Image Sensor Pixel Array Autofocusing Subgroup Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face challenges in providing accurate autofocusing and distance data while maintaining high sensitivity and resolution, particularly due to the need for separate photodiodes within each pixel, which complicates miniaturization and phase separation by light.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design includes a pixel array with unit pixels sharing a single microlens and color filters of the same color, arranged in a way that all pixel groups can generate autofocusing and distance data, using a control logic to group unit pixels into subgroups and adjust transfer transistor timings for each subgroup, allowing for effective phase separation and improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate photodiodes are used within each pixel for autofocusing and distance data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes all pixel groups capable of providing both image data and autofocusing/distance data by grouping unit pixels into subgroups with different transfer transistor timings. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated photodiodes, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision across all pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments unit pixels into first and second subgroups within each pixel group, with different transfer transistor drive timings. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of image data and autofocusing/distance data through phase separation by light, achieving accurate measurement without adding structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is pursued, then device size is reduced, but phase separation by light becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temporal dimension by driving transfer transistors of first and second subgroups at different timings. This time-based phase separation allows effective light phase differentiation even in miniaturized sensors where spatial separation is limited, maintaining measurement precision while enabling device miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically controls transfer transistor timing for different subgroups to achieve phase separation. This dynamic timing control enables effective phase separation by light in miniaturized sensors without requiring fixed spatial separation, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and measurement capability.
3Productivity
If all pixel groups generate images, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision for autofocusing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables all pixel groups to simultaneously provide both image data and autofocusing/distance data through subgroup segmentation and differential transfer timing. This universal functionality ensures that every pixel group contributes to both imaging and measurement, maintaining high productivity while ensuring accurate autofocusing data from all pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action through sequential drive timings of transfer transistors for first and second subgroups. This periodic timing control allows all pixel groups to generate image data while simultaneously providing autofocusing measurements, achieving both high productivity and measurement precision without conflict.
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 enables the generation of high-sensitivity images with accurate autofocusing and distance data across all pixels, facilitating miniaturization and enhanced phase separation by light, while maintaining high resolution and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pixel groups including a plurality of unit pixels arranged in the first direction and the second direction and sharing a single microlens
Implementation Method 2
Image sensors are semiconductor-based sensors configured to receive light and generate electrical signals based on the received light
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixel groups, each of the plurality of pixel groups including a plurality of unit pixels and sharing a single microlens, the plurality of unit pixels in each of the plurality of pixel groups including color filters of the same color, and a control logic configured to group the plurality of unit pixels of each of the plurality of pixel groups into a plurality of subgroups and to drive the pixel array for each subgroup. The plurality of subgroups include a first subgroup and a second subgroup. The control logic may be configured to obtain first image data corresponding to the first subgroup and second image data corresponding to the second subgroup, and the first subgroup and the second subgroup are provided with at least one unit pixel therebetween in the first direction or the second direction.