Camera module, method and device, computer equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a camera module, method and device, computer equipment and a storage medium. The module comprises a polarization element which has a plurality of states and has different polarization angles in different states; a plurality of image modules, the plurality of image modules are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of states, each image module comprises a plurality of image modules, and the plurality of image modules are in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of pixels in the image pixel array; the image module comprises a sub-polarization element and an image sensor, the polarization angle of the sub-polarization element is the same as the polarization angle corresponding to the image sensor, and the sub-polarization element is arranged on a light path between the polarization element and the image sensor. The module is low in cost, low in processing difficulty, high in reliability, capable of easily realizing exposure and imaging at an extremely high frame rate, and high in usability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of photographic imaging technology, and in particular, to an imaging module, method, device, computer device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Videography is a process of converting optical image signals into electrical signals using a camera (video shooting device) for storage or transmission. The videography process typically involves using a shutter to control the on / off of light to expose the image sensor.

[0003] In the related art, exposure is usually achieved by using a fast-opening and closing mechanical shutter. This method is slow and it is difficult to achieve high-frame-rate photography. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides an imaging module, method, device, computer device, and storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an imaging module is provided, and the module includes:

[0006] A polarization element having multiple states and different polarization angles in different states;

[0007] Multiple groups of image modules, which correspond to the multiple states one by one. Each group of image modules includes a plurality of image modules, and the plurality of image modules correspond to a plurality of pixels in the image pixel array one by one;

[0008] Wherein, the image module includes a sub-polarization element and an image sensor. The polarization angle of the sub-polarization element is the same as the polarization angle corresponding to the image sensor, and the sub-polarization element is disposed on the light path between the polarization element and the image sensor.

[0009] Optionally, the polarization element includes a linear polarizer.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a shutter structure of an imaging module is provided, and the structure includes:

[0011] A sub-polarization element for filtering out polarized light with a specific polarization angle;

[0012] A polarization element having multiple states and different polarization angles in different states. One state of the multiple states has the same polarization angle as the polarization angle corresponding to the sub-polarization element, and the polarized light filtered out by the polarization element is irradiated on the sub-polarization element.

[0013] Optionally, the structure includes multiple sets of sub-polarization elements, where the polarization directions of different sets of sub-polarization elements are different, the polarization element has a state that is the same as the polarization angle of each set of sub-polarization elements, and the polarized light filtered by the polarization element is irradiated on the multiple sets of sub-polarization elements.

[0014] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a camera method, the method including:

[0015] In each state during the process of the polarization element of the camera module switching states, generate an image based on the pixels collected by the image module corresponding to each state.

[0016] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0017] In response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration, switch the state of the polarization element.

[0018] Optionally, the polarization element is used to filter polarized light with a specific polarization angle, and the switching of the state of the polarization element includes:

[0019] Rotate the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element.

[0020] Optionally, the rotation of the polarization element includes:

[0021] Rotate the polarization element by a preset angle in the circumferential direction.

[0022] Optionally, the polarization element is used to filter polarized light with different polarization angles in different electric field environments, and the switching of the state of the polarization element includes:

[0023] Change the electric field environment of the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element.

[0024] Optionally, the "in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration, switch the state of the polarization element" includes:

[0025] In the case of receiving a first user instruction, in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration, switch the state of the polarization element.

[0026] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0027] In response to receiving a second user instruction, stop switching the state of the polarization element.

[0028] Optionally, the "in response to receiving a second user instruction, stop switching the state of the polarization element" includes:

[0029] In response to receiving a second user instruction, stop switching the state of the polarization element, and encode the images generated in multiple states of the polarization element to generate a dynamic image.

[0030] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a camera device, the device includes:

[0031] A camera module, configured to generate an image based on pixels collected by an image module corresponding to each state during the process of switching the state of the polarization element of the camera module.

[0032] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0033] A control module, configured to switch the state of the polarization element in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration.

[0034] Optionally, the polarization element of the control module is used to filter out polarized light with a specific polarization angle, and when switching the state of the polarization element, it is used for:

[0035] Rotate the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element.

[0036] Optionally, when the control module is used to rotate the polarization element, it is used for:

[0037] Rotate the polarization element circumferentially by a preset angle.

