Folding camera with actuator for moving optics

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding camera with an actuator for moving optics. Various embodiments include cameras with folded optics and lens shifting capabilities. In some examples, a folded optic arrangement of the camera may include one or more lens elements and an optical path folding element (e.g., a prism). Some embodiments include voice coil motor (VCM) actuator arrangements, carrier arrangements, and / or suspension arrangements to provide auto focus (AF) and / or optical image stabilization (OIS) movement. Further, some embodiments include a position sensor arrangement for position sensing relative to the AF and / or OIS movement.

Description

[0001] Related Applications Citations

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with Chinese national application number 202210792719.8, application date January 25, 2019, and invention name “Folding camera with actuator for moving optical device”. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the architecture of cameras with folded optics and lens shift capabilities. Background Art

[0004] The advent of small mobile multi-purpose devices such as smart phones and tablet or slate devices has led to a need for high-resolution small form factor cameras to be integrated into the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanism that can sense and react to external stimuli / disturbances by adjusting the position of the optical lens on the X-axis and / or Y-axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism by which the focus of an object can be adjusted so that the object plane in front of the camera is focused at the image plane captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a camera, a device, an apparatus, and a folded optics system.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a camera is provided. The camera includes: a folded optical device arrangement, the folded optical device arrangement is used to fold the path of light, the folded optical device arrangement includes: a first light folding element; and a lens group, the lens group including one or more lens elements; an image sensor; a lens carrier coupled to the lens group; a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move the lens group relative to the image sensor, wherein the VCM actuator includes: a first optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator configured to move the lens group at least in a first direction, the first OIS VCM actuator includes: a first coil, the first coil is attached to the lens carrier; and a magnet; a second OIS VCM actuator configured to move the lens group at least in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the second OIS VCM actuator includes: a second coil, the second coil is attached to a fixed structure, the fixed structure is stationary relative to the movement of the lens group; and the magnet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary camera with a folded optics arrangement is shown according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2 An example of three-axis movement of a lens group within a folded optics arrangement is shown according to some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Each shows a respective view of an exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of the camera along multiple axes according to some embodiments. Figure 3A A perspective view showing some of the structural components of the camera. Figure 3B A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera is shown. Figure 3C A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera is shown.

[0010] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B Each shows a respective view of another exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of the camera along multiple axes, according to some embodiments. Figure 4A A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera is shown. Figure 4B A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera is shown.

[0011] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Each shows a respective view of yet another exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of the camera along multiple axes, according to some embodiments. Figure 5A A perspective view showing some of the structural components of the camera. Figure 5B A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera is shown. Figure 5C A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera is shown.

[0012] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Each shows a respective view of yet another exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of the camera along multiple axes, according to some embodiments. Fig. 6A A perspective view showing some of the structural components of the camera. Figure 6B A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera is shown. Figure 6C A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera is shown.

[0013] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B Each shows a respective view of yet another exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of the camera along multiple axes, according to some embodiments. Fig. 7A A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera is shown. Figure 7B A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera is shown.

[0014] Fig. 8A An exemplary autofocus (AF) actuator, for example for a camera with a folded optics arrangement, is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8B Another exemplary AF actuator is shown, for example for use in a camera with a folded optics arrangement, according to some embodiments.

[0016] 9A to 9D Each shows a respective view of an exemplary suspension arrangement for a camera with a folded optics arrangement according to some embodiments. Fig.9A A perspective view of the suspension arrangement is shown. Fig. 9B A top view of the hanging arrangement is shown. Fig. 9C A top detailed view of a portion of the suspension arrangement is shown. Fig.9D A bottom detailed view of a portion of the suspension arrangement is shown.

[0017] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E Each shows a respective view of an exemplary position sensor arrangement for a camera with a folded optics arrangement according to some embodiments. Fig. 10A A perspective view of the position sensor arrangement is shown.The position sensor arrangement may include position sensors for position sensing with respect to AF movement, OIS-Y movement and OIS-X movement. Fig. 10B A detailed view focusing on position sensing relative to AF movement is shown. FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D Each shows a corresponding detailed view focusing on position sensing relative to movement of OIS-Y. Fig.10E A detailed view focusing on position sensing relative to movement of the OIS-X is shown.

