Image Sensor Pixel Segmentation for Phase Detection and Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensing devices face challenges in supporting phase detection auto focus and high dynamic range functions simultaneously, as they often require separate control mechanisms and suffer from motion artifacts due to differing light transmittance in half-shading and normal pixels.
Innovation Solution
The proposed image sensing device incorporates a pixel array with half-shading and normal pixels, utilizing the same integration time for both, with an image processor that segregates pixel signals from different periods to calculate depth and generate high and low illumination images, respectively, thereby enabling phase detection auto focus and high dynamic range imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control mechanisms are used for half-shading and normal pixels, then phase detection auto focus and high dynamic range functions can be supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixel groups containing half-shading pixels and second pixel groups containing normal pixels. This segmentation allows independent control and processing of different pixel types, enabling both phase detection auto focus and high dynamic range functions simultaneously without requiring complex unified control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Half-shading pixels are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as normal pixels for high dynamic range imaging during the second period, and as phase detection pixels during the first period. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated pixels for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If different integration times are used for half-shading and normal pixels, then motion artifacts can be reduced, but measurement precision for phase detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by alternating between a first period for phase detection auto focus and a second period for high dynamic range imaging. During the first period, half-shading pixels are read out for phase detection with a first integration time. During the second period, both half-shading and normal pixels are read out with a second integration time. This temporal separation allows different integration times for different functions without compromising either phase detection precision or motion artifact reduction.
3Measurement precision
If half-shading pixels with green color filters are used, then phase detection accuracy is improved, but light transmittance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into first pixel groups with half-shading pixels (green color filters for phase detection) and second pixel groups with normal pixels (red or blue color filters for high dynamic range imaging). This spatial segmentation allows the green color filtered half-shading pixels to be dedicated to phase detection where high accuracy is critical, while normal pixels handle high dynamic range imaging where light transmittance is more important, thus resolving the contradiction between the two requirements.
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 configuration allows for improved accuracy in phase detection auto focus and the generation of high dynamic range images while minimizing motion artifacts, by leveraging the sensitivity of half-shading pixels with green color filters and the reduced light transmittance of normal pixels.
Implementation Method 1
Image sensing devices capture images using the property of a semiconductor which reacts to light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image sensing device including a first pixel group including at least one first half-shading pixel and at least one first normal pixel, and an image processor suitable for using a first pixel signal, which is generated from the first half-shading pixel during a first period, as phase information, and using a first pixel signal, which is generated from the first half-shading pixel during a second period, as dynamic range information.