System for mobile zooming with multiple optical image stabilization cameras and unit thereof

By employing a combination of multiple camera units and a shared magnet holder in a small mobile device, motion is generated using a magnetic field, thus solving the problems of increased cost and complexity associated with zoom functionality. This achieves efficient optical zoom and improves the reliability of the device.

CN114666481BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-25APPLE INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202210312101.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2015-09-30
Filing Date
2016-08-31
Publication Date
2025-11-25
Estimated Expiration
2036-08-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing small mobile multi-functional devices such as smartphones and tablets, implementing zoom functionality increases the cost and complexity of the device, occupies internal space, and affects the device's reliability.

Method used

Optical zoom is achieved by using a combination of multiple camera units and a shared magnet holder to generate motion through a magnetic field. The shared magnet between the first and second camera units generates a magnetic field that can be used to generate motion in the actuators of the two cameras, thus achieving optical zoom.

Benefits of technology

It achieves a high level of optical zoom without increasing equipment cost and complexity, reduces the internal space occupied by the equipment, and improves the reliability of the equipment.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and units thereof for mobile zooming with multiple optical image stabilization cameras. In some embodiments, a first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length. A second camera unit of a multifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second field of view includes a second actuator for moving a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and the camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.
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Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of August 31, 2016, application number 202010405369.6, titled "System for mobile zoom using multiple optical image stabilization cameras and elements thereof"; the aforementioned invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of August 31, 2016, application number 201610795517.3, titled "System for mobile zoom using multiple optical image stabilization cameras and elements thereof". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to camera module assemblies, and more specifically to using multiple cameras for zoom functionality in mobile devices. BACKGROUND

[0003] The advent of small mobile multi-function devices such as smart phones and tablets or slate devices has led to a demand for high resolution, small form factor cameras capable of generating high levels of image quality for integration in the devices.

[0004] As users rely on these multi-function devices as their primary camera for their daily use, more and more, users need features that they have become accustomed to using in dedicated camera bodies, such as zoom photography. Zoom functionality is useful for capturing details of a scene or, alternatively, capturing the background in which those details exist. The ability to change focal length to achieve a zoom effect is sufficiently attractive to users of dedicated cameras that they are forced to carry a series of removable lenses in their bag, each of which is heavier and takes up more space than many common examples of multi-function devices, such as phones.

[0005] Providing zoom features in the camera unit of a multi-function device has historically required moving mechanical parts that add cost and complexity to the device. Such moving parts also reduce the reliability of the device and take up valuable space inside the device, which directly conflicts with the desire for a smaller camera unit that takes up less space in a multi-function device. SUMMARY

[0006] In some embodiments, a first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length. A second camera unit of the multi-function device for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second field of view includes a second actuator for moving a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and the camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A block diagram of a portable multifunction device with a multi-camera system for portable zoom is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2 A portable multifunction device with a multi-camera system for portable zoom is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3A A view of an example embodiment of a camera module assembly arranged for multiple fields of view that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0010] Figure 3B A user interface that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0011] Figure 3C A side view of an example embodiment of a camera module assembly that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom with optical image stabilization in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0012] Figure 4A -D An example embodiment of a camera module assembly that includes a pair of side magnet arrays that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0013] Figure 4E -H An example embodiment of a camera module assembly that includes a pair of side magnet arrays that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figure 4I -L An example embodiment of a camera module assembly that includes a pair of side magnet arrays that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 An example embodiment of a camera module that includes a corner magnet in a shared magnet holder that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0016] Figure 6A -E An example embodiment of a camera module assembly that includes a shared magnet that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0017] Figure 7A -C An example embodiment of a camera module assembly that includes a shared magnet that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown.

[0018] Figure 8A- E illustrates example embodiments of a camera module assembly including stationary magnets that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 9A - D illustrates example embodiments of a camera module assembly including stationary magnets that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 10A - D illustrates example embodiments of a camera module assembly including stationary magnets that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 11A - C illustrates example embodiments of a camera module assembly including shielded magnets that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 12A - G illustrates example embodiments of a camera module assembly including a magnet array that ignores central magnets between modules that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 13A - B illustrates example embodiments of a camera module assembly including a magnet array that ignores central magnets between modules that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 14A is a flowchart of a method that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 14B is a flowchart of a method that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 15 shows an example computer system configured to implement aspects of the systems and methods for camera control, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0028] "comprises". This term is open-ended. As used in the specification and claims, this term does not exclude additional structures or steps. Considering a claim that recites "a device comprising one or more processor units...," such a claim does not exclude a device that includes additional components (e.g., network interface units, graphics circuitry, etc.).

[0029] "configured to". Various units, circuits, or other components can be described or claimed as "configured to" perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is used to connote structure by indicating that a particular functionality is structure - i.e., is embodied in the structure - and that the structure is directed to perform an associated task. As such, the unit / circuit / component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the task is not currently being performed. In contrast, the phrase "configured to" is not ambient to the structure, and does not connote any specific functionality. Rather, a circuit / component is "configured to" perform its functionality only when "activated" - e.g., via

[0030] "first", "second", etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels, and do not necessarily imply any sequenced order of described items. For example, buffer circuitry can be described herein as performing write operations on "first" and "second" values. The terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.

[0031] "based on". As used herein, this term is used in the sense of one or more factors being a basis for determination. This term does not foreclose additional, unrecited factors being part of the basis for determination. That is, a determination can be solely based on those factors or based at least in part on those factors. Consider the phrase "determine A based on B." While B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A based at least in part on C. In other instances, A can be determined based solely on B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Introduction to multiple cameras for optical zoom

[0033] Some embodiments include methods and / or systems for providing optical zoom to a user using multiple cameras. Some embodiments include a first camera unit of a multifunction device that captures a first image of a first field of view. A second camera unit of the multifunction device simultaneously captures a second image of a second field of view. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical package having a first focal length. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second optical package having a second focal length. In some embodiments, the first focal length is different from the second focal length, and the first field of view is a subset of the second field of view.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length. The second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second field of view includes a second actuator for moving a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and the camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0035] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator to which one or more magnets of the first camera unit and one or more magnets of the second camera unit are attached to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0036] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator from which the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator are suspended with respective sets of control lines, where a pair of control lines is installed at each corner of each respective actuator.

[0037] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator from which the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator are attached. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a first actuator side magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a pair of first actuator cross magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the first actuator side magnet. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a second actuator side magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the second camera unit; and the camera system further includes a pair of second actuator cross magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the second actuator side magnet.

[0038] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holder to which one or more side-mounted magnets of the first camera unit and one or more side-mounted magnets of the second camera unit are attached, used to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0039] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holder to which one or more coils of the first camera unit and one or more corner-mounted magnets of the second camera unit are movably hinged, used to produce motion that can be used in one or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0040] Some embodiments include a first camera unit of a multifunction device to capture first images of a first field of view. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first actuator to move a first optical package configured for a first focal length. Some embodiments also include a second camera unit of the multifunction device to simultaneously capture second images of a second field of view. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second actuator to move a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and the camera system includes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0041] In some embodiments, the camera system includes one or more corner magnets of the first camera unit and one or more corner magnets of the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator, and the corner magnets are attached to a shared magnet holder.

[0042] In some embodiments, the camera system includes one or more side magnets of the first camera unit and one or more side magnets of the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator, and the magnets are attached to a shared magnet holder.

[0043] In some embodiments, the camera system includes one or more magnets of the first camera unit and one or more magnets of the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator, the magnets are attached to a shared magnet holder, and the magnets include magnets shared between the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first camera actuator and the second actuator are attached to a shared magnet holder with respective sets of control wires, with a pair of control wires mounted in each corner of each respective actuator.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first camera actuator and the second actuator are suspended from the shared magnet holder with a respective set of control wires mounted in each corner of each respective actuator.

[0046] In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a first actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the first actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a second actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a pair of second actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet.

[0047] In some embodiments, a camera unit of a multi-function device includes an optical package and an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator includes one or more magnets arranged at multiple sides of the optical package. In some embodiments, one of the one or more magnets is shared with a second actuator for moving a second optical package. In some embodiments, one or more autofocus coils are arranged between the respective magnets and the optical package.

[0048] In some embodiments, the one or more autofocus coils are radially around the optical package. In some embodiments, the actuator is attached to a magnet holder of the camera with a respective set of control wires, with a pair of control wires mounted in each corner of each respective actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator is hinged to a magnet holder of the camera with a respective set of control wires, with a pair of control wires mounted in each corner of the actuator. In some embodiments, the magnet holder is shared with one or more magnets of a second actuator.

[0049] In some embodiments, the actuator is attached to a magnet holder of the camera with control wires, with a control wire mounted in each corner of the actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator is suspended from a magnet holder of the camera with control wires, with a control wire mounted in each corner of the actuator.

[0050] In some embodiments, a camera system of a multifunction device includes a first camera unit of the multifunction device to capture first images of a first field of view. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical image stabilization actuator to move a first optical package configured for a first focal length. The camera system also includes a second camera unit of the multifunction device to simultaneously capture second images of a second field of view. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second optical image stabilization actuator to move a second optical package configured for a second focal length. In some embodiments, the first focal length is different from the second focal length. In some embodiments, the first focal length being different from the second focal length includes both the first focal length and the second focal length being adjustable ranges, which can or can not overlap.

[0051] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator. In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0052] In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a first actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a pair of first actuator transverse magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the first actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a second actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a pair of second actuator transverse magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet.

[0053] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a shared magnet holder to which one or more magnets of the first camera unit and one or more magnets of the second camera unit are attached to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in one or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator. In some embodiments, the camera system includes one or more stationary magnets fixed at a fixed position relative to image sensors of the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in one or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the second central magnet array includes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity and a second central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the second central magnet array with respect to the second optical package of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the second distal lateral magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet having the first polarity and a second distal upper magnet.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the first central magnet array includes a first central upper magnet having a first polarity and a first central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the first central magnet array with respect to the first optical package of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the first distal lateral magnet array includes a first distal lower magnet having the first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0056] In some embodiments, a magnetic shield is included between the first optical image stabilization actuator and the second optical image stabilization actuator.

[0057] In some embodiments, a metal shield is included between the first optical image stabilization actuator and the second optical image stabilization actuator. In some embodiments, the metal shield includes steel including at least an amount of iron, an amount of manganese, an amount of sulfur, an amount of phosphorus, and an amount of carbon. In some embodiments, the shield is hinged to individual magnets of the first optical image stabilization actuator and the second optical image stabilization actuator.

[0058] In some embodiments, a metal shield is hinged to respective magnets of the first optical image stabilization actuator and the second optical image stabilization actuator to reduce magnetic interference between the first optical image stabilization actuator and the second optical image stabilization actuator.

[0059] In some embodiments, a method for capturing images with multiple cameras of a multifunction device includes providing optical image stabilization to the multiple cameras. In some embodiments, the method includes a first camera unit of the multifunction device capturing a first image of a first field of view. In some embodiments, the method includes a second camera unit of the multifunction device simultaneously capturing a second image of a second field of view. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical package having a first focal length. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second optical package having a second focal length. In some embodiments, the first focal length is different from the second focal length, and the first field of view is a subset of the second field of view. In some embodiments, the method includes providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit.

[0060] In some embodiments, providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further includes moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit independently of each other.

[0061] In some embodiments, providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further includes moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison.

[0062] In some embodiments, providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further includes generating a first magnetic field in the first camera unit and a second magnetic field in the second camera unit based on a magnet shared between the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

[0063] In some embodiments, providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further includes moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison through operation of first camera unit actuators and second camera unit actuators that share a central magnet.

[0064] In some embodiments, providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further includes moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison through operation of first camera unit actuators and second camera unit actuators that share a magnet holder.

[0065] Some embodiments include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing program instructions computer-executable to implement capturing a first image of a first field of view with a first camera unit of a multifunction device simultaneously with capturing a second image of a second field of view with a second camera unit of the multifunction device, providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit, and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical package having a first focal length, the second camera unit includes a second optical package having a second focal length, the first focal length is different from the second focal length, and the first field of view is a subset of the second field of view.

[0067] In some embodiments, the program instructions executable by the computer to provide optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and to the second camera unit further include program instructions executable by the computer to move the first camera unit and the second camera unit independently of one another.

[0068] In some embodiments, the program instructions executable by the computer to provide optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and to the second camera unit further include program instructions executable by the computer to move the first camera unit and the second camera unit uniformly.

[0069] In some embodiments, the program instructions executable by the computer to provide optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and the program instructions executable by the computer to provide optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further include program instructions executable by the computer to generate a first magnetic field in the first camera unit and a second magnetic field in the second camera unit based on a magnet shared between the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

[0070] In some embodiments, the program instructions executable by the computer to provide optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and the program instructions executable by the computer to provide optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further include program instructions executable by the computer to move the first camera unit and the second camera unit uniformly through operation of a first camera unit actuator and a second camera unit actuator of a shared magnet holder.

[0071] In some embodiments, a camera system of a multifunction device includes a first camera unit of the multifunction device to capture a first image of a first field of view. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first actuator to move a first optical package configured for a first focal length. In some embodiments, the camera system of the multifunction device includes a second camera unit of the multifunction device to simultaneously capture a second image of a second field of view. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second actuator to move a second optical package configured for a second focal length. In some embodiments, the second actuator includes a second actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, the first optical package and the second optical package are located between a first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet along an axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet. In some embodiments, no actuator lateral magnet is located between the first optical package and the second optical package along the axis.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet have polarities aligned anti-parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the first camera unit and the second camera unit each include a respective first pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet, and the first camera unit and the second camera unit each include a respective second pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to the axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet.

[0073] In some embodiments, the magnets of the respective first pair of first actuator lateral magnets have polarities aligned parallel to respective alignments of corresponding magnets of the first pair of second actuator lateral magnets.

[0074] In some embodiments, the magnets of the respective first pair of first actuator lateral magnets have polarities aligned anti-parallel to respective alignments of corresponding magnets of the first pair of second actuator lateral magnets.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet have polarities aligned at right angles to polarities of the respective first pair of first actuator lateral magnets.

[0076] Some embodiments also include a coil aligned with a current circulating in a plane parallel to a plane in which polarities of the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet are aligned.

[0077] In some embodiments, a camera unit of a multi-function device includes an optical package and an actuator to move the optical package to a first focal length. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a lateral magnet to a side of the optical package, and a first pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other in a side with respect to an axis between the optical package and the lateral magnet. In some embodiments, the lateral magnet is positioned on a side of the optical package in which there are no lateral magnets. In some embodiments, there is no actuator lateral magnet positioned on a remaining side of the optical package in which neither the lateral magnet nor the lateral magnet are located.

[0078] In some embodiments, the coil is aligned with a current circulating in a plane parallel to a plane in which polarities of the lateral magnet and the lateral magnet are aligned.

[0079] In some embodiments, the coil is aligned with a current circulating in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which polarities of the lateral magnet and the lateral magnet are aligned.

