KR20180098894A - Liquid lens, camera module and optical device/instrument including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a driving voltage control circuit, comprising: a first voltage generator outputting a first voltage; a second voltage generator outputting a second voltage having opposite polarity with the first voltage; a first switch selecting one voltage of the first voltage and a ground voltage for transferring the one voltage; a second switch selecting one voltage of the second voltage and the ground voltage for transferring the one voltage; and a third switch selecting one voltage of the voltage selected from the first switch and one voltage selected from the second switch, wherein the third switch is provided in plurality, and the first switch is commonly connected to the third switches.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a liquid lens, and a camera module and an optical device including the same. Technical Field [0001]

The present invention relates to a liquid lens, a camera module including the same, and an optical apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a camera module and an optical apparatus including a control module or a control device for controlling a liquid lens capable of adjusting a focal distance using electric energy.

A user of a portable device has to use an optical device having a high resolution and a small size and having various shooting functions (e.g., auto-focusing (AF) function, camera shake correction or optical image stabilizer (OIS) . Such a photographing function can be realized by a method of directly moving the lens by combining a plurality of lenses, but when the number of lenses is increased, the size of the optical device can be increased. The autofocus and camera shake correction functions are performed by moving a plurality of lens modules fixed to a lens holder and having optical axes aligned in a vertical direction of an optical axis or an optical axis or by tilting, Device is used. However, the power consumption of the lens driving apparatus is high, and the overall thickness becomes thick. Therefore, liquid lenses that perform autofocus and camera shake correction functions by electrically adjusting the curvature of the interface between two liquids are being studied.

The present invention relates to a camera module including a lens capable of adjusting a focal distance by using electric energy, a voltage for driving a lens is generated by a switching circuit and a negative voltage to generate a high driving voltage even at a low voltage So that the size of the integrated circuit for controlling the lens can be reduced.

The present invention also provides a method of driving a lens, which is capable of alternately supplying a positive voltage and a negative voltage to a common electrode even when a low voltage is supplied to a plurality of terminals of a lens capable of adjusting a focal distance, A high voltage can be generated.

Further, the present invention can more finely control the voltage of the voltage supplied to the common terminal and the plurality of terminals by using floating to control the drive voltage of the lens capable of adjusting the focal length, You can increase the resolution and range.

Further, the present invention is applied to a portable device, and a circuit for controlling a lens whose focal distance is adjusted in response to a driving voltage applied between a common terminal and a plurality of terminals uses a ground voltage as a power supply voltage, The power consumption of the circuit and the camera module can be reduced.

In addition, the present invention can reduce the number of switching elements included in the control circuit for controlling and driving the liquid lens in a portable device equipped with a liquid lens, reduce the size of the control circuit, reduce manufacturing cost, and reduce power consumption have.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, unless further departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be possible.

A driving voltage control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first voltage generator for outputting a first voltage; A second voltage generator for outputting a second voltage having an opposite polarity to the first voltage; A first switch for selectively transmitting one of the first voltage and the ground voltage; A second switch for selectively transmitting one of the second voltage and the ground voltage; And a third switch for selecting and delivering one of the voltage selected from the first switch and the voltage selected from the second switch, wherein the third switch is a plurality, and the first switch is common to the plurality of third switches .

The driving voltage control circuit may include a common electrode and a plurality of discrete electrodes, and the first voltage, the second voltage, or the ground voltage may be applied to the common electrode or the individual electrode, Each of the plurality of third switches may be connected to each of the plurality of individual electrodes.

The number of the plurality of individual electrodes may be four, and the plurality of third switches may be four.

The driving voltage control circuit may further include a fourth switch for selecting one of the first voltage and the ground voltage; A fifth switch for selecting one of the second voltage and the ground; And a sixth switch for selecting one of a fourth switch and a fifth switch, wherein the sixth switch is connected to the common electrode, and the fourth switch and the fifth switch are connected to the sixth switch .

The second voltage generator may include a charge pump that receives the first voltage from the first voltage generator and then outputs the changed first voltage.

The first voltage may have an anode, and the second voltage generator may output the second voltage of the cathode having the same magnitude as the first voltage independently of the first voltage generator.

The first switching unit may be disposed commonly to the plurality of discrete electrodes, and the switch device included in the third switch may be disposed independently for each of the plurality of discrete electrodes.

In addition, the second switch may be disposed in common to the plurality of individual electrodes.

In addition, the liquid lens may include four or eight individual electrodes and one common electrode.

The number of switch elements included in the third switch and the sixth switch may be twice the number of the individual electrodes and the common electrode.

The third switching unit may include a plurality of first switch elements individually connected to the individual electrodes and selectively transmitting the first voltage; And a plurality of second switch elements individually connected to the individual electrodes and selectively transmitting the second voltage.

In addition, the liquid lens includes four individual electrodes and one common electrode, and the sum of the switch elements included in the first to sixth switches may be eighteen.

The liquid lens may further include: a first plate including a cavity in which a conductive liquid and a nonconductive liquid are disposed; A first electrode disposed on the first plate; A second electrode disposed below the first plate, the second electrode comprising a plurality of electrode sectors; A second plate disposed over the first electrode; And a third plate disposed below the second electrode.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, And can be understood and understood.

The effect of the device according to the present invention will be described as follows.

The present invention makes it possible to reduce the design of the elements constituting the integrated circuit for controlling the lens by generating the driving voltage of the lens capable of adjusting the focal distance using a negative voltage.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of a circuit for generating a supply voltage for controlling a lens capable of adjusting a focal length, and to secure a resolution and a range with a low-specification control circuit, thereby improving productivity and reducing manufacturing cost .

The effects obtainable by the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Figure 1 illustrates the problem of a method of controlling a lens that can adjust the focal length using electrical energy.
2 illustrates an example of a camera module.
3 illustrates an example of a lens assembly included in the camera module.
Fig. 4 illustrates a lens whose focal length is adjusted corresponding to the driving voltage.
5 illustrates a first example of the control circuit.
6 illustrates a second example of the control circuit.
Fig. 7 illustrates the structure of the liquid lens.
Fig. 8 illustrates a third example of the control circuit.
Fig. 9 illustrates a fourth example of the control circuit.
10 illustrates a fifth example of the control circuit.
11 illustrates a first operation example of the control circuit shown in Fig.
12 illustrates a second operation example of the control circuit shown in Fig.
Fig. 13 illustrates a sixth example of the control circuit.
Fig. 14 illustrates a seventh example of the control circuit.
Fig. 15 illustrates an eighth example of the control circuit.
Fig. 16 illustrates a first operation example of the control circuit shown in Fig.
Fig. 17 illustrates a second operation example of the control circuit shown in Fig.
18 illustrates a method of controlling the lens in the camera module.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not limited thereto. It is to be understood, however, that the embodiments are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but are to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

The terms "first "," second ", and the like can be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. In addition, terms specifically defined in consideration of the constitution and operation of the embodiment are only intended to illustrate the embodiments and do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

In the description of the embodiments, when it is described as being formed on the "upper" or "on or under" of each element, the upper or lower (on or under Quot; includes both that the two elements are in direct contact with each other or that one or more other elements are indirectly formed between the two elements. Also, when expressed as "on" or "on or under", it may include not only an upward direction but also a downward direction with respect to one element.

