Imaging Element Pupil-Split Pixel Structure for Vertical Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging elements face challenges in efficiently performing focus detection, particularly in the vertical direction, due to limitations in phase difference detection performance and reading time, especially when high-speed reading is required.
Innovation Solution
The imaging element incorporates a configuration of microlenses and pupil-split light receiving portions, including first and second pixel portions, where the second pixel portions have a light receiving region and a non-light receiving region along the vertical direction, allowing for phase difference detection in both horizontal and vertical directions, and are strategically arranged to improve detection performance and reading efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pupil splitting is made in both horizontal and vertical directions to improve phase difference detection performance, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and reading time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is divided into multiple light receiving portions (first and second light receiving portions in horizontal direction, third and fourth light receiving portions in vertical direction) with different pupil splitting configurations. Each segment handles specific detection tasks, allowing comprehensive phase difference detection without requiring all portions to be fully functional simultaneously, thus reducing effective complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different light receiving portions have different functional characteristics - some are designed for horizontal phase difference detection while others are optimized for vertical detection. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve comprehensive detection capability while each portion remains structurally simple and dedicated to specific measurement tasks.
2Measurement precision
If more light receiving portions are added for vertical phase difference detection, then detection performance is improved, but reading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element provides more light receiving portions than minimally required for vertical phase difference detection. This excess capacity allows the system to perform comprehensive detection while maintaining the ability to read out data efficiently by selecting only the necessary portions for current detection needs, thus reducing effective reading time.
3Measurement precision
If pupil splitting is implemented in all pixel portions, then phase difference detection is improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is segmented into different pixel portions with different functional characteristics. First pixel portions have pupil splitting for focus detection, while second pixel portions have light receiving regions in both directions for maintaining image quality. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization for both detection accuracy and image quality without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the imaging element are assigned different functional qualities - some regions optimized for phase difference detection with pupil splitting, others optimized for image capture with complete light receiving areas. This local quality differentiation ensures that focus detection accuracy is improved in detection regions while image quality is maintained in imaging regions.
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 phase difference detection performance in the vertical direction, reduces reading time, and maintains image quality, even during high-speed reading, by allowing for efficient focus detection and improved focus positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of microlenses arranged in a first direction and a second direction
Implementation Method 2
each pixel portion includes a photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes microlenses, first pixel portions, and second pixel portions. The microlenses are arranged in first and second directions. The first and second pixel portions correspond to the microlenses. The first pixel portions include light receiving portions, which are pupil-split in the first direction. The second pixel portions include light receiving portions, which are pupil-split in the first direction. The light receiving portions include a light receiving region and a non-light receiving region along the second direction. The first pixel portions are arranged in the first direction and the second direction. The second pixel portions are substituted for some of the first pixel portions and are adjacently or discretely arranged in the second direction.