Camera with multi-material base structure

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a camera having a multi-material base structure. A camera may include a multi-material base structure having at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion of the base structure may include different materials. The base structure may be used with one or more actuators of the camera to implement various optical image stabilization (OIS) and / or auto focus (AF) functions.

Description

Background Art Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cameras, and more particularly to cameras having a multi-material base structure.

[0002] Related technical description

[0003] The advent of mobile multi-purpose devices such as smart phones, tablets, or tablet devices has led to a need for larger lenses (such as ultra-wide angle lenses or ultra-wide angle lenses) to be integrated into the camera of the device. Some cameras may incorporate an optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanism that can sense and react to external stimuli / disturbances by adjusting the position of the image sensor relative to the lens in an attempt to compensate for unwanted movement of the lens. In addition, some cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism by which the object focus can be adjusted so that the object plane in front of the camera is focused at the image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such AF mechanisms, the optical lens moves along the optical axis of the camera as a single rigid body to refocus the camera. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1A to Figure 1B An exemplary camera including a multi-material base structure is shown according to some embodiments.

[0005] Figure 2 An exemplary multi-material base structure and curved suspension arrangement for a camera according to some embodiments is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 An example of using a multi-shot injection molding process to form a multi-material base structure (also referred to in some examples as a "multi-shot base structure") for a camera is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 4 An exemplary high-level flow chart of a method for forming a multi-injection base structure for a camera is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device 500 that may include a camera with a multi-material base structure is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system that may include a camera with a multi-material base structure according to some embodiments is shown.

[0010] This specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment." The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with the present disclosure.

[0011] The term "comprising" is open ended. As used in the appended claims, the term does not exclude additional structures or steps. Consider the following cited claim: "an apparatus comprising one or more processor units..." Such a claim does not exclude the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, a graphics circuit, etc.).

[0012] "Configured to", various units, circuits or other components may be described or described as "configured to" perform one or more tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is used to imply a structure (e.g., a circuit) that performs the one or more tasks during operation by indicating that the unit / circuit / component includes the structure. In this way, the unit / circuit / component is said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit / circuit / component is currently inoperable (e.g., not turned on). The units / circuits / components used with the "configured to" language include hardware-such as circuits, memories storing executable program instructions to implement operations, etc. Reference to a unit / circuit / component "configured to" perform one or more tasks is explicitly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112 (f) for the unit / circuit / component. In addition, "configured to" may include a general structure (e.g., a general circuit) manipulated by software and / or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general processor executing software) to operate in a manner capable of performing one or more tasks to be solved. "Configured to" may also include adapting a manufacturing process (eg, a semiconductor fabrication facility) to produce a device (eg, an integrated circuit) suitable for implementing or performing one or more tasks.

[0013] "First," "second," etc. As used herein, these terms act as labels for the nouns that precede them, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a 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 the first value must be written before the second value.

[0014] "Based on". As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that influence a determination. This term does not exclude additional factors that influence a determination. That is, a determination may be based solely on these factors or at least in part on these factors. Consider the phrase "A is determined based on B". In this case, B is a factor that influences the determination of A, and such a phrase does not exclude that the determination of A may also be based on C. In other examples, A may be determined based solely on B.

[0015] It will also be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the expected scope, the first contact may be referred to as the second contact, and similarly, the second contact may be referred to as the first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0016] The terms used in the description herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms of "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to also cover the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more items in the items listed in association. It will also be understood that the terms "including" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their grouping.

