CN117750197A

CN117750197A - Five-axis sensor shift camera module

Info

Publication number: CN117750197A
Application number: CN202311228866.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·M·J·玛穆德扎德; A·R·胡波特
Original assignee: Apple Inc
Current assignee: Apple Inc
Priority date: 2022-09-22
Filing date: 2023-09-22
Publication date: 2024-03-22

Abstract

The invention relates to a five-axis sensor shift camera module. The present invention provides an actuator assembly for a camera module. The actuator assembly includes a lateral actuator for movement of the image sensor of the camera module in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera module. The actuator assembly also includes an axial actuator for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis of the camera module. The actuator assembly also includes a bracket that retains a portion of the lateral actuator and a portion of the axial actuator. The carriage moves with the image sensor in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera module and is stationary relative to the movement of the image sensor in the one or more directions parallel to the optical axis of the camera module.

Description

Five-axis sensor shift camera module

The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/376,757, entitled "Five-Axis Sensor Shift Camera Module," filed on 9 and 22 of 2022, which provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a sensor-shifted camera module for actuation in five axes.

Background

The advent of small mobile multi-purpose devices such as smartphones and tablet computers or tablet devices has led to a need for high resolution low profile cameras to be integrated into the device. Some cameras may incorporate an Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) mechanism that may sense and react to external stimuli/disturbances by adjusting the position of the optical lens and/or image sensor in the X-axis and/or Y-axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted movement of the lens. In addition, some cameras may incorporate an Auto Focus (AF) mechanism by which the focal length of the subject may be adjusted to focus the plane of the subject in front of the camera at the image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such AF mechanisms, the optical lens and/or image sensor move as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera.

Drawings

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate components of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low-profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a top view of the exterior of a camera. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera.

Fig. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate components of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Fig. 3 shows a top perspective view of the exterior of the camera. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the A-A plane. Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the B-B plane.

Fig. 6 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide auto-focus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that can be used, for example, to provide auto-focus by lens assembly movement in a low profile camera and/or to provide optical image stabilization by image sensor movement, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that can be used, for example, to provide auto-focus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Fig. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate components of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the A-A plane without tilting the image sensor. Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the A-A plane with the image sensor tilted in a first direction. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the A-A plane in case the image sensor is tilted in the second direction.

Fig. 12 illustrates a top view of an electrical system of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low-profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Fig. 13A illustrates steps of a method for assembling a camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low-profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Fig. 13B illustrates steps of a method for assembling a camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low-profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Fig. 13C illustrates steps of a method for assembling a camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low-profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary device that may include a camera, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 15 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing device, referred to as a computer system, that may include or host an embodiment of a camera, according to some embodiments.

The present specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with the present disclosure.

The term "comprising" is open ended. As used in the appended claims, the term does not exclude additional structures or steps. Consider the claims referenced below: such claims do not exclude that the apparatus comprises additional components (e.g. a network interface unit, a graphics circuit, etc.).

Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or described as "configured to" perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" implies that the structure (e.g., circuitry) is used by indicating that the unit/circuit/component includes the structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component may purportedly be configured to perform this task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is currently inoperable (e.g., not turned on). Units/circuits/components used with a "configured as" language include hardware-e.g., circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to perform operations, etc. References to a unit/circuit/component "being configured to" perform one or more tasks are expressly intended to not refer to the sixth paragraph of 35u.s.c. ≡112 for that unit/circuit/component. Further, "configured to" may include a general-purpose structure (e.g., a general-purpose circuit) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in a manner that is capable of performing one or more tasks to be solved. "configured to" may also include adjusting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to manufacture a device (e.g., an integrated circuit) suitable for performing or executing one or more tasks.

"first", "second", etc. As used herein, these terms serve as labels for the nouns they precede and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, the buffer circuit may be described herein as performing a write operation of a "first" value and a "second" value. The terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that a first value must be written before a second value.

"based on". As used herein, the term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. The term does not exclude additional factors affecting the determination. That is, the determination may be based solely on these factors or at least in part on these factors. Consider the phrase "determine a based on B". In this case, B is a factor affecting the determination of A, and such phrases do not preclude the determination of A from being based on C. In other examples, a may be determined based on B alone.

It will also be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to cover the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted to mean "when..or" at..times "or" in response to a determination "or" in response to detection "depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if a condition or event is identified" or "if a condition or event is detected" may be interpreted to mean "upon identification of the condition or event," or "upon detection of the condition or event, depending on the context.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments described herein relate to actuator assemblies that may be used in cameras having movable image sensors. In some implementations, the camera may include a camera device equipped with controls, magnets, flexures, and voice coil motors to improve the effect of the micro-actuation mechanism of the compact camera module. More specifically, in some implementations, the compact camera module includes actuators for providing functions such as Auto Focus (AF) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). One approach to providing a very compact actuator for OIS and AF is to use a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement.

In some implementations, the actuator assembly may be used to provide AF and/or OIS for the camera. In some aspects, the axial actuator may drive an optical assembly having one or more lenses in one or more directions (e.g., the z-direction) parallel to the optical axis to provide autofocus. A lateral actuator separate from the axial actuator may drive the optical assembly and/or the image sensor in one or more directions (e.g., x-direction, y-direction) orthogonal to the optical axis to provide OIS. As described herein, an actuator assembly (hereinafter "actuator assembly") may integrate an axial actuator and a lateral actuator to drive an image sensor in five different ranges of motion for AF, OIS, tilting about the x-direction (e.g., angular motion), and/or tilting about the y-direction (e.g., angular motion). The actuator assembly may include an axial actuator for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis of the optical Assembly (AF) and a lateral actuator for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical assembly (OIS). The actuator assembly includes a bracket (e.g., a single bracket) that holds a portion of the axial actuator and a portion of the lateral actuator, thereby integrating the axial actuator and the lateral actuator. For example, the portion of the axial actuator held by the bracket may include one or more magnets, and the portion of the lateral actuator held by the bracket may include one or more coils. Another portion of the axial actuator may be held by the AF mount, fixedly coupled to the image sensor via the substrate, and may interact with the portion of the axial actuator held by the mount to move the image sensor in a direction parallel to the optical axis. In some aspects, the other portion of the axial actuator may include one or more coils. Another portion of the lateral actuator may be held by a holder fixedly attached to a shield of the camera (e.g., a fixed structure of the camera) and may interact with the portion of the lateral actuator to move the image sensor in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. In some aspects, the other portion of the lateral actuator may include one or more magnets. In some cases, the magnets described herein may comprise bipolar magnets.

