Imaging Device Shared Holding Section Phase-Difference Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging devices with phase-difference detection pixels and global shutter functions face image quality deterioration due to reduced light receiving areas and dynamic range, as well as a decrease in the number of pixels for image signal generation, leading to distorted images of moving objects.

Innovation Solution

The imaging device incorporates a holding section for the global shutter function in a light shielding area of phase-difference detection pixels, allowing for equal exposure timing across all pixels while maintaining a larger light receiving area for image generation pixels, and alternately arranges image generation and phase-difference detection pixels to optimize pixel placement and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a holding section is provided in each pixel for global shutter function, then exposure timing of all pixels can be made equal, but the light receiving area of each pixel decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure timing uniformityVSAvoidlight receiving area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding section is shared between adjacent pixels. Specifically, the holding section of the first pixel and the holding section of the second pixel are merged into a single shared holding section, allowing both pixels to utilize the same holding capacity without requiring separate holding sections for each pixel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared holding section serves multiple functions: it acts as the holding section for the first pixel, the holding section for the second pixel, and simultaneously as the light receiving area for the third pixel. This multi-functional design maximizes the utilization of pixel areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If phase-difference detection pixels are provided, then in-focus determination can be performed, but the number of pixels for image signal generation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvein-focus determination precisionVSAvoidnumber of image generating pixels

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel array is segmented into different functional types: image generation pixels and phase-difference detection pixels. By strategically arranging these different types of pixels throughout the array, the system can perform both image capture and focus detection functions simultaneously without requiring all pixels to serve dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different functional characteristics. Some pixels are optimized for image signal generation while others are optimized for phase-difference detection, allowing each pixel type to perform its specialized function with optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If holding section area is increased to maintain light receiving area, then image quality can be maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpixel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Adjacent pixels share common holding sections, reducing the total number of holding section structures required. This sharing approach maintains adequate holding capacity while simplifying the overall device architecture compared to having dedicated holding sections for each pixel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding section extends into the longitudinal direction (depth dimension) rather than solely occupying planar area. By utilizing the longitudinal dimension, the holding section can provide sufficient capacity without increasing the lateral footprint, thereby maintaining image quality while controlling structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces image quality deterioration, enhances the precision of in-focus determination, and maintains a higher number of phase-difference detection pixels, thereby improving image quality and precision in capturing moving objects.

Implementation Method 1

a light receiving element generating a signal for generating an image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8749695B2Imaging device and imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An imaging device includes: an image generation pixel including a light receiving element generating a signal for generating an image; a phase-difference detection pixel including a light receiving element generating a signal for performing in-focus determination by phase difference detection; and a holding section holding the signal generated by the light receiving element in the image generation pixel and disposed in an area where subject light is shielded by a light shielding layer in the phase-difference detection pixel.