Single Sensor Camera Module for Dual-Mode Imaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules for both normal and infrared photography require separate image sensors, increasing size and manufacturing costs, making them unsuitable for small IT devices like smartphones.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design that uses a single image sensor with an optical filter unit and an angle-of-view changing unit to selectively transmit infrared or visible light, allowing for both normal and infrared photography while minimizing the viewing angle, thereby enhancing image quality and reducing module size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a combined prism is used to separate visible light path and infrared path, then both normal photography and iris recognition can be achieved, but the size of the camera module increases greatly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-function capabilityVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the visible light path and infrared path into a single optical path by removing the combined prism. Both visible light and infrared rays pass through the same optical elements (objective lens, intermediate lens, diaphragm) and are focused onto a single image sensor, eliminating the need for separate optical paths and reducing module size while maintaining dual-function capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single image sensor perform both normal photography and iris recognition functions. By using an infrared transmission filter that allows both visible light and infrared rays to pass through to the same sensor, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate sensors or complex optical separation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two image sensors are used for visible light and infrared, then both normal photography and iris recognition can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-function capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single image sensor perform both normal photography and iris recognition functions. By using an infrared transmission filter that allows both visible light and infrared rays to pass through to the same sensor, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of two separate sensors into one by merging the optical paths and using a single sensor for both visible and infrared detection, eliminating the need to manufacture, assemble, and calibrate two separate sensor systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a combined prism is used to separate light paths, then both normal photography and iris recognition can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-function capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the combined prism from the optical system, eliminating the complex and expensive optical separation mechanism. Instead of using a prism to separate light paths, the system allows both visible and infrared rays to travel through a simplified optical path to a single sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of two separate sensors into one by merging the optical paths and using a single sensor for both visible and infrared detection, eliminating the need to manufacture, assemble, and calibrate two separate sensor systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 both iris and normal photography with improved image quality using a single image sensor, achieving a compact camera module suitable for small IT devices like smartphones.

Implementation Method 1

an optical filter unit for selectively transmitting either infrared rays or visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an angle-of-view changing unit for narrowing the angle of view by refracting the infrared rays when the infrared rays pass through the optical filter unit, and transmitting the visible light without changing the angle of view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11212450B2Camera module for both normal photography and infrared photography

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module for both normal photography and infrared photography comprises: an optical filter unit for selectively transmitting either infrared rays or visible light; an angle-of-view changing unit for narrowing the angle of view by refracting the infrared rays when the infrared rays pass through the optical filter unit, and transmitting the visible light without changing the angle of view when the visible light passes through the optical filter unit; and an image sensor for generating a normal image when the visible light is incident thereto and generating an infrared image when the infrared rays are incident thereto.