Camera Module

Abstract

A camera module according to an embodiment includes a position sensor unit including a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, and a control unit connected to the first and second sensor units and acquiring position information based on output signals of the first and second sensor units, wherein the first sensor unit includes a plurality of first input terminals and a plurality of first output terminals, and the second sensor unit includes a plurality of second input terminals and a plurality of second output terminals, and the control unit is connected to all of the plurality of first output terminals and the plurality of second output terminals, and acquires the position information through selective calculation based on the plurality of output signals of the first and second sensor units received via the plurality of first output terminals and the plurality of second output terminals.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiment relates to a camera module. [Background technology]

[0002] Camera modules are used to capture images of subjects and store them as images or videos, and are installed in mobile devices such as mobile phones, laptops, drones, and vehicles.

[0003] Meanwhile, portable devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops are equipped with ultra-compact camera modules, which can perform an auto focus (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the lens to align the focal length of the lens.

[0004] The autofocus function is an essential function for taking clear still or moving images in a camera module. When the position of a lens barrel in which a coil is attached is detected by a position sensor and a driving signal is provided to a driving unit according to the detected position of the lens barrel and an input target position, a driving force is generated between a magnet of the driving unit and a coil attached to the lens barrel, and the position of the lens barrel moves to a focal position, thereby performing the autofocus function.

[0005] However, the conventional camera module detects the position of the lens barrel using one position sensor. At this time, the detection signal output from the position sensor contains ambient noise. Therefore, the conventional camera module has difficulty in detecting the accurate position of the lens barrel, and thus has limitations in moving the lens barrel to an accurate position.

[0006] In addition, strokes have been increasing with recent technological advances in camera modules, which has led to the problem that accurate position detection over the entire stroke range of a long-stroke camera module cannot be achieved with just one position sensor.

[0007] (Patent Document 1) KR10-1664886B Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The embodiments provide a camera module and an operating method thereof that can increase the position detection range.

[0009] The embodiments also provide a camera module and an operating method thereof that can improve positional accuracy.

[0010] Also, the embodiments provide a camera module including a position sensing circuit that is applicable to various camera usage environments, and an operating method thereof.

[0011] In addition, the present embodiment provides a camera module and an operating method thereof that allow for individual and combined use of a plurality of detection signals output from a plurality of position sensors.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved in the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A camera module according to an embodiment includes a position sensor unit including a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, and a control unit connected to the first and second sensor units and acquiring position information based on output signals of the first and second sensor units, wherein the first sensor unit includes a plurality of first input terminals and a plurality of first output terminals, and the second sensor unit includes a plurality of second input terminals and a plurality of second output terminals, and the control unit is connected to all of the plurality of first output terminals and the plurality of second output terminals, and acquires the position information through selective calculation based on the plurality of output signals of the first and second sensor units received via the plurality of first output terminals and the plurality of second output terminals.

[0014] In addition, the plurality of first output terminals of the first sensor unit include a 1-1 output terminal that outputs a 1-1 output signal having a first polarity and a 1- output terminal that outputs a 1-2 output signal having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, and the plurality of second output terminals of the second sensor unit include a 2-1 output terminal that outputs a 2-1 output signal having the first polarity and a 2-2 output terminal that outputs a 2-2 output signal having the second polarity.

[0015] The control unit also includes a port unit connected to the plurality of first output terminals and the plurality of second output terminals, and the port unit includes: a first port connected to the 1-1 output terminal and receiving the 1-1 output signal, a second port connected to the 1-2 output terminal and receiving the 1-2 output signal, a third port connected to the 2-1 output terminal and receiving the 2-1 output signal, and a fourth port connected to the 2-2 output terminal and receiving the 2-2 output signal.

[0016] The control unit also includes a multiplexer connected to the port unit and switching the plurality of output signals received through the connected port, an amplifier receiving the plurality of output signals of the first and second sensor units through one of the port unit and the multiplexer and differentially amplifying at least one of the received plurality of output signals, and an analog-to-digital conversion unit connected to the amplifier and converting the output signal of the amplifier into a digital signal.

[0017] The amplifier also includes an inverting terminal and a non-inverting terminal that receive a plurality of output signals from the first and second sensor units, the inverting terminal including first and second inverting terminals, and the non-inverting terminal including first and second non-inverting terminals, and the amplifier differentially amplifies a first summed value obtained by adding together the signals received via the first and second inverting terminals and a second summed value obtained by adding together the signals received via the first and second non-inverting terminals.

[0018] The multiplexer further includes a first multiplexer connected to the first port and switching the 1-1 output signal received via the first port to one of the first inverting terminal and the first non-inverting terminal of the amplifier, and a second multiplexer connected to the fourth port and switching the 2-2 output signal received via the fourth port to the other one of the first inverting terminal and the first non-inverting terminal of the amplifier.

[0019] In addition, the second inverting terminal of the amplifier is connected to the third port to receive the 2-1 output signal, and the second non-inverting terminal of the amplifier is connected to the second port to receive the 1-2 output signal.

[0020] The multiplexer also includes a third multiplexer connected to the third port and switching the 2-1 output signal received via the third port to the second inverting terminal of the amplifier, and a fourth multiplexer connected to the second port and switching the 1-2 output signal received via the second port to the second non-inverting terminal of the amplifier.

[0021] Moreover, under a first condition, the first multiplexer outputs the 1-1 output signal to the first inverting terminal of the amplifier, and the second multiplexer outputs the 2-2 output signal to the first inverting terminal of the amplifier, and under a second condition different from the first condition, the first multiplexer outputs the 1-1 output signal to the first non-inverting terminal of the amplifier, and the second multiplexer outputs the 2-2 output signal to the first inverting terminal of the amplifier.

[0022] Further, the amplifier amplifies and outputs the difference between the first sum value and the second sum value, and under the first condition, the first sum value is the sum value of the 1-1 output signal and the 2-1 output signal, and the second sum value is the sum value of the 1-2 output signal and the 2-2 output signal, and under the second condition, the first sum value is the sum value of the 2-1 output signal and the 2-2 output signal, and the second sum value is the sum value of the 1-1 output signal and the 1-2 output signal. Effect of the Invention

[0023] The embodiment includes a plurality of sensor units. The plurality of sensor units may be position sensing sensors that sense a position of the lens module. The embodiment senses the position of the lens module using the plurality of sensor units. Through this, the embodiment may widen a sensing range in response to a long stroke of the lens module. Through this, the embodiment may improve position sensing accuracy of the lens module. Through this, the embodiment may improve control accuracy of the lens module. Thus, the embodiment may improve the operational reliability of the camera module.

[0024] Each of the sensor units includes a plurality of output terminals, which are not directly connected to each other, and are individually connected to different ports of the controller.

[0025] Therefore, the embodiment can apply the optimum position detection conditions in accordance with the usage environment of the camera module.

[0026] Specifically, the embodiment can detect the position of the lens module using a first differential amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying a subtraction value between the output signal of the first sensor unit and the output signal of the second sensor unit under a first condition. The embodiment can detect the position of the lens module using a second differential amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying a sum of the output signal of the first sensor unit and the output signal of the second sensor unit under a second condition. The embodiment can detect the position of the lens module using a third differential amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying a subtraction value of the output signal of the first sensor unit under a third condition. The embodiment can detect the position of the lens module using a fourth differential amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying a subtraction value of the output signal of the second sensor unit under a fourth condition.

[0027] In this case, the condition may be determined according to the use environment of the camera module. For example, the form of noise (e.g., common mode noise) transmitted to the camera module may change depending on the use position of the camera module and surrounding structures. The embodiment may determine one of the first condition and the second condition based on the current use environment to provide a detection signal that is resistant to noise. As a result, the embodiment may improve the position detection accuracy of the lens barrel.

[0028] In addition, the embodiment does not require connection lines for directly connecting the plurality of sensor units to each other on the circuit board, which can simplify the manufacturing process of the camera module. Furthermore, the embodiment can improve the yield of the product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module of FIG. 1 taken along the line AA'. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a connection relationship of a position sensor unit in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of a position sensor unit of a comparative example to be compared with the embodiment; [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram for explaining a connection relationship between a position sensor unit and a control unit in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram for explaining a connection relationship between a multiplexer and an amplifier in a control unit of FIG. 8. [Figure 10]6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the switching state of a multiplexer and an input signal of an amplifier under a first condition. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram for explaining an output signal of the amplifier of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the switching state of a multiplexer and an input signal of an amplifier under a second condition. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram for explaining an output signal of the amplifier of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a control unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between a multiplexer and an amplifier in the control unit of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical device according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of the optical device shown in FIG. 16. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the several embodiments described, but may be realized in various different forms, and one or more of the components may be selectively combined or substituted between the embodiments within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0032] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly defined and described, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention are to be interpreted as meanings that may be commonly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, and commonly used terms such as predefined terms may be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0033] In addition, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the present specification, the singular form can include the plural form unless otherwise specified, and when it is described as "A and (and) at least one (or more) of B and C", it can include one or more of all combinations of A, B, and C.