It is also to be understood that the terms "top / top / top" and "bottom / bottom / bottom", as used below, do not necessarily imply nor imply any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements, And may be used to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element.

Figure 1 illustrates the problem of a method of controlling a lens that can adjust the focal length using electrical energy. Specifically, (a) illustrates a control circuit that applies a driving voltage to the lens, and (b) illustrates a method of applying a driving voltage to the lens.

The control circuit includes a voltage booster 12 for receiving a supply voltage VIN and increasing a voltage level, a voltage stabilizer 14 for stabilizing the output of the voltage booster 10, And a switching unit 16 for selectively supplying the output of the voltage booster 10 to the voltage boosting unit 10.

Here, the switching unit 16 typically includes a circuit configuration called an H bridge. The high voltage output from the voltage booster 10 is applied to the power supply voltage of the switching unit 16. [ The switching unit 16 can selectively supply a power supply voltage and a ground voltage to both ends of the lens 10.

Referring to FIG. 1 (b), a pulse-like voltage may be applied to both ends of the lens 10, that is, the common terminal C0 and the individual terminal L1. The pulse-shaped voltage may have a predetermined width. The driving voltage Vop applied to the lens 10 is the difference between the common terminal C0 and the individual terminal L1. Therefore, when a voltage of the same level is applied to the common terminal C0 and the individual terminal L1, it can be seen that the driving voltage Vop of 0V is applied. (b), even when the same voltage as that of the individual terminal L1 is applied through the common terminal C0, the time and the point of time of the voltage applied to the individual terminal L1 are changed, Vop1, Vop2) are applied to both ends of the lens 10, respectively.

Here, the operation voltage output from the voltage booster 10 may have a level of about 70V. In this case, the elements included in the switching unit 16 must also be capable of driving at a high voltage level of 70V. Devices that can be driven at high voltage are difficult to miniaturize. Devices capable of driving at high voltages must meet the characteristics of breakdown voltage, specific on-resistance, safe operating area (SOA), maximum forward voltage, etc. . When making devices operating at high voltages too small, devices such as transistors may not perform switching, amplification, and other functions. For this reason, it is difficult to miniaturize the control circuit for supplying the driving voltage of the lens 10, and the productivity may be reduced and the cost may increase.

2 illustrates an example of a camera module.

As shown, the camera module may include a lens assembly 22 and an image sensor. The lens assembly 22 may include a liquid lens whose focal length is adjusted corresponding to the applied voltage. The camera module includes a lens assembly (22) including a plurality of lenses including a first lens whose focal length is adjusted corresponding to a drive voltage applied between a common terminal and a plurality of individual terminals, and a drive voltage And an image sensor 26 that is arranged on the lens assembly 22 and converts the light transmitted through the lens assembly 22 into an electrical signal.

2, the camera module may include a lens assembly 22 including a plurality of lenses and circuits 24, 26 formed on a single printed circuit board (PCB), but this is only one example But does not limit the scope of the invention. The configuration of the control circuit 24 may be designed differently according to the specifications required for the camera module or the apparatus. In particular, when the magnitude of the operating voltage applied to the lens assembly 22 is reduced, the control circuit 24 can be implemented as a single chip. This further reduces the size of the camera module or device mounted on the portable device.

3 illustrates an example of the lens assembly 22 included in the camera module.

The lens assembly 22 may include a first lens unit 100, a second lens unit 200, a liquid lens unit 300, a lens holder 400, and a connection terminal 500 . The structure of the illustrated lens assembly 22 is only one example, and the structure of the lens assembly 22 may be changed according to the specifications required for the camera module or the apparatus. For example, in the illustrated example, the liquid lens unit 300 is positioned between the first lens unit 100 and the second lens unit 200, but in another example, the liquid lens unit 300 is disposed between the first lens unit 100 100, or one of the first lens unit 100 and the second lens unit 200 may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first lens unit 100 is disposed in front of the lens assembly, and is a region where light enters from the outside of the lens assembly. The first lens unit 100 may be provided with at least one lens, or two or more lenses may be aligned with respect to the central axis PL to form an optical system.

The first lens unit 100 and the second lens unit 200 may be mounted on the lens holder 400. At this time, a through hole is formed in the lens holder 400, and the first lens unit 100 and the second lens unit 200 may be disposed in the through hole. The liquid lens unit 300 may be inserted into a space between the first lens unit 100 and the second lens unit 200 in the lens holder 400.

Meanwhile, the first lens unit 100 may include an exposure lens 110. The exposure lens 110 refers to a lens that protrudes outside the lens holder 400 and can be exposed to the outside. In the case of the exposure lens 110, the lens surface may be damaged due to exposure to the outside. If the lens surface is damaged, the image quality of the image taken by the camera module may be deteriorated. A method of disposing a cover glass, forming a coating layer, or constructing the exposure lens 100 with a wear resistant material for preventing surface damage may be applied in order to prevent or suppress the surface damage of the exposure lens 110. Action may be required.

The second lens unit 200 is disposed behind the first lens unit 100 and the liquid lens unit 300 and the light incident from the outside to the first lens unit 100 passes through the liquid lens unit 300 So that it can be incident on the second lens unit 200. The second lens unit 200 may be disposed in the through hole formed in the lens holder 400 so as to be spaced apart from the first lens unit 100.

Meanwhile, the second lens unit 200 may include at least one lens, and when two or more lenses are included, the optical system may be formed by aligning with respect to the center axis PL.

The liquid lens unit 300 may be disposed between the first lens unit 100 and the second lens unit 200 and may be inserted into the insertion port 410 of the lens holder 400. The insertion port 410 may be formed by opening a part of the side surface of the lens holder. That is, the liquid lens may be inserted through the insertion port 410 on the side surface of the holder. The liquid lens unit 300 may also be aligned with respect to the center axis PL like the first lens unit 100 and the second lens unit 200.

