Camera module, electronic equipment and photographing method

Abstract

The invention discloses a camera module, electronic equipment and a photographing method, and belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment. The camera module comprises an image sensor, an image processing unit and a storage unit. The image processing unit is respectively connected with the image sensor and the storage unit; the image sensor is used for converting an optical signal acquired in real time into first image data and sending the first image data to a processor and an image processing unit of the electronic equipment; the image processing unit is used for performing image processing on the first image data to obtain second image data; and the storage unit is used for storing the second image data, so that the processor generates a photo according to the second image data under the condition that the processor receives the photographing instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment, and specifically relates to a camera module, electronic equipment and a photographing method. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous innovation and improvement of electronic equipment and camera technology, the functions and performance of electronic equipment camera modules are also constantly improving, such as multiple cameras, high pixels, multiple shooting modes and multiple filter effects, etc. The camera modules of electronic equipment have become an important tool for people to shoot and record their daily lives, and are also constantly promoting the development of electronic equipment photography.

[0003] In the related art, when taking a photo, the camera module transmits the collected image data to the processor of the electronic device for processing, thereby obtaining a photo. Since the processor has many tasks to process, the processor resources are occupied more, which will affect the speed of generating photos by the photo task. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a camera module, an electronic device and a photo taking method, which can solve the problem of slow photo generation speed.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a camera module, including: an image sensor, an image processing unit, and a storage unit;

[0006] The image processing unit is connected to the image sensor and the storage unit respectively;

[0007] An image sensor, configured to convert an optical signal collected in real time into first image data, and send the first image data to a processor and an image processing unit of the electronic device;

[0008] An image processing unit, configured to perform image processing on the first image data to obtain second image data;

[0009] The storage unit is used to store the second image data so that the processor can generate a photo according to the second image data when receiving a photo taking instruction.

[0010] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, including:

[0011] The processor and the camera module provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0012] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a photographing method, which is applied to the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the photographing method includes:

[0013] The image sensor collects optical signals in real time, converts the optical signals into first image data, and sends the first image data to the processor and the image processing unit;

[0014] The processor sends the first image data to a display unit of the electronic device, and the display unit displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data;

[0015] The image processing unit performs image processing on the first image data to obtain second image data, and sends the second image data to the storage unit;

[0016] The storage unit stores the second image data;

[0017] When receiving a photo-taking instruction, the processor obtains third image data from the storage unit, wherein the third image data is the second image data stored most recently; and generates a photo according to the third image data.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present application, the camera module includes: an image sensor, an image processing unit and a storage unit; the image processing unit is connected to the image sensor and the storage unit respectively; the image sensor is used to convert the optical signal collected in real time into the first image data, and send the first image data to the processor and the image processing unit of the electronic device; the image processing unit is used to perform image processing on the first image data to obtain the second image data; the storage unit is used to store the second image data, so that the processor can generate photos according to the second image data when receiving the photo command. In this way, when the processor of the electronic device receives the photo command, it can directly generate photos according to the second image data stored in the storage unit of the camera module, which saves the time of the processor performing image processing on the first image data to obtain the second image data, and can improve the speed of photo generation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the camera module provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the camera module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a third structural schematic diagram of the camera module provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a fourth structural schematic diagram of the camera module provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of the photographing method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device implementing an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments in the present application belong to the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second", etc. are generally of one type, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship.

[0027] The camera module, electronic device and photographing method provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments and their application scenarios in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 The first structural diagram of the camera module provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG.

[0029] The image processing unit 102 is connected to the image sensor 101 and the storage unit 103 respectively.

[0030] The image sensor 101 is used to convert the optical signal collected in real time into first image data, and send the first image data to the processor and image processing unit 102 of the electronic device.

[0031] The image processing unit 102 is used to perform image processing on the first image data to obtain second image data.

[0032] The storage unit 103 is used to store the second image data so that the processor can generate a photo according to the second image data when receiving a photo taking instruction.

[0033] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the first image data in the embodiments of the present application is data used for image preview, which can be referred to as preview stream data; the second image data in the embodiments of the present application is data used to generate photos, which can be referred to as photo stream data.

