Camera actuator and camera module comprising same

Abstract

A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a sensor base; and a prism disposed on the sensor base, wherein the prism includes an incident surface on which light is incident and an exit surface through which the light exits, the sensor base includes a protruding portion on one surface facing the exit surface of the prism, and the protruding portion may be disposed along an edge of the prism at which the exit surface and the incident surface meet.

Description

Camera actuator and camera module including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera actuator and a camera module including the same, and more specifically, to a camera actuator capable of reducing flare phenomena and a camera module including the same.

[0002] A camera is a device that captures subjects in photos or videos, and it is mounted on portable devices, drones, vehicles, etc. To improve image quality, camera modules may feature Image Stabilization (IS) to correct or prevent image shake caused by user movement, Auto Focusing (AF) to automatically adjust the distance between the image sensor and the lens to align the lens focal length, and Zooming to increase or decrease the magnification of distant subjects using a zoom lens.

[0003] Meanwhile, as image sensors increase in pixel count, the resolution rises and the size of the pixels decreases; consequently, as pixels become smaller, the amount of light received over the same period of time decreases. Therefore, in high-pixel cameras, image blur caused by hand shake resulting from slow shutter speeds in dark environments can appear more severe. A representative example of image stabilization (IS) technology is optical image stabilization (OIS), which corrects motion by changing the path of light.

[0004] At this time, the prism and lens module of the OIS actuator operate separately, which creates a gap between the prism and the lens module. In addition, space is required at the bottom of the sensor because tilt occurs during the sensor's active alignment (AA). As such, gaps are created between the internal components of the camera actuator, and light enters through these gaps, causing problems such as flare or light leakage.

[0005] The technical problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a camera actuator and a camera module capable of reducing flare phenomena.

[0006] The problems intended to be solved in the embodiments are not limited thereto, and may also include objectives or effects that can be identified from the means of solving the problems or the forms of implementation described below.

[0007] A camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensor base and a prism disposed on the sensor base, wherein the prism comprises an incident surface on which light is incident and an exit surface on which light is emitted, and the sensor base comprises a protrusion on one surface facing the exit surface of the prism, and the protrusion may be disposed along one side where the exit surface of the prism and the incident surface meet.

[0008] In a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the protrusion may be shorter than the length of the side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet.

[0009] In a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion may be positioned at a certain distance from the incident surface of the prism.

[0010] In a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the incident surface of the prism has black masking at its edge, and the height from the side where the exit surface of the prism meets the incident surface to the inside of the black masking may be higher than the height of the protrusion.

[0011] In a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the height from the side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet to the inner side of the black masking and the height of the protrusion from the sensor base may be 100 µm or more.

[0012] In a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a lens assembly is disposed on one side of the incident surface of the prism, and the diameter of the lens included in the lens assembly may be smaller than the length of the side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet.

[0013] In a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor base includes a hole, and the prism may be placed over the hole.

[0014] In a camera actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hole may be larger than the exit surface of the prism.

[0015] A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a camera actuator, a zoom module, a circuit board, and a bracket, wherein the camera actuator comprises a sensor base and a prism disposed on the sensor base, the prism comprises an incident surface on which light is incident and an exit surface on which light is emitted, and the sensor base comprises a protrusion on one surface facing the exit surface of the prism, and the protrusion may be disposed along one side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera actuator and a camera module capable of reducing flare phenomena can be implemented.

[0017] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above and may be more easily understood in the process of explaining specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the camera module of Figure 1 excluding the bracket.

[0020] Figure 3 is a simplified exploded perspective view of the camera module of Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a camera module cut along AA' in Figure 1.

[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a sensor base portion coupled with a prism in a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 6a to 6c are a perspective view and a side view of the sensor base illustrated in FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 7a to 7c are a perspective view and a side view of the sensor base and the second prism combined as shown in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view in which a first lens assembly included in a zoom module is combined with a sensor base and a second prism as shown in FIG. 7a to 7c according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal with a camera module applied according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle with a camera module applied according to an embodiment.

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0030] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0031] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0032] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0033] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] These terms are intended merely to distinguish a component from other components and are not limited by the essence, order, sequence, etc. of the component.

