WO2004040365A1

WO2004040365A1 - Image pickup module having zoom for mobile device

Info

Publication number: WO2004040365A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/013914
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshifumi Yamaoka; Koh Murata; Masashi Hongo
Original assignee: Agilent Technologies Japan, Ltd.; Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2002-10-31
Filing date: 2003-10-29
Publication date: 2004-05-13
Also published as: JPWO2004040365A1; CN1708726A; KR20050084887A

Abstract

There is provided an image pickup module for mobile device which can easily be used by a user, has a small size with sufficient efficiency and comparatively simple structure, and is available at a low cost. An image pickup module (130) built in a mobile information terminal has different lens systems (131, 132) for offering the zoom function and has a structure to move these systems in the direction intersecting the optical path direction and arrange the lens systems at an appropriate focal distance. A plurality of lens systems are prepared to enable wide image pickup, tele-image pickup, and image pickup at an acquisition angle between them. These lens systems can be handled as a unitary block with the module including an image pickup device (150).

Description

Imaging module with zoom for mobile devices

The present invention relates to a small-sized imaging module used in a built-in information terminal device represented by a mobile phone, and more particularly to an imaging module or a camera module having a zoom function. Background art

With the spread of mobile phones, proposals have been made to reduce the size and function of built-in imaging modules for information terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs, and to provide cameras with a zoom function. Has also been proposed. As a typical configuration for realizing the zoom function, there is known a configuration in which an optical system having a plurality of lenses is assembled, and the distance between them is adjusted mechanically or by using an electrical feedback system.

For example, an imaging module device configured to be provided separately from a mobile phone body is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-27304. The disclosed module device includes a zoom mechanism using an optical system in which the lens unit is movable to change the distance with respect to the imaging unit.

Further, the imaging module disclosed in JP-A-2002-277713 or JP-A-2002-77841 is incorporated in a main body of a mobile phone. Since the body of the mobile phone is small, when the zoom mechanism is housed inside the entire image pickup module as in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-27304, the dimensions of the image pickup module are reduced. It cannot be stored inside the main body. Therefore, the zoom mechanism of the imaging module described in the above-mentioned publication has a structure in which a part thereof projects outside from the main body.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-277713 describes details of such a mechanism. The imaging module has two lens systems operated by cams. That is, the two lens systems are operated simultaneously to determine the distance from the imaging device and the relative position of the lens systems. The cam is operated by an operation unit located on the side of the mobile phone. Therefore, the user moves the lens unit by moving the operation unit, In this case, the take-in angle can be changed.

On the other hand, an example of an imaging module of a type that switches between wide-angle shooting and narrow-angle shooting by switching the optical path is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-223924. The optical path can be switched by using a liquid crystal switch. Such a configuration meets the demand for smaller and thinner mobile phones and the like, has the advantage that the entire imaging module can be arranged inside the mobile phone main body, and has excellent impact resistance.

However, according to the former example, the proposed imaging module with zoom function has two or three individual lenses in its optical system, and the distance between them is either mechanical or electrical. We are trying to realize the zoom function by changing it using a mechanism, but in this case, the length of the entire optical system becomes longer due to the need for multiple lenses, and unless a special lens drive function is added Therefore, a complicated mechanism must be prepared, and furthermore, an electrical feedback system is required for the control, which is technically difficult and costly.

On the other hand, according to the latter example, although the configuration becomes relatively simple as a whole, the imaging directions of wide-angle and narrow-angle photography are reversed on the front and back of the mobile phone, which is inconvenient for the user. .

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging module for a portable device which is easy to use by a user, has a small size and has sufficient performance, and has a relatively simple structure and a low cost. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention relates to an imaging module incorporated in a portable information terminal, which has a different lens system for providing a zoom function, moves the lens system in a direction intersecting the optical path direction, and adjusts the lens system to an appropriate focal length. Another object of the present invention is to provide a module configured to be arranged at an optical distance. An appropriate number of lens systems are prepared so that wide-angle (wide) shooting, narrow-angle (tele) shooting, or shooting at an intermediate capture angle can be performed. These lens systems are configured to be able to be handled integrally with the module including the imaging device.