[0080] In some embodiments, the second pair of first actuator lateral magnets are positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package. In some embodiments, the magnets of the first pair of lateral magnets have polarities aligned anti-parallel to each other.

[0081] In some embodiments, the magnets of the second pair of lateral magnets have anti-parallel polarity alignment with each other. In some embodiments, the magnets of the first pair of lateral magnets have anti-parallel polarity alignment with the magnets of the second pair of lateral magnets positioned on the same side of the axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package.

[0082] Some embodiments include an actuator having a lateral magnet for moving an optical package, where the lateral magnet is positioned to a side of the optical package and a first pair of first actuator lateral magnets are positioned on opposite sides of each other with respect to an axis between the optical package and the lateral magnet. In some embodiments, the lateral magnet is positioned on a side of the optical package where there are no lateral magnets and no actuator lateral magnets are positioned on the remaining side of the optical package where neither the lateral magnet nor the lateral magnets are located.

[0083] In some embodiments, the coil is aligned with a current that circulates in a plane parallel to a plane in which the polarity of the lateral magnet and the lateral magnets are aligned. In some embodiments, the coil is aligned with a current that circulates in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the polarity of the lateral magnet and the lateral magnets are aligned.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second pair of first actuator lateral magnets are positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package. In some embodiments, the magnets of the first pair of lateral magnets have anti-parallel polarity alignment with each other. In some embodiments, the magnets of the second pair of lateral magnets have anti-parallel polarity alignment with each other.

[0085] In some embodiments, a camera system of a multifunction device includes a first camera unit of the multifunction device for capturing a first image of a first field of view. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package. In some embodiments, the camera system further includes a second camera unit for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second field of view. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second actuator for moving a second optical package. The second camera unit includes a second central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the second central magnet array includes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity and a second central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the second central magnet array with respect to the second optical package of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the second distal lateral magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet having the first polarity and a second distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the first central magnet array includes a first central upper magnet having a first polarity and a first central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the first central magnet array with respect to the first optical package of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the first distal lateral magnet array includes a first distal lower magnet having a first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0087] Some embodiments also include an autofocus coil unit of the second actuator. In some embodiments, the autofocus coil unit is positioned between the second optical package and the second central magnet array.

[0088] Some embodiments also include an autofocus coil unit of the second actuator. In some embodiments, the autofocus coil unit is positioned between the second optical package and the second central magnet array. In some embodiments, the second actuator includes an outer coil unit, where the outer coil unit includes one or more SP coils positioned between the second central magnet array and the first camera unit.

[0089] In some embodiments, the outer coil unit includes an upper outer coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a first direction around the second optical package, and a lower outer coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a second direction around the second optical package. In some embodiments, the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0090] In some embodiments, the outer coil unit includes an upper outer coil segment positioned on a side of the second optical package and having a current circulating along the side of the second optical package, and a lower outer coil segment positioned on the side of the second optical package and having a current circulating along the side of the second optical package.

[0091] In some embodiments, the autofocus coil unit includes an upper autofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a first direction around the second optical package, and a lower autofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a second direction around the second optical package. In some embodiments, the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0092] Some embodiments include a camera unit of a multifunction device. In some embodiments, the camera unit includes an optical package; and an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator includes one or more magnet arrays, the magnet arrays including a plurality of magnets arranged at a plurality of sides of the optical package, one or more autofocus coils arranged between the optical package and respective ones of the magnet arrays, and one or more outer coils arranged opposite the magnet arrays from the autofocus coils.

[0093] In some embodiments, the one or more autofocus coils radially surround the optical package.

[0094] In some embodiments, each of the one or more magnet arrays includes an upper magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a first direction inward toward the optical package, and each of the one or more magnet arrays further includes a lower magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a second direction outward from the optical package.

[0095] In some embodiments, each of the one or more magnet arrays includes an upper magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a first direction, and each of the one or more magnet arrays further includes a lower magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a second direction anti-parallel to the first direction.

[0096] In some embodiments, the one or more autofocus coils include an upper autofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a first direction around the second optical package, and a lower autofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a second direction around the second optical package. In some embodiments, the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0097] In some embodiments, the one or more outer coils include an upper outer coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a first direction around the second optical package, and a lower outer coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a second direction around the second optical package. In some embodiments, the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0098] In some embodiments, the one or more outer coils include an upper outer coil segment located at a side of the second optical package and having a current circulating along the side of the second optical package, and a lower outer coil segment located at the side of the second optical package and having a current circulating in the same direction as the upper outer coil segment along the side of the second optical package.

[0099] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a first camera unit and a second camera unit. The first camera unit is a first camera unit for capturing a first image of a first field of view. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package within a first focal range. The second camera unit is a second camera unit for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second field of view. In some embodiments, the second field of view is a subset of the first field of view. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second actuator for moving a second optical package. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the second central magnet array includes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity and a second central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0100] In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the second central magnet array with respect to the second optical package of the second camera unit, and the second distal lateral magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet having a first polarity and a second distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit, and the first central magnet array includes a first central upper magnet having a first polarity and a first central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the first central magnet array with respect to the first optical package of the first camera unit, and the first distal lateral magnet array includes a first distal lower magnet having a first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0103] Some embodiments further include an autofocus coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the autofocus coil unit is positioned between the second optical package and the second central magnet array.

[0104] Some embodiments further include an outer coil unit of the second actuator. In some embodiments, the outer coil unit includes one or more SP coils positioned between the second central magnet array and the first camera unit.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first image and the second image are saved to a storage medium as separate data structures. In some embodiments, the first image and the second image have different media types. For example, in some embodiments, the first image is a still image data structure captured at a first frame rate. In some embodiments, the second image is a motion image data structure captured at a second frame rate. In some embodiments, the second frame rate is faster than the first frame rate. In some embodiments, the first image is a still image taken at time t(0) and the second image is a motion image data structure captured over a time interval including t(0).

[0106] Some embodiments assign metadata regarding a time index feature to the first image and the second image for establishing that the first image and the second image correspond as being captured simultaneously or over an overlapping time interval. Some embodiments display the first image in a screen interface having a control for switching to display of the second image, and in response to actuation of the control, display the second image in place of the first image. Some embodiments generate a synthetic intermediate image at least in part from data of the first image and data of the second image. In some embodiments, the synthetic intermediate image has a third focal length different from each of the first focal length and the second focal length, and the synthetic intermediate image has a third field of view different from each of the first field of view and the second field of view. Some embodiments save the data of the second image and the data of the first image after creating the synthetic intermediate image.

[0107] Some embodiments generate a synthetic resultant image at least in part from data of the first image and data of the second image. In some embodiments, the synthetic intermediate image is generated by augmenting the first image with data from the second image. Some embodiments display the first image and the second image in a shared screen interface.

[0108] Some embodiments include a camera system of a multifunction device. In some embodiments, the camera system includes a first camera unit of the multifunction device for capturing a first image of a first field of view, and a second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second field of view. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical package configured for a first focal length. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second optical package configured for a second focal length. In some embodiments, the first focal length is different from the second focal length.

[0109] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a processing unit configured to assign a time indexing feature to the first image and the second image for establishing that the first image and the second image are captured simultaneously. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a lens having a folded lens structure with a longer focal length than a lens of the second camera unit, and a center of the second field of view is on a second view axis that is aligned with a first view axis on which a center of the first field of view is.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a lens having a longer focal length than a lens of the second camera unit, and a center of the second field of view is on a second view axis that is aligned with a first view axis on which a center of the first field of view is. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first movable lens and a first image sensor attached to a chassis of the camera unit, and the second camera unit includes a lens and a second image sensor movably attached to the chassis of the camera unit.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first movable lens and a first image sensor attached to a chassis of the camera unit, and the second camera unit includes a lens and a second image sensor movably attached to the chassis of the camera unit. In some embodiments, the first camera unit and the second camera unit respectively include a first image processing pipeline and a second image processing pipeline.

[0112] Some embodiments include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing program instructions computer executable to cause a first camera unit of a multi-function device to capture a first image of a first field of view and a second camera unit of the multi-function device to capture a second image of a second field of view simultaneously. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical package having a first focal length, the second camera unit includes a second optical package having a second focal length, the first focal length is different from the second focal length, and the first field of view is a subset of the second field of view.

[0113] In some embodiments, the program instructions are further computer executable to cause a time indexing feature to be assigned to the first image and the second image for establishing that the first image and the second image are captured simultaneously. In some embodiments, the program instructions are further computer executable to cause the first image to be displayed in a screen interface having a control for switching to a display of the second image, and in response to actuation of the control, the second image is displayed in place of the first image.

[0114] In some embodiments, the program instructions are further executable by the computer to implement generating a synthetic intermediate image from the data of the first image and the data of the second image. In some embodiments, the synthetic intermediate image has a third focal length different from each of the first focal length and the second focal length, and the synthetic intermediate image has a third field of view different from each of the first field of view and the second field of view. In some embodiments, the program instructions are further executable by the computer to implement saving the data of the second image and the storage of the first image after the synthetic intermediate image is created. In some embodiments, the synthetic intermediate image is generated by augmenting the first image with data from the second image. In some embodiments, the program instructions are further executable by the computer to implement displaying the first image and the second image in a shared screen interface.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first image is a motion image data structure captured at a first frame rate. In some embodiments, the second image is a motion image data structure captured at a second frame rate. In some embodiments, the second frame rate is faster than the first frame rate. In some embodiments, the first image is a still image taken at time t(0), and the second image is a motion image data structure captured over a time interval including t(0).

[0116] Example of a multifunction device

[0117] Reference will now be made in detail embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments can 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.

[0118] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence, where

[0119] 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 description and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include 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 items. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "including," "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.

[0120] As used herein, the term "if' can be construed to mean "when" or "when a" or "in response to a determination" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" can be construed to mean "upon it being determined" or "in response to a determination" or "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]," or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]," depending on the context.

[0121] Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as a mobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and / or music player functions. Other portable electronic devices, such as laptops, cameras, mobile phones, or tablet computers, can also be used. It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments the device is not a portable communications device, but rather a desktop computer with a camera. In some embodiments, the device is a game computer with an orientation sensor (e.g., in a game controller). In other embodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but rather a camera.

[0122] In the following discussion, an electronic device including a display and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should be understood, however, that the device can include one or more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, a mouse, and / or a joystick.

[0123] The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one or more of the following: a drawing application, a presentation application, a word processing application, a website creation application, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, a game application, a telephone application, a video conferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, a workout support application, a photo management application, a digital camera application, a digital camcorder application, a web browsing application, a digital music player application, and / or a digital video player application.

[0124] The various applications which can be executed on the device can use at least one common physical user interface, such as the touch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitive surface, as well as the corresponding information displayed on the device, can be adjusted and / or changed by the various applications which can be executed on the device. In this way, the common physical architecture, such as the touch-sensitive surface, of the device can be utilized by a number of different applications which can be executed on the device.

[0125] Attention is now directed towards embodiments of portable devices having cameras. Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a portable multifunction device 100 having a camera 164a-b, in accordance with some embodiments. For convenience, the camera 164a-b is sometimes referred to as an "optical sensor," and can also be referred to or called an optical sensor system. Device 100 can include a memory 102 (which can include one or more computer readable storage media), a memory controller 122, one or more processing units (CPU's) 120, a peripherals interface 118, RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, a speaker 111, a touch-sensitive display system 112, a microphone 113, an input / output (I / O) subsystem 106, other input or control devices 116, and an external port 124. Device 100 can include optical sensors 164a-b. These components can communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines 103.

[0126] It should be appreciated that device 100 is only one example of a portable multifunction device, and that device 100 can have more or fewer components than shown, can combine two or more components, or a can have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in the figures can be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[0127] Memory 102 can include high-speed random access memory and can also include nonvolatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other nonvolatile solid-state storage devices. Access to memory 102 by other components of device 100, such as CPU 120 and peripherals interface 118, can be controlled by a memory controller 122.

[0128] Peripherals interface 118 can be used to couple input and output peripherals of the device to CPU 120 and memory 102. One or more processors 120 run or execute various software programs and / or sets of instructions stored in memory 102 to perform various functions for device 100 and to process data.

[0129] In some embodiments, the peripheral interface 118, CPU 120, and memory controller 122 may be implemented on a single chip (such as chip 104). In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

[0130] RF (Radio Frequency) circuitry system 108 receives and transmits RF signals, also known as electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry system 108 converts electrical signals into electromagnetic signals / converts electromagnetic signals into electrical signals, and communicates with communication networks and other communication devices via electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry system 108 may include well-known circuitry systems for performing these functions, including but not limited to antenna systems, RF transceivers, one or more amplifiers, tuners, one or more oscillators, digital signal processors, CODEC chipsets, subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, memory, etc. RF circuitry system 108 can communicate wirelessly with networks and other devices, such as the Internet (also known as the World Wide Web), intranets, and / or wireless networks such as cellular telephone networks, wireless local area networks (LANs), and / or metropolitan area networks (MANs). Wireless communication can utilize any of a wide variety of communication standards, protocols, and technologies, including but not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High-Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, and / or IEEE...). 802.11n), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, email protocols (e.g., Internet Messaging Access Protocol (IMAP) and / or Post Office Protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., Extensible Message Processing Field Protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence with Full Utilization of Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and / or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols that have not been developed as of the date of this document submission.

[0131] Audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, and microphone 113 provide an audio interface between a user and device 100. Audio circuitry 110 receives audio data from peripherals interface 118, converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker 111. Speaker 111 converts the electrical signal to sound waves that a human can hear. Audio circuitry 110 also receives electrical signals converted by microphone 113 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 110 converts the electrical signals to audio data and transmits the audio data to peripherals interface 118 for processing. Audio data can be read by peripherals interface 118 from and / or transmitted to memory 102 and / or RF circuitry 108. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 110 also includes a headset jack (e.g., 212). The headset jack provides an interface between audio circuitry 110 and a removable audio input / output peripheral, such as an output-only headphone or an input / output headphone that can receive audio from and send audio to the device. Figure 2

[0132] I / O subsystem 106 couples input / output peripherals on device 100, such as touch screen 112 and other input control devices 116, to peripherals interface 118. I / O subsystem 106 can include display controller 156 and one or more input controllers 160 for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers 160 receive / send electrical signals from / to other input or control devices 116. The other input control devices 116 can include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, etc. In some alternative embodiments, input controller(s) 160 can be coupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g., 208) can include the volume button(s) for adjusting the volume of speaker 111 and / or microphone 113. The one or more buttons can include the push button (e.g., 206) for Figure 2 Figure 2

[0133] Touch-sensitive display 112 provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and a user. Display controller 156 receives and / or sends electrical signals from / to touch screen 112. Touch screen 112 displays visual output to the user. The visual output can include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed "graphics"). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output can correspond to user-interface objects.

[0134] ​​​Touch screen 112 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and / or tactile contact. Touch screen 112 and display controller 156 (along with any associated modules and / or sets of instructions in memory 102) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen 112 and convert the detected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed on touch screen 112. In an example embodiment, a point of contact between touch screen 112 and the user corresponds to a finger of the user.

