Camera basics

September 1, 2021

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Camera basics

1. Camera imaging principle

The scene is projected onto the surface of the image sensor (Sensor) through the optical image generated by the lens (LENS), and then converted into an analog electrical signal, which is converted into a digital image signal after A/D (analog-to-digital conversion) conversion, and then sent to digital signal processing The chip (DSP) is processed in the chip (DSP), and then transmitted to the CPU for processing through the I/O interface, and the image can be seen through the LCD.

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2. Terminology

2.1. FF & AF

FF module (Fix Focus): fixed focus module. The focal length is fixed, auto focus cannot be achieved

AF module (Auto Focus): auto focus module. Auto-focus is achieved by adding VCM and Driver IC matching algorithms.

2.2. VCM

VCM: Voice coil motor. The full name is Voice Coil Montor, the voice coil motor in electronics, which is a kind of motor. Because the principle is similar to that of a speaker, it is called a voice coil motor, which has the characteristics of high frequency response and high precision. The main principle is to control the stretched position of the spring leaf by changing the DC current of the coil in the motor in a permanent magnetic field, thereby driving up and down movement. Mobile phone cameras widely use VCM to achieve auto-focusing. Through VCM, the position of the lens can be adjusted to present clear images.

 

3. LENSlatest company news about Camera basics  1

 

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Generally speaking, the higher the pixels, the more lenses the lens needs. 3P lenses will be used in products below 5M, and products at 5M and above will use 4P~6P lenses.

3.1 FOV

Field Of View. The field of view, the size of the camera's angle of view, is inversely proportional to the focal length.

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3.2 F/NO

F-Number. Aperture ratio = F/D (focal length/entrance pupil size), which determines the brightness of the lens.

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3.3TV Distortion

TV distortion. The phenomenon that a straight line becomes curved after being photographed by the lens is called distortion.

As shown in the figure below: (a) Ideal situation; (b) Pincushion distortion; (c) Barrel distortion.

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3.4 RI (relative illumination)

Relative illuminance. The brightness of the lens depends on the F value (the aperture value), which represents the brightness of the image on the optical axis of the lens, which is the center of the screen. The amount of peripheral light is affected by lens vignetting and the law of fourth power of cosine, so the brightness is inevitably reduced compared to the center. The communication industry standard YDT 1607-2007 stipulates a test method for considerable illuminance.

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3.5 Resolution

Resolution. Reflects the ability of the lens to distinguish the details of the object.

3.6 Flare & Ghost

Stray light and ghost images have a lot to do with the coating of the lens.

3.7 EFL

Effective Focal Length

3.8 BFL

Back Focal Length

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4. CRA

The principal angle of incidence (CRA). The light that passes through the center of the aperture and finally reaches the edge of the imaging plane is called the chief ray, and the angle between the chief ray and the horizontal direction is called the main incident angle.

 

The CRA of the lens and sensor must be matched, otherwise serious problems such as vignetting and color cast will occur.

4.1 IR-CUT

IR=infrared=infrared; CUT=filter, subtract.

The function of IR-CUT is to filter out infrared light and reduce the stray light irradiated on the sensor surface.

4.2 BLK

Black level, when the amount of light is zero, the RGB value of the data obtained by the sensor is defined as Black level

Reason for existence: In theory, Black level=0, in fact, Black level>0

Function: Make the Black level as close as possible to 0

Implementation method: Part of the pixel is covered and not photosensitive, so as to obtain an offset

4.3 LSC

Lens Shading Correction

Reason for existence: the lens attenuates the transmitted light from the center to the surroundings

Function: make the human eye feel that the lens is attenuating the light

Realization method: compensate the attenuation by additionally compensating the RGB values of the pixels around the image

4.4 DNDD/EE

Denoising/edge enhancement. Basic principle: reduce/increase the difference between the current pixel and the surrounding pixels

4.5 AEC

Auto Exposure Control

Function: The brightness of the final image is as suitable as possible for the human eye

Realization: By controlling the exposure time (line) and gain value, the brightness of the image reaches the target

Banding/Flicker: Fluorescent lamps have an energy cycle, and sensors use line exposure mode

Elimination Flicker method: line exposure time is an integer multiple of the light source energy period

5. Output data format and interface

5.1. Data format

Raw Data

It is the original record of the level when the sensor converts the optical signal into the electrical signal, and it is obtained by simply digitalizing the image data without any processing, that is, the electrical signal directly obtained by the imaging element.

YUV

It is a color coding method adopted by the European television system. Among them, "Y" represents brightness (Luminance or Luma), which is the grayscale value; and "U" and "V" represent chrominance (Chrominance or Chroma), which describe the color and saturation of the image, and are used to specify the color of the pixel.

5.2.Interface

SPI

Serial Peripheral Interface: Serial interface, used for ultra-low end.

DVP

Digital Video Port: Parallel port, commonly used.

MIPI

Mobile Industry Processor Interface: Camera uses differential signals, high speed, low power consumption, and is applied to high-pixel products.

 

6. the software

 

3A technology is auto focus (AF), auto exposure (AE) and auto white balance (AWB).

 

3A digital imaging technology uses AF autofocus algorithm, AE auto exposure algorithm and AWB auto white balance algorithm to achieve the maximum image contrast, improve the overexposure or underexposure of the subject, and compensate the chromatic aberration of the picture under different light. So as to present higher quality image information. The camera with 3A digital imaging technology can guarantee the accurate color reproduction of the image and present the perfect day and night monitoring effect.

ZSL

ZSL (zero shutter lag): Zero second delay. In daily life, there are often some delays in the experience when using a mobile phone camera to take pictures. ZSL was developed to eliminate this delay and provide a "shoot and see" experience.

7. Hardware

AVDD

Analog circuit power supply

DVDD

Digital circuit power supply

IOVDD

I/O power

8. testing & debugging items

Resolution test

Take a picture of the ISO12233 chart with a machine, analyze the center and surrounding h, v directions with tools, and read the line pairs that can be distinguished in millimeters (in LP/mm).