The liquid lens unit 300 may include a lens region 310. The lens region 310 is a portion through which the light passing through the first lens portion 100 is transmitted, and may include at least a part of the liquid. For example, the lens region 310 may include two types, that is, a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, and the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid may form an interface without intermixing with each other. The interface between the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid is deformed by the driving voltage applied through the connection terminal 500, so that the curvature and focal length of the liquid lens unit 300 can be changed. When the deformation and curvature change of the interface are controlled, the liquid lens unit 300, the lens assembly including the lens unit 300, and the camera module or apparatus can perform the auto focusing function, the camera shake correction function, and the like.

Fig. 4 illustrates a lens whose focal length is adjusted corresponding to the driving voltage. Specifically, (a) illustrates the liquid lens 28 included in the lens assembly 22 (see FIG. 3), and (b) illustrates an equivalent circuit of the liquid lens 28. FIG.

First, referring to (a), the lens 28 whose focal distance is adjusted according to the driving voltage can receive the operating voltage through the individual terminals L1, L2, L3 and L4. The individual terminals may have the same angular distance and may include four individual terminals arranged in different directions. When the operating voltage is applied through the individual terminals L1, L2, L3 and L4, the applied operating voltage interacts with the voltage applied to the common terminal C0 to be described later, The interface of the malfunctioning liquid can be deformed.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the lens 28 receives an operation voltage from one of the individual terminals L1, L2, L3 and L4, and the other end thereof is connected to a plurality of capacitors 30). Here, the plurality of capacitors 30 included in the equivalent circuit may have a small capacitance of about 200 picofarads (pF).

5 illustrates a first example of the control circuit. Here, the control circuit is a circuit for applying an operating voltage to the lens 28 (see Fig. 4) whose focal length is adjusted in accordance with the driving voltage. The lens 28 can be described as including a plurality of capacitors 30. The individual terminals L1, L2, L3, and L4 that supply an operating voltage to each capacitor 30 ) May be independently controllable. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, one capacitor 30 connected to one individual terminal will be described as an example of a control circuit.

As shown, the control circuit may include an individual terminal control unit 34 and a common terminal control unit 36. [ The individual terminal control unit 34 and the common terminal control unit 36 can be supplied with the ground voltage and the operating voltage having the half size of the driving voltage from the voltage booster 32. [ The ground voltage in this specification may be the reference potential in the control circuit, and the ground voltage may be the reference voltage of the control circuit. The individual terminal control unit 34 can supply an operation voltage to the individual terminals of the capacitor 30 in the form of a positive voltage and a negative voltage and the common terminal control unit 36 can supply the operation voltage to the individual terminals of the capacitor 30, The operation voltage can be supplied to the common terminal in the form of a positive voltage and a negative voltage. The individual terminal control unit 34 can supply the operating voltage in the form of a positive voltage and a negative voltage to the individual terminals when the ground voltage, the reference potential, or the reference voltage is regarded as 0 V, The capacitor 36 may supply an operating voltage to the common terminal of the capacitor 30 in the form of a positive voltage and a negative voltage. The individual terminal control unit 34 and the common terminal control unit 36 may have substantially the same configuration. Hereinafter, the individual terminal control unit 34 will be described in more detail.

The individual terminal control unit 34 may include a charge pump 46 for adjusting the operating voltage provided by the voltage booster 32 in the form of a negative voltage. Also, the individual terminal control section 34 may include a switching section including a plurality of switches. The switching unit includes a first switch 42 for selecting one of a ground voltage and an operating voltage, a second switch 48 for selecting one of an output of the charge pump 46 and a ground voltage, And a third switch 44 for selecting one of the outputs of the first and second switches 48 and 48 and applying the selected one to the individual terminal of the capacitor 30. [ Here, the first switch 42, the second switch 48, and the third switch 44 may include at least one transistor. Each switch may also include two transistors.

The first switch 42 and the second switch 48 in the individual terminal control unit 34 regard the ground voltage as another input terminal and can determine the operation voltage applied to the individual terminal or the common terminal of the capacitor 30 have.

In addition, the control circuit may further include a voltage booster 32 for converting the supply voltage Vin into the magnitude of the operating voltage. For example, the supply voltage inputted to the voltage booster 32 has a level of 2.5 to 3.0 V, and the operating voltage outputted by the voltage booster 32 can have a level of 30 to 40 V. [ Here, the supply voltage input to the voltage booster 32 may be the operating voltage of the camera module or the portable device or the optical device on which the device is mounted.

The individual terminal control section 34 and the common terminal control section 36 can transmit the ground voltage to a part of the control sections 34 and 36 for controlling the liquid lens 28 while not driving the liquid lens 28 . This can reduce an increase in power consumption as compared with the case where the high voltage, which is the output of the voltage booster 32, is applied to the control units 34 and 36 while not being used.

6 illustrates a second example of the control circuit.

As shown in the figure, the control circuit connected to the voltage booster 32 receiving the supply voltage Vin and outputting the operation voltage can control the voltage applied to the individual terminal of the capacitor 30.

The control circuit may include a first voltage stabilization part 52 for stabilizing the output of the voltage booster 32. [ In addition, the output of the voltage booster 32 may be transferred to a first charge pump 46. The first charge pump 46 includes a first element that selectively transmits a ground voltage, a second element that selectively transmits an operating voltage, and a second capacitor that is located between the output of the first element and the second element and the first capacitor . ≪ / RTI > Here, the first element and the second element may be implemented as transistors.

Meanwhile, the first switch 42 for selecting one of the ground voltage and the operating voltage may include a third device for selectively transmitting the ground voltage, and a fourth device for selectively transmitting the operating voltage.

The second switch 48 for selecting one of the output of the first charge pump 46 and the ground voltage includes a fifth element for selectively transmitting the output of the first charge pump 46, And a sixth device for selectively delivering.

Thereby, both the first switch 42 and the second switch 48 can selectively transmit the ground voltage. Since both the first switch 42 and the second switch 48 can transmit the ground voltage as an operating voltage applied to one side of the capacitor 30, if one of them transmits the operating voltage, So that an operation voltage in the form of a positive voltage or a negative voltage can be applied. The capacitor 30 corresponding to the interface of the liquid lens operates in accordance with the absolute value of the operating voltage and the polarity in the form of positive voltage or negative voltage may not affect the motion of the interface.

