WO2016127919A1

WO2016127919A1 - Array camera module and array camera device and focusing method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2016127919A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/073562
Authority: WO
Inventors: 张宝忠; 王明珠; 张百成; 汪凯伦
Original assignee: 宁波舜宇光电信息有限公司
Priority date: 2015-02-15
Filing date: 2016-02-04
Publication date: 2016-08-18

Abstract

An array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method therefor. The array camera module comprises camera models (20a, 20b) which at least have different focal lengths, each of the camera models (20a, 20b) being arranged in an array, wherein each of the camera models (20a, 20b) is applied to the acquisition of image information within a respective focal length range. Compared with a traditional array camera module, the thickness of the array camera module can be significantly reduced, thereby being suitable for being mounted in an electric mobile device which pursues lightening and thinning.

Description

Array camera module and array camera device and focusing method thereof

Technical field

The present invention relates to an optical imaging device, and more particularly to an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the zoom of the array camera module does not need to reserve a space for the optical lens to move, so that the The thickness of the array camera module can be effectively reduced, so that the array camera module is particularly suitable for installation in mobile electronic devices that are thin and thin.

Background technique

At present, in the field of high-pixel imaging modules, the overall thickness of the array camera module can be made thinner than that of the single camera module, and thus, in the field of mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers, which are light and thin. With array camera modules is becoming increasingly popular.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of a prior art array camera module. The array camera module includes a plurality of lenses 10P, a plurality of image sensors 20P, a plurality of lens holders 30P, and a circuit board 40P, wherein each of the image sensors 20P is array mounted on the circuit board 40P, each of which is The lens 10P is disposed through the photosensitive path of each of the image sensors 20P through each of the mirror mounts 30P. The array camera module of the prior art adopts optical zooming to perform focusing, that is, the focusing process of the camera module of the prior art is performed by adjusting each of the lenses 10P and each of the image sensors. The distance between 20P is realized, which requires the array camera module to reserve a space for the lens 10P to move. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the height and the moving distance of each of the lenses 10P determine the thickness H of the array camera module.

In the process of focusing the array camera module of the prior art, the lens group of each of the lenses 10P is moved to change the optical parameters such as the focal length and the aperture of the lens 10P, however, with the lens 10P The resolution and brightness of the lens 10P are simultaneously changed, especially the resolution and brightness of the lens 10P are greatly reduced, so as to seriously affect the imaging quality of the array camera module. .

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the zoom of the array camera module does not need to reserve a space for the optical lens to move, so that the array camera module The thickness of the group can be effectively reduced, so that the array camera module is particularly suitable for installation in mobile electronic devices that are thin and thin.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein when the focal length of the array camera module is adjusted, it is not necessary to change optical parameters such as a focal length and an aperture of the imaging module. Therefore, the stability of the array camera module is better. An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the focusing power and brightness of the array camera module are not caused when the array camera module performs focusing. The reduction is such that the array camera module has good imaging quality.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the array camera module includes at least two imaging modules having different focal lengths, and the array camera module The overall optical focus is achieved by digital zoom simulation of each of the imaging modules, that is, when the array camera module performs focusing, the optical lens does not need to be moved, thereby increasing the The stability of the array camera module.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof. Compared with the prior art array camera module, the array camera module has a wider range of zoom magnification and coherence. Imaging capabilities.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the overall zoom of the array camera module is realized by digital zoom of each of the imaging modules, thereby In the process, the array camera module may not reserve a space for the optical lens to move. Compared with the prior art array camera module, the thickness of the array camera module of the present invention may be significantly reduced. So that it can be installed integrally and easily inside the mobile electronic device.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the overall zoom of the array camera module is realized by each of the digital zooms for presenting each module, thereby The zoom amplitude of the array camera module is more precise, thereby enabling the array camera module to obtain higher quality and higher pixel images.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the array camera module is adapted to be combined with a processor to obtain a higher quality image, compared to the prior art. The array camera module, the array camera module of the invention can effectively reduce the array The pressure applied to the processor when the image is acquired by the module, thereby greatly increasing the computing speed of the processor, and thereby obtaining higher quality image information.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the array camera module has good heat dissipation capability to assist the array camera module to work better and further Increasing the service life of the array camera module.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the focusing method simulates the overall implementation of the array camera module by digital zoom of each of the imaging modules. Zooming, so that when the user uses the mobile electronic device configured with the array camera module to capture images, the image capturing effect of the image is not affected by the slight shaking of the user's hand, so that the array is captured. The module is more stable.

An object of the present invention is to provide an array camera module and an array camera device and a focusing method thereof, wherein the focusing method simulates the overall implementation of the array camera module by digital zoom of each of the imaging modules. The zooming, so that the array camera module does not need to be configured to drive the components of the optical lens to move, thereby reducing the structural complexity of the array camera module and reducing the manufacturing cost of the array camera module.