[0038] Optionally, the polarization element is used to filter out polarized light with different polarization angles in different electric field environments, and when the control module is used to switch the state of the polarization element, it is used for:

[0039] Change the electric field environment of the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element.

[0040] Optionally, when the control module is used to switch the state of the polarization element in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration, it is used for:

[0041] In the case of receiving a first user instruction, switch the state of the polarization element in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration.

[0042] Optionally, the control module is further used for:

[0043] In response to receiving a second user instruction, stop switching the state of the polarization element.

[0044] Optionally, when the control module is used to stop switching the state of the polarization element in response to receiving a second user instruction, it is used for:

[0045] In response to receiving a second user instruction, stop switching the state of the polarization element, and encode the images generated in multiple states of the polarization element to generate a dynamic image.

[0046] The fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. Wherein, when the processor executes the program, it implements the method described in the third aspect.

[0047] The sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, it implements the method described in the third aspect.

[0048] The seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program / instructions. When the computer program / instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the method described in the third aspect.

[0049] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure provides a terminal device, which is equipped with the imaging module described in the first aspect or the shutter system described in the second aspect.

[0050] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0051] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the imaging module is configured with a polarization element having multiple states and different polarization angles in different states, and is configured with multiple groups of image modules. The multiple groups of image modules correspond one-to-one to the multiple states. Wherein, each group of image modules includes multiple image modules, and the multiple image modules correspond one-to-one to multiple pixels in the image pixel array. The image sensor includes a sub-polarization element and an image sensor. The polarization angle of the sub-polarization element is the same as the polarization angle corresponding to the image sensor. The sub-polarization element is disposed on the light path between the polarization element and the image sensor. Based on this, it is possible to utilize the polarization characteristics of light so that in multiple states of the polarization element, the image sensors included in each group of the multiple groups of image modules can respectively perform photosensing, and an image can be obtained based on the combination of the pixel information obtained from each group of image modules. This module essentially changes the exposure principle in the imaging process, has low cost, low processing difficulty, high reliability, and can easily achieve exposure and imaging at an extremely high frame rate by switching the state of the polarization element, and has strong usability.

[0052] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and form a part of this disclosure, showing embodiments consistent with this disclosure, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 1 It is a side sectional view of an imaging module shown in some exemplary embodiments.

[0055] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an image pixel array shown in some exemplary embodiments.

[0056] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of an imaging method shown in some exemplary embodiments.

[0057] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of another imaging method shown in some exemplary embodiments.

[0058] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of an imaging device shown in some exemplary embodiments.

[0059] Figure 6 It is a hardware structure diagram of a computer device shown in some exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. On the contrary, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0061] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. The singular forms "a", "the", and "said" used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0062] It should be understood that although terms such as first, second, and third may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when" or "while" or "in response to a determination".

[0063] Videography is a process of converting optical image signals into electrical signals using a camera (video shooting device) for storage or transmission. The videography process typically involves using a shutter to control the on / off of light to expose the image sensor.

[0064] In the related art, exposure is usually achieved by using a fast-opening and closing mechanical shutter. This method is slow and difficult to achieve high-frame-rate videography. In addition, this method has low reliability and the shutter system is easily damaged.

[0065] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a camera module, method, device, computer device, and storage medium. Next, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0066] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a camera module is provided. The module includes a polarization element and multiple groups of image modules. Among them, the polarization element has multiple states and different polarization angles in different states; the multiple groups of image modules correspond one-to-one to the multiple states. Each group of image modules in (the multiple groups of image modules) includes multiple image modules, and the multiple image modules correspond one-to-one to multiple pixels in an image pixel array; the image module includes a sub-polarization element and an image sensor. The polarization angle of the sub-polarization element is the same as the polarization angle corresponding to the image module, and the sub-polarization element is disposed on the light path between the polarization element and the image sensor.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 1 , which is a side cross-sectional view of a camera module shown in some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure (i.e., its transverse direction is the thickness direction of the camera module). The polarization element 111 has multiple states. When natural light irradiates one side of the polarization element 111, the polarization element 111 can filter out linearly polarized light corresponding to the polarization angle in the current state and make it irradiate on multiple groups of image modules.

