Micro Lens Height Layout for Focus Pixel Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in achieving improved image quality due to limitations in lens design and pixel arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor incorporates a specific arrangement of micro lenses, including an auto-focus lens, adjacent micro lenses, and standard micro lenses, with varying heights to optimize light reception and image focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all micro lenses have the same height, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the image quality and focus correction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different heights to micro lenses based on their specific functional requirements. The auto-focus lens has a greater height than standard micro lenses to enhance light reception and focus adjustment capability. This localized differentiation optimizes image quality in the focus pixel region without requiring all lenses to be complex, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If micro lenses are uniformly distributed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the light reception optimization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a differentiated lens arrangement where the auto-focus lens in the focus pixel region has distinct characteristics (greater height) compared to standard micro lenses in other regions. This localized optimization enhances light reception where needed without requiring complex arrangements across the entire sensor, balancing manufacturing simplicity with optical performance.
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 image quality by adjusting the light-receiving amount of micro lenses relative to the auto-focus lens, thereby improving focus correction and overall image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the unit pixel regions includes a photodiode, which is used to convert an incident light to an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
micro lenses provided on the color filters, respectively. The micro lenses may include an auto-focus lens on the focus pixel region
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a first substrate including a focus pixel region and pixel regions around the focus pixel region, each of the focus pixel region and the pixel regions including at least one photoelectric conversion region, color filters provided on the focus pixel region and the pixel regions, respectively, and on a first surface of the first substrate, and micro lenses provided on the color filters, respectively. The micro lenses include an auto-focus lens on the focus pixel region, a first micro lens adjacent to the auto-focus lens, and a standard micro lens spaced apart from the auto-focus lens.