Photographing apparatus for preventing light leakage and image sensor thereof

A photographing apparatus for preventing or reducing light leakage and an image sensor thereof are provided. The photographing apparatus includes an image sensor configured to include a plurality of pixels respectively having a Photo Diode and a Storage Diode for temporarily storing a charge accumulated in the Photo Diode and an image processor configured to perform an image processing operation by receiving the charge stored in the Storage Diode of each of the plurality of pixels. In addition, the image sensor has a structure where the Storage Diodes of the plurality of pixels are arrayed to be adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the photographing apparatus may prevent the light leakage from the adjacent pixel being flowed into a Storage Diode of each pixel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0087582, filed on Jun. 19, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure generally relates to a photographing apparatus for preventing and/or reducing light leakage and an image sensor thereof, and for example, to a photographing apparatus for preventing and/or reducing light leakage which occurs in a global shutter and an image sensor thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

In general, an image sensor which generates an image by electrically converting incident light admitted into a lens of a photographing apparatus may be roughly classified into a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) type image sensor and a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) type image sensor.

Both of the image sensors maintain proper exposure through an operation of a shutter for controlling light amount based on initiation/terminating of light exposure. The shutter for controlling the light amount is classified into a rolling shutter and a global shutter according to an operating mode.

A rolling shutter type refers to a method of sequentially initiating/terminating the light exposure for respective pixels since an image sensor does not include a storage for storing a charge of a Photo Diode of each pixel. A global shutter type refers to a method of simultaneously initiating the light exposure in entire pixels of an image sensor and simultaneously terminating the light exposure in the entire pixels by using a storage of each pixel after the proper exposure time elapses.

However, in an image sensor of a CMOS-type global shutter, light leakage occurs when the global shutter operates. The light leakage refers to a state where light leaks towards adjacent pixels related to a high-brightness subject area while the charges stored in the entire pixels are stored in a Storage Diode of each pixel at once in a batch or lump, and the charges stored in the Storage Diode of each pixel is read out. Specifically, in case of a pixel which performs a readout operation last, light leakage occurs more significantly in a Storage Diode of the pixel in proportion to a time of performing the readout operation.

Furthermore, a leakage charge caused by the light leakage due to diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into a Photo Diode of each pixel may flow into the Storage Diode of each pixel of the image sensor of the CMOS-type global shutter, and a leakage charge caused by the light leakage due to diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into a Photo Diode of an adjacent pixel may additionally flow into the Storage Diode of each pixel of the image sensor of the CMOS-type global shutter.

SUMMARY

The disclosure addresses the aforementioned and other problems and disadvantages occurring in the related art, and an aspect of the disclosure provides a global shutter-type photographing apparatus and an image sensor thereof for preventing and/or reducing the light leakage that light flows into Storage Diodes of respective pixels of the image sensor by adjacent pixels.

According to an example, a photographing apparatus is provided, including: an image sensor configured to include a plurality of pixels, each pixel respectively having a Photo Diode and a Storage Diode, said Storage Diode temporarily storing a charge accumulated in the Photo Diode; and an image processor configured to perform an image processing operation by receiving the charge stored in the Storage Diode of each of the plurality of pixels. In addition, the image sensor has a structure where the Storage Diodes of the plurality of pixels are arrayed to be adjacent to each other.

The image sensor may have a structure where a Storage Diode of each pixel in an odd column and a Storage Diode of each pixel in an even column among the plurality of pixels are arrayed to be adjacent to each other.

The image sensor may have a structure where a shading curtain is formed in an area in which the Storage Diodes of the plurality of pixels are arrayed to be adjacent to each other.

The image sensor may have a structure where a micro lens is arrayed in an area in which the Photo Diode of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed and the area in which the Storage Diodes of the plurality of pixels are arrayed to be adjacent to each other.

The image sensor may have a structure where a micro lens is arrayed in the area in which the Photo Diode of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed.

The image sensor may have a structure where a micro lens is arrayed in each of the plurality of pixels.