The third switch 44 for selecting one of the outputs of the first switch 42 and the second switch 48 to apply the output to the individual terminal of the capacitor 30 selectively outputs the output of the first switch 42 And an eighth element for selectively transmitting the output of the second switch.

In addition, the control circuit may include a common terminal control unit 36. [ The common terminal control unit 36 may include a second voltage stabilization unit 54, a second charge pump 66, a fourth switch 62, a fifth switch 68, and a sixth switch 64 . Here, the second voltage stabilization unit 54 has the same configuration as the first voltage stabilization unit 54, and the second charge pump 66 can have the same configuration as the first charge pump 46. The fourth switch 62 has the same configuration as the first switch 42 and the fifth switch 68 has the same configuration as the second switch 48. The sixth switch 64 has the same configuration as the second switch 48, (44).

Fig. 7 illustrates the structure of the liquid lens.

As shown, the liquid lens 28 may comprise a liquid, a first plate, and an electrode. The liquids 122 and 124 contained in the liquid lens 28 may include a conductive liquid and a nonconductive liquid. The first plate may include a cavity 150 in which a conductive liquid and a nonconductive liquid are disposed. The cavity 150 may include an inclined surface. The electrodes 132 and 134 may be disposed on the first plate 114 and may be disposed on the first plate 114 or below the first plate 114. The liquid lens 28 may further include a second plate 112 that may be disposed above (below) the electrodes 132 and 134. The liquid lens 28 may further include a third plate 116 that may be disposed below (upper) the electrodes 132, 134. As shown, one embodiment of the liquid lens 28 may include an interface 130 formed by two different liquids 122, 124. It may also include at least one substrate 142, 144 that supplies a voltage to the liquid lens 28. The edge of the liquid lens 28 may be thinner than the center of the liquid lens 28. [

The liquid lens 28 includes two different liquids, for example, the conductive liquid 122 and the non-conductive liquid 124, and the curvature and shape of the interface 130 formed by the two liquids And can be adjusted by the supplied driving voltage. The driving voltage supplied to the liquid lens 28 may be transmitted through the first substrate 142 and the second substrate 144. [ The second substrate 144 may carry four distinct driving voltages, and the first substrate 142 may carry one common voltage. The voltage supplied through the second substrate 144 and the first substrate 142 may be applied to the plurality of electrodes 134 and 132 exposed at the respective corners of the liquid lens 28. [

The liquid lens 28 also includes a third plate 116 comprising a transparent material and a second plate 112 positioned between the second plate 112 and the third plate 116 and the second plate 112, And a first plate 114 that includes regions.

The liquid lens 28 may also include a cavity 150 determined by the third plate 116, the second plate 112, and the opening area of the first plate 114. Here, the cavity 150 can be filled with two liquids 122, 124 of different properties (e.g., conductive liquid and nonconductive liquid), and between the two liquids 122, 124 of different properties, May be formed.

At least one of the two liquids 122 and 124 included in the liquid lens 28 has conductivity and the liquid lens 28 has two electrodes 132 and 134 disposed at the top and bottom of the first plate 114, And an insulating layer 118 disposed on an inclined surface to which the liquid having conductivity can abut. Here, the insulating layer 118 covers one electrode (e.g., the second electrode 134) of the two electrodes 132 and 134, and exposes a part of the other electrode (e.g., the first electrode 132) To allow electrical energy to be applied to the conductive liquid (e.g., 122). Here, the first electrode 132 includes at least one electrode sector (e.g., C0), and the second electrode 134 includes two or more electrode sectors (e.g., L1, L2, L3, and L4 in FIG. 4) can do. For example, the second electrode 134 may include a plurality of electrode sectors sequentially disposed along the clockwise direction about the optical axis.

One or more substrates 142 and 144 for transmitting a driving voltage to the two electrodes 132 and 134 included in the liquid lens 28 may be connected. The focal length of the liquid lens 28 can be adjusted while the bending and inclination of the interface 130 formed in the liquid lens 28 is changed corresponding to the driving voltage.

Fig. 8 illustrates a third example of the control circuit.

As shown in the figure, the control circuit includes a driving voltage output section 230A for outputting a predetermined voltage having a polarity (anode or cathode), a voltage received from the driving voltage output section 230A and a ground voltage (ground voltage) A second switching part 240 for selectively transmitting a driving voltage from the first switching part 240 to the electrode 260 of the liquid lens 28 (see FIG. 7) (250). ≪ / RTI >

The driving voltage output unit 230A includes a first voltage generator 232 for outputting a first voltage by increasing a voltage to a predetermined level based on a power supply voltage or a supply voltage and a second voltage generator 232 for outputting a first voltage from the first voltage generator 232 And a charge pump 234 for receiving the voltage and changing the polarity to output the voltage as a second voltage. For example, if the first voltage is a positive voltage, the second voltage may be a negative voltage. According to an embodiment, the polarity of the first voltage and the second voltage may be opposite.

The first switching unit 240 may include a first sub-switching unit 240_1 and a second sub-switching unit 240_2. The first sub switching unit 240_1 outputs one of a first voltage and a ground voltage and the second sub switching unit 240_2 outputs one of a second voltage and a ground voltage having a polarity opposite to the first voltage . The configurations of the first sub switching unit 240_1 and the second sub switching unit 240_2 may be similar. According to the embodiment, the configurations of the first sub switching unit 240_1 and the second sub switching unit 240_2 may be different.

Specifically, the first switching unit 240 includes a first switch 242 that can selectively transmit the first voltage transmitted from the first voltage generator 232, and a second switch 242 that can selectively transmit the first ground voltage. (244). The first switching unit 240 includes a fourth switch 246 selectively transmitting the second voltage transmitted from the charge pump 234 and a fifth switch 248 selectively transmitting the second ground voltage. As shown in FIG.

The first switching unit 240 may include two different input terminals and two different output terminals. Also, the first ground voltage and the second ground voltage may be electrically connected.

The second switching unit 250 may include a third switch 252 selectively supplying one of the first voltage and the first ground voltage to the liquid lens electrode 260 and one of the second voltage and the second ground voltage And a sixth switch 254 that can selectively supply the liquid lens electrode 260 when it is transmitted.

The first switching unit 240 may be disposed in common to electrodes included in the liquid lens 28. [ For example, the first switching unit 240 may be shared between a plurality of individual electrodes included in the liquid lens to transmit the driving voltage to the plurality of individual electrodes through the at least one first switching unit 240.

