Camera Module Depth Sensing via Pixel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face high power consumption when using dual cameras for depth information extraction and reduced precision due to environmental influences when using IR sensors.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with a combination of first and second pixels, each comprising multiple light receiving units, is used to extract depth information by measuring phase difference information, which is then processed to provide location information to a processor for controlling the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual camera is used to extract depth information, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixels, where each pixel contains a plurality of light receiving units (e.g., photodiodes). This segmentation allows the system to extract depth information from phase differences between adjacent light receiving units within the same pixel, eliminating the need for a separate dual camera system while maintaining measurement precision and reducing power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If IR sensor is used to extract depth information, then use of energy is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel in the image sensor is equipped with multiple light receiving units that have different local qualities (different positions and orientations). By analyzing the phase differences of light received by these units with different local qualities, the system can accurately determine depth information without being affected by external environmental factors, thus maintaining high measurement precision while consuming less power than dual camera systems.
3Measurement precision
If image sensor with multiple light receiving units per pixel is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the depth sensing function with the existing image sensor structure by integrating multiple light receiving units within each pixel. This combination allows the same sensor to perform both imaging and depth measurement functions, avoiding the need for separate dual camera systems or complex additional depth sensing components, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
The solution enables low-power recognition of external objects with accurate phase difference information extraction at short distances, allowing for efficient control of electronic devices without direct user input.
Implementation Method 1
identify first phase difference information corresponding to the first signal and second phase difference information corresponding to the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic device including a camera module and a method for controlling the electronic device. According to various embodiments of the present invention, a camera module may comprise: an image sensor comprising a first pixel comprising multiple first light reception units and a second pixel comprising multiple second light reception units; and a calculation unit functionally connected to the image sensor and capable of measuring depth information, wherein the calculation unit is configured to: acquire a first signal corresponding to a first part of an external object, using the multiple first light reception units, and a second signal corresponding to a second part of the external object, using the multiple second light reception units; identify first phase difference information corresponding to the first signal and second phase difference information corresponding to the second signal; determine location information of the first part and the second part, at least on the basis of the first phase difference information and the second phase difference information; and provide the location information to an external processor of the camera module connected to the calculation unit.