[0034] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the image processing performed by the image processing unit on the first image data includes but is not limited to: exposure, diagonal, white balance and other processing.

[0035] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a system on chip (SOC).

[0036] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the image sensor 101 collects optical signals in real time, converts the optical signals into first image data, and sends the first image data to the processor and the image processing unit 102; the processor sends the first image data to the display unit (i.e., the screen) of the electronic device, and the display unit displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data; the image processing unit 102 performs image processing on the first image data to obtain second image data, and sends the second image data to the storage unit 103; the storage unit 103 stores the second image data; when receiving a photo taking instruction, the processor obtains third image data in the storage unit 103, wherein the third image data is the second image data stored most recently; and generates a photo based on the third image data.

[0037] In the embodiment of the present application, the display unit displays the preview image corresponding to the first image data, and at the same time, the image processing unit of the camera module processes the first image data to obtain the second image data, and stores the second image data in the storage unit of the camera module. When a photo-taking instruction is received, a photo is directly generated according to the second image data stored in the storage unit of the camera module, which saves the time of the processor to process the first image data to obtain the second image data, and can improve the speed of photo generation. It can also reduce the computational complexity of the processor and reduce the power consumption of the processor.

[0038] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor may include two image receiving units, and the two image receiving units are respectively used to receive the first image data and the second image data. Optionally, the processor may include a first image receiving unit and a second image receiving unit; the first image receiving unit is used to receive the first image data; the second image receiving unit is used to receive the second image data; the image sensor is connected to the first image receiving unit and sends the first image data to the first image receiving unit; the image processing unit is connected to the second image receiving unit and sends the second image data to the second image receiving unit.

[0039] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the camera module may also include two interfaces, and the image sensor sends first image data to one of the two image receiving units through one of the two interfaces; the image processing unit sends second image data to the other of the two image receiving units through the other of the two interfaces.

[0040] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the interface in the embodiments of the present application may be a Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI).

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 1 is a second structural diagram of the camera module provided in the embodiment of the present application. The camera module 10 may include: an image sensor 101, an image processing unit 102, a storage unit 103, a first interface IO1 and a second interface IO2. The processor 20 includes a first image receiving unit 201, a second image receiving unit 202 and a generating unit 203. The first image receiving unit 201 is used to receive first image data; the second image receiving unit 202 is used to receive second image data.

[0042] The image processing unit 102 is connected to the image sensor 101 and the storage unit 103 respectively.

[0043] The image sensor 101 is also connected to the first image receiving unit 201 through the first interface IO1. The image sensor 101 sends the first image data to the first image receiving unit 201 through the first interface IO1. After the first image receiving unit 201 receives the first image data, the first image receiving unit 201 sends the first image data to the screen 30, and the screen 30 displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data.

[0044] The image processing unit 102 is also connected to the second image receiving unit 202 through the second interface IO2. After receiving the photo command, the processor 20 sends the photo command to the camera module 10; after the camera module 10 receives the photo command, the image processing unit 102 obtains the most recently stored image data from the storage unit 103, and the image processing unit 102 sends the most recently stored image data to the second image receiving unit 202 through the second interface IO2. After the second image receiving unit 202 receives the most recently stored image data, the most recently stored image data is sent to the generation unit 203, and the generation unit 203 generates a photo according to the most recently stored image data and stores it for subsequent viewing and editing by the user.

[0045] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor may include only one image receiving unit, which is used to receive both the first image data and the second image data. The camera module may also include two interfaces and a single-pole double-throw switch. The image data received by the image receiving unit is controlled by the single-pole double-throw switch. Optionally, the processor includes a third image receiving unit, and the camera module includes a single-pole double-throw switch; the first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image sensor; the second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image processing unit; the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the third image receiving unit; when the electronic device does not receive a photo command, the moving end is connected to the first fixed end, and the image sensor sends the first image data to the third image receiving unit; when the electronic device receives a photo command, the moving end is connected to the second fixed end, and the image processing unit sends the second image data to the third image receiving unit.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The third structural diagram of the camera module provided in the embodiment of the present application. The camera module 10 may include: an image sensor 101, an image processing unit 102, a storage unit 103, a first interface IO1, a second interface IO2 and a single-pole double-throw switch 104. The processor 20 includes a third image receiving unit 205 and a generating unit 203.

