Image capture device, pixel, and method providing improved phase detection auto-focus performance
US10440301B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2209/042
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An image capture device, pixel, and method of determining a focus setting for an image capture device are described. The image capture device includes an imaging area and a pixel readout circuit. The imaging area includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels includes multiple pixels in which each pixel of the multiple pixels includes a two-dimensional array of photodetectors and a microlens. Each photodetector in the array of photodetectors for a pixel is electrically isolated from each other photodetector in the array of photodetectors. A microlens is disposed over the array of photodetectors for the pixel. The pixel readout circuit includes, per pixel, a shared readout circuit associated with the array of photodetectors for the pixel and a set of charge transfer transistors. Each charge transfer transistor is operable to connect a photodetector in the array of photodetectors to the shared readout circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.