A Storage Diode of a first pixel and a Storage Diode of a second pixel among the plurality of pixels may be adjacent to each other, and a shading curtain may be formed in an area in which the Storage Diode of the first pixel and the Storage Diode of the second pixel are adjacent. In addition, the image sensor may perform a phase difference auto focusing operation based on an amount of the charge respectively accumulated in the Photo Diodes of the first pixel and the second pixel of which Storage Diodes are adjacent to each other.

The image sensor may have a multi Photo Diode structure where a micro lens is arrayed in an area in which Photo Diodes of at least two pixels among the plurality of pixels are adjacent to each other.

The image sensor may have a multi Photo Diode structure where a micro lens is arrayed in an area in which Photo Diodes of at least four pixels among the plurality of pixels are adjacent to each other.

The apparatus may further include a controller configured to control the image sensor to read out the charge stored in each of the plurality of pixels. In addition, each of the plurality of pixels may further include Floating Diffusion portion configured to read out the charge stored in the Storage Diode based on a control command of the controller, a first switch configured to perform a switching operation for temporarily storing the charge accumulated in the Photo Diode into the Storage Diode, and a second switch configured to perform a switching operation for reading out the charge being temporarily stored in the Storage Diode by the Floating Diffusion portion.

According to an example, an image sensor is provided, comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a Photo Diode and a Storage Diode, the image sensor including: a structure where Storage Diodes of two adjacent pixels among the plurality of pixels are arrayed to be adjacent to each other.

Pixels in an odd column among the plurality of pixels may be arrayed in an order of a Photo Diode and a Storage Diode, and pixels in an even column among the plurality of pixels may be arrayed in an order of a Storage Diode and a Photo Diode.

Each of the plurality of pixels may have a structure where a shading curtain is formed in an area in which the Storage Diode of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed to be adjacent to another Storage Diode.

Each of the plurality of pixels may have a structure where a micro lens is formed in an area in which the Photo Diode of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed and the area in which the Storage Diodes of the plurality of pixels are adjacent to each other.

Each of the plurality of pixels may have a structure where a micro lens is formed in the area in which the Photo Diode of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed.

Each of the plurality of pixels may have a structure where a micro lens is formed in an area in which the plurality of pixels is formed.

A first pixel and a second pixel being adjacent to each other may have a structure where a shading curtain is formed in an area in which a Storage Diode of the first pixel and a Storage Diode of the second pixel are adjacent. In addition, the image sensor may perform a phase difference auto focusing operation based on an amount of the charge respectively accumulated in the Photo Diodes of the first pixel and the second pixel of which Storage Diodes are adjacent to each other among the plurality of pixels.

Each of the plurality of pixels may have a structure where a micro lens is formed in an area in which Photo Diodes of at least two pixels among the plurality of pixels are adjacent to each other.

Each of the plurality of pixels may have a structure where a micro lens is formed in an area in which Photo Diodes of at least four pixels among the plurality of pixels are adjacent to each other.

According to the above-described various examples, a photographing apparatus may have a structure where the Storage Diodes of respective pixels of the image sensor are arrayed to be symmetrical to each other, thereby preventing and/or reducing light leakage of an adjacent pixel from flowing into the Storage Diodes of respective pixels.

Furthermore, as the photographing apparatus has the structure described in the above examples, light collection efficiency of the Photo Diodes of respective pixels of the image sensor may be improved.

In addition, as the photographing apparatus has the structure described in the above examples, a manufacturing process for forming a micro lens in an area where the Photo Diodes of respective pixels of the image sensor are formed may be performed more easily.

In addition, as the photographing apparatus has the structure described in the above examples, a manufacturing process for forming a shielding curtain for preventing charge occurrence due to the incident light admitted into an area other than the Photo Diodes of respective pixels of the image sensor may be performed more effectively.

In addition, as the photographing apparatus has the structure described in the above examples, a phase difference auto focusing operation may be performed without forming a shielding curtain, and a performance deterioration problem in low illuminance based on the phase difference auto focusing operation may be improved.

In addition, as the photographing apparatus has the structure described in the above examples, an image sensor in a multi Photo Diode structure providing good light collection efficiency may be realized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain examples are described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, like drawing reference numerals are used for the like elements, even in different drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the examples. However, examples can be practiced without those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they may obscure the application with unnecessary detail.

The terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used to describe diverse components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from the others.

The terms used in the disclosure are only used to describe the examples, but are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The singular expression also includes the plural meaning as long as it does not differently mean in the context. In the disclosure, the terms “include” and “comprising” designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements, or a combination thereof that are written in the specification, but do not exclude the presence or possibility of addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements, or a combination thereof.

In the examples of the disclosure, a “module” or a “unit” performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented with hardware (e.g., circuitry), software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of “modules” or a plurality of “units” may be integrated into at least one module except for a “module” or a “unit” which has to be implemented with specific hardware, and may be implemented with at least one processor (not shown).

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an example image sensor of a common global shutter.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, an image sensor100of a global shutter includes a plurality of pixels generally, each of the plurality of pixels includes a Photo Diode (PD)110, a Storage Diode (SD)120, and a Floating Diffusion130.

In response to the light exposure being initiated in the PD110of each pixel by a reset operation of an Over Flow Gate140, the PD110of each pixel converts and accumulates incident light into a charge. Subsequently, in response to a switch of a first Timing Gate150being turned on, the charges accumulated in the PD110of each pixel are stored in the SD120of each pixel together in a batch or lump. In response to a switch of a second Timing Gate160being turned on based on a Readout Timing, the Floating Diffusion130of each pixel reads out the charges stored in the SD120of each pixel sequentially.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example operation of reading out a charge in an image sensor of a global shutter.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the Floating Diffusion130for each pixel reads out the charges stored in the SD120sequentially on a line basis of a pixel array210.

The Floating Diffusion130of a first line reads out the charges stored in the SD120, and in response to all of the charges stored in the SD120of each pixel of the first line being read out, the Floating Diffusion130of a second line reads out the charges stored in the SD120of the second line.

As the Floating Diffusion130reads out the charges stored in the SD120in the above described order, the Floating Diffusion130of an n line may read out the charges stored in the SD120of each pixel of the n line after all of the charges stored in the SD130of each pixel of n−1 line.

Meanwhile, the charge (S1) accumulated in the PD110may be flowed into the SD120of each pixel, and leakage charge (SLR) caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into the PD110may be additionally flowed into the SD120of each pixel.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the Floating Diffusion130in a fifth line among the plurality of pixels arrayed in the pixel array210performs a read-out operation after T1(TRO1) time220elapses based on a read-out time of the Floating Diffusion130in the first line. Accordingly, the charge transmitted from the PD110and the SLR during the T1time220are stored in the SD120in the fifth line, and thus, the Floating Diffusion130reads out a charge value including the SLR being flowed into the SD120during the T1time220.

The Floating Diffusion130in a sixteenth line performs the read-out operation after T2(TRO2) time230elapses based on the read-out time of the Floating Diffusion130in the first line. Accordingly, the charge transmitted from the PD110and the SLR during the T2time are stored in the SD120in the sixteenth line, and thus, the Floating Diffusion130reads out the charge value including the SLR being flowed into the SD120during the T2time230.

The Floating Diffusion130in a twenty-eighth line performs the read-out operation after T3(TRO3) time240elapses based on the read-out time of the Floating Diffusion130in the first line. Accordingly, the charge transmitted from the PD110and the SLR during the T3time are stored in the SD120in the twenty-eighth line, and thus, the Floating Diffusion130reads out the charge value including the SLR being flowed into the SD120during the T3time240.

As described above, the amount of SLR being flowed into the SD120of each pixel increases in proportion to the read-out time. Accordingly, in case of photographing a white image in the same illuminance, gradation occurs between an upper part and a lower part of the image due to a difference of the SLR that is proportional to the time of reading out the charges stored in the SD120of each pixel.

FIG. 3is a sectional view illustrating an example image sensor of a common global shutter, andFIG. 4is a sectional view illustrating an example image sensor of a global shutter.

As described above, the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into the PD110of each pixel may be flowed into the SD120of each pixel, as well as the S1accumulated in the PD110.

