Common On-Chip Lens Layout for Stable Phase Difference Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses face challenges in correcting light condensing position shifts, particularly in phase difference pixels, which affect autofocus accuracy due to variations in the on-chip lens position, leading to errors in detected image plane phase difference and focal position detection.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a common on-chip lens that includes a non-condensing region in its central portion, allowing incident light to be condensed on peripheral pixels, thereby reducing the influence of light condensing shifts and improving sensitivity across the pixel array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an on-chip lens with an inclination component is used to correct shading, then sensitivity in peripheral pixels is improved, but light condensing position shifts occur when the lens position varies, causing errors in phase difference detection
Solution Approach 1:
The on-chip lens is divided into two functional regions: a non-condensing region in the central portion and a light condensing region in the peripheral portion. This segmentation allows different parts of the lens to serve different purposes - the central region provides a reference that is insensitive to position variations, while the peripheral region maintains light condensing capability for sensitivity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the on-chip lens are given different optical properties. The central region has a non-condensing characteristic that provides stability against position shifts, while the peripheral region has condensing properties that improve sensitivity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If a common on-chip lens is arranged in multiple pixels for pupil division, then device complexity is reduced, but light condensing shift errors affect all pixels equally, degrading autofocus accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The common on-chip lens is segmented into non-condensing and condensing regions, allowing it to simultaneously serve multiple pixels while providing a stable reference. This segmentation enables the lens to maintain its simplifying effect on device complexity while reducing the harmful impact of position variations on measurement precision.
3Productivity
If the on-chip lens condenses light strongly to improve sensitivity, then light condensing efficiency is improved, but the condensing position becomes highly sensitive to lens position variations, increasing measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the lens into non-condensing and condensing regions, the patent allows strong light condensing in the peripheral region for high efficiency, while the central non-condensing region provides a position-insensitive reference. This segmentation decouples the relationship between condensing strength and position sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions exhibit different light condensing characteristics - the peripheral region provides strong condensing for efficiency, while the central region provides weak or no condensing for position stability. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
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
The solution effectively reduces light condensing shift errors, enhancing the accuracy of focal position detection and image quality by widening the light condensing range and minimizing the impact of on-chip lens position variations.
Implementation Method 1
an on-chip lens that is arranged in common in the plurality of pixels, includes a non-condensing region in a central portion, and condenses the incident light on the plurality of pixels in a peripheral portion
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pixels performs photoelectric conversion of incident light from a subject to generate an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus that reduces the influence of light condensing shift is provided even in a case where the position of the on-chip lens of pixels or the like varies. The imaging apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of pixels and an on-chip lens. The pixel included in the imaging apparatus performs photoelectric conversion of incident light from a subject to generate an image signal. The on-chip lens included in the imaging apparatus is arranged in common in the plurality of pixels, includes the non-condensing region in the central portion, and condenses the incident light on the plurality of pixels in the peripheral portion.