Camera Module Lens Switching for Higher Resolution Without Smaller Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face limitations in improving image resolution due to fixed pixel sizes, leading to reduced photosensitivity and image quality issues, particularly with single-frame interpolation and multi-frame synthesis methods.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that allows the lens to switch between multiple positions relative to the photosensitive chip, forming images in different sub-pixel areas with varying filtering results, and synthesizing these images using a preset algorithm to increase effective photosensitive pixels and enhance resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the quantity of pixels is increased on a fixed photosensitive chip, then the imaging resolution is improved, but the photosensitivity is reduced and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the lens in the optical axis direction to create depth variation. Instead of simply increasing pixel quantity on the same plane, the system captures images at different focal depths and synthesizes them, effectively adding a depth dimension to the imaging process. This resolves the contradiction by improving resolution through temporal and spatial synthesis rather than spatial pixel density alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by performing multiple imaging captures at different lens positions before final synthesis. The system pre-captures multiple images with varying focus depths, then synthesizes them to achieve high resolution. This preliminary multi-capture approach allows the final synthesized image to overcome the photosensitivity limitation of individual captures.
2Measurement precision
If single-frame interpolation is used to improve resolution, then the imaging resolution is slightly improved, but interpolation errors occur and real photosensitive pixels do not increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by capturing multiple actual images at different lens positions and using these real captured images for synthesis, rather than relying on mathematical interpolation of a single image. Each captured image serves as a authentic copy of the scene at a different focal state, and their synthesis produces high-resolution results without interpolation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-capturing multiple images with different focus depths before synthesis. These pre-captured images provide real photoelectric conversion data from actual light reception, replacing the need for post-processing interpolation and eliminating associated errors.
3Measurement precision
If multi-frame synthesis is used to improve resolution, then the resolution may be enhanced, but pixel displacement control is difficult and image quality remains poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lens position variable and controllable during the imaging process. The lens can be dynamically adjusted to specific positions along the optical axis, and the system dynamically synchronizes the lens position with the image capture timing. This dynamic control enables precise pixel displacement management during multi-frame synthesis, resolving the control difficulty while maintaining high resolution.
4Measurement precision
If the photosensitive chip size is fixed, then the device structure is compact, but the imaging resolution cannot be improved without reducing photosensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the optical axis direction (depth dimension) to improve resolution without expanding the photosensitive chip area. By moving the lens along the optical axis and capturing images at different focal depths, then synthesizing them, the system effectively increases resolution through temporal and spatial synthesis rather than spatial expansion, maintaining compact device structure.
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 approach improves image resolution by increasing real photosensitive pixels, resulting in better image quality and user experience through enhanced filtering and synthesis of images formed in different sub-pixel areas.
Implementation Method 1
the lens of the camera module fits the photosensitive chip, and the lens can switch between the first position and the second position, so that the first image and the second image can be separately formed in the first sub pixel area and the second sub pixel area of the photosensitive chip
Implementation Method 2
a photosensitive chip including a plurality of pixel areas, each pixel area including four sub pixel areas, the four sub pixel areas including a first sub pixel area, a second sub pixel area, a third sub pixel area, and a fourth sub pixel area
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses electronic device and camera module thereof, which relate to field of communications devices. Camera module includes lens, driving member, and photosensitive chip which is Bayer array sensor and includes pixel areas in rows and columns, and each pixel area includes four sub pixel areas. Lens is connected to driving member that can drive lens to switch between first position and second position relative to photosensitive chip. If lens is at first position, light incident from lens forms first image in first sub pixel area of photosensitive chip. If lens is at second position, light incident from lens forms second image in second sub pixel area of photosensitive chip. Content of first image is same as that of second image. Equivalent sub pixel areas of first and second sub pixel areas in one pixel area are any two sub pixel areas in the pixel area.