[0018] Fig.11 A perspective view of an exemplary camera with a folded optics arrangement is shown, wherein a shield covers at least a portion of the internal components of the camera, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B A flow chart of an exemplary method for assembling a camera with a folded optics arrangement is shown according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C Each shows a respective view of another exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of the camera along multiple axes, according to some embodiments. Fig.13A A perspective view showing some of the structural components of the camera. Fig. 13B A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera is shown. Fig. 13C A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera is shown.

[0021] Fig.14 An exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and having a lower portion having a reduced dimension along the X-axis (e.g., compared to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C size of the camera).

[0022] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C Each shows a respective view of another exemplary position sensor arrangement for a camera with a folded optics arrangement according to some embodiments. Fig.15A A perspective view of the position sensor arrangement is shown.The position sensor arrangement may include position sensors for position sensing with respect to AF movement, OIS-X movement and OIS-Y movement. Fig. 15B A cross-sectional view focusing on position sensing relative to AF movement is shown. Fig. 15C A cross-sectional view focusing on position sensing relative to movement of OIS-X and OIS-Y is shown.

[0023] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B An exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and including a module cover with a retaining element is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Fig.16A A perspective view of the camera is shown. Fig. 16B A cross-sectional view of the camera is shown.

[0024] Fig.17 An exemplary base structure including a base bridge (e.g., for a camera with a folded optics arrangement) is shown according to some embodiments.

[0025] Fig.18 A block diagram is shown of an exemplary portable multifunction device that may include a camera with a folded optics arrangement according to some embodiments.

[0026] Fig.19 An exemplary portable multifunction device is shown that may include a camera with a folded optics arrangement in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] Fig. 20 An exemplary computer system is shown that may include a camera with a folded optics arrangement according to some embodiments.

[0028] This specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment." The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with the present disclosure.

[0029] The term "comprising" is open ended. As used in the appended claims, the term does not exclude additional structures or steps. Consider the following cited claim: "an apparatus comprising one or more processor units..." Such a claim does not exclude the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, a graphics circuit, etc.).

[0030] "Configured to", various units, circuits or other components may be described or described as "configured to" perform one or more tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is used to imply a structure (e.g., a circuit) that performs the one or more tasks during operation by indicating that the unit / circuit / component includes the structure. In this way, the unit / circuit / component is said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit / circuit / component is currently inoperable (e.g., not turned on). The units / circuits / components used with the "configured to" language include hardware-e.g., circuits, memories storing executable program instructions to implement operations, etc. The reference to a unit / circuit / component "configured to" perform one or more tasks is explicitly intended not to invoke the sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. §112 for the unit / circuit / component. In addition, "configured to" may include a general structure (e.g., a general circuit) manipulated by software and / or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general processor executing software) to operate in a manner capable of performing one or more tasks to be solved. "Configured to" may also include adapting a manufacturing process (eg, a semiconductor fabrication facility) to produce a device (eg, an integrated circuit) suitable for implementing or performing one or more tasks.

[0031] "First," "second," etc. As used herein, these terms act as labels for the nouns that precede them, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing a write operation of a "first" value and a "second" value. The terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.

[0032] "Based on". As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that influence a determination. This term does not exclude additional factors that influence a determination. That is, a determination may be based solely on these factors or at least in part on these factors. Consider the phrase "A is determined based on B". In this case, B is a factor that influences the determination of A, and such a phrase does not exclude that the determination of A may also be based on C. In other examples, A may be determined based solely on B.

[0033] It will also be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the expected scope, the first contact may be referred to as the second contact, and similarly, the second contact may be referred to as the first contact. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0034] The terms used in the description herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms of "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to also cover the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more items in the items listed in association. It will also be understood that the terms "including" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their grouping.

[0035] As used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined that" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted to mean "upon determining that" or "in response to determining that" or "upon detecting [a stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [a stated condition or event]," depending on the context. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Some embodiments include camera devices equipped with controls, magnets, and voice coil motors to improve the effectiveness of a miniature actuation mechanism for a compact camera module. More specifically, in some embodiments, the compact camera module includes an actuator for providing functions such as autofocus (AF) and / or optical image stabilization (OIS). One approach to delivering a very compact actuator for AF and / or OIS is to use a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator.