[0034] In addition, in describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are merely intended to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the essence, order, or procedure of the components. Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "connected," or "connected" to another component, it may include not only the case where the component is directly connected or connected to the other component, but also the case where the component is "coupled," "connected," or "connected" between the other component or by another component.

[0035] In addition, when it is described as being formed or disposed "above (upper) or below (lower)" each component, the above (upper) or below (lower) includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. In addition, when it is expressed as "above (upper) or below (lower)", it can include not only the upper direction based on one component, but also the lower direction.

[0036] The optical axis direction used below can be defined as the optical axis direction of a lens coupled to a camera actuator or a camera module, and the vertical direction can be defined as a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0037] The autofocus function used hereinafter can be defined as a function of automatically adjusting the focus on a subject by adjusting the distance to the image sensor by moving the lens in the optical axis direction according to the distance of the subject so that a clear image of the subject is acquired on the image sensor.

[0038] Meanwhile, auto focus can be called AF (Auto Focus). Also, auto focus feedback CLAF (closed-loop auto focus) control can be defined as feedback control of the lens position in real time by sensing the distance between the image sensor and the lens to improve the accuracy of focus adjustment.

[0039] A camera module according to an embodiment and an optical device including the same will be specifically described below. First, the overall configuration of the camera module of the present application will be described.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module in FIG. 1 taken along the line AA'.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the camera module 100 of the embodiment may include a lens 110, the lens barrel 120, a lens driving device 130, a filter unit 140, a base 150, a circuit board 160, a reinforcing plate 170, a sensor 180, and an adhesive member 190.

[0042] Here, the camera module 100 may be substituted for a camera. Also, the base 150 may be substituted for a holder, a sensor base, an inner base, a filter mounting part, a filter seating part, etc. Also, the lens driving device 130 may be substituted for an actuator that drives the lens 110 or the lens barrel 120.

[0043] Lens 110 or lens barrel 120 may be coupled to lens driver 130. For example, lens 110 or lens barrel 120 may be mounted to lens driver 130. For example, the lens 110 may be mounted within the lens barrel 120. And, the lens barrel 120 may be mounted to the lens driver 130.

[0044] In this case, the lens driving device 130 includes a bobbin 132. The lens barrel 120 may be coupled to the bobbin 132 of the lens driving device 130.

[0045] An adhesive member 190 may be disposed between an outer surface of the lens barrel 120 and an inner surface of the bobbin 132 of the lens driving device 130. The lens barrel 120 may be coupled to the bobbin 132 of the lens driving device 130 via the adhesive member 190. At this time, the lens barrel 120 may move together with the bobbin 132 of the lens driving device 130.

[0046] For example, the lens driving device 130 includes a fixed part whose position is fixed and a moving part that moves relative to the fixed part. The moving part of the lens driving device 130 includes the bobbin 132. The lens barrel 120 is coupled to the bobbin 132 of the moving part of the lens driving device 130. This allows the lens barrel 120 to move together when the moving part of the lens driving device 130 moves. Therefore, the lens barrel 120 and the lens 110 coupled to the lens barrel 120 can be said to be a moving part of a camera module.

[0047] The lens 110 may be an optical system in which three or more lenses are stacked. The lens 110 may be an optical system in which five or more lenses are stacked. The lens 110 may be an optical system in which eight or more lenses are stacked. In this case, the lens 110 is illustrated as including eight lenses in the drawings, but is not limited thereto. For example, the lens 110 may have a stacked structure of less than eight lenses, or may have a stacked structure of nine or more lenses.

[0048] The lens 110 may include a lens made of a plastic material. The lens 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first lens portion made of a plastic material and a second lens portion made of a glass material. The number of lenses in the first lens portion made of a plastic material may be greater than the number of lenses in the second lens portion made of a glass material. For example, the number of lenses in the first lens portion made of a plastic material may be two or more.

[0049] In one embodiment, the lens 110 may be laminated with a plastic lens and / or a glass lens, where the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the plastic material is at least 5 times higher than that of the glass material, and the change in refractive index as a function of temperature (|dN / Dt|) may be at least 10 times higher for the plastic material than for the glass material, where dN is the change in refractive index of the lens and dT is the change in temperature.

[0050] Also, the camera module 100 may be either an AF (Auto Focus) camera module or an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) camera module. The AF camera module is capable of performing only the autofocus function. The OIS camera module is capable of performing both the autofocus function and the OIS function.

[0051] For example, the lens driving device 130 may be an AF lens driving device or an OIS lens driving device, where the meanings of "AF" and "OIS" may be the same as those described in the AF camera module and the OIS camera module.

[0052] For example, the lens driver 130 of the camera module 100 may be a lens driver for an OIS.

[0053] The lens driver 130 may include a housing 131 and a bobbin 132 disposed within the housing 131 and coupled to the lens barrel 120 .

[0054] At this time, bobbin 132, lens 110, and lens barrel 120 disposed within housing 131 can be said to be a moving part that moves during AF driving or OIS driving.

[0055] Although not specifically shown in the drawings, the lens driving device 130 may include a first coil (not shown) coupled to the bobbin 132. The lens driving device 130 may also include a magnet (not shown) coupled to the housing 131 and facing the first coil.

[0056] In addition, the lens driving device 130 may include at least one upper elastic member (not shown) coupled to an upper portion of the housing 131 and an upper portion of the bobbin 132. In addition, the lens driving device 130 may include at least one lower elastic member (not shown) coupled to a lower portion of the housing 131 and a lower portion of the bobbin 132.

[0057] In addition, the lens driving device 130 may include a cover member 133 that provides a space for accommodating components of the camera module.

[0058] Lens driving device 130 of the embodiment can move bobbin 132 and lens barrel 120 coupled to bobbin 132 in the optical axis direction by electromagnetic force generated by interaction between a first coil and a magnet. The positions of lens barrel 120 and lens 110 coupled to lens barrel 120 in the optical axis direction can be controlled by the electromagnetic force. This can realize AF drive.

[0059] In addition, the lens driving device 130 may further include a second coil (not shown). In addition, in the lens driving device 130, the housing 131 may be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction by an electromagnetic force generated by an interaction between the second coil and the magnet. In this way, OIS driving may be realized.

[0060] In addition, the lens driving device 130 of the camera module 100 may include a position sensor unit (not shown) for AF feedback driving. The position sensor unit may include a sensing magnet (not shown) disposed on the bobbin 132 and an AF position sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor (described later)) disposed on the housing 131.

[0061] In addition, the lens driving device 130 may further include a sensor board (not shown) for arranging or mounting the AF position sensor, which is disposed in the housing 131. In another embodiment, the AF position sensor may be disposed in the bobbin 132, and the sensing magnet may be disposed in the housing 131.

[0062] The AF position sensor senses the strength of the magnetic field of the sensing magnet due to the movement of the bobbin 132. The AF position sensor may generate an output signal according to the result of the sensing. The AF position sensor may be electrically connected to a driving substrate via an upper elastic member (or a lower elastic member). The driving substrate may provide a driving signal to the AF position sensor. The driving substrate may receive the output signal of the AF position sensor.

[0063] To briefly explain the operation, a driving signal (e.g., a driving current) may be provided to the first coil, and the bobbin 132 may be moved in the optical axis direction by an electromagnetic force generated by an interaction between the first coil and a magnet based on the provided driving signal.

[0064] At this time, the stroke of the lens barrel is increasing with the development of camera module technology. The stroke means the movable range of the lens barrel in the optical axis direction. As a result, it may be difficult to accurately detect the position of the lens barrel in the entire stroke with only one AF position sensor. Therefore, in the embodiment, two AF position sensors are used to accurately detect the position of the lens barrel. The structure and operation of detecting the position of the lens barrel using the two AF position sensors will be described in detail below.

[0065] The base 150 may be disposed below the lens driving device 130. The filter portion 140 may be attached to the base 150.

[0066] That is, the base 150 may include a seating portion on which the filter unit 140 is seated. The base 150 may include a window that opens an area in which the filter unit 140 is disposed. An adhesive member (not shown) may be applied between the base 150 and the filter unit 140. For example, the adhesive member may be disposed between the seating portion (described below) of the base 150 and the filter unit 140. The adhesive member may be an epoxy, a thermosetting adhesive, an ultraviolet curing adhesive, or the like.

