Camera module

Abstract

A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an image pickup element and a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel comprises: an opening portion which is disposed at a position for causing light to enter the image pickup element therethrough and in which first and second regions are formed; a liquid crystal layer disposed at a position superimposed on the opening portion; a first electrode disposed at a position superimposed on the first region and a second electrode disposed at a position superimposed on the second region; a driver that drives the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to each of the first and second electrodes; a non-opening portion surrounding the opening portion; and a first pad which electrically connects the first electrode and the driver to each other and a second pad which connects the second electrode and the driver to each other, the first pad and second pad each being disposed at a position superimposed on the non-opening portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a camera module. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, camera modules have been developed that include a liquid crystal panel and an imaging element (camera) provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel.

[0003] By the way, coded aperture technology is known that uses the blur that occurs in an image generated based on light incident on an imaging element provided in such a camera module to calculate the distance from the camera module to a subject in the image.

[0004] However, when an imaging element is provided on the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel as described above, it is necessary to drive the liquid crystal panel so that light is appropriately incident on the imaging element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-098758 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera module that can appropriately allow light to be incident on an imaging element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A camera module according to an embodiment includes an image sensor and a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes an opening having first and second regions formed therein and positioned to allow light to enter the image sensor, a liquid crystal layer positioned to overlap the opening, a first electrode positioned to overlap the first region and a second electrode positioned to overlap the second region, a driver that drives the liquid crystal layer by applying voltages to the first and second electrodes, a non-opening surrounding the opening, and a first pad positioned to overlap the non-opening and electrically connecting the first electrode to the driver and a second pad positioned to electrically connect the second electrode to the driver. The opening has a circular shape. The first and second pads are arranged at positions facing each other across the opening, and have arc shapes that follow the circular shape of the opening. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a camera module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a camera module. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of calculating the distance to a subject using a camera module. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the camera module taken along line AA′ shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a light transmission area included in a liquid crystal panel provided in a camera module. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a first modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the camera module taken along line BB' shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a second modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example of the second modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for changing the shape of a flexible wiring board. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a camera module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing another example of the camera module according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, to clarify the explanation, the drawings may schematically depict the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the embodiment, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a camera module according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional space defined by a direction X, a direction Y perpendicular to the direction X, and a direction Z perpendicular to the directions X and Y. Note that the directions X, Y, and Z are orthogonal to one another, but may intersect at an angle other than 90°. In this embodiment, the direction Z is defined as "up," and the direction opposite the direction Z is defined as "down." When referring to a "second member above a first member" and a "second member below a first member," the second member may be in contact with the first member or may be located apart from the first member.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the camera module CM includes a liquid crystal panel PNL covered by a cover glass CG as a cover member, and an image sensor IS provided below (on the rear side of) the liquid crystal panel PNL.

[0012] The liquid crystal panel PNL includes an array substrate SUB1 and a counter substrate SUB2. In a plan view in which the camera module CM is viewed from direction Z, the array substrate SUB1 has a keyhole-like shape (outline) that combines a substantially circular first portion 1a with a substantially rectangular second portion 1b connected to the first portion 1a. On the other hand, the counter substrate SUB2 has a shape that exposes the second portion 1b of the array substrate SUB1 in a plan view when it is positioned so as to overlap the first portion 1a of the array substrate SUB1.

[0013] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel PNL further includes a liquid crystal layer held between the array substrate SUB1 and the counter substrate SUB2.

[0014] The image sensor IS, together with an optical system including at least one lens (not shown), constitutes a camera that captures an image.

[0015] In the camera module CM according to this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer provided in the liquid crystal panel PNL is driven, so that light transmitted through the cover glass CG and the liquid crystal panel PNL (liquid crystal layer) is incident on the image sensor IS, thereby enabling the camera module CM to capture an image based on the light incident on the image sensor IS.

[0016] Note that Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship in direction Z between the cover glass CG, the liquid crystal panel PNL (array substrate SUB1 and counter substrate SUB2), and the image sensor IS (camera), and the sizes and shapes of the cover glass CG, the liquid crystal panel PNL, and the image sensor IS are shown simply in Figure 1.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a camera module CM. For convenience, only the cover glass CG and the array substrate SUB1 are shown in Fig. 2, but a counter substrate SUB2 is disposed between the cover glass CG and the array substrate SUB1. An image sensor IS is disposed on the rear side of the array substrate SUB1 (the side opposite to the direction Z).