An object of the present invention is to provide a camera module and a focusing method thereof, wherein the focusing method simulates the overall zooming of the array camera module by digital zoom of each of the imaging modules, thereby In the prior art array camera module, the array camera module consumes less power during zooming, which has an unexpected effect on the endurance of the mobile electronic device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides an array camera module for acquiring an image of a subject, wherein the array camera module includes at least two sets of imaging modules, wherein each group of the imaging modules is provided Different sets of focal lengths, each set of imaging modules being adapted to acquire images of the subject in respective focal length ranges, and the array camera module is adapted to capture the captured images by one of the imaging modules An image of the object.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each set of said imaging modules comprises one of said imaging modules.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each set of said imaging modules comprises at least two of said imaging modules, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each set of said imaging modules comprises the same or a different number of said imaging modules, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the zoom mode of each set of said imaging modules is a digital zoom.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the zooming mode of each set of said imaging modules is optical zooming.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the imaging modules includes a photosensitive element and an optical lens, and the optical lens is disposed in a photosensitive path of the photosensitive element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the imaging modules includes a photosensitive element and an optical lens, the optical lens is disposed on a photosensitive path of the photosensitive element, and the optical lens is along the optical The optical axis of the lens moves vertically.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the array camera module further includes a circuit board, and the photosensitive element of each of the imaging modules is electrically connected to the circuit board.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the photosensitive element of each of the imaging modules is attached to the circuit board.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the array camera module further includes a lens holder, the lens holder is provided with at least two channels, wherein the circuit board is mounted on the lens holder, and each of the optical lenses Mounted in each of the channels of the mirror mount.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the array camera module further includes a lens holder, the lens holder includes a lens holder body and a lens holder cover, and the lens holder body is provided with a receiving passage, The mirror cover body is provided with at least two mounting passages, and the mirror seat cover body is disposed on the mirror base body such that each of the mounting passages communicates with the receiving passage respectively; wherein the circuit board is mounted on the a lens holder, each of the optical lenses extending from each of the mounting channels of the lens holder cover to and held by the receiving passage of the lens holder body

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the array camera module further includes a substrate, and each of the photosensitive elements and the substrate are respectively mounted on different sides of the circuit board.

The present invention also provides a focusing method for an array camera module, wherein the array camera module includes at least two sets of imaging modules, each set of the imaging modules being respectively provided with different focal length ranges, wherein the focusing method Including steps:

(a) adapting each set of said imaging modules to acquire an image of a subject within respective focal lengths;

(b) continuously switching the image between each of the set of imaging modules of adjacent focal length ranges;

(c) causing the array camera module to acquire the object to be photographed by one of the imaging modules Image.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each set of said imaging modules comprises at least two of said imaging modules.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the step of: automatically and continuously switching the image between each set of the imaging modules of adjacent focal length ranges by a software algorithm, Wherein digital zooming is performed by a set of lenses of the imaging module, optical zoom is achieved when switching to another set of the imaging modules of adjacent focal length ranges, and digital zooming continues through the lens of the other set of the imaging modules, Thereby the entire focusing operation is completed by the digital zoom and the optical zooming step.

The invention also provides a design method of an array camera module, the design method comprising the following steps:

(A) calculating parameters of the imaging module of the array camera module by using a zoom magnification range of the array camera module required;

(B) causing at least two sets of said imaging modules to have different focal lengths, wherein each set of said imaging modules is adapted to acquire an image of a subject within respective focal length ranges;

(C) Determining the arrangement of each of the sets of imaging modules as needed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step (A), the method comprises the steps of:

(A.1) determining the number of each of the imaging modules;

(A.2) determining a zoom magnification of each of the imaging modules;

(A.3) Calculate the parameters of the photosensitive element and the optical lens of each of the imaging modules.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the design method further comprises the steps of:

(D) detecting the zoom imaging effect of the array camera module, if the expected effect is consistent, the design of the array camera module is completed; if the expected effect is inconsistent, the above steps are repeated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the imaging modules is arranged in a manner selected from the group consisting of a "one" shape, a "pin" shape, a "field" shape or a grid shape.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two sets of said imaging modules have a focal length range with overlapping portions.

The invention also provides an image acquisition method, the acquisition method comprising the following steps:

(i) acquiring an image of an object to be photographed in each respective focal length range by each of the constituent image modules provided with different focal length ranges;

(ii) switching between said images acquired by each of said imaging modules having adjacent focal length ranges;

(iii) causing the array camera module to acquire the image of the object to be photographed by one of the imaging modules.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the zooming mode of each of the imaging modules is a digital zoom.

The invention also provides an array camera device, comprising:

a processor including a focus adjustment module; and

The n image module is coupled to the processor and has a focal length f _n , the value range of n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and f is a focal length parameter of the imaging module; wherein the mth group is set The focal length of the imaging module is f _m , and the range of m is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than n;

Wherein, when the focus adjustment module located calculated focus range F and _m is between f _{m + 1,} the processor controls the imaging module m-th set of digital zoom, focus adjustment module when the calculated focal length range and When f _m+1 is substantially matched, the processor controls to switch to the m+1th group of the imaging module to work to achieve optical zoom.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the array camera comprises at least two sets of said imaging modules.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each set of said imaging modules comprises one or more imaging modules, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the imaging modules includes a photosensitive element and a An optical lens disposed on a photosensitive path of the photosensitive element.