[0068] Each group of image modules includes multiple image modules, and the multiple image modules correspond one-to-one to multiple pixels in an image pixel array. Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 , which is a front schematic view of an image pixel array shown in some exemplary embodiments with the multiple groups of image modules being four groups of image modules as an example. In this example,Figure 2 Each of the square structures separated by the thin solid lines in the grid-like structure shown on the right can accommodate an image module respectively (i.e., a total of 64 image modules are shown in Figure 2 , and each group of image modules includes 16 image modules), and the part enclosed by the thick solid line can be regarded as a pixel (i.e., the image pixel array shown in Figure 2 contains a total of 16 pixels). Each image module in each group of image modules corresponds one-to-one with the pixels in the image pixel array. Preferably, each image module in each group of images can be located at the same internal position of its corresponding pixel. For example, in the image pixel array shown in Figure 2 , each image module in the first group of image modules can be located at the upper left corner position of its corresponding pixel, and each image module in the second group of image modules can be located at the upper right corner position of its corresponding pixel, and so on (i.e., the polarization angles of the image modules arranged at each position inside each pixel in the image pixel array are the same, which is used to record the polarized light filtered by the polarization element in the same state, so as to ensure the accuracy of the finally generated image to the greatest extent). And the polarization angle of each group of image modules corresponds to a state of the polarization element 111 respectively. For example, in Figure 2 , the four groups of image modules shown correspond to the polarization angles of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° respectively, then the polarization element 111 can have a state that can generate linearly polarized light with angles corresponding to these four groups of image modules. Based on this, in multiple states of the polarization element 111, each group of image modules can be respectively sensitized, and the image modules included therein form the pixels in the image pixel array.

[0069] Figure 1 The example shown is further introduced for a single pixel (such as Figure 2 the part enclosed by the thick solid line in Figure 1 is a side sectional view of the camera module, and Figure 2 is a front view of the image pixel array. Due to the occlusion relationship, Figure 2 the four groups of image modules corresponding to one pixel in Figure 1Two groups are not shown (their sub-polarization elements and image sensors are blocked by the other two groups). Among them, the sub-polarization element 121 and the image sensor 131 together form an image module. When the polarization element 111 filters natural light into linearly polarized light with the polarization direction corresponding to the sub-polarization element 121, the polarized light can pass through the sub-polarization element 121 and irradiate onto the image sensor 131, so that the image sensor 131 can sense light. Since the sub-polarization element 122 belongs to the image module of other groups (that is, its polarization direction corresponds to other states of the polarization element 111), its polarization direction is different from that of the sub-polarization element 121. Therefore, the linearly polarized light filtered out by the polarization element 111 at this time cannot pass through the sub-polarization element 122 and irradiate onto the image sensor 132. Based on this, it is possible to enable different image sensors included in the pixels of the image pixel array to sense light and form images respectively under different states of the polarization element 111 to support ultra-high frame rate photography.

[0070] Regarding the implementation of the polarization element and the sub-polarization element, exemplarily, a polarization beam splitter can be used to split the incident linearly polarized light into two mutually perpendicular polarized light beams. One of the light beams passes through a phase modulator and undergoes phase adjustment, and then passes through another polarization beam splitter. By adjusting the settings of the phase modulator, a linearly polarized light beam at a specific angle can be selected and separated through the polarization beam splitter, so that it can be used to selectively transmit light with a specific polarization direction and block light with other polarization directions; further exemplarily, a linear polarizer made of materials such as polarizing film, liquid crystal, and electro-optic crystal can be used to implement the polarization element, and this method has a lower cost. The image sensor can be composed of photosensitive units implemented based on technologies such as CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and is used to convert light energy into electrical signals.

[0071] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the imaging module is configured with a polarization element having multiple states and different polarization angles in different states, and is configured with multiple groups of image modules. The multiple groups of image modules correspond one-to-one to the multiple states. Each group of image modules includes a plurality of image modules, and the plurality of image modules correspond one-to-one to a plurality of pixels in the image pixel array. The image sensor includes a sub-polarization element and an image sensor. The polarization angle of the sub-polarization element is the same as the polarization angle corresponding to the image sensor. The sub-polarization element is disposed on the light path between the polarization element and the image sensor. Based on this, it is possible to utilize the polarization characteristics of light so that, in multiple states of the polarization element, the image sensors included in each group of image modules can perform photosensing respectively, and an image can be obtained based on the combination of the pixel information obtained from each group of image modules. This module essentially changes the exposure principle during the imaging process, has low cost, low processing difficulty, high reliability, and can easily achieve exposure and imaging at an extremely high frame rate by switching the state of the polarization element, and has strong usability.

