RGB-IR Dual-Photodiode Image Sensor for Fast Depth Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors in intelligent electronic products are limited to natural light photography, unable to detect object distance, leading to restricted photographing scenarios and slow focusing, affecting user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an RGB-IR pixel array layout with dual photodiode pixels, allowing infrared light reception for object distance detection and enabling quick focusing, bokeh, and three-dimensional photography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Bayer pixel array layout is used, then the image sensor can receive natural light and take images under normal illumination, but it cannot detect object distance, limiting photographing scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into different types of pixels: some pixels are configured with infrared subpixels for distance detection, while other pixels maintain RGB subpixels for color imaging. This segmentation allows the image sensor to simultaneously perform both distance detection and natural light photography, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both infrared detection capability (for distance measurement) and visible light detection capability (for color imaging). Each pixel unit can function as either an infrared detection pixel or a color imaging pixel, enabling the sensor to handle multiple photographing scenarios including depth mapping, night photography, and standard color imaging
2Loss of information
If the 2PD pixel array layout is used, then object distance can be detected, but only natural light can be received, limiting photographing scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into different functional regions: pixels with dual photodiodes for infrared distance detection and pixels with RGB filters for color imaging. This segmentation enables the sensor to perform both distance detection and receive natural light, achieving multi-scenario photography capability
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor employs a composite pixel structure combining different photodiode configurations (dual photodiode for infrared, single photodiode with RGB filters for visible light) within the same sensor array. This composite structure allows simultaneous operation of distance detection and color imaging functions
3Productivity
If traditional focusing methods are used, then the image sensor can capture images, but focusing is slow, affecting user photographing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focusing methods with optical phase detection using dual photodiodes. By detecting the phase difference of infrared light reflected from the object, the system can calculate object distance and adjust focus automatically without mechanical movement, significantly improving focusing speed and reducing focusing time
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor performs self-focusing by using its own infrared detection capability to measure object distance and automatically adjust the lens focus. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external autofocus assistance and enables rapid automatic focusing
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 imaging effects by enabling dark-state imaging and quick focusing, while improving user experience through three-dimensional photography and related application functions.
Implementation Method 1
the pixel unit includes a first pixel and a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel, the first pixel includes a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and a blue subpixel, the second pixel includes a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and an infrared subpixel
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~3c
Figure 3d~4c
AI summary
An image sensor, a mobile terminal and a photographing method are provided. The image sensor includes: a pixel array, where the pixel array includes a preset quantity of pixel units arranged in a predetermined manner, the pixel unit includes a first pixel and a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel, the first pixel includes a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and a blue subpixel, the second pixel includes a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and an infrared subpixel, and both the first pixel and the second pixel are dual photodiode pixels, where a location of the blue subpixel in the first pixel is the same as that of the infrared subpixel in the second pixel, and each of the first pixel and the second pixel includes four dual photodiode subpixels.