[0135] Touch screen 112 can use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emitting diode) technology, although other display technologies can be used in other embodiments. Touch screen 112 and display controller 156 can detect contact and any movement or breakage thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with touch screen 112. In an example embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in the iPhone® and iPod touch® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California. iPod and

[0136] Touch screen 112 can have a video resolution in excess of 100 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen can have a video resolution of about 160 dpi. The user can make contact with touch screen 112 using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, their finger, or the like. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be less precise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based input into precise pointer / cursor positions or commands, used to perform the actions of a user.

[0137] In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 100 can include a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particular functions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visual output. The touchpad can be a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from touch screen 112 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface made up of the touch screen.

[0138] ​Device 100 also includes power system 162 for powering various components of device 100. Power system 162 can include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, a power- fail detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components associated with power generation, management and distribution in a portable device.

[0139] Device 100 can also include optical sensor or camera 164a-b. Optical sensor 164a-b can include charge coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) photoreceptor. Optical sensor 164a-b receives light from the environment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the light to data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module 143 (also referred to as camera module), optical sensor 164a-b can capture still images or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of device 100, opposite touch screen display 112 on the front of the device, so that the touch screen display can be used as a viewfinder for still and / or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user's image can be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conference participants on the touch screen display. In embodiments where multiple cameras or optical sensors 164a-b are supported, each of the multiple cameras or optical sensors 164a-b can include its own optical sensor(s), or the multiple cameras or optical sensors 164a-b can be supported by a shared optical sensor. Likewise, in embodiments where multiple cameras or optical sensors 164a-b are supported, each of the multiple cameras or optical sensors 164a-b can include its own storage unit and processor's image processing pipeline, or the multiple cameras or optical sensors 164a-b can be supported by a shared storage unit and processor's image processing pipeline.

[0140] Device 100 can also include one or more proximity sensors 166. Figure 1 Proximity sensor 166 is shown coupled to peripherals interface 118. Alternately, proximity sensor 166 can be coupled to input controller 160 in I / O subsystem 106. In some embodiments, proximity sensor 166 turns off and disables touch screen 112 when the multifunction device is placed near the user's ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call).

[0141] Device 100 includes one or more orientation sensors 168. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more accelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and / or one or more rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more gyroscopes. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more magnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more global positioning system (GPS), global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), and / or other global navigation system receivers. The GPS, GLONASS, and / or other global navigation system receivers can be used to obtain information about the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) of device 100. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include any combination of orientation / rotation sensors. Figure 1 The one or more orientation sensors 168 are shown coupled to peripherals interface 118. Alternatively, the one or more orientation sensors 168 can be coupled to input controller 160 in I / O subsystem 106. In some embodiments, based on analysis of data received from the one or more orientation sensors, information is displayed on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view.

[0142] In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 102 include operating system 126, communication module (or set of instructions) 128, contact / motion module (or set of instructions) 130, graphics module (or set of instructions) 132, text input module (or set of instructions) 134, Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set of instructions) 135, arbitrator module 157, and applications (or sets of instructions) 136. Further, in some embodiments, memory 102 stores device / global internal state 157, as shown in FIG. 1C. Device / global internal state 157 includes one or more of: active application state, indicating which applications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicating what, if anything, is currently being displayed by the touch screen; sensor state, including information on current status of various sensors on device; and location information, indicating current location of device. Figure 1 Device / global internal state 157 includes one or more of: active application state, indicating which applications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicating what, if anything, is currently being displayed by the touch screen; sensor state, including information on current status of various sensors on device; and location information, indicating current location of device.

[0143] Operating system 126 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes various software components and / or drivers for controlling and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates wireless

[0144] Communication module 128 facilitates communication with other devices over one or more external ports 124 and also includes various software components for handling data received by RF circuitry 108 and / or external port 124. External port 124 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices or indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector that is the same as, or similar to and / or compatible with the 30-pin connector used on iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices.

[0145] Contact / motion module 130 can detect contact with touch screen 112 (in conjunction with display controller 156) and other touch-sensitive devices (e.g., a trackpad or physical click wheel). Contact / motion module 130 includes various software components for performing various operations related to detection of contact, such as determining if contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-down event), determining if at least

[0146] Contact / motion module 130 can detect user gestures input. Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contact patterns. Thus, a gesture can be detected by detecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event at the same location (or substantially the same location) as the finger-down event (e.g., at the location of an icon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger-down event, followed by detecting one or more finger-drag events, and then followed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event.

[0147] Graphics module 132 includes various known software components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 112 or other display, including components for changing the intensity of graphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term "graphics" includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including without limitation text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys), digital images, videos, animations, and the like.

[0148] In some embodiments, graphics module 132 stores data representing graphics to be used. Each graphic can be assigned a corresponding code. Graphics module 132 receives, from applications etc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be displayed along with, where necessary, coordinate data and other graphic property data, and then generates screen image data to output to display controller 156.

[0149] Text input module 134, which can be a component of graphics module 132, provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications (e.g., contacts 137, e-mail 140, IM 141, browser 147, and any other application that needs text input).

[0150] GPS module 135 determines the location of the device and provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone 138 for use in

[0151] Applications 136 can include the following modules (or sets of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof:

[0152] • contacts module 137 (sometimes referred to as an address book or contact list);

[0153] • telephone module 138;

[0154] • video conferencing module 139;

[0155] • e-mail client module 140;

[0156] • instant messaging (IM) module 141;

[0157] • workout support module 142;

[0158] • dual-camera module 143 for still and / or video images;

[0159] • image management module 144;

[0160] • browser module 147;

[0161] • a calendar module 148;

[0162] • a plug-in module 149, which can include one or more of the following: a weather plug-in 149-1, a stock plug-in 149-2, a calculator plug-in 149-3, an alarm plug-in 149-4, a dictionary plug-in 149-5, and other plug-ins obtained by the user, and user-created plug-ins 149-6;

[0163] • a plug-in creator module 150 for making user-created plug-ins 149-6;

[0164] • a search module 151;

[0165] • a video and music player module 152, which can be made up of any

[0166] • a notes module 153;

[0167] • a maps module 154; and / or

[0168] • an online video module 155.

[0169] Examples of other applications 136 that can be stored on the storage 102 include other word processing applications, other image editing applications, a drawing application, a presentation application, JAVA-enabled applications, an encryption application, a digital rights management application, a voice recognition and / or voice replication application.

[0170] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, the contacts module 137 can be used to manage an address book or contact list (stored in the application internal state 192 of the contacts module 137 in the memory 102 or the memory 370), including: adding name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from the address book; associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), physical address(es) or other information with a name; associating image(s) with a name; categorizing and sorting names; providing telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to initiate and / or facilitate communications by telephone 138, video conference 139, e-mail 140, or IM 141; and so forth.

[0171] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, the telephone module 138 can be used to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to a telephone number, access one or more telephone numbers in address book 137, modify a telephone number that has been entered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct a telephone conversation, and disconnect or hang up when the conversation is finished. As described above, the wireless communication can use any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and technologies.

[0172] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller 156, optical sensor 164a-b, optical sensor controller 158, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, contact list 137, and telephone module 138, video conference module 139 includes executable instructions to initiate, conduct, and terminate a video conference between a user and one or more other participants in accordance with user instructions.

[0173] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, e-mail client module 140 includes executable instructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response to user instructions. In conjunction with image management module 144, e-mail client module 140 makes it very easy to create and send e-mails with still or video images taken with camera module 143.

[0174] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, the instant messaging module 141 includes executable instructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to a instant message, modify previously entered characters, transmit a respective instant message (e.g., using short message service (SMS) or multimedia message service (MMS) protocols for telephony-based instant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for internet-based instant messages), receive instant messages, and view received instant messages. In some embodiments, an instant message can comprise a graphical image obtained from an image management module 144, audio content obtained from an audio player module 147, video content obtained from a video player module 149, or any other type of content. In some embodiments, the transmitted and / or received instant messages can comprise graphics, photos, audio files, video files, and / or other attachments as allowed by an applicable MMS and / or instant messaging service. As used herein, "instant messaging" refers to both telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) and internet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS).

[0175] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, GPS module 135, map module 154, and music player module 146, workout support module 142 includes executable instructions to create workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and / or calorie burning goals); communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receive workout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; select and play music for a workout; and display, store, and send workout data.

[0176] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, optical sensor 164, optical sensor controller 158, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and image management module 144, camera module 143 includes executable instructions to capture still images or video (including a video stream) and store them into memory 102, modify characteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image or video from memory 102.

[0177] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, and camera module 143, image management module 144 includes executable instructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate, label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), and store still and / or video images.

[0178] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, the browser module 147 includes executable instructions to browse, search for, link to, receive (streaming or download), and display web pages or portions thereof, web applications, or other internet content on a touch screen display to a user. In some embodiments, the browser module 147 also includes instructions to receive and display a plurality of web pages from a website from which the most recent web page was received.

[0179] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, and browser module 147, the calendar module 148 includes executable instructions to create, display, modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars (e.g., calendar entries, to-do lists, etc.) in accordance with user instructions.

[0180] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, and browser module 147, the plug-in module 149 is a mini application (e.g., weather plug-in 149-1, stocks plug-in 149-2, calculator plug-in 149-3, alarm clock plug-in 149-4, and dictionary plug-in 149-5) that can be downloaded and used by a user or a mini application (e.g., user-created plug-in 149-6) that is created by the user. In some embodiments, the plug-in includes HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) files, CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) files, and JavaScript files. In some embodiments, the plug-in includes XML (Extensible Markup Language) files and JavaScript files (e.g., Yahoo! plug-in).

[0181] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, and browser module 147, the widget creator module 150 can be used by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning a user-specified portion of a web page into a widget).

[0182] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, the search module 151 includes executable instructions to search

[0183] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, RF circuitry 108, and browser module 147, the video and music player module 152 includes executable instructions to allow the user to download and play back recorded music and other sound files (e.g., in a.mov or.aac file format), as well as display, present or otherwise play back videos (e.g., on the touch screen 112 or on an external, connected display) and

[0184] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module 134, the note taking module 153 includes executable instructions to create and manage notes, to-do lists, and the like using a

[0185] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, GPS module 135, and browser module 147, the map module 154 can be used to receive, display, modify, and store maps and data associated with maps (e.g., driving directions, data on stores and other points of interest at or near a particular location, and other location-based data) in accordance with user instructions.

[0186] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display system controller 156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, RF circuitry 108, text input module 134, e-mail client module 140, and browser module 147, online video module 155 includes instructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., by streaming and / or download), replay (e.g., out loud via a speaker, on a touch screen or on an external, connected display), and send an e-mail with a link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage online videos in one or more file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments, instant messaging module 141, rather than e-mail client module 140, is used to send a link to a particular online video.

[0187] Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to a set of executable instructions for performing one or more functions described above and the methods described in this application (e.g., the computer-implemented methods described herein and other information processing methods). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules can be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 102 can store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory 102 can store additional modules and data structures not described above.

[0188] In some embodiments, device 100 is a device in which a predefined set of functions of the device are exclusively performed through the touch screen and / or touch pad. By using the touch screen and / or touch pad as the primary input control device for the operation of device 100, the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons, dials, etc.) on device 100 can be reduced.

[0189] The predefined set of functions that can be exclusively performed through the touch screen and / or touch pad include navigation between user interfaces. In some embodiments, when the touch pad is touched by a user, the touch pad navigates device 100 from any user interface that can be displayed on device 100 to a main menu, home menu, or root menu. In such embodiments, the touch pad can be referred to as a "menu button." In some other embodiments, the menu button can be a physical push button or other physical input control device, rather than a touch pad.

[0190] Figure 2A portable multifunction device 100 with a touch screen 112 in accordance with some embodiments is shown. The touch screen can display one or more graphics within field of view (FOV) 300 of the user interface (UI) 200. In this embodiment, and as described below with respect to other embodiments, a user can select one or more graphics by making a gesture on the graphics, such as with one or more fingers 202 (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or more styluses 203 (not drawn to scale in the figure).

[0191] Device 100 also includes one or more physical buttons, such as "home" or menu button 204. As described previously, menu button 204 can be used to navigate to any application 136 in a set of applications that can be executed by device 100. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed by

[0192] In one embodiment, device 100 includes touch screen 112, menu button 204, push button 206 for powering the device on / off and locking the device, volume adjustment button(s) 208, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slot 210, headset jack 212, and docking / charging external port 124. Push button 206 can be used to turn the power on / off on the device by depressing the button and holding the button for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressing the button and releasing it before the predefined time interval has elapsed; and / or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process. In an alternative embodiment, device 100 also accepts verbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone 113.

[0193] It should be noted that while many examples herein are given with reference to optical sensors / cameras 164a-b (on the front of the device), a rear-facing camera or optical sensor, as opposed to the display, can also be used instead of or in addition to the optical sensors / cameras 164a-b on the front of the device.

[0194] Figure 3A A view of an example embodiment of a camera module assembly arranged for multiple fields of view that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zooming in accordance with at least some embodiments is shown. Portable multifunction device 3080 includes a first optical sensor / camera unit 3082 having a first focal length 3090 for capturing a first field of view 3086, and a second optical sensor / camera unit 3084 having a second focal length 3092 for capturing a second field of view 3088.

[0195] Some embodiments include a first camera unit 3082 of a multifunction device capturing a first image of a first field of view 3086 (such as described below with respect to FIG. 3B), and a second camera unit 3084 of the multifunction device capturing a second image of a second field of view 3088 (such as described below with respect to FIG. 3C). Figure 3B andFigure 3C one of the cameras described below with reference to FIG. 31. The second camera unit 3084 of the multifunction device 3080 (such as the second camera described below with reference to FIG. 31) simultaneously captures a second image of a second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 includes a first optical package having a first focal length 3090. In some embodiments, the second camera unit 3084 includes a second optical package having a second focal length 3092 (described below with reference to FIG. 32). In some embodiments, the first focal length 3090 is different from the second focal length 3092, and the first field of view 3086 is a subset of the second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first image and the second image are saved to a storage medium as separate data structures. Figure 3B and Figure 3C one of the cameras described below with reference to FIG. 31. The second camera unit 3084 of the multifunction device 3080 (such as the second camera described below with reference to FIG. 31) simultaneously captures a second image of a second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 includes a first optical package having a first focal length 3090. In some embodiments, the second camera unit 3084 includes a second optical package having a second focal length 3092 (described below with reference to FIG. 32). In some embodiments, the first focal length 3090 is different from the second focal length 3092, and the first field of view 3086 is a subset of the second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first image and the second image are saved to a storage medium as separate data structures. Figure 3B one of the cameras described below with reference to FIG. 31. The second camera unit 3084 of the multifunction device 3080 (such as the second camera described below with reference to FIG. 31) simultaneously captures a second image of a second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 includes a first optical package having a first focal length 3090. In some embodiments, the second camera unit 3084 includes a second optical package having a second focal length 3092 (described below with reference to FIG. 32). In some embodiments, the first focal length 3090 is different from the second focal length 3092, and the first field of view 3086 is a subset of the second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first image and the second image are saved to a storage medium as separate data structures.