[0017] As used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined that" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted to mean "upon determining that" or "in response to determining that" or "upon detecting [a stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [a stated condition or event]," depending on the context. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various embodiments described herein relate to cameras having a multi-material base structure. For example, the base structure may have a first portion (e.g., an outer portion) formed from at least a first material and a second portion (e.g., an inner portion) formed from at least a second material different from the first material. In various embodiments, the first material and the second material may differ in their respective material properties. In some embodiments, the base structure may include at least two portions formed separately using a multi-injection injection molding process. In such cases, the first portion may be referred to as a "first injection portion" and / or an "outer injection portion", and the second portion may be referred to as a "second injection portion" and / or an "inner injection portion". In various embodiments, the base structure may include a first injection portion (e.g., an outer injection portion) formed from at least one material having a relatively low shrinkage rate, and a second injection portion (e.g., an inner injection portion) formed from at least one material having a relatively high tensile strength.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base structure can be used as a support structure for an actuator of a camera to achieve various optical image stabilization (OIS) and / or autofocus (AF) functions. For example, in some embodiments, the camera may include a curved suspension arrangement having a dynamic platform, a fixed platform, and one or more curved arms. In some embodiments, the dynamic platform may form an internal frame, and the fixed platform may form an external frame. In some embodiments, the camera may include an actuator with a movable frame, to which an image sensor may be attached. In some embodiments, the movable frame may be fixedly coupled to the dynamic platform of the curved suspension arrangement. In some embodiments, the internal (dynamic) platform may be flexibly coupled to the external (fixed) platform via one or more curved arms. In some embodiments, the fixed platform may be fixedly coupled to the outer portion of the base structure, and the movable frame may reside in the inner portion of the base structure. Therefore, the inner portion may surround the movable frame, and the base structure may therefore become, for example, an end stop that defines the boundary of the movement relative to the movable frame (and the dynamic platform). In some embodiments, an actuator may move the movable frame (along with the image sensor) relative to the lens group within the boundaries of the interior portion of the base structure to implement various OIS functions. In some embodiments, the movable frame may be fixedly attached to the lens group, and the camera may similarly use the base structure as a supporting substrate and end stops to move the lens group relative to the image sensor to perform various AF functions. In some embodiments, a camera including a multi-material base structure disclosed herein may be integrated into a mobile multi-purpose device such as a smart phone, tablet, or tablet device.

[0020] The base structure disclosed in the present invention provides at least some beneficial effects. As described above, the base structure can use different types of materials to form the first (e.g., external) part and the second (e.g., internal) part. For example, when the base structure is formed using a multi-injection injection molding process, the internal injection part can use at least one material with a relatively high tensile strength. In some embodiments, because the internal injection part is used as an interface with the movable frame, any contact between the internal injection part and the movable frame will not easily cause damage (e.g., deformation, fracture or fragmentation) to the base structure. At the same time, because the external injection part can use at least one material with a relatively low shrinkage rate, the base structure can still have the rigidity required to maintain the overall physical shape (e.g., flatness). In addition, the multi-material arrangement (and / or multi-injection arrangement) of the base structure provides greater design and / or repair flexibility. For example, a multi-injection base structure can be used to accommodate various movable frames, for example, by replacing only the internal injection part. Therefore, the mold only for the internal injection part needs to be reworked and the internal injection part needs to be reformed, while the external injection part can still be reused.