The present invention provides two types of lens systems, one for wide-angle imaging and the other for narrow-angle imaging, or a plurality of more lens systems individually, and switches between them as needed to achieve one imaging. Enables shooting of images with multiple angles of view using devices. As a result, a complicated lens driving function and feedback system are not required, and if the lens system has at least the shortest optical distance, the size can be set to fit in the main body of the portable device. Furthermore, by making the length of the optical system of the narrow area image longer than that of the wide area, the design of the lens becomes easier, and the deterioration of the quality of the captured image due to the shorter optical length is also prevented. I can do it.

That is, according to the present invention, in an imaging module incorporated in a portable information terminal, a plurality of lens systems defining predetermined different image capturing angles of a wide angle or a narrow angle are moved in a direction intersecting an optical path and are mutually moved. In the switching, each of the plurality of lens systems is moved so as to define a predetermined optical distance with respect to the imaging device.

Preferably, the plurality of lens systems are linearly slid in a direction along one main surface of the portable information terminal for switching, and only a member including a desired lens system moves in a direction away from the imaging device. Thereby defining a predetermined optical position.

Preferably, the plurality of lens systems are configured to define a predetermined optical position by being linearly slid in an oblique direction with respect to one main surface of the portable information terminal for switching. Preferably, the plurality of lens systems are rotatable along one main surface of the portable information terminal for switching.

Preferably, the plurality of lens systems are fixed to a single member, and the single member is moved with rotation V such that the selected lens system is at a desired distance with respect to the imaging device. You. Preferably, a lens system selected from the plurality of lens systems is configured to define a predetermined optical position by moving in a direction away from a member to which the other lens system is fixed with rotation.

Preferably, the lens system for wide-angle shooting is always placed inside the housing of the portable information terminal, and the lens system for narrow-angle shooting is configured to protrude outside the housing when selected. . Preferably, the plurality of lens systems have the same size of the focal length or optical distance, and are moved and switched in a plane intersecting the optical path formed by the imaging device and the lens system aligned with the imaging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 (FIG. 1) is a perspective view for explaining the arrangement of an imaging module according to the present invention in a mobile phone. FIG. 2 (FIG. 2) is a schematic diagram illustrating wide-angle shooting and narrow-angle shooting with the imaging module of the present invention.

FIG. 3 (FIG. 3) is a plan view showing an imaging module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (a) is a so-called wide-angle imaging (wiring) in which a lens system is aligned with an imaging device. (B) is a diagram showing a state of so-called narrow-angle shooting (telephoto) in which the lens system is aligned with the imaging device.

FIG. 4 (FIG. 4) is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an embodiment in which the imaging module according to the first embodiment of the present invention is specifically illustrated. (C) is a view showing a state of narrow-angle shooting, and (b) is a view showing an intermediate state of transition.

FIG. 5 (FIG. 5) is a schematic plan view showing an imaging module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a state of wide-angle shooting, and (b) shows a state of narrow-angle shooting. FIG.

FIG. 6 (FIG. 6) is a schematic plan view showing an imaging module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 (FIG. 7) is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the imaging module according to the third embodiment of the present invention is specifically illustrated. (A) and (b) show wide-angle imaging and narrow-angle imaging, respectively. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a state of corner photographing, and (c) is a partial perspective view of the mobile phone showing an arrangement of the imaging module in the mobile phone.

Fig. 8 (Fig. 8) is a diagram showing an example of a type in which the imaging module according to the third embodiment of the present invention is further applied, and (a) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views. c) and (d) are perspective views showing a part of the mobile phone. (a) and (c) show the state of narrow-angle shooting, and (b;) and (d) show the state of wide-angle shooting. FIG.

