Camera actuator and camera device including the same

Abstract

This invention provides a camera actuator that uses the position information of a mover to perform image information correction. [Solution] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a camera actuator comprising: a mover including an optical member that changes the path of incident light; a drive unit that moves the mover in a first or second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; an output unit that outputs a control signal for moving the mover; a first position sensor that senses position information in the second direction of the mover; an image sensor that receives light that has passed through the optical member and generates image information; and a calculation unit that uses the position information in the second direction of the mover to calculate a rotation correction amount for the image information with respect to the optical axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator and a camera device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] A camera is a device that captures a subject in a photograph or video, and is mounted on a portable device, a drone, a vehicle, etc. A camera device has an image stabilization (IS) function for correcting or preventing image blur caused by the movement of the user in order to improve the quality of the video, an auto-focusing (AF) function for automatically adjusting the distance between the image sensor and the lens to align the focal length of the lens, and a zooming function for increasing or decreasing the magnification of a distant subject through a zoom lens for shooting.

[0003] On the other hand, as the image sensor has a higher resolution as the number of pixels increases and the size of the pixel decreases, the amount of light received in the same time decreases as the pixel size decreases. Therefore, in the case of a high-pixel camera, the phenomenon of image blur due to camera shake that appears while the shutter speed becomes slower in a dark environment can appear more severely. As a typical example of the image stabilization IS technology, there is an optical image stabilizer (OIS) technology, which is a technology for correcting movement by changing the optical path.

[0004] According to general OIS technology, the movement of the camera is sensed through a gyro sensor or the like, and based on the sensed movement, the lens can be tilted or moved, or the camera module including the lens and the image sensor can be tilted or moved. When the lens or the camera module including the lens and the image sensor tilts or moves for OIS, additional space for tilting or moving needs to be secured around the lens or the camera module.

[0005] On the other hand, actuators for OIS can be positioned around the lens. In this case, the actuators for OIS may include actuators for two axes perpendicular to the Z axis, which is the optical axis, namely an actuator for X-axis tilting and an actuator for Y-axis tilting.

[0006] However, the need for ultra-slim and ultra-compact camera devices imposes significant spatial constraints on the placement of actuators for OIS, making it difficult to ensure sufficient space for the lens or the camera module itself, including the lens and image sensor, to tilt or move for OIS. Furthermore, while a larger lens size is preferable for higher-resolution cameras to increase the amount of light received, the space occupied by the OIS actuators may limit the extent to which the lens size can be increased.

[0007] Furthermore, if the camera device includes zooming, autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS) functions, there is a problem of magnetic field interference occurring when the OIS magnet and the AF or zoom magnet are positioned close together.

[0008] Furthermore, there are problems such as noise generation from position sensors, including Hall sensors used for position detection. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a camera actuator that performs image information correction using the position information of a mover.

[0010] Furthermore, the embodiment can provide a camera actuator that offers more accurate noise reduction by adjusting the amount of correction applied to positional information by changing the focal length of the lens.

[0011] Furthermore, the embodiment provides a camera actuator applicable to ultra-slim, ultra-compact, and high-resolution cameras.

[0012] The problems that the examples attempt to solve are not limited to those described here, and can also include the objectives and effects that can be understood from the means of solving the problems and the embodiments described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention may include a mover that includes an optical member that changes the path of incident light; a drive unit that moves the mover in a first or second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; an output unit that outputs a control signal for moving the mover; a first position sensor that senses position information in the second direction of the mover; an image sensor that receives light that has passed through the optical member and generates image information; and a calculation unit that uses the position information in the second direction of the mover to calculate a rotation correction amount for the image information with respect to the optical axis direction.

[0014] The incident light can be incident from the mover in the first direction and output in the direction of the optical axis.

[0015] The optical member may be arranged to have an inclination that is not perpendicular to the first direction and the optical axis direction.

[0016] The optical member may be arranged so as to be inclined with respect to a plane in either the first direction or the optical axis direction, and the second direction.

[0017] The optical member may be perpendicular to the plane in the first direction and the optical axis direction.

[0018] The calculation unit further includes at least one lens that moves in the direction of the optical axis, and the calculation unit can adjust the amount of change in the rotation correction amount with respect to the position information by changing the focal length of the at least one lens.

[0019] The amount of change in the rotational correction amount may increase if the focal length of at least one lens increases, and may decrease if the focal length of at least one lens decreases.

[0020] The system may further include a second position sensor that senses positional information in the first direction of the mover.

[0021] The calculation unit may not reflect the position information of the mover in the first direction in the rotation correction amount.

[0022] The camera actuator according to the embodiment may include a mover that includes an optical element that changes the path of incident light; a drive unit that moves the mover in a first or second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction; an output unit that outputs a control signal for moving the mover; a second position sensor that senses position information in the second direction of the mover; an image sensor that receives light that has passed through the optical element and generates image information; and a calculation unit that uses the position information in the second direction of the mover to calculate a rotation correction amount for rotating the image sensor with respect to the optical axis direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera actuator can be realized that performs image information correction using the position information of a mover.

[0024] Furthermore, the embodiment can realize a camera actuator that provides more accurate noise reduction by adjusting the amount of correction for positional information by changing the focal length of the lens.

[0025] We can provide camera actuators applicable to ultra-slim, ultra-compact, and high-resolution cameras. In particular, it allows for the efficient placement of OIS actuators without increasing the overall size of the camera system.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, tilting in the X-axis direction and tilting in the Y-axis direction do not cause magnetic field interference with each other, a stable structure can implement tilting in the X-axis direction and tilting in the Y-axis direction, and actuators for AF or zooming also do not cause magnetic field interference with each other, so that a precise OIS function can be implemented.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the size limitation of the lens and ensure sufficient light quantity, and it is possible to implement OIS with low power consumption.

[0028] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described content, and will be more easily understood in the process of explaining the specific embodiments of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of a first camera actuator according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a first camera actuator according to an embodiment in which a shield can and a substrate are removed. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along BB' in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along CC' in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of a second camera actuator according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an exploded perspective view of a second camera actuator according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view taken along DD' in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view taken along EE' in FIG. 8. [Figure 12]This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram of the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the mover with the first camera actuator according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of the first camera actuator according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates image information obtained by moving a mover in a second direction from a first camera actuator according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a diagram illustrating the image information in Figure 16. [Figure 18] This diagram illustrates image information obtained by moving the mover in a first direction using the first camera actuator according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a diagram illustrating the image information in Figure 18. [Figure 20] This diagram illustrates the operation in which the control unit of the camera module according to the embodiment adjusts the rotation correction amount based on the second position information. [Figure 21] This diagram illustrates the operation in which the control unit of the camera module according to the embodiment adjusts the rotation correction amount based on the second position information. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates the operation of a control unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart of the driving method for the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of a mobile terminal device to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of a vehicle to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] While the present invention can be modified in various ways and has a variety of embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated and explained in the drawings. However, this should not be understood as limiting the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather as including all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0031] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "second," "first," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component may be named the first component, and similarly, the first component may be named the second component. The terms "and" and / or include a combination of multiple related described items or any of the multiple related described items.

[0032] When it is mentioned that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly linked or connected to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0033] The terminology used in this application is used solely to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein.

[0035] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the camera module according to the embodiment, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at AA' in Figure 1.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment may consist of a cover CV, a first camera actuator 1100, a second camera actuator 1200, and a circuit board 1300. Here, the first camera actuator 1100 can be used as the first actuator, and the second camera actuator 1200 can be used as the second actuator.

[0038] The cover CV can cover the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200. The cover CV can improve the coupling force between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200.

[0039] Furthermore, the cover CV may be made of a material that blocks electromagnetic waves. This allows for easy protection of the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 within the cover CV.

[0040] Furthermore, the first camera actuator 1100 may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator.