[0196] one of the cameras described below with reference to FIG. 31. The second camera unit 3084 of the multifunction device 3080 (such as the second camera described below with reference to FIG. 31) simultaneously captures a second image of a second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 includes a first optical package having a first focal length 3090. In some embodiments, the second camera unit 3084 includes a second optical package having a second focal length 3092 (described below with reference to FIG. 32). In some embodiments, the first focal length 3090 is different from the second focal length 3092, and the first field of view 3086 is a subset of the second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first image and the second image are saved to a storage medium as separate data structures.

[0197] Some embodiments assign metadata, a temporal indexing feature, to the first image of the first field of view 3086 and the second image of the second field of view 3088 that serves to establish the first image of the first field of view 3086 and the second image of the second field of view 3088 as having been captured simultaneously and in correspondence. Some embodiments display the first image of the first field of view 3086 in a screen interface having a control for toggling display to the second image of the second field of view 3088, and in response to actuation of the control, display the second image of the second field of view 3088 in place of the first image. Some embodiments generate a synthetic intermediate image at least in part from data of the first image of the first field of view 3086 and data of the second image of the second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the synthetic intermediate image has a third focal length different from each of the first focal length 3090 and the second focal length 3092, and the synthetic intermediate image has a third field of view different from each of the first field of view 3086 and the second field of view 3088. Some embodiments save data of the second image of the second field of view 3088 and data of the first image of the first field of view 3086 upon creation of the synthetic intermediate image.

[0198] Some embodiments generate a synthetic resultant image at least in part from data of the first image of the first field of view 3086 and data of the second image of the second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the synthetic intermediate image is generated by augmenting the first image of the first field of view 3086 with data from the second image of the second field of view 3088. Some embodiments display the first image of the first field of view 3086 and the second image of the second field of view 3088 in a shared screen interface.

[0199] Some embodiments include a camera system of a multifunction device. In some embodiments, the camera system includes a first camera unit 3082 of the multifunction device 3080 for capturing a first image of a first field of view 3086, and a second camera unit of the multifunction device for simultaneously capturing a second image of a second field of view 3088. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 includes a first optical package configured for a first focal length 3090. In some embodiments, the second camera unit 3084 includes a second optical package configured for a second focal length 3092. In some embodiments, the first focal length 3090 is different from the second focal length 3092.

[0200] In some embodiments, the camera system includes a processing unit configured to assign time index features to a first image and a second image of a first field of view 3086, which are used to establish that the first image and the second image of the second field of view 3088 are captured simultaneously. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 includes a lens having a folding lens configuration (not shown) having a focal length 3090 longer than the focal length 3092 of the lens of the second camera unit 3084, and the center of the second field of view 3088 is on a second visual axis aligned with the first visual axis on which the center of the first field of view 3086 is located. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 includes a first movable lens (described below regarding...). Figure 3B (shown) and a first image sensor attached to the chassis of the camera unit, the second camera unit including a lens and a second image sensor movably attached to the chassis of the second camera unit 3084.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 includes a first movable lens and a first image sensor attached to a chassis of the first camera unit 3082, and the second camera unit 3084 includes a lens (see below for details). Figure 3B (Shown) and a second image sensor movably attached to the chassis of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the first camera unit 3082 and the second camera unit 3084 respectively include a first image processing pipeline and a second image processing pipeline.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first image and the second image have different media types. For example, in some embodiments, the first image is a motion picture data structure captured at a first frame rate. In some embodiments, the second image is a motion picture data structure captured at a second frame rate. In some embodiments, the second frame rate is faster than the first frame rate. In some embodiments, the first image is a still image taken at time t(0), while the second image is a motion picture data structure captured over a time interval including t(0).

[0203] In some embodiments, the first image has a first resolution and the second image has a second resolution. The example of using a first image as a motion image data structure at a first frame rate and a second image as a motion image data structure at a second frame rate is given because some embodiments include a second camera module 3084 that records 720p (also known as 720 pixels of vertical resolution progressive scan) slow motion video at 240 frames per second, while the first camera module 3082 captures 4K (approximately 4000 pixels of horizontal resolution) video at 30 frames per second. In some embodiments, each individual module implements the analog to digital converter bandwidth required for recording is 220-270 megapixels / second. If compared to embodiments where there is a 2x difference in focal length from the wide angle to the telephoto module, achieving the same functionality with conventional single camera module technology requires up to 32x higher analog to digital converter bandwidth for a single camera module, thus embodiments provide benefits in terms of power, heat dissipation, storage bandwidth, storage capacity, and actual achievable frame rate in combination with zoom capability.

[0204] Use cases for some embodiments are well illustrated with respect to sports photography. In one example use case, it is possible to envision a user of the portable multifunction device 3080 taking a video of a batter in a baseball game. From the unshown stands recording the game with the portable multifunction device 3080, the user can decide to zoom in to capture the batter's swing and hit the ball in slow motion with the second camera module 3084 recording 720p slow motion video at 240 frames per second, but then can want to switch to capture 4K video from the first camera module 3082 at 30 frames per second in high quality video of the entire baseball field at the same time to capture the dramatic moment where the opposing team tries to catch the ball and the batter runs from base to base. Some embodiments enable this hybrid video capture by simultaneously recording with the second camera module 3084 as a telephoto camera module in slow motion mode at 240 frames per second, while simultaneously recording with the first camera module 3082 as a wide angle camera module in 4K, 30 frames per second. After capturing the data structure that includes both the video stream and the dramatic moment, some embodiments provide for the hybrid video data structure and an interface for the video streams from the two separate camera modules to be manually or automatically edited and combined to create more compelling media that can include normal 1080p video, 4K high resolution video, 720p motion video, and still images. In the above example, this hybrid video media frames both the close-up expression of the athlete in slow motion, peak action, and also frames it all in the context of the dramatic play in the baseball game.

[0205] Another example of a use case for some embodiments occurs in the context of capturing a child blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. In this example, it is envisioned that the child is about to blow out the candles on a birthday cake, and all of her friends are singing "Happy Birthday." In some embodiments, the second camera module 3084 can be used as a telephoto camera module to zoom in on the child's face as she is about to blow out the candles, and the first camera module 3082 can capture a series of high-resolution still images of her smiling face. In some embodiments, the first camera module 3082 simultaneously captures 30 frames per second of standard 1080p video of the entire group of children gathered around the cake and singing. Some embodiments provide an editing interface for manually or automatically combining the video stream from the wide-angle camera module with the portrait close-up to create a more compelling media experience that can be shared. Because the two camera modules are synchronized in time, still images can be easily inserted automatically at the appropriate time in the final video stream.

[0206] Figure 3B A user interface for a multi-camera system for portable zoom is shown in accordance with at least some embodiments. The portable multifunction device 5000 displays a first image of a first field of view 5002 captured by a first camera unit of the multifunction device 5000 and a second image of a second field of view 5004 captured simultaneously by a second camera unit. A zoom control 5006 is displayed within the first image of the first field of view 5002. In the illustrated embodiment, the zoom control 5006 is a region of the first image of the first field of view 5002 that is used as a control for switching the display mode for displaying the first image of the first field of view 5002 captured by the first camera unit of the multifunction device 5000 and the second image of the second field of view 5004 captured simultaneously by the second camera unit in response to control actuation through a touch screen of the portable multifunction device 5000.

[0207] Some embodiments assign metadata for time-indexed features to the first image 5002 and the second image 5004 for establishing a correspondence of the first image 5002 and the second image 5004 as having been captured simultaneously. Some embodiments display the first image 5002 in a screen interface having a control (e.g., similar to control 5006) for switching to display of the second image 5004, and in response to actuation of the control 5006, display the second image 5004 in place of the first image 5002. Some embodiments generate a composite intermediate image at least in part from data of the first image 5002 and data of the second image 5004.

[0208] Figure 3CA side view of an example embodiment of a camera module is drawn in accordance with at least some embodiments. The camera module 3000 discussed below as an embodiment of the cameras 164a-b includes a camera assembly such as an optics module (e.g., lens barrel) 3002 attached to an optics holder 3003 and a magnet holder 3006. The image sensor 3070 on a substrate that is not separately shown in Figure 3C may or can not be mounted on the base assembly 3008. The camera assembly can include a cover 3012 and a hanger wire 3020 in addition to such things as a power source and remote control connections that are not shown.

[0209] The optics module 3002 can be suspended on the base assembly 3008 by the suspension of the upper springs 3030 and the hanger wire 3020. The camera assembly can include one or more of the optics 3002, the optics holder 3003, the magnet holder(s) 3006, the upper spring(s) 3030, and the lower spring(s) 3032, but is not limited thereto. The upper and lower spring(s) can be collectively referred to herein as optics springs. The optics module (e.g., lens or lens assembly or lens barrel) 3002 can be screwed into, mounted to, or otherwise held in or by the optics holder 3003. In at least some embodiments, the optics 3002 / optics holder 3003 assembly can be suspended from or attached to the magnet holder 3006 by the upper spring(s) 3030 and the lower spring(s) 3032. It is noted that the upper spring(s) 3030 and the lower spring(s) 3032 are flexible to allow the optics assembly 3000 to have a range of motion along the Z (optical) axis for optical focusing, and the wire 3020 is flexible to allow a range of motion in the XY plane orthogonal to the optical axis for optical image stabilization.

[0210] It is noted that in some embodiments, the camera can not include a magnet and the magnet holder(s) 3006, but can include a yoke or other structure 3006 that can be used to help support the optics assembly on the hanger wire 3020 via the upper springs 3030. In general, other embodiments of the optics assembly 3000 can include fewer or more components than the example optics assembly 3000 shown in Figure 3C It is further noted that while the embodiment shows the optics assembly 3000 suspended on the hanger wire 3020, other mechanisms can be used to suspend the optics assembly 3000 in other embodiments.

[0211] The auto-focus yoke (e.g., magnet holder(s) 3006) acts as a support chassis structure for the auto-focus mechanism of actuator 3000. The lens carrier (optics holder 3003) is suspended on the auto-focus yoke by upper auto-focus (AF) springs 3030 and lower optics springs 3032. In this way, when current is applied to the auto-focus coil, a Lorentz force arises due to the presence of the four magnets and a force is generated that is substantially parallel to the optical axis to move the lens carrier and hence the lens along the optical axis with respect to the support structure of the auto-focus mechanism of the actuator, thereby focusing the lens. In addition to suspending the lens carrier and substantially eliminating parasitic motion, the upper springs 3030 and lower springs 3032 also resist the Lorentz force and thus convert the force to displacement of the lens. Figure 3C The basic architecture shown in FIG. 3 represents some embodiments in which the optical image stabilization function includes moving the entire auto-focus mechanism (supported by the auto-focus yoke) of the actuator in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis in response to a user hand shake as detected by some means, such as a two- or three-axis gyroscope that senses angular velocity. The hand shake of interest is one that changes the angular tilt of the camera in the "pitch and yaw directions," which can be compensated for by said linear motion of the lens with respect to the image sensor.

[0212] In at least some embodiments, the suspension of the auto-focus mechanism on the actuator 3000 support structure can be achieved by using four corner wires 3020, e.g., wires with circular cross-section. Each wire 3020 acts as a bendable flexure beam with relatively low stiffness, allowing motion in two optical image stabilization degrees of freedom. However, the wires 3020 are relatively stiff in directions parallel to the optical axis in some embodiments, as this would require the wires to stretch or bend, thereby substantially preventing parasitic motion in these directions. In addition, the presence of four such wires, appropriately spaced apart, allows them to be stiff in the parasitic tilt directions of pitch and yaw, thereby substantially preventing relative dynamic tilt between the lens and the image sensor. This can be understood by realizing that each wire 3020 is stiff in directions in which it needs to change its length, and thus the fixed points at the ends of each wire (eight points in total) will substantially constitute the vertices of a parallelepiped for all operating positions of the optical image stabilization mechanism.

[0213] Figure 4A -D shows an example embodiment of a camera module assembly including a pair of side magnet arrays that can be used for multi-camera systems for portable zooming, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0214] Figures 4A-4CEach of the figures include different views of a camera unit 400a-c, which is one embodiment of a first or second camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing first images of a first or second field of view. Each of the camera units 400a-c includes one of the optical packages 402a-c and one of the optical image stabilization actuators 404a-c for moving the optical package 402a-c that is configured for a focal length or an adjustable focal length range. Figure 4D Refers to the legend indicating the motion capabilities of the various components shown in Figure 4A -C Each of the figures include different views of a camera unit 400a-c, which is one embodiment of a first or second camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing first images of a first or second field of view. Each of the camera units 400a-c includes one of the optical packages 402a-c and one of the optical image stabilization actuators 404a-c for moving the optical package 402a-c that is configured for a focal length or an adjustable focal length range.

[0215] The optical stabilization actuators 404a-c include magnet arrays 406a-c and 418a-c, which include a central magnet array 406a-c and a distal lateral magnet array 418a-c. In some embodiments, the central magnet array 406a-c and the distal lateral magnet array 418a-c are arranged in opposing and mutually canceling pairs of magnets. Further, in some embodiments, a lower magnet array 420b-c and an upper magnet array 422b are arranged in similar opposing and mutually canceling pairs. In some embodiments, the designation of the central magnet array 406a-c and the distal lateral magnet array 418a-c is arbitrary, the distinction between them being the opposing and mutually canceling arrangement of magnets in the respective array. In some embodiments, the designation of the central magnet array 406a-c and the distal lateral magnet array 418a-c is defined with respect to a midline between a pair of camera units in a camera system, as described elsewhere herein.

[0216] As depicted in Figures 4A-4D The camera units 400a-c include a central magnet array 406a-c, which can be positioned along an axis between the optical package of the first camera unit and the optical package of the second camera unit. The central magnet array 406a includes a central upper magnet 410a having a first polarity and a central lower magnet 412a having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity. The camera units 400a-c also include a distal lateral magnet array 418a-c positioned opposite the central magnet array 406a-c with respect to the optical package 402a-c of the camera unit 400a-c. The distal lateral magnet array 418a includes a distal lower magnet 416a having a first polarity and a distal upper magnet 414a having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity. In some embodiments, the optical package or optics module is a set of components (e.g., a lens barrel) that houses one or more lens elements and other components for connecting the lens to an actuator for moving the lens relative to an image sensor.

