Camera module

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a camera module including a fixed unit, a movable unit that moves relative to the fixed unit in an optical axis direction, a first driving unit that moves the movable unit within a first maximum speed, and a second driving unit that moves the movable unit within a second maximum speed, wherein the first driving unit and the second driving unit move the movable unit along the optical axis direction, and the second maximum speed is greater than the first maximum speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera module.

Background Art

[0002] A camera is a device that captures a subject as a photo or video, and is mounted on a portable device, a drone, a vehicle, etc. A camera device or a camera module may have an image stabilization (IS) function that corrects or prevents image shake due to the movement of a user to improve the quality of an image, an auto focusing (AF) function that automatically adjusts the distance between an image sensor and a lens to align the focal length of the lens, and a zooming function that increases or decreases 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 and a smaller pixel size as the number of pixels increases, 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 shake due to camera shake that appears while the shutter speed becomes slower in a dark environment may appear more severely. As a typical one of the image stabilization technologies, there is an optical image stabilizer (OIS) technology that is a technology for correcting movement by changing the optical path.

[0004] According to a general OIS technology, the movement of a camera can be sensed through a gyro sensor or the like, and based on the sensed movement, the lens can be tilted or moved, or a 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, it is necessary to additionally secure a space for tilting or moving around the lens or the camera module.

[0005] On the other hand, actuators for OIS may be positioned around the lens. In this case, the actuators for OIS may include actuators responsible for tilting along two axes perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0006] Furthermore, with the recent demand for ultra-slim and ultra-compact camera devices, there are significant spatial constraints for placing actuators such as OIS, making it difficult to guarantee sufficient space for the lens or the camera module itself, including the lens and image sensor, to tilt or move for OIS. Also, while it is desirable for higher-resolution cameras to have larger lenses 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, there is a problem in that the autofocus function, which aligns the focal length of the lens, is not easily performed during video recording. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a camera module that can perform high-speed autofocus even when shooting video.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a camera module that prevents the image from shaking due to changes in the field of view during shooting.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a camera module that performs autofocus at a higher FPS (frames per second, FPS) than the frame rate (FPS) of video recording. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a fixed part, a movable part that moves relative to the fixed part in the optical axis direction, a first drive unit that moves the movable part at a first maximum speed, and a second drive unit that moves the movable part at a second maximum speed, wherein the first drive unit and the second drive unit move the movable part along the optical axis direction, and the second maximum speed is greater than the first maximum speed.

[0012] The moving unit can move and stop repeatedly during the first time interval by the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

[0013] The fixed portion includes at least one of a housing and a base, and the movable portion may include at least one of a lens portion and an image sensor.

[0014] The lens portion is disposed within the housing, and the lens portion includes a lens holder and a lens assembly disposed within the lens holder, and the image sensor may be disposed within the base.

[0015] The first direction of movement of the moving part by the first drive unit and the second direction of movement of the moving part by the second drive unit may be opposite to each other during the exposure time.

[0016] The moving part can be moved linearly by the first drive unit.

[0017] The moving part can be moved up and down by the second drive unit with a period of the second time interval.

[0018] The moving part can be moved to the origin at each of the second time intervals by the second drive unit.

[0019] The second drive unit can be connected to the moving unit and the first drive unit between the moving unit and the first drive unit.

[0020] The first time interval may be smaller than the reciprocal of a preset number of frames reproduced per second (Frame Per Second, FPS).

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera actuator applicable to an ultra-thin, ultra-small, and high-resolution camera can be provided. In particular, the OIS actuator can be efficiently arranged without increasing the overall size of the camera device.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera module that performs autofocusing at high speed even during video shooting can be implemented.

[0023] In addition, the present invention can implement a camera module that prevents video shaking due to a change in the angle of view during shooting.

[0024] In addition, the present invention can implement a camera module that performs autofocusing at a higher FPS than the number of frames reproduced per second (Frame Per Second, FPS) during video shooting and aligns the focal length without user input.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [[ID=二十六]] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a configuration diagram of a camera module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a drawing for explaining a first driving unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a drawing for explaining a second driving unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a drawing for explaining autofocusing of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a drawing illustrating a change in the amount of movement for autofocusing of a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]This diagram illustrates the exposure time corresponding to the amount of movement required for autofocusing of the camera module according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the travel amounts of the first drive unit and the second drive unit in a camera module according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the movement amounts of the first drive unit and the second drive unit in a camera module according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] Furthermore, this is a diagram illustrating the change in the amount of movement for autofocusing of a camera module according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a configuration diagram of the camera module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a configuration diagram of the camera module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a configuration diagram of the camera module according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera module in a modified example. [Figure 15] This is a drawing illustrating an electronic device including a camera module according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 / or" include combinations of multiple related described items or any of the multiple related described items.