[0018] The liquid crystal panel PNL includes an opening OP having, for example, a circular shape. In this embodiment, the opening OP is a portion (region) that overlaps with the liquid crystal layer held between the array substrate SUB1 and the counter substrate SUB2.

[0019] In this embodiment, a plurality of regions are formed in the opening OP. The plurality of regions formed in the opening OP are regions that can transmit light by driving liquid crystal, for example (hereinafter referred to as light-transmitting regions), and in the example shown in Fig. 2, include first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3.

[0020] The first light transmitting region TA1 has a circular shape and is formed, for example, at a position that does not include the center of the opening OP. Specifically, the first light transmitting region TA1 is formed at a position that is closer to the opposite side of the X direction from the center of the opening OP.

[0021] The second light transmitting region TA2 has a circular shape and is formed, for example, at a position facing the first light transmitting region TA1 across the center of the opening OP. That is, the second light transmitting region TA2 is formed at a position closer to the X direction from the center of the opening OP.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first light transmitting region TA1 and the second light transmitting region TA2 are formed to have approximately the same size.

[0023] The third light transmitting region TA3 corresponds to the region of the opening OP excluding the first and second light transmitting regions TA1 and TA2.

[0024] The first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3 are defined by light-shielding regions formed of, for example, a black matrix.

[0025] Here, in order to allow light to enter the image sensor IS as described above, it is necessary to drive the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to electrodes (hereinafter referred to as drive electrodes) arranged at positions corresponding to the liquid crystal layer. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panel PNL is provided with a plurality of drive electrodes arranged at positions corresponding to each of a plurality of light-transmitting regions.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 2, the liquid crystal panel PNL has a first drive electrode arranged in a position overlapping with the first light-transmitting region TA1, a second drive electrode arranged in a position overlapping with the second light-transmitting region TA2, and a third drive electrode arranged in a position overlapping with the third light-transmitting region TA3.

[0027] With this configuration, for example, when a voltage is applied only to the first drive electrode, the liquid crystal layer can be driven to transmit light to the image sensor IS through the first light-transmitting region TA1. Furthermore, when a voltage is applied only to the second drive electrode, the liquid crystal layer can be driven to transmit light to the image sensor IS through the second light-transmitting region TA2. Similarly, when a voltage is applied only to the third drive electrode, the liquid crystal layer can be driven to transmit light to the image sensor IS through the third light-transmitting region TA3. It is assumed here that the liquid crystal panel PNL employs a normally black system that transmits light when a voltage is applied to the drive electrodes (i.e., the on state).

[0028] In this embodiment, the camera module CM is used to calculate the distance from the camera module CM (image sensor IS) to the subject in the image (hereinafter simply referred to as the subject distance) using an image based on light that has passed through each of the first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3 and entered the image sensor IS (i.e., an image of the subject captured by the camera module CM).

[0029] A technique for calculating the distance of an object from an image, for example, can be used, which will not be described in detail, but which calculates the distance of the object by analyzing the blur that occurs in the image depending on the position of the object.

[0030] In other words, by utilizing the coded aperture technology described above, the camera module CM can be used for applications such as calculating the distance to an object based on an image and creating a depth map that indicates the distance to the object. Note that the processes of calculating the distance to an object and creating a depth map may be realized, for example, by a predetermined application program that runs on an electronic device connected to the camera module CM (an electronic device in which the camera module CM is installed).

[0031] Here, the principle of calculating the distance to a subject using an image captured by the camera module CM will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows the positional relationship between the camera module CM and the subject. Although omitted from Fig. 1, a lens LNS is disposed between the image sensor IS and the liquid crystal panel PNL in the camera module CM.

[0032] Here, we will assume that the distance to the subject S shown in Fig. 3 is calculated. Generally, in a camera, the subject S can be photographed in a state where it is in focus by changing the distance between the lens LNS and the image sensor IS. However, as shown in Fig. 3, if the subject S is photographed in a state where it is out of focus, a misalignment occurs between the focal position and the position of the imaging surface of the image sensor IS, and therefore the image based on the light incident on the image sensor IS will be blurred.

[0033] According to the coded aperture technique described above, the distance to the subject S is calculated based on the blur that occurs in the image.

