Camera Module Super Resolution Depth Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in extracting depth information quickly while providing high-resolution images, as they often require increased power consumption and larger sizes due to the need for multiple lenses and high pixel density image sensors.
Innovation Solution
A camera module and super-resolution image processing method that acquires multiple image frames with spatial phase differences, generates high-resolution image data, and extracts depth information using an optical unit, image sensor, and controller to calculate depth information efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in the image sensor is increased to provide super-resolution images, then image resolution is improved, but the size of the image sensor and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional approach of using a high pixel-count image sensor with a computational method. Instead of relying on hardware complexity (more pixels), the system uses multiple low-resolution images captured at different focal lengths and processes them through algorithms to generate super-resolution images. This substitutes a mechanical/optical solution with a computational one, reducing power consumption while maintaining high resolution output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are combined to realize photographing functions, then photographing functions are improved, but the size of the optical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single lens that can operate at multiple focal lengths (e.g., 24mm, 50mm, 70mm, 105mm) to perform various photographing functions that would traditionally require multiple dedicated lenses. By making one lens multi-functional through variable focal length capability, the system achieves the versatility of multiple lenses while maintaining a compact size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate lens moving apparatus is used to move lens modules for auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation, then photographing functions are improved, but power consumption increases and device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an optical image stabilizer (OIS) mechanism integrated into the lens assembly itself, where the lens modules are designed to move or tilt independently without requiring a separate dedicated moving apparatus. The lens holder structure incorporates the movement capability directly, allowing the system to achieve auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions through the lens design itself rather than adding separate complex mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of image frames having a spatial phase difference therebetween, an image generation unit configured to generate image data having a resolution higher than a resolution of each of the plurality of image frames using the plurality of image frames, and a depth information extraction unit configured to extract depth information about an object using the image data.