[0072] The imaging module provided in the first aspect of the present disclosure may also correspond to other product forms. The second aspect of the present disclosure provides a shutter structure of an imaging module, and the structure includes:

[0073] A sub-polarization element for filtering out polarized light with a specific polarization angle;

[0074] A polarization element having multiple states and different polarization angles in different states. The polarization angle of one of the multiple states is the same as the polarization angle corresponding to the sub-polarization element. The polarized light filtered out by the polarization element is irradiated on the sub-polarization element.

[0075] When the polarization angle of the polarization element in the current state is the same as that of the sub-polarization element, light can pass through the sub-polarization element. When the polarization angle of the polarization element in the current state is different from that of the sub-polarization element, light cannot pass through the sub-polarization element. The above structure essentially changes the shutter structure during the imaging process, thereby changing the exposure principle, has low cost, low processing difficulty, high reliability, and can easily achieve exposure and imaging at an extremely high frame rate by switching the state of the polarization element, and has strong usability.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the structure includes multiple sets of sub-polarization elements, where the polarization directions of different sets of sub-polarization elements (among the multiple sets of sub-polarization elements) are different, the polarization element has a state that is the same as the polarization angle of each set of sub-polarization elements (among the multiple sets of sub-polarization elements), and the polarized light filtered by the polarization element irradiates on the multiple sets of sub-polarization elements. Based on this, in different polarization states of the polarization element, light can irradiate on different positions (i.e., the positions corresponding to different sets of sub-polarization elements). When different sets of the sub-polarization elements correspond to different sets of image sensors, separate exposure of different sets of image sensors can be achieved. For the specific details and related beneficial effects in the above embodiments, please refer to the relevant content in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0077] Based on the imaging module or other similar structures provided in the first aspect of the present disclosure, the third aspect of the present disclosure provides an imaging method. Please refer to Figure 3 , which includes the following steps:

[0078] Step S301, in each state during the process of switching the state of the polarization element of the imaging module, generate an image based on the pixels collected by the image module corresponding to each state.

[0079] Among them, the device can switch the state of the polarization element in response to a user instruction or a network instruction. In addition, the state can also be automatically switched at a certain time frequency, that is, in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration, the state of the polarization element is switched. The time interval can be a preset value or can be set according to a user instruction indicating the time interval. Regarding the specific method of switching the state of the polarization element, for example, if the polarization element is used to filter polarized light with a specific polarization angle, then switching the state of the polarization element includes rotating the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element. Preferably, rotating the polarization element includes rotating the polarization element by a preset angle along the circumferential direction (i.e., rotating the polarization element by a preset angle with the axis of the polarization element as the axis). For example, in the example shown in Figure 2 , the preset angle can be 45°, so that the polarization element can reach a state corresponding to multiple sets of image modules. Such a setting helps to reduce the failure rate of the polarization element and reduce the time required for the polarization element to change its state, making this method more suitable for high-frame-rate photography. Another example is that if the polarization element is used to filter polarized light with different polarization angles in different electric field environments (for example, the polarization element is a polarizing film made of materials such as liquid crystal or electro-optic crystal), then switching the state of the polarization element includes changing the electric field environment of the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element. Such a setting helps to improve the control fineness of the polarization element and makes this method more suitable for high-frame-rate photography.

[0080] It should be understood that in order to prevent the image sensor from being in an exposure state for a long time during non - use (i.e., when the user does not call the corresponding function), this method can make the polarization angle of the polarization element not correspond to any of the multiple groups of image modules in the non - use state, or power down the image sensor. The present disclosure does not limit this.