[0067] Meanwhile, the base 150 may be manufactured by any one of a metal press method, a die casting method, and a Metal Insert Mold (MIM) method. Specifically, the base 150 may be referred to as a metal frame including a metal material.

[0068] At this time, the base 150 includes a metal material, which may improve rigidity. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the flatness of the filter unit 140 seated on the base 150 may be improved.

[0069] That is, with technological development of the camera module, the size of the image sensor increases, and accordingly the size and weight of the filter unit 140 increases. Therefore, the base 150 of the embodiment is made of a metal material, thereby enabling the filter unit 140 to be stably mounted.

[0070] In addition, the base 150 has a certain level of thickness to stably seat the filter unit 140. In this case, the embodiment may have a smaller thickness of the base 150 than the comparative example.

[0071] For example, the base of the comparative example is an extrusion made of an insulating material. As a result, the base of the comparative example has a thickness of 180 μm or more. In contrast, the base 150 of the embodiment is made of a metal material and can have a thickness less than 180 μm. As a result, the embodiment can reduce the FBL (Flange Back Length) by the reduced thickness of the base 150.

[0072] The filter unit 140 may be disposed on the base 150. The filter unit 140 may block light of a specific frequency band from passing through the lens 110 housed in the lens barrel 120. For example, the filter unit 140 may block light of a specific frequency band from entering the image sensor 180. For example, the filter unit 140 may be, but is not limited to, an infrared filter. The filter unit 140 may be disposed parallel to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA.

[0073] The circuit board 160 may be disposed under the base 150. That is, the base 150 may be attached or coupled onto the circuit board 160.

[0074] The camera module 100 of the embodiment includes a sensor 180. The sensor 180 may also be referred to as an image sensor.

[0075] The sensor 180 is disposed on the circuit board 160. In this case, the circuit board 160 may include a cavity (not shown) and the sensor 180 may be disposed in the cavity. For example, the sensor 180 may overlap the cavity of the circuit board 160 in the optical axis direction.

[0076] The camera module 100 of the embodiment may include a reinforcing plate 170 .

[0077] The reinforcing plate 170 may be attached to the bottom surface of the circuit board 160 .

[0078] The reinforcing plate 170 may include an overlapping region that overlaps the cavity of the circuit board 160 and the optical axis.

[0079] The sensor 180 may then be attached onto the overlapping region of the reinforcing plate 170. For example, the sensor 180 may be attached to an upper surface of the overlapping region of the reinforcing plate 170 while being disposed within the cavity of the circuit board 160.

[0080] That is, recently, the resolution required for a camera module is increasing. The increase in resolution is also increasing the size of the sensor 180. In this case, if the sensor 180 is disposed on the circuit board 160, it may be difficult to maintain the flatness of the sensor 180, which is gradually increasing in size. In addition, if the sensor 180 is disposed on the circuit board 160, the heat dissipation characteristics of the sensor 180 may be degraded.

[0081] Accordingly, in the embodiment, a reinforcing plate 170 is attached to the lower surface of the circuit board 160. And, in the embodiment, the sensor 180 can be attached to the reinforcing plate 170 instead of the circuit board 160.

[0082] For example, in the embodiment, the sensor 180 may be directly attached onto the reinforcing plate 170. Here, the direct attachment may mean that the sensor 180 is directly disposed on an adhesive member (not shown) disposed on the reinforcing plate 170.

[0083] Meanwhile, the sensor 180 may be exposed through a cavity of the circuit board 160 while being disposed on the reinforcing plate 170. A terminal of the sensor 180 may be electrically connected to a pad of the circuit board 160.

[0084] The reinforcing plate 170 may be a plate-shaped member having a certain level of thickness and hardness. Thus, the reinforcing plate 170 can stably support the sensor 180. In addition, the reinforcing plate 170 can prevent the sensor 180 from being damaged by an external impact. For example, the reinforcing plate 170 can protect the sensor 180 from an external impact. In addition, the reinforcing plate 170 can release heat generated in the sensor 180. Thus, the reinforcing plate 170 can improve the flatness of the sensor 180 and also release the heat generated in the sensor 180 to the outside.

[0085] To this end, the reinforcing plate 170 may include a metal material having high thermal conductivity. As an example, the reinforcing plate 170 may be made of SUS. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the reinforcing plate 170 may be made of aluminum having high thermal conductivity other than SUS. As yet another example, the reinforcing plate 170 may include glass epoxy, plastic, synthetic resin, or the like.

[0086] The reinforcing plate 170 may be connected to a ground (not shown) of the circuit board 160. For example, the reinforcing plate 170 may be electrically connected to a ground pattern (not shown) of the circuit board 160. Thus, the reinforcing plate 170 may serve as a ground for protecting the camera module from ESD (Electrostatic Discharge Protection).

[0087] In addition, the base 150 may be connected to the ground pattern of the circuit board 160. As a result, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation characteristic of the camera module may be further improved.

[0088] The light passing through the filter unit 140 may be incident on the sensor 180. The sensor 180 may be a part where an image contained in the light passing through the filter unit 140 and incident thereon is formed.

[0089] The circuit board 160 can convert an image formed on the sensor 180 into an electrical signal and transmit the signal to an external device. To this end, the circuit board 160 can include various circuit units, an element unit, a control unit (e.g., a driver IC), etc. In addition, the circuit board 160 can be formed with a pattern unit electrically connected to the element unit and the sensor 180.

[0090] Meanwhile, the sensor 180 may receive an image contained in incident light and convert the received image into an electrical signal. For example, the sensor 180 may be a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CML), etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the sensor 180 may be realized by other elements that perform a function similar to the CCD or CMOS.

[0091] Meanwhile, a motion sensor (not shown) may be mounted or disposed on the circuit board 160. The motion sensor may be electrically connected to a control unit (driver IC) through a pattern unit provided on the circuit board 160.

[0092] The motion sensor can obtain rotational angular velocity information according to the movement of the camera module 100. The motion sensor can be a two-axis or three-axis gyro sensor. The motion sensor can be an angular velocity sensor. A control element can be mounted or disposed on the circuit board 160.

[0093] The circuit board 160 may be electrically connected to the lens driving device 130. For example, the circuit board 160 may be electrically connected to a driving board of the lens driving device 130.

[0094] For example, the control unit (described later) of the circuit board 160 may supply a driving signal to a first coil and a second coil of the lens driving device 130. Also, the control unit of the circuit board 160 may supply a driving signal to an AF position sensor (or an OIS position sensor). Also, the control unit of the circuit board 160 may receive an output signal of the AF position sensor (or an OIS position sensor). The control unit may be referred to as a driver IC. For example, the control unit may be referred to as a driving element. For example, the control unit may be referred to as a driving unit. The AF position sensor may refer to a position sensor unit 250 described below.

[0095] The circuit board 160 and the control unit and position sensor unit disposed on the circuit board 160 may be called a "drive unit" that drives the moving unit.

[0096] Also, the "driving unit" may include a first coil and a magnet included in the lens driving device 130. A position sensor unit 250 of the driving unit may sense the position of the moving unit. A control unit of the driving unit outputs a control signal for moving the moving unit to a target position based on the sensed position. The control signal may indicate the strength and direction of a current supplied to the first coil.

[0097] On the other hand, the camera module 100 includes a connector 195 .

[0098] The connector 195 may be disposed on the circuit board 160. For example, the connector 195 may be electrically coupled to the circuit board 160. The connector 195 may include a port electrically coupled to an external device.

[0099] The lens driving device according to the embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0100] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 4, the camera module according to the embodiment may include an image sensor 210, an image signal processor 220, a display unit 230, a lens driver 240, a position sensor unit 250, a storage unit 260, and a controller 270.

[0102] As described above, the image sensor 210 processes an optical image of a subject captured through a lens. To this end, the image sensor 210 can process image information acquired through the lens. The image sensor 210 can also convert the processed image information into electrical data and output the electrical data.

[0103] The image sensor 210 is configured by integrating a plurality of photodetectors as pixels, and converts image information of a subject into electrical data and outputs the electrical data. The image sensor 210 accumulates the amount of light input, and outputs an image captured by the lens according to the accumulated amount of light in accordance with a vertical synchronization signal. At this time, image acquisition is performed by the image sensor 210, which converts light reflected from a subject into an electrical signal. Meanwhile, in order to obtain a color image using the image sensor 210, a color filter is required, and for example, a CFA (Color Filter Array) filter may be used. The CFA has a regularly arranged structure that allows only light representing one color to pass per pixel, and has various forms according to the array structure.

[0104] The image signal processor 220 processes the image outputted through the image sensor 210 in units of frames. In this case, the image signal processor 220 may also be called an ISP (Image Signal Processor).