[0021] Figure 1A to Figure 1B An exemplary camera including a multi-material base structure is shown according to some embodiments. Figure 1A 1 shows an external perspective view of the camera 100, and Figure 1B The camera 100 (half of it) is shown in FIG. Figure 1A 1. For the purpose of illustration, in this example, the camera 100 may use the base structure 120 to implement various OIS functions. To simplify the explanation, Figure 1A to Figure 1B They will be described together herein with reference to each other. Figure 1A to Figure 1B As shown, camera 100 may include shield 105, lens group 110, curved suspension arrangement 115, and base structure 120. In some embodiments, lens group 110 may include one or more lens elements (not shown) that may be fixedly coupled to lens holder 125. For example, lens holder 125 may include internal threads so that one or more lens elements may be screwed into lens holder 125 from the inside via the threads. In some embodiments, curved suspension arrangement 115 (also shown in FIG. 1 ) may include a plurality of lens elements (not shown) that may be fixedly coupled to lens holder 125. Figure 2 ) may include a dynamic platform 130, a fixed platform 135, wherein the two platforms may be flexibly coupled to each other via one or more bending arms 140. In this example, the dynamic platform 130 may be arranged inside the fixed platform 135, and the bending arms 140 may be arranged to surround the periphery of the dynamic platform 130 between the dynamic platform 130 and the fixed platform 135 for connecting the dynamic platform 130 to the fixed platform 135. Therefore, the bending arms 140 may suspend the dynamic platform 130 from the fixed platform 135, thereby providing the dynamic platform 130 with movability relative to the fixed platform 135. In some embodiments, the base structure 120 (also in Figures 2 to 3 ) may include at least an inner portion 145 and an outer portion 150, wherein the two portions may be formed of different materials. In some embodiments, a multi-injection injection molding process may be used to form a base structure (e.g., a double-injection base structure), for example, by forming an inner injection portion and an outer injection portion in corresponding injections in a multi-injection injection molding process. In some embodiments, different materials may be used for the inner portion 145 and the outer portion 150. For example, the inner portion 145 may include at least a first material having a relatively high tensile strength, and the outer portion 150 may include at least a second material having a relatively low shrinkage rate. In some non-limiting examples, the tensile strength of the first material is at least 20% higher than the tensile strength of the second material. In addition or alternatively, in some non-limiting examples, the shrinkage rate of the second material may be at least 200% lower than the shrinkage rate of the first material. In some embodiments, the materials used to form the inner portion 145 and the outer portion 150 may include liquid crystal polymers (LDP), polyamides (PA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), etc.

[0022] like Figure 1B As shown, in some embodiments, the camera 100 may include an AF actuator having one or more coils 155 and / or an OIS actuator having one or more coils 160, wherein the two coils may share one or more magnets 165. In some embodiments, the coil 155 may be fixedly coupled to the lens holder 125 (and the lens group 110), the coil 160 may be fixedly coupled to the movable frame 185, and the magnet may be fixedly coupled to the shield 105. In some embodiments, the movable frame 185 is part of the substrate 170. In some embodiments, the movable frame 185 may be separate from the substrate 170 but fixedly attached to the substrate. In some embodiments, the camera 100 may include an image sensor 175 and an optional infrared filter 180. In some embodiments, the image sensor 175 and / or the infrared filter 180 may be attached to (and thus fixedly coupled to) the substrate 170 directly or indirectly (e.g., using a socket and / or welding). Optically, the light may pass through the lens group and then be focused onto an image plane at the image sensor 175 for the image sensor 175 to capture image data based on the light. When the camera 100 includes an infrared filter 180, the infrared filter 180 may filter or block at least some infrared light from reaching the image sensor 175. Figure 1B As shown, the coil 145 of the AF actuator (which can be fixedly coupled to the lens group 110) can be placed adjacent to the magnet 155 (which can be fixedly coupled to the shield 105). Therefore, the current flowing through the coil 145 can interact with the magnetic field of the magnet 155 to generate a motive force (e.g., a Lorentz force). In some embodiments, the AF actuator can adjust the current of the coil 145 to control the motive force that moves the lens group 110 relative to the magnet 155 (and therefore the shield 105 and the image sensor 175), for example, approximately along the Z axis - thereby achieving AF functionality.

[0023] See again Figure 1B , in some embodiments, the fixed platform 135 of the curved suspension arrangement 115 can be fixedly coupled to the outer portion 150 of the base structure 115, while the dynamic platform 130 of the curved suspension arrangement 115 can reside spatially inside the inner portion 145 of the base structure 115. In some embodiments, the dynamic platform 130 can be fixedly coupled to the movable frame 185 and the substrate 170 (and the image sensor 175). Thus, the injection portion 145 can surround the movable frame 185 so that the base structure 115 can define end stops for movement relative to the movable platform 185 (and therefore the substrate 170 with the attached image sensor 175). As shown in FIG. Figure 1BAs shown, the coil 160 of the OIS actuator can be arranged close to the magnet 165. Therefore, the OIS actuator can adjust the current of the coil 160 to generate a motive force (e.g., a Lorentz force) to move the substrate 170 (together with the image sensor 175) relative to the magnet 165 and thus the lens group 110 within the boundaries defined by the base structure 120 (e.g., approximately along the X-axis and / or the Y-axis), thereby achieving various OIS functions.

