Camera Assembly Integrating Light Sensing and Imaging Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The low screen-to-body ratio in mobile devices due to separate placement of front cameras and light sensors limits the space for the display screen.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with dual image sensors, each capable of operating in both imaging and light sensing modes, eliminating the need for separate camera and light sensor components, thereby optimizing space for a larger display screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the front camera and light sensor are separately set in the mobile device, then the imaging function and light detection function can be independently realized, but the space for the display screen decreases, leading to a low screen-to-body ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sensor and image sensor into a single integrated sensor unit. The sensor includes both a light sensing region for detecting ambient light intensity and an imaging region for capturing images, thereby combining two previously separate functions into one component. This integration reduces the total space occupied by sensor components while maintaining both light detection and imaging capabilities independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in light sensing mode to detect illumination intensity for display brightness adjustment, and in imaging mode to capture photos or videos. The sensor switch between these modes based on operational requirements, making a single component serve universal purposes that previously required separate dedicated components.
2Reliability
If separate camera and light sensor components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor components into a single integrated sensor structure that includes distinct light sensing and imaging regions. This merging reduces the number of separate components in the device while maintaining the functional independence and optimization of each sensing mode through dedicated regions within the unified sensor.
3Measurement precision
If the image sensor uses the entire pixel array for imaging, then high image quality can be achieved, but the ability to detect illumination intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor into different functional regions with specialized characteristics. The light sensing region is optimized for detecting illumination intensity with high sensitivity, while the imaging region is optimized for capturing images with high quality. Each region has its own pixel array configured for its specific purpose, allowing both functions to operate at optimal performance levels simultaneously or independently as needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration increases the screen-to-body ratio by consolidating functions within a single image sensor, enhancing image quality and reducing power consumption while maintaining high sensitivity for illumination detection.
Implementation Method 1
Each image sensor includes a pixel array and a control circuit. The pixel array includes a plurality of row pixels and a plurality of column pixels.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera assembly and a mobile electronic device are provided. The camera assembly includes at least two image sensors. Each image sensor includes a pixel array and a control circuit. The pixel array includes a plurality of row pixels and a plurality of column pixels. The control circuit is configured to control the image sensor to work in an imaging mode or in a light sensing mode. The control circuit is further configured to receive a light sensing instruction to control an intersection region of a part of row pixels and a part of column pixels to detect an illumination intensity so as to enable the image sensor to work in the light sensing mode and to receive an imaging instruction to control the pixel array to obtain an image so as to enable the image sensor to work in the imaging mode.