Sony patents image sensor design to fix uneven focus pixels
Sony describes a light detection element for image sensors that uses a specific arrangement of pixels to detect phase differences for autofocus. The design includes light-blocking structures that change shape or width based on where the pixel is located in the image to ensure consistent sensitivity.
In the filing’s own words
The present disclosure relates to a light detection element that can suppress a sensitivity difference between pixels in an image sensor having a PDAF structure. The light detection element of the present disclosure includes a pixel array unit formed by an arrangement of pixels that constitute, for every n×n pixels, a pixel group including color filters of the same color, two or more phase difference detection pixels adjacent to each other, the two or more phase difference detection pixels being provided in place of some of normal pixels arranged in the pixel array unit, and a light shielding portion provided for each of the pixel groups constituted by the normal pixels, including surrounding pixels disposed around the phase difference detection pixels, the light shielding portion differing in width or shape depending on an image height. The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a CMOS image sensor.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A light detection element, comprising: a pixel array unit formed by an arrangement of pixels that constitute, for every n×n pixels (n is a natural number of two or more), a pixel group including color filters of the same color; two or more phase difference detection pixels adjacent to each other, the two or more phase difference detection pixels being provided in place of some of normal pixels arranged in the pixel array unit; and a light shielding portion provided for each of the pixel groups constituted by the normal pixels, including surrounding pixels disposed around the phase difference detection pixels, the light shielding portion differing in width or shape depending on an image height.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)
- Official title
- LIGHT DETECTION ELEMENT
- Publication number
- US20260293343A1
- Application number
- 19471584
- Filed
- Mar 26, 2024
- Published
- Sep 24, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H10F 39/8057 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/13 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/704 Electricity & electronicsH04N 25/76 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/8053 Electricity & electronicsMore from Sony in Cameras & imaging
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.