Camera module comprising aperture and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

Disclosed is a camera module comprising: a lens assembly comprising a plurality of lenses; and an aperture module, at least a portion of which is disposed on the lens closest to the object among the plurality of lenses. The aperture module comprises: an aperture base including an opening; a plurality of aperture blades configured to adjust the size of a light-incident hole located on the optical axis of the lens; and an aperture connection part. Each of the plurality of aperture blades comprises: a light-blocking part for blocking at least a portion of external light incident on the lens; and a connection part for connecting the light-blocking part and the aperture base, the light-blocking part being formed closer, on the optical axis, to the object than the connection part. Various other embodiments identified through the specification are also possible.

Description

Camera module including an aperture and electronic device including the same

[0001] Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a camera module including an aperture and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] Mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones, may include a camera module. The camera module may include various modules to perform various functions. For example, the camera module may include an aperture module to control the depth of field by controlling the amount of light entering the camera lens. When the camera module of a mobile electronic device includes an aperture module, the size of the aperture module must be reduced due to limitations in internal mounting space. The size of the aperture module may be directly related to the size of the camera decoration (e.g., a camera island) of the electronic device housing that includes the camera module. The size of the aperture module may be one of the factors affecting the design of the exterior of the mobile electronic device.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0004] A camera module according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document may include a lens assembly including a plurality of lenses and an aperture module at least partially disposed on a lens closest to a subject side of the plurality of lenses. The aperture module may include an aperture base disposed on the lens assembly and including an opening formed to visually expose the lens, a plurality of aperture blades disposed adjacent to the opening and configured to adjust the size of a light-incident hole positioned on an optical axis of the lens, and an aperture connecting portion connecting the aperture base and the plurality of aperture blades. Each of the plurality of aperture blades may include a light-shielding portion for blocking at least a portion of external light incident on the lens and a connecting portion connecting the light-shielding portion and the aperture base. The light-shielding portion may be formed closer to the subject side on the optical axis than the connecting portion.

[0005] A camera module according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document may include a lens assembly including a plurality of lenses and an aperture module, at least a portion of which is disposed on a lens closest to a subject side of the plurality of lenses. The aperture module may include an aperture base disposed on the lens assembly and including a first opening formed to visually expose the lens, a plurality of aperture blades disposed adjacent to the first opening and configured to adjust the size of a light-incident hole positioned on an optical axis of the lens, and an aperture driving unit connecting the aperture base and the plurality of aperture blades. Each of the plurality of aperture blades may include a light-shielding portion for blocking at least a portion of external light incident on the lens and a connecting portion connecting the light-shielding portion and the aperture driving unit. The aperture module may include a first state in which the size of the light-incident hole is minimized and a second state in which the size of the light-incident hole is maximized, and the light-shielding portion may be configured to change its position on the optical axis between the first state and the second state.

[0006] An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may include the camera module described above.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a portion of an exterior of an electronic device including a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a drawing schematically showing the shape of the aperture module of the camera module.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing showing part of the exterior of the camera module and electronic device.

[0010] FIG. 4A is a drawing showing an example of each component of an aperture module and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4b is a drawing showing an example of a plurality of lenses included in a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5A is a drawing showing an example of each component of an aperture module and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5b is a transparent overlay diagram showing an example of a combined state of each component of an aperture module and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6a is a drawing showing an example of a combined form of an aperture drive unit and an aperture base according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6b is a drawing showing an example of the shape of an aperture drive unit and an aperture base according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of the shape of an aperture blade according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of the shape of a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of a form in which a plurality of aperture blades are combined with an aperture drive unit and an aperture base according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10a is a drawing showing the arrangement of an aperture module and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10b is a drawing showing an area of ​​an aperture blade exposed outside an aperture module according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an opening and closing process of an aperture module according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section of an aperture module in an open / closed state according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an opening and closing operation of an aperture module according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14a is a drawing showing an example of the shape of an aperture blade having a protrusion formed thereon according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14b is a drawing showing an example of the shape of a plurality of aperture blades having protrusions formed thereon according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of each configuration of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an example of a combined state of an aperture module and a lens assembly including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing showing the opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment, as viewed from a lens assembly.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an example of the shape of a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 20a is a transparent overlay schematically illustrating an opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 20b is a schematic drawing of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades, as viewed from a lens assembly, according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing an example of the shape of a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a schematic drawing showing the opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment, as viewed from a lens assembly.

[0036] FIG. 24 is a schematic drawing showing an example of a shading structure of an aperture module according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device capable of performing the operations described in this document.

[0038] Figure 26 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera module included in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 28 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of an image sensor according to one embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0042] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0043] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the present invention encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a portion of an exterior of an electronic device including a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, an electronic device (10) (e.g., a smart phone) may include a camera module (20). For example, at least one camera module (e.g., camera module (20)) may be disposed inside the electronic device (10). The camera module (20) may be disposed such that its lens faces the rear surface (11) of the electronic device (10) and thus may function as a rear camera. Alternatively, the camera module (20) may be disposed such that its lens faces the front surface (e.g., a surface facing the opposite direction from the rear surface (11)) of the electronic device (10) and thus may function as a front camera. At least a portion (e.g., a portion including a lens) of the camera module (20) may constitute a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (10). For example, an opening may be formed on the rear surface (11) of the electronic device (10) through which at least a portion of the camera module (20) may be visually exposed, and the camera module (20) may be positioned such that a lens is positioned within the opening to form a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (10). A decoration part (12) (e.g., decoration part) surrounding at least a portion of the camera module (20) may be formed on the surface (e.g., rear surface (11)) of the electronic device (10). The decoration part (12) may be referred to as, for example, a camera cover, a camera protection part, or a camera external housing. When at least a portion of the camera module (20) protrudes from the surface (e.g., rear surface (11)) of the electronic device (10), the decoration part (12) may be formed to protrude from the surface so as to protect the protruding portion.

[0046] Figure 2 is a drawing schematically showing the shape of the aperture module of the camera module.

[0047] If the components of Fig. 2 overlap with the components of Fig. 1, the duplicate description of the components of Fig. 2 is omitted.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a camera module (20) may include a lens assembly (21) including a lens and an aperture module (22). The aperture module (22) may include a pair of aperture blades (23, 24) configured to adjust the amount of light incident on the lens of the lens assembly (21). For example, the pair of aperture blades (23, 24) may be in the form of a flat plate extending in a first direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction). The pair of aperture blades (23, 24) may be configured to move forward and backward in a first direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) parallel to the extending direction. Depending on the movement of the pair of aperture blades (23, 24), a closed state (or minimum aperture opening) in which the area covered by the pair of aperture blades (23, 24) of the lens is maximized, or an open state (or maximum aperture opening) in which the area is minimized, can be realized. In the open state, the pair of aperture blades (23, 24) can move away from the center of the lens, and thus the size of the aperture module (22) for accommodating the pair of aperture blades (23, 24) can be increased. For example, when one aperture blade (23) moves to the right on the x-axis and the other aperture blade (24) moves to the left on the x-axis, the aperture module (22) can be formed in a shape that is elongated in the x-axis direction in order to secure sufficient space to accommodate the pair of aperture blades (23, 24). Accordingly, when the aperture module (22) includes aperture blades in the form of a flat plate, the size of the exposure area of ​​the camera module (20) can be determined by the size of the aperture module (22). In this case, the size of the camera module (20) visible to the outside of the electronic device can increase. In addition, in one example, various components for driving a pair of aperture blades (23, 24) can be stacked in a second direction (e.g., z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction.Due to the above components for driving, the thickness of the aperture module (22) on the z-axis may increase. In this case, the thickness of the electronic device for accommodating the camera module (20) may increase, or the size of the camera module (20) protruding outside the electronic device may increase.

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic drawing showing part of the exterior of the camera module and electronic device.

[0050] Fig. 3 illustrates a portion of a camera module that does not include an aperture module. If the components of Fig. 3 overlap with those of Figs. 1 and 2, the redundant description of the components of Fig. 3 is omitted.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the size of the camera module (20) may affect the size of the decorative portion (12) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (10) of FIG. 1). For example, the decorative portion (12) may be formed to surround at least a portion of a portion of the camera module (20) that protrudes from the surface (e.g., the rear surface (11)) of the electronic device (10). Accordingly, when an aperture module (e.g., the aperture module (22) of FIG. 2) is disposed on the upper portion of the camera module (20) (e.g., above the portion where the lens of the lens assembly (21) is positioned on the z-axis), the size of the decorative portion (12) may also increase in proportion to the size of the aperture module (22). For example, when the aperture module (22) includes aperture blades in the form of a flat plate (e.g., a pair of aperture blades (23, 24) of FIG. 2), as described above in FIG. 2, the size of the decorative portion (12) can be increased in the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) and the second direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) compared to the case where the aperture module (22) is not arranged. Embodiments disclosed in the present document can provide an aperture module with a reduced size by including aperture blades that are formed in a curved shape (e.g., include a light-shielding portion and a connecting portion having different displacements on the optical axis (OA) of FIG. 4a) while being arranged on the upper portion of the lens of the lens assembly (21) (e.g., above on the z-axis). In this regard, details will be described later.

[0052] FIG. 4A is a drawing showing an example of each component of an aperture module and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 4b is a drawing showing an example of a plurality of lenses included in a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0054] If the components of FIGS. 4a and 4b overlap with the components of FIGS. 1 to 3, the duplicated description of the components of FIGS. 4a and 4b is omitted.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in one embodiment, a camera module (50) (e.g., the camera module (20) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include an aperture module (100) (e.g., the aperture module (22) of FIG. 2) and a lens assembly (200) (e.g., the lens assembly (21) of FIGS. 2 to 3) including at least one lens (e.g., a first lens (201)). The configuration of the camera module (50) illustrated in FIG. 4A is an example, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the camera module (50) may further include configurations not illustrated in FIG. 4A. For example, the camera module (50) may include at least one image sensor configured to acquire an image based on light incident through the lens assembly (200). For example, the camera module (50) may include at least one driving circuit (e.g., OIS circuit, optical image stabilizer circuit) for image stabilization of the camera module (50). For example, the camera module (50) may further include a substrate on which an image sensor is arranged and a housing that forms the exterior of the camera module (50). For example, the camera module (50) may include a driving unit (or, actuator) configured to move the lens assembly (200). For example, the camera module (50) may perform an auto focus (AF) function by controlling movement of the lens assembly (200) along the optical axis through the driving unit. For example, the camera module (50) may perform an optical image stabilization (OIS) function by controlling movement of the lens assembly (200) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis through the driving unit.

[0056] The aperture module (100) may include, for example, an aperture base (110), an aperture drive (or aperture connection) (120), a magnet (130), a coil (140), a substrate (150), a ball (160), a yoke (170), an aperture blade (180), and an aperture cover (190). The aperture module (100) may be arranged on a lens assembly (200) (e.g., above on the z-axis) and configured to control the amount of light incident on a first lens (201) positioned above (e.g., above on the z-axis) the lens assembly (200).

[0057] In one embodiment, the lens assembly (200) may include at least one lens (e.g., a first lens (201)). For example, the lens assembly (200) may include a plurality of lenses (201, 202, 203, 204) aligned (or arranged) on an optical axis (OA) of the at least one lens (e.g., the first lens (201)). For example, the lens assembly (200) may include a first lens (201) positioned closest to the subject side (OBJ) of the camera module (50), a second lens (204) positioned farthest from the subject side (OBJ), and lenses (203, 204) positioned between the first lens (201) and the second lens (204). The plurality of lenses may be formed in an appropriate shape to satisfy the optical characteristics of the camera module (50). For example, in order to implement a wide angle of view of the camera module (50), the diameter of the second lens (204) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the first lens (201).

[0058] Embodiments disclosed in this document correspond to embodiments in which at least a portion of an aperture module (100) (e.g., an aperture blade (180)) is positioned above (e.g., above) a first lens (201) that is positioned at the top (e.g., at the topmost on the z-axis) among a plurality of lenses (201, 202, 203, 204) included in a lens assembly (200). For example, embodiments disclosed in this document correspond to embodiments in which an aperture blade (180) is driven onto a first lens (201) that is positioned closest to a subject side (OBJ) among a plurality of lenses (201, 202, 203, 204) included in a lens assembly (200). For convenience of explanation, only the first lens (201) positioned closest to the subject side (OBJ) among the multiple lenses (201, 202, 203, 204) is illustrated below.

[0059] The aperture base (110) may be positioned above at least a portion of the lens assembly (200) (e.g., above on the z-axis) and may include an opening that visually exposes at least a portion of the first lens (201). The aperture base (110) may be formed in a shape on which other components of the aperture module (100) (e.g., aperture drive unit (120), aperture blades (180), etc.) may be mounted.

[0060] The aperture driving unit (120) may be positioned between the aperture base (110) and the aperture blades (180). At least a portion of the aperture driving unit (120) may be in contact with a surface (e.g., a surface positioned upward on the z-axis) located opposite to a surface of the aperture base (110) facing the lens assembly (200). At least a portion of the aperture driving unit (120) may be connected to the aperture blades (180).

[0061] The aperture blade (180) may be positioned above the aperture drive unit (120) (e.g., upward on the z-axis). For example, the aperture blade (180) may be positioned movably above the first lens (201) and driven to directly control the amount of light incident on the first lens (201). In one embodiment, the aperture blade (180) may be composed of a plurality of aperture blades.

[0062] The aperture cover (190) may be positioned at the top (e.g., the uppermost portion on the z-axis) of the aperture module (100). The aperture cover (190) may be formed to surround other components of the aperture module (100) (e.g., the aperture base (110), the aperture driving unit (120), the aperture blades (180), etc.) so that at least a portion of the components is not visually exposed from the outside of the aperture cover (190). For example, the aperture cover (190) may be formed to surround other components of the aperture module (100) so as to protect the other components from the external environment (e.g., physical impact). An opening may be formed in the aperture cover (190) so as to visually expose at least a portion of the first lens (201) so that external light may be incident on the first lens (201). The aperture cover (190) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the aperture module (100) and may be physically coupled to at least one other component of the camera module (50), such as the lens assembly (200).

[0063] In one embodiment, the aperture base (110) and the aperture driving unit (120) may be physically coupled to each other. For example, a yoke (170) formed of a metallic material (e.g., paramagnetic material) may be disposed on the aperture base (110), and a magnet (130) may be disposed on the aperture driving unit (120). The aperture base (110) and the aperture driving unit (120) may be fixed by a magnetic force (e.g., attractive force) generated between the magnet (130) and the yoke (170).

