Integrated Image Sensor with Built-in ISP for Dual Camera Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual camera systems in camera phones face high costs and fabrication expenses due to the use of multiple chips, and inefficiencies arise from excessive use of image signal processor (ISP) modules when employing two bayer sensor modules and one ISP chip, or two ISP modules with separate bayer sensor chips.

Innovation Solution

A dual camera system is designed with a single chip-type image sensor that integrates a bayer sensor module and an ISP, capable of processing external bayer data and converting it into image frame data, featuring a bayer sensor block, data processing unit, and control pathways for efficient image processing and reduced chip count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two bayer sensor modules and one ISP chip are employed, then dual camera system functionality is achieved, but cost and fabrication expense become too high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual camera system functionalityVSAvoidcost and fabrication expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ISP module with the bayer sensor module into a single integrated sensor chip. This integration reduces the total chip count from three separate chips (two sensor chips and one ISP chip) to two chips (one integrated sensor chip and one standalone sensor chip), thereby reducing manufacturing cost and fabrication expense while maintaining dual camera system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor chip is designed with a universal ISP module that can process bayer image data from either its own internal bayer sensor module or from an external bayer sensor module. This multi-functional capability allows the same chip to serve multiple purposes in the dual camera system, reducing the need for separate dedicated processing units for each camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two sensor chips with built-in ISP are employed, then dual camera system functionality is achieved, but one ISP module is excessively used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual camera system functionalityVSAvoidexcessive ISP module usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The standalone sensor chip's ISP module is designed with universal processing capability that can handle bayer image data from either its own internal bayer sensor module or from an external bayer sensor module. This ensures that only one ISP module is actively used for processing external camera data, eliminating the waste of having two ISP modules running simultaneously while maintaining full dual camera functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8154610B2Image sensor with built-in ISP and dual camera system

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 INTERSTATE PATENTS LLC

AI summary

A dual camera system includes a first bayer sensor block for outputting an external bayer image data constituted with photosensitive values of respective photosensitive cells which are sensitive to an incident light and a data processing unit, including a second bayer sensor block for outputting an internal bayer image data, for converting the external and the internal bayer image data into an image frame data with a predetermined format.