As described herein, the actuator assembly includes a bracket that holds a portion of the axial actuator and a portion of the lateral actuator. Another portion of the axial actuator may be held by the AF mount, fixedly coupled to the image sensor via the substrate, and may interact with the portion of the axial actuator held by the mount to move the image sensor in a direction parallel to the optical axis. Another portion of the lateral actuator may be held by a holder fixedly attached to a shield of the camera (e.g., a fixed structure of the camera) and may interact with the portion of the lateral actuator to move the image sensor in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. As described herein, the mount may not be fixedly attached to the AF mount, but may be coupled to the AF mount via one or more damping structures, allowing some independent movement between the mount and the AF mount. For example, a top suspension spring and a bottom suspension spring may couple the bracket to the AF bracket. The top and bottom suspension springs may allow the mount to move with movement of the image sensor during OIS or during lateral movement of the image sensor while allowing the mount to remain stationary (e.g., reducing bending moments on the mount) during AF or during axial movement of the image sensor and/or during tilting movement of the image sensor. In some aspects, the bracket may be coupled to the retainer via one or more suspension structures. The suspension structure may couple the mount to the holder (and thus to the fixed structure of the camera) and may allow the mount to move with movement of the image sensor during OIS or during lateral movement of the image sensor while preventing the mount from moving axially during AF or during axial movement of the image sensor and/or during tilting movement of the image sensor. Thus, the carriage moves with the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., during OIS or lateral movement of the image sensor) and is stationary with respect to the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis (e.g., during AF movement of the image sensor and/or tilting movement of the image sensor).

As further described herein, the actuator assembly may include a plurality of lateral actuators and a plurality of axial actuators, wherein a portion of a respective lateral actuator and a portion of a respective axial actuator are retained by the bracket. In this case, the bracket may hold a portion of the plurality of respective axial actuators and a portion of the plurality of respective lateral actuators, thereby integrating the plurality of axial actuators and the plurality of lateral actuators. For example, a portion of a first axial actuator of the plurality of axial actuators may be retained by the bracket, and a portion of a second axial actuator of the plurality of axial actuators may also be retained by the bracket. The other portion of the first axial actuator of the plurality of axial actuators and the other portion of the second axial actuator of the plurality of axial actuators may be held by an AF mount, fixedly coupled to the image sensor via a substrate, and may interact with the portion of the first axial actuator and the portion of the second axial actuator, respectively, to move the image sensor in a direction parallel to the optical axis and/or tilt the image sensor about an axis orthogonal to the optical path.

In some aspects, a portion of a first lateral actuator of the plurality of lateral actuators may be held by the bracket and a portion of a second lateral actuator of the plurality of lateral actuators may also be held by the bracket. The other portion of the first one of the plurality of lateral actuators and the other portion of the second one of the plurality of lateral actuators may be held by a holder fixedly attached to a fixed structure of the camera (e.g., a shield of the camera) and may interact with the portion of the first lateral actuator and the portion of the second lateral actuator, respectively, to move the image sensor in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. In some aspects, the plurality of axial actuators and the plurality of lateral actuators may be positioned in an alternating sequence around the image sensor. As shown herein, the plurality of axial actuators may include four axial actuators, and the plurality of lateral actuators may include four lateral actuators. The four axial actuators and the four lateral actuators may be positioned in an alternating sequence around the image sensor and form an octagonal shape. Due to the plurality of axial actuators and the plurality of lateral actuators, axial movement of the image sensor, lateral movement of the image sensor, and/or tilting movement of the image sensor may be performed at the sensor level by a single axial actuator or a single lateral actuator, and/or by a combination of one or more axial actuators and/or one or more lateral actuators. Further, the alternating and offset positions of the axial and lateral actuators may minimize or reduce magnetic crosstalk between the axial and lateral actuator magnets during lateral movement (e.g., x-direction movement, y-direction movement) of the image sensor. The actuator assembly architecture provided herein may allow independent activation of the AF coils to allow axial and tilting motions (e.g., angular motions) without interfering with lateral or OIS motions. The lateral movement may displace the entire axial movement actuator structure regardless of which of the plurality of axial actuators is activated.

The actuator assembly integrated with one or more axial actuators and one or more lateral actuators may provide enhanced image stabilization with complex lateral, axial, rotational, and tilt corrections, and may give the camera the ability to compensate for user hand tremble in five axes and to compensate for dynamic tilt. An actuator assembly integrated with one or more axial actuators and one or more lateral actuators may provide attitude compensation and may allow improved coplanarity adjustment between the image sensor and the optical plane. While dynamic optical assemblies including AF may be used with the actuator assemblies described herein, the actuator assemblies may alternatively be used with static optical assemblies (e.g., fixed lenses) such that more complex lens designs and additional variable aperture mechanisms may be implemented in the camera module. In some cases, implementing a static optical assembly enabled by an actuator assembly may omit the lens active alignment step during model assembly. In addition, the angular compensation provided by the plurality of axial actuators and the plurality of lateral actuators may help reduce and/or eliminate module manufacturing residual tilt. In some aspects, the actuator assembly may have a higher frequency in the primary mode and thus a higher bandwidth in interference suppression. The actuator assembly may not provide or provide reduced auxiliary image sensor motion (e.g., in the z-direction) due to at least one of the suspension assembly or the top and bottom suspension springs. The actuator assembly may not provide an increase in shoulder height (e.g., the shoulder height of the shield) as compared to other camera module designs.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate components of an exemplary camera 100 having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low-profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a top view of the exterior of a camera 100. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera 100. The camera 100 may include one or more features that are the same as or similar to the features described with respect to or shown in fig. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14, and 15. The exemplary X-Y-Z coordinate systems shown in fig. 1 and 2 are used to discuss various aspects of the component and/or system and are applicable to the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