[0034] Note that while Figure 3 shows the case where light passes through the first light-transmitting region TA1, in this embodiment, three light-transmitting regions (first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3) are prepared as described above, and the distance to the subject is calculated using multiple images based on light that has passed through each of the three light-transmitting regions (i.e., multiple blur patterns based on light that has passed through different light-transmitting regions), thereby improving the accuracy of the distance.

[0035] Here, in this embodiment, as described above, by applying a voltage to each of the first to third drive electrodes, light can be transmitted to the image sensor IS through each of the first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3. However, in order to apply a voltage to the first to third drive electrodes in this manner, it is necessary to electrically connect the first to third drive electrodes to a driver (not shown) configured to drive the liquid crystal panel PNL (liquid crystal layer).

[0036] In this case, for example, the first drive electrode (i.e., the drive electrode arranged in a position overlapping with the first light-transmitting region TA1) is electrically connected to the first pad P1 via the first wiring W1, and the first pad P1 is electrically connected to the driver via the flexible wiring board FPC.

[0037] In addition, the second drive electrode (i.e., the drive electrode arranged in a position overlapping the second light-transmitting region TA2) is electrically connected to the second pad P2 via the second wiring W2, and the second pad P2 is electrically connected to the driver via the flexible wiring board FPC.

[0038] Similarly, the third drive electrode (i.e., the drive electrode arranged in a position overlapping the third light-transmitting region TA3) is electrically connected to the third pad P3 via the third wiring W3, and the third pad P3 is electrically connected to the driver via the flexible wiring board FPC.

[0039] As the first to third pads P1 to P3, for example, OLB (Outer Lead Bonding) pads are used.

[0040] The liquid crystal panel PNL also includes a non-opening NOP surrounding the opening OP, and the first to third pads P1 to P3 are arranged in the non-opening NOP as shown in Fig. 2. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first to third pads P1 to P3 extend in the direction Y and are arranged side by side in the direction X. In this case, the above-mentioned first to third wirings W1 to W3 are connected to the ends of the first to third pads P1 to P3 on the opposite side in the direction Y.

[0041] Here, Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the camera module CM taken along line AA' shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the liquid crystal panel PNL includes the above-mentioned array substrate SUB1, counter substrate SUB2, and a liquid crystal layer LC held between the array substrate SUB1 and the counter substrate SUB2. In addition, a drive board DB is disposed on the rear side (opposite to direction Z) of the array substrate SUB1.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, a driver DR that drives the liquid crystal panel PNL (liquid crystal layer LC) is mounted on a drive board DB. The flexible wiring board FPC described above extends along the first to third pads P1 to P3 (i.e., in the direction Y), and the first pad P1 shown in Fig. 4 is connected to the driver DR via the flexible wiring board FPC bent at the end of the first pad P1 on the direction Y side. The first pad P1 and the flexible wiring board FPC can be electrically connected by being pressure-bonded via, for example, an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0043] The liquid crystal panel PNL includes a sealant SE located in the non-opening portion NOP, and the array substrate SUB1 and the counter substrate SUB2 are bonded together by the sealant SE, thereby allowing the liquid crystal layer LC to be formed in the space surrounded by the array substrate SUB1, the counter substrate SUB2, and the sealant SE.

[0044] Although omitted in FIG. 4, the image sensor IS is disposed, for example, between the array substrate SUB1 and the drive board DB.

[0045] An example of the configuration of the liquid crystal panel PNL provided in the camera module CM will be briefly described below with reference to Fig. 5. Here, the light transmission region (that is, the opening OP) included in the liquid crystal panel PNL will be mainly described.

[0046] 5, the array substrate SUB1 includes an insulating layer 11, an insulating layer 12, an insulating layer 13, etc. between an insulating substrate 10 and an alignment film AL1. In addition, a polarizing plate PL1 is formed on the outer side of the array substrate SUB1.

[0047] The insulating layer 11 is provided on the insulating substrate 10. The insulating layer 12 is provided on the insulating layer 11.

[0048] 5, the first drive electrode E1 is provided on the insulating layer 12 and is covered with the insulating layer 13. The first drive electrode E2 is provided on the insulating layer 13 and is covered with the alignment film AL1. The alignment film AL1 is in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0049] The first drive electrodes E1 and E2 are made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). In the example shown in Fig. 5, the insulating layer 13 is sandwiched between the first drive electrodes E1 and E2, but the first drive electrodes E1 and E2 may be formed in the same layer.