[0035] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'joined' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, combined, or joined to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'joined' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0036] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above or below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0037] In the following description, the third direction (Y-axis direction) corresponds to the optical axis direction, and the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction) are described as directions perpendicular to the optical axis. Specifically, the first direction is the Z-axis direction in the drawing and may be used interchangeably with the first axis direction, etc. The second direction is the X-axis direction in the drawing and may be used interchangeably with the second axis direction, etc. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is the Y-axis direction in the drawing and may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera module according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera module of FIG. 1 excluding the bracket, FIG. 3 is a simplified exploded perspective view of the camera module of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the camera module cut along AA' in FIG. 1.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a camera module (1000) according to one embodiment may include a camera actuator (1100), a zoom module (1200), a circuit board (1300), and a bracket (1400).

[0040] The camera actuator (1100) may be an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) actuator. The camera actuator (1100) may change the path of light. For example, the camera actuator (1100) may change the path of light vertically through an internal optical element (e.g., a prism or a mirror). The optical element may change the light from a first direction (in the drawing, the Z-axis direction) to a third direction (in the drawing, the Y-axis direction). Or the optical element may change the light from a first axis to a second axis. With this configuration, even if the thickness of the mobile terminal is reduced, a lens configuration larger than the thickness of the mobile terminal may be placed within the mobile terminal through the change of the light path, allowing magnification, autofocus (AF), zoom, and OIS functions to be performed. OIS may be used interchangeably with terms such as hand shake correction, optical image stabilization, optical image correction, and shake correction. However, it is not limited to this, and the camera actuator (1100) can change the light path multiple times vertically or at a predetermined angle.

[0041] In the following, the first direction is the Z-axis direction on the drawing and may be used interchangeably with the first axis direction, etc. The second direction is the X-axis direction on the drawing and may be used interchangeably with the second axis direction, etc. The second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is the Y-axis direction on the drawing and may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The third direction (Y-axis direction) corresponds to the optical axis direction, and the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction) may be directions perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0042] Returning to the point, the camera actuator (1100) may include a first housing (1110), a sub-housing (1120), a first lens module (1130), a mover (1140), and a substrate (1150).

[0043] The first housing (1110) may form the outer wall of the camera actuator (1100). A sub-housing (1120) and a mover (1140), etc., may be disposed inside the first housing (1110). A substrate portion (1150) may be disposed outside the first housing (1110). The first housing (1110) may be configured with a partially open outer surface to allow light to be incident or emitted.

[0044] A sub-housing (1120) may be positioned on the side of the first housing (1110). The sub-housing (1120) may be coupled with the first housing (1110). The sub-housing (1120) may come into contact with a mover (1140). A magnet may be placed in the sub-housing (1120) to secure the mover (1140).

[0045] The first lens module (1130) may be placed on the outside of the first housing (1110). The first lens module (1130) may be placed on the mover (1140). The first lens module (1130) may be coupled with the mover (1140). The first lens module (1130) may include at least one lens. Light may enter the interior of the camera actuator (1100) through the first lens module (1130). The optical axis direction of the lens of the first lens module (1130) may be formed in the Z direction. Light may pass through the first lens module (1130) and enter the first prism (1142). The first lens module (1130) may be placed on the inside of the baffle (1411) of the bracket (1400).

[0046] The mover (1140) may include a first prism (1142). The first prism (1142) may reflect light. The first prism (1142) may be placed on an inclined surface of the mover (1140).

[0047] The mover (1140) can rotate about a first axis, a second axis, or a third axis by contacting the sub-housing (1120). A first prism (1143) is disposed in the mover (1140) so that it can rotate about the first axis, a second axis, or a third axis to perform tilting of the first prism (1142). The mover (1140) can be fixed by some of the plurality of magnets (fixed magnets). Additionally, the mover (1140) can be tilted by another of the plurality of magnets (driving magnets) and a plurality of coils. The tilting of the mover (1140) can facilitate the change of the optical path.

[0048] The substrate portion (1150) can supply power required for driving the camera actuator (1100). The substrate portion (1150) may be placed on the outside of the first housing (1110). The substrate portion (1150) may include a plurality of sub-substrates, coils, sensor portions, and driver ICs, etc.

