Camera module and electronic device including the same

Abstract

A camera module and an electronic device including the same are provided. The camera module includes: a first lens group; a first optical path folding unit; a second lens group; and a second optical path folding unit. The first lens group, the first optical path folding unit, the second lens group, and the second optical path folding unit are sequentially arranged from the object side of the first lens group toward the imaging plane of the camera module. The first optical path folding unit includes a first fixed reflective component and a first movable reflective component, the first movable reflective component being configured to change the length of the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group. The second optical path folding unit includes a second fixed reflective component and a second movable reflective component, the second movable reflective component being configured to change the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a camera module with adjustable focus and magnification that can be installed in a mobile terminal.

[0002] Cross-citation of related applications This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0131366, filed on October 12, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Prior Technology

[0003] In a scalable optical imaging system with multiple lenses arranged in a row, the overall length of the optical imaging system increases with the number of lenses. For example, miniaturizing an optical imaging system containing five lenses is more difficult than miniaturizing one containing three lenses. Therefore, it may be difficult to install a zoom camera module with adjustable focus and magnification in a thin mobile terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, the concept selection further described below in the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In a general configuration, a camera module includes: a first lens group; a first optical path folding unit; a second lens group; and a second optical path folding unit, wherein the first lens group, the first optical path folding unit, the second lens group, and the second optical path folding unit are sequentially arranged from the object side of the first lens group toward the imaging plane of the camera module. The first optical path folding unit includes a first fixed reflective component and a first movable reflective component, the first movable reflective component being configured to change the length of the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group. The second optical path folding unit includes a second fixed reflective component and a second movable reflective component, the second movable reflective component being configured to change the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane.

[0006] The first lens group may include: a first lens having refractive power; and a second lens having refractive power.

[0007] The object-side surface of the first lens may be convex.

[0008] The image-side surface of the second lens may be concave.

[0009] The second lens group may include: a third lens having refractive power; a fourth lens having refractive power; and a fifth lens having refractive power.

[0010] The object-side surface of the third lens can be convex.

[0011] The object-side surface of the fourth lens can be convex.

[0012] The object-side surface of the fifth lens may be convex.

[0013] The camera module may further include a prism positioned prior to the object side of the first lens group.

[0014] The first movable reflective component and the second movable reflective component can be configured to move such that the distance between the first fixed reflective component and the first movable reflective component decreases when the distance between the second fixed reflective component and the second movable reflective component increases, and increases when the distance between the second fixed reflective component and the second movable reflective component decreases.

[0015] In another general embodiment, a camera module includes: a first lens group; a second lens group; a first optical path folding unit disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group; and a second optical path folding unit disposed between the second lens group and the imaging plane of the camera module, wherein the optical path of the camera module extends from the object side of the first lens group to the imaging plane, and the first optical path folding unit and the second optical path folding unit are configured to increase or decrease the length of at least a portion of the optical path of the camera module in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the first lens group.

[0016] The first lens group may include a first lens, the optical path of the camera module may extend from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane, and the ratio (TTL1 / TTL2) of the maximum length (TTL1) of the optical path of the camera module to the minimum length (TTL2) of the optical path of the camera module may be 0.90 to 1.20.

[0017] The camera module may include an optical imaging system, which includes a first lens group, a second lens group, a first optical path folding unit, and a second optical path folding unit. The ratio (ft / fw) of the maximum focal length (ft) of the optical imaging system to the minimum focal length (fw) of the optical imaging system may be 1.8 to 2.2.

[0018] The first lens group may include a first lens, the optical path of the camera module may extend from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane, and the ratio of the minimum length (TTL2) of the optical path of the camera module to the maximum focal length (ft) (TTL2 / ft) may be 2.0 to 4.0.

[0019] The ratio of the maximum focal length (ft) to the image height (IMGHT) of the optical imaging system (ft / IMGHT) can be 14 to 20, where the image height is equal to half the diagonal length of the effective area of ​​the imaging plane.

[0020] The camera module may further include a prism positioned prior to the object side of the first lens group.

[0021] In another general embodiment, a camera module includes: a first lens group having an optical axis; a first optical path folding unit; a second lens group having an optical axis; and a second optical path folding unit, wherein the first lens group, the first optical path folding unit, the second lens group, and the second optical path folding unit are sequentially arranged from the object side of the first lens group toward the imaging plane of the camera module. The first optical path folding unit includes: a first fixed reflective component; a first movable reflective component configured to move in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the first lens group to change the length of the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group; and a second movable reflective component configured to move in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the second lens group to change the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane.

[0022] The first fixed reflective component can be positioned between the first lens group and the second lens group on a virtual straight line coaxial with the optical axis of the first lens group. The first movable reflective component can be positioned facing the first fixed reflective component in a direction intersecting with the optical axis of the first lens group. The second fixed reflective component can be positioned between the second lens group and the imaging plane on a virtual straight line coaxial with the optical axis of the second lens group, and the second movable reflective component can be positioned facing the second fixed reflective component in a direction intersecting with the optical axis of the second lens group.

[0023] The first movable reflective component can be configured to move away from the first fixed reflective component to reduce the magnification of the camera module, and move toward the first fixed reflective component to adjust the focus of the camera module. The second movable reflective component can be configured to move away from the second fixed reflective component to increase the magnification of the camera module when the first movable reflective component moves toward the first fixed reflective component to adjust the focus of the camera module, and move toward the second fixed reflective component to adjust the focus of the camera module when the first movable reflective component moves away from the first fixed reflective component to reduce the magnification of the camera module.

[0024] The first lens group may include a first lens with positive refractive power and a second lens with negative refractive power, the first lens and the second lens being arranged sequentially along the optical axis of the first lens group from the object side of the first lens group to the image side of the first lens group in an increasing numerical order, and the second lens group may include a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with negative refractive power and a fifth lens with positive refractive power, the third lens, the fourth lens and the fifth lens being arranged sequentially along the optical axis of the second lens group from the object side of the second lens group to the image side of the second lens group in an increasing numerical order.

[0025] In another general case, an electronic device includes the camera module described above.

[0026] The electronic device may further include one or both of a camera module configured for short-range image capture and a camera module configured for medium-range image capture.

[0027] In another general embodiment, a camera module includes: a first lens group having an optical axis; a second lens group having an optical axis; a first optical path folding unit disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group; and a second optical path folding unit disposed between the second lens group and the imaging plane of the camera module, wherein the optical path of the camera module extends from the object side of the first lens group to the imaging plane of the camera module and includes: a first path portion formed by the first optical path folding unit and extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the first lens group; and a second path portion formed by the second optical path folding unit and extending in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the second lens group, wherein the first optical path folding unit is configured to increase or decrease the length of the first path portion, and the second optical path folding unit is configured to increase or decrease the length of the second path portion.

[0028] The first optical path folding unit may include: a first fixed reflective component disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group on a virtual straight line coaxial with the optical axis of the first lens group; and a first movable reflective component disposed on the first path portion. The second optical path folding unit may include: a second fixed reflective component disposed between the second lens group and the imaging plane on a virtual straight line coaxial with the optical axis of the second lens group; and a second movable reflective component disposed on the second path portion.

[0029] The first movable reflective component can be configured to increase the respective lengths of the first path portion to reduce the focal length of the camera module, and to reduce the respective lengths of the first path portion to adjust the focus of the camera module. The second movable reflective component can be configured to increase the respective lengths of the second path portion to increase the focal length of the camera module when the first movable reflective component reduces the respective lengths of the first path portion to adjust the focus of the camera module, and to decrease the respective lengths of the second path portion to adjust the focus of the camera module when the first movable reflective component increases the respective lengths of the first path portion to reduce the focal length of the camera module.

[0030] The first lens group may include a first lens with positive refractive power and a second lens with negative refractive power, the first lens and the second lens being arranged sequentially along the optical axis of the first lens group from the object side of the first lens group to the image side of the first lens group in an increasing numerical order, and the second lens group may include a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with negative refractive power and a fifth lens with positive refractive power, the third lens, the fourth lens and the fifth lens being arranged sequentially along the optical axis of the second lens group from the object side of the second lens group to the image side of the second lens group in an increasing numerical order.

[0031] In another general case, an electronic device includes the camera module described above.

[0032] The electronic device may further include one or both of a camera module configured for short-range image capture and a camera module configured for medium-range image capture.

[0033] Other features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings and the scope of the claims. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram of a first example of a camera module with a first magnification in a first mode. Figure 2 is a diagram of a first example of a camera module with a second magnification in a second mode. Figure 3 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a first instance of the camera module shown in Figure 1 in the first mode. Figure 4 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a first instance of the camera module shown in Figure 2 in the second mode. Figure 5 is a diagram of a second example of a camera module with a first magnification in the first mode. Figure 6 is a diagram of a second example of a camera module with a second magnification in the second mode. Figure 7 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a second instance of the camera module shown in Figure 5 in the first mode. Figure 8 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a second instance of the camera module in the second mode shown in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a diagram of a third example of a camera module with a first magnification in the first mode. Figure 10 is a diagram of a third example of a camera module with a second magnification in the second mode. Figure 11 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a third instance of the camera module shown in Figure 9 in the first mode. Figure 12 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a third instance of the camera module shown in Figure 10 in the second mode. Figure 13 is a diagram of a fourth example of a camera module with a first magnification in the first mode. Figure 14 is a diagram of a fourth example of a camera module with a second magnification in the second mode. Figure 15 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a fourth instance of the camera module shown in Figure 13 in the first mode. Figure 16 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a fourth instance of the camera module shown in Figure 14 in the second mode. Figure 17 is a diagram of a fifth example of a camera module with a first magnification in the first mode. Figure 18 is a diagram of a fifth example of a camera module with a second magnification in the second mode. Figure 19 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a fifth instance of the camera module shown in Figure 17 in the first mode. Figure 20 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a fifth instance of the camera module shown in Figure 18 in the second mode. Figure 21 is a diagram of a sixth example of a camera module with a first magnification in a first mode. Figure 22 is a diagram of a sixth example of a camera module with a second magnification in the second mode. Figure 23 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a sixth instance of the camera module shown in Figure 21 in the first mode. Figure 24 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a sixth instance of the camera module shown in Figure 22 in the second mode. Figure 25 is a diagram of a seventh example of a camera module with a first magnification in the first mode. Figure 26 is a diagram of a seventh example of a camera module with a second magnification in the second mode. Figure 27 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a seventh instance of the camera module shown in Figure 25 in the first mode. Figure 28 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of a seventh instance of the camera module in the second mode shown in Figure 26. Figure 29 is a diagram of a first modified example of the first instance of the camera module shown in Figure 1. Figure 30 is a diagram of a second modified example of the first instance of the camera module shown in Figure 1. Figures 31 to 33 are rear views of an example of a mobile terminal in which a third modified example of the camera module shown in Figure 1 is installed. Throughout the drawings and detailed descriptions, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and for clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative size, proportions, and depiction of the components in the drawings may be enlarged. Implementation

[0035] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the examples presented herein, but the order of operations may be altered, as will become apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application, except for operations that must occur in a certain order. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, descriptions of functions and constructions known in the relevant art may be omitted.

[0036] The features described herein may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein are provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein that will become apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various instances only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The articles "a / an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" specify the presence of the stated features, number, operation, component, element, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, number, operation, component, element, and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] As will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application, the features of the instances described herein can be combined in various ways. Furthermore, although the instances described herein have various configurations, other configurations are possible, as will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0039] The use of the term "may" in this document, when describing various instances (e.g., regarding what an instance may contain or implement), means at least one instance that contains or implements this feature, but not all instances are limited to this.

[0040] The optical imaging system of a camera module includes multiple lenses positioned along the optical axis. These lenses are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the optical axis.

[0041] For example, an optical imaging system includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, and a sixth lens arranged in ascending numerical order along the optical axis of the optical imaging system from the object side of the optical imaging system toward the imaging plane of the optical imaging system, wherein the first lens is closest to the object side of the optical imaging system and the fifth lens is closest to the imaging plane.

[0042] In each lens, the object-side surface is the surface of the lens closest to the object side of the optical imaging system, and the image-side surface is the surface of the lens closest to the imaging plane.

[0043] Unless otherwise stated, references to the shape of a lens surface refer to the shape of the paraxial region of the lens surface. The paraxial region of a lens surface is the central portion of the optical axis that surrounds and contains the lens surface, wherein light rays incident on the lens surface make a small angle θ with the optical axis, and the approximations sinθ≒θ, tanθ≒θ, and cosθ≒1 are valid.

[0044] For example, the statement that the object-side surface of a lens is convex means that at least the paraxial region of the object-side surface of the lens is convex, and the statement that the image-side surface of a lens is concave means that at least the paraxial region of the image-side surface of the lens is concave. Therefore, even if the object-side surface of a lens can be described as convex, the entire object-side surface of the lens may not be convex, and the peripheral region of the object-side surface of the lens may be concave. Furthermore, even if the image-side surface of a lens can be described as concave, the entire image-side surface of the lens may not be concave, and the peripheral region of the image-side surface of the lens may be convex.

[0045] TLD is the distance from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane, which has a folded portion of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane formed by the optical path folding unit replaced by a straight optical path. Therefore, TLD is the distance from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane where the optical path folding unit has been removed.

[0046] TTL1 is the length of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane in a first mode of the optical imaging system, which includes a folded portion of the optical path formed by the optical path folding unit.

[0047] TTL2 is the length of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane in the second mode, which includes a folded portion of the optical path formed by the optical path folding unit.