[0024] Figure 2 Details of the multi-material base structure and curved suspension arrangement of camera 100 are shown according to some embodiments. Figure 2 As shown, the flexure suspension arrangement 115 of the camera 100 may include a dynamic platform 130, a fixed platform 135, and one or more flexure arms 140. In some embodiments, the dynamic platform 130 may be flexibly coupled to the fixed platform 135 via one or more flexure arms 140. For example, as shown by the dashed circle, the flexure arms 140 may be connected to the dynamic platform 130 and the fixed platform 135 at their respective "protruding" pads. Because the flexure arms 140 may have mechanical flexibility, such an arrangement of the flexure suspension arrangement 115 may allow the dynamic platform 130 to move relative to the fixed platform 135, for example, along the X-axis and / or the Y-axis.

[0025] See again Figure 2 , the base structure 120 of the camera 100 may include an inner portion 145 and an outer portion 150. As described above in Figure 1A to Figure 1B As described in , in some embodiments, the camera 100 may include a flexure suspension arrangement 115 having a dynamic platform 130, a fixed platform 135, and one or more flexure arms 140. In some embodiments, an image sensor (not shown) of the camera may be attached to the dynamic platform 130. In some embodiments, the dynamic platform 130 (and the image sensor) may be fixedly coupled to the movable frame 185. Figure 2 The curved suspension arrangement 115 is shown above the base structure 120 before the two components are assembled. Figure 2 As shown, after assembly, the inner portion 145 can surround the movable frame 185, so that the base structure 120 can define end stops for movement relative to the movable frame 185 (and thus the dynamic platform 130 and the image sensor). Because the inner portion 145 can include at least one material with a relatively high tensile strength, the inner portion 145, as an interface between the base structure 120 and the movable frame, can provide better mechanical protection for the base structure 100 from damage caused by movement of and contact with the movable frame of the camera 100.

[0026] Note that for illustration purposes, Figures 1 to Figure 2A multi-material base structure for OIS functionality is shown. In some embodiments, the multi-material base structure disclosed herein can be used to implement other motion functions in a camera, such as various AF functions. For example, a camera can include an AF actuator having a movable frame, wherein the movable frame can be fixedly coupled to a lens group of the camera. In some embodiments, an inner portion of the base structure can surround the movable frame, thereby defining end stops relative to the movement of the movable frame and the lens group. In addition, for illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1 to 3 may be used to implement other motion functions in a camera, such as various AF functions. For example, a camera can include an AF actuator having a movable frame, wherein the movable frame can be fixedly coupled to a lens group of the camera. In some embodiments, an inner portion of the base structure can surround the movable frame, thereby defining end stops relative to the movement of the movable frame and the lens group. Figure 2 It is shown that the inner portion of the base structure can be used as an interface with the movable frame. In some embodiments, the outer portion of the base structure can alternatively be used as an interface with the movable frame, while the inner portion can become the interface with the fixed component of the camera. In this case, the materials used for the inner and outer portions of the base structure can be adjusted. For example, the outer portion can use at least one material with a relatively high tensile strength, while the inner portion can use at least one material with a relatively low shrinkage rate. In addition, for illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1 to 2 are not limited to the inner portion. Figure 2 It is shown that the two parts of the base structure can be arranged horizontally as an inner part and an outer part. In some embodiments, the two parts of the base structure can be arranged in other alternative structures, such as vertically in a top part and a bottom part, etc.

