Camera Module Aberration Correction via Digital Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in mobile devices face challenges in achieving high-definition resolution due to mechanical restrictions such as reduced image pixel size and camera module height, leading to shape dispersion and assembly issues with lenses, which deteriorate image quality, especially in low light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A camera module that includes a memory storing information on aberration characteristics, estimated by comparing images with a reference image, and a signal processor to improve image resolution using aberration data, allowing for customized correction of blur and distortion across different regions of the image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lenses are injection molded from the same mold, then mass production efficiency is improved, but shape dispersion increases due to cavity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures and records the actual shape characteristics of each lens during manufacturing, then pre-calculates and stores compensation values in a lookup table before the lens is assembled into the camera module. This preliminary measurement and compensation preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during assembly, maintaining mass production efficiency while correcting shape variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of lens shape from physical form to digital compensation values. By converting actual lens shape deviations into numerical correction data stored in memory, the system can digitally adjust for manufacturing variations without physically altering the lenses themselves, thus maintaining production efficiency while improving precision.
2Volume of moving object
If image pixels are reduced in size, then camera module size is reduced, but resolution sensitivity to lens dispersion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical precision requirements with digital processing. Instead of relying on mechanical assembly precision to achieve high resolution, the system uses software-based compensation algorithms that read lens shape data from memory and apply corrections to image data, enabling high resolution in compact modules without stringent mechanical tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary compensation mechanism between the lens and image sensor. A lookup table storing pre-calculated compensation values acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between manufactured lens variations and the required image quality, allowing small modules to achieve high resolution through digital mediation rather than mechanical precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are assembled, then optical functionality is improved, but decentering and tilting occur among lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual positions and shapes of assembled lenses are measured and recorded, then used to generate compensation values that are stored in memory. This feedback loop allows the system to detect alignment errors and correct them through digital processing, maintaining optical functionality while compensating for assembly inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and compensation value calculation for each lens during the assembly process. By pre-determining the compensation needed for each lens's specific position and shape before final image capture, the system can accommodate assembly variations without requiring perfect alignment, thus maintaining optical functionality while reducing sensitivity to decentering and tilting.
4Manufacturing precision
If aberration correction data is stored for all regions, then image resolution is improved, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the image sensor into multiple regions and creating separate compensation characteristics for each region. This allows the system to store detailed correction data only where needed, rather than uniformly across the entire sensor, optimizing the balance between image resolution improvement and memory resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing into multiple regions, each with its own compensation lookup table. By dividing the correction task into regional segments rather than treating the entire image uniformly, the system reduces the total memory requirement while maintaining high resolution through localized precision correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module having an image sensor and an optical system having at least one lens includes a memory storing information regarding aberration characteristics of the camera module affecting a resolution of the camera module, and the information regarding aberration characteristics comprises information estimated in advance by comparing an image generated by the camera module with a reference image.