[0048] IMGHT is the maximum effective image height of an optical imaging system and is equal to half the diagonal length of the maximum effective imaging area of ​​the imaging surface of the image sensor, wherein the imaging surface is positioned at the imaging plane. In other words, IMGHT is equal to half the maximum effective area of ​​the imaging plane, which corresponds to the maximum effective imaging area of ​​the imaging surface of the image sensor.

[0049] f1, f2, f3, f4, and f5 are the individual focal lengths of the first to fifth lenses, ft is the maximum focal length of the optical imaging system in the first mode, and fw is the minimum focal length of the optical imaging system in the second mode.

[0050] Fno is an optical imaging system The value is equal to the focal length ft or fw of the optical imaging system divided by the diameter of the entrance pupil of the optical imaging system corresponding to the focal length ft or fw.

[0051] The radius of curvature of the lens surface, the thickness of the lens and other components, the distance between adjacent elements and other components in the lens, the individual focal lengths f1, f2, f3, f4, and f5 of the first to fifth lenses, the maximum and minimum focal lengths fw of the optical imaging system, TLD, TTL1, TTL2, and IMGHT are expressed in millimeters (mm), but other units of measurement may be used. Fno, the refractive index of the lens, and the Abbe number of the lens are dimensionless quantities.

[0052] The thickness of the lens and other components, the distance between adjacent elements in the lens and other components, TLD, TTL1, and TTL2 are measured along the optical axis of the optical imaging system.

[0053] This application discloses a camera module that can be installed in a mobile terminal. For example, the camera module can be installed in a small portable electronic device such as a smartphone, laptop, or personal digital assistant (PDA). However, the camera module is not limited to being installed in such electronic devices. For example, the camera module can be installed on a monitor for image communication.

[0054] The camera module can be configured to be miniaturized. For example, the overall size of the camera module can be reduced by folding the optical path extending from the object-side surface of the first lens of the camera module to the imaging plane of the camera module. Multiple portions of the optical path of the camera module can extend in directions intersecting the length direction of the camera module. Therefore, the distance (TLD) from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane (which has the folded portion of the optical path of the camera module extending from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane formed by the optical path folding unit replaced by a straight optical path) can be smaller than the lengths (TTL1 and TTL2) of the optical path of the camera module extending from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane (which includes the folded portion of the optical path of the camera module extending from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane formed by the optical path folding unit). TTL1 is the length of the optical path of the camera module in a first mode, and TTL2 is the length of the optical path of the camera module in a second mode. Therefore, TLD is the distance from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane where the optical path folding unit has been removed.

[0055] A camera module may include a first lens group, a second lens group, a first optical path folding unit, and a second optical path folding unit. However, the camera module is not limited to these components. For example, the camera module may further include an aperture that controls the amount of light passing through the optical imaging system of the camera module. Furthermore, the camera module may further include an infrared cutoff filter that filters infrared light. Additionally, the camera module may further include an image sensor (i.e., an imaging device) having an imaging surface disposed at the imaging plane of the camera module. The image sensor converts an image of the subject formed by the optical imaging system on the effective imaging area of ​​the imaging surface into an electrical signal. Furthermore, the camera module may further include at least one gap maintaining member that maintains a predetermined distance between the two lenses. Furthermore, the camera module may further include a member configured to fold or refract the optical path before the first lens group. For example, the camera module may include a prism. The prism may be disposed on the object side of the first lens group. The prism may be made of a material having a substantially high refractive index. For example, the refractive index of a prism can be greater than or equal to 1.7 and less than 2.0.

[0056] The camera module may have adjustable focal length and adjustable magnification. For example, in the camera module, the magnification can be adjusted by changing the length of the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group, and the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane. At least one portion of the optical path between the first and second lens groups may extend in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the first lens group, and at least one portion of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane may extend in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the second lens group. A virtual straight line can connect the optical axis of the first lens group to the optical axis of the second lens group. In other words, the optical axis of the second lens group may be coaxial with the optical axis of the first lens group.

[0057] Examples of camera modules may include multiple lens groups and multiple optical path folding units. For example, a camera module may include a first lens group, a second lens group, a first optical path folding unit, and a second optical path folding unit. The first lens group, the first optical path folding unit, the second lens group, and the second optical path folding unit may be sequentially arranged along an optical path extending from the object side of the first lens group to the imaging plane of the camera module. For example, the first optical path folding unit may be positioned between the first lens group and the second lens group, and the second optical path folding unit may be positioned between the second lens group and the imaging plane. Each of the first and second optical path folding units may vary the length of its respective optical path. For example, the first optical path folding unit may vary the length of the optical path between the first and second lens groups, and the second optical path folding unit may vary the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane. Each of the first and second optical path folding units may include a mirror, a prism, or any other optical element capable of folding the optical path.

[0058] The first optical path folding unit may include a first fixed reflective component and a first movable reflective component. The first fixed reflective component may be positioned between a first lens group and a second lens group to fold the straight optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group. For example, the first fixed reflective component may reflect light emitted from the first lens group in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the first lens group. The first fixed reflective component may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first fixed reflective component may include a first fixed reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the first lens group to the first movable reflective component, and a second fixed reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the first movable reflective component to the second lens group. The first movable reflective component may change the length of the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group. For example, the first movable reflective component may be movable to approach or move away from the first fixed reflective component to change the length of the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group. The first movable reflective component may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first movable reflective component may include a first movable reflective surface and a second movable reflective surface. The first movable reflective component can reflect light reflected by the first fixed reflective surface to the second movable reflective surface, and the second movable reflective surface can reflect light reflected by the first movable reflective surface to the second fixed reflective surface.

[0059] The second optical path folding unit may include a second fixed reflective component and a second movable reflective component. The second fixed reflective component may be positioned between the second lens group and the imaging plane to fold the straight optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane. For example, the second fixed reflective component may reflect light emitted from the second lens group in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the second lens group. The second fixed reflective component may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second fixed reflective component may include a third fixed reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the second lens group to the second movable reflective component, and a fourth fixed reflective surface that reflects light emitted from the second movable reflective component to the imaging plane. However, the second fixed reflective component may not necessarily include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the fourth fixed reflective surface may be omitted as needed. The second movable reflective component may change the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane. For example, the second movable reflective component may be moved closer to or further away from the second fixed reflective component to change the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane. The second movable reflective component may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second movable reflective component may include a third movable reflective surface and a fourth movable reflective surface. The third movable reflective surface may reflect light reflected by the third fixed reflective surface to the fourth movable reflective surface, and the fourth movable reflective surface may reflect light reflected by the third movable reflective surface to the fourth fixed reflective surface, or reflect light to the imaging plane if the fourth reflective surface is omitted.

[0060] The distance between the first fixed reflective component and the first movable reflective component can have a predetermined relationship with the distance between the second fixed reflective component and the second movable reflective component. For example, when the distance between the second fixed reflective component and the second movable reflective component decreases, the distance between the first fixed reflective component and the first movable reflective component can increase. Conversely, when the distance between the second fixed reflective component and the second movable reflective component increases, the distance between the first fixed reflective component and the first movable reflective component can decrease.

[0061] A first lens group may comprise multiple lenses. For example, the first lens group may include a first lens with refractive power and a second lens with refractive power. The first lens and the second lens may have different shapes. For example, the first lens may have a convex shape with its object-side surface, and the second lens may have a concave shape with its image-side surface. The first lens and the second lens may have refractive power with different signs. For example, the first lens may have positive refractive power, and the second lens may have negative refractive power.

[0062] The second lens group may comprise multiple lenses. For example, the second lens group may include a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with refractive power, and a fifth lens with refractive power. The third to fifth lenses may have individual shapes. For example, the third lens may have a convex object-side surface, the fourth lens may have a convex object-side surface, and the fifth lens may have a convex object-side surface. One of the third to fifth lenses may have refractive power with a sign different from the refractive powers of the other two lenses. For example, the fourth lens may have refractive power with a sign different from the refractive powers of the third and fifth lenses. For example, the fourth lens may have negative refractive power, and the third and fifth lenses may have positive refractive power. Alternatively, the fifth lens may have refractive power with a sign different from the refractive powers of the third and fourth lenses. For example, the fifth lens may have positive refractive power, and the third and fourth lenses may have negative refractive power.

[0063] The camera module may further include another optical path folding unit. For example, the camera module may further include a prism mounted on the object side of the first lens group.

[0064] Another example of a camera module may include multiple lens groups and multiple optical path folding units. For instance, the camera module may include a first lens group, a second lens group, a first optical path folding unit, and a second optical path folding unit. The first optical path folding unit may be disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group, and the second optical path folding unit may be disposed between the second lens group and the imaging plane of the camera module.

[0065] Each optical path folding unit can be configured to form an optical path in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the corresponding lens group. For example, a first optical path folding unit can form an optical path in a direction intersecting the optical axis of a first lens group, and a second optical path folding unit can form an optical path in a direction intersecting the optical axis of a second lens group. Each optical path folding unit can change the length of the corresponding optical path. For example, a first optical path folding unit can increase or decrease the length of the optical path between the first and second lens groups, and a second optical path folding unit can increase or decrease the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane.

[0066] In the camera module, the length of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens of the first lens group to the imaging plane can be changed by the first optical path folding unit and the second optical path folding unit. The maximum length (TTL1) of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane and the minimum length (TTL2) of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane can satisfy predetermined conditions. For example, the ratio (TTL1 / TTL2) of the maximum distance (TTL1) of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the minimum distance (TTL2) of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane can be from 0.90 to 1.20.

[0067] The camera module may have a variable focal length. For example, depending on the positions of the first optical path folding unit and the second optical path folding unit, the optical imaging system of the camera module may have a maximum focal length (ft) capable of capturing images at a relatively long distance and a minimum focal length (fw) capable of capturing images at a relatively short distance. The maximum focal length (ft) and minimum focal length (fw) of the optical imaging system may satisfy predetermined conditions. For example, the ratio (ft / fw) of the maximum focal length (fw) to the minimum focal length (fw) of the optical imaging system may be between 1.8 and 2.2.

[0068] The maximum focal length (ft) of the optical imaging system and the minimum distance (TTL2) of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane can satisfy predetermined conditions. For example, the ratio (TTL2 / ft) of the minimum distance (TTL2) of the optical path from the object-side surface of the first lens to the maximum focal length (ft) of the optical imaging system can be 2.0 to 4.0.

[0069] The maximum focal length (ft) and image height (IMGHT) of the optical imaging system can meet predetermined conditions. The image height (IMGHT) is the maximum effective image height of the optical imaging system and is equal to half the diagonal length of the maximum effective imaging area of ​​the image sensor's imaging surface. For example, the ratio (ft / IMGHT) of the maximum focal length (ft) to the image height (IMGHT) of the optical imaging system can be between 14 and 20.

[0070] The camera module may further include another optical path folding unit. For example, the camera module may further include a prism mounted on the object side of the first lens group.

[0071] The optical imaging system of the camera module will be described below.

[0072] An optical imaging system may include a first lens group and a second lens group. The first lens group may include a first lens and a second lens, and the second lens group may include a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens. The first to fifth lenses may be arranged sequentially along an optical path from the object side of the first lens to the imaging plane of the optical imaging system. For example, the first lens may be arranged closest to the object, and the fifth lens may be arranged closest to the imaging plane. For reference, the order of lens arrangement is determined based on the optical axis passing through the lens and may therefore differ from the physical position of the lens.

[0073] The first lens may have refractive power. For example, the first lens may have positive refractive power. A first surface of the first lens may be convex, and its other surface may be concave. For example, the object-side surface of the first lens may be convex, and its image-side surface may be concave. The first lens may have at least one aspherical surface. For example, both the object-side and image-side surfaces of the first lens may be aspherical. The first lens may have a predetermined refractive index. For example, the refractive index of the first lens may be greater than or equal to 1.55 and less than 1.7. The first lens may have a predetermined focal length. For example, the focal length of the first lens may be greater than or equal to 38 mm and less than 300 mm.

[0074] The second lens may have refractive power. For example, the second lens may have negative refractive power. One surface of the second lens may be concave. For example, the image-side surface of the second lens may be concave. However, the shape of the concave surface of the second lens is not limited to the image-side surface. For example, the object-side surface of the second lens, or both the object-side and image-side surfaces, may be concave. The second lens may have at least one aspherical surface. For example, both the object-side and image-side surfaces of the second lens may be aspherical. The second lens may have a refractive index lower than that of the first lens. For example, the refractive index of the second lens may be greater than or equal to 1.5 and less than 1.6. The second lens may have a predetermined focal length. For example, the focal length of the second lens may be greater than or equal to -40 mm and less than -10 mm.

[0075] The third lens may have refractive power. For example, the third lens may have positive or negative refractive power. One surface of the third lens may be concave. For example, the image-side surface of the third lens may be concave. The third lens may have at least one aspherical surface. For example, the object-side surface and the image-side surface of the third lens may be aspherical. The third lens may have a refractive index lower than that of the first lens. For example, the refractive index of the third lens may be greater than or equal to 1.50 and less than 1.58. The third lens may have a predetermined focal length. For example, the focal length of a third lens with positive refractive power may be greater than or equal to 300 mm and less than 5000 mm, and the focal length of a third lens with negative refractive power may be greater than or equal to -4000 mm and less than -100 mm.

[0076] The fourth lens may have refractive power. For example, the fourth lens may have negative refractive power. One surface of the fourth lens may be convex. For example, the object-side surface of the fourth lens may be convex. The fourth lens may have at least one aspherical surface. For example, both the object-side and image-side surfaces of the fourth lens may be aspherical. The fourth lens may have a refractive index higher than that of the third lens. For example, the refractive index of the fourth lens may be greater than or equal to 1.58 and less than 1.70. The fourth lens may have a predetermined focal length. For example, the focal length of the fourth lens may be greater than or equal to -40 mm and less than -10 mm.