[0028] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or linked to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0029] 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 presence 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 presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the camera module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a fixed part G1, a movable part G2, a first drive unit M1, and a second drive unit M2.

[0034] The fixed part G1 may include components fixed to the camera module 1000. That is, the fixed part G1 may consist of components that do not move due to autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS). In particular, in the present invention, the fixed part G1 may consist of components that do not move due to autofocus.

[0035] For example, the fixed part G1 in the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment may include at least one of the housing and the base. Also, as mentioned above, the fixed part G1 may be a concept that includes all components that do not move due to autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0036] The moving section G2 may include components that move in the camera module 1000. That is, the moving section G2 may consist of components that move by autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS). In particular, in this invention, the moving section G2 may consist of components that move by autofocus. Therefore, as an embodiment, the moving section G2 may include components that move along the optical axis direction. In other words, the moving section G2 may include components that move in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction.

[0037] For example, the moving part G2 may include at least one of the lens part and the image sensor in the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment. Also, as mentioned above, the moving part G2 may be a concept that includes the entire set of components that move due to autofocus and image stabilization.

[0038] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 are connected to a fixed part G1, etc., and the movable part G2 can be moved so that it moves relative to the fixed part G1. At this time, the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can move the movable part G2 in a direction corresponding to the optical axis direction (e.g., parallel direction).

[0039] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can include a variety of actuators. For example, the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can include one of the following: a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, a voltage-driven actuator, or a capacitively driven MEMS actuator.

[0040] More specifically, the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 may have different maximum speeds for moving the movable part G2.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first drive unit M1 can move the moving part G2 within a first maximum speed. The second drive unit M2 can move the moving part G2 within a second maximum speed. The second maximum speed may be greater than the first maximum speed.

[0042] In other words, the minimum time required for the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 to move the movable part G2 by the same distance may differ from that of the first drive unit M1. For example, the minimum time required for the first drive unit M1 to move a predetermined distance may be even longer than that required for the second drive unit M2.

[0043] Alternatively, the time it takes for the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 to reach a normal state after a drive signal is applied, or the time difference between 10% of the normal state and 90% of the normal state (hereinafter referred to as the "drive time difference") may differ. In other words, the drive time difference of the first drive unit M1 may be greater than the drive time difference of the second drive unit M2.

[0044] Accordingly, in this specification, the first maximum speed and the second maximum speed refer to the maximum instantaneous speed.

[0045] For example, the first drive unit M1 could be a voice coil motor (VCM). The second drive unit M1 could be a piezo actuator that utilizes voltage power, which has an even greater maximum instantaneous velocity than the voice coil motor (VCM).

[0046] Alternatively, the first drive unit M1 may be a voice coil motor (VCM), and the second drive unit M1 may be a shape-machine alloy (SMA) actuator with an even greater maximum instantaneous velocity than the voice coil motor (VCM).

[0047] Alternatively, the first drive unit M1 may be a voice coil motor (VCM). The second drive unit M1 may be an actuator that provides interface change with a liquid lens having an even greater maximum instantaneous velocity than the voice coil motor (VCM).

[0048] Alternatively, the first drive unit M1 may be a shape-machine alloy (SMA) type actuator. The second drive unit M1 may be a piezo type actuator that utilizes voltage power, which has an even greater maximum instantaneous velocity than the shape-machine alloy (SMA) type actuator.

[0049] Alternatively, the first drive unit M1 may be an actuator that provides interface changes using a liquid lens. The second drive unit M1 may be a piezo actuator that utilizes voltage power with an even greater maximum instantaneous velocity than the first drive unit M1.

[0050] Alternatively, the first drive unit M1 may be an actuator that provides interface changes using a liquid lens. The second drive unit M1 may be a piezo actuator that utilizes voltage power with an even greater maximum instantaneous velocity than the first drive unit M1.

[0051] Alternatively, the first drive unit M1 may be a voice coil motor (VCM). The second drive unit M1 may be a shape-machine alloy (SMA) actuator with an even greater maximum instantaneous velocity than the voice coil motor (VCM). Additional embodiments will be described below.

[0052] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a camera module according to the first embodiment.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, the camera module according to the first embodiment may include a housing 100, a lens section including a lens holder 200 and a lens assembly 300, an elastic member 400, a base 500, an image sensor 600, a first drive unit M1, and a second drive unit M2.

[0054] The housing 100 can be located on the outermost part of the camera module 1000. The housing 100 can protect each component from external foreign objects. It can also be made of a material that can protect other components inside the housing 100 from external electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the reliability of the camera module can be improved.