FIG. 9 (FIG. 9) is a diagram showing an imaging module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where ( _a ) and (d) show wide-angle photography, and (b) and (e) show intermediate-level images. (C) and (f) are views showing the state of narrow-angle imaging, and (a), (b) and (c) are plan views, (d), (e) and (f). () Is a side view of only the imaging module taken out and viewed from directions D, E, and F, respectively. Further, (g) is a diagram showing an arrangement of the imaging module in the mobile phone.

Fig. 10 (Fig. L0) is a diagram showing a modification of the imaging module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and (a) and (c) show a state of wide-angle imaging; (b) and (d) are diagrams showing a state of narrow-angle shooting. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an imaging module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining the arrangement of an imaging module according to the present invention in a mobile phone. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating wide-angle imaging and narrow-angle imaging by the imaging module of the present invention. According to FIG. 1, the imaging module 30 is installed near the top of the mobile phone 10. In the figure, reference numeral 21 indicates a liquid crystal device for display, reference numeral 23 indicates a numeric keypad on which numerals are displayed, and reference numeral 22 indicates a pointing device. In this example, the imaging module 30 is directed toward the back of the mobile phone. The imaging module 30 includes two lens systems 31 and 32 and an imaging device 50 that is combined with any one of them to constitute an optical system for imaging. The focal lengths of the two lens systems 31 and 32 are different. For example, one is used for wide-angle (wide) photography and the other is used for narrow-angle (telephoto) photography. These wide-angle and narrow-angle changes are based on mutual switching by moving the lens systems 31 and 32 combined with the imaging device 50 in the X2 direction. It becomes possible by moving in the direction. FIG. 2 shows the difference in the dimensions of the focal lengths FLa and FLb or the optical distances TLa and TLb when using each of the lens systems 31 and 32.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views showing an imaging module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a state of so-called wide-angle shooting (wide), and FIG. It is a figure showing the state of photography (telephoto).

The imaging module 130 includes a first frame 141 that is slidably placed in the horizontal direction, that is, in the length direction of the imaging module 130. The second frame 142 is attached to the first frame 141 so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction. The lens system 13 1 is fixed to the first frame 14 1, and the lens system 13 2 is fixed to the second frame 14 2.

In the wide-angle shooting position shown in FIG. 3A, the lens system 13 1 is placed so as to have an appropriate focal length with respect to the imaging depth 150. When the user changes from the wide-angle shooting in FIG. 3A to the narrow-angle shooting in FIG. 3B, the first frame 1441 is moved in the direction of arrow A1. This movement is performed by an externally accessible lever 25 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. Normally, the second frame 1 4 2 is the first frame 1 4 1 as shown in FIG. It is arranged inside. However, when the first frame 141 is moved and the second frame 142 moves to a position overlapping the imaging device 50, the second frame 142 moves in a direction protruding from the first frame 141 (see arrow B1). In this protruding position, the lens system 132 is placed at an appropriate focal length with respect to the imaging device 150. An embodiment for mechanically realizing the structure shown in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. (A) is a diagram showing a state of wide-angle imaging, (c) is a state of narrow-angle imaging, and (b) is a diagram showing an intermediate state of transition. In FIG. 4, the imaging module 180 is relatively movable with respect to the imaging device 150, the first frame 191 including the lens system for wide-angle imaging, and the first frame 191, and is used for narrow-angle imaging. A second frame 192 including a lens system is provided.

FIG. 4A shows a state of wide-angle imaging. The first frame 191 is placed so that a lens system for wide-angle imaging is aligned with the imaging device 150. The user moves the first frame 191 in the direction of arrow A1 in the figure to change from this state to the state of narrow-angle shooting. As described above, this movement is fixed to the first frame 191 and manually performed by a user using a lever that can be accessed from outside. The first frame 191 is provided with a spring member S1 for urging the first frame 191 in the right direction in the drawing, that is, in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A1, so that the user's lever operation resists the force of the spring. It is done.