[0077] The fifth lens may have refractive power. For example, the fifth lens may have positive refractive power. One surface of the fifth lens may be convex. For example, the object-side surface of the fifth lens may be convex. The fifth lens may have at least one aspherical surface. For example, both the object-side and image-side surfaces of the fifth lens may be aspherical. The fifth lens may have a refractive index less than that of the fourth lens. For example, the refractive index of the fifth lens may be greater than or equal to 1.50 and less than 1.58. The fifth lens may have a predetermined focal length. For example, the focal length of the fifth lens may be greater than or equal to 8.0 mm and less than 20 mm.

[0078] The first through fifth lenses can be made of a material having a refractive index greater than 1.0. For example, the first through fifth lenses can be made of plastic or glass.

[0079] Each of the first through fifth lenses may have at least one aspherical surface as described above. Each aspherical surface of the first through fifth lenses may be represented by the following Equation 1. (1)

[0080] In Equation 1, c is the curvature of the lens surface and is equal to the reciprocal of the radius of curvature of the lens surface at the optical axis of the lens surface, k is the conic constant, r is the distance from any point on the lens surface to the optical axis of the lens surface in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens surface, A to H and J are aspherical constants, and Z (also called sag) is the distance from a point on the lens surface at a distance r from the optical axis of the lens surface in the direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens surface to the tangent plane perpendicular to the optical axis and intersecting the vertex of the lens surface.

[0081] Although it has been described above that both the object-side surface and the image-side surface of each of the first to fifth lenses may be aspherical, one or both of the object-side surface and the image-side surface of any one or both of the first to fifth lenses, or any combination thereof, may be spherical if desired. For example, both the object-side surface and the image-side surface of each of the first to fifth lenses may be spherical, and none of them may be aspherical.

[0082] The camera module or the optical imaging system of the camera module may have predetermined numerical conditions. For example, the camera module or the optical imaging system of the camera module may satisfy one or more of the following conditions 1 to 13. 0.1 < fw / f1 < 1.2 (Condition 1) -1.0 < fw / f3 < 1.0 (Condition 2) -2.0 < fw / f4 < -0.7 (Condition 3) 1.0 < fw / f5 < 3.4 (Condition 4) 0.90 ≦ TTL1 / TTL2 ≦ 1.20 (Condition 5) 1.8 ≦ ft / fw ≦ 2.2 (Conditional Expression 6) 2.0 ≦ TTL2 / ft ≦ 4.0 (Condition 7) 14 ≦ ft / IMGHT ≦ 20 (Condition 8) 4.0 < TTL1 / fw < 12 (Condition 9) 40 < TTL1 / IMGHT < 50 (Condition 10) 7.0 < fw / IMGHT < 10 (Condition 11) 0.4 < TLD / TTL1 < 0.6 (Condition 12) 1.0 < TLD / ft < 2.0. (Condition 13)

[0083] Figure 1 is a diagram of a first example of a camera module in a first mode with a first magnification, Figure 2 is a diagram of a first example of a camera module in a second mode with a second magnification, Figure 3 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the first example of the camera module in the first mode shown in Figure 1, and Figure 4 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the first example of the camera module in the second mode shown in Figure 2.

[0084] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the camera module 100 may include a prism P, a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a first optical path folding unit M1, a second optical path folding unit M2, a filter IF, and an image sensor IP, wherein the image sensor IP has an imaging surface disposed at the imaging plane of the camera module 100.

[0085] Prism P can be placed in the opening of camera module 100. Prism P can convert the path of light incident from one side of camera module 100 into the longitudinal direction of camera module 100. For example, the path OP of light reflected from an object can be changed to the direction of the first optical axis C1 by prism P. The first optical axis C1 is the optical axis of the first lens group G1.

[0086] The first lens group G1 can be disposed on the image side of the prism P and can include a first lens 110 and a second lens 120. The first lens 110 can have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface can be convex, while its image-side surface can be concave. The second lens 120 can have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface can be convex, while its image-side surface can be concave.

[0087] The second lens group G2 can be mounted on the image side of the first lens group G1, and may include a third lens 130, a fourth lens 140, and a fifth lens 150. The third lens 130 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fourth lens 140 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fifth lens 150 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0088] The first optical path folding unit M1 can be disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The first optical path folding unit M1 may include a first fixed reflective component FM1 and a first movable reflective component DM1.

[0089] A first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed between a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2. Specifically, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed on a virtual straight line connecting the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1 to the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. In other words, the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group may be coaxial with the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group. The first fixed reflective component FM1 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may include a first fixed reflective surface FMS1 and a second fixed reflective surface FMS2. The first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light emitted from the second lens 120 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1. For example, the first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1 along the second optical axis C2. The second fixed reflective surface FMS2 may reflect light emitted from the first movable reflective component DM1 to the second lens group G2. For example, the second fixed reflective surface FMS2 can reflect light incident along the fourth optical axis C4 in the direction of the fifth optical axis C5, which intersects the fourth optical axis C4.

[0090] A first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on one side of a first fixed reflective component FM1. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on a second optical axis C2 and a fourth optical axis C4. The first movable reflective component DM1 may be movable along the second optical axis C2 and the fourth optical axis C4. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be moved by a first driving unit to approach the first fixed reflective component FM1 or to move away from the first fixed reflective component FM1. The first movable reflective component DM1 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may include a first movable reflective surface DMS1 and a second movable reflective surface DMS2. The first movable reflective surface DMS1 may reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of a third optical axis C3, and the second movable reflective surface DMS2 may reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 to the second fixed reflective surface DMS2 in the direction of a fourth optical axis C4. The length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be increased or decreased along the first optical axis C1, the second optical axis C2, the third optical axis C3, the fourth optical axis C4, and the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be decreased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves closer to the first fixed reflective component FM1, and can be increased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves further away from the first fixed reflective component FM1.

[0091] The first optical path folding unit M1, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Furthermore, the first optical path folding unit M1 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 100, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the first optical path folding unit M1.

[0092] The second optical path folding unit M2 is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. The second optical path folding unit M2 may include a second fixed reflective component FM2 and a second movable reflective component DM2.

[0093] The second fixed reflective component FM2 can be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 to the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP. In other words, the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP can be coaxial with the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. The second fixed reflective component FM2 can include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second fixed reflective component FM2 can include a third fixed reflective surface FMS3 and a fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4. The third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light emitted from the fifth lens 150 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light incident along the fifth optical axis C5 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5 along the sixth optical axis C6. The fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light emitted from the second movable reflective component DM2 to the image sensor IP. For example, the fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light incident along the eighth optical axis C8 in a direction intersecting the eighth optical axis C8 along the ninth optical axis C9.

[0094] The second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on one side of the second fixed reflective component FM2. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. The second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved along the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved by the second driving unit to approach the second fixed reflective component FM2 or to move away from the second fixed reflective component FM2. The second movable reflective component DM2 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may include a third movable reflective surface DMS3 and a fourth movable reflective surface DMS4. The third movable reflective surface DMS3 may reflect light incident along the sixth optical axis C6 in the direction of the seventh optical axis C7, and the fourth movable reflective surface DMS4 may reflect light incident along the seventh optical axis C7 to the fourth fixed reflective surface DMS4 in the direction of the eighth optical axis C8. The length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be increased or decreased along the fifth optical axis C5, the sixth optical axis C6, the seventh optical axis C7, the eighth optical axis C8, and the ninth optical axis C9. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be decreased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves closer to the second fixed reflective component FM2, and increased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves further away from the second fixed reflective component FM2.

[0095] The second optical path folding unit M2, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. Furthermore, the second optical path folding unit M2 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 100, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the second optical path folding unit M2.

[0096] An image filter IF can be mounted on the object side of an image sensor IP. The image filter IF filters light within a specific wavelength range contained in the incident light. For example, the image filter IF can be configured to filter infrared light.

[0097] Image sensor IP can be configured to convert incident optical images into electrical signals. Image sensor IP can contain multiple optical sensors. Image sensor IP can be manufactured in the form of a charge-coupled device (CCD). However, the form of image sensor IP is not limited to CCD.

[0098] The camera module 100 can capture images in two modes. For example, the camera module 100 may have a first mode for capturing images of a subject located at a medium distance and a second mode for capturing images of a subject located at a long distance. Alternatively, the camera module 100 may have a first mode for magnifying the subject at a first magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, and a second mode for magnifying the subject at a second magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the second magnification. However, the image capturing modes of the camera module 100 are not limited to two modes. For example, the camera module 100 may capture images in a specific step of switching from the first mode to the second mode or in a specific step of switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0099] First, the first mode of the camera module 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0100] The first mode of the camera module 100 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is maximized. For example, in the first mode, by increasing the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1, the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be maximized. Furthermore, in the first mode, the focus of the camera module 100 can be adjusted while simultaneously decreasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. In the first mode, the camera module 100 can capture an image of a subject located at a mid-range distance, or it can magnify the subject at a first magnification and capture an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, as described above.

[0101] Figure 3 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 100 in the first mode shown in Figure 1.

[0102] Next, the second mode of the camera module 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0103] The second mode of the camera module 100 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP is maximized. For example, in the second mode, the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be maximized by increasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. Furthermore, in the second mode, the focus of the camera module 100 can be adjusted while the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1 is decreased. In the second mode, the camera module 100 can capture images of subjects located at long distances, or it can magnify the subject at a second magnification greater than the first magnification and capture the magnified image of the subject at the second magnification, as described above.

[0104] Figure 4 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 100 in the second mode as shown in Figure 2.

[0105] The camera module 100, configured as described above, can capture images of subjects located at medium and long distances, or it can magnify the subject at multiple magnifications via multiple optical path folding units M1 and M2 and capture images of the magnified subject at multiple magnifications. Furthermore, in the camera module 100, folded optical paths can be formed inside the camera module 100, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, thus enabling the camera module 100 to be miniaturized.

[0106] Table 1 below lists the characteristics of the lens and other components of the camera module 100, and Table 2 below lists the aspherical constants of the surface of the lens of the camera module 100. Table 1 Surface number element radius of curvature Thickness / Distance (Mode 1) Thickness / Distance (Second Mode) Refractive index Abbe number S1 Prism infinity 8.000 8.000 1.717 29.50 S2 infinity 8.000 8.000 1.717 29.50 S3 infinity 2.000 2.000 S4 First lens 9.644 2.750 2.750 1.660 20.40 S5 9.124 2.850 2.850 S6 Second lens 50.052 1.950 1.950 1.560 37.30 S7 13.644 0.000 0.000 S8 infinity 6.500 6.500 S9 infinity 0.000 0.000 S10 infinity 24.000 7.800 S11 infinity 0.000 0.000 S12 infinity 9.000 9.000 S13 infinity 0.000 0.000 S14 infinity 24.000 7.800 S15 infinity 0.000 0.000 S16 infinity 5.000 5.000 S17 Third lens 7.809 2.490 2.490 1.544 56.00 S18 6.701 0.594 0.594 S19 Fourth lens 10.963 0.650 0.650 1.615 25.90 S20 7.066 0.634 0.634 S21 Fifth lens 7.792 2.660 2.660 1.544 56.00 S22 87.106 5.000 5.000 S23 infinity 0.000 0.000 S24 infinity 11.000 17.806 S25 infinity 0.000 0.000 S26 infinity 8.000 8.000 S27 infinity 0.000 0.000 S28 infinity 11.000 17.806 S29 infinity 5.000 5.000 S30 Filter infinity 0.220 0.220 1.516 64.10 S31 infinity 5.780 5.780 S32 Imaging plane infinity 0.000 0.000 Table 2 Surface number S4 S5 S6 S7 S17 k 0 0 0 0 0 A 1.936E-04 2.395E-04 -1.585E-04 -5.702E-05 -1.991E-05 B -3.825E-06 -5.154E-06 1.938E-05 1.580E-05 -4.125E-07 C -3.606E-08 -3.495E-07 -1.657E-07 5.173E-07 7.712E-08 D -1.181E-09 -1.497E-09 -9.518E-10 -1.740E-08 1.524E-09 E 6.075E-11 2.577E-10 -5.755E-10 -9.078E-10 -4.200E-11 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0 Surface number S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 K 0 0 0 0 0 A 2.987E-05 6.119E-05 -3.885E-05 -4.183E-05 3.922E-05 B -4.357E-07 -1.788E-06 1.749E-06 -8.568E-08 -5.176E-06 C -1.198E-07 -1.461E-07 1.526E-07 -8.824E-08 -1.083E-07 D -2.190E-09 4.480E-09 1.478E-09 -1.256E-08 -2.251E-09 E 9.345E-10 5.281E-10 3.127E-10 3.599E-10 -4.245E-10 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0

[0107] Figure 5 is a diagram of a second example of a camera module with a first magnification in a first mode, Figure 6 is a diagram of a second example of a camera module with a second magnification in a second mode, Figure 7 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the second example of the camera module shown in Figure 5 in the first mode, and Figure 8 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the second example of the camera module shown in Figure 6 in the second mode.

[0108] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the camera module 200 may include a prism P, a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a first optical path folding unit M1, a second optical path folding unit M2, a filter IF, and an image sensor IP, wherein the image sensor IP has an imaging surface disposed at the imaging plane of the camera module 200.

[0109] Prism P can be placed in the opening of camera module 200. Prism P can convert the path of light incident from one side of camera module 200 into the longitudinal direction of camera module 200. For example, the path OP of light reflected from an object can be changed to the direction of the first optical axis C1 by prism P. The first optical axis C1 is the optical axis of the first lens group G1.

