Camera Module Variable Filter Super-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules face limitations in achieving high-resolution images without increasing the number of pixels, leading to size and power consumption issues, and require multiple cameras for super-resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
A camera module that includes an image sensor, a lens assembly with a variable filter unit, and an image synthesizer, where the variable filter unit adjusts the optical path by tilting a filter to generate multiple image frames, which are then synthesized to produce a composite image with higher resolution than the individual frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in the image sensor is increased to achieve high-resolution images, then the image resolution is improved, but the size of the image sensor and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by tilting the filter at different angles to capture multiple image frames with varying optical paths. This allows super-resolution imaging without increasing pixel count, thereby avoiding the power consumption and size penalties associated with higher-resolution sensors
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to generate super-resolution images, then the image resolution is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic filter tilting mechanism that changes the optical path angle during image capture. This dynamic adjustment allows a single camera to capture multiple perspectives needed for super-resolution imaging, eliminating the need for multiple static camera systems
Solution Approach 2:
The filter acts as an intermediary element that manipulates the optical path between the lens and image sensor. By tilting the filter, the system creates varied optical paths that enable super-resolution imaging through a single camera, serving the function that would otherwise require multiple cameras
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lens moving apparatus is used to achieve auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation, then the photographing functions are improved, but the power consumption increases and additional cover glass is needed increasing thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of optical path adjustment from the complex lens moving apparatus. By using a filter tilting mechanism instead of moving entire lens modules, the system achieves similar functionality with reduced complexity and thickness, eliminating the need for additional cover glass
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 allows for the generation of super-resolution images without increasing pixel count or using multiple cameras, reducing computational complexity and power consumption while maintaining frame rate.
Implementation Method 1
a variable filter unit configured to adjust the optical path of light incident on the image sensor from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes an image sensor configured to output a plurality of image frames, a lens assembly disposed on the image sensor, the lens assembly including at least one lens unit disposed on an optical path and a variable filter unit configured to adjust the optical path of light incident on the image sensor from outside, a controller configured to generate a control signal to control the variable filter unit, and an image synthesizer configured to synthesize the plurality of image frames to generate a composite image, wherein the composite image has a higher resolution than the image frames, and wherein the plurality of image frames includes image frames generated along respectively different optical paths changed by the variable filter unit.