[0055] The housing 100 may include a hole inside. A lens unit, described later, may be mounted in the hole. The housing 100 and the lens unit may be connected by a first drive unit M1. The lens unit can be moved along the optical axis OX by the first drive unit M1.

[0056] In this embodiment, the housing 100 and the lens unit are connected by a first drive unit M1, and the base 500 and the image sensor 600 are connected by a second drive unit M2. This explanation is based on this configuration. However, in this invention, the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 are connected to the fixed unit by moving the movable part in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the components of the movable or fixed part connected to the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can be changed. Specific examples of this configuration will be described in the second embodiment and subsequent modifications described later.

[0057] A lens component may be placed in the hole within the housing 100. The lens component may include a lens holder 200 and a lens assembly 300.

[0058] The lens holder 200 can be fitted into a hole in the housing 100. The lens holder 200 may also include a hole. In particular, the lens holder 200 may include a hole that penetrates in the direction of the optical axis. For example, the lens holder 200 may have threads on its inner surface that correspond to threads formed on the outer surface of the lens assembly 300. However, it is not limited to such a shape. For example, various elements such as an elastic member (e.g., a plate spring), a guide (e.g., a ball), or a pin may be placed between the lens holder 200 and the lens assembly 300, thereby facilitating coupling between the lens holder 200 and the lens assembly 300. The following description will use the elastic member 400 as a reference. Furthermore, the description of such coupling can be applied equally to other fixed and movable parts.

[0059] The lens assembly 300 may be placed in a hole in the lens holder 200. The lens assembly 300 may consist of multiple lenses. The multiple lenses may include fixed lenses whose position is fixed and movable lenses that move in the direction of the optical axis. Alternatively, all of the multiple lenses may be movable.

[0060] The elastic member 400 can be connected to the housing 100 and the lens holder 200. In one embodiment, the housing 100 and the lens holder 200 can be joined through the elastic member 400. The elastic member 400 and the housing 100 or the lens holder 200 and the elastic member 400 can be joined to each other by adhesive or heat fusion. The adhesive may consist of epoxy that cures by one or more of ultraviolet (UV), heat, and laser.

[0061] Furthermore, the elastic member 400 may be positioned between the lens holder 200 and the base 500. Alternatively, the elastic member 400 may also be positioned between the housing 100 and the base 500. In this case, magnets or coils for performing OIS may be positioned in the housing 100 and the base 500, respectively. However, it is not limited to this, and additional magnets or coils for performing OIS may be positioned between the lens holder 200 and the housing 100, respectively. Alternatively, magnets or coils for performing OIS may be additionally positioned on the image sensor 600.

[0062] The base 500 may be located inside the housing 100, or it may be located at the bottom of the housing 100. The base 500 may contain a hole in the optical axis direction. The hole in the base 500 may overlap with the aforementioned lens assembly 300 in the optical axis direction.

[0063] The base 500 can be joined to the lens holder 200 via the elastic member 400. The elastic member 400 and the lens holder 200, or the base 500 and the elastic member 400, can be joined to each other via adhesive or heat fusion. The adhesive may consist of epoxy that cures by one or more of ultraviolet (UV), heat, and laser.

[0064] The image sensor 600 can be located within a hole in the base 500. The image sensor 600 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the lens assembly 300. The image sensor 600 may be placed on a substrate 700 together with the base 500. Here, the camera module may further include the substrate 700.

[0065] The image sensor 600 can be electrically connected to the substrate 700. The image sensor 600 can be flip-chip coupled to the substrate 700. The image sensor 600 can be soldered to the substrate 700.

[0066] Furthermore, the image sensor 600 may be positioned so that its optical axis coincides with that of the lens. That is, the optical axis of the image sensor 600 and the optical axis of the lens can be aligned. The image sensor 600 can convert light illuminating its effective image area into an electrical signal. For example, the image sensor 600 may be one of the following: CCD (charge-coupled device), MOS (metal oxide semiconductor), CPD, and CID.

[0067] The circuit board 700 may be a printed circuit board. The circuit board 700 may be electrically connected to the control unit (not shown) of a mobile terminal.

[0068] The first drive unit M1 may be positioned between the housing 100 and the lens holder 200. The first drive unit M1 may include a coil M1a and a magnet M1b. The coil M1a and magnet M1b may be positioned opposite each other on the housing 100 and the lens holder 200, respectively. Thus, the lens holder 200 can move in the optical axis direction relative to the housing 100. For example, the first drive unit M1 may be a voice coil motor (VCM). There may be multiple first drive units M1.