On the other hand, the second switching unit 250 needs to be disposed separately for each electrode included in the liquid lens 28. [ For example, the independent second switching unit 250 may be connected to each of the plurality of individual electrodes included in the liquid lens 28, so that the second switching unit 250 may not be shared among the liquid lens electrodes 260 have.

Fig. 9 illustrates a fourth example of the control circuit.

As shown in the figure, the control circuit includes a voltage generation section 232 for generating a voltage having a predetermined polarity and magnitude, a charge pump 234 for changing the polarity of the voltage generated in the voltage generation section 232, A plurality of switching elements 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d, 244e, 246a, 246b, 248a, 248b for transferring a driving voltage to a plurality of electrodes L1, L2, L3, L4, A plurality of second switching units 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, and 250d for selectively transmitting a voltage from a plurality of switching devices to a plurality of electrodes L1, L2, L3, L4, 250e. Here, the plurality of switching elements 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d, 244e, 246a, 246b, 248a, 248b may correspond to the first switching unit 240 described in FIG. The voltage generating unit 232 may include a voltage booster or the like.

According to the control circuit shown in FIG. 8, except for the three switch elements included in the charge pump 234, six switch elements can be connected to each liquid lens electrode 260. However, in the control circuit described in FIG. 9, some of the switching elements disposed in the individual electrodes L1, L2, L3, and L4 among the plurality of electrodes L1, L2, L3, L4, So that the number of switch elements can be reduced. For example, in the case where the liquid lens includes four separate electrodes and one common electrode, the control circuit described in FIG. 8 may include a total of 30 (5 * 6) switching elements, A total of 21 switching elements may be included.

10 illustrates a fifth example of the control circuit.

As shown in the figure, the control circuit includes a voltage generation section 232 for generating a voltage having a predetermined polarity and magnitude, a charge pump 234 for changing the polarity of the voltage generated in the voltage generation section 232, A plurality of switching elements 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 246a, 246b, 248a, 248b for transmitting a driving voltage to a plurality of electrodes L1, L2, L3, L4, (250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e) for selectively transmitting the voltage to be transmitted to a plurality of electrodes (L1, L2, L3, L4, C0) included in the liquid lens have. Here, the plurality of switching elements 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 246a, 246b, 248a, and 248b may correspond to the first switching unit 240 described with reference to FIG.

In the case where the liquid lens includes four separate electrodes and one common electrode except for the three switching elements included in the charge pump 234, the control circuit described in Fig. 9 may include 21 switching elements, The control circuit described in 10 may include 18 switching elements. It is possible to further reduce the number of switching elements included in the control circuit as shown in FIG. 10 by a method in which switching elements for selectively transmitting the ground voltage are not individually arranged for each of the individual electrodes included in the liquid lens . Reducing the number of switching elements reduces the overall size of the control circuit and reduces power consumption.

Referring to FIG. 10, the number of the switching elements 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 246a, 246b, 248a, 248b corresponding to the first switching unit 240 described in FIG. Can be fixed regardless of the number of < / RTI > For example, regardless of whether the number of individual electrodes included in the liquid lens is four, eight, twelve, or sixteen, the first switching unit 240 described in FIG. 8 can be implemented by only eight switching elements. On the other hand, the number of switching elements included in the plurality of second switching units 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d and 250e may correspond to the number of electrodes included in the liquid lens, that is, the sum of the individual electrodes and the common electrode. That is, the number of switching elements included in the plurality of second switching units 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, and 250e may be twice as many as the sum of the number of the individual electrodes and the number of the common electrodes included in the liquid lens. For example, if there are four individual electrodes included in the liquid lens and one common electrode, the number of electrodes may be five, and the number of switching elements included in the plurality of second switching units may be ten.

If the number of individual electrodes included in the liquid lens is eight and the common electrode is one, the number of electrodes may be nine and the number of switching elements included in the plurality of second switching units may be eighteen. According to the embodiment, even if the number of electrodes included in the liquid lens is changed, the number of switching elements included in the driving voltage control circuit may be fixed.

11 illustrates a first operation example of the control circuit shown in Fig. For convenience of explanation, the driving voltage applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 will be mainly described. On the other hand, the driving voltage may be applied to the individual electrodes L2, L3, and L4 at the same time t as the first individual electrode L1, and the driving voltage may be applied differently. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates a case where a positive voltage is applied to the common electrode C0.

Referring to the timing diagram, there are a plurality of operation modes (①, ②, ③, ④, and ⑤) according to the timing at which the driving voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 . First, in the first mode (1), a ground voltage is applied to both the common electrode C0 and the first discrete electrode L1. In the second mode (2), the positive voltage generated by the voltage generator 232 is applied to the common electrode C0, and the ground voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1. In the third mode (3), positive voltage generated by the voltage generator 232 is applied to the common electrode C0, and negative voltage transmitted from the charge pump is applied to the first individual electrode L1. In the fourth mode (4), a ground voltage is applied to the common electrode C0 and a negative voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1. In the fifth mode (5), a ground voltage is applied to both the common electrode C0 and the first discrete electrode L1. The movement of the interface 130 included in the liquid lens 28 (see FIG. 7) in the first mode to the fifth mode (①, ②, ③, ④ and ⑤) causes the movement of the common electrode C0 and the first individual electrode L1 ) Of the driving voltage Vop applied between the scan electrode Y and the scan electrode Y. At this time, the movement of the interface 130 can be controlled by the absolute value of the magnitude irrespective of the polarity of the driving voltage Vop.

The driving voltage applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 in the first to fifth modes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) ON) / OFF (OFF). When a ground voltage, a positive voltage, or a negative voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0, it can be indicated by a dotted line and an arrow have.

On the other hand, the dotted lines and the arrowed paths shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 11 are examples, and the driving voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 in various combinations of different paths according to the embodiment .

12 illustrates a second operation example of the control circuit shown in Fig. For convenience of explanation, the driving voltage applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 will be mainly described. On the other hand, the driving voltage may be applied to the individual electrodes L2, L3, and L4 at the same time t as the first individual electrode L1, and the driving voltage may be applied differently. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates a case where a negative voltage is applied to the common electrode C0.