[0041] The first camera actuator 1100 may include a lens. For example, the first camera actuator 1100 may include a fixed focal length lens (not shown) positioned in a predetermined lens barrel. A fixed focal length lens (not shown) is sometimes referred to as a "single focal length lens" or "single lens."

[0042] The first camera actuator 1100 can change the path of light. In this embodiment, the first camera actuator 1100 can change the path of light vertically through an internal optical element (e.g., a mirror or prism). With this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal can be placed inside the mobile terminal through the change of the light path, and magnification, autofocus (AF), and OIS functions can be performed.

[0043] The second camera actuator 1200 may be positioned at the rear end of the first camera actuator 1100. The second camera actuator 1200 can be coupled to the first camera actuator 1100. The coupling between them can be achieved in various ways.

[0044] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 may be a zoom actuator or an autofocus (AF) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator 1200 may support one or more lenses and move the lenses according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit to perform an autofocus function or a zoom function.

[0045] The circuit board 1300 may be positioned at the rear end of the second camera actuator 1200. The circuit board 1300 may be electrically connected to the second camera actuator 1200 and the first camera actuator 1100. There may also be multiple circuit boards 1300.

[0046] The camera module according to the embodiment may consist of one or more camera modules. For example, the multiple camera modules may include a first camera module and a second camera module.

[0047] The first camera module may include one or more actuators. For example, the first camera module may include a first camera actuator 1100 and a second camera actuator 1200.

[0048] The second camera module is housed in a predetermined housing (not shown) and may include an actuator (not shown) capable of driving the lens. The actuator may be a voice coil motor, a microactuator, a silicon actuator, etc., and may be applied in a variety of ways, such as electrostatic, thermal, bimorph, or electrostatic force. In this specification, the camera actuator may also be referred to as an actuator, etc. Furthermore, a camera module consisting of multiple camera modules may be implemented in various electronic devices such as mobile terminals.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3, the camera module according to this embodiment may include a first camera actuator 1100 that performs OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) function and a second camera actuator 1200 that performs zooming and AF (Autofocus) functions.

[0050] Light can enter the camera module through an aperture region located on the upper surface of the first camera actuator 1100. That is, light enters the interior of the first camera actuator 1100 along the X-axis direction, and the light path can be changed to a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) through the optical member. The light can then pass through the second camera actuator 1200 and enter the image sensor IS located at one end of the second camera actuator 1200 (PATH). Therefore, the optical axis direction can be the Z-axis direction, which is the direction of the light incident on the image sensor. For example, the optical axis is the central axis of the incident light, or, in the following, the direction of movement of the light after it has been reflected through the optical member, and can correspond to the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0051] In this specification, the bottom surface refers to one side in the first direction. The first direction is the X-axis direction in the drawing and may be used interchangeably with the second axis direction, etc. The second direction is the Y-axis direction in the drawing and may be used interchangeably with the first axis direction, etc. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is the Z-axis direction in the drawing and may be used interchangeably with the third axis direction, etc. It is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. Here, the third direction (Z-axis direction) corresponds to the direction of the optical axis, and the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction) are perpendicular to the optical axis and can be tilted by the first camera actuator. A more detailed explanation of this will follow later.

[0052] Furthermore, in the following descriptions of the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200, the optical axis direction is the third direction (Z-axis direction), and this will be used as the basis for the following explanation.

[0053] Furthermore, with this configuration, the camera module according to the embodiment can improve the spatial limitations of the first and second camera actuators by changing the path of light. In other words, the camera module according to the embodiment can expand the light path while minimizing the thickness of the camera module in response to the change in the light path. Moreover, it should be understood that the second camera actuator can also provide a wide range of magnification by controlling the focus and other parameters in the expanded light path.

[0054] Furthermore, the camera module according to the embodiment can realize OIS through control of the optical path via the first camera actuator, thereby minimizing the occurrence of descent and tilt phenomena and exhibiting optimal optical characteristics.

[0055] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 may include an optical system and a lens drive unit. For example, the second camera actuator 1200 may have at least one of the following: a first lens assembly, a second lens assembly, a third lens assembly, and a guide pin.

[0056] Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 is equipped with a coil and a magnet, enabling it to perform a high-magnification zooming function.

[0057] For example, the first and second lens assemblies may be moving lenses that move via coils, magnets, and guide pins, and the third lens assembly may be a fixed lens, but is not limited to this. For example, the third lens assembly can perform the function of a focator, focusing light at a specific position, and the first lens assembly can perform the function of a variator, re-imaging the image formed by the third lens assembly (the focator) at another location. On the other hand, the first lens assembly may experience large changes in magnification due to significant changes in the distance to the subject or the distance to the image, and the first lens assembly (the variator) can play an important role in the change of focal length or magnification of the optical system. On the other hand, the image point formed by the first lens assembly (the variator) may have slight differences depending on the position. Therefore, the second lens assembly can perform a position compensation function for the image formed by the variator. For example, the second lens assembly can perform a compensator function, accurately positioning the image point formed by the first lens assembly (the variator) at the actual image sensor position. For example, the first and second lens assemblies can be driven by electromagnetic force resulting from the interaction of a coil and a magnet. The above description can be applied to the lens assemblies described later.

[0058] On the other hand, when the OIS actuator and the AF or zoom actuator are arranged according to the embodiment of the present invention, magnetic field interference with the AF or zoom magnet can be prevented during OIS operation. Since the first drive magnet of the first camera actuator 1100 is arranged separately from the second camera actuator 1200, magnetic field interference between the first camera actuator 1100 and the second camera actuator 1200 can be prevented. In this specification, OIS may be used interchangeably with terms such as image stabilization, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and shake correction.

[0059] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, the first camera actuator 1100 according to the embodiment includes a first shield can (not shown), a first housing 1120, a mover 1130, a rotating part 1140, and a first drive part 1150.

[0061] The mover 1130 may include a holder 1131 and an optical member 1132 mounted on the holder 1131. The mover 1130 can change the path of incident light. The rotating part 1140 includes a rotating plate 1141, a first magnetic body 1142 having a coupling force with the rotating plate 1141, and a second magnetic body 1143 located within the rotating plate 1141. The first drive unit 1150 includes a drive magnet 1151, a drive coil 1152, a Hall sensor unit 1153, and a first substrate unit 1154.

[0062] The first shield can (not shown) can be positioned on the outermost edge of the first camera actuator 1100 and can surround the rotating part 1140 and the first drive part 1150, which will be described later.

[0063] Such a first shield can (not shown) can block or reduce electromagnetic waves generated externally. Consequently, the occurrence of malfunctions in the rotating part 1140 or the first drive part 1150 may be reduced.

[0064] The first housing 1120 can be located inside the first shield can (not shown). Alternatively, the first housing 1120 can be located inside the first substrate portion 1154, which will be described later. The first housing 1120 can be inserted into or joined with the first shield can (not shown) and fastened together.

[0065] The first housing 1120 may consist of a plurality of housing sides. This may include a first housing side 1121, a second housing side 1122, a third housing side 1123, and a fourth housing side 1124.

[0066] The first housing side 1121 and the second housing side 1122 may be positioned opposite each other. The third housing side 1123 and the fourth housing side 1124 may be positioned between the first housing side 1121 and the second housing side 1122.

[0067] The third housing side portion 1123 can be in contact with the first housing side portion 1121, the second housing side portion 1122, and the fourth housing side portion 1124. Furthermore, the third housing side portion 1123 may have a bottom surface below the first housing portion 1120.

[0068] Furthermore, the first housing side portion 1121 may include a first housing hole 1121a. The first coil 1152a, which will be described later, can be located in the first housing hole 1121a.

[0069] Furthermore, the second housing side portion 1122 may include a second housing hole 1122a. The second coil 1152b, which will be described later, can be located in the second housing hole 1122a.

[0070] The first coil 1152a and the second coil 1152b can be coupled to the first substrate portion 1154. In this embodiment, the first coil 1152a and the second coil 1152b are electrically connected to the first substrate portion 1154, allowing current to flow. Such current is an element of the electromagnetic force that enables the second camera actuator to tilt with respect to the X-axis.

