Image Sensor Phase Detection Pixels Near-Infrared Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors require complex arrangements and additional components to achieve both visible light and near-infrared sensitivity, as well as depth sensing capabilities, leading to increased cost, complexity, and reduced spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
The development of image sensors with phase detection pixel groups and light-scattering structures that provide both visible light and near-infrared sensitivity, along with depth sensing capabilities, using asymmetric angular responses and microlens arrangements to enhance sensitivity and reduce complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use a physically moveable IR filter to obtain near-infrared and visible light sensitivity, then both spectral sensitivities can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of visible light detection and near-infrared detection into a single integrated image sensor array. Different pixel types (first photodiodes for visible light, second photodiodes for near-infrared) are combined in the same sensor array, eliminating the need for separate sensors or moveable filters. This integration directly reduces device complexity while maintaining spectral versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed with multi-functional pixels that can detect different wavelengths of light. By incorporating both visible light-sensitive photodiodes and near-infrared-sensitive photodiodes in the same sensor array, the device achieves universal spectral response without requiring additional components or complex mechanical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors and camera lenses are used to capture images from various viewpoints for depth sensing, then depth sensing capability is achieved, but spatial resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines depth sensing functionality with the standard image sensor array by incorporating phase detection pixels alongside regular imaging pixels. This integration allows depth information to be extracted from the same sensor that captures high-resolution images, avoiding the need for separate depth sensors or additional lenses that would compromise spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds depth sensing capability in a new dimension by utilizing phase detection pixels that measure light phase differences. This approach extracts depth information from the temporal phase domain rather than requiring additional spatial dimensions (multiple sensors or lenses), thereby maintaining high spatial resolution while achieving depth sensing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lenticular arrays are added to focus incident light on sub-regions of a two-dimensional pixel array for depth sensing, then depth sensing is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges depth sensing functionality directly into the pixel array by implementing phase detection pixels alongside standard imaging pixels. This integration eliminates the need for separate lenticular arrays or additional optical components, reducing device complexity while maintaining depth sensing capability.
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 solution enables efficient automatic focusing and depth sensing while maintaining high spatial resolution and reducing costs by integrating phase detection and near-infrared sensitivity within a single image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
The image pixels contain a photodiode for generating charge in response to light
Implementation Method 2
light-scattering structures that provide both visible light and near-infrared sensitivity
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system may include an image sensor with phase detection pixel groups for depth sensing or automatic focusing operations. Each phase detection pixel group may have two or more photosensitive regions covered by a single microlens so that each photosensitive region has an asymmetric angular response. The image sensor may be sensitive to both near-infrared (NIR) and visible light. Each phase detection pixel group may be designed to include light-scattering structures that increase NIR sensitivity while minimizing disruptions of phase detection and visible light performance. Deep trench isolation may be formed between adjacent photosensitive areas within the phase detection pixel group. The light-scattering structures may have a non-uniform distribution to minimize disruptions of phase detection performance.