[0081] Embodiments of the present disclosure can utilize the polarization characteristics of light, such that in multiple states of the polarization element, each image sensor included in each group of multiple groups of image modules can perform photosensing respectively, and an image can be obtained based on the combination of pixel information obtained from each group of image modules. This method essentially changes the exposure principle during the imaging process, has low cost, low processing difficulty, high reliability, and can easily achieve exposure and imaging at an extremely high frame rate, with strong usability.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of switching the state of the polarization element in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration includes:

[0083] In the case of receiving a first user instruction, switch the state of the polarization element in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration.

[0084] In addition, the method may further include:

[0085] In response to receiving a second user instruction, stop switching the state of the polarization element.

[0086] In other words, the state - switching process of the polarization element in the present disclosure can be started or stopped in real - time according to user instructions. Among them, the first user instruction can be a click instruction or a touch - press instruction (i.e., the user's finger presses a preset control), and the second user instruction can be a click instruction or a touch - lift instruction (i.e., the user's finger lifts from the preset control). The above steps provide a friendly interaction method for this method, which helps users to easily achieve high - frame - rate photography at any time during the daily use of the device, improving the user experience. Additionally, preferably, the method can also provide a frame - rate selection control, and determine the aforementioned time threshold according to the frame - rate instruction input by the user based on the frame - rate selection control, so that the photography method is more in line with the actual needs of the user.

[0087] In addition, the imaging method provided by the present disclosure does not limit the number of times the state of the polarization element changes. When the user instructs to take multiple photos, the device can sequentially make each group of image modules in the multiple groups of image modules alternately sense light in a preset order, and repeat this process continuously. For example, continuing with the example where the multiple groups of image modules include four groups of image modules, if the current polarization angle of the polarization element is 0°, and the polarization angles corresponding to the four groups of image modules are 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° respectively, then the polarization element can be rotated 45° circumferentially every time threshold, so that each group of image modules in the four groups of image modules is alternately exposed, and this process is repeated until the second user instruction is received, thereby capturing any number of images at a high frame rate.

[0088] Further, the stopping of switching the state of the polarization element in response to receiving the second user instruction may include:

[0089] In response to receiving the second user instruction, stop switching the state of the polarization element, and encode the images generated in multiple states of the polarization element to generate a dynamic image.

[0090] In other words, after the user instructs to stop shooting, the images generated by this method in multiple states of the polarization element can be encoded to generate a dynamic image (for example, generating a video file based on the generation time interval and image content of each image, or calculating and encoding the images using a preset algorithm to generate a dynamic image). Based on this, it is convenient for the user to record high-frame-rate and smooth dynamic images at any time during the daily use of the device, improving the user experience.

[0091] The following further elaborates on the above at least one embodiment through Figure 4 the flowchart shown.

[0092] The light reflected by an object in its natural state can be regarded as light with no specific vibration direction, that is, its vibration direction is random in all directions. When the light reflected by the object passes through a polarization element (i.e., a linear polarization system), it will be filtered into linearly polarized light with the polarization direction corresponding to the current state of the polarization element. Then, this polarized light can be collected by an image module included in a group of image modules corresponding to the current state of the polarization element among the multiple groups of image modules (i.e., the polarization state sensor shown in the figure), and the images collected by this group of image modules can form an image pixel array, and then generate an image.

[0093] Taking the time threshold of 100 ms as an example, the user can press and hold the shooting button for 300 ms, and then lift the finger. During this period, the device can rotate the polarization element circumferentially by 45 degrees at four time points (0 ms, 100 ms, 200 ms, 300 ms) to enable each of the four image modules to perform rolling exposure (in the related art, this process requires the shutter to open and close 4 times, while this method only needs to rotate the polarization element by 135°, greatly increasing the speed and reliability), and encode the images synthesized at the above four time points. For example, in the foregoing embodiment related to Figure 2 Although the image pixel array only has 16 pixels, an image of 64 pixels can be generated, and each pixel in the 64-pixel image corresponds to an image module. When the user hopes to view a dynamic image or use some frames of the dynamic image for other purposes, the 64-pixel image can be decoded to obtain four images. For example, in the foregoing preferred case related to Figure 2 Pixels at corresponding positions can be extracted to form four images (that is, by taking the pixel values at the same position in 4 adjacent, non-overlapping and square-arranged pixels in the 64-pixel image, an image of 16 pixels recorded at the first moment can be decoded), and the four images are presented to the user or sequentially played.