[0069] The second drive unit M2 may be positioned between the image sensor 600 and the base 500. The second drive unit M2 may be a piezoelectric actuator driven by voltage power. By adjusting its size, the second drive unit M2 can move the image sensor 600 in the optical axis direction relative to the base 500.

[0070] Furthermore, the camera module 1000 according to the embodiment may include a controller (not shown). The controller may be located on the substrate 700, or it may be located outside the substrate 700. The controller can individually control the direction, intensity, and amplitude of the current supplied to drive the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2. The controller can control the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 to perform an autofocus function. In addition, the controller can supply current to a drive unit that performs an image stabilization function to perform image stabilization. Consequently, the controller can perform autofocus feedback control and / or image stabilization feedback control to the lens drive device.

[0071] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the first drive unit according to the embodiment, and Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the second drive unit according to the embodiment.

[0072] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in one embodiment, the first drive unit M1 can move the lens holder 200 within a first maximum speed V1, and the second drive unit M2 can move the image sensor 600 within a second maximum speed V2.

[0073] The first maximum speed V1 and the second maximum speed V2 refer to instantaneous speeds. Therefore, the second drive unit M2 can provide a larger displacement over a predetermined period of time compared to the first drive unit M1. In this specification, the displacement refers to the position of the first and second drive units or the position or distance the moving part has moved by the first and second drive units.

[0074] Furthermore, since the second maximum speed V2 is greater than the first maximum speed V1, the second drive unit M2 can provide a speed range greater than the speed range that can be provided to the first drive unit M1. In other words, the speed range in which the moving part can move with the second drive unit M2 is even greater than the speed range in which the moving part can move with the first drive unit M1. Also, the speed range in which the moving part can move with the second drive unit M2 may include the speed range in which the moving part can move with the first drive unit M1.

[0075] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the autofocusing of a camera module according to an embodiment, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the change in the amount of movement for autofocusing of a camera module according to an embodiment, Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the exposure time corresponding to the amount of movement for autofocusing of a camera module according to an embodiment, and Figure 8 is a diagram showing the amount of movement of the first drive unit and the second drive unit in a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0076] Referring to Figure 5, the camera module according to the embodiment can perform autofocus at predetermined time intervals during video capture.

[0077] More specifically, a camera module can capture video at, for example, several to several hundred frames per second (fps). In this case, the exposure time required to capture one image is called one frame. That is, several to several hundred frames exist within one second, and several to several hundred images (or images, image data, video data, etc.) corresponding to these frames can be generated by the image sensor.

[0078] The camera module according to the embodiment can focus on a subject using the image generated for each frame or the image of a predetermined frame (autofocus). For example, focus may be set based on the nearest area, or it may be set based on the furthest area.

[0079] In the embodiment, the camera module can achieve focus on a pre-set frame P1 out of multiple frames P1 and P2. The following explanation assumes that autofocus search is performed on the first frame in the 0s-1s interval after the start of shooting, as shown in Figure 5.

[0080] In other words, the camera module according to the embodiment can generate an image by setting the focus achieved using frame P1 after frame P1, in which autofocusing is performed, as the focus for the subsequent frame P2.

[0081] In this case, the frame P1 on which autofocus is performed by the camera module according to the embodiment may include a search section P1a and an exposure section P1b.

[0082] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, in the embodiment, the search interval P1a may consist of a time period smaller than the reciprocal of the preset fps.

[0083] Furthermore, the search interval P1a may consist of multiple search exposure intervals ET. Also, a single frame may contain multiple search exposure intervals ET. In the search interval P1a, the position of the moving part may increase in steps. In other words, according to the embodiment, the moving part can repeatedly move and stop during the first time interval DP by the first drive unit and the second drive unit. With this configuration, the shaking of the image generated for each search exposure interval ET can be minimized. Accordingly, the camera module according to the embodiment can perform more accurate autofocusing.

[0084] Furthermore, the first interval DP may be smaller than the search interval P1a. In addition, the first interval DP may be smaller than the reciprocal of the pre-set fps.

[0085] Furthermore, the first time interval DP may be larger than the search exposure interval ET. Therefore, with the moving unit stationary, an image for autofocus can be acquired for each search exposure interval ET.

[0086] Furthermore, the first time interval DP can represent a single step relative to the position of the moving part. In other words, since the moving part can stop and move during the first time interval DP, the first time interval DP can include a stopping interval F and a moving interval U of the moving part. The stopping interval F of the moving part can correspond to the aforementioned search exposure interval ET.

[0087] The camera module according to the embodiment controls the first drive unit and the second drive unit to move and stop the moving unit for each of the multiple first time intervals DP within the frame P1 in which autofocusing is performed, as described above.

