Under-display Camera Image Sensor with Hole Region Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Under-display cameras (UDCs) face challenges in capturing high-quality images due to the presence of pixel regions in the display layer, which cause image degradation such as blur and noise, as external light passes through hole regions, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
The image acquisition apparatus incorporates a display layer with alternately arranged pixel and hole regions, where the hole regions are larger and optimized in size and spacing to minimize image degradation, and a processor performs image processing using blur information based on the hole regions' arrangement, including preprocessing and neural network-based image restoration to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If hole regions are made larger to allow more external light to be received, then light reception capability is improved, but image degradation such as blur and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically optimizing multiple parameters of the hole regions including size, shape, depth, and spacing arrangements. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves optimal balance between light reception capability and image quality, allowing larger effective aperture while controlling optical degradation through precise parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth as an additional dimension by controlling the depth of hole regions in the display layer. This vertical dimension allows optimization of light reception area while managing optical path characteristics to reduce blur and noise, effectively resolving the contradiction between aperture size and image quality.
2Productivity
If hole regions are arranged closer to pixel regions to maximize light reception, then light gathering efficiency is improved, but optical interference and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying arrangements of hole regions with different characteristics in different areas. The hole regions are positioned and sized differently based on local optical requirements, allowing optimal light gathering in some areas while maintaining image quality in others, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and interference.
3Measurement precision
If image processing algorithms are applied to correct blur and noise, then image quality is improved, but processing complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing blur information based on the known hole region arrangements before actual image capture. This pre-computed optical characteristic data is then used during image processing to guide deconvolution and restoration algorithms, reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining high image quality correction effectiveness.
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
This solution enables the generation of high-definition images by reducing image degradation factors like blur and noise, resulting in improved image quality comparable to traditional camera captures, even in UDC configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor disposed under the display layer and configured to generate a raw image by sensing the external light received through the hole regions
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition apparatus includes a display layer including hole regions through which external light is received and pixel regions arranged between the hole regions, an image sensor disposed under the display layer and configured to generate a raw image by sensing the external light received through the hole regions, and a processor configured to perform image processing on the raw image based on blur information based on an arrangement of the hole regions.