In various implementations, the camera 100 may include an optical assembly 102 having one or more lenses 102b defining an optical axis 102a, a flexure 220, an actuator assembly 201, a shield 110, a substrate 234 (e.g., OIS FPC, printed circuit board, etc.), a filter 222, an image sensor 208, a base 114, and a housing 113. The flexure 220 may be connected to the bottom surface of the base 114. In some examples, base 114 may define one or more grooves and/or openings having a plurality of different cross-sections. For example, a lower portion of base 114 and/or an upper portion of base 114 may define a recess and/or opening having a cross-sectional dimension adapted to receive flex portion 220. Shield 110 may be mechanically attached to base 114. Shield 110 may be mechanically coupled to base 114 via a housing 113 attached to both shield 110 and base 114.

The flexure 220 may include a dynamic stage 221, a static stage 215, and a plurality of flexure arms 224. The plurality of flex arms 224 may provide a flexible mechanical coupling between the static platform 215 and the dynamic platform 221. For example, the flexure arm 224 may allow the dynamic platform 221 to move relative to the static platform 215 (e.g., the rest of the camera 100) in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis 102a using one or more lateral actuators 203, and may allow the dynamic platform 221 to move relative to the static platform 215 (e.g., the rest of the camera 100) in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis 102a or along the optical axis using one or more axial actuators 205. Additionally, the flexure arm 224 may allow the dynamic platform 221 to move in one or more angular directions about one or more axes orthogonal to the optical axis 102a relative to the static platform 215 (e.g., the rest of the camera 100) using one or more axial actuators 205. In some aspects, flexure arm 224 may include electrical traces 216 for transferring electrical power and electrical signals between dynamic platform 221 (e.g., one or more electronic components mounted on substrate 234 (e.g., electronic component 239), image sensor 208 mounted on substrate 234, one or more electronic components mounted to dynamic platform 221, etc.) and static platform 215. The stationary platform 215 may be in electrical communication with one or more other components of the camera 100 for performing one or more camera operations via electrical connections.

In some non-limiting examples, the image sensor 208 may be attached to or otherwise integrated into the substrate 234 such that the image sensor 208 is connected to the OIS frame or flexure 220 via the substrate 234. For example, dynamic platform 221 may hold substrate 234 for mounting one or more electronic components 239 and/or image sensors 208. The substrate 234 may include an opening having a cross-sectional dimension adapted to allow light to pass therethrough while also receiving or retaining the filter 222 and the image sensor 208. The upper surface of the top layer of the substrate 234 may hold the filter 222 around the perimeter of the opening, and the lower surface of the lower layer of the substrate 234 may hold the image sensor 208 around the perimeter of the opening. In some aspects, a ceramic layer below an underlying layer of the substrate 234 may couple the image sensor 208 to the substrate 234. In some aspects, the lower layer of the substrate 234 may include a ceramic material that may couple the image sensor 208 to the substrate 234. In the case where the lower surface of the lower layer of the substrate 234 holds the image sensor 208 around the perimeter of the opening, the image sensor 208 may be connected (e.g., mechanically and/or electrically) to the flexure 220 via the substrate 234. This configuration may allow the substrate 234 to hold the image sensor 208 (and the filter 222) while also allowing light to pass from the lens of the optical assembly 102, through the filter 222, and be received by the image sensor 208 for image capture. In other embodiments, the substrate 234 and the image sensor 208 may be separately attached to the OIS frame or flexure 220. For example, the first set of one or more electrical traces 216 may be routed between the substrate 234 and the OIS frame or flexure 220. A second, different set of one or more electrical traces 216 may be routed between the image sensor 208 and the OIS frame or flexure 220. In some aspects, the AF coil may be integrated or embedded within the substrate 234.

The actuator assembly 201 may include one or more lateral actuators 203 and one or more axial actuators 205. One or more lateral actuators 203 may be used for lateral movement (OIS movement) to move the image sensor 208 in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a. One or more axial actuators 205 may be used for axial movement (AF movement) to move the image sensor 208 in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis 102a or along the optical axis. In addition, one or more axial actuators 205 may be used for angular movement (tilting movement) to tilt the image sensor 208 about one or more axes orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a. As described herein, the actuator assembly 201 may integrate a lateral actuator 203 and an axial actuator 205.

In some aspects, the lateral actuator 203 and/or the axial actuator 205 may include a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) that moves the image sensor 208 in one or more directions relative to a fixed structure of the camera 100 using lorentz forces. For example, the lateral actuator 203 may comprise one or more lateral motion (OIS motion) VCMs, and the axial actuator 205 may comprise one or more axial motion (AF motion) VCMs. As shown in fig. 2, the lateral actuator 203 may include OIS coil 217 and magnet 213a, and the axial actuator 205 may include AF coil 218 and magnet 213b. The AF coil 218 may be held by the AF holder 218, and the magnet 213a may be held by the magnet holder 206.