Further, the first frame 191 includes therein a spring member S2 that constantly biases the second frame 192 upward in the drawing, that is, in the direction of arrow B1. Therefore, when the first frame 191 is pulled out to the predetermined position shown in FIG. 4B, the lock mechanism (not shown) that maintains the second frame 192 in the first frame 191 is released. The second frame 192 passes through the window 187 formed in the box 186 of the imaging module 180 and protrudes to the outside (in the direction of arrow B1), thereby, as shown in FIG. The narrow-angle lens system inside maintains the predetermined focal length with respect to the imaging device. At this time, the second frame 192 passes through the outside surface (not shown) of the mobile phone and protrudes to the outside. The first frame 191 can be maintained at the position shown in FIG. 4C by another lock mechanism (not shown). In order to return from the narrow-angle shooting state to the wide-angle shooting state, the user pushes the second frame 192 protruding from the surface of the mobile phone against the force of the spring member S2, and the state shown in FIG. From Fig. 4 (b). At this time, the lock mechanism (not shown) that maintains the first frame 191 is released, and the first frame 191 is moved in the right direction in the drawing, that is, in the direction opposite to the arrow B1 direction by the spring means S1 for urging the first frame 191 . As a result, the first frame 191 and the second frame Frame 1992 returns to the wide-angle shooting state shown in FIG. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an imaging module according to a second embodiment, in which FIG. 5A illustrates a state of wide-angle imaging, and FIG. 5B illustrates a state of narrow-angle imaging. The second imaging module 280 also has a first frame 291, and a second frame 292 that can move relative to the first frame 291, and each has a wide angle and a narrow angle. The lens systems 28 1 and 28 2 for photography are supported. The movement of the first frame 291 is the same as in the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the second frame 292 is devised with respect to the first frame 291 by a cam mechanism.

That is, a cam groove 270 is formed on the inner wall of the imaging module 280, and cam projections 261 and 262 received in the cam groove 270 are formed in the second frame 292. Provided. (The cam groove for receiving the rubber projections 26 2 is not shown.) The first frame 2 is to be changed from the wide-angle shooting state shown in FIG. 5 (a) to the narrow-angle shooting state shown in FIG. 5 (b). 9 1 Force When moved in the direction of arrow A 1 in the figure, the second frame 292 is moved by the arrow A 2 by the cam projections 26 1 and 26 2 being guided by the cam groove 27 0. And move so as to protrude from the imaging module 280. When the second frame 292 reaches a predetermined position, that is, when it reaches the position shown in FIG. 4B, the first frame 291 is fixed by a lock mechanism (not shown), and the state of this narrow-angle shooting is maintained. You. When returning from the narrow-angle shooting state shown in FIG. 4 (b) to the wide-angle shooting state shown in FIG. 4 (a), the user directly pushes the lever operating lever or the protruding second frame 292. be able to.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an imaging module according to the third embodiment. In this imaging module 330, the wide-angle and narrow-angle lens systems 331 and 332 are both fixed to a common frame 340. The frame 340 moves in an inclined direction as indicated by an arrow A3 with respect to the main body 336 of the imaging module 330 including the imaging device 350. That is, when the frame 340 at the position indicated by the solid line in the figure is placed, a wide-angle shooting state is set. Become. As described above, the movement of the frame 340 may be performed by operating a lever (not shown). However, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to dispose it so as to protrude from the main body of the mobile phone and push it inward, or to make the frame end 3449 of the narrow-angle shooting state protrude from the main body of the mobile phone and press it. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the imaging module according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is specifically illustrated. Fig. 7 (a) and (b) are schematic plan views showing states of wide-angle shooting and narrow-angle shooting, respectively, and FIG. 7 (c) is a partial perspective view of the mobile phone showing an arrangement of the imaging module in the mobile phone. . As shown, the imaging module 430 is disposed near a corner of the mobile phone 410. Both a lens system 431 for wide-angle photography and a lens system 432 for narrow-angle photography are fixed to the frame 440. In the state of (a) wide-angle imaging, the lens system 431 is aligned with the imaging device 450, and in the state of (b) narrow-angle imaging, the lens system 432 is aligned with the imaging device 450. The moving direction of the frame 440 is a tilt direction, and an appropriate optical distance or focal length corresponding to each lens system 431, 432 is set in each state. The frame 440 is provided with a pillar 446, which is guided by a groove 411 provided in the mobile phone main body 410, and moves the frame between the two states. In this example, the frame 440 is moved by the user operating the lever 447, but other means may be used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a type in which the example shown in FIG. 7 is further applied. (A) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views, and (c) and (d) show a part of a mobile phone. (A) and (c) are views showing a narrow-angle shooting state, and (b) and (d) are views showing a wide-angle shooting state. In the wide-angle shooting state shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the lens system 431 is aligned with the imaging device 450 with an appropriate optical distance or focal length, and the narrow-angle shooting state shown in FIGS. 8B and 8D is used. In the state described above, the lens system 432 is aligned with the imaging device 450 with an appropriate optical distance or focal length. As shown, also in this example, the frame 490 including the wide-angle and the narrow-angle lens systems 431 and 432 is capable of moving in the tilt direction with respect to the main body 486 including the imaging device 450. The difference from the example shown in FIG. 7 is that the frame 490 is integrally provided with the lighting LED 481. In the wide-angle shooting condition shown in Figs. 8 (a) and (c), the illumination LED.481 is located inside the window 485, but in the narrow-angle shooting shown in Figs. 8 (b) and (d), The lighting LED 481 is exposed to the outside.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an imaging module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) and (d) show wide-angle shooting, (b) and (e) show shooting at an intermediate angle, and (c). (A), (b), and (c) are plan views, and (d), (e), and (f) show only the imaging module. And D are side views as seen from directions D, E and F, respectively. Further, (g) is a diagram showing an arrangement of the imaging module in the mobile phone.