[0027] Figure 3 An example of a multi-material base structure (also referred to herein as a "multi-injection base structure") for forming a camera using a multi-injection injection molding process according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the base structure 300 may be formed in a multi-material injection molding process. In some embodiments, the process may include a first injection session to form a first (e.g., external) injection portion 305 of the base structure 300. In some embodiments, the external injection portion 305 may be formed using at least one first material having a relatively low shrinkage rate. For example, pellets (or granules) of the first material may be fed into an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine may melt the pellets (or granules) and inject the molten material through a first set of openings (as indicated by gates 315) into an empty or cavity component (also referred to as a cavity image) of a mold held by a molding tool including a support structure 335. In this example, the first set of openings may include a single gate 315. The mold cavity of the mold may define the physical shape and structure of the external injection portion 305. When the molten material cools and solidifies within the mold cavity, it may form the external injection portion 305. In some embodiments, one or more metal chips 320 and / or 325 of various shapes and / or sizes can be attached to the outer injection portion 305 at various locations during the first injection session. In some embodiments, the metal chips 320 and / or 325 can be used as an electrical ground, for example, for current conduction, power delivery, and / or electrostatic discharge.

[0028] See again Figure 3 In some embodiments, the multi-shot injection molding process can include a second injection session to form a second (e.g., inner) injection portion 310 of the base structure 300. In some embodiments, the inner injection portion 310 can be formed using at least a second material having a relatively high tensile strength. The second session can be performed in a similar manner to the first session, except that the second session may require a different mold for the inner injection portion 310. In this example, the inner injection portion 310 can be formed inside the outer injection portion 305, such that the outer injection portion 305 can surround the inner injection portion 310, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown. In this example, the second session can inject the molten second material into the mold through a second set of openings (as indicated by gates 330) to form the inner injection portion 310. In this example, the second set of openings can include eight gates 330. After the second injection session, the base structure 300 can be ejected from the mold and the support structure 335 can be removed (e.g., cut away). Note that the molds used to form the outer injection portions 305 and 310 can be separate molds or alternatively can be separate components of a single mold. In addition, for illustrative purposes, Figure 3 It is shown that the outer shot portion 305 is formed first, followed by the inner shot portion 310. In some embodiments, the order of the multi-shot injection molding process may be different, for example, the inner shot portion may be formed first and the outer shot portion may be formed next, or alternatively, the two portions may be formed independently but in parallel substantially simultaneously.

[0029] Figure 4 An exemplary high-level flow chart of a method for forming a multi-shot base structure for a camera according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method may include forming a first shot portion of the base structure using a multi-shot injection molding process based at least in part on a first material, as shown in block 405. In some embodiments, the base structure (e.g., FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 ) is formed by a plurality of injection molding processes based at least in part on a first material. Figure 3 The first injection portion of the base structure 100 and 300 in FIG. 1 may be an outer injection portion (eg, FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 ). Figure 3 In some embodiments, the formation of the first injection portion may include forming the first injection portion via a first set of gates (e.g., Figure 3 The first material is injected into the first mold cavity using a gate 315 in the mold. In some embodiments, the first injection portion can be formed using at least one material having a relatively low shrinkage rate.

[0030] See again Figure 4In some embodiments, the method may further include forming a second injection portion of the base structure using a multi-shot injection molding process based at least in part on the second material, as shown in block 410. In some embodiments, the second injection portion of the base material may be an inner injection portion (e.g., FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 ). Figure 3 In some embodiments, the formation of the second injection portion may include forming the second injection portion via a second set of gates (e.g., Figure 3 The second material is injected into the second mold cavity through a gate 330 in the inner mold. In some embodiments, the second injection portion can be formed using at least one material having a relatively high tensile strength. In some embodiments, the second injection portion can be spatially placed inside the inner injection portion so that the second injection portion can surround the first injection portion. In some embodiments, the base structure can be used as a supporting base to limit end stops for movement of a movable frame relative to the camera. For example, the movable frame can be attached to a suspension arrangement (e.g., FIG. 1 to FIG. 2). Figure 2 The invention relates to a curved suspension arrangement 115 in the base structure, including both a fixed platform and a dynamic platform. In some embodiments, the dynamic platform itself may form a movable frame. In another example, the dynamic platform may be separated from the movable frame and fixedly coupled to the movable frame. In some embodiments, the movable frame may be fixedly coupled to an image sensor or lens group of the camera. In some embodiments, the fixed platform may be attached to a first injection portion of the base structure, and the dynamic platform may be positioned so that the movable frame can be surrounded by a second injection portion of the base structure. Therefore, the base structure can effectively define the boundaries of the movement of the movable frame of the camera.