[0217] In some embodiments, the camera units 400a-c include a distal lateral magnet array 418a-c positioned opposite the central magnet array 406a-c with respect to the optical package 402a-c of the camera units 400a-c, and the distal lateral magnet array 418a-c includes a distal lower magnet 416a having a first polarity and a distal upper magnet 414a having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0218] In some embodiments, the camera units 400a-c include upper and lower auto focus coils 408a-b and 428a attached to the optical package 402a-c to move the optical package 402a-c in any of the X, Y, or Z axes, where in some embodiments the Z axis is the optical axis of the optical package 402a-c (thus, having three degrees of freedom). In some embodiments, the central magnet array 406a-c and the distal lateral magnet array 418a-c interact with upper latitudal SP coils 426a-c and lower SP latitudal coils 424a and 424c. As will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, while the particular orientation of the magnets and the particular direction of the current are shown for the embodiments depicted herein, there are other embodiments in which the direction of the current and the orientation of the magnetic poles are reversed, and such embodiments are within the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

[0219] Figure 4E - G depicts example embodiments of camera module assemblies including pairs of lateral magnet arrays that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Figures 4E-4G Each of -G includes a different view of a camera unit 400e-g, which is one embodiment of a first or second camera unit of a multi-function device for capturing a first image of a first or second field of view. Each of the camera units 400e-g includes one of the optical packages 402e-g and one of the optical image stabilization actuators 404e (not labeled in Figure 4F or shown in Figure 4G ). Figure 4H is a legend indicating the motion capabilities of the various components shown in Figure 4E - G Each of the legends shown in -G indicates the motion capabilities of the various components shown in that figure. As will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art having viewed the present disclosure, while the particular orientation of the magnets and the particular direction of the current are shown for the embodiments depicted herein, there are other embodiments in which the direction of the current and the orientation of the magnetic poles are reversed, and such embodiments are within the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

[0220] The optically stabilized actuator 404e includes magnet arrays 406e-f and 418e-f, comprising a central magnet array 406e-f and a lateral magnet array 418e-f. In some embodiments, the central magnet array 406e-f and the lateral magnet array 418e-f are arranged as opposing and mutually canceling pairs of magnets. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lower magnet array 420f and the upper magnet array 422f are arranged as similar opposing and mutually canceling pairs. In some embodiments, the designation of the central magnet array 406e-f and the lateral magnet array 418e-f is arbitrary, differing only in the opposing and mutually canceling arrangement of the magnets in the respective arrays. In some embodiments, the designation of the central magnet array 406e-f and the lateral magnet array 418e-f is defined with respect to the centerline between a pair of camera units in a camera system, as described elsewhere herein.

[0221] As in Figures 4E-4G As depicted, camera unit 400e-g includes a central magnet array 406e-f, which can be positioned along an axis between the optical package of the first camera unit and the optical package of the second camera unit. The central magnet array 406e includes a central upper magnet 410e having a first polarity and a central lower magnet 412e having a polarity antiparallel to the first polarity. Camera unit 400e-f also includes a distal lateral magnet array 418e-f positioned relative to the central magnet array 406e-f with respect to the optical package 402e-g of camera unit 400e-g. The distal lateral magnet array 418e includes a distal lower magnet 416e having a first polarity and a distal upper magnet 414e having a polarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

[0222] In some embodiments, camera unit 400e-g includes a distal magnet array 418a-c positioned relative to the central magnet array 406a-c of the optical package 402a-c of camera unit 400e-f, and the distal magnet array 418e-f includes a distal lower magnet 416e having a first polarity and a distal upper magnet 414e having a polarity antiparallel to the first polarity.

[0223] In some embodiments, camera unit 400e-g includes an upper autofocus coil 408e-f and a lower autofocus coil 428e attached to an optical package 402e-f to move the optical package 402e-f along any of the X, Y, or Z axes. In some embodiments, the Z axis is the optical axis of the optical package 402e-f (and thus has three degrees of freedom). In some embodiments, a central magnet array 406e-f and a distal lateral magnet array 418e-f interact with central coils 426e and 426g and a radial SP coil 424e-g.

[0224] Figure 4I - L illustrates example embodiments of a camera module assembly including a pair of side magnet arrays that can be used in a multi-camera system for portable zooming, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Figures 4I-4K Each of the camera units 400i-k includes a different view of one embodiment of a first or second camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing first images of a first or second field of view. Each of the camera units 400i-k includes one of the optical packages 402i-k and an optical image stabilization actuator 404i (not shown in Figure 4J Each of the camera units 400i-k includes a different view of one embodiment of a first or second camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing first images of a first or second field of view. Each of the camera units 400i-k includes one of the optical packages 402i-k and an optical image stabilization actuator 404i (not shown in Figure 4K Each of the camera units 400i-k includes a different view of one embodiment of a first or second camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing first images of a first or second field of view. Each of the camera units 400i-k includes one of the optical packages 402i-k and an optical image stabilization actuator 404i (not shown in Figure 4L is a legend indicating the motion capabilities of the various components shown in Figure 4I - J is a legend indicating the motion capabilities of the various components shown in

[0225] The optical stabilization actuator 404i includes magnet arrays 406i-j and 418i-j, which include a central magnet array 406i-j and a distal lateral magnet array 418i-j. In some embodiments, the central magnet array 406i-j and the distal lateral magnet array 418i-j are arranged in opposing and mutually canceling pairs of magnets. Further, in some embodiments, a lower magnet array 420j and an upper magnet array 422j are arranged in similar opposing and mutually canceling pairs. In some embodiments, the designation of the central magnet array 406i-j and the distal lateral magnet array 418i-j is arbitrary, with the distinction between them being the opposing and mutually canceling arrangement of the magnets in the respective arrays. In some embodiments, the designation of the central magnet array 406i-j and the distal lateral magnet array 418i-j is defined with respect to a midline between a pair of camera units in a camera system, as described elsewhere herein.

[0226] As depicted in Figures 4I-4K The camera unit 400i-k includes a central magnet array 406i-j, which can be positioned along an axis between the optical package of the first camera unit and the optical package of the second camera unit. The central magnet array 406i includes a central upper magnet 410i having a first polarity and a central lower magnet 412i having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity. The camera unit 400i-j also includes a distal lateral magnet array 418i-j positioned opposite the central magnet array 406i-j with respect to the optical package 402i-j of the camera unit 400i-j. The distal lateral magnet array 418i includes a distal lower magnet 416i having a first polarity and a distal upper magnet 414i having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0227] In some embodiments, camera unit 400i-j includes a distal lateral magnet array 418i-j positioned opposite the central magnet array 406i-j with respect to the optical package 402i-j of camera unit 400i-j, and the distal lateral magnet array 418i-j includes a distal lower magnet 416i having a first polarity and a distal upper magnet 414i having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0228] In some embodiments, camera unit 400i-j includes an upper autofocus coil 408i-j and a lower autofocus coil 428j attached to the optical package 402i-j to move the optical package 402i-j in any of the X, Y, or Z axes, where in some embodiments the Z axis is the optical axis of the optical package 402i-j (thus, having three degrees of freedom). In some embodiments, the central magnet array 406i-j and the distal lateral magnet array 418i-j interact with the top SP coil 426i-j and the lower SP coil 424i and 424k.

[0229] Figure 5 Example embodiments of camera modules that can be used for multi-camera systems for portable zoom are drawn, including corner magnets in a shared magnet holder, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0230] In some embodiments, the VCM applies the same OIS correction to both modules together at any given time. In some embodiments, the OIS correction is a function of focal length and is different for the two modules. Thus, at any given moment, the VCM can stabilize only one module.

[0231] In some embodiments, video capture involves taking with only one lens at a time and the VCM can successfully command OIS correction when the user switches between 1x and 4x lenses.

[0232] In some embodiments, image fusion combines the wide field from the 1x lens and the narrow focus from the 4x lens to produce a wide angle image with extra detail and sharpness around the subject (image center). It is also used to generate depth data (stereo vision). In some embodiments, the dual OIS scheme allows for different corrections to be commanded to the two OIS modules simultaneously. In some embodiments, in fast exposure and low subject motion shots, the two OIS corrections can be applied sequentially to produce the same effect.

[0233] Dual camera unit 500 includes one embodiment of a multi-functional device's first camera unit 502a and second camera unit 502b for capturing first or second field of view's first image. Each of camera units 500a-b includes one of optical packages (circular features) 504a-b and one of optical image stabilization actuators 506a-b that utilize an autofocus coil 520a-b for moving the optical package 504a-b that is configured for one focal length or an adjustable focal length range.

[0234] In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 500 includes a shared magnet holder 508 to which one or more magnets 510a-516a of the first camera unit and one or more magnets 510b-516b of the second camera unit are attached that are used to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of the first camera actuator 506a and the second camera actuator 506b. In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 500 includes a shared magnet holder 508 to which one or more diagonally angled corner magnets 510a-516a of the first camera unit and one or more diagonally angled corner magnets 510b-516b of the second camera unit are attached that are used to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of the first camera actuator 506a and the second camera actuator 506b, although other embodiments can employ a shared magnet holder 508 with linear magnet pairs or linear magnets as described elsewhere herein.

[0235] Figure 6A - E shows an example embodiment of a camera module assembly that can be used for multi-camera systems for portable zoom according to at least some embodiments, which includes a shared magnet. In some embodiments, by utilizing side magnets, a VCM can share one magnet between two modules. In some embodiments, the shared magnet helps to reduce the lens center-to-center distance, i.e. parallax reduction (and overall size). The square design also allows for symmetric dynamics. In some embodiments, the VCM applies the same OIS correction to both modules together at any given time. In some embodiments, the OIS correction is a function of focal length and is different for the two modules. Thus, at any given moment, in some embodiments, the VCM stabilizes only one module.

[0236] In some embodiments, the capture involves taking a picture with only one lens at a time and the VCM can successfully command the OIS correction when the user switches between the 1x and 4x lenses. In some embodiments, image fusion combines the wide field of view from the 1x lens and the narrow focus from the 4x lens to produce a wide angle image with extra detail and sharpness around the subject (image center). In some embodiments, it is also used to generate depth data (stereo vision).

[0237] Dual camera unit 600a-e includes one embodiment of first camera units 602a-e and second camera units 618a-d of a multifunction device for capturing first or second images of a first or second field of view. Each of camera units 602a-e and 618a-d includes one of optical packages 604b-e and 606b-d and an actuator assembly for moving the optical package 604b-e and 606b-d configured for a focal length or an adjustable focal length range. In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 600a-e includes shared magnet holder 608a-e, one or more shared magnets 620a of first camera units 602a-e and one or more non-shared magnets 610a-612a and one or more magnets 613a-615a of second camera units 618a-d attached to shared magnet holder 608a-e used to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of first camera units 602a-e and second camera units 618a-d. In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 600a-e includes coils 630a-638e of first camera units 602a-e and one or more coils 640a-648e of second camera units used to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of first camera units 602a-e and second camera units 618a-d. Bowden cable 650c-652e and cover container 654b-e are also shown. In some embodiments, coils 636b-d and coils 646b-d are a single shared coil. In some embodiments, shared magnet holder 608a-e is a pair of independent units hinged together.

[0238] Figure 7A- C shows an example embodiment of a camera module assembly usable for a multi-camera system for portable zoom comprising shared magnets, according to at least some embodiments. The dual camera unit 700a-c comprises one embodiment of a first camera unit 702a-c and a second camera unit 718a-b of a multifunction device for capturing a first or second image of a first or second field of view. Each of the camera units 702a-c and 718a-b comprises one of an optical package 704a-c and 706a-b and an actuator assembly for moving the optical package 704a-c and 706b configured for a focal length or an adjustable focal length range. In some embodiments, the camera system of the dual camera unit 700a-c comprises a shared magnet holder 708a-b to which one or more shared magnets 720a of the first camera unit 702a-c and one or more non-shared magnets 710a-712a and one or more magnets 713a-715a of the second camera unit 718a-b are attached to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion among one or more of the first camera unit 702a-c and the second camera unit 718a-b. In some embodiments, the indicated magnetic field directions of all of the one or more non-shared magnets 710a-712a and the shared magnets 720a of the first camera unit 702a-c are oriented inward toward the optical package 704a-c, while the indicated magnetic field directions of all of the one or more magnets 713a-715a and the shared magnets 720a of the second camera unit 718a-b are oriented outward away from the optical package 704a-b.

[0239] In some embodiments, the camera system of the dual camera unit 700a-e comprises coils 730a-736c of the first camera unit 702a-c and one or more coils 740a-744b of the second camera unit are used to generate a force usable to produce motion among one or more of the first camera unit 702a-c and the second camera unit 718a-b. A cord 750c and a cover container 754a-c are also shown. In some embodiments, the coils 746a-b are a single shared coil. In some embodiments, the shared magnet holder 708a-b is a pair of independent units hinged together.

[0240] Figure 8A - E shows an example embodiment of a camera module assembly usable for a multi-camera system for portable zoom comprising stationary magnets, according to at least some embodiments. In some embodiments, Figure 8A The VCM architecture of E is based on a stationary magnet design, allowing two OIS VCMs to be placed side by side with reduced stroke loss due to magnetic interaction between the two. In some embodiments, the VCMs can be used to independently command the required OIS correction for both modules.

[0241] In some embodiments, the current design allows for the inclusion of 3 different independent drive channels (Drive X, Drive Y, Drive Z) as well as a 4th auxiliary channel for zoom or electrochromic aperture.

[0242] Camera units 802a-c include one embodiment of a first camera unit and / or a second camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing first images of a first or second field of view. Each of camera units 802a-c includes one of optical device carriers 804a-b including an optical package and an actuator assembly for moving the optical package in optical device carriers 804a-b configured for a focal length or an adjustable focal length range.

[0243] In some embodiments, the camera system of camera units 802a-c includes one or more stationary magnets 810a-816a of camera units 802a-c to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of camera units 802a-c.

[0244] In some embodiments, the camera system of camera units 802a-c includes coils 830b-832b disposed in coil mounts 828a-c and coil holders 826a-b of camera units 802a-c that are used to generate forces that can be used to produce motion in camera units 802a-c. Drop and control lines 858a-872b provide suspension and transmission of control and data signals. Coil tracks 832b-838c and mounts 840b-c are also shown. Lines 870a-872a provide AF (+ / -) signals. Lines 858a-860a provide Aux (+ / -) signals. Lines 862a-864a provide SP X (+ / -) signals. Lines 866a-868a provide SP Y (+ / -) signals.

[0245] Figure 8E includes a legend for understanding various portions of Figures 8A-8C Figure 8D shows the junction of control lines 862a-864a to frames 888d-890d.

[0246] Figure 9A -D depicts an example embodiment of a camera module assembly that can be used for a multi-camera system for portable zooming including stationary magnets, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Dual camera units 900a-c include embodiments of first camera units 902a-c and second camera units 918a-c of a multifunction device for capturing first images of a first or second field of view.

[0247] ​Each of the camera units 902a-c and 918a-c includes one of the optical packages 904a-b and 909a-b and an actuator assembly for moving the optical package 904a-b and 909a-b configured for a focal length or an adjustable focal length range.