DRAWINGS

1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art array camera module.

2 is a perspective view of an array camera module in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is an exploded perspective view of an array camera module in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view of an array camera module in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an imaging module in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

6 is an exploded perspective view of a modified embodiment of an array camera module in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified embodiment of the array camera module according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an array camera module in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a cross-sectional view of an array camera module in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified embodiment of the array camera module in accordance with the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a schematic diagram of an analysis of an array camera module in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the design of an array camera module according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of an array camera module according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

14A to 14G are schematic diagrams showing an imaging mode of a zooming process of an array camera module according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

15 is a perspective view of a mobile electronic device equipped with an array camera module.

Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an array of image pickup apparatuses according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a block diagram showing a method of focusing a focus of an array camera module in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a block diagram showing a method of designing an array camera module in accordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a block diagram showing an image acquisition method in accordance with the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

detailed description

The following description is presented to disclose the invention to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The preferred embodiments in the following description are by way of example only, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention as defined in the following description may be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, an array camera module is provided according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the array camera module is particularly suitable for being installed in a mobile electronic device 100 for thinning and thinning. The mobile electronic device 100 collects image information.

It is worth mentioning that the type of the mobile electronic device 100 is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 of the accompanying drawings of the present invention, the mobile electronic device 100 can be implemented as a smart phone, and the present invention is displayed accordingly. The application and advantages of the array camera module of the invention. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the types of the mobile electronic device 100 may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a camera, a notebook computer, an MP3/4/5, etc., as enumerated above. The type of the mobile electronic device 100 is merely an exemplified example, and is not to be considered as limiting the content and scope of the present invention. The array camera module is also suitable for application to other types of electronic devices according to actual needs.

Specifically, the array imaging module includes at least two sets of imaging modules 20, wherein each of the imaging modules 20 is provided with a different focal length range, and each set of the imaging modules 20 is adapted to be collected within a respective focal length range. An image of the object to be photographed, and the array camera module is adapted to acquire an image of the object to be photographed by one of the imaging modules 20.

More specifically, the array camera module includes a circuit board 10, and each of the imaging modules 20 includes a photosensitive element 21 and an optical lens 22, and each of the photosensitive elements 21 is electrically connected to the circuit board. 10, wherein each of the optical lenses 22 is respectively disposed correspondingly to each of the photosensitive elements 21, and each of the optical lenses 22 is located at a photosensitive path of each of the photosensitive elements 21, and in this way, the light reflected by the object is reflected After each of the optical lenses 22 enters the array camera module, it is received by the photosensitive surface of each of the photosensitive elements 21 to perform photoelectric conversion, and subsequently, the electrical signals generated by each of the photosensitive elements 21 can be It is transmitted through the circuit board 10.

Preferably, the optical axis of each of the optical lenses 22 is perpendicular to the photosensitive surface of each of the photosensitive elements 21, so that the photosensitive surface of each of the photosensitive elements 21 is subsequently uniformly received, thereby improving the array camera module. Imaging quality.

In addition, each of the photosensitive elements 21 can be realized by attaching to the circuit board 10 The electrical connection between the photosensitive element 21 and the wiring board 10 is described. Specifically, each of the photosensitive elements 21 may be arranged in an array and mounted on the wiring board 10, for example, the wiring board 10 may be a PCB wiring board, such that each of the photosensitive elements 21 is mounted on After the circuit board 10, on the one hand, it can be ensured that each of the photosensitive elements 21 is in the same plane; on the other hand, the hardness of the circuit board 10 can also ensure that between each of the photosensitive elements 21 and each of the optical lenses 20 The flatness, for example, the stability of each of the photosensitive elements 21 during operation does not cause deformation of the circuit board 10, thereby ensuring the stability of the array camera module; on the other hand, the array can be effectively reduced. The thickness of the camera module is such that it is suitable for mounting to the mobile electronic device 100 that is thin and light.

In the array camera module of the present invention, at least two of the imaging modules 20 have different focal lengths, and each of the imaging modules 20 is adapted to be used in various types when the array camera module is used to acquire image information. The image information of the object to be photographed is obtained within the focal length range. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the focal length of each of the imaging modules 20 of the array camera module may be different; in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the array may be imaged. Each of the imaging modules 20 of the same focal length in the module forms one imaging module group, that is, the array camera module includes at least two imaging module groups, and each of the imaging module groups has different focal lengths. It can be understood that the number of the imaging modules 20 included in each of the imaging module groups can be unlimited.