[0094] For the specific details and related beneficial effects in the above examples, please refer to the relevant parts in the foregoing embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0095] Corresponding to the embodiments of the foregoing method, the present disclosure also provides embodiments of a device and a terminal to which the device is applied.

[0096] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a camera device, please refer to Figure 5 , the device includes:

[0097] A camera module 501, configured to generate an image based on pixels collected by an image module corresponding to each state during the process of switching the state of the polarization element of the camera module.

[0098] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0099] A control module, configured to switch the state of the polarization element in response to that the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element is switched reaches a preset duration.

[0100] Optionally, the control module is configured such that the polarization element is used to filter out polarized light with a specific polarization angle, and when switching the state of the polarization element, it is configured to:

[0101] Rotate the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element.

[0102] Optionally, when the control module is used to rotate the polarization element, it is configured to:

[0103] Rotate the polarization element circumferentially by a preset angle.

[0104] Optionally, the polarization element is configured to filter out polarized light with different polarization angles in different electric field environments. When the control module is used to switch the state of the polarization element, it is configured to:

[0105] Change the electric field environment of the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element.

[0106] Optionally, when the control module is used to switch the state of the polarization element in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration, it is configured to:

[0107] In the case of receiving a first user instruction, switch the state of the polarization element in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration.

[0108] Optionally, the control module is further configured to:

[0109] Stop switching the state of the polarization element in response to receiving a second user instruction.

[0110] Optionally, when the control module is used to stop switching the state of the polarization element in response to receiving a second user instruction, it is configured to:

[0111] Stop switching the state of the polarization element in response to receiving a second user instruction, and encode the images generated in multiple states of the polarization element to generate a dynamic image.

[0112] For the implementation processes of the functions and roles of each module in the above device, please refer to the implementation processes of the corresponding steps in the above method for details, which will not be elaborated here.

[0113] For the device embodiment, since it basically corresponds to the method embodiment, the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment. The device embodiments described above are only illustrative. The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed to multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present disclosure solution. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without creative efforts.

[0114] Fifth aspect, the embodiments of the imaging device provided by the present disclosure can be applied to a computer device. Please refer to the appendix Figure 6 , which exemplarily shows a hardware schematic diagram of a computer device. For example, the device 600 can be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, etc.

[0115] The device 600 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 601, a memory 602, a power component 603, a multimedia component 604, an audio component 605, an input / output (I / O) interface 606, a sensor component 607, and a communication component 608.

[0116] The processing component 601 generally controls the overall operation of the device 600, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component 601 may include one or more processors 609 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the above method. In addition, the processing component 601 may include one or more modules to facilitate the interaction between the processing component 601 and other components. For example, the processing component 601 may include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component 604 and the processing component 601.

[0117] The memory 602 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the device 600. Examples of these data include instructions for any application or method operating on the device 600, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. The memory 602 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0118] The power component 603 provides power to various components of the device 600. The power component 603 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for the device 600.

[0119] The multimedia component 604 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the device 600 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen can be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors can sense not only the boundaries of touch or swipe actions, but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operations. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 604 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the device 600 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each of the front camera and the rear camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0120] The audio component 605 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 605 includes a microphone (MIC) that is configured to receive external audio signals when the device 600 is in an operating mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signals can be further stored in the memory 602 or transmitted via the communication component 608. In some embodiments, the audio component 605 further includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0121] The I / O interface 606 provides an interface between the processing component 601 and a peripheral interface module, which can be a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, etc. These buttons can include, but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a power button, and a lock button.

[0122] The sensor component 607 includes one or more sensors for providing status assessments of various aspects of the device 600. For example, the sensor component 607 can detect the on / off state of the device 600, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and the keypad of the device 600. The sensor component 607 can also detect a change in the position of the device 600 or a component of the device 600, the presence or absence of user contact with the device 600, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the device 600, and the temperature change of the device 600. The sensor component 607 can also include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor component 607 can also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or a CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor component 607 can also include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0123] The communication component 608 is configured to facilitate communication between the device 600 and other devices in a wired or wireless manner. The device 600 can access a communication standard-based wireless network, such as WiFi, 2G or 3G, 4G or 5G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 608 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 608 further includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, the device 600 can be implemented by one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components for performing the imaging method of the above computer device.