[0047] The first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch 104 is connected to the first interface IO1, that is, the first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch 104 is connected to the image sensor 101 through the first interface IO1; the second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch 104 is connected to the second interface IO2, and the second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch 104 is connected to the image processing unit 102 through the second interface IO2; the movable end of the single-pole double-throw switch 104 is connected to the third image receiving unit 205.

[0048] When no photo-taking instruction is received, the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch 104 is connected to the first fixed end. At this time, the image sensor 101 sends the first image data to the third image receiving unit 205 through the first interface IO1; after the third image receiving unit 205 receives the first image data, the third image receiving unit 205 sends the first image data to the screen 30, and the screen 30 displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data.

[0049] After receiving the photo-taking instruction, the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch 104 is connected to the second fixed end, the image processing unit 102 obtains the most recently stored image data from the storage unit 103, and the image processing unit 102 sends the most recently stored image data to the second image receiving unit 202 through the second interface IO2. After the second image receiving unit 202 receives the most recently stored image data, it sends the most recently stored image data to the generation unit 203, and the generation unit 203 generates a photo based on the most recently stored image data and stores it for the user to view and edit later.

[0050] After the generation unit 204 generates a photo, the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch 104 is connected to the first fixed end. At this time, the image sensor 101 sends the first image data to the third image receiving unit 205 through the first interface IO1; after the third image receiving unit 205 receives the first image data, the third image receiving unit 205 sends the first image data to the screen 30, and the screen 30 continues to display the preview image corresponding to the first image data, and continues to preview the image.

[0051] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the single-pole double-throw switch in the embodiments of the present application can be a multi-channel single-pole double-throw switch, and the image sensor uses multiple channels to send the first image data to the third image receiving unit through the first interface and the multi-channel single-pole double-throw switch.

[0052] It should be noted that although the image sensor 101 does not transmit the first image data when generating a photo by receiving a photo taking instruction, since the time required to generate the photo is short and since the human eye has a persistence of vision when observing a scene, it will not affect the user's viewing of the preview image.

[0053] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor may include only one image receiving unit, which is only used to receive the first image data, and the processor may be connected to the storage unit of the camera module through a bus, directly obtain data from the storage unit, and generate photos based on the obtained data. Optionally, the processor includes a fourth image receiving unit; the image sensor is connected to the fourth image receiving unit to send the first image data to the processor; the storage unit is connected to the processor through a bus.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 1 is a fourth structural diagram of the camera module provided in the embodiment of the present application. The camera module 10 may include: an image sensor 101, an image processing unit 102, a storage unit 103 and a third interface 103. The processor 20 includes a fourth image receiving unit 206 and a generating unit 203.

[0055] The image sensor 101 is connected to the fourth image receiving unit 206 via the third interface IO3. The storage unit 103 is connected to the processor 20 via the bus 40.

[0056] When no photo taking instruction is received, the image sensor 101 sends the first image data to the fourth image receiving unit 206 through the third interface IO3; after the fourth image receiving unit 206 receives the first image data, the fourth image receiving unit 206 sends the first image data to the screen 30, and the screen 30 displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data.

[0057] After receiving the photo taking instruction, the processor 20 directly reads the most recently stored image data from the storage unit 103 via the bus 40, and the generation unit 204 generates and stores a photo based on the most recently stored image data for subsequent viewing and editing by the user.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, the use of interfaces can be reduced, and the image data in the storage unit can be directly read through the bus, which can increase the data acquisition speed and thus increase the photo generation speed.

[0059] An embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device, including a processor and a camera module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor includes a first image receiving unit and a second image receiving unit; the first image receiving unit is connected to the image sensor, and the second image receiving unit is connected to the image processing unit;

[0061] The first image receiving unit receives the first image data sent by the first image receiving unit;

[0062] The second image receiving unit receives the second image data sent by the image processing unit.