Further, the array camera module further includes a lens holder 30, and the circuit board 10 can be mounted on the lens holder 30. At this time, each of the photosensitive elements mounted on the circuit board 10 21 faces the lens holder 30, respectively, for mounting and holding each of the optical lenses 22 such that each of the optical lenses 22 can correspond to each of the photosensitive elements 21, respectively. Specifically, in the array camera module of the present invention, the lens holder 30 is provided with at least two channels 31, each of the channels 31 for accommodating and holding each of the optical lenses 22, so that each of the optical lenses 22 can be stably located in the photosensitive path of each of the photosensitive elements 21, and in such a manner, during the movement of the array camera module, the optical axis of each of the optical lenses 22 can be always perpendicular to each of the The photosensitive surface of the photosensitive member 21. When the array camera module is used to collect image information of the object to be photographed, the light reflected by the object can enter the inside of the array camera module through each of the optical lenses 22, and the light is worn. Each of the passages 31 of the mirror holder 30 is received by the photosensitive surface of each of the photosensitive members 21 at the corresponding positions.

Compared with the array camera module of the prior art, the overall zoom of the array camera module of the present invention is realized by digital zoom simulation of each of the imaging modules 20, in the process, each of the imaging modules The digital zoom of 20 does not need to change the focal length of each of the imaging modules 20 themselves, which means There is no need to reserve a space for each of the imaging modules 20 to move inside the array camera module, so that the thickness of the array camera module can be made thinner, so that the array camera module can be applied to The mobile electronic device 100 is pursuing thinness. In addition, the overall zoom of the array camera module of the present invention is implemented by digital zoom simulation of each of the imaging modules 20, so that if the array camera module has slight jitter during high-magnification zoom, the image is captured for the array. The influence of the module is far less than that of the prior art array camera module, thereby ensuring the reliability of the array camera module in high-magnification zooming. In addition, the focusing method of the array camera module of the present invention can further improve the zoom range of the array camera module of the present invention, thereby facilitating improvement and improvement of the array camera module. Imaging quality.

6 and 7 are array camera modules provided in accordance with a variant embodiment of the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention. The array camera module includes a circuit board 10A and at least two imaging modules 20A. Each of the imaging modules 20A includes a photosensitive element 21A and an optical lens 22A. Each of the photosensitive elements 21A is respectively mounted on the circuit board. 10A, each of the optical lenses 22A is disposed on a photosensitive path of each of the photosensitive elements 21A. Preferably, the optical axis of each of the optical lenses 22A is perpendicular to the photosensitive surface of each of the photosensitive elements 21A to ensure the image quality of each of the imaging modules 20A.

The array camera module of the present invention further includes a lens holder 30A, wherein the lens holder 30A is for mounting and holding the circuit board 10A and each of the imaging modules 20A. Specifically, the lens holder 30A includes a lens holder body 32A and a lens holder cover 33A. The lens holder cover 33A is superposed on the lens holder body 32A, wherein the lens holder body 32A has A receiving passage 321A having at least two mounting passages 331A, and each of the mounting passages 331A is in communication with the receiving passage 321A. The wiring board 10A is mounted on the mirror housing body 32A of the lens holder 30A, and each of the photosensitive elements 21A mounted on the wiring board 10A corresponds to the mirror housing body 32A. The accommodation channel 321A. Each of the optical lenses 22A extends from each of the mounting channels 331A of the lens holder cover 33A and is held by the receiving passage 321A of the lens holder body 32A, and each of the optical lenses 22A corresponds to Each of the photosensitive elements 21A, whereby the light entering the array camera module through each of the optical lenses 22A, can be received by the photosensitive surface of each of the photosensitive elements 21A.

As shown in FIG. 7, the array camera module of the present invention may further include a substrate 40A, wherein the substrate 40A is mounted on the circuit board 10A. In the present invention, the substrate 40A and each of the photosensitive elements 21A may be attached to different sides of the wiring board 10A, or the wiring board 10A and each of the photosensitive elements 21A may be mounted on the substrate. Different sides of the 40A. Through the substrate 40A, one side The surface can radiate heat generated by each of the photosensitive elements 21A during operation, and on the other hand, the substrate 40A can also ensure each of the photosensitive elements 21A and each of the opticals mounted on the wiring board 10A. Flatness between the lenses 22A. Preferably, the substrate 40A may be made of a material having good hardness and heat dissipation capability such as stainless steel.

8 and 9 are array camera modules in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The array camera module includes at least two single camera modules 200B, each of the single camera modules 200B is disposed adjacent to each other, and at least two of the single camera modules 200B have different focal lengths, so that each The single camera module 200B is capable of acquiring an image of a subject within a respective focal length range.

It can be understood that each of the unit camera modules 200B can be used separately to collect an image of a subject. Specifically, each of the unit camera modules 200B includes a circuit board 10B and an imaging module 20B, wherein the imaging module 20B includes a photosensitive element 21B and an optical lens 22B, and the photosensitive element 21B is mounted. In the wiring board 10B, the optical lens 22B is disposed on a photosensitive path of the photosensitive element 21B, and an optical axis of the optical lens 22B is perpendicular to a photosensitive surface of the photosensitive element 21B.