[0049] The zoom module (1200) can be positioned at the rear end of the camera actuator (1100). The zoom module (1200) can be combined with the camera actuator (1100). And the combination between them can be achieved in various ways.

[0050] The zoom module (1200) may also be referred to as a zoom actuator, an AF (Auto Focus) actuator, or a second camera actuator. The zoom module (1200) supports one or more lenses and can perform an auto-focusing function or a zoom function by moving the lenses according to a control signal from a predetermined control unit. Additionally, one or more lenses can perform AF by moving independently or individually along the optical axis direction.

[0051] Specifically, the zoom module (1200) may include a second housing (1210), a first lens assembly (1220), a cover member (1230), and a second prism (1250).

[0052] The second housing (1210) may form the outer wall of the zoom module (1200). A cover member (1230) may be disposed on one side of the second housing (1210). The cover member (1230) may be disposed between the zoom module (1200) and the first housing (1110) of the camera actuator (1100). The cover member (1230) may be expanded to increase the adhesive surface area between the camera actuator (1100) and the zoom module (1200) to improve the adhesive strength.

[0053] A first lens assembly (1220) and a second prism (1250), etc., may be disposed inside the second housing (1210). Additionally, a second driving unit capable of driving the zoom module (1200) may be disposed on one side of the second housing (1210). The second driving unit may be a voice coil motor, a micro actuator, a silicon actuator, etc., and various methods such as electrostatic, thermal, bimorphic, and electrostatic force methods may be applied, but are not limited thereto. As an example, the second driving unit may include a substrate, a coil, a magnet, and a sensor unit. The first lens assembly (1220) can move in the Y direction within the second housing (1210) by means of the coil and the magnet.

[0054] The first lens assembly (1220) may include at least one lens and a lens barrel. The first lens assembly (1220) may pass light incident on the first prism (1142) that is reflected. The light passing through the first lens assembly (1220) may enter the second prism (1250).

[0055] The second prism (1250) can reflect light incident through the first lens assembly (1220). The second prism (1250) can overlap with the first lens assembly (1220) in the Y direction. The second prism (1250) can reflect light incident through the first lens assembly (1220) to reach the image sensor (IS). The second prism (1250) can overlap with the image sensor (IS) in the Z direction. By including the second prism (1250) in the zoom module (1200), the image sensor (IS) can be positioned perpendicular to the Z direction and can be positioned on the side of the housing. Accordingly, miniaturization of the camera module can be achieved.

[0056] A circuit board (1300) may be positioned at the rear end of a zoom module (1200). The circuit board (1300) may be electrically connected to a camera actuator (1100) and a zoom module (1200). Additionally, there may be multiple circuit boards (1300). The circuit board (1300) may include an image sensor (IS) and may be fixed inside a camera module (1000). Additionally, the circuit board (1300) may be electrically connected to another sensor module within the terminal or to a processor of the terminal. Through this, the aforementioned camera actuator and the camera module including it can transmit and receive various signals within the terminal. The circuit board (1300) may include a circuit board having a wiring pattern that can be electrically connected, such as a rigid printed circuit board (Rigid PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible PCB), or a rigid-flexible printed circuit board (Rigid Flexible PCB). However, it is not limited to this type.

[0057] The bracket (1400) can be placed on the outside of the camera actuator (1100) and the zoom module (1200). The coupling force between the camera actuator (1100) and the zoom module (1200) can be improved by the bracket (1400). Additionally, the camera actuator (1100) and the zoom module (1200) can be easily protected by the bracket (1400). The bracket (1400) can be made of a material that performs electromagnetic shielding.

[0058] The bracket (1400) may be composed of a first bracket (1410) and a second bracket (1420). The first bracket (1410) and the second bracket (1420) may be joined in the Z direction.

[0059] The first bracket (1410) may include a baffle (1411). The baffle (1411) may be a portion protruding in a first direction. The shape of the baffle (1411) may be a cylinder. A first lens module (1130) may be disposed inside the baffle (1411). The baffle (1411) may include an opening into which light is incident. The baffle (1411) may include a blocking portion disposed around the opening.

[0060] The first bracket (1410) may include a stepped portion (1412). The stepped portion (1412) can reduce unnecessary space on the inner side of the first bracket (1410) and reduce the length in the Z direction.