[0105] In this case, the image signal processor 220 may include a lens shading compensation unit (not shown) which is a block for compensating for the lens shading phenomenon that occurs differently in the amount of light in the center and edge regions of an image, and compensates for the colors in the center and edge regions of an image by inputting a lens shading setting value from the controller 270 (described later).

[0106] Further, the lens shading compensation unit may receive shading variables that are set differently according to the type of illumination, and process the lens shading of the image according to the received variables. Thus, the lens shading compensation unit may perform lens shading processing by applying different degrees of shading according to the type of illumination. Meanwhile, the lens shading compensation unit may receive shading variables that are set differently according to an auto exposure weighting value applied to a specific region of the image in order to prevent a saturation phenomenon occurring in the image, and process the lens shading of the image according to the received variables. More specifically, the lens shading compensation unit compensates for a change in brightness occurring in an edge region of the image signal by applying an auto exposure weighting value to a central region of the image signal. That is, when saturation of the image signal occurs due to illumination, the light intensity decreases concentrically from the center to the periphery, so the lens shading compensation unit amplifies an edge signal of the image signal to compensate for brightness compared to the center.

[0107] Meanwhile, the image signal processor 220 may measure the sharpness of an image acquired through the image sensor 210. That is, the image signal processor 220 may measure the sharpness of an image in order to check the focus accuracy of the image acquired through the image sensor 210. The sharpness may be measured for each image acquired according to the position of the focus lens.

[0108] The display unit 230 displays a captured image under the control of the control unit 270, which will be described later, and displays a setting screen required for taking a photograph and a screen for the user to select an operation.

[0109] The lens driving unit 240 moves the lens barrel 120. For example, the lens driving unit 240 can move the lens barrel 120 in the optical axis direction.

[0110] The position sensor unit 250 can detect the position of the lens barrel 120 moving through the lens driving unit 240 .

[0111] Preferably, the position sensor unit 250 can detect the current position of the lens barrel 120 and the moved position of the lens barrel 120 moved by the lens driving unit 240 .

[0112] The position sensor unit 250 may output a sensing signal corresponding to the position of the lens barrel 120 .

[0113] The position sensor unit 250 includes a plurality of sensor units.

[0114] For example, the position sensor unit 250 may include a first sensor unit 251 and a second sensor unit 252 .

[0115] Each of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 includes a plurality of input terminals and a plurality of output terminals. In addition, the plurality of output terminals of the first sensor unit 251 are not connected to the plurality of output terminals of the second sensor unit 252. Here, not being connected means that the plurality of output terminals of the first sensor unit 251 and the plurality of output terminals of the second sensor unit 252 are not directly connected to each other (e.g., connected in series and / or in parallel).

[0116] For example, a plurality of output terminals of the first sensor unit 251 and a plurality of output terminals of the second sensor unit 252 are respectively connected to a control unit 270, which will be described later. The control unit 270 can sense the position of the lens barrel 120 based on signals output from the respective output terminals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252. That is, the control unit 270 is connected to the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252, and can obtain position information based on the output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252. The position information can mean position information of a moving part of the camera module. For example, the position information can be position information of the lens barrel 120 or the lens 110. This will be described in more detail below.

[0117] The storage unit 260 stores data necessary for the camera module 100 to operate. In particular, the storage unit 260 may store position information of the lens barrel 120 according to each distance to the subject. For example, the storage unit 260 may store information regarding a focusing position for focusing on the subject. The information regarding the focusing position may be position information of the lens barrel 120 for accurately focusing on the subject. The focusing position may change according to the distance to the subject. Therefore, the storage unit 260 may store data corresponding to the position of the lens barrel 120 according to the distance.

[0118] The control unit 270 controls the overall operation of the camera module.

[0119] In particular, the control unit 270 controls the position sensor unit 250 .

[0120] For example, the control unit 270 may provide a bias current to the position sensor unit 250 to drive the position sensor unit 250. When a magnetic flux passes through the position sensor unit 250, a Hall voltage may be generated in a direction perpendicular to the bias current and the magnetic flux. In this case, the Hall voltage may correspond to the strength of the magnetic flux. In addition, the strength of the magnetic flux may correspond to the position of the lens barrel 120. Therefore, the control unit 270 may sense the position of the lens barrel 120 using the Hall voltage output through the position sensor unit 250.

[0121] When the controller 270 detects the current position of the lens barrel 120, it outputs a control signal for moving the lens barrel 120 to a target position based on the current position of the lens barrel 120. The control signal may be the direction and strength of a driving current supplied to a first coil (not shown) of the lens driver 240.

[0122] At this time, a plurality of first output signals outputted through a plurality of output terminals of the first sensor unit 251 are inputted to the control unit 270. Also, a plurality of second output signals outputted through a plurality of output terminals of the second sensor unit 252 are inputted to the control unit 270.

[0123] Then, the control unit 270 receives the plurality of first output signals and the plurality of second output signals. To this end, the control unit 270 includes ports for receiving the plurality of first output signals and the plurality of second output signals. For example, the control unit 270 can receive the plurality of first output signals and the plurality of second output signals individually. To this end, the control unit 270 can include four ports.

[0124] The controller 270 may differentially amplify the four output signals received through the four ports. At this time, the differentially amplified signal may correspond to a position detection signal of the lens barrel 120 obtained by combining the output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252. The controller 270 may sense the current position and moving position of the lens barrel 120 based on the position detection signal obtained by combining the output signals.

[0125] Then, the control unit 270 can output a control signal for moving the lens barrel 120 to a target position based on the current position and the moving position, and the lens driving unit 240 can move the lens barrel 120 to the target position based on the control signal.

[0126] The following is a detailed description of the connection between position sensor unit 250 and control unit 270 of the embodiment, and the operation of detecting the position of lens barrel 120 using the connection.

[0127] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship of the position sensor unit in the embodiment, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of the position sensor unit in a comparative example compared to the embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the position sensor unit and a control unit in the embodiment.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 5, the position sensor section 250 of the embodiment includes a first sensor unit 251 and a second sensor unit 252 .

[0129] At this time, the first sensor unit 251 may include a plurality of first input terminals and a plurality of first output terminals. At this time, the plurality of first input terminals may refer to power input terminals for inputting power to the first sensor unit 251. Also, the plurality of first output terminals may refer to signal output terminals for outputting output signals of the first sensor unit 251. The output signals of the first sensor unit 251 may correspond to position detection signals of the lens barrel 120 detected by the first sensor unit 251.

[0130] The first input terminal of the first sensor unit 251 may include a 1-1 input terminal 251a and a 1-2 input terminal 251b.

[0131] The 1-1 input terminal 251a may be a terminal to which a positive polarity (+) power supply is input, and the 1-2 input terminal 251b may be a terminal to which a negative polarity (-) power supply is input.

[0132] Furthermore, the first output terminal of the first sensor unit 251 may include a 1-1 output terminal 251c and a 1-2 output terminal 251d.

[0133] The 1-1 output terminal 251c may be a terminal from which a negative polarity (-) output signal is output, and the 1-2 output terminal 251d may be a terminal from which a positive polarity (+) output signal is output.

[0134] Also, the second sensor unit 252 may include a plurality of second input terminals and a plurality of second output terminals. In this case, the plurality of second input terminals may refer to power input terminals for inputting power to the second sensor unit 252. Also, the plurality of second output terminals may refer to signal output terminals for outputting output signals of the second sensor unit 252. The output signals of the second sensor unit 252 may correspond to position detection signals of the lens barrel 120 detected by the second sensor unit 252.

[0135] The second input terminals of the second sensor unit 252 may include a 2-1 input terminal 252a and a 2-2 input terminal 252b.

[0136] The 2-1 input terminal 252a may be a terminal to which a positive polarity (+) power supply is input, and the 2-2 input terminal 252b may be a terminal to which a negative polarity (-) power supply is input.

[0137] Additionally, the second output terminal of the second sensor unit 252 may include a 2-1 output terminal 252c and a 2-2 output terminal 252d.

[0138] The 2-1 output terminal 252c may be a terminal from which a negative polarity (-) output signal is output, and the 2-2 output terminal 252d may be a terminal from which a positive polarity (+) output signal is output.

[0139] A bias current can be input to the 1-1 input terminal 251a of the first sensor unit 251 and the 2-1 input terminal 252a of the second sensor unit 252.

[0140] To this end, the position sensor unit 250 may include a bias current supply unit 253. The bias current supply unit 253 may supply a bias current to the 1-1 input terminal 251a of the first sensor unit 251 and the 2-1 input terminal 252a of the second sensor unit 252, respectively.

