OIS Gain Calibration for Image Sensor Shading Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules struggle with image quality degradation due to shaking and inaccurate auto-focus caused by user movement, leading to shading artifacts and reduced resolution in captured images.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a camera module equipped with an optical image stabilizer and a processor that acquires gain calibration values for different positions of the image sensor, storing them in a look-up table to correct for shading effects and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an optical image stabilizer is added to prevent image quality degradation from shaking, then image stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs gain calibration in advance by capturing images at multiple OIS positions and storing the calibration values in a look-up table. This preliminary action ensures that when the OIS operates during actual image capture, the system can quickly retrieve and apply the appropriate gain values without real-time calculation, thus improving image stability while minimizing the computational complexity added by the OIS mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If gain calibration is performed for multiple OIS positions to reduce shading artifacts, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores gain calibration values for multiple OIS positions in a look-up table during device initialization or manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time gain calculation during image capture, thereby maintaining high image quality across different OIS positions while avoiding time-consuming processing during actual photo taking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a look-up table that stores pre-computed gain calibration values for various OIS positions. Instead of performing complex gain calculations for each image capture event, the system copies and applies the appropriate pre-stored calibration values based on the current OIS position, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining image quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If a look-up table storing gain calibration values is implemented, then shading artifact correction is improved, but memory usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a look-up table that stores gain calibration values specifically tailored for different OIS positions and image sensor regions. Rather than storing uniform calibration data, the system maintains localized calibration values that correspond to specific OIS positions and sensor areas, optimizing memory usage by storing only the necessary granular calibration information needed for effective shading artifact correction.
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 enhances image stabilization and auto-focus accuracy, reducing shading artifacts and improving image resolution by calibrating gain values based on optical image stabilizer positions.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor for converting received light into an electrical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to one embodiment may comprise: a camera module including a camera; a memory for storing instruction; and at least one processor operatively connected to the camera module and the memory. The camera module may comprise: a lens unit including at least one lens; an image sensor for converting received light into an electrical signal; and an optical image stabilizer for controlling the position of the lens unit and/or the image sensor on the basis of the movement of the electronic device. The image senor may include a micro lens and a plurality of light-receiving elements disposed at positions corresponding to the micro lens. The instructions, being executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to acquire a gain calibration value corresponding to image stabilizer operation information about the position of the optical image stabilizer. The instructions, being executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to, according to the electronic device controlling the operation of the optical image stabilizer on the basis of the image stabilizer operation information, obtain image data from the plurality of light-receiving elements on the basis of the gain calibration value corresponding to the image stabilizer operation information. Various other embodiments are possible.