[0071] Furthermore, the third housing side portion 1123 may include a third housing hole 1123a. A third coil 1152c, described later, can be located in the third housing hole 1123a. The third coil 1152c can be coupled to the first substrate portion 1154. The third coil 1152c is then electrically connected to the first substrate portion 1154, allowing current to flow. This current is an element of the electromagnetic force that enables the second camera actuator to tilt with respect to the Y-axis.

[0072] The fourth housing side portion 1124 may include the first housing groove 1124a. The first magnetic material 1142, described later, may be placed in the region opposite the first housing groove 1124a. Accordingly, the first housing 1120 can be coupled to the rotating plate 1141 by magnetic force or the like.

[0073] Furthermore, the first housing groove 1124a in the embodiment can be located on the inner or outer surface of the fourth housing side portion 1124. Accordingly, the first magnetic material 1142 can also be positioned to correspond to the location of the first housing groove 1124a.

[0074] Furthermore, the first housing 1120 may include a accommodating section 1125 formed by the first to fourth housing sides 1121 to 1224. A mover 1130 can be positioned in the accommodating section 1125.

[0075] The mover 1130 includes a holder 1131 and an optical element 1132 that is attached to the holder 1131.

[0076] The holder 1131 can be mounted in the housing portion 1125 of the first housing 1120. The holder 1131 may include the first to fourth outer prism surfaces corresponding to the first housing side portion 1121, the second housing side portion 1122, the third housing side portion 1123, and the fourth housing side portion 1124, respectively.

[0077] A mounting groove for a second magnetic material 1143 may be provided on the outer surface of the fourth prism facing the side portion 1124 of the fourth housing.

[0078] The optical component 1132 can be mounted on the holder 1131. For this purpose, the holder 1131 may have a mounting surface, which may be formed by a accommodating groove. The optical component 1132 may include, but is not limited to, a reflective portion located inside. The optical component 1132 can reflect light reflected from the outside (e.g., an object) into the camera module. In other words, the optical component 1132 can improve the spatial limitations of the first and second camera actuators by altering the path of the reflected light. It should be understood that this also allows the camera module to provide a wide range of magnification by extending the light path while minimizing its thickness. For example, the optical component 1132 may include a prism or a mirror.

[0079] The rotating part 1140 includes a rotating plate 1141, a first magnetic material 1142 that has a bonding force with the rotating plate 1141, and a second magnetic material 1143 located within the rotating plate 1141.

[0080] The rotating plate 1141 can be coupled to the aforementioned mover 1130 and the first housing 1120. The rotating plate 1141 may include additional magnetic material (not shown) located inside.

[0081] Furthermore, the rotating plate 1141 can be positioned adjacent to the optical axis. This allows the actuator according to the embodiment to easily change the optical path by tilting the first and second axes, as described later.

[0082] The rotating plate 1141 may include a first projection spaced apart in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second projection spaced apart in a second direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the first and second projections may project in opposite directions. A detailed explanation of this will follow later.

[0083] Furthermore, the first magnetic body 1142 includes a plurality of yokes, and the plurality of yokes can be positioned opposite each other with respect to the rotating plate 1141. In the embodiment, the first magnetic body 1142 may consist of a plurality of opposing yokes, and the rotating plate 1141 can be positioned between the plurality of yokes.

[0084] As described above, the first magnetic material 1142 can be located within the first housing 1120. Also, as described above, the first magnetic material 1142 can be mounted on the inner or outer surface of the fourth housing side portion 1124. For example, the first magnetic material 1142 can be mounted in a groove formed on the outer surface of the fourth housing side portion 1124. Alternatively, the first magnetic material 1142 can be mounted in the first housing groove 1124a described above.

[0085] Furthermore, the second magnetic body 1143 can be positioned on the outer surface of the mover 1130, particularly the holder 1131. With this configuration, the rotating plate 1141 can be easily coupled to the first housing 1120 and the mover 1130 by the magnetic coupling force between the internal second magnetic body 1143 and the first magnetic body 1142. In this invention, the positions of the first magnetic body 1142 and the second magnetic body 1143 can be moved relative to each other. For example, attractive or repulsive forces may act between the first magnetic body 1142 and the second magnetic body 1143. In the case of attractive forces, the attractive force between the first magnetic body 1142 and the second magnetic body 1143 can press against the rotating plate 1141 between the holder and the housing. Accordingly, the attitude or position of the rotating plate 1141 can be maintained except for the X / Y tilt by the first drive unit 1150.

[0086] The first drive unit 1150 includes a drive magnet 1151, a drive coil 1152, a Hall sensor unit 1153, and a first substrate unit 1154.

[0087] The drive magnet 1151 may include multiple magnets. In this embodiment, the drive magnet 1151 may include a first magnet 1151a, a second magnet 1151b, and a third magnet 1151c.

[0088] The first magnet 1151a, the second magnet 1151b, and the third magnet 1151c can each be positioned on the outer surface of the holder 1131. The first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b can be positioned facing each other. The third magnet 1151c can be positioned on the bottom surface of the outer surface of the holder 1131. A more detailed explanation of this will follow later.

[0089] The drive coil 1152 may include multiple coils. In this embodiment, the drive coil 1152 may include a first coil 1152a, a second coil 1152b, and a third coil 1152c.

[0090] The first coil 1152a can be positioned opposite the first magnet 1151a. Therefore, as described above, the first coil 1152a can be positioned in the first housing hole 1121a of the first housing side portion 1121.

[0091] Furthermore, the second coil 1152b can be positioned opposite the second magnet 1151b. Therefore, as described above, the second coil 1152b can be located in the second housing hole 1122a of the second housing side portion 1122.

[0092] The first coil 1152a can be positioned opposite the second coil 1152b. That is, the first coil 1152a can be positioned symmetrically with respect to the second coil 1152b with respect to the first direction (X-axis direction). This can also be applied to the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b. That is, the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b can be positioned symmetrically with respect to the first direction (X-axis direction). In addition, the first coil 1152a, the second coil 1152b, the first magnet 1151a, and the second magnet 1151b can be arranged so that they overlap at least partially in the second direction (Y-axis direction). With such a configuration, the electromagnetic force between the first coil 1152a and the first magnet 1151a and the electromagnetic force between the second coil 1152b and the second magnet 1151b can accurately cause X-axis tilting without tilting to one side.

[0093] The third coil 1152c can be positioned opposite the third magnet 1151c. This allows the third coil 1152c to be located in the third housing hole 1123a of the third housing side 1123, as described above. The third coil 1152c generates an electromagnetic force with the third magnet 1151c, enabling the mover 1130 and the rotating part 1140 to perform Y-axis tilting with respect to the first housing 1120.

[0094] Here, X-axis tilting means tilting relative to the X-axis, and Y-axis tilting means tilting relative to the Y-axis.

[0095] The Hall sensor unit 1153 may include multiple Hall sensors. The Hall sensor corresponds to the "position sensor" described later and is used interchangeably with it. Furthermore, the term Hall sensor may be used in various ways, such as position sensing sensor, position sensing unit, and position sensing unit. In this embodiment, the Hall sensor unit 1153 may include a first Hall sensor 1153a, a second Hall sensor 1153b, and a third Hall sensor 1153c.

[0096] The first Hall sensor 1153a can be located inside the first coil 1153a. The second Hall sensor 1153b can be positioned symmetrically with respect to the first Hall sensor 1153a in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the third direction (Z-axis direction). The second Hall sensor 1153b can also be located inside the second coil 1152b.

[0097] The first Hall sensor 1153a can detect changes in magnetic flux inside the first coil 1153a. The second Hall sensor 1153b can detect changes in magnetic flux in the second coil 1153b. This allows for position sensing between the first and second magnets 1151a and 1151b and the first and second Hall sensors 1153a and 1153b. For example, the second camera actuator according to this embodiment can control X-axis tilt through this.