The actuator assembly 201 may integrate a lateral actuator 203 and an axial actuator 205. For example, at least a portion of the lateral actuator 203 and at least a portion of the axial actuator 205 may be integrated together via the bracket 228. As shown in fig. 2, both the magnet 213b of the axial actuator 205 and the OIS coil 217 of the lateral actuator 203 may be held by a bracket 228, thereby integrating at least a portion of the lateral actuator 203 and at least a portion of the axial actuator 205 together. Another portion of the axial actuator 205 may be held by an AF mount 226. As shown in fig. 2, the AF coil 218 held by the AF holder 226 may be fixedly coupled to the image sensor 208 via a substrate, and may interact with the magnet 213b of the axial actuator 205 held by the holder 228 to move the image sensor 208 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 102 a. Another portion of the lateral actuator 203 may be held by a retainer 206. As shown in fig. 2, the magnet 213a of the lateral actuator 203 may be held by a holder 206 fixedly attached to the shield 110 of the camera 100 (e.g., a fixed structure of the camera 100), and may interact with the OIS coil 217 of the lateral actuator 203 to move the image sensor 208 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a.

The bracket 228 may not be fixedly attached to the AF bracket 226, but may be coupled to the AF bracket 226 via one or more damping structures, allowing at least some independent movement between the bracket 228 and the AF bracket 226. For example, top suspension springs 232 and bottom suspension springs 236 may couple bracket 228 to AF bracket 226. The top suspension spring 232 and the bottom suspension spring 236 may allow the carriage 228 to move with movement of the image sensor 208 during lateral movement (e.g., OIS movement) of the image sensor 208 while allowing the carriage 208 to remain stationary (e.g., reducing bending moments on the carriage 208) during axial movement (e.g., AF movement) of the image sensor 208 and/or during tilting movement (e.g., angular movement) of the image sensor 208. In some aspects, bottom suspension spring 236 may be used to route signals from a driver (e.g., a lorentz driver) mounted on substrate 234 and through bracket 228 for receipt by axial actuator 205 and lateral actuator 203. In some aspects, the bracket 208 may be coupled to the retainer 206 via one or more suspension structures 230. The suspension structure 230 (e.g., suspension wires) may couple the mount 228 to the holder 206 (and thus to a fixed structure of the camera) and may allow the mount 228 to move with movement of the image sensor 208 during lateral movement of the image sensor 208 while preventing the mount 208 from moving axially during axial movement of the image sensor 208 and/or during tilting movement of the image sensor 208. Thus, the carriage 228 moves with the image sensor 208 in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis 102a (e.g., during OIS or lateral movement of the image sensor 208) and is stationary relative to the movement of the image sensor 208 in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis 102a (e.g., during AF movement of the image sensor 208 and/or tilting movement of the image sensor 208).

Fig. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate components of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Fig. 3 shows a top perspective view of the exterior of the camera. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the A-A plane. Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the B-B plane. The camera 100 may include one or more features that are the same as or similar to the features described with respect to or shown in fig. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14, and 15. The exemplary X-Y-Z coordinate systems shown in fig. 3, 4, and 5 are used to discuss aspects of the components and/or systems, and may be applicable to the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

The actuator assembly 201 may include one or more lateral actuators 203 and one or more axial actuators 205. The axial actuator 205 may be positioned within the camera 100 along line A-A shown in fig. 3. Additionally, the axial actuator 205 may be positioned within the camera 100 along a line orthogonal to the A-A line shown in FIG. 3. As shown in fig. 4, one or more axial actuators 205 may be used for axial movement (AF movement) to move the image sensor 208 in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis 102a or along the optical axis. In addition, one or more axial actuators 205 may be used for angular movement (tilting movement) to tilt the image sensor 208 about one or more axes orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a. In some aspects, the axial actuator 205 may include a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) that utilizes lorentz forces to move the image sensor 208 in one or more directions relative to a fixed structure of the camera 100. For example, the axial actuator 205 may comprise one or more axial motion (AF motion) VCMs. As shown in fig. 4, the axial actuator 205 may include an AF coil 218 and a magnet 213b. The AF coil 218 may be held by an AF frame 218.

As described herein, the actuator assembly 201 may integrate a lateral actuator 203 and an axial actuator 205. For example, at least a portion of the axial actuator 205 may be retained by the bracket 228 for integration with the lateral actuator 203. As shown in fig. 4, the magnet 213b of the axial actuator 205 may be held by a bracket 228 to integrate with at least a portion of the lateral actuator 203 (e.g., OIS coil 217). Another portion of the axial actuator 205 may be held by an AF mount 226. As shown in fig. 4, the AF coil 218 held by the AF holder 226 may be fixedly coupled to the image sensor 208 via a substrate, and may interact with the magnet 213b of the axial actuator 205 held by the holder 228 to move the image sensor 208 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 102 a.

The bracket 228 may not be fixedly attached to the AF bracket 226, but may be coupled to the AF bracket 226 via one or more damping structures, allowing at least some independent movement between the bracket 228 and the AF bracket 226. For example, top suspension springs 232 and bottom suspension springs 236 may couple bracket 228 to AF bracket 226. The top suspension spring 232 and the bottom suspension spring 236 may allow the carriage 228 to move with movement of the image sensor 208 during lateral movement (e.g., OIS movement) of the image sensor 208 while allowing the carriage 208 to remain stationary (e.g., reducing bending moments on the carriage 208) during axial movement (e.g., AF movement) of the image sensor 208 and/or during tilting movement (e.g., angular movement) of the image sensor 208. In some aspects, the bracket 208 may be coupled to the retainer 206 via one or more suspension structures 230. In some aspects, bottom suspension spring 236 may be used to route signals from a driver (e.g., a lorentz driver) mounted on substrate 234 and through bracket 228 for receipt by axial actuator 205 and lateral actuator 203. The suspension structure 230 (e.g., suspension wires) may couple the mount 228 to the holder 206 (and thus to a fixed structure of the camera) and may allow the mount 228 to move with movement of the image sensor 208 during lateral movement of the image sensor 208 while preventing the mount 208 from moving axially during axial movement of the image sensor 208 and/or during tilting movement of the image sensor 208. Thus, the carriage 228 moves with the image sensor 208 in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis 102a (e.g., during OIS or lateral movement of the image sensor 208) and is stationary relative to the movement of the image sensor 208 in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis 102a (e.g., during AF movement of the image sensor 208 and/or tilting movement of the image sensor 208).