[0063] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor includes a third image receiving unit; the camera module includes a single-pole double-throw switch; a first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image sensor; a second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image processing unit; and a moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the third image receiving unit;

[0064] When the electronic device does not receive a photographing instruction, the third image receiving unit receives the first image data sent by the image sensor;

[0065] When the electronic device receives a photographing instruction, the third image receiving unit receives the second image data sent by the image processing unit.

[0066] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor includes a fourth image receiving unit; the fourth image receiving unit is connected to the image sensor; the processor is connected to the storage unit via a bus;

[0067] The fourth image receiving unit receives the first image data sent by the image sensor;

[0068] The processor reads the second image data from the storage unit.

[0069] The electronic device in the embodiment of the present application may be a terminal, or may be other devices other than a terminal. For example, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a PDA, a vehicle-mounted electronic device, a mobile Internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a netbook or a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., and may also be a server, a network attached storage (NAS), a personal computer (PC), a television (TV), a teller machine or a self-service machine, etc., which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0070] The electronic device in the embodiment of the present application may be an electronic device having an operating system. The operating system may be an Android operating system, an iOS operating system, or other possible operating systems, which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0071] The present application also provides a photographing method, which is applied to the electronic device provided in the present application. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 : is a flow chart of a photographing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The photographing method may include the following steps:

[0072] Step 501: The image sensor collects optical signals in real time, converts the optical signals into first image data, and sends the first image data to the processor and the image processing unit;

[0073] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, after the shooting function of the electronic device (such as a camera function) is started, the camera module provided by the embodiments of the present application is started, and the image sensor in the camera module starts to collect optical signals; when the shooting function of the electronic device is turned off, the camera module provided by the embodiments of the present application is turned off, and the image sensor in the camera module stops collecting optical signals.

[0074] Step 502: the processor sends first image data to a display unit of the electronic device, and the display unit displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data;

[0075] Step 503: the image processing unit performs image processing on the first image data to obtain second image data, and sends the second image data to the storage unit;

[0076] Step 504: the storage unit stores the second image data;

[0077] Step 505: when receiving the photo taking instruction, the processor obtains the third image data in the storage unit, wherein the third image data is the second image data stored most recently;

[0078] Step 506: The processor generates a photo according to the third image data.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, the display unit displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data, and at the same time, the image processing unit of the camera module processes the first image data to obtain the second image data, and stores the second image data in the storage unit of the camera module. When a photo-taking instruction is received, a photo is directly generated according to the image data most recently stored in the storage unit of the camera module, which can improve the speed of photo generation. It can also reduce the computational complexity of the processor and the power consumption of the processor.

[0080] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor includes a first image receiving unit and a second image receiving unit; the first image receiving unit is used to receive first image data; the second image receiving unit is used to receive second image data; the first image receiving unit is connected to the image sensor, and the second image receiving unit is connected to the image processing unit.

[0081] Accordingly, step 501 may include: the image sensor sends first image data to a first image receiving unit;

[0082] Step 505 may include: the processor sends a photo-taking instruction to the camera module; when the camera module receives the photo-taking instruction, the image processing unit obtains the third image data from the storage unit and sends the third image data to the second image receiving unit; the second image receiving unit receives the third image data sent by the image processing unit.

[0083] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor includes a third image receiving unit, and the camera module includes a single-pole double-throw switch; the first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image sensor; the second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image processing unit; and the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the third image receiving unit.

[0084] Accordingly, step 505 may include: the processor controls the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch to be connected to the second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch; the processor sends a photo-taking instruction to the camera module; when the camera module receives the photo-taking instruction, the image processing unit obtains the third image data from the storage unit and sends the third image data to the second image receiving unit; the second image receiving unit receives the third image data sent by the image processing unit.

[0085] After the processor generates a photo according to the third image data, the processor controls the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch to be connected to the first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch; and the image sensor continues to send the first image data to the first image receiving unit.

[0086] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor is connected to the storage unit via a bus.

