KR102609158B1 - Vehicle camera device and focal length compensation adjustment device for each temperature - Google Patents

Abstract

A camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lens assembly; An image sensor disposed on a substrate; a position sensor that senses a position corresponding to the gap between the lens assembly and the image sensor; an actuator module installed between the substrate and the lens assembly to adjust the distance between the image sensor and the lens assembly; And when a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor, the actuator module monitors the detection position by the position sensor 100 and adjusts it to a position matching the first detection temperature. A controller that controls; Includes.

Description

Vehicle camera device and temperature-specific focal length compensation control device {VEHICLE CAMERA DEVICE AND FOCAL LENGTH COMPENSATION ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR EACH TEMPERATURE}

The present invention relates to a camera device for a vehicle, a focal length compensation control device for each temperature, and a camera device.

In general, the number of sensors used in vehicles is continuously increasing to improve driver convenience and enable autonomous driving and automatic parking of the vehicle without driver intervention. For example, the sensors may be cameras, radar, LiDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging), ultrasonic waves, etc.

In particular, in the case of cameras for sensing purposes, there is a trend of gradually changing from VGA (video graphics array) and HD (High-Definition) level to FHD (Full High-Definition), 5Mp, 8Mp, 12Mp, etc. Viewing cameras are also experiencing increasing demands for high resolution.

Due to the influence of external environmental changes such as temperature changes, there are many difficulties in cameras maintaining high resolution at all times, and various studies are being conducted to solve this problem.

In addition, in the case of cameras, the number of which is continuously increasing for various purposes for implementing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functions and autonomous driving, it is required to maintain a high level of performance at all times.

In particular, the number of cameras mounted outside of vehicles that are affected by the external environment is increasing, and technologies that eliminate these external environmental constraints are being adopted due to the demand from vehicle manufacturers to ensure stability for autonomous driving.

In particular, considering the resolution of the camera applied to the vehicle, the focal length (Back focal length (BFL) or Total Track Length (TTL)) is the distance between the lens and the image sensor of the fixed focus camera for the vehicle. For example, the operating temperature range of vehicle cameras is wide from -40 degrees to +85 degrees, and the increased application of plastic lenses with high expansion coefficients causes errors in focal length, resulting in lower resolution. may occur, and ultimately the quality of the camera deteriorates.

(Prior art literature)

(Patent Document 1) KR Registered Patent Publication 10-2093692 (2020.03.20)

(Patent Document 1) KR Public Patent Publication 10-2015-0098485 (2015.08.28)

One embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle camera device and a temperature-specific focal length compensation and adjustment device that can compensate and adjust the focal length of the camera device that changes according to temperature changes in the vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a lens assembly; An image sensor disposed on a substrate; a position sensor that senses a position corresponding to the gap between the lens assembly and the image sensor; an actuator module installed between the substrate and the lens assembly to adjust the distance between the image sensor and the lens assembly; And when a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor, the actuator module monitors the detection position by the position sensor 100 and adjusts it to a position matching the first detection temperature. A controller that controls; A camera device including a is proposed.

Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a lens assembly; An image sensor disposed on a substrate; A first temperature sensor that senses the vehicle temperature and outputs a first detected temperature; a second temperature sensor that senses the camera temperature and outputs a second detected temperature; a position sensor that senses a position corresponding to the gap between the lens assembly and the image sensor; an actuator module installed between the substrate and the lens assembly to adjust the distance between the image sensor and the lens assembly; and a controller that controls the actuator module to adjust the actuator module to a position matching the first and second detection temperatures while monitoring the detection position by the position sensor when a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature. A temperature-specific focal length compensation control device including a is proposed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the focal distance that changes according to changes in vehicle temperature can be adjusted.

Accordingly, resolution degradation due to temperature can be prevented, camera performance can be improved, and lens and module manufacturing yield can be improved.

In addition, in lens design, plastic materials can be used instead of glass, material costs can be reduced, size and weight can be reduced, and the focal length of the lens can be reduced, so the overall height of the module can be reduced.

Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of a camera device and a focal length compensation adjustment device for each temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an example diagram of a camera device and a focal length compensation adjustment device for each temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the camera device.
Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of back focal length (BFL) and total track distance (TTL).
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator module.
Figure 6 is an assembled perspective view of the actuator module.
Figure 7 is a front view of the actuator module.
Figure 8 is an example diagram of an internal actuator.
9 is a diagram illustrating the first operation of the internal actuator.
Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the first operation of the internal actuator.
Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the focal length compensation control device for each temperature.

Hereinafter, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, in each embodiment of the present invention, the structure, shape and numerical value described as an example are only examples to help understand the technical details of the present invention, and are not limited thereto, but rather convey the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should be understood that various changes can be made without deviating from it. Embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other to create various new embodiments.

