Electrochromic Color Filter Layer for Camera Low-Light Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules face challenges in improving sensitivity in dark environments without causing overexposure in bright environments, due to limitations in lens aperture and the use of W pixels leading to excessive photosensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A camera module with a color filter layer incorporating an electrochromic region that can switch between fully light-transmissive and filter states, dynamically adjusting light transmittance to optimize light input based on environmental conditions, thereby enhancing sensitivity in dark environments while preventing overexposure in bright environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If W pixels are used to improve sensitivity in dark environments, then photosensitivity is improved, but overexposure occurs in bright environments

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovephotosensitivityVSAvoidoverexposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the color filter layer switchable between different states. The electrochromic material in the color filter layer can dynamically change its light transmittance properties based on environmental lighting conditions, transitioning between a first state (allowing more light for nightshot) and a second state (filtering light to prevent overexposure), thus resolving the contradiction between improved photosensitivity and overexposure prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical parameters of the color filter layer through electrochromic material state changes. By changing the transmittance parameter of the color filter layer between different states, the system can adapt to different lighting conditions, allowing high light transmittance in dark environments for improved sensitivity while maintaining low transmittance in bright environments to prevent overexposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If lens aperture is increased to improve light input, then brightness of photos is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebrightnessVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the color filter layer rather than physically changing the lens aperture. By adjusting the transmittance parameter of the electrochromic color filter layer, the system can maximize light input to the image sensor without increasing the physical size of the lens or device, thus improving brightness while maintaining compact device dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by incorporating electrochromic material into the color filter layer structure. This composite structure combines the light-filtering properties of color filters with the dynamic transmittance control of electrochromic materials, enabling enhanced light management that improves photo brightness without requiring larger optical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution allows for improved imaging quality in various lighting conditions by dynamically adjusting the color filter layer's light transmittance, reducing overexposure and preserving color details, especially in low brightness environments.

Implementation Method 1

The color filter layer includes an electrochromic region and a plurality of color filter regions. The electrochromic region has a fully light-transmissive state and a filter state.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20250015121A1Camera module and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose a camera module and an electronic device. The camera module includes a color filter layer. The color filter layer includes an electrochromic region and a plurality of color filter regions. Each color filter region is used for transmitting a spectrum of a band corresponding to the color filter region. The electrochromic region has a fully light-transmissive state and a filter state. In the fully light-transmissive state, the electrochromic region is used for transmitting spectra of a plurality of different bands. In the filter state, the electrochromic region is used for transmitting spectra of a same band.