Imaging Element Phase Difference Pixel Arrangement Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging elements face challenges in achieving high accuracy for phase difference detection pixels and autofocus performance due to high-density arrangement of phase difference detection pixels, which complicates average value interpolation, especially when the subject is a lateral line, and the separation of phase difference detection pixels with the same color filters leads to inaccurate phase difference AF.
Innovation Solution
The imaging element arranges phase difference detection pixels and normal pixels in a two-dimensional pattern with the first and second phase difference pixels adjacently positioned for pupil separation, and normal pixels are periodically arranged with color filters in a specific periodic arrangement, allowing for accurate interpolation and high spatial sampling frequency, enabling improved phase difference AF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase difference detection pixels are arranged at high density, then autofocus performance is improved, but correction accuracy for phase difference detection pixels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is divided into distinct regions: phase difference detection pixel rows and normal pixel rows. This segmentation allows phase difference pixels to be densely arranged for good AF performance while normal pixels provide sufficient surrounding pixels for accurate correction through average value interpolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the imaging element have different functions: phase difference detection pixel rows are optimized for autofocus with high density arrangement, while normal pixel rows are optimized for correction with sufficient surrounding pixels for interpolation. Each region has localized quality tailored to its specific purpose.
2Stability of the object's composition
If phase difference detection pixels with the same color filter are separated, then color arrangement is maintained, but phase difference AF accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal separation of phase difference pixels to vertical arrangement in alternating rows. Phase difference pixels and normal pixels are arranged in alternating rows, allowing phase difference pixels to be adjacent horizontally while maintaining color filter arrangement through vertical periodicity in the row structure.
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging element in which a plurality of phase difference detection pixels and a plurality of normal pixels for imaging are two-dimensionally arranged in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, the phase difference detection pixel includes a first phase difference pixel ZA and a second phase difference pixel ZB including opening portions for pupil separation at different positions in the horizontal direction. The first phase difference pixel ZA and the second phase difference pixel ZB are adjacently arranged to have the opening portions facing each other. RGB color filters are arranged in the plurality of normal pixels in the Bayer arrangement. The imaging element includes a normal pixel row in which only the normal pixel is arranged in the horizontal direction and a phase difference pixel row in which the first phase difference pixel ZA, the second phase difference pixel ZB, and one normal pixel are periodically arranged in the horizontal direction.