In addition, in the drawings referred to in the present invention, components having substantially the same structure and function in light of the overall content of the present invention will use the same symbols.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to enable those skilled in the art to easily practice the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a camera device and a focal length compensation and adjustment device for each temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an illustration of a camera device and a focal length compensation and adjustment device for each temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is an example diagram.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the focal distance compensation adjustment device 1 for each temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a camera device 10 and a first temperature sensor 20.

The camera device 10 may include a lens assembly 2, an image sensor 4, a substrate 5, a position sensor 100, an actuator module 300, and a controller 400.

The position sensor 100 may sense a position corresponding to the gap between the lens assembly 2 and the image sensor 4 and output the detection position P1 to the controller 400.

The actuator module 300 is installed between the substrate 5 and the lens assembly 2 and can adjust the distance between the image sensor 4 and the lens assembly 2 under the control of the controller 400. there is.

The controller 400 monitors the detection position P1 by the position sensor 100 when a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature T1 sensed by the first temperature sensor 20 and detects the first detection temperature T1. The actuator module 300 can be controlled to adjust the position to match the detected temperature (T1). For example, the position matching the first detection temperature T1 may be set in advance as a position matching each of the first temperature detection T1.

For example, when a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature (T1), the controller 400 determines a correction amount according to the temperature change based on the first detection temperature (T1), and determines a correction amount according to the temperature change based on the first detection temperature (T1). Through the actuator module 300, the distance between the image sensor 4 and the lens assembly 2 can be controlled.

And, the first temperature sensor 20 can sense the vehicle temperature and output the first detected temperature to the controller 400. For example, the first temperature sensor 20 may be placed in a location where the vehicle temperature can be measured, and the placement location is not limited to a specific location.

Referring to FIG. 2, the camera device 10 may further include a second temperature sensor 200.

The second temperature sensor 200 may sense the camera temperature and output a second detection temperature (T2) to the controller 400.

For example, the second temperature sensor 200 may be mounted on the board 5. For example, the second temperature sensor 200 may be a separate temperature sensor IC, or the image sensor 4 or It may also be a temperature sensor included in another IC, such as the controller 400. As long as the second temperature sensor 200 can measure the temperature of the camera device, the placement position does not need to be particularly limited.

For example, when a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature (T1), the controller 400 monitors the detection position (P1) by the position sensor 300 and detects the first detection temperature (T1) and The actuator module can be controlled to adjust the position to match the second detection temperature (T1).

As an example, the temperature-specific focal length compensation control device 1 may determine a correction amount for position adjustment using the first detection temperature T1 (e.g., vehicle temperature) sensed by the first temperature sensor 20. .

As another example, the temperature-specific focal length compensation control device 1 may detect the first detection temperature T1 (e.g., vehicle temperature) and the second sensed by the first temperature sensor 20 and the second temperature sensor 200. The correction amount for position adjustment can be more accurately determined using the detected temperature (T2) (e.g., camera device temperature).

Meanwhile, when explaining the determination of the correction amount, as an example, when using the first detection temperature (T1), the correction amount matching the first detection temperature (T1) may be preset in a reference table and stored in the controller 400. Alternatively, the correction amount can be calculated using the first detection temperature (T1).

As another example, when using the first detection temperature (T1) and the second detection temperature (T2), the correction amount matching the combination of the first detection temperature (T1) and the second detection temperature (T2) is preset in the reference table. The controller 400 may store it, or the correction amount may be calculated using the first detection temperature (T1) and the second detection temperature (T2).

The example described above is only an example of determining the correction amount, and since the correction amount can be determined using at least one of the first detection temperature (T1) and the second detection temperature (T2), there is no need to be limited to the above example.

For each drawing of the present invention, unnecessary redundant descriptions of components with the same symbols and the same function may be omitted, and possible differences between the drawings may be explained.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the camera device.

Referring to FIG. 3, the lens assembly 2 is coupled to the top housing 3 and may include a plurality of lenses therein.

The top housing 3 may be combined with a bottom housing (not shown).

Additionally, the lens assembly 2 may be coupled to the actuator module 300 and a bond 6.

The image sensor 4, the controller 400, and the second temperature sensor 200 may be mounted on the substrate 5.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of back focal length (BFL) and total track distance (TTL).

Referring to FIG. 4, the lens assembly 2 includes a plurality of lenses, including an uppermost lens (Lenz-T) and a lowermost lens (Lenz-B).

For example, the back focal length (BFL) is the distance between the bottom lens (Lenz-B) of the lens assembly (2) and the image sensor (4), and the total track distance (TTL) is the distance between the top lens of the lens assembly (2). This is the distance between (Lenz-T) and the image sensor (4).

The focal length in this document can be the back focal length (BFL) or the total track distance (TTL), and does not need to be limited to either.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator module, Figure 6 is an assembled perspective view of the actuator module, and Figure 7 is a front view of the actuator module.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the actuator module 300 may include an external frame 310 and an internal actuator 320.

