Image processing methods for image sensors with phase detection pixels

摘要

An image sensor may include a pixel array having image pixels for capturing image data and phase detection pixels for gathering phase information during automatic focusing operations. Phase detection pixels may form phase detection pixel pairs having first and second pixels with different angular responses. The first and second pixels may have color filters of the same color or may have color filters of different colors. The phase detection pixel pairs may be isolated from other phase detection pixel pairs in the array or may be arranged consecutively in a line. The phase detection pixels may, for example, be provided with color filters to match the color filter pattern of the pixel array. Processing circuitry may adjust red and green pixel signals from a phase detection pixel pair having a red and green color filter and may subsequently determine a phase difference using the adjusted pixel signals.

主权项

1. A method for processing pixel signals from a pair of phase detection pixels in a pixel array that includes image pixels and phase detection pixels, wherein the pair of phase detection pixels includes a first pixel and a second pixel having different angular responses, the method comprising:
with the first and second pixels, generating respective first and second pixel signals; with processing circuitry, adjusting the first and second pixel signals to reduce a bias between the first and second pixel signals; and with the processing circuitry, determining a phase difference associated with the first and second pixel signals using the adjusted first and second pixel signals.