[0031] The technical solution of the present disclosure can be implemented in various ways. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a device, including one or more processors, and a computer-readable storage medium, which stores program instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, enable one or more processors to perform the method mentioned in the embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores program instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, enable one or more processors to perform the method mentioned in the embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including program instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enable the computer to perform the method mentioned in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 1 to 2 are shown according to some embodiments. Figure 4Schematic diagram of an exemplary device 500 that may include a camera with a multi-material base structure. In some embodiments, the device 500 may be a mobile device and / or a multi-function device. In various embodiments, the device 500 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to: a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a tablet or netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) helmet, a consumer device, a video game controller, a handheld video game device, an application server, a storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device (such as a switch, a modem, a router), or generally any type of computing or electronic device.

[0033] In some embodiments, device 500 may include a display system 502 (e.g., including a display and / or a touch-sensitive surface) and / or one or more cameras 504. In some non-limiting embodiments, display system 502 and / or one or more forward-facing cameras 504a may be disposed on the front side of device 500, e.g., Figure 5 Additionally or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras 504b may be disposed on the rear side of the device 500. In some embodiments including multiple cameras 504, some or all of the cameras may be identical or similar to one another. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the cameras may be different from one another. In various embodiments, the location and / or arrangement of the cameras 504 may differ from one another. Figure 5 Those shown in .

[0034] The device 500 may include, among other things, a memory 506 (e.g., including an operating system 508 and / or application / program instructions 510), one or more processors and / or controllers 512 (e.g., including a CPU, a memory controller, a display controller, and / or a camera controller, etc.), and / or one or more sensors 516 (e.g., an orientation sensor, a proximity sensor, and / or a position sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, the device 500 may communicate with one or more other devices and / or services such as a computing device 518, a cloud service 520, etc. via one or more networks 522. For example, the device 500 may include a network interface (e.g., a network interface 610) that enables the device 500 to transmit data to and receive data from the network 522. In addition or alternatively, the device 500 may be able to communicate with other devices via wireless communications using any of a variety of communication standards, protocols, and / or technologies.

[0035] Figure 6A schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing device, referred to as computer system 600, is shown according to some embodiments, which may include or host an embodiment of a camera having a multi-material base structure, for example, as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Figure 5 In addition, the computer system 600 may implement methods for controlling the operation of a camera and / or for performing image processing on images captured by the camera. Figure 5 The device 500 may additionally or alternatively include some or all of the functional components of the computer system 600 described herein.

[0036] The computer system 600 may be configured to perform any or all of the embodiments described above. In various embodiments, the computer system 600 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a tablet computer or a netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) helmet, a consumer device, a video game controller, a handheld video game device, an application server, a storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device (such as a switch, a modem, a router), or generally any type of computing or electronic device.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the computer system 600 includes one or more processors 602 coupled to a system memory 604 via an input / output (I / O) interface 606. The computer system 600 also includes one or more cameras 608 coupled to the I / O interface 606. The computer system 600 also includes a network interface 610 coupled to the I / O interface 606 and one or more input / output devices 612, such as a cursor control device 614, a keyboard 616, and a display 618. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of the computer system 600, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems or multiple nodes making up the computer system 600 may be configured to host different portions or instances of the embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of the computer system 600 that are different from those nodes that implement other elements.

[0038] In various embodiments, computer system 600 may be a uniprocessor system including one processor 602, or a multiprocessor system including a number of processors 602 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 602 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 602 may be a general-purpose or embedded processor that implements any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISAs. In a multiprocessor system, each of processors 602 may typically, but need not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

[0039] The system memory 604 can be configured to store program instructions 620 that can be accessed by the processor 602. In various embodiments, the system memory 604 can 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. In addition, the existing camera control data 622 of the memory 604 may include any of the above-mentioned information or data structures. In some embodiments, the program instructions 620 and / or data 622 may be received, sent, or stored on different types of computer-accessible media or similar media separate from the system memory 604 or the computer system 600. In various embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein can be implemented via such a computer system 600.