[0061] The second bracket (1420) may include a corner portion (1421), an etching area (1422), and a bracket groove (1423). The corner portion (1421) may be positioned at the end of the second bracket (1420). The corner portion (1421) may be a portion adjacent to the first bracket (1410). The etching area (1422) may be positioned on the inner surface of the second bracket (1420). The etching area (1422) may be in the form of a recessed shape with a certain width in a first direction on the inner surface of the second bracket (1420). The bracket groove (1423) may be positioned on the side of the second bracket (1420). A circuit board (1300) may be positioned in the bracket groove (1423).

[0062] The bracket (1400) may further include a heat transfer member that can be arranged along the perimeter of the bracket (1400).

[0063] Referring again to FIG. 4, light can be incident into the camera module or the camera actuator (1100) through an aperture area located on the upper surface of the camera actuator (1100). That is, light is first incident into the interior of the camera actuator (1100) along a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction, relative to the incident light), and the light path can be changed to the optical axis direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) through the first prism (1142). Then, light can pass through the zoom module (1200), be reflected by the second prism (1250), and be incident on the image sensor (IS). However, in the case of some light, it may not be incident on the second prism (1250) and may be incident directly on the image sensor (IS), which causes a flare phenomenon.

[0064] In the present invention, a protrusion is included in the sensor base to block light incident directly onto the image sensor (IS).

[0065] Hereinafter, a sensor base portion for preventing flare phenomena according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Specifically, the portion indicated as area B in FIG. 4 may be an area including the sensor base portion.

[0066] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a sensor base portion coupled with a prism in a camera module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, a second prism (1250), a sensor base (1252), an IRCF (IR Cut-off Filter) (1254), a first adhesive member (1256), an image sensor (1258), a second adhesive member (1260), a third adhesive member (1262), and a circuit board (1264) may be included, but are not limited thereto.

[0068] Specifically, an image sensor (1258) may be placed on a circuit board (1264). A second adhesive member (1260) may be applied to fix the image sensor (1258) to the circuit board (1264). The second adhesive member (1260) may be, for example, epoxy. The image sensor (1258) may occupy a portion of the circuit board (1264). The portion of the circuit board (1264) occupied by the image sensor (1258) may be the central portion of the circuit board (1264).

[0069] Additionally, a sensor base (1252) may be placed in another area on the circuit board (1264). Likewise, a third adhesive member (1262) may be applied to secure the sensor base (1252) to the circuit board (1264). The third adhesive member (1262) may be, for example, epoxy.

[0070] The camera module may include an IRCF (1254) to block near-infrared light. The IRCF (1254) may be placed on one side of the image sensor (1258) to block near-infrared light incident on the image sensor (1258). By this placement, light passing through the IRCF (1254) can be incident on the image sensor (1258). In the present invention, the IRCF (1254) may be placed on the sensor base (1252). Likewise, a first adhesive member (1256) may be used to fix the IRCF (1254). The first adhesive member (1256) may be, for example, epoxy.

[0071] Finally, a second prism (1250) may be placed on one side of the IRCF (1254), that is, on the opposite side where the sensor (1258) is placed with the IRCF (1254) as the center.

[0072] FIGS. 6a to 6c are a perspective view and a side view of the sensor base illustrated in FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 6a through 6c, the sensor base (1252) may include a hole (1253-1) in the center. The shape and size of the hole (1253-1) may be determined based on the shape and size of the image sensor. Additionally, the hole (1253-1) may have a step (1253-2). By placing the IRCF on the step (1253-1), the IRCF can be stably fixed on the image sensor.

[0074] The sensor base (1252) may include a protrusion (1253-3). The protrusion (1253-3) may be configured to prevent light from being reflected by the second prism and instead directly incident on the image sensor or IRCF.

[0075] The protrusion (1253-3) may be placed on the sensor base (1252). The protrusion (1253-3) may be placed on one side of the hole (1253-1) included in the sensor base. The length of the protrusion (1253-3) may be shorter than the length of the hole (1253-1) on which the protrusion (1253-3) is placed.

