Phase Detection Pixel Arrangements for Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems with phase detection capabilities face challenges in spatial resolution, cost, and complexity due to the need for multiple image sensors and complex lens arrays, and suffer from optical crosstalk issues when phase detection pixels are arranged consecutively with the same color.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of phase detection pixel pairs with asymmetric angular responses and color filters that match the color filter pattern of the pixel array, allowing for scattered or stacked arrangements to minimize disruption of the color filter pattern and facilitate interpolation of phase detection pixel values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors and complex lens arrays are used to provide stereo and depth sensing capabilities, then depth sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines phase detection pixels with image pixels into a single sensor array, merging depth sensing and image capture functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate phase detection sensors and complex lens arrays, reducing device complexity while maintaining depth sensing capability through the dual-function pixel design
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array is designed to perform multiple functions: image pixels capture visual information while phase detection pixels measure depth information. This multi-functional approach allows a single sensor to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity and cost while preserving measurement precision
2Device complexity
If phase detection pixels are arranged consecutively in a line with the same color, then phase detection capability is simplified, but optical crosstalk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different color filters to different pixels within the array, creating local variation in optical properties. Phase detection pixels are assigned specific colors (e.g., red or blue) that differ from adjacent image pixels, which reduces optical crosstalk by filtering out wavelengths that would otherwise cause interference between neighboring pixels
3Ease of manufacture
If phase detection pixels all have the same color and are arranged consecutively, then manufacturing is simplified, but color filter pattern disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a color filter pattern where different pixels have different colors (e.g., red, green, blue arranged in a systematic pattern). This local differentiation maintains the regularity and integrity of the overall color filter pattern, enabling consistent optical performance across the sensor array while allowing phase detection pixels to be manufactured with specific color assignments
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 approach enhances the ability to determine phase differences for automatic focusing and depth sensing, reduces optical crosstalk, and maintains the integrity of the color filter pattern, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of image focusing and reconstruction processes.
Implementation Method 1
phase detection pixels for gathering phase information
Implementation Method 2
color filters that match the color filter pattern of the pixel array
Implementation Method 3
Each pixel receives incident photons (light) and converts the photons into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor may include a pixel array having image pixels for capturing image data and phase detection pixels for gathering phase information during automatic focusing operations. Phase detection pixels may form phase detection pixel pairs having first and second pixels with different angular responses. The first and second pixels may have color filters of the same color or may have color filters of different colors. The phase detection pixel pairs may be isolated from other phase detection pixel pairs in the array or may be arranged consecutively in a line. The phase detection pixels may, for example, be provided with color filters to match the color filter pattern of the pixel array. Processing circuitry may adjust red and green pixel signals from a phase detection pixel pair having a red and green color filter and may subsequently determine a phase difference using the adjusted pixel signals.