[0064] In one embodiment, the aperture driving unit (120) may be driven on the aperture base (110). The aperture driving unit (120) may be driven to rotate about the optical axis (OA) of the first lens (201) on the aperture base (110). For example, a substrate (150) and a coil (140) electrically connected to the substrate (150) may be disposed between the aperture driving unit (120) and the aperture base (110). The aperture driving unit (120) may be rotated by a magnetic force generated between the magnet (130) and the coil (140). A ball (160) (e.g., ball bearing) may be placed between the aperture drive unit (120) and the aperture base (110), and the ball (160) may roll together on the aperture base (110) when the aperture drive unit (120) rotates, thereby assisting the rotation of the aperture drive unit (120).

[0065] Each component of the aperture module (100) may be arranged in alignment on the lens assembly (200). For example, each component of the aperture module (100) may be arranged in alignment with its center on the optical axis (OA) of the first lens (201), or, in the case of a component composed of a plurality of components (e.g., aperture blades (180)), may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis (OA). In one embodiment, a yoke (170), an aperture base (110), a ball (160), a substrate (150), a coil (140), a magnet (130), an aperture driver (120), an aperture blade (180), and an aperture cover (190) may be sequentially arranged on the aperture assembly (200) (e.g., upwards on the z-axis).

[0066] FIG. 5A is a drawing showing an example of each component of an aperture module and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 5b is a transparent overlay diagram showing an example of a combined state of each component of an aperture module and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0068] If the components of FIGS. 5a and 5b overlap with the components of FIGS. 1 to 4b, the duplicated description of the components of FIGS. 5a and 5b is omitted.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 5B, in one embodiment, at least some of the components (e.g., magnet (130), coil (140), substrate (150), ball (160)) disposed between the aperture base (110) and the aperture driver (120) may be disposed at various locations within the aperture module (100). For example, the magnet (130) and coil (140) may be disposed on either the aperture base (110) or the aperture driver (120).

[0070] For example, the camera module (50) may include an aperture module (300) including a lens assembly (200) including a first lens (201), a yoke (370) disposed on the upper portion of the lens assembly (200) (e.g., toward the object side (OBJ)), an aperture base (310), a ball (360), an aperture driver (320), a magnet (330), an aperture blade (380), a coil (340), a substrate (350), and an aperture cover (390). For example, the magnet (330) may be disposed on the aperture driver (320) (e.g., on a surface facing the z-axis). For example, at least a portion of the substrate (350) may be disposed on the aperture base (310) (e.g., on a surface facing the z-axis) and another portion may extend toward the magnet (330) of the aperture driver (320). A coil (340) may be placed at a position facing the magnet (330) on the lower portion of the substrate (350) (e.g., below the z-axis). The aperture blade (380) may be driven by the electromagnetic force generated between the coil (340) and the magnet (330). For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the aperture module (100) of FIGS. 4A and 4B and the camera module (50) including the same.

[0071] FIG. 6a is a drawing showing an example of a combined form of an aperture drive unit and an aperture base according to one embodiment.

[0072] FIG. 6b is a drawing showing an example of the shape of an aperture drive unit and an aperture base according to one embodiment.

[0073] Reference number of Fig. 6b <601> The aperture drive unit (120) and the aperture base (110) are shown as viewed from above (e.g., looking downward on the z-axis), and reference numbers <602> shows the aperture drive unit (120) and the aperture base (110) as viewed from below (e.g., upward on the z-axis). If the components of FIGS. 6a and 6b overlap with those of FIGS. 4a to 4b, the duplicated description of the components of FIGS. 6a and 6b is omitted.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in one embodiment, a coil (140), a substrate (150), and a ball (160) may be arranged on an aperture base (110). A first opening (1101) may be formed on the aperture base (110) at a position corresponding to a first lens (e.g., the first lens (201) of FIG. 4A) and an optical axis (e.g., the optical axis (OA) of FIG. 4A). The aperture base (110) may include a central portion (112) where the first opening (1101) is formed, and an outer portion (111) positioned outside the central portion (112). The central portion (112) and the outer portion (111) may be formed to be stepped from each other. For example, at least a portion of the central portion (112) may be formed to be inclined from the outer portion (111) toward the z-axis so that the first opening (1101) is formed higher on the z-axis than the outer portion (111). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the substrate (150) may be disposed on at least a portion of the outer portion (111), and a coil (140) electrically connected to the substrate (150) may be disposed on the substrate (150). An aperture driving unit (120) may be disposed on the outer portion (111) and the substrate (150), and a magnet (130) may be disposed below the aperture driving unit (120) (e.g., at a position corresponding to the coil (140) on the optical axis (OA)) to interact with the coil (140). In one embodiment, a recess (114) (e.g., a groove) capable of accommodating a ball (160) may be formed in the aperture base (110). A yoke (170) made of a paramagnetic material may be attached to the lower portion of the recess (114) and arranged to be at least partially aligned with the magnet (130) along the optical axis (OA). The aperture base (110) and the aperture driving unit (120) may be brought into close contact with each other by an attractive force (e.g., an attractive force) applied between the yoke (170) and the magnet (130). For example, when the aperture driving unit (120) is driven (e.g., rotated) on the aperture base (110), the aperture driving unit (120) may not be separated from the aperture base (110) by the attractive force.

[0075] At least a portion of the aperture base (110) may be formed with a first protrusion (113). For example, the aperture base (110) may include a first protrusion (113) that is formed to protrude outward from the surface of the central portion (112). In one embodiment, the first protrusion (113) may be inserted into a hole formed in an aperture blade (e.g., an aperture blade (180) of FIG. 4A). The aperture base (110) and the aperture blade (180) may be connected to each other through the first protrusion (113). For example, the first protrusion (113) may become a center of drive (e.g., a rotational axis) when the aperture blade (180) is driven (e.g., rotated).

[0076] A second protrusion (121) may be formed on at least a portion of the aperture driving unit (120). For example, a second protrusion (121) may be formed adjacent to the first protrusion (113) of the aperture driving unit (120) so as to protrude outward from the surface of the aperture driving unit (120). In one embodiment, the second protrusion (121) may be inserted into a hole formed in an aperture blade (e.g., an aperture blade (180) of FIG. 4A). The aperture driving unit (120) may be at least partially engaged with the aperture blade (180) through the second protrusion (121). For example, the second protrusion (121) may be configured to provide driving force from the aperture driving unit (120) to the aperture blade (180).

[0077] In one embodiment, the aperture module (100) may include a sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor (145)) disposed between the aperture base (110) and the aperture driver (120). The Hall sensor (145) may be disposed in an area adjacent to a portion of the aperture base (110) that comes into contact with the aperture driver (120) and may detect a relative position of the aperture driver (120) with respect to the aperture base (110). For example, the Hall sensor (145) may be disposed adjacent to the magnet (130) and the coil (140) to detect a moved position (or rotation angle) of the aperture driver (120). As an example, the Hall sensor (145) may be disposed inside the coil (140) or on one side of the coil (140).

[0078] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of the shape of an aperture blade according to one embodiment.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of the shape of a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0080] Reference number of Fig. 8 <801> , <802> , and <803> The figure shows a form in which multiple aperture blades are in contact with each other when viewed from various angles. In cases where the components of FIGS. 7 and 8 overlap with the components of FIGS. 4a to 4b and FIGS. 6a to 6b, the duplicated description of the components of FIGS. 7 and 8 is omitted.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in one embodiment, an aperture blade (e.g., aperture blade (180) of FIG. 4A) may include a plurality of aperture blades (e.g., 181, 183). For example, the aperture blade (180) may include a first aperture blade (181) and a second aperture blade (183) that are formed to interlock with each other.

[0082] At least a portion of the first aperture blade (181) may be formed as a curved portion. For example, the first aperture blade (181) may include a second curved portion formed to have a shape corresponding to the curved shape of the first curved portion (e.g., the central portion (112) of FIG. 6B) formed as a curved surface of the aperture base (110) so that the second curved portion can be mounted on the first curved portion. The shape referred to as the 'curved portion' in this document may include a shape in which some edges (or straight lines) on a plane are formed as curved curves, and a curved shape including a portion formed with various curvatures on the optical axis (OA) (or z-axis). For example, the curved portion includes a curved shape formed by bending the surface itself in a three-dimensional space (e.g., a three-dimensional space composed of the x, y, and z-axes).

[0083] In one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181) may include a first shading portion (1810) formed to cover at least a portion of a first opening (e.g., the first opening (1101) of FIG. 6A) of the aperture base (110) and a first connecting portion (1820) connecting the first shading portion (1810) to an aperture driving portion (e.g., the aperture driving portion (120) of FIG. 4A). The first shading portion (1810) may be defined as an area that directly blocks external light from entering the first lens (201) so as to adjust the amount of light entering the lens (e.g., the first lens (201) of FIG. 4A). For example, the first shading portion (1810) may include a portion that is positioned closest to the subject side (e.g., the subject side (OBJ) of FIG. 4A) of the first aperture blade (181). The first connecting portion (1820) may be defined as a region, excluding the first shading portion (1810) of the first aperture blade (181), in which at least a portion is connected (or engaged) with the aperture driving portion (120) so that the first aperture blade (181) can be driven. For example, the first connecting portion (1820) may include a portion that is formed farthest from the subject side (OBJ) of the first aperture blade (181). As an example, the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) may be defined to have different displacements on the optical axis (OA) during the driving (or movement) process of the first aperture blade (181). For example, the first shading member (1810) may have a large displacement on the optical axis (OA) while moving from the center portion (e.g., the center portion (112) of FIG. 6B) of the aperture base (110) to the outer portion (e.g., the outer portion (111) of FIG. 6B) while the first aperture blade (181) moves. For example, the first connecting member (1820) may have a small displacement on the optical axis (OA) compared to the first shading member (1810) while moving on the outer portion (111) of the aperture base (110) while the first aperture blade (181) moves.According to the above definition, the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) can be distinguished, and in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) are depicted as being distinguished by an arbitrary boundary line (A-A') for convenience of explanation.

[0084] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first shading portion (1810) or at least a portion of the first connecting portion (1820) may be formed as a curved surface. For example, the first aperture blade (181) may have a shape in which both the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) are formed as curved surfaces. For example, at least a portion of the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) may form a second curved portion that is formed with substantially the same curvature as the first curved portion of the aperture base (110) (e.g., the central portion (112) of FIG. 6B). Since the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) form the second curved portion, the movements of the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) on the optical axis (OA) may be implemented differently, as described above. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181) may include a plurality of flat plates (or plates) facing different directions. For example, the first aperture blade (181) may be a combined form of two flat plates. For example, the first aperture blade (181) may be a form in which each of the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) is formed as a single flat plate, and one end of the two flat plates (e.g., a point where they meet along the line A-A') is combined with each other. Even when the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) are formed as flat plates at different angles with respect to the optical axis (OA), the movements of the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820) on the optical axis (OA) may be implemented differently.

[0085] In one embodiment, the second aperture blade (183) may include a second shading portion (1830) formed to cover at least a portion of a first opening (e.g., the first opening (1101) of FIG. 6A) of the aperture base (110) and a second connecting portion (1840) connecting the second shading portion (1830) to an aperture driving portion (e.g., the aperture driving portion (120) of FIG. 4A). For the second shading portion (1830) and the second connecting portion (1840), reference may be made to the contents of the first shading portion (1810) and the first connecting portion (1820). In FIG. 8, for convenience of explanation, the second shading portion (1830) and the second connecting portion (1840) are illustrated as being divided by an arbitrary boundary line (B-B').

[0086] In a first state (e.g., an aperture closed state) in which the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) are in contact, an area that blocks external light from the first light-blocking portion (1810) and the second light-blocking portion (1830) can be formed. In one embodiment, in a state in which the first light-blocking portion (1810) and the second light-blocking portion (1830) are in contact, external light can pass through the first area (R1) formed between the first light-blocking portion (1810) and the second light-blocking portion (1830) and be incident on a lens (e.g., the first lens (201) of FIG. 4A). Light incident on an area (e.g., the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183)) other than the first area (R1) can be blocked and not incident on the first lens (201). The first region (R1) may be formed, for example, by the facing surfaces (1812, 1832) of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183). For example, the first region (R1) may be formed in a shape (e.g., a circular shape) similar to the first opening (e.g., the first opening (1101) of FIG. 6A).

[0087] The first aperture blade (181) may include a configuration (e.g., a first hole (1821)) connected to an aperture base (e.g., an aperture base (110) of FIG. 4a), a configuration (e.g., a first hole (1822)) connected to an aperture driving unit (e.g., an aperture driving unit (120) of FIG. 4a), and inclined surfaces (1811, 1812, 1813) formed to face at least a portion of the second aperture blade (183). For example, the first hole (1821) may be engaged with at least a portion of a first protrusion (e.g., a first protrusion (113) of FIG. 6a) of the aperture base (110), and the first aperture blade (181) may be rotated about the first protrusion (113) as a rotational axis. The first aperture (1822) can accommodate at least a portion of the second protrusion (e.g., the second protrusion (121) of FIG. 6A) of the aperture driving unit (120), and the first aperture blade (181) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the aperture driving unit (120). In one example, the inclined surfaces (1811, 1812, 1813) can be formed in the first shading unit (1810), and the first hole (1821) and the first aperture (1822) can be formed in the first connecting unit (1820).

[0088] The second aperture blade (183) may be formed substantially identically to the first aperture blade (181). For example, the second aperture blade (183) may include a configuration (e.g., a second hole (1841)) that is connected to an aperture base (e.g., an aperture base (110) of FIG. 4A), a configuration (e.g., a second hole (1842)) that is connected to an aperture driving unit (e.g., an aperture driving unit (120) of FIG. 4A), and inclined surfaces (1831, 1832, 1833) that are formed to face at least a portion of the first aperture blade (181). For example, the second hole (1841) may be engaged with at least a portion of a protrusion of the aperture base (110), and the second aperture blade (183) may be rotated about the protrusion as a rotational axis. The second aperture (1842) can accommodate at least a portion of the protrusion of the aperture drive unit (120), and the second aperture blade (183) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the aperture drive unit (120). In one example, the inclined surfaces (1831, 1832, 1833) can be formed in the second shading unit (1830), and the second hole (1841) and the second aperture (1842) can be formed in the second connecting unit (1840).

