Samsung electronics co., ltd. (20240098384). IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING AN AUTO-FOCUS PIXEL simplified abstract

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IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING AN AUTO-FOCUS PIXEL

Organization Name

samsung electronics co., ltd.

Inventor(s)

Jungwook Lim of Hwaseong-si (KR)

Jihun Kim of Suwon-si (KR)

IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING AN AUTO-FOCUS PIXEL - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240098384 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING AN AUTO-FOCUS PIXEL

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes an image sensor with a pixel array divided into first and second pixel groups, each containing rows and columns of pixels. The sensor includes a row driver that controls the transmission of signals to the pixel array. The first pixel group contains a first auto-focus (AF) pixel with photodiodes arranged in a specific direction, while the second pixel group contains a second AF pixel with photodiodes arranged perpendicular to the first direction. Both AF pixels receive the same transmission control signals.

  • Pixel array divided into first and second pixel groups
  • Row driver controls signal transmission to pixel array
  • First pixel group contains first AF pixel with photodiodes in one direction
  • Second pixel group contains second AF pixel with photodiodes in perpendicular direction
  • Both AF pixels receive same transmission control signals

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other devices that require auto-focus capabilities in their image sensors.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of efficiently integrating auto-focus functionality into image sensors, allowing for improved image quality and focus accuracy in electronic devices.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include enhanced auto-focus performance, better image quality, and increased efficiency in signal transmission within the pixel array.

Potential Commercial Applications

  • Digital cameras
  • Smartphones
  • Surveillance cameras

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be image sensors with separate auto-focus pixels, but the specific arrangement and control of the AF pixels as described in this patent application may be novel.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing auto-focus systems in terms of speed and accuracy?

The patent application does not provide specific details on the performance metrics of this technology compared to other auto-focus systems.

Are there any potential limitations or drawbacks to implementing this technology in practical devices?

The patent application does not address any potential challenges or limitations that may arise when integrating this technology into commercial products.


Original Abstract Submitted

an image sensor including: a pixel array including first and second pixel groups, each of the first and second pixel groups includes of pixels arranged in rows and columns; and a row driver configured to provide transmission control signals to the pixel array, the first pixel group includes a first auto-focus (af) pixel including photodiodes arranged in a first direction, the pixels of the first pixel group output a pixel signal through a first column line, and the second pixel group includes a second af pixel including photodiodes arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the pixels of the second pixel group output a pixel signal through a second column line, and the first af pixel of the first pixel group and the second af pixel of the second pixel group receive same transmission control signals.