Phase Detection Pixels for Depth Sensing in Imaging Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems require complex arrangements and additional components to achieve depth sensing capabilities, leading to reduced spatial resolution, increased cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of phase detection pixel pairs with asymmetric angular responses and microlens arrangements, where each pixel is sensitive to light from one side of the lens, allowing for the determination of phase differences to adjust optics for focus, thereby enabling depth sensing without the need for multiple image sensors or complex lens arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors and camera lenses are used to achieve depth sensing capabilities, then depth sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines depth sensing functionality with standard image sensing by integrating phase detection pixels into the existing pixel array. These pixels share the same lens and sensor structure, merging two functions (depth sensing and image capture) into a single integrated system rather than using separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system achieves multiple functions (standard imaging and depth sensing) through a single unified structure. The phase detection pixels within the pixel array can operate for both autofocus/depth measurement and standard image capture, eliminating the need for dedicated depth sensing hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors and camera lenses are used to achieve depth sensing capabilities, then depth sensing capability is improved, but spatial resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging depth sensing pixels with standard image pixels in the same array, the system maintains the full spatial resolution of the original sensor while adding depth capability. The phase detection pixels utilize the same optical path and focusing mechanism as regular pixels, avoiding resolution degradation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lenticular arrays are added to focus incident light on sub-regions of a two-dimensional pixel array, then depth sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the depth sensing function from complex external optical components (lenticular arrays) and implements it directly within the pixel array through specialized phase detection pixels. This eliminates the need for additional optical elements while maintaining depth sensing capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional image sensors or complex lens arrays are added, then depth sensing capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges depth sensing and standard imaging into a single sensor array, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated manufacturing processes. This integration significantly reduces material costs, assembly complexity, and manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
A single pixel array performs both standard imaging and depth sensing functions, maximizing the utility of each manufactured component and eliminating redundant hardware that would otherwise need to be produced and assembled.
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 solution enhances imaging systems' ability to provide depth sensing capabilities while maintaining spatial resolution and reducing complexity and cost by using phase detection pixels to determine the necessary lens adjustments for focus, facilitating applications like automatic focusing and 3D imaging.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel is sensitive to light from one side of the lens
Implementation Method 2
Each pixel receives incident photons (light) and converts the photons into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device may include an image pixel array with pixels used to gather phase detection information. The pixels in the image pixel array may use a photosensitive region to generate charge during an integration period. During the integration period, certain pixels in the image pixel array may not be needed to gather phase detection information. These pixels may be electrically connected to a bias voltage supply line during the integration period so that any generated charge is drained to the bias voltage supply line. Draining charge in the unused pixels may prevent blooming that would compromise the phase detection information gathered by neighboring pixels.