Referring to the timing diagram, there are a plurality of operation modes (①, ②, ③, ④, and ⑤) according to the timing at which the driving voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 . First, in the first mode (1), a ground voltage is applied to both the common electrode C0 and the first discrete electrode L1. In the second mode (2), the positive voltage generated by the voltage generator 232 is applied to the common electrode C0 by the charge pump, and the ground voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1. In the third mode (3), the negative voltage changed by the charge pump is applied to the common electrode C0, and the positive voltage generated by the voltage generator 232 is applied to the first individual electrode L1. In the fourth mode (4), a ground voltage is applied to the common electrode C0, and a positive voltage generated by the voltage generator 232 is applied to the first individual electrode L1. In the fifth mode (5), a ground voltage is applied to both the common electrode C0 and the first discrete electrode L1. The movement of the interface 130 included in the liquid lens 28 (see FIG. 7) in the first mode to the fifth mode (①, ②, ③, ④ and ⑤) causes the movement of the common electrode C0 and the first individual electrode L1 ) Of the driving voltage Vop applied between the scan electrode Y and the scan electrode Y. At this time, the movement of the interface 130 can be controlled by the absolute value of the magnitude irrespective of the polarity of the driving voltage Vop.

The driving voltage applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 in the first to fifth modes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) ON) / OFF (OFF). When a ground voltage, a positive voltage, or a negative voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0, which path and which switch element can be transmitted can be expressed by a dotted line and an arrow have.

On the other hand, the dotted line and the arrow path shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 12 are one example. According to the embodiment, the drive voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 in various combinations of different paths .

11 and 12, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the first common electrode C 1 is applied to the first individual electrode L 1 and the common electrode C 0, and a driving voltage twice the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrodes is applied to the liquid lens . When a driving voltage of about 70 V is required to control the movement of the interface included in the liquid lens, a voltage of about 35 V having different polarities is applied to the first discrete electrode L1 and the common electrode C0, Substantially the same effect as that in which the driving voltage of 70 V is applied can be obtained. The switching device that selectively transmits a lower voltage can be made smaller, thereby realizing the miniaturization of the control circuit and increasing the degree of integration.

Fig. 13 illustrates a sixth example of the control circuit.

As shown in the figure, the control circuit includes a driving voltage output unit 230B for outputting a plurality of predetermined voltages having polarities (anode or cathode), a voltage supplied from the driving voltage output unit 230B and a ground voltage A first switching unit 240 for selectively transmitting one of the driving voltage supplied from the first switching unit 240 to the electrode 260 of the liquid lens 28 (see FIG. 7) 2 switching unit 250. [0034]

The driving voltage output unit 230B includes a first voltage generator 232 for increasing a voltage to a predetermined level based on a power supply voltage or a supply voltage and outputting a first voltage, And a second voltage generator 236 for increasing a voltage to output a second voltage having a polarity opposite to the first voltage. Compared with the control circuit described in FIG. 8, the driving voltage output section 230B may include a second voltage generator 236 that can generate the second voltage separately instead of using the charge pump 234.

The first switching unit 240 includes a first switch 242 selectively transmitting the first voltage transmitted from the first voltage generator 232 and a second switch 244 selectively transmitting the first ground voltage. . ≪ / RTI > The first switching unit 240 includes a fourth switch 246 selectively transmitting the second voltage transmitted from the charge pump 234 and a fifth switch 248 selectively transmitting the second ground voltage. As shown in FIG. According to the embodiment, the first switching unit 240 may be designed to include the first sub-switching unit and the second sub-switching unit, as described with reference to FIG.

The first switching unit 240 may include two different input terminals and two different output terminals. Also, the first ground voltage and the second ground voltage may be electrically connected.

The second switching unit 250 may include a third switch 252 selectively supplying one of the first voltage and the first ground voltage to the liquid lens electrode 260 and one of the second voltage and the second ground voltage And a sixth switch 254 that can selectively supply the liquid lens electrode 260 when it is transmitted.

The first switching unit 240 may be disposed in common to electrodes included in the liquid lens 28. [ For example, the first switching unit 240 may be shared between a plurality of individual electrodes included in the liquid lens to transmit the driving voltage to the plurality of individual electrodes through the at least one first switching unit 240.

On the other hand, the second switching unit 250 needs to be disposed separately for each electrode included in the liquid lens 28. [ For example, the independent second switching unit 250 may be connected to each of the plurality of individual electrodes included in the liquid lens 28, so that the second switching unit 250 may not be shared among the liquid lens electrodes 260 have.

Fig. 14 illustrates a seventh example of the control circuit.

As shown, the control circuit includes a first voltage generator 232 for generating a voltage having a predetermined polarity and magnitude, and a second voltage generator 232 for generating a voltage having a predetermined polarity and magnitude, A second voltage generator 236 for generating a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the voltage applied to the liquid lens, a plurality of switching elements for transmitting a driving voltage to the plurality of electrodes L1, L2, L3, L4, L2, L3, L4, and L4 included in the liquid lens, the voltage being transmitted from the plurality of switching elements, 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, and 250e for selectively transmitting the first and second switching units 250a, 250b, 250c, and 240c. Here, the plurality of switching devices 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d, 244e, 246a, 246b, 248a, 248b may correspond to the first switching unit 240 described with reference to FIG. For example, the first voltage generator may include a voltage booster, and the second voltage generator may be implemented in a manner similar to the first voltage generator.

According to the control circuit described with reference to FIG. 13, six switch elements can be connected to each liquid lens electrode 260. However, in the control circuit described in Fig. 14, some of the switching elements disposed in the individual electrodes L1, L2, L3 and L4 are commonly connected to the plurality of electrodes L1, L2, L3, L4 and C0 included in the liquid lens So that the number of switch elements can be reduced. For example, in the case where the liquid lens includes four individual electrodes and one common electrode, the control circuit described in Fig. 13 may include a total of thirty (5 x 6) switching elements, but the control circuit described in Fig. 14 A total of 21 switching elements may be included.

Fig. 15 illustrates an eighth example of the control circuit.

As shown, the control circuit includes a first voltage generator 232 for generating a voltage having a predetermined polarity and magnitude, and a second voltage generator 232 for generating a voltage having a predetermined polarity and magnitude, A second voltage generator 236 for generating a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the voltage applied to the liquid lens, a plurality of switching elements for transmitting a driving voltage to the plurality of electrodes L1, L2, L3, L4, (L1, L2, L3, L4, and C0) included in the liquid lens, a voltage that is transmitted from the plurality of switching elements is transmitted to the plurality of electrodes (242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 246a, 246b, 248a, 248b) 250b, 250c, 250d, and 250e, respectively. Here, the plurality of switching elements 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 246a, 246b, 248a, and 248b may correspond to the first switching unit 240 described with reference to FIG.