[0089] When the aperture blade (180) includes a plurality of aperture blades, the surfaces of the plurality of aperture blades that contact each other may be formed so that external light does not pass through (or does not enter the first lens (e.g., the first lens (201) of FIG. 4A)). In one embodiment, the surfaces of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) that contact each other may be formed obliquely with respect to the optical axis (OA). For example, the first aperture blade (181) may include a first inclined surface (1811) and a second inclined surface (1813) that contact the second aperture blade (183). The first inclined surface (1811) may be formed as a surface that forms a first angle (or a positive angle) (e.g., an angle inclined to one side of the optical axis (OA)) with respect to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., the z-axis direction), and the second inclined surface (1813) may be formed as a surface that forms a second angle (or a negative angle) (e.g., an angle inclined to the other side of the optical axis (OA)) with respect to the optical axis (OA). When the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) come into contact through the first inclined surface (1811) and the second inclined surface (1813), light leakage is prevented, and alignment between the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be maintained. The shapes of the first inclined surface (1811) and the second inclined surface (1813) described above are merely examples, and the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited thereto. For example, the angles formed by the first inclined surface (1811) and the second inclined surface (1813) with respect to the optical axis (OA) may be formed to be the same. Alternatively, for example, the angles formed by the first inclined surface (1811) and the second inclined surface (1813) with respect to the optical axis (OA) may be formed to be different. In one example, the first inclined surface (1811) and the second inclined surface (1813) may have a step on the optical axis (OA).

[0090] In one embodiment, the contacting surfaces of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may be formed with corresponding shapes (e.g., shapes of the same size and shape). The second aperture blade (183) may include a third inclined surface (1831) and a fourth inclined surface (1833) that contact the first aperture blade (181). The third inclined surface (1831) and the fourth inclined surface (1833) may be formed to be engaged with the second inclined surface (1813) and the first inclined surface (1811), respectively. For example, the third inclined surface (1831) may have substantially the same shape as the second inclined surface (1813), and the fourth inclined surface (1833) may have substantially the same shape as the first inclined surface (1811). The third inclined surface (1831) can form a second angle with the optical axis (OA), and the fourth inclined surface (1833) can form a first angle with the optical axis (OA). Since the surfaces where the plurality of aperture blades (e.g., the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183)) contact each other are formed obliquely with respect to the optical axis (OA), the phenomenon of external light passing through the contact surfaces (or gaps) of the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) and entering the first lens (201) can be prevented (or reduced).

[0091] In one embodiment, the surfaces where the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) come into contact with each other may be formed to interlock with each other. For example, reference numeral 8 of FIG. <803> With reference to , the first inclined surface (1811) may be formed to interlock with the fourth inclined surface (1833) so as to pressurize it from above (e.g., downward on the z-axis). The third inclined surface (1831) may be formed to interlock with the second inclined surface (1813) so as to pressurize it from above (e.g., downward on the z-axis). The first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may be interlocked and fixed by a first force applied from the first inclined surface (1811) to the fourth inclined surface (1833) and a second force applied from the third inclined surface (1831) to the second inclined surface (1813).

[0092] In one embodiment, the first force and the second force may be generated by elastic deformation of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183). For example, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may be formed of a material that can be elastically deformed within a certain range. For example, in a contact state of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) (e.g., an aperture closed state), the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may be at least partially deformed by a mutually pushing force (e.g., a rotational force by the aperture drive unit (120)). For example, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may have different degrees of deformation depending on their distance from their respective rotational axes (e.g., a protrusion of the aperture base (110) inserted into the first hole (1821) or the second hole (1841). For example, a greater deformation may occur on the second inclined surface (1813) than on the first inclined surface (1811) adjacent to the rotational axis of the first aperture blade (181). Similarly, a greater deformation may occur on the fourth inclined surface (1833) than on the third inclined surface (1831) adjacent to the rotational axis of the second aperture blade (183). For example, the first force may correspond to a force (e.g., a normal force) that pushes the first inclined plane (1811) upward (e.g., upwards of the z-axis) as the fourth inclined plane (1833) is deformed to dig into the lower portion of the first inclined plane (1811) (e.g., downwards of the z-axis). For example, the second force may correspond to a force (e.g., a normal force) that pushes the third inclined plane (1831) upward (e.g., upwards of the z-axis) as the second inclined plane (1813) is deformed to dig into the lower portion of the third inclined plane (1831) (e.g., downwards of the z-axis).

[0093] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of a form in which a plurality of aperture blades are combined with an aperture drive unit and an aperture base according to one embodiment.

[0094] If the components of FIG. 9 overlap with the components of FIGS. 4A to 4B and FIGS. 6A to 8, the duplicate description of the components of FIG. 9 is omitted.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the aperture driving unit (120). The first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can rotate using a protrusion formed on the aperture base (110) as a rotation axis. For example, the first protrusion (113) of the aperture base (110) can be inserted into the first hole (1821) of the first aperture blade (181) to rotate using the first protrusion (113) as a rotation axis. The rotation of the first aperture blade (181) can be achieved by pressing the first aperture blade (181) while the second protrusion (121) of the aperture driving unit (120), which is inserted into the first hole (1822), moves within the first hole (1822). Similar to the first aperture blade (181), the second aperture blade (183) can be rotated by a force applied to the second hole (1842) by the protrusion (121_1) of the aperture drive unit (120) about the protrusion (113_1) of the aperture base (110) inserted into the second hole (1841) as a central axis. The first protrusion (113) and the second protrusion (121) connected to the first aperture blade (181) can be formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the optical axis (OA) with respect to the protrusions (113_1, 121_1) connected to the second aperture blade (183). The first aperture (1822) and the second aperture (1842) can be formed so that the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can move in an intersecting direction (e.g., in opposite directions) when the aperture driving unit (120) rotates in one direction.

[0096] FIG. 10a is a drawing showing the arrangement of an aperture module and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0097] FIG. 10b is a drawing showing an area of ​​an aperture blade exposed outside an aperture module according to one embodiment.

[0098] Reference number of Fig. 10b <1001> and <1002> The shapes of the aperture blades visible to the outside through the aperture cover are shown from different angles. In cases where the components of FIGS. 10a and 10b overlap with the components of FIGS. 4a to 4b and FIGS. 6a to 9, the overlapping descriptions of the components of FIGS. 10a and 10b are omitted.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B , in one embodiment, an aperture module (100) may be mounted on a lens assembly (200). The aperture module (100) may be formed in such a manner that an aperture cover (190) and an aperture base (110) form at least a portion of the exterior of the aperture module (100). For example, when components such as an aperture driver (e.g., the aperture driver (120) of FIG. 4A), an aperture blade (180), etc. are arranged on the aperture base (110), the aperture cover (190) may be formed to surround at least a portion of the components. A second opening (1901) may be formed in the aperture cover (190) to allow external light to enter the first lens (201). Alternatively, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the aperture module (100) may be formed integrally with at least a portion of the lens assembly (200). For example, the aperture base (110) may be formed integrally with the upper surface of the lens assembly (200) (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis of the lens assembly (200). As an example, a light-shielding structure (e.g., the second light-shielding structure (116) of FIG. 24) that blocks at least a portion of the first lens (201) may be formed on the aperture base (110) that is formed integrally with the lens assembly (200). For example, the light-shielding structure may be formed as a fixed aperture that fixes the aperture value of the maximum open state of the aperture module (100) (e.g., S3 of FIG. 11).

[0100] When the aperture module (100) is viewed from the outside, at least a portion of the aperture blade (180) may be visually exposed through the second opening (1901). For example, in a first state (e.g., an aperture closed state) in which the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) are in contact, at least a portion of the first shading portion (e.g., the first shading portion (1810) of FIG. 7) and the second shading portion (e.g., the second shading portion (1830) of FIG. 8) may be positioned inside the second opening (1901). For example, a first region (e.g., the first region (R1) of FIG. 8) formed by the contact of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may be positioned inside the second opening (1901). The center of the first region (R1) and the center of the second opening (1901) can be located on the optical axis (OA).

[0101] In one embodiment, the second region (A1) of the aperture blade (180) exposed through the second opening (1901) may be formed in a fine shape (e.g., engraved) so as not to come into contact with the aperture cover (190) during the rotation of the aperture blade (180). For example, the second region (A1) may include at least a portion of the first light-blocking portion (1810) and at least a portion of the second light-blocking portion (1830). For example, the second region (A1) may be formed in a engraved shape so as not to come into contact with the light-blocking structure of the aperture cover (190) (e.g., the first light-blocking structure (191) of FIG. 24). Since the second region (A1) of the aperture blade (180) is formed in a engraved shape, friction between the aperture blade (180) and the aperture cover (190) and damage due to friction can be prevented. In one embodiment, the second area (A1) of the aperture blade (180) may be formed to appear black from the outside of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (10) of FIG. 1) including the aperture module (100). For example, by surface-treating the second area (A1) to be black, reflection of light generated inside a camera module (e.g., the camera module (50) of FIG. 4A) and / or light leakage to the outside of the camera module (50) may be prevented.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an opening and closing process of an aperture module according to one embodiment.

[0103] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section of an aperture module in an open / closed state according to one embodiment.

[0104] Reference number of Fig. 12 <1201> is a drawing showing a first state (e.g., aperture closed state) in which the amount of light incident on the first lens (201) is reduced by the aperture module (e.g., aperture module (100) of FIG. 4a). Reference numeral of FIG. 12 <1202> is a drawing showing a third state (e.g., an open aperture state) in which the amount of light incident on the first lens (201) is not reduced by the aperture module (100). In cases where the components of FIGS. 11 and 12 overlap with the components of FIGS. 4a to 4b and FIGS. 6a to 10b, the duplicated description of the components of FIG. 12 is omitted.

[0105] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, in one embodiment, the camera module (50) may include a first state (S1) (e.g., an aperture closed state) in which the amount of light incident on the first lens (201) by the aperture module (100) is minimized, a third state (S3) (e.g., an aperture open state) in which the amount of light incident on the first lens (201) is maximized, and a second state (S2) in which the amount of light incident on the first lens (201) is intermediate between the first state and the third state. The aperture module (100) may be driven from the first state (S1) to the third state (S3) via the second state (S2), and conversely, may be driven from the third state (S3) to the first state (S1) via the second state (S2). The driving of the aperture module (100) may be implemented by rotation of the aperture driving unit (120). For example, the aperture driving unit (120) can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise around an optical axis (e.g., the optical axis (OA) of FIG. 4A) by an electromagnetic force generated between a magnet (130) disposed on the aperture driving unit (120) and a coil (140) disposed on the aperture base (110). For example, in a first state (S1), the aperture driving unit (120) can be rotated counterclockwise, and the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be rotated away from each other in conjunction with the rotation of the aperture driving unit (120). Through this, the aperture module (100) can be changed from the first state (S1) to the second state (S2) and the third state (S3). Alternatively, for example, in the third state (S3), the aperture drive unit (120) may rotate clockwise, and the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may rotate in a direction toward each other in conjunction with the rotation of the aperture drive unit (120). Through this, the aperture module (100) may change from the third state (S3) to the second state (S2) and the first state (S1).

[0106] In one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be moved to adjust the size of the light incident hole on the first lens (201) during the driving process of the aperture module (100) (e.g., driving from the first state (S1) to the third state (S3), or driving from the third state (S3) to the first state (S1)). The light incident hole can be defined as an area where light can be incident on the first lens (201) of the aperture module (100) (or, the camera module (50)). For example, the light incident hole can correspond to any area located on the optical axis (OA). As an example, the light incident hole may not be larger than the second opening (1901) formed in the aperture cover (190). In the first state (S1), the size of the light incident hole can be minimum, in the third state (S3), the size of the light incident hole can be maximum, and in the second state (S2), the size of the light incident hole can be larger than in the first state (S1) and smaller than in the third state (S3).

[0107] Reference number <1201> The cross-section of the camera module (50) of the first state (S1) of FIG. 11 taken along the CC' cutting line of FIG. 11 shows a shape as viewed in a direction (e.g., y-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., z-axis). In the first state (S1), at least a portion of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may be positioned above the aperture driving unit (120) (e.g., above in the z-axis). For example, at least a portion of the first shading unit (1810) and the second shading unit (1830) may be positioned above the aperture driving unit (120). For example, the first aperture blade (181) may be rotated so that the first shading unit (1810) may be positioned at a higher position in the z-axis direction than the first connecting unit (1820). At the same time, the second aperture blade (183) can be rotated so that the second shading portion (1830) can be positioned at a higher position in the z-axis direction than the second connecting portion (1840). When the cross-section of the camera module (50) in the first state (S1) is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., y-axis), the first shading portion (1810) may not overlap with the first connecting portion (1820). Similarly, the second shading portion (1830) may not overlap with the second connecting portion (1840).

[0108] In the first state (S1), the size of the light incident hole can be minimized by the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183). For example, the size of the light incident hole can be smaller than the second opening of the aperture cover (190) (e.g., the second opening (1901) of FIG. 10A). For example, the size of the light incident hole can be substantially the same as the first region (e.g., the first region (R1) of FIG. 8) formed by the engagement of the first light-shielding portion (1810) and the second light-shielding portion (1830). Alternatively, for example, the diameter of the light incident hole can be substantially the same as the diameter (D2) of the first region (R1).

[0109] Reference number <1202> The third state (S3) of the camera module (50) of FIG. 11 is a cross-section taken along the CC' cutting line of FIG. 11, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., z-axis) (e.g., y-axis). In the third state (S3), the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be rotated so as not to be positioned higher (e.g., above in the z-axis) than the aperture driving unit (120). For example, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be rotated so that the first light blocking unit (1810) and the second light blocking unit (1830) are not positioned higher than the aperture driving unit (120). That is, the first shading portion (1810) and the second shading portion (1830) of the first state (S1) can be rotated downward (e.g., below the z-axis) along the first curved portion (e.g., the central portion (112) of FIG. 6B) formed by the curved surface of the aperture base (110). When the cross-section of the camera module (50) in the third state (S3) is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (OA) (e.g., the y-axis), the first shading portion (1810) can be seen to overlap at least a portion of the first connecting portion (1820). Similarly, the second shading portion (1830) can be seen to overlap at least a portion of the second connecting portion (1840).

[0110] In the third state (S3), the size of the light incident hole can be maximized by the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183). For example, the size of the light incident hole can be larger than the first opening of the aperture base (110) (e.g., the first opening (1101) of FIG. 6A). Alternatively, for example, the size of the light incident hole can be substantially the same as the diameter (D3) of the second opening (1901) of the aperture cover (190).