[0076] FIGS. 7a to 7c are a perspective view and a side view of the sensor base and the second prism combined as shown in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 7a through 7c, a second prism (1250) may be placed on a sensor base (1252). Specifically, the second prism (1250) may be placed over a hole included in the sensor base (1252). The size of the hole included in the sensor base (1252) may be larger than the size of one side of the second prism (1250) facing the hole included in the sensor base (1252). The side of the second prism (1250) facing the hole included in the sensor base (1252) may also be referred to as the emission surface, as it is the surface from which light reflected from the second prism (1250) is emitted.

[0078] The edge of one side of the second prism (1250) may be black masking (1251). The side of the second prism (1250) whose edge is black masking (1251) may also be referred to as the incident surface, as it is the surface where light enters the second prism (1250). The black masking (1251) may be placed along the edge of one side of the second prism (1250) with a constant width. Here, it is introduced as black masking, but it is not limited to anything that can make the edge of one side of the second prism (1250) opaque to minimize light reflection and prevent unwanted light from entering the optical path.

[0079] The protrusion (1253-3) on the sensor base (1252) may be positioned along one side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the second prism (1250) meet. The protrusion (1253-3) may be spaced apart from the incident surface of the second prism (1250) at a certain distance. The length (L1) of the protrusion (1253-3) may be shorter than the length (L2) of the side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the second prism (1250) meet.

[0080] The height of the protrusion (1253-3) from the sensor base (1252) may be higher than the lower surface of the second prism (1250) from the sensor base (1252). That is, the height (h1) of the protrusion (1253-3) from the sensor base (1252) may be higher than the length (h2) from the sensor base (1252) to the lower surface of the second prism (1250). Additionally, the height of the protrusion (1253-3) from the sensor base (1252) may be at least 100 µm higher than the end (E) of the black masking (1251) of the second prism (1250). If the height of the protrusion (1253-3) is higher than the end (E) of the black masking of the second prism (1250), there is a concern that the relative illumination (RI) may decrease due to the light incident on the second prism (1250). Here, the end (E) of the black masking (1251) of the second prism (1250) may refer to the point where the black masking (1251) ends on the inner side of the incident surface of the second prism (1250) at the side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the second prism meet.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a perspective view in which a first lens assembly included in a zoom module is combined with a sensor base and a second prism as shown in FIG. 7a to 7c according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 8, a first lens assembly (1220) included in a zoom module may be positioned near the black masked side of the second prism (1250). Most of the light passing through the first lens assembly (1220) may enter the second prism (1250), be reflected, and enter the image sensor combined with the sensor base (1252). However, some of the light passing through the first lens assembly (1220) may go toward the protrusion (1253-3) on the sensor base (1252) instead of the second prism (1250), and is prevented from entering the image sensor by the protrusion (1253-3) on the sensor base (1252). This prevents unwanted light from entering the image sensor, thereby preventing flare from occurring.

[0083] According to one embodiment, whether a flare phenomenon occurs may be influenced by the length (L2) of the second prism (1250) and the diameter (L3) of the lens included in the first lens assembly (1220). For example, if the length (L2) of the second prism (1250) is sufficiently larger than the diameter (L3) of the lens included in the first lens assembly (1220), a flare phenomenon may not occur, but if not, a flare phenomenon may occur. Accordingly, in the present invention, the length (L2) of the second prism (1250) may be larger than the diameter (L3) of the lens included in the first lens assembly (1220). When the first lens assembly (1220) includes a plurality of lenses, the diameter (L3) of the lens included in the first lens assembly (1220) may be the diameter of the lens positioned closest to the second prism (1250) among the plurality of lenses included in the first lens assembly (1220).

[0084] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mobile terminal with a camera module applied according to an embodiment.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the mobile terminal (1500) of the embodiment may include a camera module (1000), a flash module (1530), and an autofocus device (1510) provided on the rear.

[0086] The camera module (1000) may include an image capturing function and an autofocus function. For example, the camera module (1000) may include an autofocus function using an image. The camera module (1000) may process still image or video image frames obtained by an image sensor in a shooting mode or a video call mode. The processed image frames may be displayed on a predetermined display unit and may be stored in memory.

[0087] In addition, a camera (not shown) may also be placed on the front of the mobile terminal body.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the camera module (1000) may include a first camera module (1000A) and a second camera module (1000B), and OIS may be implemented along with AF or zoom functions by the first camera module (1000A).