In addition, each of the unit camera modules 200B further includes a lens holder 30B, the circuit board 10B is mounted on the lens holder 30B, and the photosensitive member mounted on the circuit board 10B is mounted. 21B faces the lens holder 30B, and the optical lens 22B is mounted to the lens holder 30B so that the optical lens 22B can be positioned in the photosensitive path of the photosensitive element 21B. It should be noted that the mirror mounts 30B of the adjacent single camera module 200B can be fixed together, so that each of the single camera modules 200B can form the array camera module, for example, Each of the mirror mounts 30B can be bonded by glue or other equivalent embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the circuit board 10B of each of the unit camera modules 200B can be electrically connected together such that each of the unit camera modules 200B forms the array of one system. Camera module.

10 is an array camera module according to a variant embodiment of the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each of the unit camera modules 200B may further include a motor 50B adapted to be mounted on the optical lens 22B for changing the distance between the optical lens 22B and the photosensitive element 21B, thereby changing the The focal length of the imaging module 20B. Specifically, the optical lens 22B is disposed on the motor 50B, and the motor 50B is disposed on the lens holder 30B, and the optical lens 22B can be driven along the optical axis of the optical lens 22B by the motor 50B. The direction is moved to achieve optical focusing of the imaging module 20B.

Compared with the prior art array camera module shown in FIG. 1, each of the imaging modules 20B can achieve zooming in a smaller range, and it can be understood that the entire array camera module of the present invention is integrated. Zooming is achieved by digital zooming and small-range zoom simulation of each of the imaging modules 20B, and such a manner not only ensures the continuity of imaging of the array imaging module, but also greatly improves the array. The imaging quality of the camera module. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the structure of the array camera module of the present invention can effectively reduce the overall thickness of the array camera module, so that the array camera module can be applied. The mobile electronic device 100 is pursuing thinness. It is worth mentioning that the motor 50B can be a voice coil motor.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are respectively a schematic diagram and a schematic diagram of a design flow of the array camera module of the present invention. Specifically, before the array camera module is fabricated, the number of the imaging modules 20 needs to be calculated and determined according to the zoom magnification of the array camera module. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that in the array camera module of the present invention, the number of the imaging modules 20 may be two, three or more, and each of the imaging modules 20 is adapted to follow The arrangement of the arrays is arranged on the circuit board 10, and the arrangement of each of the imaging modules 20 is advantageous for improving the imaging effect of the array camera module.

After the number of the imaging modules 20 is determined, the zoom range of the array camera module is also determined, that is, the zoom range of the array camera module is limited by the zoom of each of the imaging modules 20 range. Specifically, in order to satisfy the zoom range of the array camera module, it is required to calculate a focal length of the photosensitive element 21 and the optical lens 22 of the imaging module 20 and other related parameters, and make each of the imaging modules The parameters of 20 match each other. Thereafter, the arrangement of the imaging modules 20 is determined as needed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the imaging modules 20 may be arranged in a "one" shape, that is, each of the imaging modules 20 may Arranged in a straight line, for example, when the number of the imaging modules 20 is two, the array camera module can form a camera module of the dual imaging module, and the two imaging modules 20 are arrayed and symmetric. Arranged in the ground and spaced apart from each other in the circuit board 10; in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the imaging modules 20 may also be arranged in a "shape" or a "field" or a grid. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that when the number of the imaging modules 20 is more, each of the imaging modules 20 may be arrayed, spaced, and evenly arranged on the circuit board 10, thereby forming the Array camera module.

Preferably, each of the imaging modules 20 has similar imaging quality to the same object at the same object distance, so that the image obtained by the array camera module has good images during the zooming process of the array camera module. Good continuity, thereby facilitating obtaining clear image information of the object through the array camera module.

More preferably, each of the imaging modules 20 is adapted to be applied to various fields such as infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc., and the array camera module exhibits good imaging capability in any light range. The use range of the array camera module is greatly improved.

It is to be noted that, in the array camera module of the present invention, by matching the aperture, the angle of view and the focal length of the optical lens 22 of each of the imaging modules 20, and the size of the photosensitive element 21, The number and size of the pixels, etc., enable each of the imaging modules 20 to have similar imaging quality to the same object at the same object distance, thereby ensuring the consistency of the imaging effect of the array camera module.

It is also worth mentioning that after the array camera module is designed, the imaging effect of the array camera module needs to be tested. During the test, if the array camera module can achieve accurate Zooming, and the difference in imaging effect between each of the imaging modules 20 is small, indicating that the design of the array camera module is completed; accordingly, if the zoom magnification of the array camera module is significantly different from the expected effect Or, if the imaging difference between each of the imaging modules 20 is large when the array camera module performs zooming, it needs to be redesigned according to the flow shown in FIG. 11 to finally obtain the array imaging model that meets the requirements. group.