[0110] The first lens group G1 can be mounted on the image side of the prism P and can include a first lens 210 and a second lens 220. The first lens 210 can have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface can be convex, while its image-side surface can be concave. The second lens 220 can have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface can be convex, while its image-side surface can be concave.

[0111] The second lens group G2 may be mounted on the image side of the first lens group G1, and may include a third lens 230, a fourth lens 240, and a fifth lens 250. The third lens 230 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fourth lens 240 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fifth lens 250 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0112] The first optical path folding unit M1 can be disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The first optical path folding unit M1 may include a first fixed reflective component FM1 and a first movable reflective component DM1.

[0113] A first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed between a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2. Specifically, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed on a virtual straight line connecting the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1 to the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. In other words, the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 may be coaxial with the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1. The first fixed reflective component FM1 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may include a first fixed reflective surface FMS1 and a second fixed reflective surface FMS2. The first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light emitted from the second lens 220 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1. For example, the first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1 along the second optical axis C2. The second fixed reflective surface FMS2 may reflect light emitted from the first movable reflective component DM1 to the second lens group G2. For example, the second fixed reflective surface FMS2 can reflect light incident along the fourth optical axis C4 in the direction of the fifth optical axis C5, which intersects the fourth optical axis C4.

[0114] A first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on one side of a first fixed reflective component FM1. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on a second optical axis C2 and a fourth optical axis C4. The first movable reflective component DM1 may be movable along the second optical axis C2 and the fourth optical axis C4. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be moved by a first driving unit to approach the first fixed reflective component FM1 or to move away from the first fixed reflective component FM1. The first movable reflective component DM1 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may include a first movable reflective surface DMS1 and a second movable reflective surface DMS2. The first movable reflective surface DMS1 may reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of a third optical axis C3, and the second movable reflective surface DMS2 may reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 to the second fixed reflective surface DMS2 in the direction of a fourth optical axis C4. The length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be increased or decreased along the first optical axis C1, the second optical axis C2, the third optical axis C3, the fourth optical axis C4, and the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be decreased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves closer to the first fixed reflective component FM1, and can be increased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves further away from the first fixed reflective component FM1.

[0115] The first optical path folding unit M1, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Furthermore, the first optical path folding unit M1 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 200, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the first optical path folding unit M1.

[0116] The second optical path folding unit M2 is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. The second optical path folding unit M2 may include a second fixed reflective component FM2 and a second movable reflective component DM2.

[0117] The second fixed reflective component FM2 can be positioned on the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. The second fixed reflective component FM2 may include a reflective surface. For example, the second fixed reflective component FM2 may include a third fixed reflective surface FMS3. The third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light emitted from the fifth lens 250 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light incident along the fifth optical axis C5 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5 along the sixth optical axis C6.

[0118] The second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on one side of the second fixed reflective component FM2. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. The second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved along the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved by the second driving unit to approach the second fixed reflective component FM2 or to move away from the second fixed reflective component FM2. The second movable reflective component DM2 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may include a third movable reflective surface DMS3 and a fourth movable reflective surface DMS4. The third movable reflective surface DMS3 may reflect light incident along the sixth optical axis C6 in the direction of the seventh optical axis C7, and the fourth movable reflective surface DMS4 may reflect light incident along the seventh optical axis C7 to the image sensor IP in the direction of the eighth optical axis C8. The length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be increased or decreased along the fifth optical axis C5, the sixth optical axis C6, the seventh optical axis C7, and the eighth optical axis C8. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be decreased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves closer to the second fixed reflective component FM2, and increased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves further away from the second fixed reflective component FM2.

[0119] The second optical path folding unit M2, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. Furthermore, the second optical path folding unit M2 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 200, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the second optical path folding unit M2.

[0120] An image filter IF can be mounted on the object side of an image sensor IP. The image filter IF filters light within a specific wavelength range contained in the incident light. For example, the image filter IF can be configured to filter infrared light.

[0121] Image sensor IP can be configured to convert incident optical images into electrical signals. Image sensor IP can contain multiple optical sensors. Image sensor IP can be manufactured in CCD form. However, the form of image sensor IP is not limited to CCD form.

[0122] The camera module 200 can capture images in two modes. For example, the camera module 200 may have a first mode for capturing images of a subject located at a medium distance and a second mode for capturing images of a subject located at a long distance. Alternatively, the camera module 200 may have a first mode for magnifying the subject at a first magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, and a second mode for magnifying the subject at a second magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the second magnification. However, the image capturing modes of the camera module 200 are not limited to two modes. For example, the camera module 200 may perform image capturing in a specific step of switching from the first mode to the second mode or in a specific step of switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0123] First, the first mode of the camera module 200 will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0124] The first mode of the camera module 200 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is maximized. For example, in the first mode, by increasing the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1, the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be maximized. Furthermore, in the first mode, the focus of the camera module 200 can be adjusted while simultaneously decreasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. In the first mode, the camera module 200 can capture an image of a subject located at a mid-range distance, or it can magnify the subject at a first magnification and capture an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, as described above.

[0125] Figure 7 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 200 in the first mode as shown in Figure 5.

[0126] Next, the second mode of the camera module 200 will be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0127] The second mode of the camera module 200 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP is maximized. For example, in the second mode, the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be maximized by increasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. Furthermore, in the second mode, the focus of the camera module 200 can be adjusted while the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1 is decreased. In the second mode, the camera module 200 can capture images of subjects located at long distances, or it can magnify the subject at a second magnification greater than the first magnification and capture the magnified image of the subject at the second magnification, as described above.

[0128] Figure 8 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 200 in the second mode as shown in Figure 6.

[0129] The camera module 200, configured as described above, can capture images of subjects located at medium and long distances, or it can magnify the subject at multiple magnifications via multiple optical path folding units M1 and M2 and capture images of the magnified subject at multiple magnifications. Furthermore, in the camera module 200, folded optical paths can be formed inside the camera module 200, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, thus enabling the camera module 200 to be miniaturized.

[0130] Table 3 below lists the characteristics of the lens and other components of the camera module 200, and Table 4 below lists the aspherical constants of the surface of the lens of the camera module 200. Table 3 Surface number element radius of curvature Thickness / Distance (Mode 1) Thickness / Distance (Second Mode) Refractive index Abbe number S1 Prism infinity 7.000 7.000 1.717 29.50 S2 infinity 7.000 7.000 1.717 29.50 S3 infinity 3.098 3.098 S4 First lens 8.511 2.750 2.750 1.660 20.40 S5 11.625 1.699 1.699 S6 Second lens 398.852 1.950 1.950 1.560 37.30 S7 9.833 0.000 0.000 S8 infinity 6.500 6.500 S9 infinity 0.000 0.000 S10 infinity 24.000 7.800 S11 infinity 0.000 0.000 S12 infinity 9.000 9.000 S13 infinity 0.000 0.000 S14 infinity 24.000 7.800 S15 infinity 0.000 0.000 S16 infinity 5.000 5.000 S17 Third lens 8.035 2.354 2.354 1.544 56.00 S18 7.173 0.621 0.621 S19 Fourth lens 12.865 0.650 0.650 1.615 25.90 S20 7.200 0.550 0.550 S21 Fifth lens 7.926 2.660 2.660 1.544 56.00 S22 1152.879 5.000 5.000 S23 infinity 0.000 0.000 S24 infinity 11.200 17.806 S25 infinity 0.000 0.000 S26 infinity 8.000 8.000 S27 infinity 0.000 0.000 S28 infinity 11.200 17.806 S29 infinity 1.000 1.000 S30 Filter infinity 0.220 0.220 1.516 64.10 S31 infinity 11.170 11.170 S32 Imaging plane infinity 0.000 0.000 Table 4 Surface number S4 S5 S6 S7 S17 k 0 0 0 0 0 A 2.904E-05 9.588E-06 3.489E-05 4.662E-05 -1.285E-06 B 1.097E-06 1.263E-06 3.219E-06 4.470E-06 7.228E-07 C 5.008E-09 8.143E-08 2.422E-07 -3.851E-08 8.502E-09 D -1.217E-09 1.148E-08 1.256E-08 1.063E-08 1.666E-09 E 7.642E-11 1.651E-10 4.182E-21 -2.181E-21 -3.497E-11 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0 Surface number S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 K 0 0 0 0 0 A 2.317E-06 -6.933E-06 6.541E-06 8.337E-07 2.329E-06 B -1.563E-07 -7.322E-07 6.551E-07 -2.789E-07 -1.095E-07 C 4.164E-08 -6.000E-08 5.819E-08 -6.752E-08 -1.772E-07 D -4.703E-10 7.489E-09 -2.413E-09 -1.823E-08 -1.235E-08 E 1.114E-20 -2.706E-21 1.304E-20 -2.614E-20 1.415E-20 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0

[0131] Figure 9 is a diagram of a third example of a camera module with a first magnification in a first mode, Figure 10 is a diagram of a third example of a camera module with a second magnification in a second mode, Figure 11 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the third example of the camera module shown in Figure 9 in the first mode, and Figure 12 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the third example of the camera module shown in Figure 10 in the second mode.

[0132] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the camera module 300 may include a prism P, a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a first optical path folding unit M1, a second optical path folding unit M2, a filter IF, and an image sensor IP, wherein the image sensor IP has an imaging surface disposed at the imaging plane of the camera module 300.

[0133] Prism P can be placed in the opening of camera module 300. Prism P can convert the path of light incident from one side of camera module 300 into the longitudinal direction of camera module 300. For example, the path OP of light reflected from an object can be changed to the direction of the first optical axis C1 by prism P. The first optical axis C1 is the optical axis of the first lens group G1.

[0134] The first lens group G1 can be mounted on the image side of the prism P and may include a first lens 310 and a second lens 320. The first lens 310 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The second lens 320 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be concave, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0135] The second lens group G2 may be mounted on the image side of the first lens group G1, and may include a third lens 330, a fourth lens 340, and a fifth lens 350. The third lens 330 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fourth lens 340 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fifth lens 350 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0136] The first optical path folding unit M1 can be disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The first optical path folding unit M1 may include a first fixed reflective component FM1 and a first movable reflective component DM1.

[0137] A first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed between a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2. Specifically, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed on a virtual straight line connecting the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1 to the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. In other words, the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 may be coaxial with the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1. The first fixed reflective component FM1 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may include a first fixed reflective surface FMS1 and a second fixed reflective surface FMS2. The first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light emitted from the second lens 320 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1. For example, the first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1 along the second optical axis C2. The second fixed reflective surface FMS2 may reflect light emitted from the first movable reflective component DM1 to the second lens group G2. For example, the second fixed reflective surface FMS2 can reflect light incident along the fourth optical axis C4 in the direction of the fifth optical axis C5, which intersects the fourth optical axis C4.

[0138] A first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on one side of a first fixed reflective component FM1. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on a second optical axis C2 and a fourth optical axis C4. The first movable reflective component DM1 may be movable along the second optical axis C2 and the fourth optical axis C4. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be moved by a first driving unit to approach the first fixed reflective component FM1 or to move away from the first fixed reflective component FM1. The first movable reflective component DM1 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may include a first movable reflective surface DMS1 and a second movable reflective surface DMS2. The first movable reflective surface DMS1 may reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of a third optical axis C3, and the second movable reflective surface DMS2 may reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 to the second fixed reflective surface DMS2 in the direction of a fourth optical axis C4. The length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be increased or decreased along the first optical axis C1, the second optical axis C2, the third optical axis C3, the fourth optical axis C4, and the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be decreased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves closer to the first fixed reflective component FM1, and can be increased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves further away from the first fixed reflective component FM1.

[0139] The first optical path folding unit M1, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Furthermore, the first optical path folding unit M1 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 300, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the first optical path folding unit M1.

[0140] The second optical path folding unit M2 is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. The second optical path folding unit M2 may include a second fixed reflective component FM2 and a second movable reflective component DM2.

[0141] The second fixed reflective component FM2 can be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 to the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP. In other words, the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP can be coaxial with the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. The second fixed reflective component FM2 can include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second fixed reflective component FM2 can include a third fixed reflective surface FMS3 and a fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4. The third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light emitted from the fifth lens 350 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light incident along the fifth optical axis C5 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5 along the sixth optical axis C6. The fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light emitted from the second movable reflective component DM2 to the image sensor IP. For example, the fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light incident along the eighth optical axis C8 in a direction intersecting the eighth optical axis C8 along the ninth optical axis C9.

[0142] The second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on one side of the second fixed reflective component FM2. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. The second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved along the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved by the second driving unit to approach the second fixed reflective component FM2 or to move away from the second fixed reflective component FM2. The second movable reflective component DM2 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may include a third movable reflective surface DMS3 and a fourth movable reflective surface DMS4. The third movable reflective surface DMS3 may reflect light incident along the sixth optical axis C6 in the direction of the seventh optical axis C7, and the fourth movable reflective surface DMS4 may reflect light incident along the seventh optical axis C7 to the fourth fixed reflective surface DMS4 in the direction of the eighth optical axis C8. The length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be increased or decreased along the fifth optical axis C5, the sixth optical axis C6, the seventh optical axis C7, the eighth optical axis C8, and the ninth optical axis C9. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be decreased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves closer to the second fixed reflective component FM2, and increased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves further away from the second fixed reflective component FM2.

[0143] The second optical path folding unit M2, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. Furthermore, the second optical path folding unit M2 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 300, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the second optical path folding unit M2.

[0144] An image filter IF can be mounted on the object side of an image sensor IP. The image filter IF filters light within a specific wavelength range contained in the incident light. For example, the image filter IF can be configured to filter infrared light.

[0145] Image sensor IP can be configured to convert incident light signals into electrical signals. Image sensor IP can contain multiple optical sensors. Image sensor IP can be manufactured in CCD form. However, the form of image sensor IP is not limited to CCD form.

[0146] The camera module 300 can capture images in two modes. For example, the camera module 300 may have a first mode for capturing images of a subject located at a medium distance and a second mode for capturing images of a subject located at a long distance. Alternatively, the camera module 300 may have a first mode for magnifying the subject at a first magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, and a second mode for magnifying the subject at a second magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the second magnification. However, the image capturing modes of the camera module 300 are not limited to two modes. For example, the camera module 300 may perform image capturing in a specific step of switching from the first mode to the second mode or in a specific step of switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0147] First, the first mode of the camera module 300 will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0148] The first mode of the camera module 300 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is maximized. For example, in the first mode, by increasing the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1, the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be maximized. Furthermore, in the first mode, the focus of the camera module 300 can be adjusted while simultaneously decreasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. In the first mode, the camera module 300 can capture an image of a subject located at a mid-range distance, or it can magnify the subject at a first magnification and capture an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, as described above.

[0149] Figure 11 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 300 in the first mode as shown in Figure 9.

[0150] Next, the second mode of the camera module 300 will be described with reference to Figure 10.

[0151] The second mode of the camera module 300 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP is maximized. For example, in the second mode, the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be maximized by increasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. Furthermore, in the second mode, the focus of the camera module 300 can be adjusted while the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1 is decreased. In the second mode, the camera module 300 can capture images of subjects located at long distances, or it can magnify the subject at a second magnification greater than the first magnification and capture the magnified image of the subject at the second magnification, as described above.

[0152] Figure 12 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the camera module 300 in the second mode as shown in Figure 10.

[0153] The camera module 300, configured as described above, can capture images of subjects located at medium and long distances, or it can magnify the subject at multiple magnifications and capture images of the magnified subject at multiple magnifications via multiple optical path folding units M1 and M2. Furthermore, in the camera module 300, folded optical paths can be formed inside the camera module 300, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, thus enabling the camera module 300 to be miniaturized.

[0154] Table 5 below lists the characteristics of the lenses and other components of the camera module 300, and Table 6 below lists the aspherical constants of the surfaces of the lenses of the camera module 300. As can be seen from Table 6, the first through fifth lenses of the camera module 300 may have spherical surfaces. Table 5 Surface number element radius of curvature Thickness / Distance (Mode 1) Thickness / Distance (Second Mode) Refractive index Abbe number S1 Prism infinity 7.000 7.000 1.717 29.50 S2 infinity 7.000 7.000 1.717 29.50 S3 infinity 3.098 3.098 S4 First lens 14.350 2.739 2.739 1.660 20.40 S5 17.580 1.524 1.524 S6 Second lens -59.424 0.550 0.550 1.560 37.30 S7 21.131 0.000 0.000 S8 infinity 6.500 6.500 S9 infinity 0.000 0.000 S10 infinity 24.000 7.800 S11 infinity 0.000 0.000 S12 infinity 9.000 9.000 S13 infinity 0.000 0.000 S14 infinity 24.000 7.800 S15 infinity 0.000 0.000 S16 infinity 5.000 5.000 S17 Third lens 7.445 2.922 2.922 1.544 56.00 S18 6.434 0.566 0.566 S19 Fourth lens 10.302 0.592 0.592 1.615 25.90 S20 6.578 0.604 0.604 S21 Fifth lens 7.343 2.660 2.660 1.544 56.00 S22 52.129 5.000 5.000 S23 infinity 0.000 0.000 S24 infinity 10.800 17.806 S25 infinity 0.000 0.000 S26 infinity 8.000 8.000 S27 infinity 0.000 0.000 S28 infinity 10.800 17.806 S29 infinity 5.000 5.000 S30 Filter infinity 0.220 0.220 1.516 64.10 S31 infinity 5.746 5.746 S32 Imaging plane infinity 0.000 0.000 Table 6 Surface number S4 S5 S6 S7 S17 k 0 0 0 0 0 A 0 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 E 0 0 0 0 0 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0 Surface number S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 K 0 0 0 0 0 A 0 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 E 0 0 0 0 0 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0

[0155] Figure 13 is a diagram of a fourth example of a camera module with a first magnification in a first mode, Figure 14 is a diagram of a fourth example of a camera module with a second magnification in a second mode, Figure 15 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the fourth example of the camera module shown in Figure 13 in the first mode, and Figure 16 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the fourth example of the camera module shown in Figure 14 in the second mode.

[0156] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the camera module 400 may include a prism P, a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a first optical path folding unit M1, a second optical path folding unit M2, a filter IF, and an image sensor IP, wherein the image sensor IP has an imaging surface disposed at the imaging plane of the camera module 400.

[0157] Prism P can be placed in the opening of camera module 400. Prism P can convert the path of light incident from one side of camera module 400 into the longitudinal direction of camera module 400. For example, the path OP of light reflected from an object can be changed to the direction of the first optical axis C1 by prism P. The first optical axis C1 is the optical axis of the first lens group G1.

[0158] The first lens group G1 can be mounted on the image side of the prism P and may include a first lens 410 and a second lens 420. The first lens 410 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The second lens 420 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0159] The second lens group G2 can be mounted on the image side of the first lens group G1, and may include a third lens 430, a fourth lens 440, and a fifth lens 450. The third lens 430 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fourth lens 440 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fifth lens 450 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0160] The first optical path folding unit M1 can be disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The first optical path folding unit M1 may include a first fixed reflective component FM1 and a first movable reflective component DM1.

[0161] A first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed between a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2. Specifically, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed on a virtual straight line connecting the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1 to the fifth optical axis of the second lens group G2. In other words, the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 may be coaxial with the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1. The first fixed reflective component FM1 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may include a first fixed reflective surface FMS1 and a second fixed reflective surface FMS2. The first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light emitted from the second lens 420 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1. For example, the first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1 along the second optical axis C2. The second fixed reflective surface FMS2 may reflect light emitted from the first movable reflective component DM1 to the second lens group G2. For example, the second fixed reflective surface FMS2 can reflect light incident along the fourth optical axis C4 in the direction of the fifth optical axis C5, which intersects the fourth optical axis C4.

[0162] A first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on one side of a first fixed reflective component FM1. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on a second optical axis C2 and a fourth optical axis C4. The first movable reflective component DM1 may be movable along the second optical axis C2 and the fourth optical axis C4. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be moved by a first driving unit to approach the first fixed reflective component FM1 or to move away from the first fixed reflective component FM1. The first movable reflective component DM1 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may include a first movable reflective surface DMS1 and a second movable reflective surface DMS2. The first movable reflective surface DMS1 may reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of a third optical axis C3, and the second movable reflective surface DMS2 may reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 to the second fixed reflective surface DMS2 in the direction of a fourth optical axis C4. The length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be increased or decreased along the first optical axis C1, the second optical axis C2, the third optical axis C3, the fourth optical axis C4, and the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be decreased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves closer to the first fixed reflective component FM1, and can be increased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves further away from the first fixed reflective component FM1.

[0163] The first optical path folding unit M1, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Furthermore, the first optical path folding unit M1 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 400, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the first optical path folding unit M1.

[0164] The second optical path folding unit M2 is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. The second optical path folding unit M2 may include a second fixed reflective component FM2 and a second movable reflective component DM2.

[0165] The second fixed reflective component FM2 can be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 to the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP. In other words, the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP can be coaxial with the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. The second fixed reflective component FM2 can include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second fixed reflective component FM2 can include a third fixed reflective surface FMS3 and a fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4. The third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light emitted from the fifth lens 450 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light incident along the fifth optical axis C5 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5 along the sixth optical axis C6. The fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light emitted from the second movable reflective component DM2 to the image sensor IP. For example, the fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light incident along the eighth optical axis C8 in a direction intersecting the eighth optical axis C8 along the ninth optical axis C9.

[0166] The second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on one side of the second fixed reflective component FM2. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. The second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved along the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved by the second driving unit to approach the second fixed reflective component FM2 or to move away from the second fixed reflective component FM2. The second movable reflective component DM2 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may include a third movable reflective surface DMS3 and a fourth movable reflective surface DMS4. The third movable reflective surface DMS3 may reflect light incident along the sixth optical axis C6 in the direction of the seventh optical axis C7, and the fourth movable reflective surface DMS4 may reflect light incident along the seventh optical axis C7 to the fourth fixed reflective surface DMS4 in the direction of the eighth optical axis C8. The length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be increased or decreased along the fifth optical axis C5, the sixth optical axis C6, the seventh optical axis C7, the eighth optical axis C8, and the ninth optical axis C9. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be decreased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves closer to the second fixed reflective component FM2, and increased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves further away from the second fixed reflective component FM2.

[0167] The second optical path folding unit M2, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. Furthermore, the second optical path folding unit M2 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 400, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the second optical path folding unit M2.

[0168] An image filter IF can be mounted on the object side of an image sensor IP. The image filter IF filters light within a specific wavelength range contained in the incident light. For example, the image filter IF can be configured to filter infrared light.

[0169] Image sensor IP can be configured to convert incident light signals into electrical signals. Image sensor IP can contain multiple optical sensors. Image sensor IP can be manufactured in CCD form. However, the form of image sensor IP is not limited to CCD form.

[0170] The camera module 400 can capture images in two modes. For example, the camera module 400 may have a first mode for capturing images of a subject located at a medium distance and a second mode for capturing images of a subject located at a long distance. Alternatively, the camera module 400 may have a first mode for magnifying the subject at a first magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, and a second mode for magnifying the subject at a second magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the second magnification. However, the image capturing modes of the camera module 400 are not limited to two modes. For example, the camera module 400 may perform image capturing in a specific step of switching from the first mode to the second mode or in a specific step of switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0171] First, the first mode of the camera module 400 will be described with reference to Figure 13.

[0172] The first mode of the camera module 400 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is maximized. For example, in the first mode, by increasing the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1, the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be maximized. Furthermore, in the first mode, the focus of the camera module 400 can be adjusted while simultaneously decreasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. In the first mode, the camera module 400 can capture an image of a subject located at a mid-range distance, or it can magnify the subject at a first magnification and capture an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, as described above.

[0173] Figure 15 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 400 in the first mode as shown in Figure 13.

[0174] Next, the second mode of the camera module 400 will be described with reference to Figure 14.

[0175] The second mode of the camera module 400 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP is maximized. For example, in the second mode, the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be maximized by increasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. Furthermore, in the second mode, the focus of the camera module 400 can be adjusted while the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1 is decreased. In the second mode, the camera module 400 can capture images of subjects located at long distances, or it can magnify the subject at a second magnification greater than the first magnification and capture the magnified image of the subject at the second magnification, as described above.

[0176] Figure 16 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 400 in the second mode as shown in Figure 14.

[0177] The camera module 400, configured as described above, can capture images of subjects located at medium and long distances, or it can magnify the subject at multiple magnifications and capture images of the magnified subject at multiple magnifications via multiple optical path folding units M1 and M2. Furthermore, in the camera module 400, folded optical paths can be formed inside the camera module 400, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, thus enabling the camera module 400 to be miniaturized.

[0178] Table 7 below lists the characteristics of the lenses and other components of the camera module 400, and Table 8 below lists the aspherical constants of the surfaces of the lenses of the camera module 400. As can be seen from Table 8, the first through fifth lenses of the camera module 400 may have spherical surfaces. Table 7 Surface number element radius of curvature Thickness / Distance (Mode 1) Thickness / Distance (Second Mode) Refractive index Abbe number S1 Prism infinity 6.000 6.000 1.717 29.50 S2 infinity 6.000 6.000 1.717 29.50 S3 infinity 3.098 3.098 S4 First lens 14.611 2.750 2.750 1.660 20.40 S5 17.861 1.837 1.837 S6 Second lens 56.742 0.650 0.650 1.560 37.30 S7 21.744 0.000 0.000 S8 infinity 6.500 6.500 S9 infinity 0.000 0.000 S10 infinity 24.000 7.800 S11 infinity 0.000 0.000 S12 infinity 9.000 9.000 S13 infinity 0.000 0.000 S14 infinity 24.000 7.800 S15 infinity 0.000 0.000 S16 infinity 5.000 5.000 S17 Third lens 7.600 2.973 2.973 1.544 56.00 S18 6.508 0.566 0.566 S19 Fourth lens 10.532 0.650 0.650 1.615 25.90 S20 6.694 0.550 0.550 S21 Fifth lens 7.349 2.660 2.660 1.544 56.00 S22 55.937 5.000 5.000 S23 infinity 0.000 0.000 S24 infinity 11.000 17.800 S25 infinity 0.000 0.000 S26 infinity 8.000 8.000 S27 infinity 0.000 0.000 S28 infinity 11.000 17.800 S29 infinity 5.000 5.000 S30 Filter infinity 0.220 0.220 1.516 64.10 S31 infinity 5.746 5.746 S32 Imaging plane infinity 0.000 0.000 Table 8 Surface number S4 S5 S6 S7 S17 k 0 0 0 0 0 A 0 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 E 0 0 0 0 0 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0 Surface number S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 K 0 0 0 0 0 A 0 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 E 0 0 0 0 0 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0

[0179] Figure 17 is a diagram of a fifth example of a camera module in a first mode with a first magnification, Figure 18 is a diagram of a fifth example of a camera module in a second mode with a second magnification, Figure 19 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the fifth example of the camera module in the first mode shown in Figure 17, and Figure 20 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the fifth example of the camera module in the second mode shown in Figure 18.

[0180] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the camera module 500 may include a prism P, a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a first optical path folding unit M1, a second optical path folding unit M2, a filter IF, and an image sensor IP, wherein the image sensor IP has an imaging surface disposed at the imaging plane of the camera module 500.

[0181] Prism P can be placed in the opening of camera module 500. Prism P can convert the path of light incident from one side of camera module 500 into the longitudinal direction of camera module 500. For example, the path OP of light reflected from an object can be changed to the direction of the first optical axis C1 by prism P. The first optical axis C1 is the optical axis of the first lens group G1.

[0182] The first lens group G1 can be mounted on the image side of the prism P and may include a first lens 510 and a second lens 520. The first lens 510 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The second lens 520 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be concave, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0183] The second lens group G2 may be mounted on the image side of the first lens group G1, and may include a third lens 530, a fourth lens 540, and a fifth lens 550. The third lens 530 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fourth lens 540 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fifth lens 550 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0184] The first optical path folding unit M1 can be disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The first optical path folding unit M1 may include a first fixed reflective component FM1 and a first movable reflective component DM1.

[0185] A first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed between a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2. Specifically, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed on a virtual straight line connecting the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1 to the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. In other words, the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 may be coaxial with the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1. The first fixed reflective component FM1 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may include a first fixed reflective surface FMS1 and a second fixed reflective surface FMS2. The first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light emitted from the second lens 520 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1. For example, the first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1 along the second optical axis C2. The second fixed reflective surface FMS2 may reflect light emitted from the first movable reflective component DM1 to the second lens group G2. For example, the second fixed reflective surface FMS2 can reflect light incident along the fourth optical axis C4 in the direction of the fifth optical axis C5, which intersects the fourth optical axis C4.

[0186] A first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on one side of a first fixed reflective component FM1. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on a second optical axis C2 and a fourth optical axis C4. The first movable reflective component DM1 may be movable along the second optical axis C2 and the fourth optical axis C4. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be moved by a first driving unit to approach the first fixed reflective component FM1 or to move away from the first fixed reflective component FM1. The first movable reflective component DM1 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may include a first movable reflective surface DMS1 and a second movable reflective surface DMS2. The first movable reflective surface DMS1 may reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of a third optical axis C3, and the second movable reflective surface DMS2 may reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 to the second fixed reflective surface DMS2 in the direction of a fourth optical axis C4. The length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be increased or decreased along the first optical axis C1, the second optical axis C2, the third optical axis C3, the fourth optical axis C4, and the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be decreased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves closer to the first fixed reflective component FM1, and can be increased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves further away from the first fixed reflective component FM1.

[0187] The first optical path folding unit M1, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Furthermore, the first optical path folding unit M1 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 500, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the first optical path folding unit M1.

[0188] The second optical path folding unit M2 is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. The second optical path folding unit M2 may include a second fixed reflective component FM2 and a second movable reflective component DM2.

[0189] The second fixed reflective component FM2 can be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 to the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP. In other words, the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP can be coaxial with the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. The second fixed reflective component FM2 can include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second fixed reflective component FM2 can include a third fixed reflective surface FMS3 and a fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4. The third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light emitted from the fifth lens 550 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light incident along the fifth optical axis C5 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5 along the sixth optical axis C6. The fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light emitted from the second movable reflective component DM2 to the image sensor IP. For example, the fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light incident along the eighth optical axis C8 in a direction intersecting the eighth optical axis C8 along the ninth optical axis C9.

[0190] The second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on one side of the second fixed reflective component FM2. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. The second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved along the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved by the second driving unit to approach the second fixed reflective component FM2 or to move away from the second fixed reflective component FM2. The second movable reflective component DM2 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may include a third movable reflective surface DMS3 and a fourth movable reflective surface DMS4. The third movable reflective surface DMS3 may reflect light incident along the sixth optical axis C6 in the direction of the seventh optical axis C7, and the fourth movable reflective surface DMS4 may reflect light incident along the seventh optical axis C7 to the fourth fixed reflective surface DMS4 in the direction of the eighth optical axis C8. The length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be increased or decreased along the fifth optical axis C5, the sixth optical axis C6, the seventh optical axis C7, the eighth optical axis C8, and the ninth optical axis C9. For example, the length of the path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be decreased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves closer to the second fixed reflective component FM2, and increased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves further away from the second fixed reflective component FM2.

[0191] The second optical path folding unit M2, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. Furthermore, the second optical path folding unit M2 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 500, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the second optical path folding unit M2.

[0192] An image filter IF can be mounted on the object side of an image sensor IP. The image filter IF filters light within a specific wavelength range contained in the incident light. For example, the image filter IF can be configured to filter infrared light.

[0193] Image sensor IP can be configured to convert incident light signals into electrical signals. Image sensor IP can contain multiple optical sensors. Image sensor IP can be manufactured in CCD form. However, the form of image sensor IP is not limited to CCD form.

[0194] The camera module 500 can capture images in two modes. For example, the camera module 500 may have a first mode for capturing images of a subject located at a medium distance and a second mode for capturing images of a subject located at a long distance. Alternatively, the camera module 500 may have a first mode for magnifying the subject at a first magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, and a second mode for magnifying the subject at a second magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the second magnification. However, the image capturing modes of the camera module 500 are not limited to two modes. For example, the camera module 500 may capture images in a specific step of switching from the first mode to the second mode or in a specific step of switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0195] First, the first mode of the camera module 500 will be described with reference to Figure 17.

[0196] The first mode of the camera module 500 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is maximized. For example, in the first mode, by increasing the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1, the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be maximized. Furthermore, in the first mode, the focus of the camera module 500 can be adjusted while simultaneously decreasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. In the first mode, the camera module 500 can capture an image of a subject located at a mid-range distance, or it can magnify the subject at a first magnification and capture an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, as described above.

[0197] Figure 19 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 500 in the first mode as shown in Figure 17.

[0198] Next, the second mode of the camera module 500 will be described with reference to Figure 18.

[0199] The second mode of the camera module 500 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP is maximized. For example, in the second mode, the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be maximized by increasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. Furthermore, in the second mode, the focus of the camera module 500 can be adjusted while the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1 is decreased. In the second mode, the camera module 500 can capture images of subjects located at long distances, or it can magnify the subject at a second magnification greater than the first magnification and capture the magnified image of the subject at the second magnification, as described above.

[0200] Figure 20 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 500 in the second mode as shown in Figure 18.

[0201] The camera module 500, configured as described above, can capture images of subjects located at medium and long distances, or it can magnify the subject at multiple magnifications via multiple optical path folding units M1 and M2 and capture images of the magnified subject at multiple magnifications. Furthermore, in the camera module 500, folded optical paths can be formed inside the camera module 500, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, thus enabling the camera module 500 to be miniaturized.

[0202] Table 9 below lists the characteristics of the lens and other components of the camera module 500, and Table 10 below lists the aspherical constant of the surface of the lens of the camera module 500. Table 9 Surface number element radius of curvature Thickness / Distance (Mode 1) Thickness / Distance (Second Mode) Refractive index Abbe number S1 Prism infinity 4.000 4.000 1.717 29.50 S2 infinity 4.000 4.000 1.717 29.50 S3 infinity 1.942 1.942 S4 First lens 8.000 2.602 2.602 1.574 37.40 S5 9.123 0.850 0.850 S6 Second lens -581.950 0.650 0.650 1.544 56.00 S7 9.093 0.000 0.000 S8 infinity 6.500 6.500 S9 infinity 0.000 0.000 S10 infinity 14,000 6.800 S11 infinity 0.000 0.000 S12 infinity 9.000 9.000 S13 infinity 0.000 0.000 S14 infinity 14,000 6.800 S15 infinity 0.000 0.000 S16 infinity 5.000 5.000 S17 Third lens 5.003 1.732 1.732 1.544 56.00 S18 4.499 0.487 0.487 S19 Fourth lens 7.599 1.293 1.293 1.608 27.40 S20 4.387 0.320 0.320 S21 Fifth lens 4.827 2.274 2.274 1.544 56.00 S22 26.925 5.000 5.000 S23 infinity 0.000 0.000 S24 infinity 6.500 17.806 S25 infinity 0.000 0.000 S26 infinity 8.000 8.000 S27 infinity 0.000 0.000 S28 infinity 6.500 17.806 S29 infinity 5.000 5.000 S30 Filter infinity 0.220 0.220 1.516 64.10 S31 infinity 5.156 5.156 S32 Imaging plane infinity 0.000 0.000 Table 10 Surface number S4 S5 S6 S7 S17 k 0 0 0 0 0 A 6.251E-05 1.523E-05 9.862E-05 2.454E-04 2.170E-05 B 8.872E-06 1.394E-05 2.337E-05 5.826E-05 7.395E-06 C 3.271E-07 8.202E-07 6.330E-06 -2.079E-06 1.216E-07 D -1.050E-07 6.717E-07 7.526E-07 5.121E-07 1.076E-07 E 6.416E-09 1.614E-08 7.126E-19 -3.718E-19 -9.652E-09 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0 Surface number S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 K 0 0 0 0 0 A -2.420E-05 -7.384E-06 8.626E-06 2.806E-05 1.113E-05 B -2.521E-06 -7.931E-06 4.340E-06 2.420E-06 3.297E-07 C 1.113E-06 -1.801E-06 1.206E-06 -7.959E-07 -3.734E-06 D -5.741E-08 4.854E-07 -2.183E-07 -1.095E-06 -5.708E-07 E 1.891E-18 -4.592E-19 2.215E-18 -4.439E-18 2.403E-18 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0

[0203] Figure 21 is a diagram of a sixth example of a camera module in a first mode with a first magnification, Figure 22 is a diagram of a sixth example of a camera module in a second mode with a second magnification, Figure 23 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the sixth example of the camera module in the first mode shown in Figure 21, and Figure 24 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the sixth example of the camera module in the second mode shown in Figure 22.

[0204] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the camera module 600 may include a prism P, a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a first optical path folding unit M1, a second optical path folding unit M2, a filter IF, and an image sensor IP, wherein the image sensor IP has an imaging surface disposed at the imaging plane of the camera module 600.

[0205] Prism P can be placed in the opening of camera module 600. Prism P can convert the path of light incident from one side of camera module 600 into the longitudinal direction of camera module 600. For example, the path OP of light reflected from an object can be changed to the direction of the first optical axis C1 by prism P. The first optical axis C1 is the optical axis of the first lens group G1.

[0206] The first lens group G1 can be mounted on the image side of the prism P and can include a first lens 610 and a second lens 620. The first lens 610 can have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface can be convex, while its image-side surface can be concave. The second lens 620 can have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface can be concave, while its image-side surface can be concave.

[0207] The second lens group G2 can be mounted on the image side of the first lens group G1, and may include a third lens 630, a fourth lens 640, and a fifth lens 650. The third lens 630 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fourth lens 640 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fifth lens 650 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0208] The first optical path folding unit M1 can be disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The first optical path folding unit M1 may include a first fixed reflective component FM1 and a first movable reflective component DM1.

[0209] A first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed between a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2. Specifically, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed on a virtual straight line connecting the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1 to the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. In other words, the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 may be coaxial with the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1. The first fixed reflective component FM1 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may include a first fixed reflective surface FMS1 and a second fixed reflective surface FMS2. The first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light emitted from the second lens 620 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1. For example, the first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1 along the second optical axis C2. The second fixed reflective surface FMS2 may reflect light emitted from the first movable reflective component DM1 to the second lens group G2. For example, the second fixed reflective surface FMS2 can reflect light incident along the fourth optical axis C4 in the direction of the fifth optical axis C5, which intersects the fourth optical axis C4.

[0210] A first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on one side of a first fixed reflective component FM1. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on a second optical axis C2 and a fourth optical axis C4. The first movable reflective component DM1 may be movable along the second optical axis C2 and the fourth optical axis C4. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be moved by a first driving unit to approach the first fixed reflective component FM1 or to move away from the first fixed reflective component FM1. The first movable reflective component DM1 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may include a first movable reflective surface DMS1 and a second movable reflective surface DMS2. The first movable reflective surface DMS1 may reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of a third optical axis C3, and the second movable reflective surface DMS2 may reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 to the second fixed reflective surface DMS2 in the direction of a fourth optical axis C4. The length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be increased or decreased along the first optical axis C1, the second optical axis C2, the third optical axis C3, the fourth optical axis C4, and the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be decreased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves closer to the first fixed reflective component FM1, and can be increased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves further away from the first fixed reflective component FM1.

[0211] The first optical path folding unit M1, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Furthermore, the first optical path folding unit M1 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 600, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the first optical path folding unit M1.

[0212] The second optical path folding unit M2 is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. The second optical path folding unit M2 may include a second fixed reflective component FM2 and a second movable reflective component DM2.

[0213] The second fixed reflective component FM2 can be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 to the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP. In other words, the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP can be coaxial with the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. The second fixed reflective component FM2 can include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second fixed reflective component FM2 can include a third fixed reflective surface FMS3 and a fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4. The third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light emitted from the fifth lens 650 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light incident along the fifth optical axis C5 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5 along the sixth optical axis C6. The fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light emitted from the second movable reflective component DM2 to the image sensor IP. For example, the fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light incident along the eighth optical axis C8 in a direction intersecting the eighth optical axis C8 along the ninth optical axis C9.

[0214] The second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on one side of the second fixed reflective component FM2. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. The second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved along the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved by the second driving unit to approach the second fixed reflective component FM2 or to move away from the second fixed reflective component FM2. The second movable reflective component DM2 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may include a third movable reflective surface DMS3 and a fourth movable reflective surface DMS4. The third movable reflective surface DMS3 may reflect light incident along the sixth optical axis C6 in the direction of the seventh optical axis C7, and the fourth movable reflective surface DMS4 may reflect light incident along the seventh optical axis C7 to the fourth fixed reflective surface DMS4 in the direction of the eighth optical axis C8. The length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be increased or decreased along the fifth optical axis C5, the sixth optical axis C6, the seventh optical axis C7, the eighth optical axis C8, and the ninth optical axis C9. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be decreased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves closer to the second fixed reflective component FM2, and increased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves further away from the second fixed reflective component FM2.

[0215] The second optical path folding unit M2, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. Furthermore, the second optical path folding unit M2 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 600, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the second optical path folding unit M2.

[0216] An image filter IF can be mounted on the object side of an image sensor IP. The image filter IF filters light within a specific wavelength range contained in the incident light. For example, the image filter IF can be configured to filter infrared light.

[0217] Image sensor IP can be configured to convert incident light signals into electrical signals. Image sensor IP can contain multiple optical sensors. Image sensor IP can be manufactured in CCD form. However, the form of image sensor IP is not limited to CCD form.

[0218] The camera module 600 can capture images in two modes. For example, the camera module 600 may have a first mode for capturing images of a subject located at a medium distance and a second mode for capturing images of a subject located at a long distance. Alternatively, the camera module 600 may have a first mode for magnifying the subject at a first magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, and a second mode for magnifying the subject at a second magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the second magnification. However, the image capturing modes of the camera module 600 are not limited to two modes. For example, the camera module 600 may capture images in a specific step of switching from the first mode to the second mode or in a specific step of switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0219] First, the first mode of the camera module 600 will be described with reference to Figure 21.

[0220] The first mode of the camera module 600 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is maximized. For example, in the first mode, by increasing the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1, the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be maximized. Furthermore, in the first mode, the focus of the camera module 600 can be adjusted while simultaneously decreasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. In the first mode, the camera module 600 can capture an image of a subject located at a mid-range distance, or it can magnify the subject at a first magnification and capture an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, as described above.

[0221] Figure 23 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the camera module 600 in the first mode as shown in Figure 21.

[0222] Next, the second mode of the camera module 600 will be described with reference to Figure 22.

[0223] The second mode of the camera module 600 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP is maximized. For example, in the second mode, the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be maximized by increasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. Furthermore, in the second mode, the focus of the camera module 600 can be adjusted while the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1 is decreased. In the second mode, the camera module 600 can capture images of subjects located at long distances, or it can magnify the subject at a second magnification greater than the first magnification and capture the magnified image of the subject at the second magnification, as described above.

[0224] Figure 24 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the camera module 600 in the second mode as shown in Figure 22.

[0225] The camera module 600, configured as described above, can capture images of subjects located at medium and long distances, or it can magnify the subject at multiple magnifications and capture images of the magnified subject at multiple magnifications via multiple optical path folding units M1 and M2. Furthermore, in the camera module 600, folded optical paths can be formed inside the camera module 600, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, thus enabling the camera module 600 to be miniaturized.

[0226] Table 11 below lists the characteristics of the lens and other components of the camera module 600, and Table 12 below lists the aspherical constants of the surface of the lens of the camera module 600. Table 11 Surface number element radius of curvature Thickness / Distance (Mode 1) Thickness / Distance (Second Mode) Refractive index Abbe number S1 Prism infinity 5.000 5.000 1.717 29.50 S2 infinity 5.000 5.000 1.717 29.50 S3 infinity 1.942 1.942 S4 First lens 8.398 2.750 2.750 1.567 40.50 S5 11.709 0.916 0.916 S6 Second lens -41.072 0.650 0.650 1.544 56.00 S7 10.862 0.000 0.000 S8 infinity 6.500 6.500 S9 infinity 0.000 0.000 S10 infinity 18.000 6.800 S11 infinity 0.000 0.000 S12 infinity 9.000 9.000 S13 infinity 0.000 0.000 S14 infinity 18.000 6.800 S15 infinity 0.000 0.000 S16 infinity 5.000 5.000 S17 Third lens 5.632 1.613 1.613 1.544 56.00 S18 5.771 0.602 0.602 S19 Fourth lens 12.495 0.400 0.400 1.596 30.60 S20 5.868 0.320 0.320 S21 Fifth lens 6.831 1.128 1.128 1.544 56.00 S22 957.353 5.000 5.000 S23 infinity 0.000 0.000 S24 infinity 9.000 13.500 S25 infinity 0.000 0.000 S26 infinity 8.000 8.000 S27 infinity 0.000 0.000 S28 infinity 9.000 13.500 S29 infinity 5.000 5.000 S30 Filter infinity 0.220 0.220 1.516 64.10 S31 infinity 2.310 2.310 S32 Imaging plane infinity 0.000 0.000 Table 12 Surface number S4 S5 S6 S7 S17 k 0 0 0 0 0 A -1.771E-04 -4.247E-04 -7.951E-05 -1.201E-05 6.462E-05 B -5.529E-07 -1.707E-05 -1.557E-05 3.572E-05 7.652E-06 C 2.574E-07 -4.071E-07 1.388E-06 -3.017E-06 1.010E-06 D -2.661E-08 2.432E-07 1.713E-07 7.409E-08 4.006E-08 E 1.220E-09 5.731E-09 7.268E-19 -3.877E-19 -7.125E-09 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0 Surface number S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 K 0 0 0 0 0 A -2.621E-05 -4.111E-05 2.819E-05 4.340E-05 -2.599E-06 B -3.890E-07 -1.253E-05 4.940E-06 9.279E-06 -1.192E-05 C 7.219E-07 -3.197E-06 1.758E-06 -4.833E-07 -1.223E-06 D -7.307E-08 2.794E-07 -3.498E-07 -8.217E-07 -5.376E-07 E 1.888E-18 -4.590E-19 2.213E-18 -4.440E-18 2.402E-18 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0

[0227] Figure 25 is a diagram of a seventh example of a camera module in a first mode with a first magnification, Figure 26 is a diagram of a seventh example of a camera module in a second mode with a second magnification, Figure 27 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the seventh example of the camera module in the first mode shown in Figure 25, and Figure 28 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the seventh example of the camera module in the second mode shown in Figure 26.

[0228] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, the camera module 700 may include a prism P, a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a first optical path folding unit M1, a second optical path folding unit M2, a filter IF, and an image sensor IP, wherein the image sensor IP has an imaging surface disposed at the imaging plane of the camera module 700.

[0229] Prism P can be placed in the opening of camera module 700. Prism P can convert the path of light incident from one side of camera module 700 into the longitudinal direction of camera module 700. For example, the path OP of light reflected from an object can be changed to the direction of the first optical axis C1 by prism P. The first optical axis C1 is the optical axis of the first lens group G1.

[0230] The first lens group G1 can be mounted on the image side of the prism P and can include a first lens 710 and a second lens 720. The first lens 710 can have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface can be convex, while its image-side surface can be concave. The second lens 720 can have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface can be concave, while its image-side surface can be concave.

[0231] The second lens group G2 may be mounted on the image side of the first lens group G1, and may include a third lens 730, a fourth lens 740, and a fifth lens 750. The third lens 730 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fourth lens 740 may have negative refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave. The fifth lens 750 may have positive refractive power, and its object-side surface may be convex, while its image-side surface may be concave.

[0232] The first optical path folding unit M1 can be disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The first optical path folding unit M1 may include a first fixed reflective component FM1 and a first movable reflective component DM1.

[0233] A first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed between a first lens group G1 and a second lens group G2. Specifically, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may be disposed on a virtual straight line connecting the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1 to the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. In other words, the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 may be coaxial with the first optical axis C1 of the first lens group G1. The first fixed reflective component FM1 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the first fixed reflective component FM1 may include a first fixed reflective surface FMS1 and a second fixed reflective surface FMS2. The first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light emitted from the second lens 720 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1. For example, the first fixed reflective surface FMS1 may reflect light incident along the first optical axis C1 in a direction intersecting the first optical axis C1 along the second optical axis C2. The second fixed reflective surface FMS2 may reflect light emitted from the first movable reflective component DM1 to the second lens group G2. For example, the second fixed reflective surface FMS2 can reflect light incident along the fourth optical axis C4 in the direction of the fifth optical axis C5, which intersects the fourth optical axis C4.

[0234] A first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on one side of a first fixed reflective component FM1. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be disposed on a second optical axis C2 and a fourth optical axis C4. The first movable reflective component DM1 may be movable along the second optical axis C2 and the fourth optical axis C4. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may be moved by a first driving unit to approach the first fixed reflective component FM1 or to move away from the first fixed reflective component FM1. The first movable reflective component DM1 may include a plurality of reflective surfaces. For example, the first movable reflective component DM1 may include a first movable reflective surface DMS1 and a second movable reflective surface DMS2. The first movable reflective surface DMS1 may reflect light incident along the second optical axis C2 in the direction of a third optical axis C3, and the second movable reflective surface DMS2 may reflect light incident along the third optical axis C3 to the second fixed reflective surface DMS2 in the direction of a fourth optical axis C4. The length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be increased or decreased along the first optical axis C1, the second optical axis C2, the third optical axis C3, the fourth optical axis C4, and the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be decreased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves closer to the first fixed reflective component FM1, and can be increased when the first movable reflective component DM1 moves further away from the first fixed reflective component FM1.

[0235] The first optical path folding unit M1, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. Furthermore, the first optical path folding unit M1 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 700, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the first optical path folding unit M1.

[0236] The second optical path folding unit M2 is disposed between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. The second optical path folding unit M2 may include a second fixed reflective component FM2 and a second movable reflective component DM2.

[0237] The second fixed reflective component FM2 can be positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2 to the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP. In other words, the ninth optical axis C9 of the image sensor IP can be coaxial with the fifth optical axis C5 of the second lens group G2. The second fixed reflective component FM2 can include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second fixed reflective component FM2 can include a third fixed reflective surface FMS3 and a fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4. The third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light emitted from the fifth lens 750 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5. For example, the third fixed reflective surface FMS3 can reflect light incident along the fifth optical axis C5 in a direction intersecting the fifth optical axis C5 along the sixth optical axis C6. The fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light emitted from the second movable reflective component DM2 to the image sensor IP. For example, the fourth fixed reflective surface FMS4 can reflect light incident along the eighth optical axis C8 in a direction intersecting the eighth optical axis C8 along the ninth optical axis C9.

[0238] The second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on one side of the second fixed reflective component FM2. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be disposed on the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. The second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved along the sixth optical axis C6 and the eighth optical axis C8. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may be moved by the second driving unit to approach the second fixed reflective component FM2 or to move away from the second fixed reflective component FM2. The second movable reflective component DM2 may include multiple reflective surfaces. For example, the second movable reflective component DM2 may include a third movable reflective surface DMS3 and a fourth movable reflective surface DMS4. The third movable reflective surface DMS3 may reflect light incident along the sixth optical axis C6 in the direction of the seventh optical axis C7, and the fourth movable reflective surface DMS4 may reflect light incident along the seventh optical axis C7 to the fourth fixed reflective surface DMS4 in the direction of the eighth optical axis C8. The length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be increased or decreased along the fifth optical axis C5, the sixth optical axis C6, the seventh optical axis C7, the eighth optical axis C8, and the ninth optical axis C9. For example, the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be decreased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves closer to the second fixed reflective component FM2, and increased when the second movable reflective component DM2 moves further away from the second fixed reflective component FM2.

[0239] The second optical path folding unit M2, configured as described above, can bypass a portion of the straight optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP. Furthermore, the second optical path folding unit M2 can increase or decrease the length of the optical path connecting the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP, as described above. Therefore, in the camera module 700, the focus and magnification can be adjusted via the second optical path folding unit M2.

[0240] An image filter IF can be mounted on the object side of an image sensor IP. The image filter IF filters light within a specific wavelength range contained in the incident light. For example, the image filter IF can be configured to filter infrared light.

[0241] Image sensor IP can be configured to convert incident light signals into electrical signals. Image sensor IP can contain multiple optical sensors. Image sensor IP can be manufactured in CCD form. However, the form of image sensor IP is not limited to CCD form.

[0242] The camera module 700 can capture images in two modes. For example, the camera module 700 may have a first mode for capturing images of a subject located at a medium distance and a second mode for capturing images of a subject located at a long distance. Alternatively, the camera module 700 may have a first mode for magnifying the subject at a first magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, and a second mode for magnifying the subject at a second magnification and capturing an image of the magnified subject at the second magnification. However, the image capturing modes of the camera module 700 are not limited to two modes. For example, the camera module 700 may perform image capturing in a specific step of switching from the first mode to the second mode or in a specific step of switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0243] First, the first mode of the camera module 700 will be described with reference to Figure 25.

[0244] The first mode of the camera module 700 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is maximized. For example, in the first mode, by increasing the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1, the length of the optical path between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 can be maximized. Furthermore, in the first mode, the focus of the camera module 700 can be adjusted while simultaneously decreasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. In the first mode, the camera module 700 can capture an image of a subject located at a mid-range distance, or it can magnify the subject at a first magnification and capture an image of the magnified subject at the first magnification, as described above.

[0245] Figure 27 shows a curve illustrating the aberration characteristics of the camera module 700 in the first mode as shown in Figure 25.

[0246] Next, the second mode of the camera module 700 will be described with reference to Figure 26.

[0247] The second mode of the camera module 700 can be a mode in which the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP is maximized. For example, in the second mode, the length of the optical path between the second lens group G2 and the image sensor IP can be maximized by increasing the distance between the second fixed reflector FM2 and the second movable reflector DM2. Furthermore, in the second mode, the focus of the camera module 700 can be adjusted while the distance between the first fixed reflector FM1 and the first movable reflector DM1 is decreased. In the second mode, the camera module 700 can capture images of subjects located at long distances, or it can magnify the subject at a second magnification greater than the first magnification and capture the magnified image of the subject at the second magnification, as described above.

[0248] Figure 28 shows a curve representing the aberration characteristics of the camera module 700 in the second mode as shown in Figure 26.

[0249] The camera module 700, configured as described above, can capture images of subjects located at medium and long distances, or it can magnify the subject at multiple magnifications and capture images of the magnified subject at multiple magnifications via multiple optical path folding units M1 and M2. Furthermore, in the camera module 700, folded optical paths can be formed inside the camera module 700, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, thus enabling the camera module 700 to be miniaturized.

[0250] Table 13 below lists the characteristics of the lenses and other components of the camera module 700, and Table 14 below lists the aspherical constants of the surfaces of the lenses of the camera module 700. As can be seen from Table 14, the first through fifth lenses of the camera module 700 may have spherical surfaces. Table 13 Surface number element radius of curvature Thickness / Distance (Mode 1) Thickness / Distance (Second Mode) Refractive index Abbe number S1 Prism infinity 6.000 6.000 1.717 29.50 S2 infinity 6.000 6.000 1.717 29.50 S3 infinity 3.098 3.098 S4 First lens 13.552 2.574 2.574 1.660 20.40 S5 16.668 0.776 0.776 S6 Second lens -70.345 0.550 0.550 1.560 37.30 S7 19.573 0.000 0.000 S8 infinity 6.500 6.500 S9 infinity 0.000 0.000 S10 infinity 24.000 7.800 S11 infinity 0.000 0.000 S12 infinity 9.000 9.000 S13 infinity 0.000 0.000 S14 infinity 24.000 7.800 S15 infinity 0.000 0.000 S16 infinity 5.000 5.000 S17 Third lens 7.369 2.970 2.970 1.544 56.00 S18 6.358 0.585 0.585 S19 Fourth lens 10.067 0.550 0.550 1.615 25.90 S20 6.450 0.614 0.614 S21 Fifth lens 7.237 2.660 2.660 1.544 56.00 S22 47.856 5.000 5.000 S23 infinity 0.000 0.000 S24 infinity 11.000 18.000 S25 infinity 0.000 0.000 S26 infinity 8.000 8.000 S27 infinity 0.000 0.000 S28 infinity 11.000 18.000 S29 infinity 5.000 5.000 S30 Filter infinity 0.220 0.220 1.516 64.10 S31 infinity 5.412 5.412 S32 Imaging plane infinity 0.000 0.000 Table 14 Surface number S4 S5 S6 S7 S17 k 0 0 0 0 0 A 0 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 E 0 0 0 0 0 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0 Surface number S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 K 0 0 0 0 0 A 0 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 0 0 C 0 0 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 E 0 0 0 0 0 F 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 0 0 0 J 0 0 0 0 0

[0251] Table 15 below lists the parameter values ​​of the first to seventh instances of the camera module described above, and Table 16 below lists the values ​​of condition 1 to condition 13 in the first to seventh instances of the camera module described above. Table 15 Parameters First Case Second example Third example Fourth example Fifth Example Sixth Example Seventh Example TTL1 129.0786 129.5235 126.2232 127.1015 95.0839 103.4086 125.4101 TTL2 110.2906 110.3355 107.8352 108.3015 103.2959 90.0086 107.0101 TLD 59.0786 59.1235 56.6232 57.1015 54.0839 49.4086 55.4101 fw 25.50 25.50 25.50 25.50 16.00 16.00 25.50 ft 48.00 48.00 48.00 48.00 30.00 32.00 48.00 f1 231,680 43.386 87.188 89.682 60.819 39.998 81.451 f2 -33.699 -18.483 -27.222 -27.438 -16.379 -15.651 -26.748 f3 -416.597 -3493.170 4176.698 -2215.400 382.450 83.841 2230.721 f4 -34.509 -27.940 -31.227 -31.656 -19.953 -18.824 -30.721 f5 15.544 14.590 15.317 15.188 10.387 12.585 15.248 Fno 7.8~10.3 7.6~10.0 8.1~10.8 8.1~10.7 9.5~12.7 7.5~10.0 8.1~10.8 IMGHT 2.70 2.70 2.70 2.70 2.10 2.10 2.70 Table 16 Conditional First Case Second example Third example Fourth example Fifth Example Sixth Example Seventh Example fw / f1 0.1101 0.5877 0.2925 0.2843 0.2631 0.4000 0.3131 fw / f3 -0.0612 -0.0073 0.0061 -0.0115 0.0418 0.1908 0.0114 fw / f4 -0.7389 -0.9127 -0.8166 -0.8055 -0.8019 -0.8500 -0.8301 fw / f5 1.6405 1.7478 1.6648 1.6790 1.5404 1.2713 1.6723 TTL1 / TTL2 1.1704 1.1739 1.1705 1.1736 0.9205 1.1489 1.1719 ft / fw 1.8824 1.8824 1.8824 1.8824 1.8750 2.0000 1.8824 TTL2 / ft 2.2977 2.2987 2.2466 2.2563 3.4432 2.8128 2.2294 ft / IMGHT 17.7778 17.7778 17.7778 17.7778 14.2857 15.2381 17.7778 TTL1 / fw 5.0619 5.0794 4.9499 4.9844 5.9427 6.4630 4.9180 TTL1 / IMGHT 47.8069 47.9717 46.7493 47.0746 45.2781 49.2422 46.4482 fw / IMGHT 9.4444 9.4444 9.4444 9.4444 7.6190 7.6190 9.4444 TLD / TTL1 0.4577 0.4565 0.4486 0.4493 0.5688 0.4778 0.4418 TLD / ft 1.2308 1.2317 1.1796 1.1896 1.8028 1.5440 1.1544

[0252] Figure 29 is a diagram of a first modified example of the first instance of the camera module shown in Figure 1.

[0253] Referring to Figure 29, the camera module 100 shown in Figure 1 can be modified by omitting the prism P in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 29.

[0254] Figure 30 is a diagram of a second modified example of the first instance of the camera module shown in Figure 1.

[0255] Referring to Figure 30, the camera module 100 shown in Figure 1 can be modified by rotating the prism P, as shown in Figure 30. Furthermore, the first fixed reflective component FM1, the first movable reflective component DM1, the second fixed reflective component FM2, and the second movable reflective component DM2 in Figure 1 can be replaced by the prism, as shown in Figure 30.

[0256] Figures 31 to 33 are rear views of an example of a mobile terminal in which a third modified example of the camera module shown in Figure 1 is installed.

[0257] Referring to Figure 31, a third modified example of the rotating prism P (shown in Figure 30) of the camera module 100 shown in Figure 1 can be installed along the length of the mobile terminal 10.

[0258] Referring to FIG32, the camera module 100 shown in FIG31 and the camera module 30 for short-range image capture can be installed in the mobile terminal 10. The camera module 30 can be installed in the unoccupied area within the rectangular outline of the camera module 100 shown in FIG31, as shown in FIG32.

[0259] Referring to Figure 33, the camera module 100 shown in Figure 31, the camera module 30 for short-range image capture, and the camera module 50 for medium-range image capture shown in Figure 32 can be installed in the mobile terminal 10.

[0260] Based on the example described above, a camera module with adjustable focus and magnification that can be installed on a mobile terminal can be implemented.

[0261] Although this disclosure contains specific examples, it will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein should be considered only in a descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or manner in each example should be regarded as applicable to similar features or manner in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described system, architecture, apparatus, or circuit are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not defined by the implementation method but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations falling within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as included in this disclosure.

[0262] 10: Mobile Terminal 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700: Camera modules 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710: First lens 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720: Second lens 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730: Third lens 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740: Fourth lens 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750: Fifth lens C1: First optical axis C2: Second optical axis C3: Third optical axis C4: Fourth optical axis C5: Fifth optical axis C6: Sixth optical axis C7: Seventh optical axis C8: Eighth optical axis C9: Ninth Optical Axis DM1: First movable reflective component DM2: Second movable reflective component DMS1: First movable reflective surface DMS2: Second movable reflective surface DMS3: Third movable reflective surface DMS4: Fourth movable reflective surface FM1: First fixed reflector FM2: Second fixed reflector FMS1: First fixed reflective surface FMS2: Second fixed reflective surface FMS3: Third Fixed Reflective Surface FMS4: Fourth Fixed Reflective Surface G1: First lens group G2: Second lens group IF: Filter IMGHT: Image Height IP: Image Sensor M1: First optical path folding unit M2: Second optical path folding unit OP: path P: Prism TLD: Distance

Claims

1. A camera module, comprising: First lens group; First optical path folding unit; Second lens group; The system includes a first lens group, a first optical path folding unit, a second lens group, and a second optical path folding unit, which are sequentially arranged from the object side of the first lens group toward the imaging plane of the camera module. The first lens group includes a first lens with positive refractive power and a second lens with negative refractive power. The first optical path folding unit includes a first fixed reflective component and a first movable reflective component. The first movable reflective component is configured to change the length of the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group. The second optical path folding unit includes a second fixed reflective component and a second movable reflective component. The second movable reflective component is configured to change the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane.

2. The camera module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object-side surface of the first lens is convex.

3. The camera module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image-side surface of the second lens is concave.

4. The camera module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second lens group includes a third lens having refractive power, a fourth lens having refractive power, and a fifth lens having refractive power.

5. The camera module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the object-side surface of the third lens is convex.

6. The camera module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the object-side surface of the fourth lens is convex.

7. The camera module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the object-side surface of the fifth lens is convex.

8. The camera module as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a prism positioned prior to the object side of the first lens group.

9. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the first movable reflective component and the second movable reflective component are configured to move such that the distance between the first fixed reflective component and the first movable reflective component decreases when the distance between the second fixed reflective component and the second movable reflective component increases, and increases when the distance between the second fixed reflective component and the second movable reflective component decreases.

10. A camera module, comprising: First lens group; Second lens group; A first optical path folding unit is disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group; And a second optical path folding unit, disposed between the second lens group and the imaging plane of the camera module, wherein the first lens group includes a first lens with positive refractive power and a second lens with refractive power, wherein the optical path of the camera module extends from the object side of the first lens group to the imaging plane, and the first optical path folding unit and the second optical path folding unit are configured to increase or decrease the length of at least one portion of the optical path of the camera module in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the first lens group.

11. The camera module of claim 10, wherein the optical path of the camera module extends from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane, and the ratio (TTL1 / TTL2) of the maximum length (TTL1) of the optical path of the camera module to the minimum length (TTL2) of the optical path of the camera module is 0.90 to 1.

20.

12. The camera module of claim 10, wherein the camera module includes an optical imaging system, the optical imaging system including a first lens group, a second lens group, a first optical path folding unit and a second optical path folding unit, and the ratio (ft / fw) of the maximum focal length (ft) of the optical imaging system to the minimum focal length (fw) of the optical imaging system is 1.8 to 2.

2.

13. The camera module of claim 12, wherein the optical path of the camera module extends from the object-side surface of the first lens to the imaging plane, and the ratio of the minimum length (TTL2) of the optical path of the camera module to the maximum focal length (ft) (TTL2 / ft) is 2.0 to 4.

0.

14. The camera module of claim 12, wherein the ratio (ft / IMGHT) of the maximum focal length (ft) to the image height (IMGHT) of the optical imaging system is 14 to 20, and the image height is equal to half the diagonal length of the effective area of ​​the imaging plane.

15. The camera module as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a prism positioned prior to the object side of the first lens group.

16. A camera module, comprising: The first lens group has an optical axis; First optical path folding unit; The second lens group has an optical axis; The first lens group includes a first lens with positive refractive power and a second lens with refractive power. The first lens group, the first optical path folding unit, the second lens group, and the second optical path folding unit are sequentially arranged from the object side of the first lens group toward the imaging plane of the camera module. The first optical path folding unit includes: a first fixed reflective component; and a first movable reflective component configured to move in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the first lens group to change the length of the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group. The second optical path folding unit includes: a second fixed reflective component; and a second movable reflective component configured to move in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the second lens group to change the length of the optical path between the second lens group and the imaging plane.

17. The camera module of claim 16, wherein the first fixed reflective member is disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group on a virtual straight line coaxial with the optical axis of the first lens group, the first movable reflective member is disposed facing the first fixed reflective member in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the first lens group, the second fixed reflective member is disposed between the second lens group and the imaging plane on a virtual straight line coaxial with the optical axis of the second lens group, and the second movable reflective member is disposed facing the second fixed reflective member in a direction intersecting the optical axis of the second lens group.

18. The camera module of claim 17, wherein the first movable reflective member is configured to move away from the first fixed reflective member to reduce the magnification of the camera module and to move toward the first fixed reflective member to adjust the focus of the camera module, and the second movable reflective member is configured to move away from the second fixed reflective member to increase the magnification of the camera module when the first movable reflective member moves toward the first fixed reflective member to adjust the focus of the camera module, and to move toward the second fixed reflective member to adjust the focus of the camera module when the first movable reflective member moves away from the first fixed reflective member to reduce the magnification of the camera module.

19. The camera module of claim 16, wherein the first lens group includes a first lens having positive refractive power and a second lens having negative refractive power, the first lens and the second lens being arranged sequentially along the optical axis of the first lens group from the object side of the first lens group to the image side of the first lens group in an increasing numerical order, and the second lens group includes a third lens having positive refractive power, a fourth lens having negative refractive power and a fifth lens having positive refractive power, the third lens, the fourth lens and the fifth lens being arranged sequentially along the optical axis of the second lens group from the object side of the second lens group to the image side of the second lens group in an increasing numerical order.

20. An electronic device comprising a camera module as described in claim 16.

21. The electronic device as claimed in claim 20 further includes one or both of a camera module configured for short-range image capture and a camera module configured for medium-range image capture.

Images