[0089] The flash module (1530) may include a light-emitting element that emits light inside. The flash module (1530) may be operated by the operation of the camera of the mobile terminal or by the control of the user.

[0090] The autofocus device (1510) may include one of the packages of surface light-emitting laser elements as a light-emitting part.

[0091] The autofocus device (1510) may include an autofocus function using a laser. The autofocus device (1510) may be mainly used in conditions where the autofocus function using the image of the camera module (1000) is degraded, such as in close proximity of 10m or less or in a dark environment.

[0092] The autofocus device (1510) may include a light-emitting part comprising a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) semiconductor device and a light-receiving part that converts light energy into electrical energy, such as a photodiode.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle with a camera module applied according to an embodiment.

[0094] For example, FIG. 10 is an exterior view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle driving assistance device having a camera module (1000) according to an embodiment.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 10, the vehicle (700) of the embodiment may be equipped with wheels (13FL, 13RL) that rotate by a power source and a certain sensor. The sensor may be a camera sensor (2000), but is not limited thereto.

[0096] The camera sensor (2000) may be a camera sensor to which the camera module (1000) according to the embodiment is applied. The vehicle (700) of the embodiment may acquire image information through the camera sensor (2000) that captures a front image or a surrounding image, and may determine a situation where a lane is not identified using the image information and generate a virtual lane when it is not identified.

[0097] For example, a camera sensor (2000) captures the front of a vehicle (700) to obtain a front image, and a processor (not shown) can obtain image information by analyzing objects included in the front image.

[0098] For example, if objects such as a median strip, curb, or roadside tree corresponding to a lane, adjacent vehicle, driving obstruction, and indirect road marking are captured in an image captured by a camera sensor (2000), the processor can detect these objects and include them in the image information. At this time, the processor can obtain distance information with respect to the objects detected through the camera sensor (2000) to further supplement the image information.

[0099] The image information may be information about an object captured in the image. Such a camera sensor (2000) may include an image sensor and an image processing module.

[0100] The camera sensor (2000) can process still images or videos obtained by an image sensor (e.g., CMOS or CCD).

[0101] The image processing module can process still images or videos acquired through an image sensor to extract necessary information and transmit the extracted information to a processor.

[0102] At this time, the camera sensor (2000) may include a stereo camera to improve the measurement accuracy of the object and to obtain more information such as the distance between the vehicle (700) and the object, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] Although the invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Sensor base; It includes a prism disposed on the sensor base; The above prism includes an incident surface where light is incident and an exit surface where light is emitted, and The sensor base includes a protrusion on one surface facing the emission surface of the prism; A camera actuator, wherein the above-mentioned protrusion is arranged along one side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet.

2. In Paragraph 1, A camera actuator in which the length of the above-mentioned protrusion is shorter than the length of the side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the above-mentioned prism meet.

3. In Paragraph 1, A camera actuator in which the height of the protrusion from the sensor base is greater than the length from the sensor base to the exit surface of the prism.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned protrusion is a camera actuator positioned at a certain distance from the incident surface of the prism.

5. In Paragraph 1, The edges of the incident surface of the above prism are black-masked, and A camera actuator in which the height from the side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet to the inner side of the black masking is higher than the height of the protrusion.

6. In Paragraph 5, A camera actuator in which the difference between the height from the side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet to the inner side of the black masking and the height of the protrusion from the sensor base is 100 µm or more.

7. In Paragraph 1, A lens assembly is disposed on one side of the incident surface of the above prism, and A camera actuator in which the diameter of the lens included in the above lens assembly is smaller than the length of one side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet.

8. In Paragraph 1, The sensor base above includes a hole, The above prism is a camera actuator placed over the above hole.

9. In Paragraph 8, A camera actuator in which the hole is larger than the exit surface of the prism.

10. Camera actuator; Zoom module; Circuit board and Includes brackets, The above camera actuator is, Sensor base; It includes a prism disposed on the sensor base; The above prism includes an incident surface where light is incident and an exit surface where light is emitted, and The sensor base includes a protrusion on one surface facing the emission surface of the prism; A camera module in which the above-mentioned protrusion is arranged along one side where the exit surface and the incident surface of the prism meet.

Images