Stacked Camera Assembly for Low-Light and High-Contrast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single camera systems face challenges in low light conditions due to low brightness and high noise, and in high-brightness or high-contrast scenes due to limited dynamic range, with dual-camera solutions being space and cost prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with a photosensitive module at the bottom and a filtering and photosensitive module in the middle, allowing light to pass through both before reaching the photosensitive module, and an image acquisition method that combines data from both modules to enhance brightness and color reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used, then the device structure is simple and cost is low, but image quality in low light scenes deteriorates with low brightness and high noise
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into multiple photosensitive modules (first photosensitive module and second photosensitive module) that capture different types of light information. The first module captures visible light while the second module captures infrared light, allowing the system to process and combine multiple light sources to improve low-light image quality without requiring a completely different camera structure
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system achieves multi-functionality by enabling a single camera to capture both visible light images and infrared light images through multiple photosensitive modules. This allows the same camera structure to perform multiple imaging functions (visible light photography, infrared imaging, and fused imaging) without requiring separate dedicated cameras for each function
2Manufacturing precision
If a dual-camera or multi-camera scheme is used, then image quality in low light scenes and dynamic range in high-contrast scenes is improved, but device space requirements increase and portability is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system employs a nested structure where multiple photosensitive modules are vertically stacked or integrated within a single camera module. The first photosensitive module and second photosensitive module are positioned at different depths within the same optical path, allowing multiple sensing functions to be nested within a compact form factor that does not significantly increase the overall device footprint
3Manufacturing precision
If a dual-camera or multi-camera scheme is used, then noise reduction and dynamic range improvement are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system merges multiple photosensitive modules (first and second photosensitive modules) into a single integrated camera unit that shares common optical components such as the lens, aperture, and image processing circuitry. This consolidation approach reduces the overall manufacturing cost compared to implementing separate dedicated cameras for visible light and infrared imaging, as shared components eliminate redundancy and reduce assembly complexity
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
Improves image quality by maximizing light energy utilization and reducing noise, enabling accurate brightness and color reproduction in various lighting conditions without the need for additional cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive module, configured to acquire second image data
Implementation Method 2
a filtering and photosensitive module, configured to acquire first image data
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera assembly, an image acquisition method, and a mobile terminal are provided. The image acquisition method is applied to a mobile terminal including the camera assembly provided in this disclosure, and the image acquisition method includes: acquiring first image data derived from an exposure of a filtering and photosensitive module in the camera assembly and second image data derived from an exposure of a photosensitive module in the camera assembly; generating a target image from the first image data and the second image data.