Single Pixel Camera Module Actuator Lens Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules are limited in miniaturization due to the size of the image sensor die, leading to challenges in lens design, reduced image sensor sensitivity, and compromised low-light performance, as pixel sizes are shrunk to achieve smaller form factors.
Innovation Solution
A single pixel camera module system that includes a micro-lens and a two-dimensional or three-dimensional actuator to focus external scene light onto a large photo-sensitive area, allowing for adjustable depth of field and increased light capture, integrated with readout circuitry and a controller to manage image acquisition and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the image sensor die is reduced to miniaturize the camera module, then the overall camera module size decreases, but the image sensor sensitivity and low-light performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image capture function into multiple pixels arranged in a grid pattern on a single lens surface. Each pixel captures light independently, and the combined data from all pixels creates the final image. This segmentation allows the use of a larger total photo-sensitive area while maintaining a compact camera module form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the conventional approach of reducing pixel size in the horizontal/vertical dimensions to arranging multiple pixels across the lens surface area. By utilizing the two-dimensional lens surface more efficiently with multiple pixels of various shapes (circular, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal), the system achieves higher resolution without increasing the overall camera module volume.
2Length of moving object
If the pixel size is shrunk to achieve smaller camera module form factor, then the camera module becomes more compact, but the optical resolution requirements increase and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tunable lens that can dynamically adjust its focal length and focus distance. This dynamic capability allows the lens to optimize image quality across different shooting scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-focus lens elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high optical resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a varifocal or tunable lens system where optical parameters such as focal length and focus distance can be changed electronically. This allows a single lens to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed-focus lens elements, simplifying the optical train and reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining image quality.
3Reliability
If multiple lens elements are stacked to correct optical aberrations and achieve reasonable optical resolution, then the optical quality improves, but the vertical height of the camera module increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function across multiple pixels on a single lens surface rather than using multiple stacked lens elements. This approach achieves high effective resolution through pixel array multiplication while maintaining a compact optical train with minimal vertical height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single lens with multiple pixels capturing overlapping or complementary portions of the light field. By having more pixels than traditionally needed for a simple lens, the system achieves high effective resolution without requiring complex multi-element optical correction, thereby reducing the vertical height of the camera module.
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
Enables miniaturization of camera modules while maintaining image quality and sensitivity, allowing for compact designs without sacrificing low-light performance, and enabling high video frame rates through efficient light capture and processing.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens and a two-dimensional or three-dimensional actuator to focus external scene light onto a large photo-sensitive area
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system includes a single pixel photo-sensor disposed in or on a substrate to acquire image data. A micro-lens is adjustably positioned above the single pixel photo-sensor to focus external scene light onto the single pixel photo-sensor. An actuator is coupled to the micro-lens to adjust a position of the micro-lens relative to the single pixel photo-sensor to reposition the micro-lens to focus the external scene light incident from different angles onto the single pixel photo-sensor. Readout circuitry is coupled to readout the image data associated with each of the different angles from the single pixel photo-sensor.