Symmetrical Solid-State Image Sensor Pattern Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solid-state image sensors with Bayer patterns require complex image signal processing due to differing energy levels in pixels near the light source, especially when phase detection auto focus pixels are involved, leading to complications in signal compensation across opposite sides of the sensor.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image sensor with a symmetrical pattern design, where unit patterns on opposite sides of the sensor are symmetric with respect to an axis, simplifying image signal processing by maintaining consistent energy levels and reducing the need for complex signal compensation across the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Bayer patterns are used in solid-state image sensors, then the sensor can capture images with color information, but the pixels on opposite sides have different energy levels requiring complex image signal processing and signal compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry principle in reverse (achieving symmetry) by designing unit patterns that are symmetric with respect to a central axis. Specifically, first and second unit patterns are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the sensor, ensuring that pixels at corresponding positions have identical energy levels. This symmetry eliminates the need for complex signal compensation that would otherwise be required in traditional asymmetric Bayer patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase detection auto focus pixels are included in each pattern, then the sensor can perform both imaging and autofocus functions, but the energy difference between pixels on opposite sides complicates signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses symmetric arrangement of unit patterns containing phase detection auto focus pixels. The first unit pattern with PDAF pixels is mirrored in the second unit pattern, ensuring that pixels at symmetric positions have equal energy levels. This allows dual imaging and autofocus functions while maintaining simple signal processing through consistent energy distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The unit patterns are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - they contain both normal color pixels for imaging and phase detection auto focus pixels for autofocus. This multi-functional design allows the sensor to perform both imaging and phase detection without requiring separate pixel arrays, while the symmetric arrangement ensures uniform energy levels across all functional pixels.
3Measurement precision
If complex signal compensation is applied to correct energy differences, then image quality can be maintained, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging unit patterns symmetrically with respect to a central axis, the patent ensures that pixels at corresponding positions on opposite sides have identical energy levels. This eliminates energy differences that would otherwise require complex signal compensation, thereby maintaining image quality while significantly reducing processing time and computational requirements.
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
The symmetrical pattern design simplifies image signal processing by ensuring consistent energy levels across the sensor, reducing the complexity of signal compensation and improving processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Signal electric charges may be generated according to the amount of light received in the light-sensing portion (e.g., photoelectric conversion element) of the solid-state image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image sensor having a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region along a first direction is provided. The solid-state image sensor includes a first unit pattern disposed in the first region. The solid-state image sensor also includes a second unit pattern disposed in the second region and corresponding to the first unit pattern. The first unit pattern and the second unit pattern each includes normal pixels and an auto-focus pixel array. The normal pixels and the auto-focus pixel array in the first unit pattern form a first arrangement, the normal pixels and the auto-focus pixel array in the second unit pattern form a second arrangement, and the first arrangement and the second arrangement are symmetric with respect to the first axis of symmetry.