[0141] In this case, the bias current supply unit 253 may be configured as a circuit that generates a bias current that is robust against an external environment or process deviation, such as a band-gap reference circuit. For example, the bias current supply unit 253 may include a transistor (not shown). The bias current supply unit 253 may be configured to generate a bias current between drain / source terminals of a transistor according to a voltage applied to a gate terminal of the transistor. For example, the bias current supply unit 253 may receive a digital control signal and generate an analog voltage corresponding to the digital control signal. In this case, the analog voltage may be applied to a gate terminal of the transistor or a part of a transistor in the band-gap reference circuit.

[0142] In this case, the bias current providing unit 253 may be commonly connected to the 1-1 input terminal 251a of the first sensor unit 251 and the 2-1 input terminal 252a of the second sensor unit 252. Thus, a common bias current output from the bias current supplying unit 253 may be provided to the 1-1 input terminal 251a of the first sensor unit 251 and the 2-1 input terminal 252a of the second sensor unit 252.

[0143] However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the 1-2 input terminal 251b of the first sensor unit 251 and the 2-1 input terminal 252a of the second sensor unit 252 may be directly connected to each other. Thus, the bias current providing unit 253 may provide a bias current to the 1-1 input terminal 251a of the first sensor unit 251. And, the second sensor unit 252 may receive the bias current transferred from the 1-2 input terminal 251b of the first sensor unit 251 through the 2-1 input terminal 252a.

[0144] Each of the equivalent circuits of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 may include a plurality of Hall sensor resistors. For example, each of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 may have an equivalent circuit including first to fourth resistors. The bias current may flow through the first to fourth resistors of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252. However, each of the equivalent circuits of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 of the embodiment may be realized by various types of equivalent circuits other than the equivalent circuit including the first to fourth resistors.

[0145] Meanwhile, each of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 in the embodiment may be a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor can sense a magnetic flux passing therethrough by using the Hall effect.

[0146] For example, the first sensor unit 251 may be a first Hall sensor. When a magnetic flux passes through the first Hall sensor, the first Hall sensor may generate a Hall voltage in a direction perpendicular to the bias current and the magnetic flux. The generated Hall voltage may be output to the 1-1 output terminal 251c and the 1-2 output terminal 251d of the first sensor unit 251 corresponding to the first Hall sensor. For example, a difference between the voltages output to the 1-1 output terminal 251c and the 1-2 output terminal 251d of the first sensor unit 251 may correspond to the generated Hall voltage. Therefore, a difference value of the output signals output through the 1-1 output terminal 251c and the 1-2 output terminal 251d of the first sensor unit 251 may be used as a measurement value of the magnetic flux passing through the first sensor unit 251. The measurement value may be used as a position detection signal of the lens barrel 120 obtained through the first sensor unit 251.

[0147] Correspondingly, the second sensor unit 252 may be a second Hall sensor. When a magnetic flux passes through the second Hall sensor, the second Hall sensor may generate a Hall voltage in a direction perpendicular to the bias current and the magnetic flux. The generated Hall voltage may be output to the 2-1 output terminal 252c and the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252 corresponding to the second Hall sensor. For example, a difference between the voltages output to the 2-1 output terminal 252c and the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252 may correspond to the generated Hall voltage. Therefore, a difference value of the output signals output through the 2-1 output terminal 252c and the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252 may be used as a measurement value of the magnetic flux passing through the second sensor unit 252. The measurement value may be used as a position detection signal of the lens barrel 120 obtained through the second sensor unit 252.

[0148] Meanwhile, the 1-1 output terminal 251c and the 1-2 output terminal 251d of the first sensor unit 251 are not directly connected to the 2-1 output terminal 252c and the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252.

[0149] Specifically, the 1-1 output terminal 251c and the 1-2 output terminal 251d of the first sensor unit 251 and the 2-1 output terminal 252c and the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252 are connected to different ports of the control unit 270, respectively.

[0150] For example, the 1-1 output signal N1output of the 1-1 output terminal 251c of the first sensor unit 251, the 1-2 output signal P1output of the 1-2 output terminal 251d, and the 2-1 output signal N2output of the 2-1 output terminal 252c and the 2-2 output signal P2output of the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252 are each transmitted to the control unit 270. Therefore, the 1-1 output signal N1output of the 1-1 output terminal 251c, the 1-2 output signal P1output of the 1-2 output terminal 251d, the 2-1 output signal N2output of the 2-1 output terminal 252c, and the 2-2 output signal P2output of the 2-2 output terminal 252d are input to the control unit 270 individually or independently.

[0151] The control unit 270 can obtain a position detection signal of the lens barrel 120 through a selective combination of four output signals outputted from the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252. The detailed configuration of the control unit 270 will be described in more detail below.

[0152] As described above, the camera module of the embodiment includes the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252. The 1-1 output terminal 251c, the 1-2 output terminal 251d, the 2-1 output terminal 252c, and the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 are connected to different ports of the control unit 270. Thus, the control unit 270 can process the 1-1 output signal N1output, the 1-2 output signal P1output, the 2-1 output signal N2output, and the 2-2 output signal P2output, respectively.

[0153] In this case, the control unit includes two ports, which allows it to receive the differential signals of the two sensor units.

[0154] For example, referring to FIG. 6, a comparative example to be compared with this embodiment includes a plurality of sensor units and a control unit coupled to the plurality of sensor units.

[0155] The comparative example includes a first sensor unit 51 and a second sensor unit 52.

[0156] The first sensor unit 51 includes a plurality of first input terminals and a plurality of first output terminals.

[0157] The first input terminal of the first sensor unit 51 includes a 1-1 input terminal 51a and a 1-2 input terminal 51b.

[0158] The first output terminal of the first sensor unit 51 includes a 1-1 output terminal 51c and a 1-2 output terminal 51d.

[0159] In addition, the second sensor unit 52 includes a plurality of second input terminals and a plurality of second output terminals.

[0160] The second input terminals of the second sensor unit 52 include a 2-1 input terminal 52a and a 2-2 input terminal 52b.

[0161] Further, the second output terminals of the second sensor unit 52 include a 2-1 output terminal 52c and a 2-2 output terminal 52d.

[0162] The bias current supplying unit 53 provides a bias current to the 1-1 input terminal 51a of the first sensor unit 51 and the 2-1 input terminal 52a of the second sensor unit 52. That is, a common bias current output from the bias current supplying unit 53 is provided to the 1-1 input terminal 51a of the first sensor unit 51 and the 2-1 input terminal 52a of the second sensor unit 52.

[0163] At this time, any one of the plurality of first output terminals of the first sensor unit 51 of the comparative example is directly connected to any one of the plurality of second output terminals of the second sensor unit 52.

[0164] Specifically, the comparative example has a structure in which the 1-2 output terminal 51d of the first sensor unit 51 and the 2-1 output terminal 52c of the second sensor unit 52 are directly connected to each other. For example, in the comparative example, a connection line CL is formed between the 1-2 output terminal 51d of the first sensor unit 51 and the 2-1 output terminal 52c of the second sensor unit 52. Therefore, the control unit of the comparative example includes only two input ports. Specifically, the control unit of the comparative example includes only a first port connected to the 1-1 output terminal 51c of the first sensor unit 51 and a second port connected to the 2-2 output terminal 52d of the second sensor unit 52. As a result, only signals corresponding to two of the four output terminals of the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52 are provided to the control unit of the comparative example through the first and second ports. That is, the differential signals of the first sensor unit 51 and the second sensor unit 52 are input to the control unit of the comparative example.

[0165] However, in the comparative example, a connection line CL for connecting the output terminals of the two sensor units to each other must be disposed on a circuit board (not shown), which complicates the manufacturing process of the circuit board.

[0166] In addition, in the comparative example, when an output signal is transmitted through the connection line CL, noise corresponding to various usage environments is included in the output signal, which causes a problem of reduced detection accuracy.

[0167] Furthermore, in the comparative example, two fixed signals are provided to the control unit. That is, only the output signal of the 1-1 output terminal 51c of the first sensor unit 51 and the output signal of the 2-2 output terminal 52d of the second sensor unit 52 are provided to the control unit of the comparative example. Therefore, the control unit of the comparative example performs a limited calculation operation. That is, the control unit of the comparative example can only perform an addition calculation or a subtraction calculation of the output signal of the first sensor unit 51 and the output signal of the second sensor unit 52. As a result, it is difficult for the comparative example to efficiently respond to various usage environments of the camera module.

[0168] In addition, in the comparative example, it is impossible to obtain a position detection signal of the lens barrel using only the output signal of the first sensor unit 51, or to obtain a position detection signal of the lens barrel using only the output signal of the second sensor unit 52.

[0169] 5 again, in this embodiment, two output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and two output signals of the second sensor unit 252 are provided to the controller 270. The controller 270 receives the four output signals and obtains a final position detection signal through selective operations of the four output signals.