[0098] Furthermore, the third Hall sensor 1153c can be positioned inside the third coil 1153c. The third Hall sensor 1153c can sense changes in magnetic flux inside the third coil 1153c. This allows for position sensing between the third magnet 1151c and the third Hall sensor 1153c. The second camera actuator according to this embodiment can control Y-axis tilt through this.

[0099] The first substrate portion 1154 can be located below the first drive unit 1150. The first substrate portion 1154 can be electrically connected to the drive coil 1152 and the Hall sensor portion 1153. For example, the first substrate portion 1154 can be connected to the drive coil 1152 and the Hall sensor portion 1153 and the SMT. However, it is not limited to this configuration.

[0100] The first substrate portion 1154 is located between the first shield can (not shown) and the first housing 1120, and can be coupled to the shield can (1101) and the first housing 1120. As described above, various coupling methods are possible. Through this coupling, the drive coil 1152 and the Hall sensor portion 1153 can be positioned within the outer surface of the first housing 1120.

[0101] Such a first substrate portion 1154 may include circuit boards with electrically connectable wiring patterns, such as rigid printed circuit boards (Rigid PCBs), flexible printed circuit boards (Flexible PCBs), and rigid-flexible printed circuit boards (Rigid-Flexible PCBs). However, it is not limited to these types.

[0102] The specific details between the Hall sensor section 1153 and the first substrate section 1154, which will be described later, will be explained later.

[0103] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first camera actuator in an embodiment in which the shield can and substrate have been removed, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken at BB' in Figure 5, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken at CC' in Figure 5.

[0104] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the first coil 1152a can be located on the side portion 1121 of the first housing.

[0105] Furthermore, the first coil 1152a and the first magnet 1151a can be positioned facing each other. The first magnet 1151a can overlap the first coil 1152a at least partially in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0106] Furthermore, the second coil 1152b can be positioned on the second housing side portion 1122. This allows the second coil 1152b and the second magnet 1151b to be positioned facing each other. The second magnet 1151b can overlap the second coil 1152b at least partially in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0107] Furthermore, the first coil 1152a and the second coil 1152b may overlap in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b may overlap in the second direction (Y-axis direction). With this configuration, the electromagnetic force applied to the outer surfaces of the holder (outer surface of the first holder and outer surface of the second holder) is located on an axis parallel to the second direction (Y-axis direction), allowing for accurate and precise X-axis tilt.

[0108] Furthermore, a first housing groove (not shown) can be located on the outer surface of the fourth holder. First protrusions PR1a and PR1b can be positioned in the first housing groove. Consequently, when performing X-axis tilt, the first protrusions PR1a and PR1b can be the reference axis (or rotation axis) of the tilt. This allows the rotating plate 1141 and the mover 1130 to move left and right.

[0109] As described above, the second projection PR2 can be mounted in the groove on the inner surface of the fourth housing side portion 1124. When performing Y-axis tilt, the rotating plate and mover can rotate with the second projection PR2 as the reference axis for Y-axis tilt.

[0110] According to the embodiment, OIS can be performed by such first and second protrusions. Furthermore, as a modification, the first and second protrusions may be positioned on opposite sides of the base. That is, the first protrusion may be positioned on either the first or second surface of the base, and the second protrusion may be positioned on the other of the first or second surface of the base.

[0111] Referring to Figure 6, Y-axis tilt can be performed. That is, OIS can be realized while rotating in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0112] In one embodiment, a third magnet 1151c positioned at the bottom of the holder 1131 can form an electromagnetic force with the third coil 1152c to tilt or rotate the mover 1130 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0113] Specifically, the rotating plate 1141 can be coupled to the first housing 1120 and the mover 1130 by a first magnetic material 1142 in the first housing 1120 and a second magnetic material 1143 in the mover 1130. The first projection (PR1) can be supported by the first housing 1120, spaced apart in a first direction (X-axis direction).

[0114] The rotating plate 1141 can rotate or tilt using the second projection PR2, which protrudes toward the mover 1130, as the reference axis (or axis of rotation). In other words, the rotating plate 1141 can perform Y-axis tilt using the second projection PR2 as the reference axis.

[0115] For example, the first electromagnetic forces F1A and F1B between the third magnet 1151c positioned in the third mounting groove and the third coil 1152c positioned on the side of the third substrate can cause the mover 1130 to rotate at a first angle θ1 in the X-axis direction (X1->X1b or X1a) while OIS is realized. The first angle θ1 may be ±1° to ±3°, but is not limited to this.

[0116] Referring to Figure 7, X-axis tilt can be performed. That is, OIS can be realized while rotating in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0117] OIS implementation can be achieved while the mover 1130 tilts or rotates in the Y-axis direction (or tilts along the X-axis).

[0118] In one embodiment, the first magnet 1151a and the second magnet 1151b, positioned in the holder 1131, each form an electromagnetic force with the first coil 1152a and the second coil 1152b, respectively, causing the rotating plate 1141 and the mover 1130 to tilt or rotate in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0119] The rotating plate 1141 can rotate or tilt (X-axis tilt) in a second direction with the first projection (PR1) as the reference axis (or rotation axis).

[0120] For example, the second electromagnetic forces F2A and F2B between the first and second magnets 1151a and 1151b positioned in the first mounting groove and the first and second coil sections 1152a and 1152b positioned on the sides of the first and second substrates can cause the mover 1130 to rotate by a second angle θ2 in the Y-axis direction (Y1 -> Y1a or Y1b) while OIS is realized. The second angle θ2 can be ±1° to ±3°, but is not limited to this.

[0121] Thus, the first actuator according to the embodiment controls the rotation of the rotating plate 1141 and the mover 1130 in a first direction (X-axis direction) or a second direction (Y-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force between the drive magnet in the holder and the drive coil arranged in the housing, thereby minimizing the occurrence of descent and tilt phenomena when OIS is implemented and providing the best optical characteristics. Furthermore, as mentioned above, "Y-axis tilt" corresponds to rotation or tilt in the first direction (X-axis direction), and "X-axis tilt" corresponds to rotation or tilt in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0122] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment, Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the second camera actuator according to the embodiment, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken at DD' in Figure 8, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken at EE' in Figure 8.

[0123] Referring to Figures 8 to 11, the second camera actuator 1200 according to the embodiment may include a lens portion 1220, a second housing 1230, a second drive portion 1250, a base portion (not shown), and a second substrate portion 1270. Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 may further include a second shield can (not shown), an elastic portion (not shown), and a joining member (not shown). Furthermore, the second camera actuator 1200 according to the embodiment may further include an image sensor IS.

[0124] The second shield can (not shown) is located in one area of ​​the second camera actuator 1200 (for example, the outermost part) and can be positioned to surround the components described later (lens portion 1220, second housing 1230, elastic portion (not shown), second drive portion 1250, base portion (not shown), second substrate portion 1270, and image sensor IS).

[0125] Such a second shielding can (not shown) can block or reduce electromagnetic waves generated externally. Consequently, the occurrence of malfunctions in the second drive unit 1250 may be reduced.

[0126] The lens unit 1220 can be positioned inside a second shield can (not shown). The lens unit 1220 can move in a third direction (Z-axis direction). Accordingly, the AF function described above can be performed.

[0127] Specifically, the lens section 1220 may include a lens assembly 1221 and a bobbin 1222.

[0128] The lens assembly 1221 may contain at least one lens. While there may be multiple lens assemblies 1221, the following description will focus on a single assembly.

[0129] The lens assembly 1221 is coupled to the bobbin 1222 and can move in a third direction (Z-axis direction) by the electromagnetic force generated by the fourth magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b coupled to the bobbin 1222.

[0130] The bobbin 1222 may include an opening region surrounding the lens assembly 1221. The bobbin 1222 can be coupled to the lens assembly 1221 in various ways. The bobbin 1222 may also include grooves on its sides, through which it can be coupled to the fourth magnet 1252a and the second magnet 1252b. A bonding material or the like may be applied to the grooves.