[0248] In some embodiments, the camera system of the dual camera unit 900a-c includes independent magnet holders 907a-908b to which one or more non-shared magnets 910a-913c of the first camera unit 902a-c and one or more magnets 914a-917c of the second camera unit 918a-c are attached, used to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of the first camera unit 902a-c and the second camera unit 918a-c. In some embodiments, the camera system of the dual camera unit 900a-c includes the coils 932b-934b of the first camera unit 902b and one or more coils 936b-938b of the second camera unit, used to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of the first camera unit 902a-c and the second camera unit 918a-c. The wires 950a-964b are also shown. Coil mounts 980a-982c, actuator mounts 990b-992c, and SP coil tracks 970b-978c. Figure 9D is a legend showing Figures 9A-9C components of

[0249] Figure 10A -D shows an example embodiment of a camera module assembly that can be used for a multi-camera system for portable zoom, including a stationary magnet, in accordance with at least some embodiments. The dual camera unit 1000a-c includes an embodiment of the first camera unit 1002a-c sharing magnets 1015a-1015c with the second camera unit 1018a-c of a multi-function device for capturing a first or second image of a field of view.

[0250] Each of the camera units 1002a-c and 1018a-c includes one of the optical packages 1004a-b and 1009a-b and an actuator assembly for moving the optical package 1004a-b and 1009a-b configured for a focal length or an adjustable focal length range.

[0251] In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 1000a-c includes independent magnet holders 1007a-1008b, one or more non-shared magnets 1010a-1013c of first camera unit 1002a-c, and one or more magnets 1014a-c, shared magnets 1015a-c and 1016a-1017c of second camera unit 1018a-c attached to magnet holders 1007a-1008b, used to generate magnetic fields that can be used to produce motion in one or more of first camera unit 1002a-c and second camera unit 1018a-c. In some embodiments, the camera system of dual camera unit 1000a-c includes coils 1032b-1034b of first camera unit 1002b and one or more coils 1036b-1038b of second camera unit, used to generate forces that can be used to produce motion in one or more of first camera unit 1002a-c and second camera unit 1018a-c. Bowden cables 1050a-1064b are also shown. Coil mounts 1080a-1082c, actuator mounts 1090b-1092c, and SP coil tracks 1070b-1078c are also shown. Figure 10D is a legend showing components of Figures 10A-10C .

[0252] Figure 11A -C depicts an example embodiment of a camera module assembly that can be used for portable zoom for multi-camera systems, including shielded magnets, in accordance with at least some embodiments. Some embodiments use high permeability metals to shield the magnetic field, to limit it from staying within the magnet holder, limiting unwanted interaction forces or perturbations from nearby magnetic materials or stray fields from other electromagnetic devices. An example of using high permeability 1010 steel is shown in Figures 11A-11C . In some embodiments, the shielding material is coated or glued or insert molded into the plastic magnet holder. In some embodiments, the shielding material is used to make the entire magnet holder (e.g., in metal injection molding).

[0253] Each of camera units 1102a-1104a includes one of optical device carriers 1106a, 1106b and 1108a containing an optical package, and an actuator assembly for moving the optical package in optical device carriers 1106a-b and 1108a configured for a focal length or adjustable focal length range.

[0254] In some embodiments, the camera system of camera units 1102a-1104a includes one or more magnets 1110a-1116a and 1110b of camera units 1102a-1104a and a metal shield 1120a-1126a and 1120b disposed in magnet holders 1130a-1136a and 1130b with a thickness t 1128b to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of camera units 1102a-1104a. In some embodiments, camera units 1102a-1104a operate independently.

[0255] In some embodiments, the camera system of camera units 1102a-c includes coils 1140a-1146a and 1140b disposed in coil mounts 11211a-c and coil holders 1126a-b of camera units 1102a-c that are used to generate a force that can be used to produce motion in camera units 1102a-c for motion relative to mounts 1152a-1154a. Figure 11C is used with Figures 11A-11B

[0256] Figure 12A - G depicts example embodiments of camera module assemblies that can be used for multi-camera systems for portable zoom, including a magnet array that ignores the central magnet between modules. Some embodiments use a magnet arrangement that enables side-by-side (dual) optical image stabilization (OIS) camera modules in a portable device with minimal magnetic interaction between adjacent modules.

[0257] While other magnet arrangements described herein have a total of four magnets: one in each corner of the module or one along each side of the module, the embodiments described below and shown in Figure 12A - G include a single side magnet on one side and a total of four magnets on the adjacent side, each pair of magnets having opposite polarity, for a total of five magnets per module. The remaining single side (e.g., centered between two actuators) has no permanent magnets. In some embodiments, magnets of opposite polarity are used to contain the edge flux field, which can otherwise be a major source of interactive force between adjacent camera modules. Such embodiments reduce the interactive force.

[0258] In some embodiments, Figures 12A-12G ​Each of the camera systems 1200a-g includes a view of a set of magnets (or a set of magnets and coils) that can be used by a dual camera unit, one embodiment of the first and second camera units of the multifunction device for capturing first images of the first or second field of view. In some embodiments, the magnets 1202a-g are side magnets of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, the magnets 1204a-g are side magnets of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, the camera systems 1200a-g each include a first pair of first actuator transverse magnets 1206a-g and 1208a-g positioned opposite one another with respect to an axis between the side magnets 1202a-g and the side magnets 1204a-g. In some embodiments, the camera systems 1200a-g each further include a second pair of first actuator transverse magnets 1210a-g and 1212a-g positioned opposite one another with respect to the axis between the side magnets 1202a-g and the side magnets 1204a-g.

[0259] In some embodiments, the camera systems 1200a-g each further include a first pair of second actuator transverse magnets 1226a-g and 1228a-g positioned opposite one another with respect to the axis between the side magnets 1202a-g and the side magnets 1204a-g. In some embodiments, the camera systems 1200a-g each further include a second pair of second actuator transverse magnets 1230a-g and 1232a-g positioned opposite one another with respect to the axis between the side magnets 1202a-g and the side magnets 1204a-g. In some embodiments, the magnets 1230a-g, 1226a-g, 1208a-g, and 1210a-g are oriented by a first polarity opposite a second polarity, where the magnets 1228a-g, 1226a-g, 1206a-g, and 1212a-g are oriented by the second polarity.

[0260] In some embodiments, the magnets 1206a-g and 1210a-g are arranged in a pair with opposite polarity to one another, and the magnets 1232a-g and 1226a-g are arranged in a pair with opposite polarity to one another. In some embodiments, the magnets 1206a-g and 1210a-g are arranged in a pair with opposite polarity to one another, and the magnets 1232a-g and 1226a-g are arranged in a pair with opposite polarity to one another. In some embodiments, the OIS coils 1240a-g interact with magnetic fields generated by respective ones of the magnets 1202a-g-1232a-g. Some embodiments of the orientations 1252b-c-1258b-c are provided in Figure 12B In some embodiments, the autofocus coils 1282e-1288g interact with magnetic fields generated by respective ones of the magnets 1202a-g-1232a-g. Note that, Figure 12A The magnetic field orientations in any one of the camera systems 1200a-g can be the same as those in any other one of the camera systems 1200a-g. Figure 12A- Any other magnetic field orientation in G is different, such that the use of“first orientation” or“second orientation” is arbitrary between figures, and represents many possible embodiments without departing from the scope or intent of the disclosure contained herein.

[0261] Figure 13A - B depicts example embodiments of camera module assembly that can be used for multi-camera systems for portable zoom, including a magnet array that ignores the central magnet between modules, in accordance with at least some embodiments.

[0262] In some embodiments, Figures 13A-13B Each of Figures 1300a-b includes a view of a set of magnets that can be used for a dual camera unit, one embodiment of a first camera unit and a second camera unit of a multifunction device for capturing first images of a first or second field of view. In some embodiments, magnets 1302a-b are side magnets of the first camera unit. In some embodiments, magnets 1304a-b are side magnets of the second camera unit. In some embodiments, camera systems 1300a-b each include a first pair of first actuator lateral magnets 1306a-b and 1308a-b positioned opposite one another with respect to an axis between side magnets 1302a-b and side magnets 1304a-b. In some embodiments, camera systems 1300a-b each further include a second pair of first actuator lateral magnets 1310a and 1313a positioned opposite one another with respect to the axis between side magnets 1302a-b and side magnets 1304a-b.

[0263] In some embodiments, camera systems 1300a-b each further include a first pair of second actuator lateral magnets 1326a and 1328a positioned opposite one another with respect to the axis between side magnets 1302a-b and side magnets 1304a-b. In some embodiments, camera systems 1300a-b each further include a second pair of second actuator lateral magnets 1330a-b and 1332a-b positioned opposite one another with respect to the axis between side magnets 1302a-b and side magnets 1304a-b. In some embodiments, magnets 1330a-b, 1326a, 1306a-b, and 1313a are oriented by a first polarity 1352b that is anti-parallel to a second polarity 1354b, with magnets 1328a, 1332a-b, 1310a, and 1308a-b oriented by the second polarity 1354b.

[0264] In some embodiments, the magnets 1306a-b and 1310a are arranged in a pair having opposite polarity from each other, and the magnets 1332a-b and 1326a are arranged in a pair having opposite polarity from each other. In some embodiments, the magnets 1306a-b and 1310a are arranged in a pair having opposite polarity from each other, and the magnets 1332a-b and 1326a are arranged in a pair having opposite polarity from each other.

[0265] Figure 14A is a flowchart of a method operable with a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments. A first camera unit of a multi-function device, having a first optical package with a first focal length, captures a first image of a first field of view (block 1400). A second camera unit of the multi-function device, having a second optical package with a second focal length, simultaneously captures a second image of a second field of view that is a subset of the first field of view, where the second focal length is different from the first focal length (block 1402). The first image and the second image are saved as separate data structures to a storage medium (block 1404). The first image is displayed in a screen interface having a control for switching to a display of the second image (block 1406). In response to actuation of the control, the second image is displayed in place of the first image (block 1408).

[0266] Figure 14B is a flowchart of a method operable with a multi-camera system for portable zoom, in accordance with at least some embodiments. A first camera unit of a multi-function device, having a first optical package with a first focal length, captures a first image of a first field of view (block 1410). A second camera unit of the multi-function device, having a second optical package with a second focal length, simultaneously captures a second image of a second field of view that is a subset of the first field of view, where the second focal length is different from the first focal length (block 1412). Optical image stabilization is provided to the first camera unit (block 1414). Optical image stabilization is provided to the second camera unit (block 1416).

[0267] Example computer system

[0268] Figure 15An example computer system 1500 that can be configured to perform any or all of the embodiments described above is shown. In different embodiments, the computer system 1500 can be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, slate computer, pad computer, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, camera, set-top box, mobile device, consumer device, video game console, hand-held video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or, in general, any type of computing or electronic device.

[0269] Various embodiments of dual-primary camera systems as described herein, including embodiments of single-frame camera active optical tilt alignment correction as described herein, can be performed in one or more computer systems 1500, which can interact with various other devices. It is noted that any components, actions, or functions described above in relation to the Figures 1-10D various embodiments can be implemented on the computers of one or more computer systems 1500 configured to Figure 15 In the illustrated embodiment, the computer system 1500 includes one or more processors 1510 coupled to a system memory 1520 via an input / output (I / O) interface 1530. The computer system 1500 further includes a network interface 1540 coupled to the I / O interface 1530, and one or more input / output devices 1550, such as cursor control devices 1560, keyboards 1570, and display(s) 1580. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments can be implemented using a single instance of computer system 1500 while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up a computer system 1500, can be configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, some elements can be implemented via one or more nodes of a computer system 1500 that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.

[0270] In various embodiments, computer system 1500 can be a uniprocessor system including one processor 1510, or a multiprocessor system including several processors 1510 (e.g., two, four, eight, or other suitable number). Processors 1510 can be any suitable processors capable of executing instructions and performing the functions as described herein. For example, in various embodiments, processors 1510 can be general- purpose or embedded processors 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 multiprocessor systems, each of the processors 1510 can— but need not— implement the same ISA.

[0271] System memory 1520 can be configured to store camera control program instructions 1522 and / or camera control data accessible by processor 1510. In various embodiments, system memory 1520 can be implemented utilizing any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile / Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment, program instructions 1522 can be configured to implement a lens control application 1524 in conjunction with any of the above-described functionality. Additionally, existing camera control data 1532 of memory 1520 can include any of the above-described information or data structures. In some embodiments, the program instructions and / or data can be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory 1520 or computer system 1500. While computer system 1500 is described as implementing the functionality of the functional blocks of the preceding figures, any of the functionality described herein can be implemented via such a computer system.

[0272] In one embodiment, I / O interface 1530 can be configured to coordinate I / O traffic between processor 1510, system memory 1520, and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface 1540 or other peripheral interfaces such as input / output devices 1550. In some embodiments, I / O interface 1530 can perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory 1520) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor 1510). In some embodiments, I / O interface 1530 can include support for devices attached through various types of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, for example. In some embodiments, functionality of I / O interface 1530 can be split into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in some embodiments some or all of the functionality of I / O interface 1530, such as an interface to system memory 1520, can be incorporated directly into processor 1510.

[0273] Network interface 1540 can be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system 1500 and other devices attached to a network 1585 (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system 1500. In various embodiments, network 1585 can include one or more networks, including, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN), such as an Ethernet or Token Ring network, or a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, wireless data networks, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface 1540 can support communication via wired or wireless general data networks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example; via telecommunications / telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SANs, or any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0274] In some embodiments, input / output devices 1550 can include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable to input or output data. Multiple input / output devices 1550 can be present in computer system 1500 or can be distributed on various nodes of computer system 1500. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices can be separate from computer system 1500 and can interact with one or more nodes of computer system 1500 through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface 1540.

[0275] As Figure 15As shown in FIG. 15, memory 1520 can include program instructions 1522, which can be executable by a processor, to implement any of the elements or acts described above. In one embodiment, the program instructions can implement the methods described above. In other embodiments, different elements and data can be included. Note that the data can include any of the data or information described above.

[0276] Those skilled in the art will realize that computer system 1500 is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices can include any combination of hardware or software that can execute instructions

[0277] Those skilled in the art will also realize that, whereas some items are illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while others are illustrated as being stored on storage, the items or portions thereof can also be stored at other times in memory. Thus, for example, what is illustrated as a stored procedure or routine can also in some instances be implemented using instructions prepared and stored in memory or other storage that are accessible during runtime. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the software components or processes described can be any one of a number of software components or processes, and each can be implemented with appropriate algorithms known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, some of the described elements can also be removed and / or rendered unnecessary, such as, for example, by hardware or software components that are used in place of software instructions. Similarly, hardware components can also be used in place of software components, or in combination with software components. The underlying application, however, is not limited to any particular software components or hardware components.

[0278] In different embodiments, the methods described herein can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Moreover, the order of the blocks can be changed, and various elements can be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes can be made as apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are illustrative rather than limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. As such, a number of instances have been described as singular but can comprise duplicates. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and the order of operations of those can be changed as compared to the illustrated embodiments.

