Camera Module Segmentation for Phase Difference Autofocus and High Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in implementing high-resolution imaging while maintaining phase difference auto-focusing (AF) due to limitations in pixel size and illumination, leading to degraded image quality and increased processing demands.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a micro-lens array, color filter array, and light-receiving element array, where each row includes multiple micro-lenses and color filters, and light-receiving elements, allowing for efficient phase difference AF and high-resolution image acquisition with reduced memory usage through simple arithmetic operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micro-lenses are integrated into one lens and disposed above some pixels to enable phase difference AF, then focus position can be found by generating phase difference, but high resolution cannot be implemented due to reduction in resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is segmented into two distinct regions: a first region with pixels having micro-lenses for phase difference AF detection, and a second region with pixels without micro-lenses for high-resolution imaging. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between AF capability and image resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor are assigned different local qualities: the first region has micro-lenses integrated to provide phase difference detection capability, while the second region maintains standard pixel structure for high-resolution imaging. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of both AF functionality and high image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixels are increased to achieve high resolution, then image quality improves, but phase difference AF performance deteriorates due to pixel size limitations and illumination issues
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into specialized regions where the first region is dedicated to phase difference AF with appropriately sized pixels and micro-lenses, while the second region is dedicated to high-resolution imaging. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, preventing the deterioration of AF performance when increasing overall pixel count.
3Measurement precision
If micro-lenses are disposed on some pixels to enable phase difference AF, then focus detection is possible, but memory usage increases and image processing amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase difference detection function is extracted and localized to a dedicated first region with pixels having micro-lenses, separate from the main high-resolution imaging region. This extraction allows focus detection to be performed on a smaller subset of pixels, reducing the overall data volume that needs to be processed and stored, thereby reducing memory usage and processing requirements.
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
Enables simultaneous high-resolution imaging and phase difference AF, minimizing memory usage and improving low-illumination focus performance, thus enhancing image quality and processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens array including a plurality of micro-lenses
Implementation Method 2
a color filter array disposed under the micro-lens and including a plurality of color filters, wherein each of the plurality of color filters selectively passes a wavelength of incident light
Implementation Method 3
a light-receiving element array disposed under the color filter array and including a plurality of light-receiving elements
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including a camera module, and at least one processor, wherein the camera module includes a micro-lens array, a color filter array, and a light-receiving element array, wherein a first row of the micro-lens array includes a first micro-lens and a second micro-lens adjacent to the first micro-lens, wherein a first row of the color filter array includes a first color filter and a second color filter disposed under the first micro-lens, and a third color filter and a fourth color filter disposed under the second micro-lens, and wherein a first row of the light-receiving element array includes a first light-receiving element disposed under the first color filter, a second light-receiving element disposed under the second color filter, a third light-receiving element disposed under the third color filter, and a fourth light-receiving element disposed under the fourth color filter.