[0131] Furthermore, the bobbin 1222 may be connected to elastic parts (not shown) at its upper and rear ends. This allows the bobbin 1222 to move in a third direction (Z-axis direction) while being supported by the elastic parts (not shown). In other words, the bobbin 1222 can be maintained in the third direction (Z-axis direction) while its position is maintained. The elastic parts (not shown) may consist of a leaf spring.

[0132] The second housing 1230 may be positioned between the lens portion 1220 and the second shield can (not shown). The second housing 1230 may also be positioned to surround the lens portion 1220.

[0133] The second housing 1230 may have holes formed on its sides. The fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b may be placed in these holes. The holes may be positioned to correspond to the grooves of the bobbin 1222 described above.

[0134] The fourth magnet 1252a can be positioned opposite the fourth coil 1251a. The second magnet 1252b can also be positioned opposite the fifth coil 1251b.

[0135] The elastic portion (not shown) may include a first elastic member (not shown) and a second elastic member (not shown). The first elastic member (not shown) may be coupled to the upper surface of the bobbin 1222. The second elastic member (not shown) may be coupled to the lower surface of the bobbin 1222. Furthermore, the first elastic member (not shown) and the second elastic member (not shown) may be formed from a leaf spring, as described above. Furthermore, the first elastic member (not shown) and the second elastic member (not shown) can provide elasticity to the movement of the bobbin 1222.

[0136] The second drive unit 1250 can provide driving forces F3 and F4 to move the lens unit 1220 in a third direction (Z-axis direction). Such a second drive unit 1250 may include a drive coil 1251 and a drive magnet 1252.

[0137] The electromagnetic force formed between the drive coil 1251 and the drive magnet 1252 allows the lens section 1220 to move in a third direction (Z-axis direction). At this time, the lens section 1220 may consist of multiple lens assemblies, which can move in the third direction (Z-axis direction) independently or dependently by the second drive unit 1250.

[0138] The drive coil 1251 may include a fourth coil 1251a and a fifth coil 1251b. The fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b may be placed in holes formed on the side of the second housing 1230. The fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b may then be electrically connected to the second substrate portion 1270. This allows the fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b to receive a supply of current or the like through the second substrate portion 1270.

[0139] The drive magnet 1252 may include a fourth magnet 1252a and a fifth magnet 1252b. The fourth magnet 1252a and the fifth magnet 1252b may be positioned in the aforementioned grooves of the bobbin 1222 and may be positioned to correspond to the fourth coil 1251a and the fifth coil 1251b.

[0140] The base portion (not shown) can be positioned between the lens portion 1220 and the image sensor IS. Components such as filters can be fixed to the base portion (not shown). The base portion (not shown) can also be arranged to surround the image sensor IS. With such a configuration, the image sensor IS is free from foreign matter, and thus the reliability of the element can be improved.

[0141] Furthermore, the second camera actuator may be a zoom actuator or an autofocus (AF) actuator. For example, the second camera actuator may support one or more lenses and move the lenses according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit to perform an autofocus function or a zoom function.

[0142] The second camera actuator can be fixed zoom or continuous zoom. For example, the second camera actuator can provide movement of the lens assembly 1221.

[0143] Furthermore, the second camera actuator may consist of multiple lens assemblies. For example, the second camera actuator may include at least one of the following: a first lens assembly (not shown), a second lens assembly (not shown), a third lens assembly (not shown), and a guide pin (not shown). The previously described provisions may apply to this. This allows the second camera actuator to perform a high-magnification zoom function through a drive unit. For example, the first lens assembly (not shown) and the second lens assembly (not shown) may be moving lenses that move through a drive unit and a guide pin (not shown), and the third lens assembly (not shown) may be a fixed lens, but is not limited to this. For example, the third lens assembly (not shown) may function as a focator that focuses light at a specific position, and the first lens assembly (not shown) may function as a variator that re-images the image formed by the third lens assembly (not shown), which is the focator, to another location. On the other hand, in the first lens assembly (not shown), the distance to the subject or the distance to the image changes significantly, which can result in a large change in magnification. The first lens assembly (not shown), acting as a magnifier, can play an important role in the change of focal length or magnification of the optical system. On the other hand, the image point formed by the first lens assembly (not shown), acting as a magnifier, may have slight differences depending on its position. For this reason, the second lens assembly (not shown) can perform a position compensation function for the image formed by the magnifier. For example, the second lens assembly (not shown) can perform a compensator function, which involves precisely positioning the image point formed by the first lens assembly (not shown), acting as a magnifier, at the actual image sensor position.

[0144] The image sensor IS can be located inside or outside the second camera actuator. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the image sensor IS can be located inside the second camera actuator. The image sensor IS can receive light and convert the received light into an electrical signal. The image sensor IS may also be formed by multiple pixels in the form of an array. Furthermore, the image sensor IS can be positioned on the optical axis.

[0145] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera module according to the embodiment, and Figure 13 is a block diagram of the control unit according to the embodiment.

[0146] Referring to Figure 12, the camera module may include an image sensor 110, an image signal processing unit 120, a display unit 130, a first drive unit 140, a second drive unit 150, a first position sensor unit 160, a second position sensor unit 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190.

[0147] As described above, the image sensor 110 processes the optical image of the subject formed through the lens. For this purpose, the image sensor 110 can pre-process the image acquired through the lens. Furthermore, the image sensor 110 can convert the pre-processed image into electrical data and output it.

[0148] Such an image sensor 110 corresponds to the image sensor IS described above. The image sensor 110 is configured in which a large number of photodetectors are integrated as individual pixels, and can convert the image information of the subject into electrical data and output it. In this specification, image information may be a concept that includes electrical data or signals received by the large number of photodetectors as individual pixels.

[0149] As an example, the image sensor 110 stores the amount of light input and outputs the image captured by the lens in accordance with the vertical synchronization signal based on the amount of light stored. At this time, image acquisition is performed by the image sensor 110, which converts the light reflected from the subject into an electrical signal. On the other hand, a color filter is necessary to obtain a color image using the image sensor 110, and for example, a CFA (Color Filter Array) filter can be used. A CFA has a structure in which only light representing one color per pixel passes through and is arranged regularly, and has various forms depending on the arrangement structure.

[0150] The image signal processing unit 120 processes the image output through the image sensor 110 on a frame-by-frame basis. In this case, the image signal processing unit 120 can also be referred to as an ISP (Image Signal Processor).

[0151] At this time, the image signal processing unit 120 may include a lens shading compensation unit (not shown). The lens shading compensation unit is a block for compensating for the lens shading phenomenon, which is shown differently in the light intensity of the center and edge regions of the image. It receives a lens shading setting value as input from the control unit 190 (described later) and compensates for the hue of the center and edge regions of the image.

[0152] Furthermore, the lens shading compensation unit may receive shading variables set to differ depending on the type of illumination and process the lens shading of the image to match the received variables. Accordingly, the lens shading compensation unit can perform lens shading processing by applying different degrees of shading depending on the type of illumination. On the other hand, in order to prevent saturation phenomena occurring in the image, the lens shading compensation unit may receive shading variables set to differ depending on the automatic exposure weighting value applied to a specific area of ​​the image and process the lens shading of the image to match the received variables. More specifically, the lens shading compensation unit compensates for changes in brightness that occur in the edge region of the video signal when the automatic exposure weighting value is applied to the central region of the video signal. That is, when saturation of the video signal occurs due to illumination, the intensity of light decreases in a concentric pattern from the center to the edges, so the lens shading compensation unit amplifies the edge signal of the video signal to compensate for the contrast brightness of the center.

[0153] On the other hand, the image signal processing unit 120 can measure the sharpness of the image acquired through the image sensor 110. That is, the image signal processing unit 120 can measure the sharpness of the image in order to check the focus accuracy of the image acquired through the image sensor 110. The sharpness can be measured for each image acquired depending on the position of the focus lens.