[0040] In one embodiment, the I / O interface 606 may be configured to coordinate I / O communications between the processor 602, the system memory 604, and any peripheral devices in the device (including the network interface 610 or other peripheral device interfaces, such as the input / output device 612). In some embodiments, the I / O interface 606 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversion to convert data signals from one component (e.g., the system memory 604) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., the processor 602). In some embodiments, the I / O interface 606 may include support for devices attached, for example, via various types of peripheral device buses (such as a variation of the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the universal serial bus (USB) standard). In some embodiments, the functions of the I / O interface 606 may be divided into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. In addition, in some embodiments, some or all of the functions of the I / O interface 606 (such as an interface to the system memory 604) may be directly incorporated into the processor 602.

[0041] The network interface 610 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between the computer system 600 and other devices (e.g., carriers or proxy devices) attached to the network 624 or between nodes of the computer system 600. In various embodiments, the network 624 may include one or more networks, including but not limited to a local area network (LAN) (e.g., an Ethernet or an 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 610 may support communication via a wired or wireless general data network (such as any suitable type of Ethernet network), for example; communication via a telecommunications / telephone network (such as an analog voice network or a digital fiber optic communication network); communication via a storage area network (such as a Fiber Channel SAN), or communication via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0042] In some embodiments, input / output devices 612 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touch pads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other device suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 600. Multiple input / output devices 612 may be present in computer system 600, or may be distributed across various nodes of computer system 600. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices may be separate from computer system 600 and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system 600 via a wired or wireless connection (such as via network interface 610).

[0043] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 900 is merely illustrative, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. Specifically, computer system and equipment may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated function, including computers, network equipment, Internet equipment, PDAs, wireless telephones, pagers, etc. Computer system 900 may also be connected to other equipment not shown, or may otherwise be operated as an independent system. In addition, the functions provided by the shown components may be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components in some embodiments. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functions of some components in the shown components may not be provided, and / or other additional functions may be available.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, although various items are shown as being stored in memory or on storage devices during use, for the purpose of memory management and data integrity, these items or parts thereof may be transmitted between memory and other storage devices. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of these software components may be executed in a 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 to be read by a suitable driver, and its various examples are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer accessible medium separated from the computer system 900 may be transmitted to the computer system 900 via a transmission medium or signal (such as an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a digital signal transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link). Various embodiments may also include receiving, sending, or storing instructions and / or data implemented according to the above description on a computer accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or memory medium, such as a magnetic medium or an optical medium, for example a disk or a DVD / CD-ROM, a volatile or non-volatile medium, such as a RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), a ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include a transmission medium or signal, such as an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a digital signal transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link.

[0045] In different embodiments, the methods described herein can be implemented in software, hardware or a combination thereof. In addition, the order of the frames of the method can be changed, and various elements can be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. For those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, various modifications and changes can obviously be made. The various embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. Therefore, multiple examples can be provided for the components described as a single example in this article. The boundaries between various components, operations and data repositories are arbitrary to a certain extent, and specific operations are shown in the context of a specific exemplary configuration. Other allocations of functions are expected, and they may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, the structure and function presented as discrete components in the 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 defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A camera, comprising: a lens assembly, the lens assembly comprising one or more lens elements; an image sensor that captures image data based on light passing through the lens group; A movable frame, the movable frame being fixedly coupled to the lens group or the image sensor; an actuator for moving the movable frame; and a base structure defining end stops for movement in one or more directions relative to the movable frame, wherein the base structure comprises: an inner portion formed from a first material, wherein the inner portion at least partially surrounds the movable frame; as well as An outer portion is formed from a second material different from the first material, wherein the outer portion at least partially surrounds the inner portion.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the first material has a higher tensile strength than the second material.

