Method of using a camera module

Abstract

An image sensor package includes an image sensor, a window, and a molding, where the molding includes a lens holder extension portion extending upwards from the window. The lens holder extension portion includes a female threaded aperture extending from the window such that the window is exposed through the aperture. A lens is supported in a threaded lens support. The threaded lens support is threaded into the aperture of the lens holder extension portion. The lens is readily adjusted relative to the image sensor by rotating the lens support.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
     
     
         14 . A method of using a camera module, the camera module comprising: 
 a substrate;    an image sensor comprising an active area, the image sensor being coupled to a first surface of the substrate;    a lens mount coupled to the substrate, the lens mount comprising a threaded aperture;    a lens barrel comprising a threaded cylindrical surface, the lens barrel inserted into the threaded aperture of the lens mount, the lens barrel comprising an optical element; and    a ball grid array for electrically connecting the camera module to a larger substrate, the method comprising:    causing light to pass through the optical element and to contact the active area.    
     
     
         15 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 14  further comprising mounting the camera module on a larger substrate.  
     
     
         16 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 15  wherein the camera module is mounted to the larger substrate by the ball grid array.  
     
     
         17 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 14  further comprising electrically connecting the camera module to a larger substrate.  
     
     
         18 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 14  wherein the active area is responsive to the light.  
     
     
         19 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 14  wherein the light comprises visible light.  
     
     
         20 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 14  wherein the light comprises infrared radiation.  
     
     
         21 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 14  wherein the light comprises ultraviolet light.  
     
     
         22 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 14  further comprising focusing the light on the active area.  
     
     
         23 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 22  wherein the focusing the light on the active area comprises moving the optical element relative to the image sensor.  
     
     
         24 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 23  wherein the moving the optical element relative to the image sensor comprises moving the optical element away from the image sensor.  
     
     
         25 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 23  wherein the moving the optical element relative to the image sensor comprises moving the optical element towards the image sensor.  
     
     
         26 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 23  wherein the optical element comprises at least one lens.  
     
     
         27 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 23  wherein rotation of the lens barrel moves the optical element relative to the image sensor.  
     
     
         28 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 27  further comprising mounting the camera module on a larger substrate.  
     
     
         29 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 28  wherein the focusing the light on the active area is performed prior to the mounting the camera module on a larger substrate.  
     
     
         30 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 29  further comprising securing the lens barrel to the lens mount subsequent to the focusing the light on the active area.  
     
     
         31 . The method of using a camera module of  claim 30  wherein the securing the lens barrel to the lens mount is performed prior to the mounting the camera module on a larger substrate.  
     
     
         32 . A method comprising: 
 coupling an image sensor to a first surface of a substrate, the image sensor comprising an active area;    coupling bond pads of the image sensor to traces on the first surface of the substrate, the traces being electrically connected to interconnection balls coupled to a second surface of the substrate;    coupling a lens mount to the substrate with an adhesive layer, the lens mount comprising a threaded aperture;    inserting a lens barrel into the threaded aperture of the lens mount, the lens barrel comprising an optical element and a threaded cylindrical surface; and    focusing light passing through the optical element on to the active area.    
     
     
         33 . A method comprising: 
 coupling an image sensor to a first surface of a substrate, the image sensor comprising an active area;    coupling bond pads of the image sensor to traces on the first surface of the substrate, the traces being electrically connected to a means for electrically connecting coupled to a second surface of the substrate, the means for electrically connecting being selected from the group consisting of a ball grid array, a land grid array and a leadless chip carrier;    coupling a lens mount to the substrate with an adhesive layer, the lens mount comprising a threaded aperture;    inserting a lens barrel into the threaded aperture of the lens mount, the lens barrel comprising an optical element and a threaded cylindrical surface; and    focusing light passing through the optical element on to the active area.