[0111] The size of the aperture module (100), which includes a first aperture blade (181) and a second aperture blade (183) that rotate along the aperture base (110), can be reduced at least in one direction. For example, the length (or thickness) of the aperture module (100) in the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) can be reduced. In one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be formed in a shape corresponding to at least a portion of a first curved portion (e.g., the central portion (112) of FIG. 6A) of the aperture base (110) so that they can be set to move only on the first curved portion even when rotating. As the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) are formed to rotate along the first curved portion, an area corresponding to the space occupied by the flat-plate aperture in the aperture module (100) while rotating (or moving linearly) on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (e.g., the optical axis OA of FIG. 4A) (e.g., a plane parallel to the x-axis) can be excluded (or eliminated). For example, even if the aperture cover (190) is formed to surround the remaining components of the aperture module (100) (e.g., the aperture base (110), the aperture driver (120), the aperture blade (180), etc.), the length (or thickness) of the aperture cover (190) in the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) can be formed so as not to be greater than the length (or thickness) of the lens assembly (200) in the first direction. For example, the first direction size of at least a portion of the aperture module (100) (e.g., the outer diameter (D1) of the portion forming the second opening (1901) of the aperture cover (190)) may be reduced, and further, the first direction size of the camera module (50) may be reduced. In one embodiment, the diameter (or outer diameter) (D1) of the upper portion (e.g., the upper portion on the z-axis) of the aperture cover (190) may be formed to be substantially the same as the diameter (or outer diameter) of the head portion (e.g., the portion where the first lens (201) is mounted) of the lens assembly (200), for example.

[0112] Alternatively, for example, the length (or thickness) of the aperture module (100) in the second direction (e.g., in the z-axis direction) may be reduced. In one embodiment, in the first state (S1) in which the aperture blade (180) is positioned at its highest in the second direction, the aperture blade (180) may be formed so as not to be positioned above (e.g., above the z-axis) at least the top of the first lens (201) (e.g., the end positioned at the topmost on the z-axis). For example, in the first state (S1), the top of the first light-blocking portion (1810) (e.g., the part positioned at the topmost on the z-axis) and the top of the second light-blocking portion (1820) may be positioned at a point that is parallel (e.g., parallel in the x-axis direction) to the top of the first lens (201) (e.g., the end positioned at the topmost on the z-axis). Other components of the aperture module (100) that provide driving force to allow the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) to move (e.g., the aperture driver (120), the magnet (130), the coil (140), etc.) may be connected to the first connecting portion (1820) and the second connecting portion (1840) and positioned below the top of the first lens (201). For example, the remaining components (e.g., the aperture base (110), the aperture driver (120), or the aperture blade (180), etc.) except for the aperture cover (190) of the aperture module (100) may be arranged parallel to the top of the first lens (201) in the x-axis direction, or may be arranged below the top of the first lens (201) in the z-axis direction. The remaining components accommodated inside the aperture cover (190) can be formed in a form that does not protrude above the z-axis more than the upper end of the first lens (201), and the length of the aperture cover (190) that protrudes above the z-axis more than the upper end of the first lens (201) can be minimized. For example, by adjusting the contact positions of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) so that the aperture blade (180) is not positioned higher in the second direction than the upper end of the lens assembly (200), the thickness of the aperture module (100) including the aperture blade (180) in the second direction can be reduced.Due to the thickness reduction in the second direction of the aperture module (100), the size of the camera module (50) can be reduced.

[0113] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an opening and closing operation of an aperture module according to one embodiment.

[0114] Reference number of Fig. 13 <1301> is a block diagram illustrating the opening operation of the aperture module (e.g., the operation from the first state (S1) to the third state (S3) of FIG. 11). Reference numerals in FIG. 13 <1302> is a block diagram illustrating a closing operation of an aperture module (e.g., an operation from a third state (S3) to a first state (S1) of FIG. 11). For example, a camera module (e.g., a camera module (50) of FIG. 4A) may be configured to perform the operations described below based on a signal applied from outside the camera module (50). The camera module (50) may receive a signal from an external component (e.g., a processor) through a connecting member (e.g., FPCB, flexible printed circuit board) and perform the operations described below based on the received signal.

[0115] With reference to FIGS. 4A to 4B and 6A to 13, in one embodiment, the opening operation of the aperture module (100) may include inputting an aperture opening signal (1310), supplying power to a driving unit (1315), driving the driving unit in a first direction (1320), and driving the aperture blade (1325) in conjunction with the driving of the driving unit. The driving unit may be defined as a configuration that provides a driving force so that the aperture blade (180) can be driven, for example. For example, the driving unit may include at least one of an aperture driving unit (120), a magnet (130), a coil (140), or a substrate (150).

[0116] In operation 1310, an input signal may be transmitted to a driving unit (e.g., coil (140) of FIG. 4A) that drives an aperture module (100) in a minimum aperture opening state (e.g., first state (S1)). For example, a digital signal for aperture opening may be transmitted to the driving unit. For example, the driving unit may include an electric circuit (e.g., H-bridge) for applying current, and a current application signal may be transmitted.

[0117] In operation 1315, power may be supplied (or current may be applied) to the driving unit. For example, current may be applied to the coil (140) through the substrate (150). An electromagnetic force may be generated between the coil (140) and the magnet (130) by a magnetic field formed by the current applied to the coil (140). The generated electromagnetic force may act as a driving force for the aperture driving unit (120) including the magnet (130).

[0118] In operation 1320, the aperture driving unit (120) can be driven (e.g., rotated) in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) (hereinafter, described as a third direction) with respect to the optical axis (OA). The third direction can be set as a direction in which the amount of external light incident on the first lens (201) by the aperture blade (180) connected to the aperture driving unit (120) increases (e.g., a direction in which the size of the light incident hole increases).

[0119] In operation 1325, the aperture blade (180) can be driven together with the aperture drive unit (120) in conjunction with the third direction (e.g., counterclockwise) driving (e.g., rotation) of the aperture drive unit (120). For example, when the aperture blade (180) includes a plurality of aperture blades (e.g., the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) of FIG. 8), each of the plurality of aperture blades can be rotated in the third direction. For example, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be rotated in the third direction from a state (e.g., the first state (S1)) in which the diameter of the light incident hole (e.g., the first region (R1) of FIG. 8) is at a minimum (e.g., D2 of FIG. 12) to a state (e.g., the third state (S3)) in which the diameter of the light incident hole is at a maximum (e.g., D3 of FIG. 12) when the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) are in contact with each other. For example, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be rotated in a direction (e.g., the third direction) in which the upper portion (e.g., the upper portion of the z-axis) of the first lens (201) is not blocked. For example, the rotation in the third direction may correspond to a rotation in which the first shading part (e.g., the first shading part (1810) of FIG. 8) and the second shading part (e.g., the second shading part (1830) of FIG. 8) move away from each other. In the third state (S3) in which the driving of the aperture blade (180) (e.g., the driving in the third direction) is completed, the amount of light passing through the aperture module (100) and entering the first lens (201) may be maximized.

[0120] The closing operation of the aperture module (100) may include inputting an aperture closing signal (1330), supplying power to the driving unit (1335), driving the driving unit in a second direction (1340), and driving the aperture blades in conjunction with the driving of the driving unit (1345). In one embodiment, the principle of the closing operation of the aperture module (100) may be substantially the same as the principle of the opening operation of the aperture module (100).

[0121] In operation 1330, a closing signal may be transmitted to a driving unit that drives the aperture module (100) in a maximum aperture opening state (e.g., a third state (S3)). For example, a digital signal that causes current to be applied to the coil (140) may be transmitted. Alternatively, in one embodiment, if the driving unit includes a motor, an analog signal for driving the motor may be transmitted.

[0122] In operation 1335, power may be supplied (or current may be applied) to the driving unit. For example, current may be applied to the coil (140) through the substrate (150). An electromagnetic force may be generated between the coil (140) and the magnet (130) by a magnetic field formed by the current applied to the coil (140). The generated electromagnetic force may act as a driving force for the aperture driving unit (120) including the magnet (130).

[0123] In operation 1340, the aperture driving unit (120) can be driven (e.g., rotated) in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) (hereinafter, described as a fourth direction) with respect to the optical axis (OA). The fourth direction can be set as a direction in which the amount of external light incident on the first lens (201) by the aperture blade (180) connected to the aperture driving unit (120) is reduced (e.g., a direction in which the size of the light incident hole is reduced). The driving direction of the aperture driving unit (1340) in operation 1340 can be a direction opposite to the driving direction of the aperture driving unit (1340) in operation 1320.

[0124] In operation 1345, the aperture blade (180) may be driven together with the aperture drive unit (120) in conjunction with the fourth direction (e.g., clockwise) driving (e.g., rotation) of the aperture drive unit (120). For example, when the aperture blade (180) includes a plurality of aperture blades (e.g., the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) of FIG. 8), each of the plurality of aperture blades may be rotated in the fourth direction. For example, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may be rotated in the fourth direction from a state (e.g., the third state (S3)) where they are spaced apart from each other and the diameter of the light incident hole is at a maximum (e.g., D3 of FIG. 12) to a state (e.g., the first state (S1)) where they come into contact with each other and the diameter of the light incident hole is at a minimum (e.g., D2 of FIG. 12). For example, the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) may be rotated in a direction (e.g., a fourth direction) to block at least a portion of the upper portion (e.g., an upper portion in the z-axis) of the first lens (201). For example, the rotation in the fourth direction may correspond to a rotation in a direction in which the first shading portion (e.g., the first shading portion (1810) of FIG. 8) and the second shading portion (e.g., the second shading portion (1830) of FIG. 8) become adjacent to each other. In the first state (S1) in which the driving of the aperture blade (180) (e.g., the driving in the fourth direction) is completed, the amount of light passing through the aperture module (100) and incident on the first lens (201) may be minimized.

[0125] FIG. 14a is a drawing showing an example of the shape of an aperture blade having a protrusion formed thereon according to one embodiment.

[0126] FIG. 14b is a drawing showing an example of the shape of a plurality of aperture blades having protrusions formed thereon according to one embodiment.

[0127] Reference number of Fig. 14a <1401> and <1402> shows the first aperture blade (181) according to one embodiment viewed from different angles. In cases where the components of FIGS. 14a and 14b overlap with the components of FIGS. 4a to 4b and 6a to 13, the duplicated description of the components of FIGS. 14a and 14b is omitted.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, in one embodiment, when an aperture blade (e.g., the aperture blade (180) of FIG. 4A) includes a plurality of aperture blades, protrusions or grooves may be formed on surfaces where the plurality of aperture blades come into contact so that they can engage with each other. For example, a protrusion (1814) may be formed on a first aperture blade (181) so that it can engage with a groove (1844) formed on a second aperture blade (183). A protrusion (1834) may be formed on a second aperture blade (183) so that it can engage with a groove (1824) formed on the first aperture blade (181). When the above protrusions (1814, 1834) and grooves (1824, 1844) are in contact, the state (e.g., position, rotation angle, etc.) of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be identified. For example, in one embodiment, a camera module (e.g., camera module (50) of FIG. 4A) may include a sensor and a control circuit connected to the sensor. Based on the contact state (e.g., position) of the protrusions (1814, 1834) and grooves (1824, 1844) detected by the sensor, the driving (e.g., rotation angle or rotation direction) of the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be controlled from the control circuit.

[0129] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing an example of each configuration of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades and a lens assembly according to one embodiment.

[0130] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an example of a combined state of an aperture module and a lens assembly including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0131] FIGS. 15 to 18 illustrate an embodiment in which a first aperture blade (e.g., the first aperture blade (181) of FIG. 4A) and a second aperture blade (e.g., the second aperture blade (183) of FIG. 4A) of an aperture module (e.g., the aperture module (100) disclosed in FIGS. 4A to 4B and 6A to 14B) are each formed as an aperture blade group composed of a plurality of blades. In cases where the components of FIGS. 15 and 16 overlap with the components of FIGS. 4A to 4B and 6A to 14B, the overlapping descriptions of the components of FIGS. 15 and 16 are omitted.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, in one embodiment, a camera module (e.g., camera module (50) of FIG. 4A) may include an aperture module (e.g., aperture module (100) of FIG. 4A) and a lens assembly (200a). The aperture module (100) may include an aperture base (110a), an adsorption member (135), a ball (e.g., ball (160) of FIG. 4A), a yoke (e.g., yoke (170) of FIG. 4A), a coil (e.g., coil (140) of FIG. 4A), a magnet (e.g., magnet (130) of FIG. 4A), an aperture driver (120a), a first aperture blade (181a), a second aperture blade (183a), and an aperture cover (e.g., aperture cover (190) of FIG. 4A). On the optical axis (OA) of at least one lens (e.g., the first lens (201)) included in the lens assembly (200), an aperture base (110a), an adsorption member (135), a ball (160), a yoke (170), a coil (140), an aperture driving unit (120a), a magnet (130), a second aperture blade (183a), a first aperture blade (181a), and an aperture cover (190) may be arranged above the lens assembly (200) (e.g., above the z-axis). For the lens assembly (200a), reference may be made to the description provided for the lens assembly (200) in FIGS. 1 to 14B. For the aperture base (110a), reference may be made to the description provided for the aperture base (110) in FIGS. 1 to 14B. For the first aperture blade (181a) and the second aperture blade (183a), reference may be made to the description provided for the aperture blade (180) in FIGS. 1 to 14b. For the aperture drive unit (120a), reference may be made to the description provided for the aperture drive unit (120) in FIGS. 1 to 14b.

[0133] In one embodiment, the suction member (135) disposed on the aperture base (110a) can allow the aperture base (110a) and at least a portion of another component of the aperture module (100) (e.g., the aperture driver (120a)) to be in close contact with each other. For example, the suction member (135) can include a magnet and can be formed at a position corresponding to a yoke (170) attached to the lower portion of the aperture driver (120a). The contact state of the aperture base (110a) and the aperture driver (120a) can be maintained by the magnetic attraction acting between the suction member (135) and the yoke (170).

[0134] In one embodiment, the aperture driving unit (120a) may include a portion that extends downward (e.g., downward on the z-axis) so that a magnet (130) may be disposed. For example, the portion may be formed to extend along a recess (e.g., 205) formed in a direction parallel to a second direction (e.g., downward on the z-axis) in the lens assembly (200a) or the aperture base (110a). For example, the magnet (130) and the coil (140) of the aperture driving unit (120a) may be disposed to contact each other in a direction perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., downward on the z-axis).

[0135] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0136] FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing showing the opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment, as viewed from a lens assembly.

[0137] If the components of FIGS. 17 and 18 overlap with the components of FIGS. 4A to 4B and 6A to 16, the duplicate description of the components of FIGS. 17 and 18 will be omitted. The driving method of the first aperture blade (181a) and the second aperture blade (183a) of FIGS. 17 and 18 is substantially the same as the driving method of the aperture blade (180) (or the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183)) described in FIGS. 4A to 4B and 6A to 14B, and therefore the duplicate description may be omitted.

