Samsung electronics co., ltd. (20240186355). IMAGE SENSOR simplified abstract
Contents
IMAGE SENSOR
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Masato Fujita of Suwon-si (KR)
Kyungduck Lee of Hwaseong-si (KR)
Taesub Jung of Hwaseong-si (KR)
IMAGE SENSOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240186355 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR
Simplified Explanation
The image sensor described in the patent application includes a pixel array with a pixel isolation layer and a logic circuit for acquiring pixel signals. The pixel array also contains at least one autofocusing pixel with a unique internal structure.
- The pixel array in the image sensor has a pixel isolation layer between pixels to prevent crosstalk and interference.
- Each pixel in the array includes a pixel circuit below at least one photodiode for capturing light.
- The logic circuit in the sensor processes and acquires pixel signals from the array.
- The autofocusing pixel in the array has a first and second photodiode separated by a pixel internal isolation layer.
- The pixel internal isolation layer includes different materials for optimal performance.
- The autofocusing pixel also features microlenses on the photodiodes for improved focusing capabilities.
Potential Applications
The technology described in the patent application could be used in:
- Digital cameras
- Smartphones
- Surveillance cameras
- Medical imaging devices
Problems Solved
This technology addresses issues such as:
- Crosstalk between pixels
- Interference in pixel signals
- Autofocusing accuracy
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include:
- Improved image quality
- Enhanced autofocusing capabilities
- Reduced noise in captured images
Potential Commercial Applications
The innovative image sensor technology could be applied in various commercial sectors, including:
- Consumer electronics
- Security and surveillance industry
- Healthcare imaging equipment
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of pixel isolation layers in image sensors to improve image quality and reduce interference.
Unanswered Questions
How does the autofocusing pixel compare to traditional autofocus systems in terms of speed and accuracy?
The patent application does not provide specific details on the performance comparison between the autofocusing pixel and traditional autofocus systems. Further testing and analysis would be needed to determine the speed and accuracy of the autofocusing pixel in real-world scenarios.
What materials are commonly used in pixel internal isolation layers in existing image sensor technologies?
The patent application mentions using different materials in the pixel internal isolation layers for the autofocusing pixel, but it does not specify the common materials used in other image sensor technologies. Research into existing technologies would be necessary to determine the standard materials used in pixel isolation layers.
Original Abstract Submitted
an image sensor includes a pixel array and a logic circuit. the pixel array includes a pixel isolation layer between a plurality of pixels. each of the plurality of pixels include a pixel circuit below at least one photodiode. the logic circuit acquires a pixel signal from the plurality of pixels. the pixel array includes at least one autofocusing pixel, which includes a first photodiode, a second photodiode, a pixel internal isolation layer between the first and second photodiodes, and a microlens on the first and second photodiodes. the pixel internal isolation layer includes a first pixel internal isolation layer and a second pixel internal isolation layer, separated from each other in a first direction, perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate, and the first pixel internal isolation layer and the second pixel internal isolation layer include different materials.