[0170] As a result, the embodiment can obtain a position detection signal through a subtraction operation (subtraction operation) between the two output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the two output signals of the second sensor unit 252 under the first condition.

[0171] In addition, in the embodiment, under the second condition, the position detection signal can be obtained through an addition operation (addition operation) of two output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and two output signals of the second sensor unit 252.

[0172] In addition, in the embodiment, under the third condition, the position detection signal can be obtained using only the two output signals of the first sensor unit 251.

[0173] In addition, in the embodiment, in the fourth condition, the position detection signal can be obtained using only two output signals of the second sensor unit 252.

[0174] 7, the control unit 270 includes a port unit 271 connected to the position sensor unit 250. At this time, the port unit 271 may include a plurality of ports. At this time, the port unit 271 may include four ports. And, two of the four ports may be connected to two output terminals of the first sensor unit 251, and the remaining two ports may be connected to two output terminals of the second sensor unit 252.

[0175] In this case, in the drawings, the port unit 271 of the control unit 270 is shown as including four ports, but is not limited thereto.

[0176] For example, as the stroke of the camera module increases, the detection range of the position sensor unit must increase. Therefore, it may be impossible to cover the entire detection range corresponding to the stroke of the camera module using two sensor units. Thus, the camera module may detect the position of the lens module using three or more sensor units. In this case, the control unit 270 may include six or more ports. In the following, the control unit 270 will be described as a four-channel driver IC, and therefore the port unit 271 includes four ports.

[0177] The port section 271 of the control section 270 includes first to fourth ports.

[0178] The port unit 271 may include a first port 271a connected to the 1-1 output terminal 251c of the first sensor unit 251. The first port 271a may receive the 1-1 output signal N1output outputted through the 1-1 output terminal 251c of the first sensor unit 251.

[0179] The port unit 271 may include a second port 271b connected to the 1-2 output terminal 251d of the first sensor unit 251. The second port 271b may receive the 1-2 output signal P1output outputted through the 1-2 output terminal 251d of the first sensor unit 251.

[0180] The port unit 271 may include a third port 271c connected to the 2-1 output terminal 252c of the second sensor unit 252. The third port 271c may receive the 2-1 output signal N2output outputted through the 2-1 output terminal 252c of the second sensor unit 252.

[0181] The port unit 271 may include a fourth port 272b connected to the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252. The fourth port 272b may receive the 2-2 output signal P2output outputted through the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252.

[0182] The detailed configuration of the control units and the connections therebetween in the embodiment will be described below.

[0183] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the control unit of the first embodiment, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the multiplexer and the amplifier of the control unit of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the switching state of the multiplexer and the input signal of the amplifier under a first condition, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the output signal of the amplifier of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the switching state of the multiplexer and the input signal of the amplifier under a second condition, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the output signal of the amplifier of FIG. 12.

[0184] 8 and 9, the control unit 270 may include a port unit 271, a multiplexer 272, an amplifier (AMP) 273, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 274.

[0185] The port portion 271 includes first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d connected to two output terminals of the first sensor unit 251 and two output terminals of the second sensor unit 252, respectively.

[0186] A multiplexer 272 may be disposed between the port 271 and the amplifier 273 .

[0187] The multiplexer 272 may be configured in multiple ways.

[0188] The multiplexer 272 in the first embodiment includes two multiplexers. One of the two multiplexers is connected to a port connected to one of the two output terminals of the first sensor unit 251. The other of the two multiplexers is connected to a port connected to one of the two output terminals of the second sensor unit 252.

[0189] The multiplexer 272 may be referred to as a switching unit. That is, the multiplexer 272 may selectively output an input signal to one of a plurality of input terminals of the amplifier 273. For example, the amplifier 273 may include an inverting terminal 273-1 and a non-inverting terminal 273-2.

[0190] The multiplexer 272 can selectively output the input signal to either the inverting terminal 273 - 1 or the non-inverting terminal 273 - 2 of the amplifier 273 .

[0191] To this end, the multiplexer 272 includes a first multiplexer 272a connected to one of the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d that is connected to the first sensor unit 251.

[0192] Specifically, the first multiplexer 272a may be connected to the first port 271a, and thereby the first multiplexer 272a may receive the 1-1 output signal N1output outputted through the 1-1 output terminal 251c of the first sensor unit 251 via the first port 271a.

[0193] The first multiplexer 272a may transmit the received 1-1 output signal N1output to the amplifier 273. Preferably, the first multiplexer 272a is selectively connected to one of an inverting terminal 273-1 and a non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273.

[0194] Specifically, the first multiplexer 272a may be connected to the inverting terminal 273-1 of the amplifier 273 under a first condition. Thus, the first multiplexer 272a may transmit the 1-1 output signal N1output transmitted from the first port 271a to the inverting terminal 273-1 of the amplifier 273 under the first condition.

[0195] Also, the first multiplexer 272a may be connected to the non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273 under the second condition. Thus, the first multiplexer 272a may transmit the 1-1 output signal N1output transmitted from the first port 271a to the non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273 under the second condition.

[0196] Further, the multiplexer 272 includes a second multiplexer 272b connected to one of the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d that is connected to the second sensor unit 252.

[0197] Specifically, the second multiplexer 272b may be connected to the fourth port 271d such that the second multiplexer 272b may receive the 2-2 output signal P2output outputted through the 2-2 output terminal 252d of the second sensor unit 252 via the fourth port 271d.

[0198] And, the second multiplexer 272b may transmit the received 2-2 output signal P2output to the amplifier 273. Preferably, the second multiplexer 272b is selectively connected to one of an inverting terminal 273-1 and a non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273.

[0199] Specifically, the second multiplexer 272b may be connected to the non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273 under a first condition. Thus, the second multiplexer 272b may transmit the 2-2 output signal P2output transmitted from the fourth port 271d to the non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273 under the first condition.

[0200] Also, the second multiplexer 272b may be connected to the inverting terminal 273-1 of the amplifier 273 under a second condition, so that the second multiplexer 272b may transmit the 2-2 output signal P2output transmitted from the fourth port 271d to the inverting terminal 273-1 of the amplifier 273 under the second condition.

[0201] The amplifier 273 includes an inverting terminal 273-1 and a non-inverting terminal 273-2. The amplifier 273 can differentially amplify a signal input to the inverting terminal 273-1 and a signal input to the non-inverting terminal 273-2, and output the amplified signal.

[0202] At this time, the signals output from the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 have a magnitude of several mV, which is significantly different from the input range of the analog-digital conversion unit 274 disposed at the rear end of the amplifier 273. Thus, the amplifier 273 differentially amplifies and outputs the signals input via the inverting terminal 273-1 and the non-inverting terminal 273-2 to generate an output signal corresponding to the input range of the analog-digital conversion unit 274.

[0203] The analog-to-digital converter 274 receives an analog signal from the amplifier 273, and converts the received analog signal into a digital signal accordingly to output the digital signal.

[0204] Preferably, the analog-to-digital converter 274 receives an analog signal from the amplifier 273 and outputs the analog signal as a multi-bit digital signal. In this case, the output signal of the analog-to-digital converter 274 can be represented by values ​​of 0 and 1.

[0205] At this time, the inverting terminal 273-1 of the amplifier 273 includes a first inverting terminal 273-1a and a second inverting terminal 273-1b.

[0206] The first inverting terminal 273-1a is connected to the first multiplexer 272a or the second multiplexer 272b. For example, the first inverting terminal 273-1a is connected to the first multiplexer 272a under a first condition. The first inverting terminal 273-1a of the amplifier 273 may receive the 1-1 output signal N1output transferred through the first port 271a under the first condition. The first inverting terminal 273-1a is connected to the second multiplexer 272b under a second condition. The first inverting terminal 273-1a of the amplifier 273 may receive the 2-2 output signal P2output transferred through the fourth port 271d under the second condition.

[0207] The second inverting terminal 273-1b is fixedly connected to any one of the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d of the port unit 271. For example, the second inverting terminal 273-1b in the first embodiment is fixedly connected to any one of the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, and 271c. Specifically, the second inverting terminal 273-1b in the first embodiment is fixedly connected to the third port 271c. The second inverting terminal 273-1b is connected to the third port 271c under both the first and second conditions. As a result, the 2-1 output signal N2output transmitted via the third port 271c may be input to the second inverting terminal 273-1b.

[0208] Meanwhile, the amplifier 273 may include a first adder (not shown). That is, the inverting terminal 273-1 may include a first adder. As a result, a signal obtained by adding the signal input to the first inverting terminal 273-1a and the signal input to the second inverting terminal 273-1b may be input to the inverting terminal 273-1 of the amplifier 273.

[0209] Furthermore, the non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273 includes a first non-inverting terminal 273-2a and a second non-inverting terminal 273-2b.