In the case where the liquid lens includes four individual electrodes and one common electrode, the control circuit described in Fig. 14 may include 21 switching elements, but the control circuit described in Fig. 15 may include 18 switching elements. It is possible to further reduce the number of switching elements included in the control circuit, as shown in FIG. 15, by connecting the switching elements for selectively transmitting the ground voltage for each of the individual electrodes included in the liquid lens without separately arranging them . Reducing the number of switching elements reduces the overall size of the control circuit and reduces power consumption.

15, the number of the plurality of switching elements 242a, 242b, 244a, 244b, 246a, 246b, 248a, 248b corresponding to the first switching unit 240 described with reference to FIG. Can be fixed regardless of the number of < / RTI > For example, regardless of whether the number of the individual electrodes included in the liquid lens is four, eight, twelve, or sixteen, the first switching unit 240 described with reference to FIG. 13 can be realized with only eight switching elements. On the other hand, the number of switching elements included in the plurality of second switching units 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d and 250e may correspond to the number of electrodes included in the liquid lens, that is, the sum of the individual electrodes and the common electrode. That is, the number of switching elements included in the plurality of second switching units 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, and 250e may be twice as many as the sum of the number of the individual electrodes and the number of the common electrodes included in the liquid lens. For example, if there are four individual electrodes included in the liquid lens and one common electrode, the number of electrodes may be five, and the number of switching elements included in the plurality of second switching units may be ten.

If the number of individual electrodes included in the liquid lens is eight and the common electrode is one, the number of electrodes may be nine and the number of switching elements included in the plurality of second switching units may be eighteen. According to the embodiment, even if the number of electrodes included in the liquid lens is changed, the number of switching elements included in the driving voltage control circuit may be fixed.

Fig. 16 illustrates a first operation example of the control circuit shown in Fig. For convenience of explanation, the driving voltage applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 will be mainly described. On the other hand, the driving voltage may be applied to the individual electrodes L2, L3, and L4 at the same time t as the first individual electrode L1, and the driving voltage may be applied differently. Particularly, FIG. 16 illustrates a case where a positive voltage is applied to the common electrode C0.

Referring to the timing diagram, there are a plurality of operation modes (①, ②, ③, ④, and ⑤) according to the timing at which the driving voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 . First, in the first mode (1), a ground voltage is applied to both the common electrode C0 and the first discrete electrode L1. In the second mode (2), the positive voltage generated by the first voltage generator 232 is applied to the common electrode C0, and the ground voltage is applied to the first discrete electrode L1. In the third mode (3), positive voltage generated by the first voltage generator 232 is applied to the common electrode C0, and negative voltage generated by the second voltage generator 236 is applied to the first individual electrode L1. Voltage is applied. In the fourth mode (4), the ground voltage is applied to the common electrode C0, and the negative voltage transmitted from the second voltage generator 236 is applied to the first discrete electrode L1. In the fifth mode (5), a ground voltage is applied to both the common electrode C0 and the first discrete electrode L1. The movement of the interface 130 included in the liquid lens 28 (see FIG. 7) in the first mode to the fifth mode (①, ②, ③, ④ and ⑤) causes the movement of the common electrode C0 and the first individual electrode L1 ) Of the driving voltage Vop applied between the scan electrode Y and the scan electrode Y. At this time, the movement of the interface 130 can be controlled by the absolute value of the magnitude irrespective of the polarity of the driving voltage Vop.

The driving voltage applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 in the first to fifth modes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) ON) / OFF (OFF). When a ground voltage, a positive voltage, or a negative voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0, it can be indicated by a dotted line and an arrow have.

On the other hand, the dotted lines and the arrows shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 16 are examples, and the driving voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 in various combinations of different paths .

Fig. 17 illustrates a second operation example of the control circuit shown in Fig. For convenience of explanation, the driving voltage applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 will be mainly described. On the other hand, the driving voltage may be applied to the individual electrodes L2, L3, and L4 at the same time t as the first individual electrode L1, and the driving voltage may be applied differently. Particularly, FIG. 17 illustrates a case where a negative voltage is applied to the common electrode C0.

Referring to the timing diagram, there are a plurality of operation modes (①, ②, ③, ④, and ⑤) according to the timing at which the driving voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 . First, in the first mode (1), a ground voltage is applied to both the common electrode C0 and the first discrete electrode L1. In the second mode (2), the negative voltage generated by the second voltage generator 236 is applied to the common electrode C0, and the ground voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1. In the third mode (3), the negative voltage generated by the second voltage generator 236 is applied to the common electrode C0 and the positive voltage generated by the first voltage generator 232 is applied to the first discrete electrode L1. Voltage is applied. In the fourth mode (4), a ground voltage is applied to the common electrode C0, and a positive voltage generated by the voltage generator 232 is applied to the first individual electrode L1. In the fifth mode (5), a ground voltage is applied to both the common electrode C0 and the first discrete electrode L1. The movement of the interface 130 included in the liquid lens 28 (see FIG. 7) in the first mode to the fifth mode (①, ②, ③, ④ and ⑤) causes the movement of the common electrode C0 and the first individual electrode L1 ) Of the driving voltage Vop applied between the scan electrode Y and the scan electrode Y. At this time, the movement of the interface 130 can be controlled by the absolute value of the magnitude irrespective of the polarity of the driving voltage Vop.

The driving voltage applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 in the first to fifth modes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) ON) / OFF (OFF). When a ground voltage, a positive voltage, or a negative voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0, which path and which switch element can be passed through can be expressed by a dotted line and an arrow have.

On the other hand, the dotted line and the arrow path shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 17 are one example. According to the embodiment, the driving voltage is applied to the first individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0 by various combinations of different paths .

16 and 17, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the first common electrode C 1 is applied to the first individual electrode L 1 and the common electrode C 0, and a drive voltage twice as large as the voltage applied to the electrodes is applied to the liquid lens . When a driving voltage of about 70 V is required to control the movement of the interface included in the liquid lens, a voltage of about 35 V having different polarities is applied to the first discrete electrode L1 and the common electrode C0, Substantially the same effect as that in which the driving voltage of 70 V is applied can be obtained. The switching device that selectively transmits a lower voltage can be made smaller, thereby realizing the miniaturization of the control circuit and increasing the degree of integration.

18 illustrates a method of controlling the liquid lens in the camera module.