FIG. 13 is a specific embodiment of the array camera module of the present invention. In the following description, the array camera module includes two imaging modules 10 as an example, and the present invention is The advantages are further elaborated and exposed. Specifically, the array camera module includes a first imaging module 20a and a second imaging module 20b, wherein the first imaging module 20a and the second imaging module 20b have different focal lengths, and the An imaging module 20a and the second imaging module 20b are adapted to acquire image information of the subject within respective focal length ranges. Further, the first imaging module 20a and the second imaging module 20b are spaced apart to form the array camera module. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the focal lengths of the first imaging module 20a and the second imaging module 20b are not allowed to be adjusted, that is, the first imaging module 20a and the second imaging The module 20b is only capable of digital zooming such that the overall zoom of the array camera module is achieved by digital zoom simulation of each of the imaging modules 20. The zoom mode adopted by the array camera module effectively reduces the thickness H of the array camera module, and can also improve the imaging quality of the array camera module, which is a prior art array camera. The module is unexpected and particularly effective for reducing the thickness of the array camera module.

14A to 14G are schematic diagrams showing a zooming process of the array camera module of the present invention. Specifically, as a typical example of the present invention, the array camera module can acquire image information of a captured object through the first imaging module 20a, and when the array camera module needs zooming, The first imaging module 20a performs corresponding digital zooming. At this time, the magnification of the object to be photographed changes from 1.0X to 1.1X...1.9X, where X is a parameter of the magnification. It can be understood that in this process, the magnification of the object to be photographed is continuously increased, but as the pixel point is decreased, the image quality of the object to be photographed is gradually lowered, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C. That is, when the first imaging module 20a performs digital zooming, the imaging quality of the first imaging module 20a is inversely proportional to the magnification of the array camera module.

When the magnification of the object is close to 2X, the array camera module is automatically switched to the second imaging module 20b by a software algorithm to achieve 2X magnification. At this time, the entire array camera module The optical focal length will change, and the image of the subject after being enlarged will become clear, and then the second imaging module 20b will continue to perform the 2.0X change to 2.1X...2.9X magnification, as shown in FIG. 13D. Figure 13F shows. If necessary, the array camera module is automatically switched to the third imaging module, the fourth imaging module, and the like by the software algorithm. Finally, the array camera module collects a clear image of the object to be photographed. As shown in FIG. 14G, in this process, it is necessary to fuse the switching of the object between adjacent imaging modules 20 by software algorithms to ensure the consistency of the imaging effect.

It is to be noted that, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the image of the object to be photographed is acquired by the array camera module, the focal length of each of the imaging modules 20 may not be adjusted. The digital zoom of the imaging module 20 is fully capable of simulating the overall zooming effect of the array camera module, which means that the array camera module does not need to reserve the optical lens 22 for the imaging module 20 to move. The thickness H of the array camera module of the present invention is greatly reduced, so that the array camera module can be easily replaced with respect to the prior art array camera module shown in FIG. And fully installed in the mobile electronic device 100.

In addition, because the thickness H of the array camera module is greatly reduced, when the array camera module is installed in the mobile electronic device 100, part of the space is saved in the mobile electronic device 100 to allow Configuring other components, for example, a heat dissipating component may be disposed inside the mobile electronic device 100, such that each of the photosensitive elements 21 is generated when the array camera module is used. The heat can be quickly radiated to the external environment of the array camera module through the heat dissipating component, thereby improving the use effect and the service life of the array camera module.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the imaging modules 10 also allows zooming in a small range, that is, the overall zoom of the array camera module is through each of the imaging modules 20. The digital zoom and zoom simulation is implemented in such a manner that the image information of the object to be photographed can be better switched between adjacent imaging modules 20 to further improve the consistency of the image.

As shown in FIG. 15, the present invention further provides a mobile electronic device 100 configured with the array camera module. The mobile electronic device 100 includes a display screen 101, a processor 102, and an array camera module. The processor 102 is electrically coupled to the display screen 101, the processor 102 is operatively coupled to the array camera module, wherein a software algorithm is pre-stored in the processor 102 to accurately control the The status of the array camera module. It is worth mentioning that the display screen 101 can be a touch-sensitive display screen, so that the user can interact with the array camera module by using the display screen 101.

Specifically, the user can perform operations on the array camera module by using the display screen 101 and the processor 102, so that the image information of the captured object collected by the array camera module can be Displaying on the display screen 101, and in this process, the user can operate the array camera module through the processor 102 by an operation command graphically displayed on the display screen 101. Typical operational commands such as focusing.

It is to be noted that the optical focusing of the array camera module is implemented by digital zoom simulation of each of the imaging modules 20, so that the array camera module does not need to be reserved for the imaging module 20. The space in which the optical lens 22 moves is such that the thickness H of the array camera module is greatly reduced, thereby making the array camera module particularly suitable for being mounted on the mobile electronic device 100 that is thin and thin. In order to comply with the development trend of the mobile electronic device 100.

In addition, the optical focusing of the array camera module is implemented by digital zoom simulation of each of the imaging modules 20, so that, in the process of focusing the array camera module, compared with the prior art array camera module. The array camera module of the present invention consumes less power, and in this way, the use of the array camera module does not reduce the endurance of the mobile electronic device 100.

As shown in FIG. 16, the present invention further provides an array camera device, wherein the array camera device includes a processor 102 and an n-composition image module 20, wherein a value range of n is greater than or equal to two. number. That is, in the array image pickup device of the present invention, the array image pickup device includes at least two sets of the image forming module 20.