[0154] The display unit 130 displays the captured image under the control of the control unit 190 (described later), and can display settings screens necessary for taking photos and screens for the user to select actions. The display unit 130 may also be located on the mobile terminal side, outside the camera module.

[0155] The first drive unit 140 can correspond to the aforementioned first drive unit (1140, see Figure 4). That is, the first drive unit 140 can perform electromagnetic interactions between the first to third coils and the first to third magnets in response to control signals received from the control unit 190. Through such interactions, OIS can be performed. In other words, the first drive unit 140 can move the mover in a first direction (X-axis direction) or a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the optical axis direction (third direction or Z-axis direction).

[0156] The second drive unit 150 can correspond to the aforementioned second drive unit (1250, see Figure 8). That is, the second drive unit 150 can perform electromagnetic interactions between the fourth and fifth coils and the fourth and fifth magnets in response to control signals received from the control unit 190. Zooming or autofocus can then be performed through such interactions. In other words, the second drive unit 150 can move the lens unit in a third direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the focus lens can be moved along the optical axis.

[0157] The first position sensor unit 160 includes multiple Hall sensors of the described first camera actuator, thereby detecting the position of the mover or optical element. That is, the first position sensor unit 160 can sense the position of the first drive unit located on the mover. This is for controlling the position of the mover or optical element (e.g., prism or mirror). The first position sensor unit 160 then provides position data for moving the mover or optical element.

[0158] The second position sensor unit 170 includes multiple Hall sensors of the second camera actuator described above, thereby detecting the position of the lens unit (1220, see Figure 9). In other words, the second position sensor unit 170 can sense the position of the second drive unit adjacent to the lens unit 1220. This is for controlling the position of the lens unit. The second position sensor unit 170 then provides position data for moving the lens unit.

[0159] The storage unit 180 stores data necessary for the camera module to operate. In this embodiment, the storage unit 180 may store information on zoom position and focus position for each distance from the subject. That is, the focus position may be the position of the focus lens for accurately focusing on the subject. The focus position can change depending on the zoom position relative to the zoom lens and the distance from the subject. Therefore, the storage unit 180 stores data on the zoom position and the focus position corresponding to the zoom position based on distance.

[0160] Furthermore, the storage unit 180 can store information about the drive signal (current, for example) applied to the coil corresponding to the motion information in order to compensate for the tilt or motion information of the camera module.

[0161] The control unit 190 controls the overall operation of the camera module. In particular, the control unit 190 can control the first position sensor unit 160 and the second position sensor unit 170 to provide image stabilization, autofocus, and magnification adjustment functions.

[0162] In other words, the control unit 190 receives position information of the mover or optical member through the first position sensor unit 160 and can readjust the tilt amount of the mover using the position information. Preferably, the control unit 190 can use the current position information of the mover or optical member through the first position sensor unit 160 to move the mover or optical member to a target position. When the control unit 190 detects the current position information of the mover or optical member through the first position sensor unit 160, it can supply a control signal to the first drive unit 140 to move the mover or optical member to a target position based on the current position of the mover or optical member.

[0163] Furthermore, the control unit 190 can receive position information of the lens unit through the second position sensor unit 170 and readjust the position of the lens unit. The control unit 190 can use the current position information of the lens unit through the second position sensor unit 170 to move the lens unit to the target position.

[0164] Then, when the control unit 190 detects the current position of the lens unit through the second position sensor unit 170, it can supply a control signal to the second drive unit 150 to move the lens unit to the target position based on the current position of the lens unit. In other words, in the present invention, the first position sensor unit 160 and the second position sensor unit 170 can each include multiple position sensors (corresponding to the aforementioned "Hall sensors"). The multiple position sensors then perform detection operations at their respective installation locations. That is, the multiple position sensors can detect the position of the mover, the position of the lens, and so on. In this case, the present invention can use the differential signals of the detection signals obtained through the multiple position sensors to detect the positions of the mover or optical element and the lens, respectively.

[0165] Furthermore, as described in the first camera actuator section, the first position sensor section 160 may include a first position sensor that senses the position information of the mover in a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second position sensor that senses the position information of the mover in a second direction (Y-axis direction). The first position sensor may correspond to the first and second Hall sensors described above, and the second position sensor may correspond to a third Hall sensor.

[0166] The control unit can use the position information of the mover in the first direction (X-axis direction) to calculate a rotation correction amount based on the optical axis direction (third direction or Z-axis direction) relative to the image information.

[0167] Referring to Figure 13, the control unit 190 may include a receiving unit 191, an output unit 192, and a calculation unit 193.

[0168] First, the receiver 191 can receive control signals from an external source, such as the application processor (AP) of a mobile terminal, for OIS, AF, or zooming. For example, the mobile terminal can receive motion information from a gyro sensor and use that motion information to provide the camera module with control signals to move the mover in a first or second direction to perform OIS.

[0169] The receiving unit 191 can receive the mover's position information (to be used interchangeably with "first position information") and the lens unit's position information (to be used interchangeably with "second position information") from the first position sensor unit 160 and the second position sensor unit 170.

[0170] The receiving unit 191 can receive first position information from the first position sensor unit 160, which includes position information from the first position sensor in the first direction (X-axis direction) of the mover and position information from the second position sensor in the second direction (Y-axis direction) of the mover.

[0171] Furthermore, the receiving unit 191 can receive second position information, including position information of the lens unit in the third direction (Z-axis direction), from the second position sensor unit 170.

[0172] The output unit 192 can output drive signals that drive the first drive unit 140 and the second drive unit 150 in response to control signals. In one embodiment, the drive signal may contain information about the magnitude or direction of the current supplied to the first to third coils of the first drive unit 140. The drive signal may also contain information about the magnitude or direction of the current supplied to the fourth to fifth coils of the second drive unit 150. In other words, the drive signal can determine the direction or amount of movement of the mover and lens unit.

[0173] The calculation unit 193 can use the first and second position information received by the receiving unit 191 to calculate a rotation correction amount based on a third direction or optical axis direction relative to the image information. A detailed explanation of this will be given later.

[0174] In one embodiment, the control unit 190 receives first position information and second position information detected by multiple position sensors, respectively, and the position of the mover or optical member or second lens assembly can be detected based on the first position information and second position information.

[0175] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the mover with the first camera actuator according to the embodiment, Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first camera actuator according to the embodiment, Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating image information resulting from movement in the second direction from the first camera actuator to the mover according to the embodiment, and Figure 17 is a diagram explaining the image information in Figure 16.

[0176] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, in the first camera actuator according to the embodiment, the mover 1130 may include an optical member 1132 that changes the optical path and a holder 1131 that holds the optical member 1132, as described above. In this case, light may be incident from the mover in a first direction (X-axis direction), reflected by the optical member 1132, and output in a third direction (Z-axis direction), which is the optical axis direction.

[0177] As an example, the optical member 1132 can be tilted with respect to the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction or third direction) and one direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. In this example, the optical member 1132 can be positioned to be tilted with respect to the first direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the optical member 1132 can be positioned to be tilted with respect to the optical axis direction, i.e., the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0178] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the optical member 1132 can be positioned so as to be inclined with respect to the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the optical axis direction. The following explanation will be based on the drawings.

[0179] As an example, the optical member 1132 can be tilted with respect to a plane along either the optical axis direction or a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the optical member 1132 can be tilted with respect to a plane (XY, YZ).

[0180] Furthermore, the optical member 1132 may be perpendicular to a plane in the first direction (X-axis direction) and the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the optical member 1132 may be perpendicular to a plane (XZ).

[0181] In another embodiment, the optical element may be inclined to a plane along either the incident direction or the optical axis direction of the light incident on it, and along another direction perpendicular to the incident direction (for example, the first direction) and the optical axis direction (for example, the second direction (Y axis direction)).