[0088] This allows the camera module to move its movable part from the position corresponding to the lowest focus to the position corresponding to the highest focus during frame P1 in which autofocus is performed. Alternatively, the camera module can move its movable part from the position corresponding to the lowest focus to a portion of the position corresponding to the highest focus. With this configuration, the camera module according to the embodiment can easily perform autofocus even without user input during video recording (e.g., focus-execution touch), providing the user with images with more accurate focus. In addition, the camera module can prevent the phenomenon of video shaking by performing focus scanning.

[0089] The moving part is moved by a first drive unit and a second drive unit, and the first and second drive units can receive a digital code or a corresponding control signal depending on the position of the moving part. In other words, the camera module can move the moving part using a lookup table in which control signal information for moving the moving part to a predetermined position is stored.

[0090] Referring to Figure 8, in the camera module according to the embodiment, the first drive unit and the second drive unit can move the movable part. Furthermore, in the camera module, the first maximum speed of the first drive unit may be less than the second maximum speed of the second drive unit.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first drive unit can move the moving part linearly during the search interval P1a (Sa). That is, the first drive unit can move the moving part at a constant speed between multiple first time intervals DP in the search interval P1a. According to the first embodiment, the first drive unit can move the lens holder between multiple first time intervals DP. Furthermore, the first drive unit can move the lens holder linearly.

[0092] In contrast, the second drive unit can move the moving unit during the search interval P1a with a period of the second time interval. The second drive unit can move the moving unit along the optical axis direction, i.e., up and down (Sb). Furthermore, the second drive unit can move the moving unit with a period of the second time interval. That is, the second drive unit can move the moving unit up and down along the optical axis direction with a period of the second time interval. In this case, the second time interval may be the same as the first time interval DP described above.

[0093] Furthermore, the moving part can be moved to the origin at intervals of two time intervals by the second drive unit. In other words, the moving part can move in the second movement direction after being moved in the first movement direction by the second drive unit. Here, the first movement direction is the direction in which the moving part moves by the first drive unit during the search exposure interval ET, and the second movement direction is the direction opposite to the first movement direction. The first and second movement directions are parallel to the optical axis direction.

[0094] More specifically, the moving part can move in the second movement direction during the search exposure period ET by the second drive unit, and move in the first movement direction during the time outside of the search exposure period ET in the first time period.

[0095] Accordingly, the overall movement of the moving unit can repeatedly stop and move at intervals of the first or second time interval. The overall movement of the moving unit can be stopped for time intervals longer than the search exposure interval ET in the first or second time interval. The overall movement of the moving unit can move in time intervals other than those longer than the search exposure interval ET. In one embodiment, the overall movement of the moving unit corresponds to the sum of the position where the moving unit moves in the optical axis direction by the first drive unit and the position where the moving unit moves in the optical axis direction by the second drive unit.

[0096] However, in this embodiment, the first drive unit can maintain the speed of the moving unit in the first time interval DP or the search exposure interval ET. That is, the first drive unit can move the moving unit at a constant speed in the first time interval DP or the search exposure interval ET or in the search interval P1a.

[0097] As an embodiment, in a camera module, the moving part moves with a period of a second time interval by a second drive unit, so that the overall movement of the moving part can have the steps described above. That is, the overall movement of the moving part can repeat moving and stopping during the first time interval DP, and an image can be generated at the increased or decreased position of the moving part with each step (Sc). The generated image can then be used for focusing.

[0098] As a result, the second drive unit, which has a higher maximum speed compared to the first drive unit, performs the overall movement / stopping or focus movement / stopping of the moving part, enabling autofocus to be performed more accurately and with a higher response speed.

[0099] In exposure section P1b, the movable part can move in accordance with the focus obtained using the images generated from each search exposure section ET.

[0100] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the travel amounts of the first drive unit and the second drive unit in a camera module according to another embodiment.

[0101] Referring to Figure 9, as mentioned above, the first and second drive units in the camera module can move the movable part. That is, the movable part can be moved by the first drive unit or by the second drive unit.

[0102] Furthermore, in the camera module, the first maximum speed of the first drive unit may be less than the second maximum speed of the second drive unit.

[0103] In other embodiments, the first direction of movement of the moving part by the first drive unit and the second direction of movement of the moving part by the second drive unit may be opposite to each other. That is, even if parallel to the optical axis direction, the first drive unit can move the lens holder toward the lower image sensor, and the second drive unit can move the image sensor toward the upper reds holder. Alternatively, the first drive unit can move the lens holder toward the lens holder from the image sensor, and the second drive unit can move the image sensor toward the lower substrate.

[0104] As an embodiment, the first drive unit can move the moving unit linearly in the first movement direction during the search interval P1a.

