Solid State Imaging Device Phase Difference Detection Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid state imaging devices with phase difference pixels lacking a light blocking layer face challenges in maintaining uniform phase difference detection characteristics across varying image heights, as they cannot employ technologies that rely on light blocking layers.
Innovation Solution
A solid state imaging device with a pixel array unit where some pixels include two photoelectric conversion elements, with the center positions of their light receiving characteristic distributions kept consistent between the central and peripheral portions, allowing for uniform phase difference detection regardless of image height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light blocking layer is used to form phase difference pixels, then phase difference detection characteristics can be made uniform, but this approach cannot be applied to pixels that divide the light receiving region without a light blocking layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameters of photoelectric conversion elements within pixels to achieve uniform phase difference detection characteristics. Specifically, it adjusts the relative positions of first and second photoelectric conversion elements in phase difference pixels to compensate for image height variations, eliminating the need for light blocking layers while maintaining detection uniformity across different pixel types.
2Measurement precision
If the center positions of light receiving characteristic distributions are varied to compensate for image height, then phase difference detection uniformity is achieved, but this requires complex position adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different pixel types (imaging pixels, phase difference pixels, and stacked type phase difference pixels) with specific local position arrangements. Each pixel type has optimized local position configurations for its photoelectric conversion elements, allowing uniform phase difference detection across the entire sensor without requiring complex global adjustments.
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 ensures consistent phase difference detection accuracy across different image heights by maintaining the same centroid positions for the light receiving elements, thereby suppressing the degradation of phase difference detection characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a first photoelectric conversion element and a second photoelectric conversion element configured to receive and photoelectrically convert incident light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a solid state imaging device in which, in phase difference pixels that do not include a light blocking layer for forming a phase difference, the phase difference detection characteristics can be made uniform regardless of the image height. Provided is a solid state imaging device including a pixel array unit in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix configuration. Part of the pixels in the pixel array unit include a first photoelectric conversion element and a second photoelectric conversion element configured to receive and photoelectrically convert incident light. A center position of a light receiving characteristic distribution of the first photoelectric conversion element and a center position of a light receiving characteristic distribution of the second photoelectric conversion element are configured so as to be the same between a central portion and a peripheral portion of the pixel array unit.