[0087] Accordingly, step 505 may include: the processor reading the third image data from the storage unit through the bus.

[0088] The implementation of each step of the photographing method provided in the embodiment of the present application can refer to the description of the camera module provided in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application, and the embodiment of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0089] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device implementing an embodiment of the present application.

[0090] The electronic device 600 includes but is not limited to: a radio frequency unit 601, a network module 602, an audio output unit 603, an input unit 604, a sensor 605, a display unit 606, a user input unit 607, an interface unit 608, a memory 609, and a processor 610.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electronic device 600 may also include a power source (such as a battery) for supplying power to each component, and the power source may be logically connected to the processor 610 through a power management system, thereby implementing functions such as managing charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. Figure 6 The electronic device structure shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device. The electronic device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently, which will not be described in detail here.

[0092] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the input unit 604 may include a camera module provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0093] The processor 610 is used to receive the first image data sent by the camera module, and send the first image data to the display unit 606 for display, wherein the first image data is obtained by converting the optical signal collected in real time by the image sensor of the camera module.

[0094] The display unit 606 is used to display the first image data sent by the processor 610 .

[0095] The processor 610 is also used to obtain the most recently stored image data from the storage unit of the camera module when receiving a photo taking instruction, and generate a photo based on the most recently stored image data.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present application, the display unit displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data, and at the same time, the image processing unit of the camera module processes the first image data to obtain the second image data, and stores the second image data in the storage unit of the camera module. When a photo-taking instruction is received, a photo is directly generated according to the image data most recently stored in the storage unit of the camera module, which can improve the speed of photo generation. It can also reduce the computational complexity of the processor and the power consumption of the processor.

[0097] In some possible implementations of the embodiment of the present application, the processor 610 includes a first image receiving unit and a second image receiving unit; the second image receiving unit is connected to the image processing unit; and the first image receiving unit is connected to the image sensor.

[0098] The second image receiving unit sends a photo-taking instruction to the image processing unit; the image processing unit obtains the most recently stored image data from the storage unit and sends the most recently stored image data to the second image receiving unit; the second image receiving unit receives the most recently stored image data sent by the image processing unit through the second interface.

[0099] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor includes a third image receiving unit, and the camera module includes a single-pole double-throw switch; the first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image sensor; the second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image processing unit; and the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the third image receiving unit.

[0100] When receiving a photo-taking instruction, the processor 610 controls the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch to be connected to the second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch; the third image receiving unit sends a photo-taking instruction to the image processing unit; the image processing unit obtains the most recently stored image data from the storage unit, and sends the most recently stored image data to the second image receiving unit; the second image receiving unit receives the most recently stored image data sent by the image processing unit.

[0101] In some possible implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the processor 610 is connected to the storage unit via a bus.

[0102] Accordingly, the processor 610 is specifically configured to read the most recently stored image data from the storage unit via the bus.

[0103] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the input unit 604 may include a graphics processor (GPU) 6041 and a microphone 6042, and the graphics processor 6041 processes the image data of a static picture or video obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in a video capture mode or an image capture mode. The display unit 606 may include a display panel 6061, and the display panel 6061 may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, etc. The user input unit 607 includes a touch panel 6071 and at least one of other input devices 6072. The touch panel 6071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 6071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 6072 may include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function keys (such as a volume control button, a switch button, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] The memory 609 can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory 609 may mainly include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data, wherein the first storage area may store an operating system, an application program or instructions required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.), etc. In addition, the memory 609 may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or the memory 609 may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), an enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), a synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM) and a direct memory bus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory 609 in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0105] The processor 610 may include one or more processing units; optionally, the processor 610 integrates an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly processes operations related to an operating system, a user interface, and application programs, and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understandable that the modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 610.