3. The camera of claim 1, wherein: The movable frame is fixedly coupled to the image sensor; and The actuator is configured to move the movable frame together with the image sensor relative to the lens group.

4. A camera according to claim 3, wherein: The lens group defines an optical axis; and The actuator is configured to move the movable frame in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) movement of an image on the image sensor.

5. The camera of claim 4, wherein: The movable frame includes a substrate to which the image sensor is attached; and The camera also includes: a curved suspension arrangement for suspending the substrate from the base structure, the curved suspension arrangement comprising: a dynamic platform fixedly coupled to the base plate; a fixed platform coupled to the base structure; and One or more flexure arms connect the dynamic platform to the fixed platform and allow the dynamic platform to move relative to the fixed platform in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

6. The camera of claim 1, wherein: The inner portion is formed in a respective shot in a multi-shot injection molding process, said forming occurring after a respective shot in which the outer portion is formed.

7. The camera of claim 6, wherein: The first material has a higher tensile strength than the second material; and The second material has a lower shrinkage rate than the first material.

8. A device, 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 comprises: a lens assembly, the lens assembly comprising one or more lens elements; an image sensor that captures image data based on light passing through the lens group; A movable frame fixedly coupled to the lens group or the image sensor; an actuator for moving the movable frame; a base structure defining end stops for movement in one or more directions relative to the movable frame, wherein the base structure comprises: an inner portion formed from a first material, wherein the inner portion at least partially surrounds the movable frame; and An outer portion is formed from a second material different from the first material, wherein the outer portion at least partially surrounds the inner portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first material has a higher tensile strength than the second material.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: The lens group defines an optical axis; The movable frame is fixedly coupled to the image sensor; and The actuator is configured to move the movable frame together with the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: The movable frame includes a substrate to which the image sensor is attached; and The camera also includes: a curved suspension arrangement for suspending the substrate from the base structure, the curved suspension arrangement comprising: a dynamic platform fixedly coupled to the base plate; a fixed platform coupled to the base structure; and One or more flexure arms connect the dynamic platform to the fixed platform and allow the dynamic platform to move relative to the fixed platform in the one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the inner portion being formed in a respective shot in a multi-shot injection molding process, the forming occurring after a respective shot in which the outer portion is formed; The first material has a higher tensile strength than the second material; and The second material has a lower shrinkage rate than the first material.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: The base structure comprises: a first side surface facing the lens group in a direction parallel to an optical axis defined by the lens group; and A second side opposite the first side, wherein the inner portion abuts the outer portion such that the second side includes a planar outer surface formed from the first material and the second material.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the base structure further comprises: One or more conductive elements are insert molded in a multi-shot injection molding process used to form the inner portion and the outer portion.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the one or more conductive elements are insert molded with the inner portion.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the camera further comprises: a conductive housing enclosing at least a portion of the camera; in: The movable frame is fixedly coupled to an image sensor package including one or more electrical components; and The one or more conductive elements form part of an electrical ground path between the image sensor package and the conductive housing.

17. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator.

18. A method comprising: A base structure for a camera is formed using a multi-shot injection molding process, wherein the base structure is configured as an end stop that defines movement in one or more directions relative to a movable frame of the camera, wherein the camera includes an actuator for moving the movable frame in the one or more directions, and wherein forming the base structure includes: An inner shot portion and an outer shot portion are formed in respective shots of said multi-shot injection molding process, wherein: The inner injection portion is configured to at least partially surround the movable frame and is formed of a first material; and The outer injection portion is configured to at least partially surround the inner injection portion and is formed of a second material different from the first material.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: The first material has a higher tensile strength than the second material; and The second material has a lower shrinkage rate than the first material.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the forming the inner injection portion and the outer injection portion comprises: injecting the second material into the outer injection mold cavity through the first set of one or more gates; as well as The first material is injected into an internal injection mold cavity via a second set of gates, wherein the second set of gates includes a greater number of gates than the first set of one or more gates.

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