Camera Module Refractor Shifting for Higher-Definition Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face limitations in improving imaging definition due to fixed pixel sizes, where increasing pixel count reduces photosensitivity, and multi-frame composition struggles with pixel displacement and poor image quality.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a refractor that can move between positions to project light onto different pixel sub-areas of a Bayer array sensor, forming multiple images with the same content but different filtering results, which are then composited using a preset algorithm to enhance image definition and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a quantity of pixels is increased to improve imaging definition, then the definition is improved, but photosensitivity of the camera module is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by capturing multiple frames over time and using a refractor to direct light to different pixel sub-areas across frames. This transforms a 2D spatial sampling problem into a 3D problem incorporating time, allowing multiple pixels to capture information from the same spatial location at different times, thereby improving definition without reducing photosensitivity of individual pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The refractor is made movable between different positions to dynamically redirect light paths. By moving the refractor to different positions during multiple frame captures, the system can direct light from the same scene point to different pixel sub-areas (e.g., from a red pixel in one frame to a green pixel in another frame), enabling dynamic sampling that improves definition while maintaining photosensitivity
2Measurement precision
If single-frame interpolation is used to improve definition, then some definition improvement is achieved, but interpolation errors occur in some scenes and the improvement effect is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates multiple copies of the same optical information by capturing the same scene multiple times with the refractor directing light to different pixel sub-areas. Instead of interpolating from a single frame, the system has multiple actual photoelectric conversion records of the same spatial information, which are then combined through algorithms to reconstruct a high-definition image without interpolation errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses algorithmic processing to analyze multiple frames captured with different refractor positions and iteratively optimize the composite image. The feedback mechanism allows the system to identify and correct potential errors by comparing multiple measurements of the same scene, improving reliability compared to simple interpolation
3Measurement precision
If multi-frame composition is used to improve definition, then more information is gathered, but pixel displacement control is difficult and image quality after composition is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The refractor serves as an intermediary optical element that systematically controls light redirection. By placing the refractor at a specific position in the optical path and moving it between defined positions, the system creates predictable and controllable light paths to different pixel sub-areas. This intermediary mechanism provides precise control over which pixels receive light from which directions, making pixel displacement manageable through algorithmic processing
Solution Approach 2:
The refractor performs multiple functions: it acts as a light redirector, a positioning mechanism, and a sampling controller. By moving the refractor between different positions, the same component can direct light to different pixel sub-areas (red, green, blue pixels) from the same optical path, enabling systematic multi-frame composition with controlled pixel correspondence
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
The solution increases the effective number of real photosensitive pixels, improving image definition and quality by up to three times for R and B channels and doubling G channel definition, enhancing overall image clarity and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the first refractor can deflect a propagation direction of light, the first refractor is connected with the driving member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a camera apparatus are provided. The camera apparatus includes a lens, a driving member, a photosensitive chip, and a first refractor; the first refractor can deflect a propagation direction of light, and the first refractor is connected with the driving member. When the first refractor is located at the first position, the first refractor is located outside a path of light incident from the lens and received by the photosensitive chip, the light incident from the lens forms a first image through a first pixel sub-area of the photosensitive chip, when the first refractor is located at the second position, the first refractor is located on the path, and the light incident from the lens passes through the first refractor and forms a second image through a second pixel sub-area of the photosensitive chip.