The external frame 310 includes a receiving hole 301 penetrating the upper and lower portions, and may be mounted on the substrate 5 .

The internal actuator 320 is inserted into the receiving hole 301 of the external frame 310, one side is mounted on the substrate 5, the other side is attached to the lens assembly, and controls the controller 400. The distance between the image sensor 4 and the lens assembly 2 can be adjusted according to the signal SC.

As an example, the internal actuator 320 may also include a through hole 302 extending upward and downward so that light passing through the lens assembly 2 can reach the image sensor.

The position sensor 100 is disposed on the actuator module 300, senses a position corresponding to the gap between the image sensor 4 and the lens assembly 2 adjusted by the actuator module 300, and detects the first The detection position (P1) can be output to the controller 400.

The internal actuator 320 may be made of a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) actuator or a piezo actuator, and is not limited to a specific type of actuator.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the position sensor 100 may include a magnet 110 and a Hall sensor 120.

The magnet 110 and the Hall sensor 120 are arranged to face the inner surface of the external frame 310 and the outer surface of the internal actuator 320.

For example, when the magnet 110 is installed on the inner surface of the external frame 310, the Hall sensor 120 may be placed on the outer surface of the internal actuator 320.

The Hall sensor 120 can generate a detection position according to the positional relationship with the magnet 110. As an example, the Hall sensor 120 may generate a detection position with a signal size depending on the size of the overlap area facing the magnet 110.

As an example, the Hall sensor 120 may generate a detection position with position information based on the size of the overlap area facing the magnet 110.

FIG. 8 is an example diagram of the internal actuator, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the first operation of the internal actuator, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the first operation of the internal actuator.

Referring to FIG. 8, the internal actuator 320 may include a first electrode unit 321, a second electrode unit 322, and a piezo member 323.

The first electrode unit 321 may be disposed on the substrate 5 and may support the second electrode unit 322 through the piezo member 323.

The second electrode portion 322 may be disposed on the lens assembly 2 and supported by the second electrode portion 322 through the piezo member 323.

The piezo member 323 is disposed between the first electrode portion 321 and the second electrode portion 322, and has a length that changes according to the piezoelectric effect according to the control signal (SC) of the controller 400. Accordingly, the distance between the first and second electrode units 321 and 322 can be adjusted.

As an example, the first electrode portion 321 may be mounted on the substrate 5 and may be made of a conductor with a loop structure connected to the piezo member 323, and the second electrode portion 322 may be , It may be made of a conductor of a closed loop structure attached to the lens assembly 2 and connected to the piezo member 323.

For example, the piezo member 323 includes a plurality of piezo members 323-1 to 323-4 disposed between the first electrode portion 321 and the second electrode portion 322, The plurality of piezo members 323-1 to 323-4 adjust the gap between the first electrode portion 321 and the second electrode portion 322 according to the control signal (SC) of the controller 400. It can be adjusted.

Referring to FIG. 9, the piezo member 323 adjusts the distance (L1) between the first electrode portion 321 and the second electrode portion 322 according to the control signal (SC) of the controller 400. can be adjusted closely.

Referring to FIG. 10, the piezo member 323 adjusts the distance (L2) between the first electrode portion 321 and the second electrode portion 322 according to the control signal (SC) of the controller 400. It can be adjusted remotely.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the focal length compensation control device for each temperature.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the controller 400 senses the temperature using the first temperature sensor 20 (S11) and detects the first detection temperature (T1) sensed by the first temperature sensor 20. ) Based on the temperature change, the temperature change is determined (S12), and when a temperature change occurs, the position corresponding to the gap between the lens assembly 2 and the image sensor 4 is sensed through the position sensor 100 to detect the first detection position ( P1) is output to the controller 400 (S13).

When a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature T1, the controller 400 determines a correction amount based on the first detection temperature T1 (S14).

Next, the controller 400 may control the distance between the image sensor 4 and the lens assembly 2 through the actuator module 300 based on the correction amount (S15).

Next, the position corresponding to the gap between the lens assembly 2 and the image sensor 4 is sensed secondarily through the position sensor 100, and the detected position is output to the controller 400 (S16).

In addition, if the detection position is not the target position, the controller 400 repeats the first position detection process (S13), and if the detection position is the target position, it repeats the temperature detection process (S11). can do.

Meanwhile, the controller of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a processor (e.g., image processor (ISP), microprocessor (MCU), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). , ECU Board's AP (Application processor), etc.), memory (e.g., volatile memory (e.g., RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, flash memory, etc.), etc. It is not limited.

In the above, the present invention has been described by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art in the field to which the invention pertains can do so without departing from the gist of the invention as claimed in the patent claims. Anyone can make various variations.