[0210] The first non-inverting terminal 273-2a is connected to the first multiplexer 272a or the second multiplexer 272b. For example, the first non-inverting terminal 273-2a is connected to the second multiplexer 272b under a first condition. The first non-inverting terminal 273-2a of the amplifier 273 may receive the 2-2 output signal P2output transferred through the fourth port 271d under the first condition. The first non-inverting terminal 273-2a is connected to the first multiplexer 272a under a second condition. The first non-inverting terminal 273-2a of the amplifier 273 may receive the 1-1 output signal N1output transferred through the first port 271a under the second condition.

[0211] The second non-inverting terminal 273-2b is fixedly connected to any one of the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d of the port unit 271. For example, the second non-inverting terminal 273-2b in the first embodiment is fixedly connected to any one of the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d. Specifically, the second non-inverting terminal 273-2b in the first embodiment is fixedly connected to the second port 271b. The second non-inverting terminal 273-2b is connected to the second port 271b under both the first condition and the second condition. As a result, the first-2 output signal P1output transmitted via the second port 271b may be input to the second non-inverting terminal 273-2b.

[0212] Meanwhile, the amplifier 273 may include a second adder (not shown), i.e., the non-inverting terminal 273-2 may include a second adder, so that a signal obtained by adding the signal input to the first non-inverting terminal 273-2a and the signal input to the second non-inverting terminal 273-2b may be input to the non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273.

[0213] As described above, the camera module of the first embodiment includes the first multiplexer 272a and the second multiplexer 272b, through which any one of a plurality of output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 can be selectively connected to the first inverting terminal 273-1a and the first non-inverting terminal 273-2a of the amplifier 273.

[0214] Then, amplifier 273 outputs a first differentially amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying the signal input to inverting terminal 273-1 and the signal input to non-inverting terminal 273-2 under the first condition. Also, amplifier 273 outputs a second differentially amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying the signal input to inverting terminal 273-1 and the signal input to non-inverting terminal 273-2 under the second condition.

[0215] The first condition and the second condition may be determined according to the use environment of the camera module. For example, the type of noise (e.g., common mode noise) transmitted to the camera module may change depending on the use position of the camera module, surrounding structures, etc. In addition, the embodiment determines one of the first condition and the second condition based on the current use environment, thereby improving the position detection accuracy of the lens barrel 120.

[0216] 10 and 11, in the first condition, the first multiplexer 272a is connected to the first inverting terminal 273-1a of the amplifier 273. And, in the first condition, the second multiplexer 272b is connected to the first non-inverting terminal 273-2a of the amplifier 273. That is, the amplifier 273 can differentially amplify the subtraction value of the output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 in the first condition. Therefore, the first differentially amplified signal AMP_output in FIG. 11 can be a signal obtained by amplifying the difference value between the first sum input to the inverting terminal 273-1 and the second sum input to the non-inverting terminal 272-2 in the first condition. The first sum is the output value of the first adder (not shown) of the amplifier 273, and the second sum is the output value of the second adder (not shown). In the first condition, the first sum means a sum of the 1-1 output signal N1output of the first sensor unit 251 and the 2-1 output signal N2output of the second sensor unit 252. In addition, in the first condition, the second sum means a sum of the 1-2 output signal P1output of the first sensor unit 251 and the 2-2 output signal P2output of the second sensor unit 252. And, the first differential amplified signal AMP_output in the first condition may mean 1 / 2 (for example, (Hall1_output-Hall2_output) / 2) of a subtraction value of a first detection signal Hall1_output obtained through a plurality of output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and a second detection signal Hall2_output obtained through a plurality of output signals of the second sensor unit 252.

[0217] 12 and 13, in the second condition, the first multiplexer 272a is connected to the first non-inverting terminal 273-2a of the amplifier 273. In addition, in the second condition, the second multiplexer 272b is connected to the first inverting terminal 273-1a of the amplifier 273. That is, the amplifier 273 may be a signal obtained by amplifying the difference between the first sum input to the inverting terminal 273-1 and the second sum input to the non-inverting terminal 272-2 in the second condition. The first sum is the output value of the first adder (not shown) of the amplifier 273, and the second sum is the output value of the second adder (not shown). In the second condition, the first sum means the sum of the 2-1 output signal N2output and the 2-2 output signal P2output of the second sensor unit 251. In addition, in the second condition, the second sum value means a sum value of the 1-1 output signal N1output of the first sensor unit 251 and the 1-2 output signal P1output of the first sensor unit 251. And, the second differential amplified signal AMP_output in the second condition may mean 1 / 2 (e.g., (Hall1_output+Hall2_output) / 2) of a sum value of the first detection signal Hall1_output obtained through a plurality of output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second detection signal Hall2_output obtained through a plurality of output signals of the second sensor unit 252.

[0218] That is, in the embodiment, the first multiplexer 272a and the second multiplexer 272b are controlled according to the use environment of the camera module. Therefore, different signals may be input to the inverting terminal 273-1 and the non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273 according to the conditions. The amplifier 273 can generate an output signal obtained by differentially amplifying the subtraction value of the output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 under the first condition. The amplifier 273 can also generate an output signal obtained by differentially amplifying the addition value of the output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 under the second condition. This allows the embodiment to generate a differentially amplified signal that is resistant to noise. This allows the embodiment to improve the position detection accuracy of the lens module.

[0219] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a control section of the second embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the multiplexer and the amplifier of the control section of FIG.

[0220] In the following, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be explained.

[0221] The control unit of the first embodiment includes only two multiplexers. As a result, one of the two inverting terminals of the amplifier 273 of the first embodiment is connected to one of the two multiplexers, and the other inverting terminal is fixedly connected to one of the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d. Also, one of the two non-inverting terminals of the amplifier 273 of the first embodiment is connected to the other of the two multiplexers, and the other non-inverting terminal is fixedly connected to one of the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d.

[0222] The control unit 270 of the second embodiment may include four multiplexers.

[0223] That is, the control unit 270 includes the same first multiplexer 272a and second multiplexer 272b as in the first embodiment.

[0224] Furthermore, the control unit 270 may further include a third multiplexer 272c and a fourth multiplexer 272d.

[0225] The third multiplexer 272c may be connected to the second port 271b, and thereby the third multiplexer 272c may receive the 1-2 output signal P1output outputted through the 1-2 output terminal 251d of the first sensor unit 251 via the second port 271b.

[0226] The third multiplexer 272c may transmit the received 1-2 output signal P1output to the amplifier 273. Preferably, the third multiplexer 272c is selectively connected to one of an inverting terminal 273-1 and a non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the third multiplexer 272c may be fixedly connected to a second non-inverting terminal 273-2b of the amplifier 273.

[0227] In addition, the fourth multiplexer 272d may be connected to the third port 271c, thereby receiving the 2-1 output signal N2output outputted through the 2-1 output terminal 251c of the second sensor unit 252 via the third port 271c.

[0228] The fourth multiplexer 272d may transmit the received 2-1 output signal N2output to the amplifier 273. Preferably, the fourth multiplexer 272d is selectively connected to one of the inverting terminal 273-1 and the non-inverting terminal 273-2 of the amplifier 273. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the fourth multiplexer 272d may be fixedly connected to the second inverting terminal 273-1b of the amplifier 273.

[0229] The control unit 270 of the second embodiment includes four multiplexers, and the four multiplexers can selectively output two output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and two output signals of the second sensor unit 252 inputted via the first to fourth ports 271a, 271b, 271c, and 271d to one of two inverting terminals 273-1 and two non-inverting terminals 273-2 of the amplifier 273. Through this, the second embodiment can differentially amplify the subtraction value of the output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 under a first condition, can differentially amplify the addition value of the output signals of the first sensor unit 251 and the second sensor unit 252 under a second condition, can differentially amplify the subtraction value of the output signals of the first sensor unit 251 under a third condition, and can differentially amplify the subtraction value of the output signal of the second sensor unit 252 under a fourth condition.

[0230] The above-described embodiment includes a plurality of sensor units. The plurality of sensor units may be position detection sensors that detect a position of the lens module. The embodiment detects the position of the lens module using the plurality of sensor units. Through this, the embodiment may widen a sensing range in response to a long stroke of the lens module. Through this, the embodiment may improve the position detection accuracy of the lens module. Through this, the embodiment may improve the control accuracy of the lens module. Thus, the embodiment may improve the operational reliability of the camera module.

[0231] Each of the sensor units includes a plurality of output terminals, which are not directly connected to each other, and are individually connected to different ports of the controller.

[0232] Therefore, the embodiment can apply the optimum position detection conditions in accordance with the usage environment of the camera module.