[0050] On the other hand, the counter substrate SUB2 includes a light-shielding layer BM, a transparent layer OC, an alignment film AL2, and the like on the side of the insulating substrate 20 facing the array substrate SUB1.

[0051] The light-shielding layer BM is formed on the inner surface of the insulating substrate 20 so as to form a light-shielding region that partitions the first light-transmitting region TA1 and the like. The transparent layer OC covers the insulating substrate 20 and the light-shielding layer BM. The alignment film AL2 covers the transparent layer OC and is in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC.

[0052] The liquid crystal layer LC is driven by applying a voltage between the first drive electrodes E1 and E2. In this case, a first voltage is applied to the first drive electrode E1, and a second voltage is applied to the first drive electrode E2, for example, via a first pad P1 and a flexible printed circuit board FPC, which are arranged at a position overlapping the non-opening portion OP. Note that one of the first and second voltages has, for example, a positive voltage level, and the other has a negative voltage level or a common voltage Vcom.

[0053] In this embodiment, for example, by applying a voltage between the first drive electrodes E1 and E2, the liquid crystal layer LC is driven to transmit light to the image sensor IS through the first light-transmitting region TA1, and such driving of the liquid crystal layer LC is realized by the driver DR.

[0054] Here, for example, it is assumed that the transmission axes of the polarizers PL1 and PL2 are perpendicular to each other, and the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer LC are initially aligned in the transmission axis direction of the polarizer PL1 between the alignment films AL1 and AL2.

[0055] In this case, in the off state where no voltage is applied between the first drive electrodes E1 and E2 (i.e., the liquid crystal layer LC is not driven), no phase difference occurs in the liquid crystal layer LC, and therefore the light transmittance in the first light-transmitting region TA1 is at a minimum (i.e., light cannot pass through the first light-transmitting region TA1).

[0056] On the other hand, in the on state where a voltage is applied between the first drive electrodes E1 and E2 (i.e., the liquid crystal layer LC is driven), the liquid crystal molecules are aligned in a direction different from the initial alignment direction, and a phase difference occurs in the liquid crystal layer LC, so that the light transmittance in the first light-transmitting region TA1 increases (i.e., light can pass through the first light-transmitting region TA1). In this way, the light that has passed through the first light-transmitting region TA1 is incident on the image sensor IS, and the camera module CM can capture an image.

[0057] Here, it is assumed that the liquid crystal panel PNL employs a normally black method in which light is not transmitted in the off state, but in this embodiment, a normally white method in which light is not transmitted in the on state (light is transmitted in the off state) may also be employed.

[0058] Although the above-mentioned Figures 4 and 5 mainly explain the first light-transmitting region TA1, the second and third light-transmitting regions TA2 and TA3 may be configured in the same manner as the first light-transmitting region TA1, except that the position, size, and shape of the opening OP are different.

[0059] As described above, the camera module CM of this embodiment includes an image sensor IS and a liquid crystal panel PNL, and the liquid crystal panel PNL includes an opening OP in which a plurality of light-transmitting regions are formed, a liquid crystal layer LC arranged at a position overlapping the opening, a plurality of drive electrodes arranged at positions overlapping each of the plurality of light-transmitting regions, a driver DR that drives the liquid crystal layer LC by applying a voltage to each of the plurality of drive electrodes, a non-opening NOP surrounding the opening OP, and a plurality of pads arranged at positions overlapping the non-opening NOP and electrically connecting the plurality of drive electrodes to the driver DR.

[0060] In this embodiment, the above-described configuration makes it possible to allow light to be appropriately incident on the image sensor IS through each of the plurality of light-transmitting regions.

[0061] 2, the first to third pads P1 to P3 electrically connecting the driver DR to the first to third drive electrodes arranged at positions overlapping the first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3 extend in direction Y (second direction) and are arranged side by side in direction X (first direction). However, when the first to third pads P1 to P3 are arranged in this manner, the size (area) of the non-opening NOP in which the first to third pads P1 to P3 are arranged increases. For example, if the size of the camera module CM (cover glass CG) in a plan view is determined by design, the opening OP needs to be reduced as the size of the non-opening NOP increases, and the amount of light incident on the image sensor IS through the opening OP (first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3) decreases. Since information about light (blur) that does not enter the image sensor IS cannot be used to calculate the distance to the subject, increasing the size of the non-opening NOP (i.e., reducing the opening OP) is likely to affect the accuracy of the distance to the subject calculated from the image captured by the camera module CM (image sensor IS).