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in one embodiment, the aperture blades (e.g., the aperture blades (180) of FIG. 4a) may be formed in a pair of aperture blade groups, each of which is composed of a plurality of aperture blades. For example, the first aperture blade (181a) may include first aperture blades (181a_1, 181a_2, 181a_3) formed at the same distance from the optical axis (OA) with the optical axis (OA) at the center. The second aperture blade (183a) may include second aperture blades (183a_1, 183a_2, 183a_3) formed at the same distance from the optical axis (OA) with the optical axis (OA) at the center. For example, either the first aperture blades (181a_1, 181a_2, 181a_3) or the second aperture blades (183a_1, 183a_2, 183a_3) may be placed first on the aperture base (110a), and the other one may be placed thereon.

[0139] The aperture module (100) may include a first state (S1a) in which the size of the light incident hole (e.g., an area where light can be incident on the first lens (201)) is minimized by the first aperture blade (181a) and the second aperture blade (183a), a third state (S3a) in which the size of the light incident hole is maximized, and a second state (S2a) which is an intermediate point between the first state (S1a) and the third state (S3a). While moving from the first state (S1a) (e.g., minimum aperture opening) to the second state (S2a) (e.g., intermediate aperture opening) to the third state (S3a) (e.g., maximum aperture opening), the first aperture blades and the second aperture blades may rotate away from the center of the optical axis (OA). While moving from the third state (S3a) to the second state (S2a) and then to the first state (S1a), the first aperture blades and the second aperture blades can be rotated toward each other in a direction toward the optical axis (OA). Each of the first aperture blades and the second aperture blades can be rotated by engaging with a second protrusion (e.g., the second protrusion (121) of FIG. 6a) formed on the aperture driving unit (120a) around a first protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion (113) of FIG. 6a) formed on the aperture base (110a) as an axis of rotation. The plurality of aperture blades (181a_1, 181a_2, 181a_3, 183a_1, 183a_2, 183a_3) can be rotated simultaneously in the same direction in response to the rotation of the aperture driving unit (120a). The plurality of aperture blades may be formed in a shape corresponding to the curved portion of the aperture base (110a) or the curved portion of the aperture driving unit (120a). Through this, the plurality of aperture blades may smoothly rotate along the curved portion. In addition, since the space occupied by the plurality of aperture blades while being driven can be saved, the size of the aperture cover (e.g., the aperture cover (190) of FIG. 15) and the aperture module including the same (e.g., the aperture module (100) of FIG. 15) may be designed to be small.

[0140] In one embodiment, when the light-shielding portions (e.g., areas positioned on the first lens (201)) of the first aperture blades (181a_1, 181a_2, 181a_3) come into contact in the first state (S1a), a polygonal (e.g., triangular) shaped space can be formed. For example, in the first state (S1a), the light incident holes from the first aperture blades (181a_1, 181a_2, 181a_3) and the second aperture blades (183a_1, 183a_2, 183a_3) can be formed in a hexagonal shape. As the number of first aperture blades included in the first aperture blade (181a) and the number of second aperture blades included in the second aperture blade (183a) increases, the shape of the light incident hole (R2) of the aperture module (100) in the minimum aperture opening state (S1a) can be formed closer to a circle. In one embodiment, an aperture blade (e.g., the aperture blade (180) of FIG. 4a) including a pair of aperture blade groups composed of a plurality of aperture blades can be driven by an iris mechanism.

[0141] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an example of the shape of a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0142] FIG. 20a is a transparent overlay schematically illustrating an opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0143] FIG. 20b is a schematic drawing of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades, as viewed from a lens assembly, according to one embodiment.

[0144] FIGS. 19 to 20B illustrate an embodiment in which a first aperture blade (e.g., the first aperture blade (181) of FIG. 4A) and a second aperture blade (e.g., the second aperture blade (183) of FIG. 4A) of an aperture module (e.g., the aperture module (100) disclosed in FIGS. 4A to 4B and FIGS. 6A to 14B) move forward and backward along a guide groove formed in an aperture cover (e.g., the aperture cover (190) of FIG. 4A). The shapes of the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) illustrated in FIGS. 20a and 20b may be a form in which the inclined surfaces (e.g., 1811b, 1813b) formed to face each other in the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) illustrated in FIG. 19 are transformed into semicircular curved surfaces. For example, the facing surfaces of the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) illustrated in FIGS. 20a and 20b may have substantially the same shape as the inclined surfaces (1811, 1812, 1813) of the first aperture blade (181) illustrated in FIG. 7 and the inclined surfaces (1831, 1832, 1833) of the second aperture blade (183) illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0145] In FIGS. 19 to 20b, for convenience of explanation, some components of the aperture module (100) (e.g., the aperture base (110) and the aperture driving unit (120) of FIG. 4a) may be omitted from illustration and description, but the omitted components may be substantially equally applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 20b. In cases where the components of FIGS. 19 to 20b overlap with the components of FIGS. 4a to 4b and FIGS. 6a to 18, the overlapping descriptions of the components of FIGS. 19 to 20b are omitted.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 20b, in one embodiment, an aperture module (e.g., the aperture module (100) of FIG. 4a) may include a first aperture blade (181b) and a second aperture blade (183b). The first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) may have a central portion formed as a light-shielding portion (e.g., a region that blocks light incident on the first lens (201) of FIG. 4a), and connecting portions formed on both sides of the light-shielding portion to be connected to guide grooves (195) of the aperture cover (190b). For example, the first aperture blade (181b) may include a first light-shielding portion (1810b) and a first connecting portion (1820b) that extends from the first light-shielding portion (1810b) to both sides. In one example, a first connecting portion (1820b) formed on both sides of the first shading portion (1810b) may be formed with a protrusion (1821b) that is connected to the first guide groove (195_1) of the aperture cover (190b).

[0147] The second aperture blade (183b) may be formed in substantially the same shape as the first aperture blade (181b). The first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) may have the same shape, but may be positioned in a state where they are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other (e.g., facing in opposite directions) on an aperture base (not shown) (e.g., the aperture base (110) of FIG. 4a). Alternatively, the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) may be formed symmetrically with respect to the optical axis (OA). The second aperture blade (183b) may include a second light-blocking portion (1830b) and a second connecting portion (1840b) formed on both sides of the second light-blocking portion (1830b). In one example, a second connecting portion (1840b) formed on both sides of the second shading portion (1830b) may be formed with a protrusion (1841b) that is connected to the second guide groove (195_2) of the aperture cover (190b).

[0148] In one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) may include inclined surfaces formed to face each other. For example, the first aperture blade (181b) may include inclined surfaces (1811b, 1813b) formed to be inclined at different angles with respect to the optical axis (OA). The second aperture blade (183b) may include inclined surfaces formed to face the inclined surfaces (1811b, 1813b) formed on the first aperture blade (181b). In one embodiment, at least some of the inclined surfaces formed on the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) may be formed as semicircular curved surfaces (e.g., the inclined surface (1812) of the first aperture blade (181) and the inclined surface (1832) of the second aperture blade (183) in FIG. 8) so as to form a circular light incident hole when the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) are in contact (e.g., the first state (S1b)).

[0149] A guide groove (195) may be formed in the aperture cover (190b) to provide a movement path for the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b). The guide groove (195) may include a first guide groove (195_1) formed on one side (e.g., upward in the y-axis) of the aperture cover (190b) with respect to the optical axis (OA) and a second guide groove (195_2) formed on the other side (e.g., downward in the y-axis) of the aperture cover (190b). Each of the first guide groove (195_1) and the second guide groove (195_2) may be formed as a pair of guide grooves that are symmetrical with respect to the optical axis (OA) of the aperture cover (190b). For example, when the aperture cover (190b) is viewed from above in the z-axis direction (or optical axis direction), one first guide groove (195_1) may be formed on the left side of the optical axis (OA) and one may be formed on the right side of the optical axis (OA). For example, when the aperture cover (190b) is viewed from above in the z-axis direction (or optical axis direction), one second guide groove (195_2) may be formed on the left side of the optical axis (OA) and one may be formed on the right side of the optical axis (OA). For example, the first guide groove (195_1) and the second guide groove (195_2) may be formed symmetrically based on a straight line perpendicular to the optical axis (e.g., a straight line parallel to the x-axis). That is, the first guide groove (195_1) and the second guide groove (195_2) can be formed correspondingly on the aperture cover (190) so that the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) can be driven substantially identically (e.g., moved at substantially the same distance and angle).

[0150] In one embodiment, the guide groove (195) may be formed so that the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) can move along the first curved portion (e.g., the central portion (112) of FIG. 6A) of the aperture base (e.g., the aperture base (110) of FIG. 4A). For example, the guide grooves (195) may be formed parallel in one direction to provide a straight path. In this case, the guide grooves (195) may be formed in a diagonal direction (e.g., a straight line having a constant inclination with respect to the optical axis (OA)). The first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) may approach each other while obliquely rising along the first curved portion toward the upper portion of the first lens (e.g., the first lens (201) of FIG. 4A). The first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) may move away from each other while diagonally descending along the first curved portion below the first lens (201). Alternatively, in one example, the guide groove (195) may be formed to provide a curved path. For example, the guide groove (195) may be formed in various shapes so that the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) may move forward and backward along at least one surface (e.g., the first curved portion of the aperture base (100)) on which the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) of the aperture module (100) are seated. In one example, the guide groove (195) may be viewed as being elongated in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) when viewed from the top of the aperture cover (190b) (e.g., downward on the z-axis).

[0151] In one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) can move in opposite directions. For example, the first aperture blade (181b) can move from one end (e.g., the lower end along the y-axis) of the first guide groove (195_1) to the other end (e.g., the upper end along the y-axis) along the first guide groove (195_1) from the first state (S1b) (e.g., the minimum aperture opening) to the third state (S3b) (e.g., the maximum aperture opening). The second aperture blade (183b) can move from one end (e.g., the upper end along the y-axis) of the second guide groove (195_2) to the other end (e.g., the lower end along the y-axis) along the second guide groove (195_2) from the first state (S1b) to the third state (S3b). For example, the first aperture blade (181b) can move from the other end (e.g., the upper end along the y-axis) of the first guide groove (195_1) to one end (e.g., the lower end along the y-axis) along the first guide groove (195_1) from the third state (s3b) to the first state (S1b). The second aperture blade (183b) can move from the other end (e.g., the lower end along the y-axis) of the second guide groove (195_2) to one end (e.g., the upper end along the y-axis) along the second guide groove (195_2) from the third state (S3b) to the first state (S1b).

[0152] In one embodiment, the driving of the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) can be implemented by using an electromagnetic force generated between a coil (e.g., a coil (140) of FIG. 4a) and a magnet (e.g., a magnet (130) of FIG. 4a), as described above with reference to FIGS. 4a to 14b. In one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) can be connected to a linear motor and moved within the guide groove (195). Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) can be connected to a cam (CAM) structure that converts a rotational motion of a rotational component (e.g., an aperture drive unit (120) of FIG. 4a) into a linear motion and moved within the guide groove (195). As the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) are driven in a linear manner, the size of the light incident hole can be linearly adjusted.

[0153] FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing showing an example of the shape of a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0154] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment.

[0155] FIG. 23 is a schematic drawing showing the opening and closing process of an aperture module including a plurality of aperture blades according to one embodiment, as viewed from a lens assembly.

[0156] Figures 21 to 23 illustrate an embodiment in which a pair of aperture blades having substantially the same shape as the first aperture blade (181b) and the second aperture blade (183b) are further added to the aperture module disclosed in Figures 19 to 20a. Reference numerals in Figure 21 <2101> and <2012> is a drawing showing the shape of the aperture blades when viewed from different directions.

[0157] In FIGS. 21 to 23, for convenience of explanation, some components of the aperture module (100) (e.g., the aperture base (110) and the aperture driving unit (120) of FIG. 4a) may be omitted from illustration and description, but the omitted components may be substantially equally applied to the embodiments of FIGS. 21 to 23. In cases where the components of FIGS. 21 to 23 overlap with the components of FIGS. 4a to 4b and FIGS. 6a to 20, the overlapping descriptions of the components of FIGS. 21 to 23 are omitted.

[0158] With reference to FIGS. 21 to 23, in one embodiment, an aperture module (e.g., an aperture module (100) of FIG. 4a) may include a first aperture blade group consisting of a first aperture blade (181b) and a second aperture blade (183b), and a second aperture blade group consisting of a first-first aperture blade (181c) and a second-first aperture blade (183c). For example, the first aperture blade group and the second aperture blade group may be formed in substantially the same shape. The first aperture blade group and the second aperture blade group may be arranged in a state where they are rotated at a predetermined angle with respect to each other with respect to the optical axis (OA). For example, the first aperture blade group and the second aperture blade group may at least partially overlap such that at least one of them is arranged upward (e.g., upward in the z-axis). For example, reference numeral <2102> As shown in , when the first aperture blade group is rotated 90 degrees around the optical axis (OA), the first aperture blade group and the second aperture blade group can be arranged to overlap each other.

[0159] The second aperture blade group can be moved by engaging with different guide grooves from the first aperture blade group. For example, the protrusion (1821c) formed on the first-first aperture blade (181c) can engage with the third guide groove (195_3), and the protrusion (1841c) formed on the second-first aperture blade (183c) can engage with the fourth guide groove (195_4). Each of the third guide groove (195_3) and the fourth guide groove (195_4) can be formed in a different direction from the formation direction of the first guide groove (195_1) and the second guide groove (195_2). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, when the aperture cover (190c) is viewed from the optical axis (OA) (e.g., downward from the z-axis), the first guide groove (195_1) and the second guide groove (195_2) may be viewed parallel to the y-axis, and the third guide groove (195_3) and the fourth guide groove (195_4) may be viewed parallel to the x-axis. As an example, the third guide groove (195_3) and the fourth guide groove (195_4) may be formed to provide a path through which the second aperture blade group can be driven in a direction perpendicular to the driving direction of the first aperture blade group.

[0160] While the first aperture blade group and the second aperture blade group move from the first state (S1c) (e.g., minimum aperture opening) to the second state (S2c) (e.g., middle aperture opening) to the third state (S3c) (e.g., maximum aperture opening), at least a portion of each of the aperture blades can move from one end of each of the guide grooves to the other end. Conversely, while the first aperture blade group and the second aperture blade group move from the third state (S3c) (e.g., open aperture state) to the second state (S2c) (e.g., middle aperture opening) to the first state (S1c) (e.g., closed aperture state), at least a portion of each of the aperture blades can move from the other end of each of the guide grooves to one end. For example, in the aperture opening operation (e.g., the operation of the aperture blades from the first state (S1c) to the third state (S3c), the protrusion (1821c) of the 1-1 aperture blade (181c) can be driven from one end (e.g., the upper end on the x-axis) to the other end (e.g., the lower end on the x-axis) of the third guide groove (195_3) along the third guide groove (195_3). In addition, the protrusion (1841c) of the 2-1 aperture blade (183c) can be driven from one end (e.g., the lower end on the x-axis) to the other end (e.g., the upper end on the x-axis) of the fourth guide groove (195_4) along the fourth guide groove (195_4). That is, in one example, the second aperture blade group can be driven while intersecting with the first aperture blade group (e.g., driven at a 90 degree angle when viewed from above the z-axis).