Meanwhile, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the PD110which converts and accumulates the incident light into the charge and the SD120which stores the charge accumulated in the PD110together in a batch or lump may be arrayed alternately in each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor100of the global shutter.

Accordingly, the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into the PD110of the adjacent pixel may be flowed into the SD120of each pixel additionally, as well as the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into the PD110of each pixel.

To be specific, the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into a first PD110-1through a first micro lens170-1may be flowed into a first SD120-1of the first pixel among the plurality of pixels. In addition, the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into a second PD110-2through a second micro lens170-2of a second pixel being adjacent to the first pixel may be additionally flowed into the first SD120-1of the first pixel among the plurality of pixels.

Meanwhile, referring toFIG. 4, a SD320of each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300of the global shutter of the example embodiment is arrayed to be symmetrical to another SD320, thereby preventing and/or reducing inflow of the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into a PD310of an adjacent pixel.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the first pixel among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300of the global shutter may be arrayed in the order of a first PD310-1and a first SD320-1, and the second pixel adjacent to the first pixel may be arrayed in the order of a second SD320-2and a second PD310-2.

The first SD320-1of the first pixel and the second SD320-2of the second pixel may be arrayed to be symmetrical to each other. Accordingly, the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into the second PD310-2through a second micro lens370-2of the second pixel is flowed into only the second SD320-2. Only the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into the first PD310-1through the first micro lens370-1is flowed into the first SD320-1of the first pixel. Accordingly, the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment may minimize and/or reduce the amount of SLR flowed into the SD320of each pixel as compared with the image sensor100in the related art.

Hereinafter, components of the photographing apparatus10will be described.

FIG. 5is a schematic block diagram illustrating an photographing apparatus.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the photographing apparatus10includes the image sensor300and an image processor400.

The image sensor300includes a plurality of pixels, and each of the plurality of pixels may be arrayed on a pixel array. The image sensor300including the plurality of pixels is a global shutter-type image sensor which converts the incident light admitted through the micro lens370into an electronic signal and accumulates a charge converted into the electronic signal. The image sensor may be the CCD type image sensor or the CMOS type image sensor.

The image processor400receives the accumulated charge from the image sensor300and generates a photographed image by performing an image processing operation with respect to the image. For example, in response to the charge accumulated in the image sensor300in connection with an image being read out, the read charge may be amplified into an analog signal in a proper size through Automatic Gain Control (AGC/not shown) and converted into a digital signal through Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC/not shown). Accordingly, the image processor400may receive the digital signal regarding the read charge through the image sensor300in connection with the image, perform the image processing operation including correction and compositeness, and generate an image signal regarding a photographed image.

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating an example image sensor.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the image sensor300is the global shutter-type image sensor and may be a CCD type image sensor or a CMOS type image sensor.

The image sensor300includes a plurality of pixels, and each of the plurality of pixels includes a PD310, a SD320, and a Floating Diffusion330. In addition, each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300may further include a first switch350and a second switch360for switching transmission and transmission cutoff with respect to the SD320and the Floating Diffusion330in connection of the charge stored in each of the plurality of pixels.

The PD310of each of the plurality of pixels receives the incident light admitted through the micro lens370, converts the received incident light into an electronic signal, and accumulates the charge converted into the electronic signal. In addition, the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels stores the charges stored in the PD310of each pixel in a batch or lump.

For example, in response to a photographing command with respect to an image being received while the charges are accumulated in the PD310of each pixel, a controller600is configured to control a signal generator500to generate a batch storing signal. The detailed description on the controller600will be provided below. According to a control command of the controller600, the signal generator500generate the batch storing signal and applies the generated batch storing signal to the image sensor300. Accordingly, in response to the first switch350of each pixel being turned on, the PD310of each pixel transmits the charges accumulated in the PD310of each pixel to the SD320in a batch or lump. Accordingly, the charges accumulated in the PD310of each pixel are stored in the SD320of each pixel in a batch or lump.

As described above, in response to the charges being stored in the SD320of each pixel and the second switch360being turned on according to a Readout Timing, the Floating Diffusion330of each pixel reads out the charges stored in the SD320of each pixel sequentially.