The imaging module 530 includes a narrow-angle lens system 531, a wide-angle lens system 533, and the like. It has a substantially circular frame 5400 to which an intermediate lens system 532 is fixed. flame

The reference numeral 540 is also substantially circular, and is configured to rotate in a screw (helical) direction with respect to the main body 536 incorporating the imaging device 550. Although not shown, a ridge or groove extending in the screw direction is formed on the outer surface of the main body 536, and a concave or convex portion which engages with the inner surface of the frame 540 is shown in the drawing. 5 1 1 shows the surface of the mobile phone.

As shown in the figure, when the narrow-angle lens system 531 is aligned with the imaging device 5500 and has an appropriate focal length, the surface 541 of the frame 5400 is attached to the surface 5111. They almost match. When the user changes the capture angle from this state, the frame 540 is screwed. The direction of rotation is indicated by the arrow R in the figure. As a result, the medium-angle lens system 532 is replaced with the imaging device 550 instead of the wide-angle lens system 531, and at the same time, the surface 541 of the frame 540 is An appropriate focal length or optical distance for the lens system 532 protruding from the telephone surface 511 1 is realized. The frame 540 can be maintained in that position by locking means (not shown). Frame 540, which can be further rotated in the direction of arrow R, to be changed to narrower angle shooting. As a result, the lens system 533 is positioned with respect to the imaging device 550, and the frame 540 further protrudes, and the lens system 533 is positioned relative to the imaging device 550. An appropriate focal length or optical distance. Other suitable hooking means may be provided to maintain this position. By rotating the frame 540 in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow R, the user can return to the state of middle-angle shooting or wide-angle shooting.

In this embodiment, a lens for macro photography may be used instead of the lens system provided for medium-angle photography. According to macro photography, wide-angle and narrow-angle lens systems can be used to take pictures relatively close to the camera module that cannot take pictures. The user can realize the setting for macro photography only by rotating the frame 540.

