Folded Camera Module Flare Compensation via Dual-Subpixel Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of achieving miniaturization of camera modules in electronic devices while maintaining high image quality is exacerbated by flare phenomena caused by refractive optical systems, which reflect and refract light multiple times, leading to blurred images and double images due to differently formed optical paths.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a lens assembly with a refractive optical system that reflects incident light multiple times through a prism structure, using a processor to identify and compensate for flare by analyzing electrical signals from subpixels, distinguishing between flare caused by refraction or reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a refractive optical system with prism is used to achieve miniaturization and long focal length, then the mounting space is reduced and zoom performance is improved, but flare phenomenon occurs causing blurred images and double images
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple unit pixels, with each unit pixel containing multiple subpixels (e.g., 2PD structure with left and right subpixels). This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between light rays from different optical paths by comparing signals from different subpixels, thereby identifying and compensating for flare caused by the refractive optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor analyzes the ratio of electrical signals from multiple subpixels to identify the presence and type of flare, then applies appropriate compensation algorithms. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection and correction of flare artifacts, maintaining image quality despite the use of a compact refractive optical system.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple single-focus lens type camera modules are included to maintain image quality during miniaturization, then image quality is preserved, but device complexity and mounting difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single camera module with a refractive optical system performs multiple functions: it achieves long focal length (telephoto effect), maintains compact size, and through the multi-subpixel sensor design, can identify and compensate for its own optical defects. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate camera modules while preserving image quality.
3Length of stationary object
If light is reflected and refracted multiple times via prism to achieve long focal length in compact space, then focal length is extended and mounting space is reduced, but differently formed optical paths cause flare and image degradation
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions (subpixels) of the image sensor are assigned different functions: some subpixels capture light from the primary optical path while others capture light from secondary paths. By analyzing the signal ratio between these locally differentiated subpixels, the system can identify flare and apply targeted compensation to restore image clarity.
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 effectively reduces flare phenomena, allowing for compact camera modules with long focal lengths by accurately identifying and compensating for optical path-related issues, thereby enhancing image quality in a constrained space.
Implementation Method 1
A camera module to which a refractive optical system is applied may be made by reflecting and/or refracting incident light two or more times via a prism (or a mirror) and changing the incident path of light
Implementation Method 2
A camera module to which a refractive optical system is applied may be made by reflecting and/or refracting incident light two or more times via a prism (or a mirror) and changing the incident path of light
Implementation Method 3
an image sensor including multiple unit pixels configured to image light having passed through the lens assembly and convert the imaged light into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the disclosure provides an electronic device. The electronic device may include a lens assembly, an image sensor including multiple unit pixels configured to convert the light passed through the lens assembly into an electrical signal, and a processor electrically connected to the image sensor to output an image based on the electrical signal. At least one unit pixel included in the multiple unit pixels includes a micro-lens and at least two subpixels formed to correspond to the micro-lens, and the processor is configured to acquire multiple electrical signals from the at least two subpixels, identify a ratio of the multiple electrical signals, and determine, based on the identified ratio, whether flare is generated due to refraction or reflection of the light.