Accordingly, the image processor400may be configured to receive a digital signal regarding the read charges through the Floating Diffusion330, perform the image processing operation including correction and compositeness, and generate an image signal regarding a photographed image.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the photographing apparatus10may further include the signal generator500, the controller600, an input unit700including input circuitry, a communicator710including communication circuitry, an illuminance sensor720, a display730, and a storage740, in addition to the image sensor300and the image processor400described above.

The controller600is configured to control overall operations of the components of the photographing apparatus10. For example, the controller600is configured to control the signal processor500to apply a reset signal and a batch transmission signal to the image sensor300. In response to a control command of the controller600, the signal generator500generates the reset signal and the batch transmission signal and applies the signals to the image sensor300. In response to the reset signal and the batch transmission signal applied by the signal generator500, the image sensor300may apply the charges accumulated in the PD310of each pixel to the SD320or read out the charges stored in the SD320through the Floating Diffusion330.

The input unit700receives a command and may include at least one button (not shown). In addition, the input unit700may include a touch panel (not shown) located on the display730. A detailed description of the display730will be provided below. Accordingly, the input unit700may receive a command, such as, a photographing command, an editing command with respect to a photographed image, etc., from a user through at least one of the button (not shown) or the touch panel (not shown).

The communicator710includes communication circuitry configured to perform data communication with an external terminal device in a wired and/or wireless manner. In case of the wireless data communication, the communicator710may include at least one of a Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct communication module, a Bluetooth module, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication module, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, a Zigbee module, a cellular communication module, a 3rd Generation (3G) mobile communication module, a 4th Generation (4G) mobile communication module, and a 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication module.

In case of the wired data communication, the communicator710may include an interface module such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). In this case, the communicator710may be physically connected to an external terminal device, such as, a Personal Computer (PC), through the interface module to transmit/receive image data or firmware data for performing a firmware upgrade operation.

The illuminance sensor720measures illuminance of a subject to be photographed and outputs a value of the measured illuminance to the image processor400. Accordingly, the image processor400is configured to determine a brightness value corresponding to brightness of the subject based on the measured illuminance value received from the illuminance sensor720. Subsequently, the image processor400may be configured to perform an image processing operation, such as, correction, compositeness, etc., based on the determined brightness value and a digital signal regarding the charges being read out through the image sensor300.

The display730displays at least one of an image being processed and generated in the image processor400and On-Screen Display (OSD) information based on a control command of the controller600. For example, the image may be at least one of a photographed image or a live image. The display730may be realized as a single body with a touch panel (not shown) for receiving a user touch command.

The storage740stores information necessary for controlling a photographed image and the photographing apparatus10. The storage740may be realized as a recording medium such as a volatile memory (for example, a flash memory or an Electrically Erasable Read-Only Memory (EEROM)), a hard disk, etc.

As described above with reference toFIG. 4, the image sensor300may have a structure where the SD320of each pixel in an odd column among the plurality of pixels and the SD320of each pixel in an even column among the plurality of pixels are arrayed to be adjacent to be each other.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, each pixel in the odd column among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300may be arrayed in the order of the PD310and the SD320, and each pixel in the even column among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300may be arrayed in the order of the SD320and the PD310. For example, a first pixel in the odd column among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300may be arrayed in the order of the PD310and the SD320, and a second pixel, being adjacent to the first pixel, in the even column, among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300may be arrayed in the order of the SD320and the PD310. That is, the SD320of the first pixel and the SD320of the second pixel may be arrayed to be symmetrical to each other.

According to an additional aspect of the example embodiment, the image sensor300may have a structure where a shielding curtain380is formed in an area where the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed to be adjacent to the SD320of other pixel. For example, the shielding curtain380may be a film for preventing and/or reducing a charge due to the incident light admitted into other area than an area of the PD310, and as illustrated inFIG. 4, the shielding curtain380may be formed in an area where the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed to be adjacent to the PD310of other pixel.

In the image sensor100of the related art, each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed in the order of the PD110and the SD120. Accordingly, the image sensor100in the related art has a structure where a shielding curtain is formed in every area where the SD120of each of the plurality of pixels is formed.