[0161] In one embodiment, the shapes of the first aperture blade group and the second aperture blade group are not limited to those described above, and may be formed in various shapes to form light incident holes of various shapes (e.g., polygonal shapes or circular shapes). For example, each of the aperture blades constituting the first aperture blade group and the second aperture blade group may be formed with a semicircular curved surface (e.g., the inclined surface (1812) of the first aperture blade (181) and the inclined surface (1832) of the second aperture blade (183) of FIG. 8) set to form a circular light incident hole when in contact with each other (e.g., the first state (S1c)).

[0162] FIG. 24 is a schematic drawing showing an example of a shading structure of an aperture module according to one embodiment.

[0163] In cases where the components of FIG. 24 overlap with the components of FIGS. 4A to 4B and FIGS. 6A to 23, the duplicated description of the components of FIGS. 21 to 23 is omitted.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 24, in one embodiment, an aperture module (e.g., aperture module (100) of FIG. 4A) may include a light-shielding structure that can prevent external light from entering the first lens (201) at an angle greater than a designated angle of view of the camera module (e.g., camera module (50) of FIG. 4A). For example, the aperture module (100) may include a light-shielding portion (e.g., first light-shielding portion (1810) of FIG. 7) of an aperture blade (e.g., aperture blade (180) of FIG. 4A) and a light-shielding structure that is formed separately from the light-shielding portion. The light-shielding structure may be formed in at least one of an aperture cover (190), an aperture base (110), or a lens assembly (200).

[0165] In one embodiment, the aperture cover (e.g., the aperture cover (190) of FIG. 4A) may include a first shading structure (191) that protrudes from an upper surface (1902) of the aperture cover (190) to form a second opening (e.g., the second opening (1901) of FIG. 10A). For example, the first shading structure (191) may be formed to protrude upward from the upper surface (1902) of the aperture cover (190) along the z-axis. By protruding from the upper surface (1902) of the first shading structure (191), at least a portion of external light incident at an angle greater than a specified field of view of the camera module (50) may be blocked. In one example, the first shading structure (191) may include a structure (1911) that protrudes inwardly from the aperture cover (190) to form a light entrance hole having a first diameter (D4) smaller than a diameter (D3) of the second opening (1901). For example, the structure (1911) may protrude further toward the optical axis (OA) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (e.g., the optical axis (OA) of FIG. 4A) compared to a top end (1912) (e.g., an end in the z-axis direction) of the first shading structure (191), and at least a portion of external light passing through the second opening (1901) may be blocked by the structure (1911).

[0166] In one embodiment, the aperture base (110) may be formed with a second shading structure (116) that forms a light entrance hole smaller than the second opening (1901). For example, the second shading structure (116) may be formed to protrude toward the first lens (201) such that an inner diameter (or second diameter) (D5) of a surface facing the optical axis (OA) is smaller than a diameter (D3) of the second opening (1901). For example, the second shading structure (116) may be formed to protrude further toward the optical axis (OA) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (OA) than at least a portion of the aperture cover (190) (e.g., the first shading structure (191)). In one embodiment, the second shading structure (116) may be formed in the lens assembly (200). For example, the second shading structure (116) may be formed so that at least a portion thereof is positioned parallel to the first lens (201) of the lens assembly (200) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (OA). When the second shading structure (116) is included in the aperture base (110), the overall size (e.g., height in the z-axis direction) of the aperture module (100) may be reduced compared to when a separate shading structure is formed in the lens assembly (200).

[0167] In one embodiment, a light-blocking structure (e.g., a first light-blocking structure (191) or a second light-blocking structure (116)) may be used as an aperture that at least partially blocks external light in place of the aperture blades (e.g., the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) of FIG. 8) in an aperture open state (e.g., a third state (S3) of FIG. 11). In one example, the light-blocking structure may be formed in various shapes so as to be able to block light incident at an angle exceeding a predetermined level of a designated angle of view toward the first lens (201) of the camera module (50). For example, the angle of view of the camera module (50) may be set to approximately 90 degrees, and the light-blocking structure may be formed so as to be able to block light incident at an angle greater than the designated angle of view toward the first lens (201) (e.g., an angle greater than approximately 120 degrees).

[0168] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device (2500) capable of performing the operations described in this document (e.g., the electronic device (10) of FIG. 1).

[0169] Referring to FIG. 25, an electronic device (2500) (e.g., the electronic device (10) of FIG. 1) may be one of various forms of electronic devices, such as a notebook (2590), smartphones (2591) having various form factors (e.g., a bar-type smartphone (2591-1), a foldable-type smartphone (2591-2), or a sliderable (or rollable) type smartphone (2591-3)), a tablet (2592), a cellular phone (not shown), and other similar computing devices (not shown). The components, their relationships, and their functions illustrated in FIG. 25 are exemplary only and do not limit the implementations described or claimed in this document. The electronic device (2500) may be referred to as a mobile device, a user device, a multi-function device, a portable device, or a server.

[0170] The electronic device (2500) may include components including at least one processor (2510) (hereinafter referred to as processor (2510)), at least one memory (2520) (hereinafter referred to as memory (2520)), at least one display (2540) (hereinafter referred to as display (2540)), at least one image sensor (2550) (hereinafter referred to as image sensor (2550)), at least one communication circuit (2560) (hereinafter referred to as communication circuit (2560)), and / or at least one sensor (2570) (hereinafter referred to as sensor (2570)). The above components are merely exemplary. For example, the electronic device (2500) may include other components (e.g., power management integrated circuitry (PMIC), audio processing circuitry, an antenna, a rechargeable battery, or an input / output interface). For example, some components may be omitted from the electronic device (2500). For example, several components can be combined into one component.

[0171] The processor (2510) may be implemented as one or more IC (integrated circuit (or circuitry)) chips and may perform various data processing. The processor (2510) may include at least one electrical circuit and may individually or collectively perform distributed processing of instructions (or programs, data, etc.) stored in the memory (2520). The processor (2510) may include a processor assembly including one or more processing circuits. The processor (2510) may include any processing circuit operative to control the performance and operations of one or more components of the electronic device (2500) (e.g., the memory (2520), the display (2540), the image sensor (2550), the communication circuit (2560), and / or the sensor (2570)). For example, the processor (2510) (e.g., an application processor (AP)) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or chipset). For example, the processor (2510) may be implemented as multiple cores (or at least one core circuit), multiple chips, or multiple chipsets. For example, the processor (2510) may include one or more processing circuits. For example, the processor (2510) may include one or more processing circuits configured to individually and / or collectively perform various functions of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, at least a portion of the processor (2510) may be included in a first chip of the electronic device (2500), and at least another portion of the processor (2510) may be included in a second chip of the electronic device (2500) that is different from the first chip of the electronic device (2500).

[0172] For example, the processor (2510) may include a central processing unit (CPU) (2511), a graphics processing unit (GPU) (2512), a neural processing unit (NPU) (2513), an image signal processor (ISP) (2514), a display controller (2515), a memory controller (2516), a storage controller (2517), a communication processor (CP) (2518), and / or a sensor interface (2519). These components of the processor (2510) are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (2510) may further include other components. For example, some components of the processor (2510) may be omitted from the processor (2510). For example, some components of the processor (2510) may be included as separate components of the electronic device (2500) outside the processor (2510). For example, some components of the processor (2510) (e.g., memory controller (2516)) may be included within other components (e.g., at least a portion of memory (2520), an interface (e.g., available for connection to at least one component of the electronic device (2500)), a display (2540) and / or an image sensor (2550)).

[0173] The processor (2510) may cause other components of the electronic device (2500) to perform various operations by executing instructions stored in the memory (2520). The CPU (2511) (or central processing circuit) may be configured to control components of the processor (2510) based on the execution of instructions stored in the memory (2520) (e.g., volatile memory (2521) and / or non-volatile memory (2522)). The GPU (2512) (or graphics processing circuit) may be configured to perform parallel operations (e.g., rendering). The NPU (2513) (or neural processing circuit, or artificial intelligence (AI) chip) may be configured to perform operations for an artificial intelligence model (e.g., convolution computation). The ISP (2514) (or image signal processing circuit) may be configured to process a raw image acquired through the image sensor (2550) into a format suitable for a component within the electronic device (2500) or a component of the processor (2510). The display controller (2515) (or display control circuit, or display processing unit (DPU)) may be configured to process an image acquired from the CPU (2511), the GPU (2512), the ISP (2514), or the memory (2520) (e.g., the volatile memory (2521)) into a format suitable for the display (2540). The memory controller (2516) (or memory control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from the volatile memory (2521) and writing data to the volatile memory (2521). The storage controller (2517) (or storage control circuit) may be configured to control reading data from and writing data to the nonvolatile memory (2522).The CP (2518) (communication processing circuit) may be configured to process data obtained from a component of the processor (2510) into a format suitable for transmission to another electronic device via the communication circuit (2560), or to process data obtained from another electronic device via the communication circuit (2560) into a format suitable for processing by the component of the processor (2510). For example, the communication circuit (2560) may include one or more communication circuits. The sensor interface (2519) (or sensing data processing circuit, sensor hub) may be configured to process data on the state of the electronic device (2500) and / or the state of the surroundings of the electronic device (2500), obtained via the sensor (2570), into a format suitable for the component of the processor (2510).

[0174] The memory (2520) may include one or more storage media (or one or more storage devices). For example, the memory (2520) may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory (e.g., non-volatile memory (2522)) such as a hard drive, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), semi-permanent memory (e.g., volatile memory (2521)) such as random access memory (RAM), any other suitable type of storage (or storage assembly), or any combination thereof. The memory (2520) may include cache memory, which is one or more different types of memory used to temporarily store data for a function or feature of the electronic device (2500). As a non-limiting example, the cache memory may be included within the processor (2510). The memory (2520) may be fixedly embedded within the electronic device (2500) or incorporated into one or more suitable types of components (e.g., a subscriber identity module (SIM) card and / or a secure digital (SD) card) that may be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the electronic device (2500).

[0175] For example, the memory (2520) may store one or more software applications, such as an operating system (or system) software application, a firmware software application, a driver software application, a plug-in (e.g., add-in, add-on, and / or applet) software application, and / or any other suitable software applications. For example, the one or more software applications may include instructions executable by the processor (2510). For example, the memory (2520) may store instructions callable by an application programming interface (API). For example, the memory (2520) may store instructions within a library.

[0176] FIG. 26 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (10) of FIG. 1, or the electronic device (2500) of FIG. 25).

[0177] In one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (2500) of FIG. 25) may include a processor (e.g., a processor (2510) of FIG. 25), a display (e.g., a display (2540) of FIG. 25), a memory (e.g., a volatile memory (2521) of FIG. 25, a nonvolatile memory (2522) of FIG. 25), and / or at least one camera module (e.g., a camera including a camera module (50) of FIG. 4A, or an image sensor (2550) of FIG. 25). The processor may execute an application that supports a photographing function. In addition, the processor may execute at least one camera module and set and support a designated photographing mode so that at least one camera module can perform an operation intended by a user. An application associated with at least one camera module may be stored in the memory. The camera module may include at least one lens and at least one image sensor (e.g., an image sensor (2550) of FIG. 25). For example, the electronic device (2500) may be configured to capture a subject (e.g., a subject including a camera module (50) of FIG. 4A). An image corresponding to the subject can be acquired by using an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor (2550) of FIG. 25) that converts light emitted from the subject (OBJ) or reflected by the subject and transmitted through at least one lens into an electrical signal. For example, the camera module can include at least one of at least one first camera (2631) or at least one second camera (2632).

[0178] Referring to FIG. 26, a display (2610) may be arranged on the front of an electronic device (2500) according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the display (2610) may occupy most of the front of the electronic device (2500). A mask area (2620) may be arranged on the front of the electronic device (2500) in which components that perform optical functions (e.g., a camera, a proximity sensor, or a distance sensor) are arranged. In one embodiment, the mask area (2620) may include an area in which a black mask is arranged so that at least a portion of the screen is not output. In one embodiment, the display (2610) is not limited to that illustrated in the drawing and may be formed in various ways. For example, the mask area (2620) may include an area in which a black mask is arranged in the form of a notch that is arranged adjacent to a portion of an edge of the front of the electronic device (2500). For example, the display (2610) may form the front surface of the electronic device (2500) without an area where a black mask is placed. If there is no area where a black mask is placed, a mask area (2620) may be placed within the area where the display (2610) is formed so that components that perform optical functions operate on the back surface of the display (2610). However, the arrangement of the mask area (2620) is not limited to the examples described above.

[0179] In one embodiment, at least one first camera (2631) may be disposed on the front of the electronic device (2500). In one embodiment, the at least one first camera (2631) may be visually exposed through a camera hole of the display (2610). In one embodiment, the at least one first camera (2631) may include an under display camera (UDC) that is exposed through at least one micro-hole of the display (2610). For example, if the at least one first camera (2631) is a UDC, the at least one first camera (2631) may not be visually exposed by the display (2610). Although the embodiment of FIG. 26 illustrates that the at least one first camera (2631) is exposed through at least a portion within an area where the display (2610) is disposed, the at least one first camera (2631) may also be exposed through a mask area (2620). For example, a lens included in at least one first camera (2631) may be exposed through at least a portion of a transparent area formed in the notch area. For example, at least one first camera (2531) may be configured to move from the inside to the outside of the electronic device (2500) so that the lens may be exposed.

[0180] In one embodiment, at least one first camera (2631) may include multiple cameras. For example, referring to FIG. 26, the electronic device (2500) may include multiple (e.g., two) first cameras, such as a first front camera and a second front camera. In one embodiment, the multiple cameras may be cameras of the same type with equivalent specifications (e.g., pixels or field of view (FOV)), but may also be implemented as cameras with different specifications. For example, the electronic device (2500) may support functions related to dual cameras (e.g., depth measurement, auto focus (AF), face recognition, 3D selfie) through the two first cameras.