The actuator assembly 201 may include one or more lateral actuators 203 and one or more axial actuators 205. The lateral actuator 203 may be positioned within the camera 100 along line B-B shown in fig. 3. In addition, the lateral actuator 203 may be positioned within the camera 100 along a line orthogonal to the B-B line shown in fig. 3. One or more lateral actuators 203 may be used for lateral movement (OIS movement) to move the image sensor 208 in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a. In some aspects, the lateral actuator 203 may include a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) that moves the image sensor 208 in one or more directions relative to a fixed structure of the camera 100 using lorentz forces. For example, the lateral actuator 203 may comprise one or more lateral motion (OIS motion) VCMs. As shown in fig. 5, the lateral actuator 203 may include OIS coil 217 and magnet 213a. The magnet 213a may be held by a magnet holder 206.

The actuator assembly 201 may integrate a lateral actuator 203 and an axial actuator 205. For example, at least a portion of the lateral actuator 203 may be retained by a bracket 228 for integration with the axial actuator 205. As shown in fig. 5, the lateral actuator 203 may be retained by a bracket 228 to integrate with at least a portion (e.g., magnet 213 b) of the axial actuator 205. Another portion of the lateral actuator 203 may be held by a magnet holder 206. As shown in fig. 5, the magnet 213a of the lateral actuator 203 may be held by a holder 206 fixedly attached to the shield 110 of the camera 100 (e.g., a fixed structure of the camera 100), and may interact with the OIS coil 217 of the lateral actuator 203 to move the image sensor 208 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a.

Fig. 6 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary camera 100 having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization via image sensor movement in a low profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. The camera 100 may include one or more features that are the same as or similar to the features described with respect to or shown in fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14, and 15. The exemplary X-Y-Z coordinate system shown in fig. 6 is used to discuss aspects of the component and/or system and may be applicable to the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

As described herein, a portion of a first lateral actuator of the plurality of lateral actuators may be held by a bracket, and a portion of a second lateral actuator of the plurality of lateral actuators may also be held by a bracket. The other portion of the first one of the plurality of lateral actuators and the other portion of the second one of the plurality of lateral actuators may be held by a holder fixedly attached to a fixed structure of the camera (e.g., a shield of the camera) and may interact with the portion of the first lateral actuator and the portion of the second lateral actuator, respectively, to move the image sensor in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. In some aspects, the plurality of axial actuators and the plurality of lateral actuators may be positioned in an alternating sequence around the image sensor.

As shown in fig. 6, the plurality of axial actuators 205 may include four axial actuators 205 and the plurality of lateral actuators 203 may include four lateral actuators 203. The four axial actuators 205 and four lateral actuators 203 may be positioned in an alternating sequence around the image sensor 208 (e.g., positioned below the filter 222) and form an octagonal shape. Due to the plurality of axial actuators 205 and the plurality of lateral actuators 203, axial movement of the image sensor 208, lateral movement of the image sensor 208, and/or tilting movement of the image sensor 208 may be performed at the sensor level by a single axial actuator 205 or a single lateral actuator 203, and/or by a combination of one or more axial actuators 205 and/or one or more lateral actuators 203. Further, the alternating and offset positions of the axial actuator 205 and the lateral actuator 203 may minimize or reduce magnetic crosstalk between the axial actuator magnet 213b and the lateral actuator magnet 213a during lateral movement (e.g., x-direction movement, y-direction movement) of the image sensor 208. The actuator assembly architecture provided herein may allow independent activation of the AF coils to allow axial and tilting motions (e.g., angular motions) without interfering with lateral or OIS motions. The lateral movement may displace the entire axial movement actuator structure regardless of which of the plurality of axial actuators is activated.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary camera 100 having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide auto-focus by lens assembly movement in a low profile camera and/or to provide optical image stabilization by image sensor movement, in accordance with at least some embodiments. The camera 100 may include one or more features that are the same as or similar to the features described with respect to or shown in fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14, and 15. The exemplary X-Y-Z coordinate system shown in fig. 7 is used to discuss aspects of the component and/or system and may be applicable to the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

In various examples, the shield 110 may be mechanically attached to the base 114. The camera 100 may include an actuator assembly for axial, lateral, and angular movement. In some cases, the actuator assembly may include magnet holder 206, magnets 213a and 213b, OIS coil 217, AF coil 218, AF mount 226, OIS mount 228, top suspension 232, bottom suspension 236, substrate 234, image sensor 208, flexure 220, and/or flexure arm 224. In some examples, the actuator assembly (or a portion thereof) may be connected to the base 114.

In some embodiments, the base plate 234 and/or the flexure 220 may be connected to a bottom surface of the base 114. In some examples, base 114 may define one or more grooves and/or openings having a plurality of different cross-sections. For example, a lower portion of base 114 may define a recess and/or opening having a cross-sectional dimension adapted to receive flex portion 220. An upper portion of the base 114 may define a recess and/or opening having a cross-sectional dimension adapted to receive the substrate 234. The upper portion may have an inner profile corresponding to the outer profile of the substrate 234. This may help maximize the amount of material included in base 114 (e.g., to provide structural rigidity to base 114) while still providing at least a minimum spacing between substrate 234 and base 114.

In some non-limiting examples, the substrate 234 and the image sensor 208 may be separately attached to the flexure 220. For example, the first set of one or more electrical traces 216 may be routed between the substrate 234 and the flexure 220. A second, different set of one or more electrical traces 216 may be routed between the image sensor 208 and the flexure 220. In other implementations, the image sensor 208 may be attached to or otherwise integrated into the substrate 234 such that the image sensor 208 is connected to the flexure 220 via the substrate 234.

Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of an exemplary camera 100 having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide auto-focus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Fig. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate components of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the A-A plane without tilting the image sensor. Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the A-A plane with the image sensor tilted in a first direction. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera through the A-A plane in case the image sensor is tilted in the second direction. Camera 100 may include one or more features that are the same as or similar to the features described with respect to or shown in fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14, and 15.

