Imaging Element Micro Lens Offset Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices with multiple photoelectric converting units sharing a micro lens suffer from reduced resolution due to spatial sampling limitations, which is not effectively addressed by current focus control methods like phase difference AF and stereoscopic imaging.
Innovation Solution
An imaging element configuration where each micro lens is shared by two photoelectric converting units, with odd-numbered and even-numbered pixel cell rows having micro lenses offset by half the arrangement pitch, allowing each micro lens to cover two photoelectric converting units detecting different colors, improving spatial sampling and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one micro lens is shared by two photoelectric converting units, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but resolution is lowered due to spatial sampling limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-to-one correspondence between micro lenses and photoelectric converting units to a many-to-one relationship where one micro lens serves two photoelectric converting units. This dimensional change in the mapping relationship allows reduced device complexity while maintaining acceptable sampling precision through the specific geometric arrangement of the shared micro lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each micro lens is designed to serve dual functionality by simultaneously focusing light onto two different photoelectric converting units. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of micro lenses required, simplifying the overall device structure while the specific arrangement ensures that spatial sampling requirements are met for both target units.
2Quantity of substance
If one micro lens is provided for two photoelectric converting units, then the number of micro lenses is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to reduced spatial sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the function of individual micro lenses across multiple photoelectric converting units. Instead of each micro lens serving only one unit, the system divides the optical coverage area so that one micro lens' focal area encompasses two photoelectric converting units, thereby reducing the total quantity of micro lenses while segmenting their functional responsibilities to maintain image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical paths from two photoelectric converting units into a single micro lens focal area. By combining the light gathering function for multiple units into one micro lens, the system reduces component quantity while the specific geometric arrangement ensures that image quality and spatial sampling are preserved through the merged optical pathway.
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 enhances the resolution of the imaging element, achieving equivalent or higher resolution compared to traditional Bayer-type imaging elements while enabling efficient phase difference AF and stereoscopic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first pixel cell which includes a photoelectric converting unit which detects red light, a second pixel cell which includes a photoelectric converting unit which detects green light, and a third pixel cell which includes a photoelectric converting unit which detects blue light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element having a plurality of pixel cells which is arranged in a row direction and a column direction which is perpendicular to the row direction in a lattice, in which two adjacent pixel cells which include photoelectric convening units which detect the same color light form a pair and the pairs are periodically arranged, in each of pixel cell rows in which pixel cells are arranged in the row direction, the micro lenses are arranged such that the micro lenses in odd-numbered pixel cell rows is off-centered in the row direction from the micro lenses in even-numbered pixel cell rows by a half of an arrangement pitch of the micro lenses, and each micro lens which is provided in at least one of the odd-numbered row and the even-numbered row is disposed over two photoelectric converting units which detect different color light.