[0181] In one embodiment, at least one second camera (2632) may be disposed on the back of the electronic device (2500). For example, the at least one second camera (2632) may be exposed through at least one area (e.g., camera area (2630)) of the back cover (2650). In one embodiment, the electronic device (2500) may include a plurality of second cameras disposed on the back of the electronic device (2500). For example, referring to FIG. 26, the electronic device (2500) may include a first rear camera, a second rear camera, and a third rear camera. In one embodiment, the first rear camera, the second rear camera, and the third rear camera may have different specifications. For example, at least some of the FOV, pixels, sensing wavelength band, aperture, whether optical zoom / digital zoom is supported, whether image shake correction function (e.g., optical image stabilization (OIS), digital image stabilization (DIS), electrical image stabilization (EIS)) is supported, and the type and arrangement of the lens assembly (or lens group) included in each camera (e.g., the lens assembly (200) of FIG. 4A) may be different from each other. For example, the first rear camera may be a general camera (e.g., a camera having a narrower angle of view than the second rear camera), the second rear camera may be a camera for wide shooting, and the third rear camera may be a camera for telephoto shooting. At least two or more of the first rear camera, the second rear camera, and the third rear camera may have the same specifications. In the present disclosure, a description of a function or characteristic of the first camera may be applied to the second camera, and vice versa.

[0182] In one embodiment, various hardware or sensors (e.g., sensor (2570) of FIG. 25) that assist in shooting, such as a flash (2640), may be additionally placed in the electronic device (2500). For example, a distance sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor) for detecting the distance between a subject and the electronic device (2500) may be further included in the camera area (2630).

[0183] In one embodiment, a process of converting a raw image acquired through a camera module into a format that can be processed by a component within an electronic device (2500) or a sub-component within a processor (2510) may be performed in an ISP (e.g., an ISP (2514) of FIG. 25) or an image sensor (e.g., an image sensor (2550) of FIG. 25). In one embodiment, the process of processing data constituting the raw image may be performed in the ISP (2514). In one embodiment, at least a part of the process of processing data constituting the raw image may be performed by a computational unit included in the image sensor (2550).

[0184] The electronic device (2500) may be implemented with one or more IC chips to perform various functions and operations disclosed in this document. For example, an application processor (AP) (e.g., a processor (2510) of FIG. 25), a central processing unit (CPU) (e.g., a CPU (2511) of FIG. 25), a graphics processing unit (GPU) (e.g., a GPU (2512) of FIG. 25), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an NPU (2513) of FIG. 25), an image signal processor (ISP) mounted on a camera module (e.g., an ISP (2514) of FIG. 25), a display driver IC (integrated circuit) (DDIC) for driving a display (e.g., a display (2540) of FIG. 25), or a hardware encoder included in the electronic device (2500) may be used to implement various embodiments disclosed in this document. In this document, a processor may be understood to include at least one hardware processing circuit.

[0185] The electronic device (2500) illustrated in FIG. 26 is an example and does not limit the form of the device to which the technical idea disclosed in this document is applied. The technical idea disclosed in this document may be applied to various user devices equipped with a camera module. For example, the technical idea disclosed in this document may be applied to an electronic device employing a flexible display (e.g., a foldable electronic device (e.g., a foldable type smartphone (2591-2) of FIG. 25), a rollable (or slidable) electronic device (e.g., a rollable type smartphone (2591-3)), a tablet (e.g., a tablet (2592) of FIG. 25), or a laptop (e.g., a laptop (2590) of FIG. 25).

[0186] For convenience of explanation, various embodiments are described below based on the electronic device (2500) illustrated in FIG. 26.

[0187] FIG. 27 is a block diagram (2700) illustrating the configuration of a camera module (e.g., the camera module (50) of FIG. 4A) included in an electronic device (2500) (e.g., the electronic device (10) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment.

[0188] In one embodiment, a camera included in an electronic device (2500) may include a lens assembly (2701) (e.g., the lens assembly (200) of FIG. 4A), an image sensor (2703) (e.g., the image sensor (2550) of FIG. 25), a sensor interface (2705), an ISP (2711), a controller (2715), an auto focus (AF) controller (2709) (e.g., a drive unit that moves the lens assembly (200) of FIG. 4A along an optical axis (OA), a flash (2717), and an optical image stabilizer (OIS) (2723) (e.g., a drive unit that moves the lens assembly (200) of FIG. 4A in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (OA).

[0189] In one embodiment, light from an object incident through a lens assembly (2701) may be converted into an electrical signal by an image sensor (2703). A signal output from the image sensor (2703) may be input to an image signal processor (ISP) (2711) through a sensor interface (2705). An infrared cut filter (IR cut filter) may be disposed on an upper surface of the image sensor (2703). Light from an object passing through the lens assembly (2701) may be partially filtered by the IR cut filter and then detected by the image sensor (2703).

[0190] In one embodiment, the ISP (2711) may perform operations related to an image signal output from the image sensor (2703). The ISP (2711) may include at least one of an ISP chain or a Pre-ISP. The ISP chain may mean, for example, a plurality of functional blocks connected to perform functions of the ISP. The ISP functional block may mean a unit of hardware and / or software that performs any one of the image signal processing functions. The ISP functional block may perform at least one of the image signal processing functions. For example, the functional block may perform at least one of the image signal processing functions of noise reduction, edge enhancement, gamma correction, or color interpolation. The ISP chain may be implemented as a chip having the structure of an ISP chain, or may be implemented as a software module executed by a processor (e.g., the processor (2510) of FIG. 25). The ISP can perform image signal processing to obtain desired image data from an image signal. The Pre-ISP can perform operations related to the image signal before performing image signal processing in the ISP chain. For example, auto white balance (AWB), auto exposure (AE) control, and auto focusing (AF) operations can be performed in the Pre-ISP. The ISP (2711) can store data in the memory (2713) or use data stored in the memory (2713) to perform operations related to the image signal.

[0191] In one embodiment, the ISP chain of the ISP (2711) can process an image signal acquired through the image sensor (2703). For example, the ISP chain can perform at least one of lens shading correction, dead pixel correction, noise control, tone curve adjustment, color correction and adjustment, edge enhancement, demosaicing, or remosaicing.

[0192] In one embodiment, the ISP (2711) may be implemented as at least a part of a processor (e.g., processor (2510) of FIG. 25) (or an integrated circuit) constituting the controller (2715), but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the ISP (2711) may be implemented as a separate processor (or an integrated circuit). In one embodiment, the ISP (2711) may be implemented through a computational unit included in the image sensor (2703). In one embodiment, the ISP (2711) may be distributed across multiple components (e.g., a computational unit of the image sensor (2703), a separate processor, and the controller (2715)).

[0193] In one embodiment, the controller (2715) can control the display (2540) to display an execution screen of an application executed by the controller (2715) or a screen stored in the memory (2713). The memory (2713) can include at least one recording (or storage) medium. For example, the memory (2713) can include at least one of a volatile memory (2521) such as a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory (2522) such as a flash memory, or a buffer memory.

[0194] In one embodiment, the optical image stabilizer (2723) can move at least a portion of the lens assembly (2701) or the image sensor (2703) in response to movement of the electronic device (2500) to eliminate or reduce shaking of a captured image. At least a portion of the lens assembly (2701) or the image sensor (2703) can move to offset the movement of the electronic device (2500). In one embodiment, the optical image stabilizer (2723) can obtain information about the movement of the electronic device (2500) through a motion sensor (2721) (e.g., sensor (2570) of FIG. 25). For example, the motion sensor (2721) can include a gyro sensor.

[0195] In one embodiment, the auto-focus controller (2709) can adjust the distance between at least one lens of the lens assembly (2701) (e.g., the first lens (201) of FIG. 4A) and the image sensor (2703) so that an image is formed on the image sensor (2703) by light passing through the lens assembly (2701). For example, the ISP (2711) can determine a phase difference between pixels (or a phase difference between sub-pixels) from image data acquired through the image sensor (2703). The controller (2715) can control the auto-focus controller (2709) to adjust the focus based on the determined phase difference. However, the operating method of the auto-focus controller (2709) is not limited thereto. For example, the autofocus controller (2709) may perform focus adjustment based on the position of the lens assembly (2701) or image sensor (2703) where an image exhibiting maximum contrast is acquired while moving the lens assembly (2701) or image sensor (2703).

[0196] FIG. 28 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of an image sensor (2550) according to one embodiment.

[0197] In one embodiment, the image sensor (2550) may include a micro lens array (MLA) (2811), a color filter array (CFA) (2813), a light receiving unit (2815), and a computation unit (2817).

[0198] In one embodiment, the microlens array (2811) may be arranged such that a light bundle (2821) that passes through the lens assembly (e.g., the lens assembly (200) of FIG. 4A, or the lens assembly (2701) of FIG. 27) and forms an image on the image sensor (2550) (e.g., the image sensor (2703) of FIG. 27) is focused onto a light-receiving element of the light-receiving unit (2815). The light bundle (2823) that passes through the microlens array (2811) may have at least a portion of the wavelengths outside of a band corresponding to a specific color blocked as it passes through the color filter array (2813). For example, the color filter array may be arranged at a position corresponding to a pixel of the image sensor (2550). The light bundles (2825) that pass through the color filter array (2813) may be detected by a light-receiving element (e.g., a photodiode) of the light-receiving unit (2815). The light receiving unit (2815) may include a light receiving element (e.g., including a light receiving circuit) that generates a charge when receiving light and converts it into an electrical signal, and a circuit that selectively reads out the charge of the light receiving element. A circuit for digitizing the signal read out from the light receiving unit (2815) or reducing noise may be further arranged between the light receiving unit (2815) and the calculation unit (2817).

[0199] In one embodiment, the operation unit (2817) may perform an operation to process electrical data (or signal) (2827) output from the light receiving unit (2815). The operation unit (2817) may output data obtained based on the operation result. The output of the operation unit (2817) may be a sensor output (2829) of the image sensor (2550).

[0200] In one embodiment, the calculation unit (2817) may perform an operation to calibrate the read data as an operation to process the electrical data (2827). For example, the operation performed by the calculation unit (2817) may include at least one of an operation to reduce the deviation between pixels due to optical characteristics or relative positions of sensors, an operation to reduce noise generated in an analog signal, an operation to remove defects, an operation to perform remosaic, or an operation to apply to a specific application (e.g., a proximity sensor function, a timing adjustment function, a HDR (high dynamic range) tone mapping function).

[0201] In one embodiment, the electronic device (2500) may be configured such that the operations performed by the computation unit (2817) are performed by another processor (2510) (e.g., an application processor (AP), a central processing unit (CPU) (2511), a graphics processing unit (GPU) (2512), a neural processing unit (NPU) (2513), an image signal processor (ISP) (2514)). The sensor output (2829) may be input to the processor (2510) (e.g., an application processor (AP), a central processing unit (CPU) (2511), a graphics processing unit (GPU) (2512), a neural processing unit (NPU) (2513), an image signal processor (ISP) (2514)) through an interface.

[0202] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of an electronic device (2901) (e.g., electronic device (10) of FIG. 1) within a network environment (2900) according to various embodiments.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 29, in one embodiment, in a network environment (2900), an electronic device (2901) may communicate with an electronic device (2902) via a first network (2998) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (2904) or a server (2908) via a second network (2999) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (2901) may communicate with the electronic device (2904) via the server (2908). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (2901) may include a processor (2920), a memory (2930), an input module (2950), an audio output module (2955), a display module (2960), an audio module (2970), a sensor module (2976), an interface (2977), a connection terminal (2978), a haptic module (2979), a camera module (2980) (e.g., the camera module (50) of FIG. 4A), a power management module (2988), a battery (2989), a communication module (2990), a subscriber identification module (2996), or an antenna module (2997). In one embodiment, the electronic device (2901) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (2978)), or may have one or more other components added. In one embodiment, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (2976), camera module (2980), or antenna module (2997)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., display module (2960)).

[0204] The processor (2920) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (2940)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (2901) connected to the processor (2920) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (2920) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (2976) or a communication module (2990)) in a volatile memory (2932), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (2932), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (2934). According to one embodiment, the processor (2920) may include a main processor (2921) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (2923) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (2921). For example, when the electronic device (2901) includes the main processor (2921) and the secondary processor (2923), the secondary processor (2923) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (2921) or to be specialized for a given function. The secondary processor (2923) may be implemented separately from the main processor (2921) or as a part thereof.

[0205] The auxiliary processor (2923) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (2960), the sensor module (2976), or the communication module (2990)) of the electronic device (2901), for example, on behalf of the main processor (2921) while the main processor (2921) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (2921) while the main processor (2921) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (2923) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (2980) or a communication module (2990)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (2923) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (2901) where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (2908)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0206] The memory (2930) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (2920) or the sensor module (2976)) of the electronic device (2901). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (2940)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (2930) can include volatile memory (2932) or non-volatile memory (2934).

[0207] The program (2940) may be stored as software in memory (2930) and may include, for example, an operating system (2942), middleware (2944), or an application (2946).

[0208] The input module (2950) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (2901) (e.g., a processor (2920)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (2901). The input module (2950) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0209] The audio output module (2955) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (2901). The audio output module (2955) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0210] The display module (2960) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (2901). The display module (2960) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (2960) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0211] The audio module (2970) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module (2970) can acquire sound through the input module (2950), output sound through the sound output module (2955), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2902)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (2901).

[0212] The sensor module (2976) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (2901) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (2976) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0213] The interface (2977) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (2901) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2902)). In one embodiment, the interface (2977) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0214] The connection terminal (2978) may include a connector through which the electronic device (2901) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2902)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (2978) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0215] The haptic module (2979) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (2979) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0216] A camera module (2980) (e.g., camera module (50) of FIG. 4A) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (2980) may include one or more lenses (e.g., multiple lenses (201, 202, 203, 204) of FIG. 4B), image sensors (e.g., image sensor (2550) of FIG. 28), image signal processors, or flashes.

[0217] The power management module (2988) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (2901). According to one embodiment, the power management module (2988) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0218] A battery (2989) may power at least one component of the electronic device (2901). In one embodiment, the battery (2989) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0219] The communication module (2990) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (2901) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2902), electronic device (2904), or server (2908)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (2990) may operate independently from the processor (2920) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (2990) may include a wireless communication module (2992) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (2994) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (2904) via a first network (2998) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (2999) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (2992) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (2996) to identify or authenticate the electronic device (2901) within a communication network such as the first network (2998) or the second network (2999).

[0220] The wireless communication module (2992) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency communications (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (2992) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (2992) can support various technologies for securing performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (2992) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (2901), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2904)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (2999)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (2992) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0221] The antenna module (2997) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (2997) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (2997) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (2998) or the second network (2999), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (2990). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (2990) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In one embodiment, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (2997).