As shown in fig. 8, the camera 100 may include an actuator assembly 201, which may include a plurality of axial actuators 205 and a plurality of lateral actuators 203. The axial actuators 205 and the lateral actuators 203 may be positioned around the optical axis 102a (e.g., around the image sensor 208) in alternating positions or alternating sequences. A plurality of axial actuators 205 and a plurality of lateral actuators 203 may be used to move the image sensor 208 in up to five (5) different ranges of motion.

In some aspects, axial actuators including magnet 213b and adjacent first AF coil 218a, magnet 213b and adjacent second AF coil 218b, magnet 213b and adjacent third AF coil 218c, and/or magnet 213b and adjacent fourth AF coil 218b may together (or in pairs) be used to move image sensor 208 toward optical assembly 102 in a direction parallel to optical axis 102a and/or to move image sensor 208 away from optical assembly 102 in a direction parallel to optical axis 102 a. For example, as shown in fig. 9, the axial actuators 205 may together drive the image sensor 208 upward toward the optical assembly 102 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 102a (e.g., along the optical axis), and may together drive the image sensor 208 downward away from the optical assembly 102 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 102a (e.g., along the optical axis).

In some aspects, a lateral actuator including a magnet 213a and an adjacent second OIS coil 217B, a magnet 213a, and an adjacent fourth AF coil 218d may be used together to move the image sensor 208 along an axis B1 orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a. Similarly, a lateral actuator including a magnet 213a and an adjacent first OIS coil 217a, a magnet 213a, and an adjacent third AF coil 218c may be used together to move the image sensor 208 along an axis B2 orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a. In some aspects, an axial actuator including a magnet 213B and an adjacent first AF coil 218a, and a magnet 213B and an adjacent third AF coil 218c may be used to tilt (θx) the image sensor 208 about an x-axis orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a. Similarly, an axial actuator including a magnet 213B and an adjacent second AF coil 218B, and a magnet 213B and an adjacent fourth AF coil 218d, may be used to tilt (θy) the image sensor 208 about a y-axis orthogonal to the optical axis 102 a. For example, as shown in fig. 10, an axial actuator 205 may drive the image sensor 208 toward the optical assembly 102 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 102a (e.g., along the optical axis), while another axial actuator 205 may drive the image sensor 208 away from the optical assembly 102 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 102a (e.g., along the optical axis), such that the image sensor is tilted in a first angled direction. Similarly, as shown in fig. 11, the axial actuators 205 may reverse direction such that an axial actuator 205 may drive the image sensor 208 away from the optical assembly 102 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 102a (e.g., along the optical axis), while another axial actuator 205 may drive the image sensor 208 toward the optical assembly 102 in a direction parallel to the optical axis 102a (e.g., along the optical axis), thereby tilting the image sensor in a second angled direction.

Fig. 12 illustrates a top view of an electrical system 1200 of an exemplary camera 100 having an actuator module or assembly that may be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization through image sensor movement in a low-profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. The camera 100 may include one or more features that are the same as or similar to the features described with respect to or shown in fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14, and 15. As shown in fig. 12, the electrical system 1200 may be configured to independently provide an actuation activation signal to each of the individual axial and lateral actuators. For example, a driver (e.g., a lorentz driver) mounted to the substrate 234 may provide an activation signal to the lateral actuator via the bottom suspension springs 232 and the brackets 228. For example, the driver may provide an activation signal to the first lateral actuator via the first OIS driver signal circuit 1201, the driver may provide an activation signal to the second lateral actuator via the second OIS driver signal circuit 1202, the driver may provide an activation signal to the third lateral actuator via the third OIS driver signal circuit 1203, and/or the driver may provide an activation signal to the fourth lateral actuator via the fourth OIS driver signal circuit 1204. OIS driver signal circuitry may supply activation signals to the respective lateral actuators via two insert molded routes inside the cradle 228. In some aspects, two position sensors 1205a and 1205b (e.g., hall sensors) for the x-position and y-position of the lateral actuator may be included (e.g., embedded) within the bracket 228 and may each utilize four signals (VDD, aps+, APS-, GND) to identify the position of the OIS coil relative to the associated magnet 213 a.

As another example, a driver (e.g., a lorentz driver) mounted to the substrate 234 may provide an activation signal to the axial actuator via the bottom suspension springs 232. For example, the driver may provide an activation signal to the first axial actuator via the first AF driver signal circuit 1211, the driver may provide an activation signal to the second axial actuator via the second AF driver signal circuit 1212, the driver may provide an activation signal to the third axial actuator via the third AF driver signal circuit 1213, and/or the driver may provide an activation signal to the fourth axial actuator via the fourth AF driver signal circuit 1214. The AF driver signal circuit can supply an activation signal to the corresponding axial actuator through two insert molded routes inside AF frame 226. In some aspects, each AF coil 218 may be accompanied by an APS sensor that utilizes four signals (VDD, aps+, APS-, GND) to identify the position of the AF coil relative to the associated magnet 213 b.

Fig. 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate a method 1300 for assembling a camera 100 having an actuator module or assembly that can be used, for example, to provide autofocus and/or optical image stabilization by image sensor movement in a low-profile camera, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Camera 100 may include one or more features that are the same as or similar to the features described with respect to or shown in fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15. As shown in fig. 13A, at step 1301, one or more electronic components 1302 may be mounted to a substrate 234. In some aspects, the one or more electronic components 1302 may include one or more drivers to generate activation signals that drive the axial actuator 205 and/or the lateral actuator 203. At step 1303, a substrate 234 may be attached to the flexure 220. In some aspects, the ceramic layer 1304 may mechanically and/or electrically attach the flexure 220 to the substrate 234. At step 1305, the AF coil 218 may be attached to the AF holder 226. At step 1307, an AF mount 226 may be attached to the substrate 234. At step 1309, the flexure 220 can be attached to the base 214.