[0279] Additional description of embodiments:

[0280] Clause 1 : A camera system of a multifunction device, comprising:

[0281] a first camera unit of the multifunction device to capture a first image of a first field of view, wherein

[0282] the first camera unit includes a first actuator to move a first optical package configured for a first focal length; and

[0283] a second camera unit of the multifunction device to simultaneously capture a second image of a second field of view, wherein

[0284] the second camera unit includes a second actuator to move a second optical package configured for a second focal length,

[0285] the second actuator includes a second actuator lateral magnet;

[0286] the first optical package and the second optical package are located between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet along an axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet;

[0287] no actuator lateral magnet is located between the first optical package and the second optical package along the axis.

[0288] Clause 2: The camera system of Clause 1, wherein the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet have polarities aligned anti-parallel to each other.

[0289] Clause 3: The camera system of any of Clauses 1-2, wherein

[0290] the first camera unit and the second camera unit each include a respective first pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to the axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet; and

[0291] The first and second camera units each include a respective second pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite one another about an axis between the first and second actuator lateral magnets.

[0292] Clause 4: The camera system of clause 3, wherein,

[0293] The magnets of the respective first pair of first actuator lateral magnets have a polarity alignment that is parallel to a respective alignment of corresponding magnets of the first pair of second actuator lateral magnets.

[0294] Clause 5: The camera system of clause 3, wherein,

[0295] The magnets of the respective first pair of first actuator lateral magnets have a polarity alignment that is anti-parallel to a respective alignment of corresponding magnets of the first pair of second actuator lateral magnets.

[0296] Clause 6: The camera system of clause 5, wherein,

[0297] The first and second actuator lateral magnets have a polarity that is aligned at a right angle to a polarity of the respective first pair of first actuator lateral magnets.

[0298] Clause 7: The camera system of any of clauses 1-6, further comprising:

[0299] a coil aligned with a current circulating in a plane parallel to a plane in which the first and second actuator lateral magnets have a polarity aligned.

[0300] Clause 8: A camera unit of a multi-function device, comprising:

[0301] an optical package;

[0302] an actuator to move the optical package to a first focal length, wherein the actuator includes:

[0303] a lateral magnet to a side of the optical package,

[0304] a first pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned on opposite sides of one another about an axis between the optical package and the lateral magnet, wherein

[0305] the lateral magnet is positioned on a side of the optical package that is free of the lateral magnet; and

[0306] wherein no actuator lateral magnets are positioned on remaining sides of the optical package that are free of the lateral magnet and the lateral magnets positioned thereon.

[0307] Clause 9: The camera unit of clause 8, further comprising:

[0308] a coil aligned with a current circulating in a plane parallel to a plane in which the lateral magnet and the transverse magnet have polarities aligned.

[0309] Clause 10: The camera unit of any of clauses 8-9, further comprising:

[0310] a coil aligned with a current circulating in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the lateral magnet and the transverse magnet have polarities aligned.

[0311] Clause 11 : The camera unit of any of clauses 8-10, further comprising:

[0312] a second pair of first actuator transverse magnets positioned opposite each other about an axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package.

[0313] Clause 12: The camera unit of clause 11, further comprising:

[0314] magnets of the first pair of transverse magnets have antiparallel polar alignment to each other.

[0315] Clause 13: The camera unit of clause 11, further comprising:

[0316] magnets of the second pair of transverse magnets have antiparallel polar alignment to each other.

[0317] Clause 14: The camera unit of clause 11, further comprising:

[0318] magnets of the first pair of transverse magnets have antiparallel polar alignment to magnets of the second pair of transverse magnets positioned on the same side of an axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package.

[0319] Clause 15: An actuator, comprising:

[0320] a lateral magnet for moving an optical package, wherein the lateral magnet is positioned to a side of the optical package,

[0321] a first pair of first actuator transverse magnets positioned on opposite sides of each other about an axis between the optical package and the lateral magnet, wherein

[0322] the lateral magnet is positioned on a side of the optical package that is free of transverse magnets; and

[0323] wherein no actuator lateral magnet is positioned on a remaining side of the optical package that is free of lateral magnets and transverse magnets positioned thereon.

[0324] Clause 16: The actuator of clause 15, further comprising:

[0325] a coil aligned with a current circulating in a plane parallel to a plane in which the lateral magnet and the transverse magnet have polarities aligned.

[0326] Clause 17: The actuator of any of clauses 15-16, further comprising:

[0327] a coil aligned with a current circulating in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the lateral magnet and the transverse magnet have polarities aligned.

[0328] Clause 18: The actuator of any of clauses 15-17, further comprising:

[0329] a second pair of first actuator transverse magnets positioned opposite one another about an axis between the lateral magnet and the optical package.

[0330] Clause 19: The actuator of clause 18, wherein:

[0331] the magnets of the first pair of transverse magnets have polarities aligned anti-parallel to one another.

[0332] Clause 20: The actuator of clause 18, wherein:

[0333] the magnets of the second pair of transverse magnets have polarities aligned anti-parallel to one another.

[0334] Clause 21: A camera system of a multifunction device, comprising:

[0335] a first camera unit of the multifunction device to capture a first image of a first field of view, wherein

[0336] the first camera unit includes a first optical image stabilization actuator to move a first optical package configured for a first focal length; and

[0337] a second camera unit of the multifunction device to simultaneously capture a second image of a second field of view, wherein

[0338] the second camera unit includes a second optical image stabilization actuator to move a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and

[0339] the first focal length is different than the second focal length.

[0340] Clause 22: The camera system of clause 21, wherein:

[0341] the camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0342] Clause 23: The camera system of any of clauses 21-22, wherein:

[0343] The camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator;

[0344] The camera system further includes a first actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit;

[0345] The camera system further includes a pair of first actuator transverse magnets positioned opposite one another with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the first actuator lateral magnet;

[0346] The camera system further includes a second actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the second camera unit; and

[0347] The camera system further includes a pair of second actuator transverse magnets positioned opposite one another with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet.

[0348] Clause 24: The camera system of any of clauses 21-23, wherein:

[0349] The camera system includes a shared magnet holder to which one or more magnets of the first camera unit and one or more magnets of the second camera unit are attached to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in one or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0350] Clause 25: The camera system of any of clauses 21-24, wherein:

[0351] The camera system includes one or more stationary magnets fixed at a fixed position relative to image sensors of the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in one or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0352] Clause 26: The camera system of any of clauses 21-25, wherein:

[0353] The second camera unit includes a second central array of magnets positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit;

[0354] The second central array of magnets includes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity and a second central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity;

[0355] The second camera unit includes a second distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the second central magnet array with respect to a second optical package of the second camera unit; and

[0356] The second distal lateral magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet having a first polarity and a second distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0357] Clause 27: The camera system of clause 26, wherein:

[0358] The first camera unit includes a first central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit;

[0359] The first central magnet array includes a first central upper magnet having a first polarity and a first central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0360] The first camera unit includes a first distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the first central magnet array with respect to the first optical package of the first camera unit; and

[0361] The first distal lateral magnet array includes a first distal lower magnet having a first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0362] Clause 28: The camera system of any of clauses 21-27, further comprising:

[0363] A magnetic shield between the first optical image stabilization actuator and the second optical image stabilization actuator.

[0364] Clause 29: The camera system of any of clauses 21-28, further comprising:

[0365] A metal shield between the first optical image stabilization actuator and the second optical image stabilization actuator, wherein,

[0366] The metal shield includes steel including at least an amount of iron, an amount of manganese, an amount of sulfur, an amount of phosphorus, and an amount of carbon.

[0367] Clause 30: A method comprising:

[0368] A first camera unit of a multifunction device captures a first image of a first field of view;

[0369] A second camera unit of the multifunction device simultaneously captures a second image of a second field of view, wherein,

[0370] The first camera unit includes a first optical package having a first focal length,

[0371] The second camera unit includes a second optical package having a second focal length,

[0372] The first focal length is different than the second focal length, and

[0373] The first field of view is a subset of the second field of view;

[0374] The first camera unit is provided with optical image stabilization; and

[0375] The second camera unit is provided with optical image stabilization.

[0376] Clause 31 : The method of clause 30, wherein:

[0377] The providing the first camera unit with optical image stabilization and the providing the second camera unit with optical image stabilization further comprises moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit independently of one another.

[0378] Clause 32: The method of any of clauses 30-31, wherein:

[0379] The providing the first camera unit with optical image stabilization and the providing the second camera unit with optical image stabilization further comprises moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison.

[0380] Clause 33: The method of any of clauses 30-32, wherein:

[0381] The providing the first camera unit with optical image stabilization and the providing the second camera unit with optical image stabilization further comprises generating a first magnetic field in the first camera unit and a second magnetic field in the second camera unit based on a magnet shared between the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

[0382] Clause 34: The method of any of clauses 30-33, wherein:

[0383] The providing the first camera unit with optical image stabilization and the providing the second camera unit with optical image stabilization further comprises moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison through operation of first camera unit actuators and second camera unit actuators that share a central magnet.

[0384] Clause 35: The method of any of clauses 30-34, wherein:

[0385] The providing the first camera unit with optical image stabilization and the providing the second camera unit with optical image stabilization further comprises moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison through operation of first camera unit actuators and second camera unit actuators that share a magnet holder.

[0386] Clause 36: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement:

[0387] capturing, with a first camera unit of the multifunction device, a first image of a first field of view;

[0388] simultaneously capturing, with a second camera unit of the multifunction device, a second image of a second field of view, wherein,

[0389] the first camera unit includes a first optical package having a first focal length,

[0390] the second camera unit includes a second optical package having a second focal length,

[0391] the first focal length is different from the second focal length, and

[0392] the first field of view is a subset of the second field of view;

[0393] providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit; and

[0394] providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit.

[0395] Clause 37: The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of Clause 36, wherein:

[0396] the program instructions computer-executable to implement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further comprise program instructions computer-executable to implement moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit independently of one another.

[0397] Clause 38: The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of Clauses 36-37, wherein:

[0398] the program instructions computer-executable to implement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further comprise program instructions computer-executable to implement moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit uniformly.

[0399] Clause 39: The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of Clauses 36-38, wherein:

[0400] the program instructions computer-executable to implement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and the program instructions computer-executable to implement providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further comprise program instructions computer-executable to implement generating a first magnetic field in the first camera unit and a second magnetic field in the second camera unit based on a magnet shared between the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

[0401] Clause 40: The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of any of clauses 36-39, wherein:

[0402] The program instructions executable by a computer to implement providing optical image stabilization to the first camera unit and the program instructions executable by a computer to implement providing optical image stabilization to the second camera unit further include program instructions executable by a computer to implement moving the first camera unit and the second camera unit in unison by the shared magnet holder actuator of the first camera unit and the second camera unit actuator.

[0403] Clause 41 : A camera system of a multifunction device, comprising:

[0404] A first camera unit of the multifunction device to capture first images of a first field of view, wherein,

[0405] The first camera unit includes a first actuator to move a first optical package; and

[0406] A second camera unit of the multifunction device to capture second images of a second field of view simultaneously, wherein,

[0407] The second camera unit includes a second actuator to move a second optical package, the second camera unit includes a second central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit, the second central magnet array includes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity and a second central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity,

[0408] The second camera unit includes a second distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the second central magnet array with respect to the second optical package of the second camera unit, and

[0409] The second distal lateral magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet having the first polarity and a second distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0410] Clause 42: The camera system of clause 41, wherein:

[0411] The first camera unit includes a first central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit;

[0412] The first central magnet array includes a first central upper magnet having a first polarity and a first central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity;

[0413] The first camera unit includes a first distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the first central magnet array with respect to the first optical package of the first camera unit; and

[0414] The first distal array of magnets includes a first distal lower magnet having a first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0415] Clause 43: The camera system of any of clauses 41-42, further comprising:

[0416] an autofocus coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the autofocus coil unit is located between the second optical package and the second central array of magnets.

[0417] Clause 44: The camera system of clause 43, further comprising:

[0418] an autofocus coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the autofocus coil unit is located between the second optical package and the second central array of magnets; and

[0419] an outer coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the outer coil unit includes one or more SP coils located between the second central array of magnets and the first camera unit.

[0420] Clause 45: The camera system of clause 44, wherein:

[0421] the outer coil unit includes

[0422] an upper outer coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating around the second optical package in a first direction, and

[0423] a lower outer coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating around the second optical package in a second direction; and

[0424] the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0425] Clause 46: The camera system of clause 44, wherein:

[0426] the outer coil unit includes:

[0427] an upper outer coil segment located on a side of the second optical package and having a current circulating along the side of the second optical package, and

[0428] a lower outer coil segment located on the side of the second optical package and having a current circulating along the side of the second optical package.

[0429] Clause 47: The camera system of clause 43, wherein:

[0430] the autofocus coil unit includes:

[0431] an upper autofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a first direction around the second optical package, and

[0432] a lower autofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating in a second direction around the second optical package; and

[0433] the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0434] Clause 48: A camera unit of a multifunction device, comprising:

[0435] an optical package; and

[0436] an actuator, wherein the actuator comprises:

[0437] one or more magnet arrays comprising a plurality of magnets arranged on a plurality of sides of the optical package,

[0438] one or more autofocus coils arranged between the optical package and respective ones of the magnet arrays, and

[0439] one or more outer coils arranged opposite the autofocus coils with respect to the magnet arrays.

[0440] Clause 49: The camera unit of Clause 48, wherein:

[0441] the one or more autofocus coils radially surround the optical package.

[0442] Clause 50: The camera unit of any of Clauses 48-49, wherein:

[0443] each of the one or more magnet arrays comprises an upper magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a first direction inward toward the optical package; and

[0444] each of the one or more magnet arrays further comprises a lower magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a second direction outward from the optical package.

[0445] Clause 51: The camera unit of any of Clauses 48-50, wherein:

[0446] each of the one or more magnet arrays comprises an upper magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a first direction; and

[0447] each of the one or more magnet arrays further comprises a lower magnet having a magnetic field aligned in a second direction anti-parallel to the first direction.

[0448] Clause 52: The camera unit of any of Clauses 48-51, wherein:

[0449] The one or more autofocus coils include:

[0450] an upper autofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating around the second optical package in a first direction, and

[0451] a lower autofocus coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating around the second optical package in a second direction; and

[0452] the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0453] Clause 53: The camera unit of any of clauses 48-52, wherein:

[0454] The one or more external coils include:

[0455] an upper external coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating around the second optical package in a first direction, and

[0456] a lower external coil segment radially surrounding the second optical package and having a current circulating around the second optical package in a second direction; and

[0457] the second direction is opposite the first direction.

[0458] Clause 54: The camera unit of any of clauses 48-53,

[0459] The one or more external coils include:

[0460] an upper external coil segment located on a side of the second optical package and having a current circulating along the side of the second optical package, and

[0461] a lower external coil segment located on the side of the second optical package and having a current circulating along the side of the second optical package in the same direction as the upper external coil segment.

[0462] Clause 55: A camera system, comprising:

[0463] a first camera unit to capture first images of a first field of view, wherein:

[0464] the first camera unit includes a first actuator to move the first optical package over a first range of focal distances; and

[0465] a second camera unit to simultaneously capture second images of a second field of view, wherein:

[0466] the second field of view is a subset of the first field of view,

[0467] The second camera unit includes a second actuator for moving the second optical package, the second camera unit includes a second central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit, the second central magnet array includes a second central upper magnet having a first polarity and a second central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0468] Clause 56: The camera system of clause 55, wherein:

[0469] The second camera unit includes a second distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the second central magnet array with respect to the second optical package of the second camera unit, and

[0470] The second distal lateral magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet having a first polarity and a second distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0471] Clause 57: The camera system of any of clauses 55-56, wherein:

[0472] The first camera unit includes a first central magnet array positioned along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit;

[0473] The first central magnet array includes a first central upper magnet having a first polarity and a first central lower magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0474] Clause 58: The camera system of clause 57, wherein:

[0475] The first camera unit includes a first distal lateral magnet array positioned opposite the first central magnet array with respect to the first optical package of the first camera unit; and

[0476] The first distal lateral magnet array includes a first distal lower magnet having a first polarity and a first distal upper magnet having a polarity anti-parallel to the first polarity.

[0477] Clause 59: The camera system of any of clauses 55-58, further comprising:

[0478] An autofocus coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the autofocus coil unit is positioned between the second optical package and the second central magnet array.

[0479] Clause 60: The camera system of any of clauses 55-59, further comprising:

[0480] An outer coil unit of the second actuator, wherein the outer coil unit includes one or more SP coils positioned between the second central magnet array and the first camera unit.

[0481] Clause 61: A camera system of a multifunction device, comprising:

[0482] a first camera unit of the multifunction device to capture first images of a first field of view, wherein

[0483] the first camera unit includes a first actuator to move a first optical package configured for a first focal length; and

[0484] a second camera unit of the multifunction device to simultaneously capture second images of a second field of view, wherein:

[0485] the second camera unit includes a second actuator to move a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and

[0486] the camera system includes a shared magnet positioned between the first camera unit and the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0487] Clause 62: The camera system of clause 61, wherein:

[0488] the camera system includes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator, one or more magnets of the first camera unit and one or more magnets of the second camera unit attached to the shared magnet holder to generate the magnetic field usable to produce motion in the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0489] Clause 63: The camera system of any of clauses 61-62, wherein:

[0490] the camera system includes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator, the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator suspended from the shared magnet holder with respective sets of control lines, wherein a pair of control lines is installed at each corner of each respective actuator.

[0491] Clause 64: The camera system of any of clauses 61-63, wherein:

[0492] the camera system includes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator, the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator attached from the shared magnet holder with respective sets of control lines.

[0493] Clause 65: The camera system of any of clauses 61-64, wherein:

[0494] the camera system further includes a first actuator-side magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit;

[0495] The camera system further includes a pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite one another with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the first actuator lateral magnet;

[0496] The camera system further includes a second actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the second camera unit; and

[0497] The camera system further includes a pair of second actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite one another with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet.

[0498] Clause 66: The camera system of any of clauses 61-65, wherein:

[0499] The camera system includes a shared magnet holder to which one or more side mounted magnets of the first camera unit and one or more side mounted magnets of the second camera unit are attached that are used to generate a magnetic field that can be used to produce motion in one or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0500] Clause 67: The camera system of any of clauses 61-66, wherein:

[0501] The camera system includes a shared magnet holder to which one or more coils of the first camera unit and one or more corner mounted magnets of the second camera unit are movably hinged that are used to produce motion that can be used in one or more of the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator.

[0502] Clause 68: A camera system of a multifunction device, comprising:

[0503] a first camera unit of the multifunction device to capture first images of a first field of view, wherein:

[0504] the first camera unit includes a first actuator to move a first optical package configured for a first focal length; and

[0505] a second camera unit of the multifunction device to simultaneously capture second images of a second field of view, wherein:

[0506] the second camera unit includes a second actuator to move a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and

[0507] the camera system includes a shared magnet holder for the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0508] Clause 69: The camera system of clause 68, wherein:

[0509] The camera system includes one or more corner magnets of the first camera unit and one or more corner magnets of the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator, and

[0510] The corner magnets are attached to a shared magnet holder.

[0511] Clause 70: The camera system of any of clauses 68-69, wherein:

[0512] The camera system includes one or more side magnets of the first camera unit and one or more side magnets of the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator, and

[0513] The magnets are attached to a shared magnet holder.

[0514] Clause 71 : The camera system of any of clauses 68-70, wherein:

[0515] The camera system includes one or more magnets of the first camera unit and one or more magnets of the second camera unit to generate a magnetic field usable to produce motion in both the first camera actuator and the second camera actuator,

[0516] The magnets are attached to a shared magnet holder, and

[0517] The magnets include magnets shared between the first camera unit and the second camera unit.

[0518] Clause 72: The camera system of any of clauses 68-71, wherein:

[0519] The first camera actuator and the second actuator are attached to a shared magnet holder with a respective set of control lines mounted in each corner of each respective actuator.

[0520] Clause 73: The camera system of any of clauses 68-72, wherein:

[0521] The first camera actuator and the second actuator are suspended from a shared magnet holder with a respective set of control lines mounted in each corner of each respective actuator.

[0522] Clause 74: The camera system of any of clauses 68-73, wherein:

[0523] The camera system further includes a first actuator side magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the first camera unit;

[0524] The camera system further includes a pair of first actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the first actuator lateral magnet;

[0525] The camera system further includes a second actuator lateral magnet positioned opposite the shared magnet with respect to an optical axis of the second camera unit; and

[0526] The camera system further includes a pair of second actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to an axis between the shared magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet.

[0527] Clause 75: A camera unit of a multi-function device, comprising:

[0528] an optical package; and

[0529] an actuator, wherein the actuator comprises:

[0530] one or more magnets arranged on a plurality of sides of the optical package, wherein one of the one or more magnets is shared with a second actuator for moving a second optical package,

[0531] one or more autofocus coils arranged between a respective magnet and the optical package.

[0532] Clause 76: The camera unit of clause 75, wherein:

[0533] the one or more autofocus coils radially surround the optical package.

[0534] Clause 77: The camera unit of any of clauses 75-76, wherein:

[0535] the actuator is attached to a magnet holder of the camera with a respective set of control wires, wherein a pair of control wires is installed in each corner of each respective actuator.

[0536] Clause 78: The camera unit of any of clauses 75-77, wherein:

[0537] the actuator is hinged to a magnet holder of the camera with a respective set of control wires, a pair of control wires is installed in each corner of the actuator, wherein the magnet holder is shared with one or more magnets of a second actuator.

[0538] Clause 79: The camera unit of any of clauses 75-78, wherein:

[0539] the actuator is attached to a magnet holder of the camera with control wires, a control wire is installed in each corner of the actuator.

[0540] Clause 80: The camera unit of any of clauses 75-79, wherein:

[0541] The actuator is suspended from the magnet holder of the camera with control lines mounted in each corner of the actuator.

[0542] Other allocations of functionality are conceptual and can be manifested in a wide variety of configurations. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in example configurations can be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements can fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A camera system for a multi-functional device, comprising: The first camera unit of the multi-functional device is used to capture a first image of a first field of view, wherein: The first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package configured for a first focal length, and The first actuator includes: The first actuator is a lateral magnet used to move the first optical package; and The second camera unit of the multi-functional device is used to capture a second image of a second field of view, wherein: The second camera unit includes a second actuator for moving a second optical package configured for a second focal length, and The second actuator includes a second actuator lateral magnet; in: The first optical package and the second optical package are located between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet along the axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet. The first actuator further includes a first pair of actuator lateral magnets, the first pair of actuator lateral magnets being located on opposite sides of each other about the axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet; and The actuator-free lateral magnet is located between the first and second optical packages along the axis.

2. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein, The first actuator side magnet and the second actuator side magnet have antiparallel aligned polarities.

3. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein: The first actuator and the second actuator each include a first pair of first actuator lateral magnets and a first pair of second actuator lateral magnets positioned relative to each other with respect to the axis between the first actuator lateral magnets and the second actuator lateral magnets; and The first actuator and the second actuator each include a second pair of first actuator lateral magnets and a second pair of second actuator lateral magnets positioned relative to each other with respect to the axis between the first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet.

4. The camera system according to claim 3, wherein: The magnets of the corresponding first pair of first actuator transverse magnets have a polarity alignment parallel to the corresponding alignment of the corresponding magnets of the first pair of second actuator transverse magnets.

5. The camera system according to claim 3, wherein: The magnets of the corresponding first pair of first actuator transverse magnets have a polarity alignment that is antiparallel to the corresponding alignment of the corresponding magnets of the second pair of first actuator transverse magnets.

6. The camera system according to claim 5, wherein: The first actuator lateral magnet and the second actuator lateral magnet have polarities aligned at right angles with the polarities of the corresponding first pair of first actuator transverse magnets.

7. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising: The coil is aligned with the current circulating in a plane parallel to the first actuator side magnet and the second actuator side magnet, in which the planes have alignment polarities.

8. A camera unit for a multi-functional device, comprising: Optical package; An actuator for moving the optical package to a first focal length, wherein the actuator includes: Actuator side magnet; in: The actuator lateral magnet is located on the side of the optical package where the actuator lateral magnet does not exist; The actuator further includes a first pair of actuator lateral magnets located on opposite sides of the axis between the optical package and the actuator lateral magnets, and a second pair of actuator lateral magnets positioned opposite each other with respect to the axis between the optical package and the actuator lateral magnets; and The actuator does not include an actuator magnet that is opposite to the actuator lateral magnet with respect to the optical package.

9. The camera unit according to claim 8, further comprising: The coil is aligned with the current circulating in a plane parallel to the plane having alignment polarity of the actuator lateral magnet and the actuator transverse magnet.

10. The camera unit according to claim 8, further comprising: The coil is aligned with the current circulating in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the actuator lateral magnet and the actuator transverse magnet have aligned polarities.

11. The camera unit according to claim 8, wherein: The magnets of the first pair of actuator transverse magnets have antiparallel polarity alignment.

12. The camera unit according to claim 8, wherein: The magnets of the second pair of actuator transverse magnets have antiparallel polarity alignment.

13. The camera unit according to claim 8, wherein: The magnets of the first pair of actuator lateral magnets have an antiparallel polarity alignment with the magnets of the second pair of actuator lateral magnets located on the same side of the axis between the optical package and the actuator lateral magnets.

14. An actuator comprising: Actuator lateral magnet for moving optical package; The first pair of actuator transverse magnets; as well as The second pair of actuator transverse magnets; in: The actuator lateral magnet is located on the side of the optical package where there is no lateral magnet; The first pair of actuator lateral magnets are located on opposite sides of each other about the axis between the optical package and the actuator lateral magnets; The second pair of actuator lateral magnets are positioned relative to each other about the axis between the optical package and the actuator lateral magnets; and The actuator does not include an actuator magnet that is opposite to the actuator lateral magnet with respect to the optical package.

15. The actuator of claim 14, further comprising: The coil is aligned with the current circulating in a plane parallel to the plane having alignment polarity of the actuator lateral magnet and the actuator transverse magnet.

16. The actuator of claim 14, further comprising: The coil is aligned with the current circulating in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the actuator lateral magnet and the actuator transverse magnet have aligned polarities.

17. The actuator according to claim 14, wherein: The magnets of the first pair of actuator transverse magnets have antiparallel polarity alignment.

18. The actuator according to claim 14, wherein: The magnets of the second pair of actuator transverse magnets have antiparallel polarity alignment.

19. A camera, comprising: Optical package, defining the optical axis; An image sensor is configured to capture images based on light refracted through an optical package; as well as An actuator module for moving an optical package relative to an image sensor for at least one of optical image stabilization (OIS) or autofocus, the actuator module comprising: Multiple coils, wherein one of the multiple coils is radially surrounding the optical axis, and A magnet array having one or more sets of vertically stacked magnets stacked perpendicularly along the optical axis of an optical package, wherein one coil and at least one other coil of the plurality of coils interact with at least one magnet of one set of vertically stacked magnets.

20. A camera system, comprising: A first camera unit is used to capture a first image of a first field of view, wherein the first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package; and The second camera unit is used to capture a second image of the second field of view, wherein The second camera unit includes a second actuator for moving the second optical package. The second actuator includes a second central magnet array, which is located along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit. The second central magnet array includes a second central upper magnet with a first polarity alignment and a second central lower magnet with a second polarity alignment that is antiparallel to the first polarity alignment. The second actuator includes a second distal magnet array, which is positioned relative to the second central magnet array about the second optical package of the second camera unit. The second distal magnet array includes a second distal lower magnet with a first polarity alignment and a second distal upper magnet with a second polarity alignment that is antiparallel to the first polarity alignment, wherein a coil is located between the second optical package and the second central magnet array or the second distal magnet array.

21. A camera unit, comprising: Optical package; and Actuator, wherein the actuator includes: One or more magnet arrays are arranged on multiple sides of the optical package, wherein: The one or more magnet arrays include magnet arrays having an upper magnet and a lower magnet. The upper magnet has a first polarity alignment, and The lower magnet has a second polarity alignment that is antiparallel to the first polarity alignment. One or more autofocusing coils are arranged between the optical package and the corresponding magnet arrays in the magnet array, and One or more external coils, wherein the one or more external coils include an external coil disposed opposite to an autofocusing coil among the one or more autofocusing coils with respect to a plane extending through an upper magnet and a lower magnet of the magnet array.

22. A camera system, comprising: A first camera unit is configured to capture a first image of a first field of view, wherein the first camera unit includes a first actuator for moving a first optical package within a first range of focal length; and The second camera unit is used to capture a second image of the second field of view, wherein: The second field of view is a subset of the first field of view. The second camera unit includes a second actuator for moving the second optical package. The second actuator includes a second central magnet array, which is located along an axis between the first optical package of the first camera unit and the second optical package of the second camera unit. The second central magnet array includes a second central upper magnet with a first polarity alignment and a second central lower magnet with a second polarity alignment that is antiparallel to the first polarity alignment.

23. A camera system comprising: The first camera unit includes: First optical package; First image sensor; and A first sound coil motor VCM actuator is used to move a first optical package; and The second camera unit includes: Second optical package; Second image sensor; A second VCM actuator for moving a second optical package, the second VCM actuator including one or more magnets; and A magnet holder, wherein one or more magnets are attached to the magnet holder, the magnet holder comprising: A metal shield is provided between at least one of the magnets and the first camera unit and in the magnet holder, the metal shield being used to reduce magnetic interference between the second VCM actuator and the first VCM actuator.

24. A camera unit, comprising: Optical package; Image sensor; A sound coil motor (VCM) actuator for moving the optical package, the VCM actuator comprising one or more magnets; and A magnet holder, wherein one or more magnets are attached to the magnet holder, the magnet holder comprising: The metal shield in the magnet holder is used to reduce magnetic interference between the magnetic material outside the camera unit and the VCM actuator, wherein at least one of the one or more magnets is located between the metal shield and the optical package.

Citation Information

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