[0062] A configuration for reducing the size of the non-opening NOP and ensuring a sufficient size of the opening OP will be described below as a modification of this embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 extend in the direction X and are arranged side by side in the direction X. The third pad P3 extends in the direction X and is arranged side by side with the first pad P1 in the direction Y.

[0064] In this case, the mounting orientation of the flexible wiring board FPC is rotated by 90° compared to the flexible wiring board FPC described in the above-described embodiment, and extends along the first to third pads P1 to P3 (i.e., in the direction X). Accordingly, the first pad P1 and the third pad P3 are electrically connected to the driver DR via the flexible wiring board FPC bent at the end on the opposite side of the first pad P1 and the third pad P3 in the direction X. On the other hand, the second pad P2 is electrically connected to the driver DR via the flexible wiring board FPC bent at the end on the direction X side of the second pad P2.

[0065] As in the above-described embodiment, the first to third pads P1 to P3 are electrically connected to the first to third drive electrodes via the first to third wirings W1 to W3, respectively.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of the camera module CM taken along line BB' shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 7 shows that a first pad P1 and a third pad P3 extending in direction X are arranged side by side in direction Y, and a flexible wiring board FPC extending in direction X so as to cover the first pad P1 and the third pad P3 is pressure-bonded to the first pad P1 and the third pad P3.

[0067] Furthermore, in the present embodiment described above, the flexible wiring board FPC is bent at the Y-direction end portions of the first to third pads P1 to P3, but in the first modified example of the present embodiment, the flexible wiring board FPC is bent at the end portions opposite the X-direction side of the first pad P1 and the third pad P3 as described above, and is also bent at the X-direction end portion of the second pad P2.

[0068] As described above, in the first modified example of this embodiment, the non-opening NOP can be reduced and the size of the opening OP can be increased compared to this embodiment, thereby increasing the amount of light incident on the image sensor IS through the opening OP and improving the accuracy of the distance to the subject calculated from the image based on that light. Furthermore, in the first modified example of this embodiment, the frame area (area other than the opening OP) of the camera module CM can be reduced, which further provides the advantage of improving the appearance of the camera module CM (or an electronic device equipped with it).

[0069] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 8, first to third pads P1 to P3 are respectively arranged at dispersed positions around the opening OP. Specifically, for example, the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 are arranged at positions facing each other with the opening OP in between. Furthermore, the third pad P3 is arranged at a position along the periphery of the opening OP, midway between the first pad P1 and the second pad P2.

[0070] In the above-described present embodiment and the first variant of this embodiment, the array substrate SUB1 has been described as having a keyhole shape, but in the second variant of this embodiment, the array substrate SUB1 has a shape that combines a circular portion and three portions for arranging each of the first to third pads P1 to P3.

[0071] In the second modification of this embodiment, the first to third pads P1 to P3 are arranged at dispersed positions as described above, and therefore the first to third pads P1 to P3 are electrically connected to the drivers DR via different FPC1 to FPC3, respectively. Note that the FPC1 to FPC3 extend in the direction along the first to third pads P1 to P3, respectively, and are bent at the longitudinal end portions of the pads.

[0072] As described above, in the second variant of this embodiment, as in the first variant, the size of the opening OP can be increased, thereby improving the accuracy of the distance to the subject calculated from an image based on light incident on the image sensor IS through the opening OP.

[0073] That is, when the opening OP has a circular shape as described above, by arranging each pad in a direction along a tangent to the circle as in the first and second modified examples of this embodiment, the non-opening NOP can be made smaller than in the configuration of this embodiment (i.e., a configuration in which the pads are arranged in a direction intersecting the tangent), and a larger opening OP can be secured.

[0074] In the second modification of this embodiment, the first to third pads P1 to P3 and the flexible wiring boards FPC1 to FPC3 may be formed in a shape that follows the circumference of the opening OP (that is, in an arc shape that follows the circular shape of the opening OP) as shown in Fig. 9. With this configuration, it is possible to further reduce the non-opening NOP and allocate a larger area to the opening OP.