[0182] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the optical member according to the embodiment can be rotated (or tilted along the X-axis) by the control unit with respect to a first direction (X-axis direction). Alternatively, the optical member can be moved (or tilted along the X-axis) by the control unit in a second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0183] In this case, when the optical element moves in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the image information (or image) generated by the image sensor can move in the second direction (Y-axis direction) in response to the movement of the optical element in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0184] As an example, when the optical element moves in the second direction (Y-axis direction) (b, Y+ movement), the image can move in the opposite direction to the second direction in response to the movement of the optical element (b, Y movement 1). Also, when the optical element moves in the opposite direction to the second direction (Y-axis direction) (c, Y- movement), the image can move in the second direction in response to the movement of the optical element (c, Y movement 2).

[0185] In this embodiment, the image sensor is described in reference to the first to third directions described in the structure of the camera module described above. Therefore, the X-axis and Y-axis camera actuators for the image correspond to the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction), respectively, and the Z-axis can correspond to the opposite direction of the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0186] In contrast, if the optical element moves in a second direction due to the function of the optical element and the structure of the lens, the image may move in the same direction as the optical element's movement.

[0187] However, the direction of image movement may also change depending on the direction in which the optical element tilts relative to the first direction (movement in the second direction or the opposite direction to the second direction).

[0188] Additionally, when the optical element moves in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the image information (or image) generated by the image sensor can rotate with respect to the third direction (Z-axis direction) in accordance with the movement of the optical element in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0189] As an example, when the optical element moves in a second direction (Y-axis direction), the image can move in the second direction in accordance with the movement of the optical element (C). Furthermore, when the optical element moves in the opposite direction to the second direction (Y-axis direction), the image can move in the opposite direction to the second direction in accordance with the movement of the optical element.

[0190] In other words, when the optical element moves in the second direction (Y-axis direction) or in the opposite direction to the second direction (Y-axis direction), the image or image information can be rotated by predetermined angles θa and θb with respect to the third direction (Z-axis direction) (b, c). In one embodiment, when the optical element moves in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the control unit can calculate a rotation correction amount that rotates the image counterclockwise (-rotation with respect to the Z-axis). Then, when the optical element moves in the opposite direction to the second direction, the control unit can calculate a rotation correction amount that rotates the image clockwise (+rotation with respect to the Z-axis). In other words, the control unit can calculate rotation correction amounts with different directions with respect to the Z-axis direction, depending on the position information of the optical element (whether it is moving in the second direction or the opposite direction to the second direction).

[0191] As an example, when the control unit detects from the first position information that the mover has moved in the second direction (Y-axis direction), it can calculate a rotation correction amount that compensates for a predetermined angle θa, θb of rotation of the image relative to the third direction (Z-axis direction). The rotation correction amount may be a value corresponding to the predetermined angles θa, θb mentioned above. The rotation correction amount can be transmitted to the image processing unit or an external mobile device. Accordingly, by rotating the image by the aforementioned angle before output, correction for camera shake and errors in camera shake correction can also be minimized.

[0192] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating image information resulting from movement in the first direction of the mover by the first camera actuator according to an embodiment, and Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the image information in Figure 18.

[0193] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the optical member according to the embodiment can be rotated (Y-axis tilted) by the control unit with respect to a second direction (Y-axis direction). Alternatively, the optical member can be moved (Y-axis tilted) by the control unit in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0194] In this case, when the optical element moves in the first direction (X-axis direction), the image information (or image) generated by the image sensor can move in the first direction (X-axis direction) in response to the movement of the optical element in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0195] As an example, when the optical element moves in the first direction (X-axis direction) (e, X+ movement), the image can move in the opposite direction of the second direction in response to the movement of the optical element (e, X movement 1). Also, when the optical element moves in the opposite direction to the first direction (X-axis direction) (f, X- movement), the image can move in the second direction in response to the movement of the optical element (f, X movement 2).

[0196] Furthermore, when the optical element moves in the first direction (X-axis direction), the image information (or image) generated by the image sensor can be made to not rotate relative to the third direction in response to the movement of the optical element in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0197] In other words, even if the control unit receives position information from the second position sensor in the first direction (X-axis direction) of the mover, it can choose not to reflect the position information in the first direction (X-axis direction) of the mover in the rotation correction amount.

[0198] More specifically, by referring to the image information, if the optical element moves in the first direction (X-axis direction), the image can be prevented from rotating with respect to the third direction (Z-axis direction).

[0199] In contrast, even if the control unit detects that the mover has moved in the first direction (X-axis direction) based on the first position information, it determines that the image will not rotate relative to the third direction (Z-axis direction). As a result, the control unit can calculate the rotation correction amount without applying the rotation correction amount to such movement information in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0200] As an example, the control unit can calculate the amount of rotational information using only the positional information of the mover in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The rotational correction amount calculated from this can be transmitted to the image processing unit or an external mobile device. Accordingly, by rotating the image by the aforementioned angle before output, correction for camera shake and errors in camera shake correction can also be minimized.

[0201] Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the operation in which the control unit of the camera module according to the embodiment adjusts the rotation correction amount based on the second position information.

[0202] First, as mentioned above, the second camera actuator moves in the optical axis direction and may include a lens section containing at least one lens.

[0203] As a result, the calculation unit in the embodiment can adjust the amount of change in the rotation correction amount for the mover's position information by changing the focal length of the lens unit or at least one lens.

[0204] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, Figures 20 and 21 show the wide-angle and telephoto states, respectively, due to the movement of the lens portion of the second camera actuator. In the drawings, Figure 20 is the wide-angle state and Figure 21 is the telephoto state, and these will be used as the basis for explanation.

[0205] In the wide-angle state, the focal length L calculated by the lens units 1100 and 1200 and the image sensor IS may be greater than the focal length L' calculated by the lens units 1100 and 1200 and the image sensor IS in the telephoto state. Here, the lens units 1100 and 1200 are the lens units of the second camera actuator, but since camera shake occurs simultaneously as a single camera module, and image stabilization also occurs simultaneously, they will be described as a single configuration.

[0206] Furthermore, the angle of view θ formed by the lens section 1100, 1200 and the image sensor IS in the wide-angle state may be smaller than the angle of view θ' formed by the lens section 1100, 1200 and the image sensor IS in the telephoto state.

[0207] Furthermore, if the lens units 1100 and 1200 are shaken by the user's hand tremor in the wide-angle state, the image formed on the image sensor IS may have a first shake region SR1 relative to the overall size or area of ​​the image sensor IS.

[0208] When the lens section 1100, 1200 is shaken by the user's hand tremor in the telephoto state, the image formed on the image sensor IS may have a second shake region SR2 relative to the overall size or area of ​​the image sensor IS.

[0209] If the user's hand shake is the same (for example, shake at a predetermined angle), the first shake area SR1 may be smaller than the second shake area SR2. In other words, the area of ​​shake due to hand shake may increase as the field of view decreases.

[0210] Therefore, the control unit according to the embodiment can increase the amount of change in the rotational compensation amount when the focal length of at least one lens increases. Furthermore, the control unit according to the embodiment can decrease the amount of change in the rotational compensation amount when the focal length of at least one lens decreases.

[0211] In other words, the control unit can increase or decrease the amount of rotational correction in response to the increase or decrease in focal length. Consequently, as mentioned above, when the focal length increases, the angle of view decreases, and the area affected by camera shake may increase.

[0212] Accordingly, as described above, the control unit can accurately perform correction for shake even when the amount of rotation increases and the shake range further increases with respect to the third direction (Z-axis direction) of the image due to the movement of the mover in the second direction (Y-axis direction). As a result, the camera module according to the embodiment can perform correction for camera shake more accurately.

[0213] Conversely, when the focal length decreases, the field of view increases, and the area affected by camera shake can decrease. Accordingly, as described above, the control unit reduces the amount of rotation relative to the third direction (Z-axis direction) of the image as the mover moves in the second direction (Y-axis direction), further reducing the area of ​​shake. This allows for accurate shake correction in response to such changes in the area of ​​shake. As a result, the camera module according to this embodiment can provide accurate images.

