Camera Module Resolution Correction via Aberration Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The miniaturization of mobile devices has led to reduced pixel sizes in camera modules, resulting in insufficient brightness at low illumination, increased noise, and limited gray scale expression, particularly in optical zoom functions, due to the constraints on telephoto lens height and the need for image alignment and distortion correction in camera modules.

Innovation Solution

A camera module that includes a telephoto lens, an image sensor, and a logic controller for performing resolution correction calculations using aberration information estimated by comparing the generated image with a pre-constructed clear image, along with a memory to store point spread functions and blur parameters, enabling deblurring and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the pixel size is reduced to miniaturize the camera module, then the camera module can be integrated into smaller mobile devices, but the brightness at low illumination becomes insufficient and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidbrightness at low illumination

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing aberration information and point spread functions during the manufacturing process. This allows the system to compensate for the inherent limitations of small pixels through software-based correction, maintaining image quality without increasing hardware size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical improvements (larger pixels or better optics) with computational methods. By using image processing algorithms that model and correct aberrations, the system achieves better low-light performance without the mechanical constraints of larger pixel physics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Length of stationary object

If the telephoto lens height is limited to slim the device, then the device can maintain a compact form factor, but the optical zoom magnification is limited to about 2×

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelephoto lens heightVSAvoidoptical zoom magnification

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic zoom capabilities by combining multiple lenses with different focal lengths. The system dynamically switches between wide-angle and telephoto lenses and performs image synthesis to achieve variable magnification levels beyond the physical limitations of a single lens position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges images from multiple lenses (wide-angle and telephoto) to achieve enhanced zoom capabilities. By combining the fields of view and performing image synthesis, the system overcomes the limitation of fixed optical zoom and achieves higher magnification levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If the path of light is curved using a prism mirror to reduce camera module height, then the camera module height can be reduced to 6 mm or less, but the camera module length increases to 25 mm and volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module heightVSAvoidcamera module volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the volume constraint by organizing components in a three-dimensional stacked architecture. The image sensor, lens modules, and processing units are arranged in multiple layers and depths, allowing compact packaging without increasing the overall footprint or volume of the camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Manufacturing precision

If image alignment values and distortion amount information are recorded in the manufacturing process, then the camera module can be produced with consistent parameters, but these values cannot reflect changes in tile and focal length generated in actual use environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage alignment and distortion correctionVSAvoidadaptability to actual use environment changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors and adjusts image parameters during operation. The processor receives feedback about actual tile and focal length changes and dynamically updates alignment values and distortion correction parameters to match the current operational state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculations of aberration information and point spread functions during manufacturing, but these serve as baseline data that are subsequently refined through operational feedback. The system uses the preliminary values as starting points for dynamic adjustment during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10594932B2Camera module performing a resolution correction and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a lens module comprising a lens; an image sensor disposed below the lens module and configured to generate an image of a subject from light passing through the lens; and a logic controller configured to perform a resolution correction calculation on the image generated using aberration information estimated by comparing the image generated with a pre-constructed clear image of the subject with each other.