[0106] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise one..." do not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in reverse order according to the functions involved, for example, the described method may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may also be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0107] Through the description of the above implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform, and of course by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a computer software product, which is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, a disk, or an optical disk), and includes a number of instructions for a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, a computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0108] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of the present application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A camera module, characterized in that: The camera module includes: an image sensor, an image processing unit and a storage unit; The image processing unit is connected to the image sensor and the storage unit respectively; The image sensor is used to convert the optical signal collected in real time into first image data, and send the first image data to the processor of the electronic device and the image processing unit; The image processing unit is used to perform image processing on the first image data to obtain second image data; The storage unit is used to store the second image data, so that the processor can generate a photo according to the second image data when receiving a photo taking instruction.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor comprises a first image receiving unit and a second image receiving unit; the first image receiving unit is used to receive the first image data; the second image receiving unit is used to receive the second image data; The image sensor is connected to the first image receiving unit and sends the first image data to the first image receiving unit; The image processing unit is connected to the second image receiving unit and sends the second image data to the second image receiving unit.

3. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor includes a third image receiving unit, and the camera module includes a single-pole double-throw switch; The first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image sensor; The second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image processing unit; The moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the third image receiving unit; When the electronic device does not receive a photographing instruction, the movable end is connected to the first stationary end, and the image sensor sends the first image data to the third image receiving unit; When the electronic device receives a photographing instruction, the movable end is connected to the second stationary end, and the image processing unit sends the second image data to the third image receiving unit.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processor includes a fourth image receiving unit; The image sensor is connected to the fourth image receiving unit and sends the first image data to the processor; The storage unit is connected to the processor via a bus.

5. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises a processor and a camera module as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The processor includes a first image receiving unit and a second image receiving unit; the first image receiving unit is connected to the image sensor, and the second image receiving unit is connected to the image processing unit; The first image receiving unit receives the first image data sent by the first image receiving unit; The second image receiving unit receives the second image data sent by the image processing unit.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The processor includes a third image receiving unit; the camera module includes a single-pole double-throw switch; the first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image sensor; the second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image processing unit; the moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the third image receiving unit; When the electronic device does not receive a photographing instruction, the third image receiving unit receives the first image data sent by the image sensor; When the electronic device receives a photographing instruction, the third image receiving unit receives the second image data sent by the image processing unit.

8. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The processor includes a fourth image receiving unit; the fourth image receiving unit is connected to the image sensor; the processor is connected to the storage unit via a bus; The fourth image receiving unit receives the first image data sent by the image sensor; The processor reads the second image data from the storage unit.

9. A photographing method, characterized in that: Applied to the electronic device according to claim 5, the method comprises: The image sensor collects optical signals in real time, converts the optical signals into first image data, and sends the first image data to the processor and the image processing unit; The processor sends the first image data to a display unit of the electronic device, and the display unit displays a preview image corresponding to the first image data; The image processing unit performs image processing on the first image data to obtain second image data, and sends the second image data to the storage unit; The storage unit stores the second image data; When receiving a photo-taking instruction, the processor acquires third image data from the storage unit, wherein the third image data is the second image data stored most recently; and generates a photo according to the third image data.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The processor includes a first image receiving unit and a second image receiving unit; the first image receiving unit is connected to the image sensor, and the second image receiving unit is connected to the image processing unit; The image sensor sends the first image data to the processor, comprising: The image sensor sends the first image data to the first image receiving unit; The processor acquires the third image data in the storage unit, including: The processor sends the photographing instruction to the camera module; When the camera module receives the photographing instruction, the image processing unit obtains the third image data from the storage unit and sends the third image data to the second image receiving unit; The second image receiving unit receives the third image data sent by the image processing unit.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The processor includes a third image receiving unit, and the camera module includes a single-pole double-throw switch; a first fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image sensor; a second fixed end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the image processing unit; and a moving end of the single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the third image receiving unit; The processor acquires the third image data in the storage unit, including: The processor controls the movable end to be connected to the second fixed end; The processor sends the photographing instruction to the camera module; When the camera module receives the photographing instruction, the image processing unit obtains the third image data from the storage unit and sends the third image data to the third image receiving unit; The third image receiving unit receives the third image data sent by the image processing unit.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The processor is connected to the storage unit via a bus; The processor acquires the third image data in the storage unit, including: The processor reads the third image data from the storage unit through a bus.

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