The image sensor300according to the example embodiment has a structure where the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels is adjacent to the SD320of other pixel, and the shielding curtain380is formed in the area where the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels is adjacent to the SD320of other pixel. Accordingly, according to the example embodiment, the shielding curtain380may be formed more easily as compared with the related art.

According to an additional aspect of the example embodiment, the image sensor300may have a structure where a micro lens370is formed in an area where the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed and the area where the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels is adjacent to the SD320of other pixel.

According to an additional aspect of the example embodiment, the image sensor300may have a structure where the micro lens370is formed in the area where the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed.

As described above, the image sensor300according to an example embodiment has a structure where the micro lens370is formed in the area where the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed and the area where the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels is adjacent to the SD320of other pixel or the micro lens370is formed only in the area where the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed, and thus, the light collection efficiency on the PD310may be improved as compared with the related art.

According to an additional aspect of the example embodiment, the image sensor300may perform a phase difference auto focusing operation based on the structure where the micro lens370is arrayed on each of the plurality of pixels. For example, the SD320of the first pixel and the SD320of the second pixel are adjacent to each other, and the shielding curtain380may be formed in the area where the adjacent SDs320are formed. Accordingly, the image sensor300may perform the phase difference auto focusing operation based on the amount of charge respectively being accumulated in the PD310of each of the first pixel and the second pixel which are adjacent to each other.

As described above, the image sensor300according to the example embodiment uses the adjacent SD320as the shielding curtain for the phase difference auto focusing operation, and thus, the design for the phase difference auto focusing operation may be simplified, and the performance deterioration problem in low illuminance according to the phase difference auto focusing operation in the related art may be improved.

According to an additional aspect of the example embodiment, the image sensor300may have a structure where single micro lens370is arrayed on the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels. According to an example embodiment, the image sensor300may have the structure where the micro lens370is arrayed in the area where the PD310of each of at least two pixels among the plurality of pixels is adjacent to each other.

According to another example embodiment, the image sensor300may have the structure where the micro lens370is arrayed in the area where the PD310of each of at least four pixels among the plurality of pixels is adjacent to each other.

Accordingly, the image sensor300according to the example embodiment may have a multi Photo Diode structure where the micro lens370is arrayed in the area where the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is adjacent to each other, and for example, the multi Photo Diode structure may provide superior light collection efficiency to the multi Photo Diode structure in the related art.

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating an example image sensor of a common global shutter, andFIG. 9is a diagram illustrating an example image sensor of a global shutter according to an example.

In each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor100of the global shutter in the related art, the PD110which converts and accumulates the incident light into a charge and the SD120which stores the charge stored in the PD110in a batch or lump may be arrayed alternately.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8, a first pixel (a) among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor100in the related art is arrayed in the order of a first PD110-1and a first SD120-1, and a second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel (a) is arrayed in the order of a first PD110-2and a first SD120-2.

Accordingly, the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into each of the first PD110-1of the first pixel (a) and the second PD110-2of the second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel (a) may be additionally flowed into the first SD120-1of the first pixel (a).

Meanwhile, the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment may be arrayed to be symmetrical to each other.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the first pixel (a) among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment may be arrayed in the order of a first PD310-1and a first SD320-1, and the second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel (a) may be arrayed in the order of a second SD320-1and a second PD320-2.

The first SD320-1of the first pixel (a) and the second SD320-2of the second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel (a) may be arrayed to be adjacent to each other. As described above, as the first SD320-1of the first pixel (a) and the second SD320-2of the second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel (a) are arrayed to be adjacent to each other, and thus, the inflow of the SLR caused by the light leakage due to the diffraction and diffused reflection of the incident light admitted into the PD310-2of the second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel (a) may be prevented and/or reduced.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating an example array of a micro lens for each of a plurality of pixels of an image sensor of a global shutter.

As described above, the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment may be arrayed to be symmetrical to each other. Accordingly, the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment may form the micro lens370in the area where the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed and the area where the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels is adjacent to the SD320of other pixel.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 10, from among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment, a first micro lens370-1and a second micro lens370-2may be formed on the first PD310-1of the first pixel (a) and the second PD310-2in the second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel (a).

