摘要:
Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise methods and systems image sensors. The methods and systems may comprise selectively activating either high or low conversion gain mode for a predetermined number of rows by comparing pixel row data to predetermined threshold values prior to image signal processing.
摘要:
An imaging device may capture a composite image from multiple individual exposures. In each imaging pixel in the imaging device, charge accumulated from each of the individual exposures may be accumulated onto a storage node. The accumulated charge from all of the individual exposures in a single composite image may be read out from the storage node. The individual exposures may be separated by delay periods. The lengths of the individual exposures and delay periods may be determined automatically or set by a user such that each individual exposure is substantially free of motion blur, while the composite image illustrates a moving subject in multiple positions.
摘要:
A high dynamic range imaging pixel may include a photodiode that generates charge in response to incident light. When the generated charge exceeds a first charge level, the charge may overflow through a first transistor to a first storage capacitor. When the generated charge exceeds a second charge level that is higher than the first charge level, the charge may overflow through a second transistor. The charge that overflows through the second transistor may alternately be coupled to a voltage supply and drained or transferred to a second storage capacitor for subsequent readout. Diverting more overflow charge to the voltage supply may increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The amount of charge diverted to the voltage supply may therefore be updated to control the dynamic range of the imaging pixel.
摘要:
Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for a polarizing filter. The polarizing filter may be formed such that the filter has varying polarization axes for blocking reflected light emitted from various directions. The method and apparatus may utilize metal wires or molecular chains to form curved lines across the filter, where the curved lines define the polarization axes.
摘要:
Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for a pixel array. Each pixel may include multiple storage regions capable of storing pixel signals during integration. The method and apparatus may utilize the floating diffusion region as a storage region during both an integration period and readout period. The method and apparatus may store pixel signals corresponding to a first exposure periods in the floating diffusion region and pixel signals corresponding to a second exposure periods in a separate storage region.
摘要:
An image sensor may include an image pixel array with both image pixels to gather image data and phase detection pixels to gather phase information. The image sensor may dynamically group the phase detection pixels into focus zones. Based on the characteristics of the scene being imaged and the use settings of the image sensor, the image sensor may determine the size, shape, and number of focus zones to be grouped. One or more focus zones may then be used to gather phase information data. The focus zones may vary in size and shape across the pixel array. A scene with low illumination level may result in larger focus zones with more phase detection pixels to ensure reliable phase information data.
摘要:
An image sensor with an array of image sensor pixels is provided. Each image sensor pixel may include a set of photodiodes formed in a semiconductor substrate, a color filter structure formed over the set of photodiodes, a microlens formed over the color filter structure, and associated pixel circuitry coupled to the set of photodiodes. The set of photodiodes may include at least two photodiodes linked together via a preferential blooming channel that provides a reduced potential barrier between the two photodiodes. This allows excess charge to spill over from one photodiode to another when more charge is concentrated in a particular photodiode. Configured in this way, the pixel can provide depth sensing capabilities without suffering from reduced pixel capacity.
摘要:
Image sensors may include an array of photodiodes arranged in groups of adjacent photodiodes that generate charge in response to same-colored light. The image sensor may generate high-dynamic-range (HDR) images. To establish an effective exposure ratio between sets of photodiodes on the array for generating HDR images, microlenses may be formed over some photodiodes in a checkerboard pattern and may have portions that extend over other photodiodes in the array. Control circuitry may control photodiodes in each group to perform pulsed integration in which charge transfer control signals are intermittently pulsed for those photodiodes. A substantially opaque element may be formed over photodiodes in each of the groups such that the corresponding photodiodes generate signals in response to crosstalk. In this way, different effective exposures may be established across the array, allowing for HDR images to be generated without motion artifacts and with super-pixel resolution.
摘要:
An image sensor may include phase detection pixels that receive and convert incident light into pixel signals. Processing circuitry may use pixel signals from the phase detection pixels to determine an amount by which image sensor optics should be adjusted during automatic focusing operations. Phase detection pixels may include photodiodes with asymmetric angular responses. For example, the center of a photodiode in a phase detection pixel may be offset from the optical center of the microlens that covers that photodiode. A group of two, three, four, or more than four phase detection pixels may be clustered together and covered by a single microlens. Groups of these clusters may be arranged consecutively in a line. Phase data may be gathered using all of the phase detection pixels in the array, and image processing circuitry may determine which phase data to use after the data has been gathered.
摘要:
An imager may include depth sensing pixels that provide an asymmetrical angular response to incident light. The depth sensing pixels may each include a substrate region formed from a photosensitive portion and a non-photosensitive portion. The depth sensing pixels may include mechanisms that prevent regions of the substrate from receiving incident light. Depth sensing pixel pairs may be formed from depth sensing pixels that have different asymmetrical angular responses. Each of the depth sensing pixel pairs may effectively divide the corresponding imaging lens into separate portions. Depth information for each depth sensing pixel pair may be determined based on the difference between output signals of the depth sensing pixels of that depth sensing pixel pair. The imager may be formed from various combinations of depth sensing pixel pairs and color sensing pixel pairs arranged in a Bayer pattern or other desired patterns.