[0222] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (2997) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0223] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0224] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (2901) and an external electronic device (2904) via a server (2908) connected to a second network (2999). Each of the external electronic devices (2902 or 2904) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (2901). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (2901) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (2902, 2904, or 2908). For example, when the electronic device (2901) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (2901) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the results of the execution to the electronic device (2901). The electronic device (2901) may process the results as is or additionally and provide them as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technologies may be utilized, for example. The electronic device (2901) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (2904) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (2908) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (2904) or server (2908) may be included within the second network (2999). The electronic device (2901) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0225] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0226] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0227] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0228] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (2940)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (2936) or an external memory (2938)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (2901)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (2920)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (2901)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0230] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0231] In various embodiments, a lens assembly (e.g., lens assembly (200) of FIG. 4A) may include a plurality of lenses (e.g., 201, 202, 203, 204 of FIG. 4B) arranged on an optical axis (e.g., optical axis OA of FIG. 4A). The plurality of lenses may include a first lens (e.g., first lens (201) of FIG. 4A) arranged closest to a subject side (e.g., subject side (OBJ) of FIG. 4A) and a second lens (e.g., second lens (204) of FIG. 4B) arranged farthest from the subject side. The diameters of the first lens (201) and the second lens (204) may be formed differently. For example, the diameter of the first lens (201) may be formed smaller than the diameter of the second lens (204).

[0232] In various embodiments, at least one of the embodiments disclosed in this document may be combined and applied. For example, the aperture module may be a combined form of an aperture blade (180) disclosed in FIGS. 4A to 4B and FIGS. 6A to 14B and an aperture base (110a) disclosed in FIGS. 15 to 18, or a lens assembly (200a).

[0233] In various embodiments, the connection (or coupling) of at least two of the aperture blade (e.g., the aperture blade (180) of FIG. 4A), the aperture drive unit (e.g., the aperture drive unit (120) of FIG. 4A), or the aperture base (e.g., the aperture base (110) of FIG. 4A) is not limited to the above-described method and may be performed in various ways. For example, the aperture blade and the aperture base may be coupled by having a protrusion of the aperture blade inserted into a hole formed in the aperture base. For example, the aperture blade and the aperture drive unit may be in a form in which a protrusion of the aperture blade is received in a long hole formed in the aperture blade.

[0234] In various embodiments, an aperture module (e.g., the aperture module (100) of FIG. 4A) may include one aperture blade having an opening formed in the center. For example, one aperture blade may be connected to an aperture driving unit (e.g., the aperture driving unit (120) of FIG. 4A) and may move from one side to the other on an aperture base (e.g., the aperture base (110) of FIG. 4A). For example, as the position of the opening of one aperture blade changes, the size of a light incident hole of the aperture module may change, and the amount of external light incident on a first lens (e.g., the first lens (201) of FIG. 4A) may be adjusted. In one example, in the case of an aperture module that adjusts the amount of external light with one aperture blade, one aperture blade may be formed larger than each aperture blade of an aperture module that adjusts the amount of external light with a plurality of aperture blades. As the size of the aperture blades increases, the radius of movement (or displacement of movement) of the aperture blades may increase, and the width in one direction of the aperture module that accommodates them or the overall size of the aperture module may increase.

[0235] In various embodiments, the arrangement of the magnets and coils driving the aperture blades may be configured in various ways, not limited to those described above. For example, the magnets may be attached (or arranged) to the aperture blades, and the aperture blades may be directly driven by a magnetic force acting between the aperture blades and a coil arranged on the aperture base.

[0236] In various embodiments, the effective diameter of a first lens (e.g., a lens positioned closest to the subject among a plurality of lenses included in a lens assembly) may be adjusted by the aperture blade. For example, the aperture blade may be actuated on the first lens so as to obscure at least a portion of the first lens.

[0237] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0238] A camera module (50) according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document comprises: a lens assembly (200) including a plurality of lenses; and an aperture module (100) at least a portion of which is disposed on a lens (201) closest to an object side (OBJ) of the plurality of lenses; wherein the aperture module (100) comprises: an aperture base (110) disposed on the lens assembly (200) and including an opening (1101) formed to visually expose the lens (201); a plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) disposed adjacent to the opening (1101) and configured to adjust the size of a light-incident hole positioned on an optical axis (OA) of the lens (201); And an aperture connecting portion connecting the aperture base (110) and the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183); wherein each of the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) includes a light-blocking portion (1810, 1830) that blocks at least a portion of external light incident on the lens (201); and a connecting portion (1820, 1840) connecting the light-blocking portion (1810, 1830) and the aperture base (110); wherein the light-blocking portion (1810, 1830) may be formed closer to the subject side (OBJ) on the optical axis (OA) than the connecting portion (1820, 1840).

[0239] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the aperture base (110) includes a first curved portion (112) surrounding at least a portion of the lens assembly (200), and a second curved portion facing the first curved portion (112) is formed from at least a portion of the light-shielding portion (1810, 1830) or at least a portion of the connecting portion (1820, 1840), and the size of the light incident hole can be adjusted as the second curved portion moves on the first curved portion (112).

[0240] According to one embodiment disclosed in the present document, the aperture connecting portion includes an aperture driving portion (120) formed between the aperture base (110) and the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) and at least partially engaged with the connecting portion (1820, 1840), and the aperture driving portion (120) includes a magnet (130) arranged at a position corresponding to a coil (140) arranged on the aperture base (110), and may be configured to rotate about the optical axis (OA) using a magnetic force generated between the magnet (130) and the coil (140).

[0241] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, each of the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) includes a hole (1821, 1841) into which a first protrusion (113) formed on the aperture base (110) is inserted and a long hole (1822, 1842) for receiving a second protrusion (121) formed on the aperture driving unit (120), and each of the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the aperture driving unit (120) with the first protrusion (113) as a rotation axis.

[0242] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the displacement of the shading portion (1810, 1830) on the optical axis (OA) may be greater than the displacement of the connecting portion (1820, 1840) on the optical axis (OA).

[0243] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the camera module (50) is configured such that the lens assembly (200) moves forward and backward in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis (OA) to perform optical image stabilization, and the aperture module (100) can move forward and backward in the first direction together with the lens assembly (200).

[0244] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the camera module (50) is configured such that the lens assembly (200) moves forward and backward in a second direction parallel to the optical axis (OA) to perform auto focusing, and the aperture module (100) can move forward and backward in the second direction together with the lens assembly (200).

[0245] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the plurality of lenses include a first lens (201) arranged closest to the subject side (OBJ) and a second lens arranged farthest from the subject side (OBJ), and the diameter of the second lens may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the first lens (201).

[0246] According to one embodiment disclosed in the present document, the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) include a first aperture blade (181) and a second aperture blade (183) that move to intersect each other on the aperture base (110), and surfaces (1811, 1813, 1831, 1833) where the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) interlock with each other can be formed to at least partially overlap when viewed on the optical axis (OA).

[0247] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the first aperture blade (181) includes a first inclined surface (1811) and a second inclined surface (1813) that are engaged with the second aperture blade (183), and the first inclined surface (1811) and the second inclined surface (1813) can be formed to form a predetermined angle with the optical axis (OA).

[0248] A camera module (50) according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document comprises: a lens assembly (200) including a plurality of lenses; and an aperture module (100) at least a portion of which is disposed on a lens (201) closest to an object side (OBJ) of the plurality of lenses; wherein the aperture module (100) comprises: an aperture base (110) disposed on the lens assembly (200) and including a first opening (1101) formed to visually expose the lens (201); a plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) disposed adjacent to the first opening (1101) and configured to adjust the size of a light-incident hole positioned on an optical axis (OA) of the lens (201); And an aperture driving unit (120) connecting the aperture base (110) and the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183); each of the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) includes a light-blocking unit (1810, 1830) for blocking at least a portion of external light incident on the lens (201); and a connecting unit (1820, 1840) connecting the light-blocking unit (1810, 1830) and the aperture driving unit (120); and the aperture module (100) includes a first state (S1) in which the size of the light incident hole is minimized and a second state (S3) in which the size of the light incident hole is maximized, and the light-blocking unit (1810, 1830) can be configured such that a position on the optical axis (OA) changes between the first state (S1) and the second state.

[0249] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the aperture base (110) includes a first curved portion (112) surrounding at least a portion of the lens assembly (200), and a second curved portion facing the first curved portion (112) is formed from at least a portion of the light-shielding portion (1810, 1830) or at least a portion of the connecting portion (1820, 1840), and the size of the light incident hole can be adjusted as the second curved portion moves on the first curved portion (112).

[0250] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the aperture driving unit (120) is connected to at least a portion of the connecting unit (1820, 1840) and moves linearly on the aperture base (110), and the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) can move forward and backward in conjunction with the linear movement of the aperture driving unit (120).

[0251] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the device further includes an aperture cover (190b) disposed on the aperture base (110) and including a second opening (1901) formed to visually expose the lens (201), and a guide groove (195_1, 195_2) that provides a path for the forward and backward movement of the plurality of aperture blades (181b, 183b) may be formed on the aperture cover (190b).

[0252] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, each of the plurality of aperture blades (181b, 183b) may include a protrusion (1821b, 1842b) accommodated in at least a portion of the guide groove (195_1, 195_2).

[0253] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the camera module (50) is configured such that the lens assembly (200) moves forward and backward in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis (OA) to perform optical image stabilization, and the aperture module (100) can move forward and backward in the first direction together with the lens assembly (200).

[0254] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the camera module (50) is set to move forward and backward in a second direction parallel to the optical axis (OA) of the lens assembly (200) for auto focusing, and the aperture module (100) can move forward and backward in the second direction together with the lens assembly (200).

[0255] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, the plurality of lenses include a first lens (201) arranged closest to the subject side (OBJ) and a second lens (204) arranged farthest from the subject side (OBJ), and the diameter of the second lens (204) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the first lens (201).

[0256] According to one embodiment disclosed in the present document, the plurality of aperture blades (181, 183) include a first aperture blade (181) and a second aperture blade (183) that move to intersect each other on the aperture base (110), and surfaces (1811, 1813, 1831, 1833) where the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) interlock with each other can be formed to at least partially overlap when viewed on the optical axis (OA).

[0257] According to one embodiment disclosed in the present document, the first aperture blade (181) includes a first inclined surface (1811) and a second inclined surface (1813) that are engaged with the second aperture blade (183), and when the first inclined surface (1811) is formed to form a positive angle with respect to the optical axis (OA), the second inclined surface (1813) is formed to form a negative angle with respect to the optical axis (OA), and a force generated between the first aperture blade (181) and the second aperture blade (183) can be applied in opposite directions at the first inclined surface (1811) and the second inclined surface (1813).

[0258] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

Claims

In the camera module, A lens assembly comprising a plurality of lenses; and At least some of the plurality of lenses comprise an aperture module disposed on the lens closest to the subject side, The above aperture module, An aperture base disposed on the lens assembly and including an opening formed to visually expose the lens; A plurality of aperture blades arranged adjacent to the opening and configured to adjust the size of a light-incident hole positioned on the optical axis of the lens; and Including an aperture connecting portion connecting the above aperture base and the plurality of aperture blades, Each of the above plurality of aperture blades, A light shielding member that blocks at least a portion of external light incident on the lens; and Including a connecting part connecting the above-mentioned shading part and the above-mentioned aperture base, A camera module, wherein the above-mentioned shading portion is formed closer to the subject side on the optical axis compared to the above-mentioned connecting portion. In claim 1, The aperture base includes a first curved portion surrounding at least a portion of the lens assembly, A second curved portion facing the first curved portion is formed from at least a portion of the above-described shading portion or at least a portion of the above-described connecting portion, A camera module in which the size of the light incident hole is adjusted as the second curved portion moves on the first curved portion. In claim 2, The above aperture connecting portion includes an aperture driving portion formed between the aperture base and the plurality of aperture blades and at least partially engaged with the connecting portion, A camera module, wherein the aperture driving unit includes a magnet positioned corresponding to a coil positioned on the aperture base, and is configured to rotate around the optical axis using a magnetic force generated between the magnet and the coil. In claim 3, Each of the plurality of aperture blades includes a hole into which a first projection formed on the aperture base is inserted and a long hole for receiving a second projection formed on the aperture driving unit, A camera module in which each of the plurality of aperture blades rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the aperture driving unit around the first protrusion as a rotation axis. In claim 1, A camera module in which the displacement of the above-mentioned shading portion on the optical axis is greater than the displacement of the above-mentioned connecting portion on the optical axis. In claim 1, The above camera module is configured such that the lens assembly moves forward and backward in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis to perform optical image stabilization, A camera module, wherein the aperture module moves forward and backward in the first direction together with the lens assembly. In claim 1, The camera module is configured such that the lens assembly moves forward and backward in a second direction parallel to the optical axis to perform auto focusing, A camera module in which the aperture module moves forward and backward in the second direction together with the lens assembly. In claim 1, The plurality of lenses include a first lens positioned closest to the subject side and a second lens positioned farthest from the subject side, A camera module in which the diameter of the second lens is formed to be larger than the diameter of the first lens. In claim 1, The above plurality of aperture blades include a first aperture blade and a second aperture blade that move so as to cross each other on the aperture base, A camera module, wherein the surfaces where the first aperture blade and the second aperture blade interlock with each other are formed to at least partially overlap when viewed on the optical axis. In claim 9, The first aperture blade includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that engage with the second aperture blade, A camera module wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are formed to form a predetermined angle with the optical axis. In the camera module, A lens assembly comprising a plurality of lenses; and At least some of the plurality of lenses comprise an aperture module disposed on the lens closest to the subject side, The above aperture module, An aperture base disposed on the lens assembly and including a first opening formed to visually expose the lens; A plurality of aperture blades arranged adjacent to the first opening and configured to adjust the size of a light-incident hole positioned on the optical axis of the lens; and It includes an aperture drive unit that connects the aperture base and the plurality of aperture blades, Each of the above plurality of aperture blades, A light shielding member that blocks at least a portion of external light incident on the lens; and Including a connecting part connecting the above shading part and the aperture driving part, The aperture module includes a first state in which the size of the light incident hole is minimized and a second state in which the size of the light incident hole is maximized, A camera module, wherein the shading member is configured to change its position on the optical axis between the first state and the second state. In claim 11, The aperture base includes a first curved portion surrounding at least a portion of the lens assembly, A second curved portion facing the first curved portion is formed from at least a portion of the above-described shading portion or at least a portion of the above-described connecting portion, A camera module in which the size of the light incident hole is adjusted as the second curved portion moves on the first curved portion. In claim 11, The above aperture driving unit is connected to at least a part of the connecting unit and moves linearly on the aperture base, A camera module in which the plurality of aperture blades move forward and backward in conjunction with the linear movement of the aperture drive unit. In claim 13, Further comprising an aperture cover disposed on the aperture base and including a second opening formed to visually expose the lens; A camera module, wherein a guide groove is formed in the aperture cover to provide a path for the forward and backward movement of the plurality of aperture blades. In claim 14, A camera module, wherein each of the plurality of aperture blades includes a protrusion accommodated in at least a portion of the guide groove.

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