20: first temperature sensor
100: Position sensor
110: Magnet
120: Hall sensor
200: Second temperature sensor
300: Actuator module
310: external frame
320: internal actuator
321: first electrode portion
322: second electrode unit
323: Piezo member
400: Controller to control

Claims (16)

lens assembly;
An image sensor disposed on a substrate;
a position sensor that senses a position corresponding to the gap between the lens assembly and the image sensor;
an actuator module installed between the substrate and the lens assembly to adjust the distance between the image sensor and the lens assembly; and
A controller that controls the actuator module to monitor the detection position by the position sensor and adjust it to a position matching the first detection temperature when a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor. ;
A camera device including a.
The method of claim 1, wherein the actuator module
an external frame including a receiving hole penetrating at the top and bottom, and mounted on the board; and
An internal actuator that is inserted into the receiving hole of the external frame, has one side mounted on the board, and the other side is attached to the lens assembly, and adjusts the distance between the image sensor and the lens assembly according to a control signal from the controller;
A camera device including a.
The method of claim 2, wherein the internal actuator
Consisting of a VCM (Voice Coil Motor) actuator or piezo actuator
Camera device.
The method of claim 2, wherein the internal actuator
a first electrode portion disposed on the substrate;
a second electrode portion disposed on the lens assembly; and
a piezo member disposed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion and adjusting the distance between the first and second electrode portions according to a control signal from the controller;
A camera device including a.
The method of claim 4, wherein the first electrode unit,
It is mounted on the substrate and consists of a conductor with a loop structure connected to the piezo member,
The second electrode part,
Attached to the lens assembly and made of a conductor of a closed loop structure connected to the piezo member
Camera device.
The method of claim 4, wherein the piezo member is
It includes a plurality of piezo elements disposed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion,
The plurality of piezo members are,
Adjusting the gap between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion according to the control signal from the controller.
Camera device.
The method of claim 1, wherein the controller:
When a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature, a correction amount is determined based on the first detection temperature, and the distance between the image sensor and the lens assembly is controlled through the actuator module based on the correction amount.
Camera device.
The method of claim 2, wherein the position sensor is:
A magnet installed on the inner side of the external frame; and
a Hall sensor disposed on an outer surface of the internal actuator to face the magnet and generate a detection position according to a positional relationship with the magnet;
A camera device including a.
lens assembly;
An image sensor disposed on a substrate;
A first temperature sensor that senses the vehicle temperature and outputs a first detected temperature;
a second temperature sensor that senses the camera temperature and outputs a second detected temperature;
a position sensor that senses a position corresponding to the gap between the lens assembly and the image sensor;
an actuator module installed between the substrate and the lens assembly to adjust the distance between the image sensor and the lens assembly; and
When a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature, a controller controls the actuator module to monitor the detection position by the position sensor and adjust it to a position matching the first detection temperature and the second detection temperature;
A temperature-dependent focal length compensation control device comprising a.
The method of claim 9, wherein the actuator module
an external frame including a receiving hole penetrating at the top and bottom, and mounted on the board; and
An internal actuator that is inserted into the receiving hole of the external frame, has one side mounted on the board, and the other side is attached to the lens assembly, and adjusts the gap between the image sensor and the lens assembly according to a control signal from the controller;
A temperature-dependent focal length compensation control device comprising a.
The method of claim 10, wherein the internal actuator
VCM (Voice Coil Motor) actuator or piezo actuator
Temperature-dependent focal length compensation adjustment device.
The method of claim 10, wherein the internal actuator is
a first electrode portion disposed on the substrate;
a second electrode portion disposed on the lens assembly; and
a piezo member disposed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion and adjusting the gap between the first and second electrode portions according to a control signal from the controller;
A temperature-dependent focal length compensation control device comprising a.
The method of claim 12, wherein the first electrode unit,
It is mounted on the substrate and consists of a conductor with a loop structure connected to the piezo member,
The second electrode part,
Attached to the lens assembly and made of a conductor of a closed loop structure connected to the piezo member
Temperature-dependent focal length compensation adjustment device.
The method of claim 12, wherein the piezo member is
It includes a plurality of piezo elements disposed between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion,
The plurality of piezo members are,
Adjusting the gap between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion according to the control signal from the controller.
Temperature-dependent focal length compensation adjustment device.
The method of claim 9, wherein the controller:
When a temperature change occurs based on the first detection temperature, a correction amount is determined based on the first detection temperature and the second detection temperature, and a correction amount is determined between the image sensor and the lens assembly through the actuator module based on the correction amount. to control the spacing of
Temperature-dependent focal length compensation adjustment device.
The method of claim 10, wherein the position sensor is:
A magnet installed on the inner side of the external frame; and
a Hall sensor disposed on an outer surface of the internal actuator to face the magnet and generate a detection position according to a positional relationship with the magnet;
A temperature-dependent focal length compensation control device comprising a.

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