[0075] In this embodiment, the camera module CM is made smaller by electrically connecting multiple drive electrodes to a driver DR arranged on the back side of the array substrate SUB1 via a bendable flexible wiring board FPC. However, depending on the shape of the flexible wiring board FPC (shape of the bending area), the frame area may become larger (i.e., the opening OP may have to be reduced in size).

[0076] For this reason, in each of the above-described modified examples of this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the size of the opening OP is increased by changing the arrangement of the first to third pads P1 to P3. However, even if the first to third pads P1 to P3 are arranged in the same positions as in FIG. 2, it may be possible to increase the size of the opening OP by changing the shape of the flexible wiring board FPC as shown in FIG. 10.

[0077] In the present embodiment and each modified example of the present embodiment, three light-transmitting regions (first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3) have been described as being formed in a circular opening OP, but the shape of the opening OP and the positions, sizes, shapes, and numbers of the light-transmitting regions formed in the opening OP may be changed as appropriate depending on, for example, the subject whose distance is calculated as described above (i.e., the environment in which the image is captured), etc. Furthermore, in the present embodiment and each modified example of the present embodiment, it is assumed that there are multiple light-transmitting regions, but there may be only one light-transmitting region.

[0078] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, detailed descriptions of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Furthermore, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as those in the drawings described in the first embodiment.

[0079] In the first embodiment described above, for example, a configuration was described in which the size of the opening OP is increased by changing the arrangement of multiple pads for electrically connecting multiple drive electrodes to the driver DR, but it may be possible to increase the size of the opening OP by reducing the number of the multiple pads.

[0080] For this reason, in this embodiment, in order to increase the size of the opening OP, for example, a configuration is considered in which at least one pad (and wiring) out of the multiple pads is omitted.

[0081] Specifically, for example, when a plurality of regions (hereinafter referred to as the first to third regions TA1 to TA3) corresponding to the first to third light-transmitting regions TA1 to TA3 are formed in the opening OP, the driver DR operates to drive the liquid crystal layer LC so as to transmit light to some of the regions (the first and second regions TA1 and TA2) (i.e., apply a voltage to the first and second drive electrodes of the first to third drive electrodes arranged at positions overlapping the first to third regions).

[0082] In such a case, the third pad P3 connecting the third drive electrode to the driver DR can be omitted in order to connect the third drive electrode to the common electrode Vcom. Note that if the third pad P3 is omitted, no voltage is applied to the third drive electrode arranged at a position overlapping the third region TA3. For example, if the liquid crystal panel PNL employs a normally black system, in this embodiment, the third region TA3 is always an area that does not transmit light.

[0083] Here, as explained in the first embodiment above, the accuracy of the distance to the subject can be improved by calculating the distance using, for example, multiple images based on light that has passed through each of the multiple regions formed in the opening OP (multiple blur patterns that arise based on light that has passed through the regions).However, even if, as mentioned above, some of the multiple regions (for example, the third region) are regions that do not always transmit light, it is possible to calculate the distance to the subject using, for example, multiple images based on light that enters the image sensor IS through each of the first and second regions TA1 and TA2.

[0084] Specifically, even if the third region TA3 does not always transmit light as described above, by applying voltages to the first and second drive electrodes in different patterns, the distance to the subject can be calculated using multiple images including, for example, an image based on light that has transmitted through the first region TA1, an image based on light that has transmitted through the second region TA2, and an image based on light that has transmitted through both the first and second regions TA1 and TA2.

[0085] This embodiment is applicable to the first embodiment and each of the modified examples of the first embodiment described above. For example, when this embodiment is applied to the first modified example of the first embodiment, by arranging the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 as shown in FIG. 11, the number of signal lines (pads and wiring) can be reduced from three to two compared to the first modified example of the first embodiment, and the size of the opening OP can be further increased.

[0086] Even in the configuration in which the third pad P3 is omitted as described above, the third drive electrode is still disposed at a position overlapping with the third region TA3.

[0087] Although the configuration in which the third pad P3 is omitted has been described here, it is also possible to omit the first pad P1 (and the first wiring W1) or the second pad P2 (and the second wiring W2) instead of the third pad P3. Furthermore, since a large amount of light passing through the opening OP (light-transmitting region) is preferable for calculating the distance to the subject as described above, a pad connected to a drive electrode that is arranged at a position overlapping a light-transmitting region with a small size (area) may be omitted.

[0088] Furthermore, although the case where three regions (first to third regions TA1 to TA3) are formed in the opening OP has been described here, this embodiment can also be applied to a case where four regions (first to fourth regions TA1 to TA4) are formed in the opening OP, as shown in FIG. 12, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the fourth region TA4 is a region that does not transmit light at all times. This means that even if the number of light-transmitting regions is increased to calculate the distance to the subject with high accuracy, there is no need to increase the number of signal lines (pads and wiring) (i.e., to expand the non-opening NOP).

[0089] As described above, the camera module CM according to this embodiment includes an image sensor IS and a liquid crystal panel PNL, and the liquid crystal panel PNL includes an opening OP having a plurality of regions arranged at positions that allow light to be incident on the image sensor IS, a liquid crystal layer LC arranged at a position overlapping the opening, a plurality of drive electrodes arranged at positions that overlap each of the plurality of regions, a driver DR that drives the liquid crystal layer LC by applying a voltage to the drive electrodes arranged at positions that overlap with some of the plurality of regions, a non-opening NOP surrounding the opening OP, and pads arranged at positions that overlap with the non-opening NOP and that electrically connect the drive electrodes to which the voltage is applied and the driver DR. That is, in this embodiment, the region of the plurality of regions formed in the opening OP where the pads for electrical connection with the driver DR are omitted (the region overlapping with the drive electrode connected to the common electrode Vcom) is always a region that does not transmit light.

[0090] In this embodiment, such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the number of pads arranged in the non-opening portion NOP, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the non-opening portion NOP and increase the size of the opening portion OP.

[0091] Although the liquid crystal panel PNL has been described as employing a normally black system, the liquid crystal panel PNL may also employ a normally white system. In this case, for example, if the third pad P3 (and the third wiring W3) is omitted (i.e., connected to the common electrode Vcom), the third region TA3 becomes a region that always transmits light. In such a case, by applying voltages to the first and second drive electrodes in different patterns, it is possible to calculate the distance to the subject using multiple images including an image based on light transmitted through the first to third regions TA1 to TA3, an image based on light transmitted through the first and third regions TA1 and TA3, and an image based on light transmitted through the second and third regions TA2 and TA3.

[0092] All camera modules that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately modifying the design based on the camera module described above as an embodiment of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0093] Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications, and these modifications are also understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, even if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes components or modifies the design of the above-described embodiment, or adds or omits steps or modifies conditions, these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the gist of the present invention.

[0094] Furthermore, with regard to other effects brought about by the aspects described in the above embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately thought of by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] CM...camera module, CG...cover glass, SUB1...array substrate (first substrate), SUB2...counter substrate (second substrate), IS...imaging element, OP...opening, TA1...first light-transmitting region, TA2...second light-transmitting region, TA3...third light-transmitting region, P1...first pad, P2...second pad, P3...third pad, FPC, FPC1 to FPC3...flexible wiring boards, W1...first wiring, W2...second wiring, W3...third wiring, LNS...lens, LC...liquid crystal layer, DB...drive board, DR...driver, E1, E2...drive electrodes.

Claims

1. An imaging element; LCD panel and Equipped with The liquid crystal panel is an opening in which first and second regions are formed and which is disposed at a position where light is incident on the imaging element; a liquid crystal layer disposed at a position overlapping the opening; a first electrode arranged at a position overlapping the first region and a second electrode arranged at a position overlapping the second region; a driver that drives the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to each of the first and second electrodes; a non-opening portion surrounding the opening portion; a first pad that is arranged at a position overlapping the non-opening portion and electrically connects the first electrode and the driver, and a second pad that electrically connects the second electrode and the driver; Including, The opening has a circular shape, The first and second pads are arranged at positions facing each other across the opening, and have an arc shape that follows the circular shape of the opening. Camera module.

2. the liquid crystal panel includes first and second substrates that hold the liquid crystal layer; The first and second pads are formed on the first substrate and are electrically connected to the driver mounted on a drive board disposed on the rear surface of the first substrate via a flexible wiring board. The camera module according to claim 1 .

Images