FIG. 10 shows a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. (A) and (c) show the state of wide-angle shooting, and (b) and (d) show the state of narrow-angle shooting. flame

The reference numeral 640 also includes a wide-angle lens system 631, and a narrow-angle lens system 632, and is rotatable with respect to the main body 6336 including the imaging device 65. The difference from the embodiment of FIG. 9 is that the frame 640 is housed inside the main body 636. A screw rotating ridge 646 is formed on the side wall of the frame 640, and a screw groove 647 for receiving the screw rotating ridge 646 is formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the main body 636. . To shift from the wide-angle shooting state to the narrow-angle shooting state, the frame 640 is rotated in the direction of arrow R1. In this embodiment, since the lens systems 631 and 632 are eccentrically placed on one side, the path length of the rotation is longer than in the example shown in FIG. This is advantageous in that the operation of rotating while moving can be realized more smoothly. As a result, the surface 640 of the frame 640 is made to protrude from the main body 636, and is maintained at a predetermined position by a lock mechanism (not shown) in this state. In order to facilitate the rotation operation, for example, an operation unit that can be operated by a finger may be provided on the surface 641 of the frame 64. When returning from narrow-angle shooting to wide-angle shooting, the frame 640 is rotated in the R2 direction opposite to R1.

As described above, the imaging module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, this is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art. It is.

For example, by setting lens systems with different capture angles, such as wide-angle shooting and narrow-angle shooting, to the same focal length or the same optical distance, when switching the lens system from wide-angle to narrow-angle, To move only within one intersecting plane. In this case, it is not necessary to project the predetermined lens system in a direction away from the imaging device. That is, in the first or second embodiment described above, there is no need to provide a second frame that is relatively movable with respect to the first frame, and both lens systems are fixed to a single frame and slid. The lens system can be switched only by using this function. In the fourth embodiment, the frames are rotatable in the same plane.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the frame shape does not necessarily have to be circular, but may be a fan shape or a shape similar thereto. Similarly, in the fourth embodiment, the frame includes a first frame including a lens system for wide-angle shooting, and a frame that is movable in a protruding direction with respect to the first frame, and includes a lens system for narrow-angle shooting. And a second frame including the second frame. When the first frame is rotated, only the second frame protrudes. In the macro shooting described above, as shown in the fourth embodiment, a lens system for macro shooting is not provided separately, but the lens system is supported at a shooting position at each capture angle. A function of linearly sliding the frame in a direction away from the imaging device may be provided. For example, the frame can be moved by a manual cam operation. In this case, an operation unit of a vine for macro photography may be provided.

Claims

Claims l. In an imaging module incorporated in a portable information terminal,

A plurality of lens systems that define predetermined different image capture angles, wide-angle or narrow-angle, are moved in a direction intersecting the optical path so that they can be switched to each other, and when switching, each of the plurality of lens systems captures an image. An imaging module that is moved so as to define a predetermined optical distance with respect to the device.

2. The plurality of lens systems are linearly slid in a direction along one main surface of the portable information terminal for switching, and only a member including a desired lens system moves in a direction away from an imaging device. 2. The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein the module is configured to define the predetermined optical position.

3. The plurality of lens systems are configured to define the predetermined optical position by being linearly slid in an oblique direction with respect to one main surface of the portable information terminal for switching. The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of lens systems are rotatable along one main surface of the portable information terminal for switching.

5. The plurality of lens systems are fixed to a single member, and the single member moves with the rotation such that the selected lens system is at a desired distance with respect to the imaging device. The imaging module according to claim 4, wherein the imaging module is used.

6. The lens system selected from the plurality of lens systems is configured to define the predetermined optical position by moving in a direction away from a member to which the other lens system is fixed with rotation. The imaging module according to claim 4, wherein: '

7. The lens system for wide-angle shooting is always placed inside the housing of the portable information terminal, and the lens system for narrow-angle shooting is configured to protrude outside the housing when selected. The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The plurality of lens systems have the same size of focal length or optical distance, and are moved and switched in a plane intersecting the optical path formed by the imaging device and the lens system aligned with the imaging device. The imaging module according to claim 1, wherein: