18110038. IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING AN AUTO FOCUSING (AF) PIXEL simplified abstract (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)

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IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING AN AUTO FOCUSING (AF) PIXEL

Organization Name

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Inventor(s)

EUN SUB Shim of Suwon-si (KR)

IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING AN AUTO FOCUSING (AF) PIXEL - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18110038 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING AN AUTO FOCUSING (AF) PIXEL

Simplified Explanation

The abstract of the patent application describes an image sensor that includes a pixel array with an auto focusing (AF) pixel and an AF adjacent pixel. The AF adjacent pixel is located next to the AF pixel and shares a floating diffusion region with it. The pixel array is controlled by a row driver. The AF pixel has a photo diode with one end connected to a first transmission transistor and the other end connected to ground through a first signal line. The AF adjacent pixel also has a photo diode with one end connected to a second transmission transistor and the other end connected to the row driver through a second signal line.

  • The patent application describes an image sensor with an auto focusing (AF) pixel and an AF adjacent pixel that share a floating diffusion region.
  • The pixel array is controlled by a row driver, which allows for efficient control of the pixels.
  • The AF pixel and AF adjacent pixel have photo diodes connected to transmission transistors and signal lines for data transmission.
  • This configuration allows for improved auto focusing capabilities in the image sensor.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Digital cameras and smartphones: The improved auto focusing capabilities can enhance the image quality and focus accuracy in digital cameras and smartphones.
  • Surveillance systems: The image sensor can be used in surveillance cameras to improve the accuracy of object detection and tracking.
  • Medical imaging: The technology can be applied in medical imaging devices to improve the clarity and accuracy of diagnostic images.

Problems solved by this technology:

  • Improved auto focusing: The shared floating diffusion region and the configuration of the AF and AF adjacent pixels allow for more accurate and efficient auto focusing in the image sensor.
  • Enhanced image quality: The improved auto focusing capabilities result in sharper and clearer images, addressing the problem of blurry or out-of-focus images.
  • Efficient control: The row driver efficiently controls the pixel array, enabling faster and more precise image capture.

Benefits of this technology:

  • Improved image quality: The technology enhances the auto focusing capabilities, resulting in sharper and clearer images.
  • Faster and more accurate auto focusing: The shared floating diffusion region and the configuration of the pixels enable faster and more accurate auto focusing.
  • Efficient control: The row driver efficiently controls the pixel array, improving the overall performance and responsiveness of the image sensor.


Original Abstract Submitted

An image sensor includes; a pixel array including at an auto focusing (AF) pixel and an AF adjacent pixel, which is adjacent to the AF pixel and is configured to share a floating diffusion region with the AF pixel; and a row driver configured to control the pixel array, wherein a first end of a photo diode included in the AF pixel is connected to a first transmission transistor, and a second end of the photo diode included in the AF pixel is connected to a ground through a first signal line, and wherein a first end of a photo diode included in the AF adjacent pixel is connected to a second transmission transistor, and a second end of the photo diode included in the AF adjacent pixel is connected to the row driver through a second signal line.