Apple Inc.
Depth mapping with polarization and focus pixels

Abstract:

In some embodiments, an image sensor structure includes a super-pixel sensor comprising a plurality of micro-pixel sensors. The image sensor structure includes a plurality of micro-lenses affixed to focus light on the plurality of micro-pixel sensors. In some embodiments, each micro-lens of the plurality of micro-lenses directs light to locations on a respective one or more of the plurality of micro-pixel sensors. In some embodiments, the image sensor structure includes one or more color filters affixed at locations for filtering light directed by the micro-lenses to a first set of color image micro-pixel sensors comprising one or more of the plurality of micro-pixel sensors for capturing color image data and one or more polarization filters affixed at locations for filtering light directed by the micro-lenses to a second set of polarization micro-pixel sensors comprising one or more of the plurality of micro-pixel sensors for capturing depth map data.