Further, each of the imaging modules 20 of each group of the imaging modules 20 includes a photosensitive element 21 and an optical lens 22 disposed on the photosensitive path of the photosensitive element 21, so that the light reflected by the object passes through the After the processing of the optical lens 22, it is received by the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive element 21, and photoelectric conversion is performed by the photosensitive element 21. Each of the imaging modules 20 of the imaging module 20 has the same focal length f _n , where f is a focal length parameter of the imaging module 20, and the focal length parameter of the imaging module 20 of the mth group is set to f _m , Where m has a value ranging from an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than n.

The processor 102 further includes a focus adjustment module 1021 for adjusting a focal length of the array camera module. Specifically, when the image of the object is acquired by using the array camera module, when the focal length adjustment module 1021 calculates that the focal length range of the array camera device is between f _m and f _m+1 , the processing The processor 102 controls the imaging module 20 of the mth group to perform digital zooming. When the focal length adjusting module 1021 calculates that the focal length range of the array imaging device substantially matches f _m+1 , the processor 102 controls to switch to the first The m+1 group of imaging modules 20 operate to achieve optical zooming of the array of imaging devices.

It is to be noted that in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the imaging modules 20 may include one of the imaging modules 20; in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each group The imaging module 20 may include at least two of the imaging modules 20, respectively, and the invention is not limited in this regard.

It will be appreciated that the array camera of the present invention can be implemented as the mobile electronic device 100 as shown in FIG. In particular, each of the imaging modules 20 can be configured on the mobile electronic device 100 such that each of the imaging modules 20 is coupled to the processor 102 of the mobile electronic device 100 and The display screen 101 of the mobile electronic device 100 enables interaction with the array camera.

As shown in FIG. 17, the present invention further provides a focusing method of an array camera module. The array camera module includes at least two sets of imaging modules 20, and each group of the imaging modules 20 is provided with a different focal length range. The focusing method includes the steps of:

(a) equipping each set of said imaging modules 20 to acquire an image of a subject within a respective focal length range;

(b) continuously switching the image between each set of imaging modules 20 of adjacent focal length ranges;

(c) causing the array camera module to acquire an image of the object to be photographed by one of the imaging modules 20.

As shown in FIG. 18, the present invention further provides a method for designing an array camera module, wherein the design method includes the following steps:

(A) calculating parameters of the imaging module 20 of the array camera module by using a zoom magnification range of the array camera module required;

(B) causing at least two sets of said imaging modules 20 to have different focal lengths, wherein each set of said imaging modules 20 is adapted to acquire an image of a subject within a respective focal length range;

(C) A method of arranging each of the sets of imaging modules 20 as needed.

Preferably, in the step (A), the method comprises the steps of:

(A.1) determining the number of each of the imaging modules 20;

(A.2) determining a zoom magnification of each of the imaging modules 20;

(A.3) The parameters of the photosensitive element 21 and the optical lens 22 of each of the imaging modules 20 are calculated.

The design method further includes the steps of:

It is worth mentioning that at least two sets of the focal length ranges of the imaging module 20 have overlapping portions, in such a way as to ensure continuity of switching of the images between the imaging modules 20 of adjacent focal length ranges.

As shown in FIG. 19, the present invention further provides an image collection method, wherein the collection method includes the following steps:

(i) acquiring an image of an object to be photographed in each respective focal length range by each of the constituent image modules 20 provided with different focal length ranges;

(ii) continuously switching between said images acquired by each of said imaging modules 20 having adjacent focal length ranges;

(iii) causing the array camera module to acquire the image of the object being photographed by one of the imaging modules 20.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above described embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings and the accompanying drawings are only The invention is not limited by way of example. The object of the invention has been achieved completely and efficiently. The present invention has been shown and described with respect to the embodiments of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention may be modified or modified without departing from the principles.

Claims

An array camera module for acquiring an image of a subject, comprising: at least two sets of imaging modules, wherein each group of the imaging modules is provided with a different focal length range, and each group of the imaging module is adapted Acquiring an image of the subject in a respective focal length range, and the array camera module is adapted to acquire an image of the subject through one of the imaging modules.
The array camera module of claim 1 wherein each of said sets of imaging modules comprises one of said imaging modules.
The array camera module of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of imaging modules comprises at least two of said imaging modules.
The array camera module of claim 1 wherein each of said sets of imaging modules comprises the same or a different number of said imaging modules.
The array camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the zoom mode of each of the sets of the imaging modules is digital zoom.
The array camera module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the zoom mode of each of the sets of the imaging modules is optical zoom.
The array camera module of claim 5, wherein each of the imaging modules comprises a photosensitive element and an optical lens, and the optical lens is disposed in a photosensitive path of the photosensitive element.
The array camera module of claim 6 , wherein each of the imaging modules comprises a photosensitive element and an optical lens, the optical lens is disposed on a photosensitive path of the photosensitive element, and the optical lens is The optical axis of the optical lens moves vertically.
The array camera module of claim 7 further comprising a circuit board, each of said imaging modules The photosensitive element is electrically connected to the wiring board.
The array camera module of claim 9, wherein the photosensitive element of each of the imaging modules is attached to the circuit board.
The array camera module of claim 10, further comprising a lens holder, wherein the lens holder is provided with at least two channels, wherein the circuit board is mounted on the lens holder, and each of the optical lenses is mounted on the lens holder Each of the channels of the mirror mount.
The array camera module of claim 10, further comprising a lens holder, the lens holder comprising a lens holder body and a lens holder cover, wherein the lens holder body is provided with a receiving passage, the mirror housing cover body Providing at least two mounting channels, the mirror cover body being disposed on the mirror base body such that each of the mounting channels is respectively connected to the receiving passage; wherein the circuit board is mounted on the mirror base, each The optical lens extends from each of the mounting channels of the lens holder cover to and is retained by the receiving passage of the lens holder body.
The array camera module of claim 11 further comprising a substrate, each of said photosensitive elements and said substrate being mounted on different sides of said circuit board.
A focusing method for an array camera module, wherein the array camera module comprises at least two sets of imaging modules, each set of the imaging modules being respectively provided with different focal length ranges, wherein the focusing method comprises step:

(a) adapting each set of said imaging modules to acquire an image of a subject within respective focal lengths;

(b) continuously switching the image between each of the set of imaging modules of adjacent focal length ranges;

(c) causing the array camera module to acquire an image of the object to be photographed by one of the imaging modules.
The focusing method of claim 14, wherein the zoom mode of each of the sets of imaging modules is digital zoom.
The focusing method of claim 14, wherein the zoom mode of each of the sets of imaging modules is optical zoom.
A focusing method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein each of said imaging modules comprises one of said imaging modules.
A focusing method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein each set of said imaging modules comprises at least two of said imaging modules.
A focusing method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein in said step (b), comprising the step of: causing said image to be between each set of said imaging modules of adjacent focal length ranges by a software algorithm Automatically and continuously switching, wherein digital zooming is performed by a set of lenses of the imaging module, optical zoom is achieved when switching to another set of the imaging modules of adjacent focal length ranges, and imaging continues through the other set The lens of the module is digitally zoomed so that the entire focusing operation is completed by the digital zoom and the optical zooming step.
A method for designing an array camera module, characterized in that the design method comprises the following steps:

(A) calculating parameters of the imaging module of the array camera module by using a zoom magnification range of the array camera module required;

(B) causing at least two sets of said imaging modules to have different focal lengths, wherein each set of said imaging modules is adapted to acquire an image of a subject within respective focal length ranges;

(C) Determining the arrangement of each of the sets of imaging modules as needed.
The design method according to claim 20, wherein in said step (A), the method comprises the steps of:

(A.1) determining the number of each of the imaging modules;

(A.2) determining a zoom magnification of each of the imaging modules;

(A.3) Calculate the parameters of the photosensitive element and the optical lens of each of the imaging modules.
The design method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising the steps of:

(D) detecting the zoom imaging effect of the array camera module, if the expected effect is consistent, the design of the array camera module is completed; if the expected effect is inconsistent, the above steps are repeated.
A design method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein each of said imaging modules comprises one of said imaging modules.
The design method according to claim 23, wherein each of said image forming modules is arranged in an array of one of a "one" shape, a "pin" shape, a "field" shape or a grid shape.
The design method of claim 23, wherein at least two sets of said imaging modules have a focal length range having overlapping portions.
An image acquisition method, characterized in that the acquisition method comprises the following steps:

(i) acquiring an image of an object to be photographed in each respective focal length range by each of the constituent image modules provided with different focal length ranges;

(ii) continuously switching between said images acquired by each of said imaging modules having adjacent focal length ranges;

(iii) causing the array camera module to acquire the image of the object to be photographed by one of the imaging modules.
The acquisition method of claim 26 wherein each of said set of imaging modules comprises one of said imaging modules.
The acquisition method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the zoom mode of each of the imaging modules is digital zoom.
The acquisition method of claim 28, wherein at least two sets of said imaging modules have a focal length range having overlapping portions.
An array camera device, comprising:

a processor including a focus adjustment module; and

The n image module is coupled to the processor and has a focal length f n , the value range of n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and f is a focal length parameter of the imaging module; wherein the mth group is set The focal length of the imaging module is f m , and the range of m is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and less than n;

Wherein, when the focus adjustment module located calculated focus range F and m is between f m + 1, the processor controls the imaging module m-th set of digital zoom, focus adjustment module when the calculated focal length range and When f m+1 is substantially matched, the processor controls to switch to the m+1th group of the imaging module to work to achieve optical zoom.
The array image pickup apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said array image pickup device comprises two sets of said image forming modules.
The array camera of claim 30 or 31, wherein each of said sets of imaging modules comprises one or more imaging modules, respectively.
The array image pickup apparatus according to claim 32, wherein each of said image forming modules each includes a photosensitive member and an optical lens, and said optical lens is disposed in a photosensitive path of said photosensitive member.