Dual Camera Phase Focusing via Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Dual Pixel CMOS AF method requires a large photosensitive element, increasing camera assembly height, complicating structural design and installation, and reducing the number of pixels, while also increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A focusing processing method and apparatus using a second camera assembly with combination pixels, where each combination pixel consists of n adjacent pixel points, allowing for phase focusing to improve accuracy and speed while reducing costs by using two camera assemblies, one for photography and one for phase focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Dual Pixel CMOS AF method is used with large photosensitive element area, then focusing accuracy is improved, but camera assembly height increases and pixel density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into two separate sensors: a first image sensor dedicated to phase detection focusing and a second image sensor dedicated to high-resolution imaging. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function, enabling accurate focusing without requiring large pixel areas in the main imaging sensor, thus avoiding increased camera assembly height.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated first image sensor acts as an intermediary component specifically for phase detection focusing. This intermediary sensor handles the focusing function separately, allowing the second image sensor to maintain small pixel dimensions for high density while still achieving accurate focusing through the intermediary's phase detection capability.
2Speed
If Dual Pixel CMOS AF method is used with large photosensitive element area, then focusing speed is improved, but structural design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the camera system into two specialized sensors, the focusing function is simplified and dedicated to the first image sensor. This segmentation reduces structural design complexity compared to implementing dual-pixel functionality within each pixel of a single sensor, as the first sensor can use simpler pixel structures optimized solely for phase detection.
3Measurement precision
If Dual Pixel CMOS AF method is used with large pixel area, then focusing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the imaging function into two separate sensors allows the first sensor to use larger pixels optimized for phase detection, while the second sensor uses smaller, more cost-effective pixels for high-resolution imaging. This segmentation enables cost optimization by matching pixel size to functional requirements rather than requiring all pixels to be large.
Solution Approach 2:
The first image sensor dedicated to phase detection can use simpler, more cost-effective pixel structures that are optimized solely for focusing functionality. This allows the system to achieve accurate focusing without requiring expensive high-resolution pixel structures in the focusing sensor, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
4Speed
If Dual Pixel CMOS AF method is used, then quick focusing is achieved, but number of effective pixels decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the camera system into two separate sensors with dedicated functions, the total pixel count is preserved and optimized: the first sensor handles phase detection with fewer pixels, while the second sensor provides high-resolution imaging with the remaining pixels. This avoids the pixel loss that would occur if dual-pixel functionality were implemented in every pixel of a single sensor.
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 enhances the accuracy and speed of focusing and image quality while minimizing costs by employing a second camera assembly with combination pixels for phase detection, allowing for quick and accurate focusing without increasing the camera assembly height.
Implementation Method 1
determining a phase difference between a first image and a second image
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a focusing processing method and apparatus, and a terminal device. The method includes: obtaining a first image collected by n/2 pixel points on a left side of a combination pixel in the second image sensor and a second image collected by n/2 pixel points on a right side of the combination pixel in the second image sensor; determining a phase difference between the first image and the second image and determining whether the phase difference is in a preset range; and controlling a first motor in the first camera assembly to drive a first camera to move according to the phase difference and depending on a preset strategy, if the phase difference is not in the preset range.