Sensor Micro-Lens Layout for Pixel Signal Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in compensating for differences in pixel signal intensities between adjacent pixels and normal pixels, leading to image deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design includes different sizes and/or areas of micro-lenses covering adjacent pixels and focus pixels, allowing for compensation of signal intensity differences between these pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If micro-lenses of the same size are used for all pixels, then manufacturing is simplified, but signal intensity differences between adjacent pixels and focus pixels cause image deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making micro-lenses adjacent to focus pixels have different areas compared to micro-lenses covering normal pixels. Specifically, micro-lenses covering adjacent pixels are designed with larger areas to compensate for their inherently lower signal intensity, while micro-lenses covering focus pixels have smaller areas. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring micro-lens properties to the specific signal characteristics of each pixel type, improving image quality without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If micro-lens areas are adjusted to compensate for signal intensity differences, then image quality improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the area parameter of micro-lenses based on their position relative to focus pixels. Micro-lenses covering adjacent pixels are designed with a first area, while micro-lenses covering focus pixels have a second area that is smaller than the first area. This parameter differentiation compensates for signal intensity variations and improves image quality. The complexity is managed by establishing clear design rules for area variation rather than requiring complex individual optimization of each micro-lens.
3Reliability
If adjacent pixels have smaller micro-lens areas, then signal intensity compensation is achieved, but light gathering capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively increasing the micro-lens area for adjacent pixels to compensate for their naturally lower signal intensity. Since adjacent pixels inherently receive less light or generate weaker signals compared to focus pixels, the larger micro-lens area serves as a pre-compensation mechanism that balances the signal levels across different pixel types before signal processing occurs, thereby achieving signal intensity uniformity across the image sensor.
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 effectively compensates for signal intensity differences, improving image quality by adjusting the micro-lens areas to match the varying signal strengths of adjacent and focus pixels.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensor generates an image of the object using a photoelectric conversion element that responds to an intensity of light reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
a first micro-lens covering the first adjacent pixel; a second micro-lens covering the second adjacent pixel, and an area of the first micro-lens is different from an area of the second micro-lens
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes different first and second focus pixels in a substrate; a first adjacent pixel in the substrate and adjacent to the first focus pixel in a positive first direction, a pixel being absent between the first focus pixel and the first adjacent pixel; a first micro-lens covering the first adjacent pixel; a second adjacent pixel in the substrate and adjacent to the second focus pixel in a positive first direction, a pixel being absent between the second focus pixel and the second adjacent pixel; and a second micro-lens covering the second adjacent pixel, and an area of the first micro-lens being different from an area of the second micro-lens.