[0214] Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a control unit according to another embodiment.

[0215] Referring to Figure 22, the camera module according to another embodiment may include an image sensor, an image signal processing unit, a display unit, a first drive unit, a second drive unit, a first position sensor unit, a second position sensor unit, a storage unit, and a control unit.

[0216] Furthermore, the image sensor, image signal processing unit, display unit, first drive unit, second drive unit, first position sensor unit, second position sensor unit, storage unit, and control unit can be treated identically to the above-mentioned components, except for those described below.

[0217] In other embodiments, the control unit receives first and second position information detected by multiple position sensors, respectively, and can detect the position of the mover or optical element or second lens assembly based on the first and second position information.

[0218] Furthermore, the control unit can use the position information in the first direction (X-axis direction) of the mover to calculate a rotation correction amount based on the optical axis direction (third direction or Z-axis direction) relative to the image information.

[0219] The control unit can then use the first and second position information to calculate the rotational correction amount for the image sensor based on a third direction or the optical axis direction relative to the image information. In other words, the control unit can calculate the rotational correction amount (RT) for rotating the image sensor itself based on the Z-axis direction or the optical axis (OX) direction.

[0220] This allows the image sensor to rotate in a third direction (z-axis direction) in other embodiments, and a third drive unit (not shown) for rotation can be located in an adjacent area of ​​the image sensor.

[0221] Figure 23 is a flowchart of the driving method of the control unit according to the embodiment.

[0222] Referring to Figure 23, the driving method of the control unit according to the embodiment may include the steps of: sensing motion with a gyro sensor (S310); outputting a control signal to tilt the mover (S320); performing position sensing of the mover (S330); calculating a rotation correction amount (S340); and rotating the image sensor or performing image processing (S350).

[0223] The gyro sensor can detect the movement (such as tilt) of the camera module (S310). The control unit can receive tilt information of the camera module from the gyro sensor. This step can be performed if the gyro sensor is located inside the camera module, but this step can be omitted if the gyro sensor is located outside.

[0224] The control unit can then output a control signal to tilt the mover (S320). As mentioned above, the mover can be moved in a first or second direction in response to the motion information of the camera module. In other words, the OIS function can be performed.

[0225] The control unit can then sense the position of the mover (S330). The control unit can sense the positions of the mover and the lens unit from the first position sensor unit and the second position sensor unit. In one embodiment, the control unit can sense the movement of the mover in a first or second direction through the first position sensor and the second position sensor.

[0226] The control unit can then calculate a rotational correction amount using positional information in the second direction of the mover (S340). The explanation for this can be the same as described above.

[0227] The control unit can then rotate the image sensor or perform image processing (S350).

[0228] In this embodiment, the control unit can rotate the image generated from the image sensor relative to the optical axis direction by the calculated rotation correction amount. This can compensate for rotation errors that occur when the mover moves in the second direction (Y-axis direction) relative to the third direction (Z-axis direction). This can result in a more accurate optical image stabilization (OIS) function.

[0229] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied.

[0230] Referring to Figure 24, the mobile terminal 1500 of the embodiment may include a camera module 1000, a flash module 1530, and an autofocus device 1510 provided on the rear.

[0231] The camera module 1000 may include an image capture function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module 1000 may include an autofocus function that utilizes the image.

[0232] The camera module 1000 processes still images or video frames obtained by the image sensor in shooting mode or video call mode.

[0233] The processed image frame can be displayed on a designated display unit and stored in memory. A camera (not shown) may also be located on the front of the mobile terminal body.

[0234] For example, camera module 1000 may include a first camera module 1000 and a second camera module 1000, and the first camera module 1000A may enable OIS implementation along with AF or zoom functionality.

[0235] The flash module 1530 may include a light-emitting element that emits light internally. The flash module 1530 can be activated by the camera operation of the mobile terminal or by user control.

[0236] The autofocus device 1510 may include one of the surface light emission laser elements in a package as the light-emitting unit.

[0237] The autofocus device 1510 may include a laser-based autofocus function. The autofocus device 1510 may be primarily used in conditions where the autofocus function using the image from the camera module 1000 is impaired, such as close-range shots of 10m or less or in dark environments.

[0238] The autofocus device 1510 may include a light-emitting section containing a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor element and a light-receiving section such as a photodiode that converts light energy into electrical energy.

[0239] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which the camera module according to the embodiment is applied.

[0240] For example, Figure 25 is an external view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied.

[0241] Referring to Figure 25, the vehicle 700 of the embodiment may be equipped with wheels 13FL, 13FR that are rotated by a power source, and a predetermined sensor. The sensor may be, but is not limited to, a camera sensor 2000.

[0242] The camera 2000 may be a camera sensor to which the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment is applied. The vehicle 700 of the embodiment can acquire video information through the camera sensor 2000 which captures forward or surrounding video, and can use the video information to determine the lane unidentified situation and generate a virtual lane when it is unidentified.

[0243] For example, the camera sensor 2000 captures images of the area in front of the vehicle 700 to obtain forward-facing video footage, and a processor (not shown) can analyze objects contained in this forward-facing video footage to obtain video information.

[0244] For example, if the video captured by the camera sensor 2000 includes objects such as lanes, adjacent vehicles, obstacles to driving, and indirect road markings such as median strips, curbs, and street trees, the processor can detect these objects and include them in the video information. At this time, the processor can acquire distance information to the objects detected through the camera sensor 2000 and further supplement the video information.

[0245] The video information may be information about objects captured in the video. Such a camera sensor 2000 may include an image sensor and a video processing module.

[0246] The camera sensor 2000 can process still images or videos obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD).

[0247] The image processing module can process still images or videos acquired through the image sensor, extract necessary information, and transmit the extracted information to the processor.

[0248] At this time, the camera sensor 2000 may include, but is not limited to, a stereo camera to improve the accuracy of object measurement and to secure further information such as the distance between the vehicle 700 and the object.

[0249] The above description has focused on embodiments, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will understand that a wide variety of modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible, without departing from the essential characteristics of these embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A mover including an optical element that changes the path of incident light, A drive unit that moves the mover in a first or second direction perpendicular to the optical axis, An output unit that outputs a control signal to move the mover, A first position sensor that senses position information in the second direction of the mover, An image sensor that receives light that has passed through the optical element and generates image information, A camera actuator comprising: a calculation unit that uses positional information in the second direction of the mover to calculate a rotation correction amount for the image information with respect to the optical axis direction.

2. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the incident light is incident from the mover in the first direction and output in the direction of the optical axis.

3. The camera actuator according to claim 2, wherein the optical member is arranged to have an inclination that is not perpendicular to the first direction and the optical axis direction.

4. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the optical member is arranged to be inclined with respect to a plane in which either the first direction or the optical axis direction is inclined with respect to the second direction.

5. The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the optical member is perpendicular to the plane in the first direction and the optical axis direction.

6. The system further includes at least one lens that moves in the direction of the optical axis, The camera actuator according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit adjusts the amount of change in the rotation correction amount with respect to the position information based on a change in the focal length of at least one lens.

7. The camera actuator according to claim 6, wherein the amount of change in the rotation correction amount increases when the focal length of the at least one lens increases and decreases when the focal length of the at least one lens decreases.

8. The camera actuator according to claim 1, further comprising a second position sensor for sensing position information in the first direction of the mover.

9. The camera actuator according to claim 8, wherein the calculation unit does not reflect the position information of the mover in the first direction in the rotation correction amount.

10. A mover including an optical element that changes the path of incident light, A drive unit that moves the mover in a first or second direction perpendicular to the optical axis, An output unit that outputs a control signal to move the mover, A second position sensor that senses position information in the second direction of the mover, An image sensor that receives light that has passed through the optical element and generates image information, A camera actuator comprising: a calculation unit that calculates a rotation correction amount for rotating the image sensor with respect to the optical axis direction using position information in the second direction of the mover.

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