That is, the image sensor300according to the example embodiment forms the micro lens370in the area where the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed.

The plurality of pixels of the image sensor100in the related art forms a micro lens170on each pixel including the PD110and the SD120as described above in connection withFIG. 3.

Accordingly, the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300according to the example embodiment may enhance or improve the light collection efficiency as compared with the PD110of each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor100in the related art.

In addition, each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300according to the example embodiment has the structure where the SD320of each pixel is arrayed to be symmetrical to each other, and thus, a manufacturing process for forming the micro lens370in the area where the PD310of each pixel is formed may be performed more easily as compared with the related art.

In addition, the manufacturing process for forming the shielding curtain380for preventing and/or reducing the charge occurrence due to the incident light admitted into the other area than the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300may be performed more effectively as compared with the related art.

For example, the plurality of pixels of the image sensor100in the related art have the structure of being arrayed in the order of the PD110and the SD120, and thus, a shielding curtain needs to be formed in an area where the SD120of each pixel is formed.

However, the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300according to the example embodiment have the structure where the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed to be symmetrical to the SD320of other pixel, and thus, the shielding curtain380is formed in the area where the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels faces the SD320of another pixel.

As illustrated, the first SD320-1of the first pixel (a) and the second SD320-2of the second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel (a) among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment may be arrayed to be symmetrical to each other. In this example, the shielding curtain380is formed in the area where the first SD320-1and the second SD320-2are formed, and thus, the manufacturing process for forming the shielding curtain380on the SD320of each pixel may be performed more effectively as compared with the related art.

FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating an example design structure for performing a phase difference auto focusing operation in an image sensor of a common global sensor, andFIG. 12is a diagram illustrating an example design structure for performing a phase difference auto focusing operation in an image sensor.

The image sensor100of the global shutter in the related art performs the phase difference auto focusing operation through the design structure described below. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, a shielding curtain111-1,111-2for the phase difference auto focusing operation is formed on the first pixel (a) and the second pixel (b) having the same color filter (Gr), among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor100.

For example, the first shielding curtain111-1is formed between the first PD110-1and the first SD120-1of the first pixel (a), and the second shielding curtain111-2is formed between the second PD110-2and the second SD120-1of the second pixel (b) adjacent to the first pixel. Accordingly, the image sensor100compares the amount of charge accumulated in the first PD110-1of the first pixel (a) with the amount of charge accumulated in the second PD110-2of the second pixel (b), adjusts the amount of charge of the first PD110-1to be the same as the amount of charge of the second PD110-2, and performs the phase difference auto focusing operation.

As described above, in order to perform the phase difference auto focusing operation in the image sensor100in the related art, the shielding curtain111-1,111-2needs to be formed between the PD110and the SD120of each pixel. Accordingly, the amount of charge which may be accumulated in the PD110of each pixel decreases, thereby causing performance deterioration problems in the low illuminance of the phase difference auto focusing operation.

In the image sensor300according to the example embodiment, a role of the shielding curtain for performing the conventional phase difference auto focusing operation is performed by the SD320of each pixel, and thus, a greater amount of charge may be accumulated in the PD310as compared with the related art.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 12, the first SD320-1and the second SD320-2of the first pixel (a) and the second pixel (b) having the same color filter (Gr), among the plurality of pixels of the image sensor300according to the example embodiment are formed to be symmetrical and adjacent each other. In addition, as described above, the shielding curtain380for preventing the inflow of the charge into an area other than the first PD310-1and the second PD310-22of the first pixel (a) and the second pixel (b) may be formed in the area where the first SD320-1and the second SD320-2of the first pixel (a) and the second pixel (b) are formed.

Accordingly, the image sensor300according to the example embodiment compares the amount of charge accumulated in the first PD310-1of the first pixel (a) with the amount of charge accumulated in the second PD310-2of the second pixel (b), adjusts the amount of charge of the first PD310-1to be the same as the amount of charge of the second PD310-2, and performs the phase difference auto focusing operation.

As described above, the SD320of each pixel of the image sensor300according to the example embodiment may be used as the shielding curtain for the phase difference auto focusing operation. Accordingly, a greater amount of charge may be accumulated in the PD310of each pixel of the image sensor300according to the example embodiment as compared with the related art, and thus, the performance deterioration problem in low illuminance according to the phase difference auto focusing operation may be improved.

Hereinafter, the detailed description on the image sensor300having the multi Photo Diode structure where the micro lens370is arrayed in the area the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is adjacent to the PD of other pixel will be provided.

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating an image sensor in a common multi Photo Diode structure, andFIG. 14is a diagram illustrating an example image sensor in a multi Photo Diode structure.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the image sensor100having the multi Photo Diode structure in the related art forms the micro lens170on two pixels having the same color filter. For example, in the image sensor100in the related art, the micro lens170may be formed on the second pixel (b) and a third pixel (c) having the same color filter (R).

The micro lens170formed on the second pixel (b) and a third pixel (c) may be moved from the second PD110-2and a third PD110-3of the second pixel (b) and the third pixel (c) to another pixel adjacent to the second pixel (b) so as to accumulate the greater amount of charge. However, as the second PD110-2and the third PD110-3of the second pixel (b) and the third pixel (c) are arrayed in an exterior angle of the micro lens170, the light collection efficiency of the incident light admitted through the micro lens170is deteriorated.

Meanwhile, in the image sensor300having another multi Photo Diode structure according to an example embodiment, the PD310of each of the plurality of pixels is arrayed in a center of the micro lens370, and thus, the amount of the incident light admitted through the micro lens370may increase as compared with the image sensor100having the multi Photo Diode structure in the related art.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 14, in the image sensor300having the multi Photo Diode structure according to an example embodiment, the SD320of each of the plurality of pixels may be symmetrical to the SD of other pixel. In this case, the second pixel (b) having the color filter (R) may be arrayed in the order of the second SD320-2and the second PD310-2, and the third pixel (c) having the color filter (R) same as that of the second pixel (b) is formed may be arrayed in the order of the third PD310-3and the third SD320-3. In addition, the micro lens370may be formed on the second and third pixels (b, c).

Accordingly, as the second PD310-2and the third PD310-3of the second and third pixels (b, c) are arrayed in the center of the micro lens370, the amount of the incident light admitted through the micro lens370increases, and thus, the deterioration of the light collection efficiency of the image sensor100having the multi Photo Diode structure in the related art may be improved.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bare diagrams illustrating various example multi Photo Diode structures of an image sensor.

As illustrated inFIG. 15A, the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment may have the structure where the micro lens370is arrayed in the area where the PD310of each of at least two pixels among the plurality of pixels is adjacent to the PD of other pixel.

For example, in the image sensor300according to the example embodiment, the first PD310-1and the second PD310-2are arrayed to be adjacent to each other, and the micro lens370may be formed in an area1510where the first and second pixels having the same color filter are formed.

Accordingly, the first PD310-1and the second PD310-2of the first and second pixels may convert and accumulate the incident light admitted through the micro lens370into the charge.

As illustrated inFIG. 15B, the image sensor300of the global shutter according to the example embodiment may have the structure where the micro lens370is arrayed in the area in which the PD310of each of at least four pixels among the plurality of pixels is adjacent to the PD of other pixel.

For example, in the image sensor300according to the example embodiment, as the first to fourth PDs310-1to310-4are arrayed to be adjacent to each other, the micro lens370may be formed in an area1520where the first to fourth pixels having the same color filter are formed.

Accordingly, the first to fourth PDs310-1to310-4of the first and second pixels may convert and accumulate the incident light admitted through the micro lens370into the charge.

As described above, the image sensor300according to the example embodiment may accumulate the charge in the PD310of each pixel by using a few number of micro lens370and may have the multi Photo Diode structure having superior light collection efficiency to the multi Photo Diode structure of the image sensor100in the related art.

As above, a few example embodiments have been shown and described.

The foregoing example embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. The disclosure can be readily applied to other types of devices. Also, the description of the example embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.