As shown in fig. 13B, at step 1311, OIS coil 217 may be attached to bracket 228. At step 1313, AF magnet 216b may be attached to bracket 228. At step 1315, top suspension spring 232 may be attached to bracket 228. At step 1317, bottom suspension spring 236 may be attached to bracket 228. At step 1319, the magnet 216a may be attached to the magnet holder 206. At step 1321, the magnet holder 206 may be attached to the bracket 228 via the suspension structure 230.

As shown in fig. 13C, at step 1323, the filter 222 may be attached to the substrate 234. At step 1325, the image sensor 208 may be attached to the ceramic layer 1304 coupled to the substrate 234. The ceramic layer 1304 may mechanically and electrically couple the image sensor 208 to the substrate 234. At step 1327, the bracket 228 may be attached to the AF bracket 226 via the top suspension spring 232. At step 1329, the shield 110 may be attached to the magnet holder 206 via one or more locks. At step 1331, the magnet holder 206 may be attached to the housing 113. At step 1333, the optical assembly 102 may be attached to the shield 110 through a cutout in the shield 110.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic diagram of an example device 1400 that may include a camera (e.g., as described herein with respect to fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, and 15) according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the device 1400 may be a mobile device and/or a multi-function device. In various embodiments, the device 1400 may be any of a variety of types of devices, including, but not limited to: personal computer systems, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, all-in-one computers, tablet or netbook computers, mainframe computer systems, handheld computers, workstations, network computers, cameras, set-top boxes, mobile devices, augmented Reality (AR) and/or Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, consumer devices, video game controllers, handheld video game devices, application servers, storage devices, televisions, video recording devices, peripheral devices (such as switches, modems, routers) or generally any type of computing or electronic device.

In some implementations, the device 1400 may include a display system 1402 (e.g., including a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras 1404. In some non-limiting implementations, the display system 1402 and/or one or more forward facing cameras 1404a can be disposed at a front side of the device 1400, for example, as indicated in fig. 14. Additionally or alternatively, one or more rearward cameras 1404b can be provided at the rear side of the device 1400. In some implementations including multiple cameras 1404, some or all of the cameras may be the same or similar to each other. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the cameras may be different from each other. In various implementations, the position and/or arrangement of the camera 1404 may be different than those indicated in fig. 14.

The device 1400 may include memory 1406 (e.g., including an operating system 1408 and/or application/program instructions 1410), one or more processors and/or controllers 1412 (e.g., including a CPU, memory controller, display controller, and/or camera controller, etc.), and/or one or more sensors 1416 (e.g., orientation sensor, proximity sensor, and/or orientation sensor, etc.), among others. In some embodiments, the device 1400 may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services (such as a computing device 1418, cloud service 1420, etc.) via one or more networks 1422. For example, device 1400 may include a network interface (e.g., network interface 1410) that enables device 1400 to transmit data to and receive data from network 1422. Additionally or alternatively, the device 1400 may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communication standards, protocols, and/or techniques.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing device, referred to as a computer system 1500, which may include or host an embodiment of a camera (e.g., as described herein with respect to fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, and 14). Further, the computer system 1500 may implement methods for controlling the operation of a camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with a camera. In some embodiments, the device 1500 (described herein with reference to fig. 15) may additionally or alternatively include some or all of the functional components of the computer system 1400 described herein.

Computer system 1500 may be configured to perform any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system 1500 may be any of a variety of types of devices, including, but not limited to: personal computer systems, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, mainframe computers, tablet or netbook computers, mainframe computer systems, handheld computers, workstations, network computers, cameras, set-top boxes, mobile devices, augmented Reality (AR) and/or Virtual Reality (VR), consumer devices, video game controllers, handheld video game devices, application servers, storage devices, televisions, video recording devices, peripheral devices (such as switches, modems, routers) or generally any type of computing or electronic device.

In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 1500 includes one or more processors 1502 coupled to a system memory 1504 via an input/output (I/O) interface 1506. Computer system 1500 also includes one or more cameras 1508 coupled to I/O interface 1506. Computer system 1500 also includes a network interface 1510 coupled to I/O interface 1506, and one or more input/output devices 1512, such as a cursor control device 1514, a keyboard 1516, and a display 1518. In some cases, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be implemented using a single instance of computer system 1500, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems or multiple nodes comprising computer system 1500 may be configured to host different portions or instances of an embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system 1500 that are different from those implementing other elements.

In various embodiments, computer system 1500 may be a single processor system including one processor 1502, or a multi-processor system including several processors 1502 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). The processor 1502 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 1502 may be a general-purpose or embedded processor implementing any of a variety of Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, powerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISA. In a multiprocessor system, each of processors 1502 may typically, but need not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

The system memory 1504 may be configured to store program instructions 1520 that can be accessed by the processor 1502. In various embodiments, system memory 1504 may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM), non-volatile/flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. Further, the existing camera control data 1522 of the memory 1504 may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions 1520 and/or data 1522 may be received, transmitted, or stored on a different type of computer-accessible medium separate from system memory 1504 or computer system 1500 or the like. In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system 1500.

In one embodiment, the I/O interface 1506 may be configured to coordinate I/O communications between the processor 1502, the system memory 1504, and any peripheral devices in the device, including the network interface 1510 or other peripheral device interfaces, such as the input/output devices 1512. In some embodiments, the I/O interface 1506 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversion to convert data signals from one component (e.g., the system memory 1504) to a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., the processor 1502). In some embodiments, I/O interface 1506 may include support for devices attached, for example, through various types of peripheral bus, such as a variant of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. In some embodiments, the functionality of I/O interface 1506 may be divided into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Further, in some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of the I/O interface 1506 (such as an interface to the system memory 1504) may be directly incorporated into the processor 1502.