[0105] Furthermore, the first drive unit can move the moving unit at a constant speed over multiple first time intervals DP within the search interval P1a.

[0106] The first drive unit can then move the lens holder between multiple first time intervals DP.

[0107] Furthermore, the second drive unit can move the moving unit during the search interval P1a with a period of the second time interval. The second drive unit can move the moving unit in the second movement direction. And the second drive unit can move the moving unit with a period of the second time interval. That is, the second drive unit can move the moving unit in the second movement direction with a period of the second time interval. At this time, the second time interval may be the same as the first time interval DP described above.

[0108] Furthermore, the moving unit can move to the origin at intervals of two time intervals by the second drive unit. In other words, the moving unit can move in the second direction of movement by the second drive unit, and then move in the first direction of movement. More specifically, the moving unit can move in the second direction of movement by the second drive unit during the search exposure interval ET, and move in the first direction of movement during the time outside of the search exposure interval ET in the first time interval.

[0109] Accordingly, the overall movement of the moving unit can repeatedly stop and move at intervals of the first or second time interval. The overall movement of the moving unit can be stopped for time intervals longer than the search exposure interval ET in the first or second time interval. The overall movement of the moving unit can move in time intervals other than those longer than the search exposure interval ET. In one embodiment, the overall movement of the moving unit corresponds to the sum of the position where the moving unit moves in the optical axis direction by the first drive unit and the position where the moving unit moves in the optical axis direction by the second drive unit.

[0110] In other embodiments, the first drive unit can maintain the speed of the moving unit in the first time interval DP or the search exposure interval ET. That is, the first drive unit can move the moving unit at a constant speed in the first time interval DP or the search exposure interval ET or in the search interval P1a.

[0111] Then, in the camera module, the moving part is moved by the second drive unit in a second time interval period, so that the overall movement of the moving part can have the steps described above. That is, the overall movement of the moving part can repeat movement and stopping during the first time interval DP, and an image can be generated at the increased or decreased position of the moving part with each step. The generated image can then be used for focusing. In this way, autofocus can be performed more accurately and with a higher response speed by having the overall movement / stopping of the moving part or the movement / stopping of the focus performed by the second drive unit with a high maximum speed.

[0112] In exposure section P1b, the movable part can move in accordance with the focus obtained using the images generated from each search exposure section ET.

[0113] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the change in the amount of movement for autofocus of a camera module according to yet another embodiment.

[0114] Referring to Figure 10, in yet another embodiment, the first drive unit and the second drive unit in the camera module can move the moving part. Furthermore, in the camera module, the first maximum speed of the first drive unit may be less than the second maximum speed of the second drive unit.

[0115] However, in a camera module according to another embodiment, the search interval P1a may include a first search interval P1a-1 and a second search interval P1a-2.

[0116] During the first search interval P1a-1, the camera module can move its moving part in the same way as described above. That is, the first drive unit can move its moving part linearly between the first search interval P1a-1 and the second search interval P1a-2. The first drive unit can move its moving part at a constant speed for multiple first time intervals DP in the first search interval P1a-1 and the second search interval P1a-2. During the first search interval P1a-1 and the second search interval P1a-2, the first drive unit can move its moving part at the same or different speeds.

[0117] In contrast, the second drive unit can move the moving part between the first search interval P1a-1 and the second search interval P1a-2 with a period of the second time interval. The second drive unit can move the moving part along the optical axis direction, i.e., vertically. Furthermore, the second drive unit can move the moving part with a period of the second time interval. That is, the second drive unit can move the moving part vertically along the optical axis direction with a period of the second time interval. In this case, the second time interval may be the same as the first time interval DP described above.

[0118] Furthermore, during the first search interval P1a-1 and the second search interval P1a-2, the second drive unit can move the moving unit with the same or different second time intervals as its period.

[0119] Furthermore, the moving part can be moved to the origin in intervals of two time intervals by the second drive unit. In other words, the moving part can move in the second direction after being moved in the first direction by the second drive unit.

[0120] Furthermore, the overall movement of the moving unit can repeatedly stop and move at intervals of the first or second time interval in the first search interval P1a-1 and the second search interval P1a-2. The overall movement of the moving unit can be stopped for time intervals longer than the search exposure interval ET in the first or second time interval. And the overall movement of the moving unit can move in time intervals other than those longer than the search exposure interval ET. In one embodiment, the overall movement of the moving unit corresponds to the sum of the position where the moving unit moves in the optical axis direction by the first drive unit and the position where the moving unit moves in the optical axis direction by the second drive unit.

[0121] Then, in the camera module, the moving part is moved by the second drive unit in a second time interval period, so that the overall movement of the moving part can have the steps described above. That is, the overall movement of the moving part can repeat movement and stopping during the first time interval DP, and an image can be generated at the increased or decreased position of the moving part with each step. The generated image can then be used for focusing. Thus, by having the overall movement / stopping of the moving part or the movement / stopping of the focus performed by the second drive unit with a high maximum speed, the camera module can perform autofocusing more accurately and with a higher response speed.

[0122] Furthermore, the primary focal length can be calculated from the image obtained during the first search interval P1a-1 using a camera module according to another embodiment. The primary focal length can be calculated approximately.

[0123] During the second search interval P1a-2, the first and second drive units can move the movable part again. At this time, the movable part can move within a predetermined ratio of the approximately calculated focal length. Therefore, more accurate autofocus can be achieved.

[0124] Furthermore, the minimum difference between the amount of movement at which the moving part is stopped by the first and second drive units during the second search interval P1a-2 may be even smaller. In other words, in other camera modules, the minimum amount of movement of the moving part may differ from one another for each search exposure interval ET between the first search interval P1a-1 and the second search interval P1a-2.

[0125] In other words, the minimum movement amount of the moving part for each search exposure section ET during the first search section P1a-1 may be greater than the minimum movement amount of the moving part for each search exposure section ET during the second search section P1a-2. Therefore, camera modules according to other embodiments can provide more accurate autofocusing.

[0126] Then, after the second search section P1a-2, the moving part can move in accordance with the focus obtained using the images generated from each search exposure section ET of the second search section P1a-2.

[0127] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a camera module according to the second embodiment.

[0128] Referring to Figure 11, the camera module according to the second embodiment may include a housing 100, a lens section including a lens holder 200 and a lens assembly 300, an elastic member 400, a base 500, an image sensor 600, a first drive unit M1, and a second drive unit M2.

[0129] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 enable the movable parts, namely the lens unit and the image sensor 600, to move.

[0130] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can move the movable part according to the various embodiments described above, and the above-mentioned provisions can be applied identically except for the following.

[0131] The first drive unit M1 can be located on the base 500 or the housing 100. A second drive unit M2 can be positioned between the first drive unit M1 and the lens unit, which is the movable part. That is, the first drive unit M1 can move the lens unit by moving the second drive unit M2. In this way, in the camera module according to the second embodiment, the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 are connected to each other, and when the first drive unit M1 moves the movable part in a first direction of movement, the second drive unit M2 can move the movable part in a second direction of movement to reduce vibrations caused by movement. Therefore, more accurate autofocus can be achieved. Consequently, the reliability of the camera module can also be improved.

[0132] Figure 12 is a configuration diagram of a camera module according to the third embodiment.

[0133] Referring to Figure 12, the camera module according to the third embodiment may include a housing 100, a lens section including a lens holder 200 and a lens assembly 300, an elastic member 400, a base 500, an image sensor 600, a first drive unit M1, and a second drive unit M2.

[0134] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 enable the movable parts, namely the lens unit and the image sensor 600, to move.

[0135] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can move the movable part according to the various embodiments described above, and the above-mentioned provisions can be applied identically except for the following.

[0136] The first drive unit M1 can be located on the base 500 or the housing 100. A second drive unit can be positioned between the first drive unit M1 and the moving part, which is the image sensor. That is, the first drive unit M1 can move the image sensor by moving the second drive unit M2. Accordingly, in the camera module according to the third embodiment, the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 are connected to each other, and when the first drive unit M1 moves the moving part in a first direction of movement, the second drive unit M2 can move the moving part in a second direction of movement to reduce vibrations caused by movement. This enables more accurate autofocusing. In turn, the reliability of the camera module can also be improved.

[0137] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a camera module according to the fourth embodiment.

[0138] Referring to Figure 13, the camera module according to the fourth embodiment may include a housing 100, a lens section including a lens holder 200 and a lens assembly 300, an elastic member 400, a base 500, an image sensor 600, a first drive unit M1, and a second drive unit M2.

[0139] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 enable the movable parts, namely the lens unit and the image sensor 600, to move.

[0140] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can move the movable part according to the various embodiments described above, and the above-mentioned provisions can be applied identically except for the following.

[0141] The first drive unit M1 can be located on the base 500 or the housing 100. The first drive unit M1 can move the image sensor 600. The second drive unit M2 can move the lens unit. Therefore, as described above, the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can move different components of the moving unit. Consequently, as described above, the total movement of the moving unit is the sum of the movement of the image sensor and the movement of the lens unit.

[0142] Furthermore, in the camera module according to the fourth embodiment, the first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 are separated from each other, and when the first drive unit M1 moves the movable part in the first movement direction, the second drive unit M2 moves the movable part in the second movement direction, so that they move in the same direction, it is possible to prevent an increase in vibration. This also improves the reliability of the camera module.

[0143] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a modified camera module.

[0144] Referring to Figure 14, the modified camera module may include a housing 100, a lens section including a lens holder 200 and a lens assembly 300, an elastic member 400, a base 500, an image sensor 600, a first drive unit M1, and a second drive unit M2.

[0145] There is only one first drive unit M1 and one second drive unit M2, and they are connected to the movable part, which is either the lens unit or the image sensor 600, and are capable of moving at least one of the lens unit and the image sensor 600.

[0146] The first drive unit M1 and the second drive unit M2 can move the movable part according to the various embodiments described above, and the above-mentioned provisions can be applied identically except for the following.

[0147] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lens portion may include a liquid lens portion (LL). The liquid lens portion contains a conductive first liquid and a non-conductive second liquid, and the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid can be deformed by the applied voltage. The interface can have different curvatures depending on the voltage. Consequently, the optical path can be changed, and the focal point can also be changed. In other words, the liquid lens portion can change the focal point.

[0148] The first drive unit M1 or the second drive unit M2 can be located on the base 500 or the housing 100. The first drive unit M1 or the second drive unit M2 can move the lens unit or the image sensor 600. For example, the second drive unit M2 can move the lens unit or the image sensor 600.

[0149] Furthermore, in the modified camera module, the movable part is moved by the first drive unit M1 or the second drive unit M2, so the number of movable parts can be minimized, thereby minimizing vibrations caused by the movement of the movable parts. This also improves the reliability of the camera module.

[0150] The configuration of the electronic device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0151] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device including a camera module according to an embodiment.

[0152] Referring to Figure 15, an electronic device may be any one of the following: a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable communication device, a portable smart device, a digital camera, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), or a navigation system. However, the type of electronic device is not limited to these, and any device for capturing images or photographs may also be included as an electronic device.

[0153] The electronic device may include a main body 1. The main body 1 can form the external appearance of the electronic device. The main body 1 can house a camera module 1000. A display 2 may be placed on one side of the main body 1. For example, the display 2 and camera module 1000 may be placed on one side of the main body 1, with an additional camera module 1000 placed on the other side of the main body 1 (the side opposite to the first side).

[0154] The electronic device may include a display 2. The display 2 may be located on one side of the main body 1. The display 2 can output video captured by the camera module 1000.

[0155] The electronic device may include a camera module 1000. The camera module 1000 may be located on the main body 1. At least a portion of the camera module 1000 may be housed inside the main body 1. Multiple camera modules 1000 may be provided. The camera module 1000 may include a dual camera device. The camera module 1000 may be located on one side of the main body 1 and on the other side of the main body 1. The camera module 1000 can capture images of a subject.

[0156] The above description has focused on embodiments, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention. A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will understand that a variety of modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible, as long as they do not deviate from the essential characteristics of these embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented, and the drive unit described herein may include not only the embodiments described herein but also configurations that generate force to move the moving part. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. fixed part, A movable part that moves relative to the fixed part in the optical axis direction, A first drive unit that moves the moving part at a first maximum speed or a lower speed, wherein the first maximum speed or lower speed is a constant speed, and It includes a second drive unit that moves the moving part at a second maximum speed or a lower speed, The first drive unit and the second drive unit move the moving unit along the optical axis direction, The second maximum speed is greater than the first maximum speed. The first drive unit moves the moving part at the first maximum speed or a lower speed during the first time interval. The second drive unit moves the moving unit with a period of a second time interval that is shorter than the first time interval. The moving unit is a camera module that repeatedly moves and stops during the first time interval by simultaneously driving the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

2. The aforementioned fixing portion includes at least one of the housing and the base, The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the moving part includes at least one of a lens part and an image sensor.

3. The lens portion is arranged inside the housing. The lens portion includes a lens holder and a lens assembly disposed within the lens holder. The camera module according to claim 2, wherein the image sensor is disposed within the base.

4. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first direction of movement of the moving part by the first drive unit and the second direction of movement of the moving part by the second drive unit are opposite to each other during the exposure time.

5. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the moving part moves linearly by the first drive unit.

6. The camera module according to claim 5, wherein the moving part moves up and down with a period of a second time interval by the second drive unit.

7. The camera module according to claim 6, wherein the moving part moves to the origin at each of the second time intervals by the second drive unit.

8. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the second drive unit is disposed between the moving unit and the first drive unit and is connected to the moving unit and the first drive unit.

9. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the first time interval is less than the reciprocal of a preset frame rate per second (FPS).

Images