[0233] Specifically, the embodiment can detect the position of the lens module using a first differential amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying a subtraction value between the output signal of the first sensor unit and the output signal of the second sensor unit under a first condition. The embodiment can detect the position of the lens module using a second differential amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying a sum of the output signal of the first sensor unit and the output signal of the second sensor unit under a second condition. The embodiment can detect the position of the lens module using a third differential amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying a subtraction value of the output signal of the first sensor unit under a third condition. The embodiment can detect the position of the lens module using a fourth differential amplified signal obtained by differentially amplifying a subtraction value of the output signal of the second sensor unit under a fourth condition.

[0234] In this case, the condition may be determined according to the use environment of the camera module. For example, the form of noise (e.g., common mode noise) transmitted to the camera module may change depending on the use position of the camera module and surrounding structures. The embodiment may determine one of the first condition and the second condition based on the current use environment to provide a detection signal that is resistant to noise. As a result, the embodiment may improve the position detection accuracy of the lens barrel.

[0235] In addition, the embodiment does not require forming connection lines on a circuit board for directly connecting a plurality of sensor units to each other, which can simplify the manufacturing process of the camera module. Furthermore, the embodiment can improve the product yield.

[0236] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an optical device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of the optical device shown in FIG.

[0237] 16 and 17, the optical device may be a portable terminal, and in the following description, the optical device will be referred to as a terminal 200A.

[0238] The terminal may include a body 850, a wireless communication unit 710, an A / V input unit 720, a sensing unit 740, an input / output unit 750, a memory unit 760, an interface unit 770, a control unit 780, and a power supply unit 790.

[0239] The body 850 shown in FIG. 16 is in the form of a bar, but is not limited thereto, and may have various structures such as a slide type, folder type, swing type, swirl type, etc., in which two or more sub-bodies are connected to be able to move relative to each other.

[0240] The body 850 may include a case (such as a casing, housing, or cover) that defines the exterior. For example, the body 850 may be divided into a front case 851 and a rear case 852. Various electronic components of the terminal may be incorporated in a space formed between the front case 851 and the rear case 852.

[0241] The wireless communication unit 710 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the terminal 200A and a wireless communication system, or between the terminal 200A and a network in which the terminal 200A is located. For example, the wireless communication unit 710 may include a broadcast receiving module 711, a mobile communication module 712, a wireless Internet module 713, a short-range communication module 714, and a location information module 715.

[0242] The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 720 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 721, a microphone 722, and the like.

[0243] The camera 721 may include a camera module according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0244] The sensing unit 740 can detect the current state of the terminal 200A, such as the open / closed state of the terminal 200A, the position of the terminal 200A, whether or not the user touches the terminal 200A, the orientation of the terminal 200A, and the acceleration / deceleration of the terminal 200A, and generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the terminal 200A. For example, if the terminal 200A is in the form of a slide phone, the sensing unit 740 can sense whether or not the slide phone is open / closed. In addition, the sensing unit 740 is responsible for sensing whether or not the power supply unit 790 supplies power, whether or not the interface unit 770 is connected to an external device, and the like.

[0245] The input / output unit 750 generates input or output related to vision, hearing, touch, etc. The input / output unit 750 can generate input data for operational control of the terminal 200A and can display information processed by the terminal 200A.

[0246] The input / output unit 750 can include a keypad unit 730, a display module 751, an audio output module 752, and a touch screen panel 753. The keypad unit 730 can generate input data by keypad input.

[0247] The display module 751 may include a plurality of pixels whose colors change according to an electric signal. For example, the display module 751 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, and a 3D display.

[0248] The audio output module 752 can output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 710 in a call signal reception, conversation mode, recording mode, voice recognition mode, or broadcast reception mode, or can output audio data stored in the memory unit 760.

[0249] The touch screen panel 753 can convert changes in capacitance caused by a user touching a particular area of ​​the touch screen into an electrical input signal.

[0250] The memory unit 760 may store a program for processing and controlling the control unit 780, and may temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, audio, a still image, a photo, a video, etc.) For example, the memory unit 760 may store an image captured by the camera 721, such as a photo or a video.

[0251] The interface unit 770 serves as a passageway for connection with an external device connected to the terminal 200A. The interface unit 770 receives data from an external device, receives power and transmits it to each component inside the terminal 200A, and transmits data inside the terminal 200A to an external device. For example, the interface unit 770 may include a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O (Input / Output) port, a video I / O (Input / Output) port, and an earphone port.

[0252] The controller 780 may control the overall operation of the terminal 200 A. For example, the controller 780 may perform control and processing related to voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like.

[0253] The control unit 780 may include a multimedia module 781 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 781 may be implemented within the control unit 180 or may be implemented separately from the control unit 780.

[0254] The controller 780 may perform a pattern recognition process that can recognize handwritten or pictorial input on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively.

[0255] The power supply unit 790 receives an external power source or an internal power source under the control of the control unit 780, and can supply power required for the operation of each component.

[0256] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above embodiments are included in at least one embodiment and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. In addition, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiment belongs. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the embodiment.

Claims

1. a position sensor unit including a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit; a control unit coupled to the first and second sensor units and configured to obtain position information based on a plurality of output signals of the first and second sensor units; the first sensor unit includes a plurality of first input terminals and a plurality of first output terminals; the second sensor unit includes a plurality of second input terminals and a plurality of second output terminals; the control unit is connected to all of the first output terminals and the second output terminals, and acquires the position information through selective calculation based on the output signals of the first and second sensor units received via the first output terminals and the second output terminals.

2. The first output terminals of the first sensor unit include a 1-1 output terminal for outputting a 1-1 output signal having a first polarity; a 1-2 output terminal for outputting a 1-2 output signal having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity; The second output terminals of the second sensor unit include a 2-1 output terminal for outputting a 2-1 output signal having the first polarity; a 2-2 output terminal for outputting a 2-2 output signal having the second polarity.

3. the control unit includes a port unit connected to the first output terminals and the second output terminals, The port portion is a first port connected to the first-1 output terminal and receiving the first-1 output signal; a second port connected to the first-second output terminal and configured to receive the first-second output signal; a third port connected to the second-1 output terminal and receiving the second-1 output signal; 3. The camera module of claim 2, further comprising: a fourth port coupled to the second-2 output terminal for receiving the second-2 output signal.

4. The control unit is a multiplexer connected to the port unit and configured to switch the plurality of output signals received through the connected port; an amplifier that receives a plurality of output signals of the first and second sensor units via one of the port unit and the multiplexer, and differentially amplifies at least one of the received plurality of output signals; The camera module of claim 3 , further comprising: an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the amplifier for converting an output signal of the amplifier into a digital signal.

5. the amplifier includes an inverting terminal and a non-inverting terminal for receiving a plurality of output signals of the first and second sensor units; the inverting terminal includes first and second inverting terminals; the non-inverting terminal includes first and second non-inverting terminals; The amplifier comprises:

5. The camera module according to claim 4, wherein a first sum obtained by adding together signals received via the first and second inverting terminals and a second sum obtained by adding together signals received via the first and second non-inverting terminals are differentially amplified.

6. The multiplexer includes: a first multiplexer connected to the first port and configured to switch the first-1 output signal received via the first port to one of the first inverting terminal and the first non-inverting terminal of the amplifier; a second multiplexer connected to the fourth port and switching the second-2 output signal received via the fourth port to the other one of the first inverting terminal and the first non-inverting terminal of the amplifier.

7. the second inverting terminal of the amplifier is connected to the third port to receive the second-1 output signal; The camera module of claim 6, wherein the second non-inverting terminal of the amplifier is coupled to the second port to receive the first-2 output signal.

8. The multiplexer includes: a third multiplexer connected to the third port and configured to switch the second-1 output signal received through the third port to the second inverting terminal of the amplifier; a fourth multiplexer coupled to the second port for switching the first-second output signal received via the second port to the second non-inverting terminal of the amplifier.

9. Under a first condition, the first multiplexer outputs the 1-1 output signal to the first inverting terminal of the amplifier, and the second multiplexer outputs the 2-2 output signal to the first inverting terminal of the amplifier; The camera module of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein, under a second condition different from the first condition, the first multiplexer outputs the 1-1 output signal to the first non-inverting terminal of the amplifier, and the second multiplexer outputs the 2-2 output signal to the first inverting terminal of the amplifier.

10. the amplifier amplifies and outputs a difference between the first sum and the second sum, In the first condition, the first sum is a sum of the 1-1 output signal and the 2-1 output signal, and the second sum is a sum of the 1-2 output signal and the 2-2 output signal, 10. The camera module of claim 9, wherein, in the second condition, the first sum is a sum of the 2-1 output signal and the 2-2 output signal, and the second sum is a sum of the 1-1 output signal and the 1-2 output signal.

Images