The network interface 1510 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between the computer system 1500 and other devices (e.g., bearers or proxy devices) attached to the network 1524 or between nodes of the computer system 1500. In various embodiments, network 1524 may include one or more networks including, but not limited to, a Local Area Network (LAN) (e.g., ethernet or enterprise network), a Wide Area Network (WAN) (e.g., the internet), a wireless data network, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, the network interface 1510 may support communication via a wired or wireless general-purpose data network (such as any suitable type of ethernet network), for example; communication via a telecommunications/telephony network, such as an analog voice network or a digital fiber optic communication network; communication via a storage area network (such as a fibre channel SAN), or via any other suitable type of network and/or protocol.

In some embodiments, input/output devices 1512 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 1500. Multiple input/output devices 1512 may exist in computer system 1500 or may be distributed across various nodes of computer system 1500. In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system 1500 and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system 1500 through wired or wireless connections, such as through network interface 1510.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 1500 is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. In particular, the computer systems and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, internet devices, personal digital assistants, wireless telephones, pagers, and the like. The computer system 1500 may also be connected to other devices not shown, or vice versa, may operate as a stand-alone system. Furthermore, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components in some embodiments. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided, and/or other additional functionality may be available.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that while various items are shown as being stored in memory or on storage during use, these items or portions thereof may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of these software components may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or portable article of manufacture for reading by a suitable drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from computer system 1500 may be transmitted to computer system 1500 via a transmission medium or signal, such as an electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signal transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and/or wireless link. Various embodiments may also include receiving, transmitting, or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description on a computer-accessible medium. Generally, computer-accessible media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media or memory media such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, and the like. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals transmitted via a communication medium, such as a network and/or wireless link.

In various embodiments, the methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Further, the order of the blocks of the method may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Thus, multiple examples may be provided for components described herein as a single example. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are contemplated and may fall within the scope of the claims that follow. Finally, structures and functions presented as discrete components in an exemplary configuration may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A camera, comprising:

An optical assembly having one or more lenses defining an optical axis;

an image sensor;

an actuator assembly for moving the image sensor relative to the optical assembly; and

a flexure suspending the image sensor from a fixed structure of the camera and allowing movement of the image sensor enabled by the actuator assembly;

wherein the actuator assembly comprises:

a transverse actuator comprising a transverse coil and a transverse magnet,

for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis,

an axial actuator comprising an axial coil and an axial magnet,

for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis, and

a bracket holding the transverse coil and the axial magnet, wherein the transverse coil and the axial magnet are fixedly attached to the bracket.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the carriage moves with the image sensor in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis, and wherein movement of the carriage relative to the image sensor in the one or more directions parallel to the optical axis is stationary.

3. The camera of claim 1, wherein the optical component comprises a static optical component.

4. The camera of claim 1, wherein a retainer fixedly attached to the fixed structure of the camera holds the transverse magnet, and wherein an AF mount fixedly coupled for movement with the image sensor holds the axial coil.

5. The camera of claim 1, wherein the axial actuator including the axial coil and the axial magnet is further configured for movement of the image sensor in one or more rotational directions about an axis orthogonal to the optical axis.

6. The camera of claim 1, wherein:

the actuator assembly includes:

a plurality of lateral actuators including respective lateral coils and respective lateral magnets for the movement of the image sensor in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis; and

a plurality of axial actuators including respective axial coils and respective axial magnets for the movement of the image sensor in the one or more directions parallel to the optical axis, an

The bracket holds the respective transverse coils of the plurality of respective transverse actuators and the respective axial magnets of the plurality of axially respective actuators, wherein the respective transverse coils and the respective axial magnets are fixedly attached to the bracket.

7. The camera of claim 6, wherein:

a retainer fixedly attached to the fixed structure of the camera holds the respective transverse magnets of the plurality of respective transverse actuators; and is also provided with

An AF mount fixedly coupled for movement with the image sensor holds the respective axial coils of the plurality of respective axial actuators.

8. The camera of claim 7, wherein the plurality of respective lateral actuators and the plurality of respective axial actuators are configured to move the image sensor within five different ranges of motion.

9. The camera of claim 7, wherein the plurality of respective lateral actuators and the plurality of respective axial actuators are positioned in an alternating sequence around the image sensor.

10. An apparatus, comprising:

one or more processors;

a memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operation of the camera; and

The camera, the camera includes:

an optical assembly having one or more lenses defining an optical axis;

an image sensor;

wherein the actuator assembly comprises:

a lateral actuator comprising a lateral coil and a lateral magnet for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis,

an axial actuator comprising an axial coil and an axial magnet for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis, and

a bracket holding the transverse coil and the axial magnet,

wherein the transverse coil and the axial magnet are fixedly attached to the bracket.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the carriage moves with the image sensor in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis, and wherein movement of the carriage relative to the image sensor in the one or more directions parallel to the optical axis is stationary.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:

the actuator assembly includes:

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of respective lateral actuators and the plurality of respective axial actuators are configured to move the image sensor within five different ranges of motion.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of respective lateral actuators and the plurality of respective axial actuators are positioned in an alternating sequence around the image sensor.

16. An actuator assembly for a camera module, comprising:

a lateral actuator comprising a lateral coil and a lateral magnet for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis;

an axial actuator comprising an axial coil and an axial magnet for movement of the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis; and

17. The actuator assembly of claim 16, wherein the carriage moves with the image sensor in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera module, and wherein movement of the carriage relative to the image sensor in the one or more directions parallel to the optical axis of the camera module is stationary.

18. The actuator assembly of claim 16, wherein a retainer fixedly attached to the fixed structure of the camera holds the transverse magnet, and wherein an AF mount fixedly coupled for movement with the image sensor holds the axial coil.

19. The actuator assembly of claim 16, wherein the axial actuator including the axial coil and the axial magnet is further configured for movement of the image sensor in one or more rotational directions about an axis orthogonal to the optical axis.

20. The actuator assembly of claim 16, wherein:

the actuator assembly includes: