Solid-State Imaging Pixel Projection Portion for Phase Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Solid-state imaging devices with two photoelectric conversion devices under a single on-chip lens face accuracy issues in phase difference detection due to output mixing, and physical separation units interfere with photoelectric conversion, reducing sensitivity and image quality.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state imaging device with a pixel array unit where inter-pixel separation and light blocking units protrude in a projecting shape to form a projection portion, improving phase difference detection accuracy while minimizing image degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a physical separation unit is provided between two photoelectric conversion devices, then output mixing is prevented and phase difference detection accuracy is improved, but the separation unit interferes with photoelectric conversion and reduces sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase difference detection accuracyVSAvoidphotoelectric conversion sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial separation by providing the separation unit only in specific regions where output mixing occurs, rather than completely separating the photoelectric conversion devices. This partial action prevents mixing while minimizing interference with photoelectric conversion, thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The separation unit is configured with specific local properties - it is provided only in regions where output mixing occurs between adjacent photoelectric conversion devices, and its shape and position are optimized to prevent mixing while minimizing interference with light reception. This localized approach resolves the contradiction by applying separation only where necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If a physical separation unit is provided between two photoelectric conversion devices, then output mixing is prevented, but light scattering occurs and spectral characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase difference detection accuracyVSAvoidlight scattering

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separation unit is designed with specific local characteristics - it is provided only in regions where output mixing occurs, and its shape (extending in one direction rather than fully surrounding) is optimized to minimize light scattering. This localized configuration prevents mixing while reducing harmful light scattering effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than providing complete physical separation, the patent uses partial separation with a separation unit that extends only in the direction where mixing occurs. This partial action is sufficient to prevent output mixing while minimizing light scattering and spectral characteristic deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If light-blocking pixels are arranged on the entire surface, then phase difference detection accuracy is improved, but the amount of light received by phase difference pixels is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase difference detection accuracyVSAvoidamount of light received

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies light blocking locally rather than globally - the separation unit is provided only between adjacent photoelectric conversion devices in regions where mixing occurs, rather than blocking light across the entire pixel surface. This localized approach prevents mixing while maximizing light reception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of complete light blocking across the entire pixel surface, the patent uses partial light blocking only where necessary to prevent output mixing. This partial action is sufficient to improve detection accuracy while minimizing the reduction in light received by the phase difference pixels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enhances phase difference detection accuracy while maintaining image quality by physically separating photoelectric conversion outputs and reducing light interference.

Implementation Method 1

a part of at least one of an inter-pixel separation unit formed between the plurality of pixels and an inter-pixel light blocking unit formed between the plurality of pixels protruding toward a center of the corresponding pixel in a projecting shape to form a projection portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical separation: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11688747B2Solid-state imaging device and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

There is provided a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel array unit, a plurality of pixels being two-dimensionally arranged in the pixel array unit, a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices being formed with respect to one on-chip lens in each of the plurality of pixels, a part of at least one of an inter-pixel separation unit formed between the plurality of pixels and an inter-pixel light blocking unit formed between the plurality of pixels protruding toward a center of the corresponding pixel in a projecting shape to form a projection portion.