Solid-State Image Pickup Element with Dynamic Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image pickup elements have fixed positions for phase difference detection pixels, limiting the flexibility in adjusting the ranging point for phase difference detection.
Innovation Solution
The design includes pixels with two photoelectric conversion units, each having a pixel electrode and a counter electrode with partial electrodes that can be controlled independently, allowing for dynamic adjustment of phase difference detection pixel positions and equivalent optical characteristics with image pickup pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phase difference detection pixels are used with fixed positions, then phase difference detection can be realized, but the position of ranging point cannot be adjusted flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel is divided into multiple photoelectric conversion units (first, second, third, and fourth units) with different microlens orientations. By selectively controlling which units are active, the system can dynamically adjust the ranging point position without adding physical moving parts, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of photoelectric conversion units through independent control electrodes. The system can switch between different operational modes (image pickup mode and phase difference detection mode) and adjust the ranging point position dynamically, transforming a static pixel structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photoelectric conversion units are included in each pixel, then dynamic positioning of phase difference detection pixels is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel contains multiple photoelectric conversion units that can serve different functions: some units are optimized for image pickup while others are optimized for phase difference detection. This multi-functional design allows a single pixel structure to perform multiple operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated pixels and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges image pickup functionality and phase difference detection functionality within the same pixel structure. By combining these functions in a unified design with shared components (substrate, microlenses, control circuits), the system achieves dynamic positioning capability while minimizing the complexity increase that would result from completely separate systems.
3Measurement precision
If phase difference detection pixels are provided with light shielding film, then pupil-split phase difference detection is realized, but the positions are fixed and ranging point adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static light shielding film approach with dynamic control of photoelectric conversion units. By controlling which units are active through voltage application to control electrodes, the system can dynamically adjust the ranging point position while maintaining precise phase difference detection, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state of photoelectric conversion units by applying different voltages to control electrodes. This parameter change allows the same physical structure to function differently, enabling ranging point adjustment without physical repositioning or structural modification, thereby maintaining precision while improving adaptability.
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
Enables dynamic positioning of phase difference detection pixels and maintains equivalent optical characteristics with image pickup pixels, improving flexibility and accuracy in phase difference detection.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion layer disposed on the pixel electrode
Data Source
AI summary
At least one solid-state image pickup element includes a plurality of pixels that are arranged in a two-dimensional manner. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units each including a pixel electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer disposed on the pixel electrode, and a counter electrode disposed such that the photoelectric conversion layer is sandwiched between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode. In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of pixels also includes a microlens disposed on the plurality of photoelectric conversion units.