[0125] In a sixth aspect, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, there is also provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as a memory 602 including instructions, and the above instructions can be executed by a processor 609 of the device 600 to complete the imaging method of the above computer device. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, Random Access Memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0126] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer program product including a computer program / instructions, and when the computer program / instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in the third aspect is implemented.

[0127] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a terminal device, and the terminal device is equipped with an imaging module as described in the first aspect or a shutter system as described in the second aspect.

[0128] The above describes specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims can be performed in a different order than in the embodiments and still achieve the desired result. Additionally, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0129] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention as claimed herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include known or customary technical means in the art that are not claimed in the present disclosure. The specification and examples are only to be considered as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are pointed out by the following claims.

[0130] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

[0131] The foregoing is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An imaging module, characterized in that, The module includes: A polarization element, which has multiple states and different polarization angles in different states; Multiple groups of image modules, which correspond one-to-one to the multiple states. Each group of image modules includes multiple image modules, and the multiple image modules correspond one-to-one to multiple pixels in the image pixel array; Wherein, the image module includes a sub-polarization element and an image sensor. The polarization angle of the sub-polarization element is the same as the polarization angle corresponding to the image module, and the sub-polarization element is disposed on the light path between the polarization element and the image sensor.

2. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein, The polarization element includes a linear polarizer.

3. A shutter structure of a camera module, characterized in that, The structure includes: A sub-polarization element for filtering out polarized light with a specific polarization angle; A polarization element, which has multiple states and different polarization angles in different states. The polarization angle of one of the multiple states is the same as the polarization angle corresponding to the sub-polarization element, and the polarized light filtered out by the polarization element is irradiated on the sub-polarization element.

4. The shutter structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The structure includes multiple groups of sub-polarization elements. Among them, the polarization directions of different groups of sub-polarization elements are different. The polarization element has a state with the same polarization angle as each group of sub-polarization elements, and the polarized light filtered out by the polarization element is irradiated on the multiple groups of sub-polarization elements.

5. A camera method, characterized in that, The method includes: In each state during the process of the polarization element of the camera module switching states, generating an image based on the pixels collected by the image module corresponding to each state.

6. The imaging method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further includes: In response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration, switching the state of the polarization element.

7. The imaging method according to claim 5, wherein The polarization element is used to filter out polarized light with a specific polarization angle. The switching of the state of the polarization element includes: Rotating the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element.

8. The imaging method according to claim 7, wherein The rotating of the polarization element includes: Rotating the polarization element along the circumferential direction by a preset angle.

9. The imaging method according to claim 6, wherein The polarization element is used to filter out polarized light with different polarization angles in different electric field environments. The switching of the state of the polarization element includes: Changing the electric field environment of the polarization element to switch the state of the polarization element.

10. The imaging method according to claim 6, wherein The responding to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration and switching the state of the polarization element includes: In the case of receiving a first user instruction, in response to the time interval between the current moment and the last time the state of the polarization element was switched reaching a preset duration, switching the state of the polarization element.

11. The imaging method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to receiving a second user instruction, stopping the switching of the state of the polarization element.

12. The imaging method according to claim 11, wherein, The responding to receiving a second user instruction and stopping the switching of the state of the polarization element includes: In response to receiving a second user instruction, stopping the switching of the state of the polarization element and encoding the images generated in multiple states of the polarization element to generate a dynamic image.

13. An imaging device, characterized in that, The device includes: A camera module for generating an image based on the pixels collected by the image module corresponding to each state in each state during the process of the polarization element of the camera module switching states.

14. A computer device, characterized in that, It includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, the method according to any one of claims 5 to 12 is implemented.

15. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, the method according to any one of claims 5 to 12 is implemented.

16. A computer program product, comprising a computer program / instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program / instructions are executed by the processor, the method according to any one of claims 5 to 12 is implemented.

17. A terminal device, characterized in that, The terminal device is equipped with an imaging module according to any one of claims 1 to 2 or a shutter system according to any one of claims 3 to 4.

Images