As shown, four separate terminals L1, L2, L3, and L4 and a common terminal C0 may be connected to the liquid lens. The operating voltages supplied to the four individual terminals L1, L2, L3 and L4 may be independently controlled and different from each other. For convenience of explanation, it has been described that a voltage of the same pulse shape (having a predetermined time width) is applied.

An operation voltage in the form of a positive voltage and a negative voltage can be supplied not only to the individual electrodes L1, L2, L3 and L4 of the liquid lens but also to the common electrode C0. For example, when a voltage of the same level is supplied to the individual electrode L1 and the common electrode C0, the voltage difference between the two electrodes is 0 V, but if one voltage is positive and the other voltage is negative The voltage difference between the two electrodes can be twice the operating voltage. With this principle, the voltage booster 32 (see FIG. 5) connected to the control circuit does not need to output a high voltage of 70V. Even if the voltage booster 32 outputs only a voltage of 35 V, the control circuit can control the difference in voltage applied between the two electrodes of the liquid lens to be 70 V.

The driving voltage Vop-L1 applied between the two electrodes (the individual electrodes and the common electrodes L1 and C0) of the liquid lens is such that the operating voltage (for example, 35 V) is applied to the common electrode C0, (For example, + 35V) when the ground voltage is applied to the individual electrodes (e.g., L1), the operation voltage is applied to the common electrode C0 in the form of negative voltage, (E.g., + 70V) when the operation voltage is applied in the form of positive voltage to the common electrode C0 and the ground voltage is applied to the common electrode C0, The third voltage (e.g., +35 V) when the common electrode C0 is applied in the form of a positive voltage and the fourth electrode when the operation voltage is applied in the form of positive voltage to the common electrode C0 and the ground voltage is applied to the individual electrode When the operating voltage is applied in the form of a positive voltage to the common electrode C0 and the operating voltage is applied in the form of a negative voltage to the individual electrode (e.g., L1) (E.g., -35 V) when a ground voltage is applied to the common electrode C0 and the operating voltage is applied to the individual electrode (e.g., L1) in the form of a negative voltage .

The driving voltage Vop-L1 may be changed depending on whether the operating voltage applied to the individual electrodes L1, L2, L3, and L4 and the common electrode C0 is a positive voltage or a negative voltage.

The above-described liquid lens may be included in the camera module. The camera module includes a lens assembly including a liquid lens mounted on a housing and at least one solid lens that can be disposed on a front surface or a rear surface of the liquid lens, an image sensor that converts an optical signal transmitted through the lens assembly into an electrical signal, And a control circuit for supplying a driving voltage to the liquid lens.

While only a few have been described above with respect to the embodiments, various other forms of implementation are possible. The technical contents of the embodiments described above may be combined in various forms other than the mutually incompatible technologies, and may be implemented in a new embodiment through the same.

An optical device (optical instrument) including the camera module described above can be implemented. Here, the optical device may include a device capable of processing or analyzing an optical signal. Examples of optical devices include camera / video devices, telescope devices, microscope devices, interferometer devices, photometer devices, polarimeter devices, spectrometer devices, reflectometer devices, autocollimator devices, lens meter devices, The embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an optical device that can be used. In addition, the optical device can be implemented as a portable device such as a smart phone, a notebook computer, and a tablet computer. Such an optical apparatus may include a camera module, a display unit for outputting an image, and a main body housing for mounting the camera module and the display unit. The optical device may further include a memory unit in which a communication module capable of communicating with other devices can be mounted on the body housing and can store data.

The method according to the above-described embodiments may be implemented as a program to be executed by a computer and stored in a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a ROM, a RAM, a CD- , Floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and the like.

The computer readable recording medium may be distributed over a networked computer system so that computer readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. And, functional program, code, and code segments for implementing the above-described method can be easily inferred by programmers in the technical field to which the embodiment belongs.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (13)

A first voltage generator for outputting a first voltage;
A second voltage generator for outputting a second voltage having an opposite polarity to the first voltage;
A first switch for selectively transmitting one of the first voltage and the ground voltage;
A second switch for selectively transmitting one of the second voltage and the ground voltage; And
And a third switch for selecting and delivering one of the voltage selected from the first switch and the voltage selected from the second switch,
Wherein the third switch is a plurality of switches,
Wherein the first switch is commonly connected to the plurality of third switches,
Liquid lens drive voltage control circuit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first voltage, the second voltage, or the ground voltage is applied to the common electrode or the individual electrode to interfere with the liquid lens whose focal distance is adjusted,
Each of the plurality of third switches being connected to each of the plurality of individual electrodes,
Liquid lens drive voltage control circuit. 3. The method of claim 2,
The number of the plurality of individual electrodes is four, the plurality of third switches are four,
Liquid lens drive voltage control circuit. 3. The method of claim 2,
A fourth switch for selecting one of the first voltage and the ground;
A fifth switch for selecting one of the second voltage and the ground; And
Further comprising a sixth switch for selecting one of a fourth switch and a fifth switch,
The sixth switch is connected to the common electrode,
Wherein the fourth switch and the fifth switch are connected to the sixth switch,
Liquid lens drive voltage control circuit. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the second voltage generator includes a charge pump that receives the first voltage from the first voltage generator and then changes the polarity and outputs the same. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the first voltage has an anode and the second voltage generator outputs the second voltage of a cathode having the same magnitude as the first voltage independently of the first voltage generator. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the first switching unit can be disposed commonly to the plurality of discrete electrodes, and the switch elements included in the third switch are independently arranged for each of the plurality of discrete electrodes. 8. The method of claim 7,
And the second switch can be disposed in common to the plurality of discrete electrodes. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the liquid lens comprises four or eight separate electrodes and one common electrode. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the number of switch elements included in the third switch and the sixth switch is twice the number of the individual electrodes and the common electrode. 5. The method of claim 4,
The third switching unit
A plurality of first switch elements individually connected to the individual electrodes and selectively transmitting the first voltage; And
And a plurality of second switch elements, which are individually connected to the individual electrodes and selectively transmit the second voltage,
The liquid lens driving voltage control circuit comprising: 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the liquid lens includes four individual electrodes and one common electrode, and the sum of the switch elements included in the first to sixth switches is eighteen. 3. The method of claim 2,
The liquid lens
A first plate including a cavity in which a conductive liquid and a nonconductive liquid are disposed;
A first electrode disposed on the first plate;
A second electrode disposed below the first plate, the second electrode comprising a plurality of electrode sectors;
A second plate disposed over the first electrode; And
And a third plate disposed under the second electrode.
Liquid lens drive voltage control circuit.

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