Image Sensor With Segmented Pixel Regions for Mode Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors lack the ability to dynamically adjust their operation based on different shooting modes, limiting their versatility and image quality in various applications.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design featuring a central region with smaller pixels and a peripheral region with larger pixels, where the pixels in each region operate differently depending on the shooting mode, allowing for combination or individual operation to adjust image resolution and quality accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pixel size is used across the entire image sensor, then manufacturing is simplified and cost is reduced, but the ability to capture different shooting modes with optimal image quality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two distinct regions: a first region with first pixels of a first size and a second region with second pixels of a second size. This segmentation allows different parts of the sensor to be optimized for different shooting modes, with the central region capturing detailed close-up shots and the peripheral region capturing wide-angle scenes, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor are assigned different pixel sizes according to their specific functional requirements. The first region uses smaller pixels optimized for high-resolution close-up capture, while the second region uses larger pixels optimized for low-light and wide-angle capture. This local differentiation enables the sensor to adapt to various shooting modes without requiring a completely different sensor design for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are mounted to support various shooting modes, then shooting mode versatility is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating two types of pixels with different sizes. The sensor can switch between capturing images using only the first pixels, only the second pixels, or both regions together, effectively replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate camera modules. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device area while maintaining shooting mode versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor merges two different pixel types (first pixels and second pixels) into a single sensor array, allowing them to work together or independently based on the shooting mode requirements. This combining approach enables the device to achieve the functionality of multiple cameras while using a single sensor unit, thereby reducing device area and complexity.
3Reliability
If larger pixels are used throughout the sensor, then low-light performance is improved, but resolution and detail capture in well-lit conditions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into regions with different pixel sizes: smaller first pixels for high-resolution detail capture in well-lit conditions, and larger second pixels for improved low-light performance. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate pixel type based on lighting conditions, resolving the contradiction between resolution and low-light performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor are optimized for different lighting conditions through local quality differentiation. The first pixels with smaller size provide higher resolution for detail-oriented photography in good lighting, while the second pixels with larger size provide better light-gathering capability for low-light scenarios, allowing each region to excel at its intended function.
4Measurement precision
If smaller pixels are used throughout the sensor, then resolution is improved, but low-light performance and depth of field control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor divides the pixel array into two types: smaller first pixels optimized for high resolution and larger second pixels optimized for low-light performance. This segmentation enables the system to use the appropriate pixel type depending on the shooting conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between resolution and low-light performance that would exist if only one pixel size were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor applies local quality optimization by assigning different pixel sizes to different regions based on their intended use. The first pixels provide high resolution for detail capture, while the second pixels provide superior low-light performance, allowing the sensor to adapt to various shooting conditions without compromising either resolution or low-light 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
Enables flexible operation modes to produce high-resolution images for specific areas or low-resolution images for larger scenes, enhancing user satisfaction and reducing the need for multiple cameras by adapting to different shooting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first pixel can include a single photodiode and a single lens over the single photo diode. The second pixel can include plural photo diodes and a single lens over the plural photo diodes.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a pixel array including a central region in which plural first pixels output first pixel information and a peripheral region in which plural second pixels output second pixel information, the peripheral region surrounding the central region. A size of a second pixel, of the plural second pixels, is 4n times greater than that of a first pixel, of the plural first pixels, n being an integer.