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description that follows, numerous specific details are given 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 may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the embodiments.

[0038] Folded optics arrangements for providing reduced height imaging systems are described herein. The arrangements discussed throughout generally include one or more lenses positioned between two optical path folding elements that together provide a birefringent optical path. The one or more lenses are movable between the optical path folding elements to provide autofocus and / or image stabilization during imaging. Figure 1 A generalized example of a camera 100 having a folded optics arrangement is shown. Figure 1 The exemplary XYZ coordinate system shown is used to discuss various aspects of the system and / or system components and may be applicable to the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0039] In various embodiments, camera 100 may include lens group 102, first prism 104, second prism 106, and image sensor package 108. Lens group 102 may include one or more lens elements. In some embodiments, lens group 102 may be located between first prism 104 and second prism 106, thereby forming a folded optics arrangement. Light may follow an optical path 110 that is folded by first prism 104 so that the light is directed to lens group 102, passes through lens group 102, and is folded by second prism 106 so that the light is directed to image sensor package 108. In some examples, light may enter the object side of first prism 104 along the Z axis. First prism 104 may redirect the light to propagate toward lens group 102 along the X axis (which may be parallel to the optical axis defined by lens group 102). Second prism 106 can redirect light to propagate along a Z-axis (which can be orthogonal to a plane defined by image sensor package 108), e.g., such that light exits an image side of second prism 106 toward image sensor package 108. First prism 104, lens group 102, and / or second prism 106 can be positioned along a common axis (e.g., an X-axis, an optical axis defined by lens group 102, etc.). According to some examples, optical path 110 can be contained within a plane (e.g., an XZ plane), and image sensor package 108 can extend along a different plane (e.g., an XY plane).

[0040] In some embodiments, the object side of first prism 104 can extend along an XY plane. In addition, first prism 104 can include: a pair of opposing lateral sides, each of which extends along an XZ plane; a lens group-facing side, which extends along a YZ plane; and a reflective surface side that is angled relative to one or more of the other sides of first prism 104. For example, the reflective surface side of first prism 104 can include an angled reflective surface to redirect light received from the object side of first prism 104 toward lens group 102 (via the lens group-facing side of first prism 104), as described above.

[0041] In some embodiments, the image side of the second prism 106 can extend along the XY plane, for example, proximate to the image sensor package 108. In addition, the second prism 106 can include: a pair of opposing lateral sides, each of which extends along the XZ plane; a lens group-facing side, which extends along the YZ plane; and a reflective surface side that is angled relative to one or more of the other sides of the second prism 106. For example, the reflective surface side of the second prism 106 can include an angled reflective surface to redirect light received from the lens group 102 (via the lens group-facing side of the second prism 106) toward the image sensor package (via the image side of the second prism 106), as described above.

[0042] Although the optical path folding elements are shown in the various figures as including prisms (e.g., the first prism 104 and the second prism 106), the camera systems and / or folded optics arrangements described herein may include any suitable optical path folding elements (e.g., mirrors, etc.) or combinations of elements. In some embodiments, one or more of the optical path folding elements may also act as a lens element (or a combination of lens elements). For example, one or more lens elements (e.g., in addition to those of the lens group 102) may be integrated with the first prism 104 (and / or the second prism 106) such that the prisms act as lens elements. Additionally or alternatively, the first prism 104 (and / or the second prism 106) may be shaped such that the prisms act as lens elements.

[0043] As will be discussed in further detail below, lens group 102 may be coupled to an actuator structure configured to move lens group 102 along multiple axes, for example, to provide autofocus (AF) and / or optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. Figure 2An example of three-axis movement of lens group 102 to provide AF and / or OIS functionality is shown. For example, lens group 102 may be displaced along the X-axis (e.g., by an actuator structure, such as the actuator structure / arrangement discussed in further detail below) to provide AF movement. Additionally or alternatively, lens group 102 may be displaced along the Z-axis to provide OIS-X movement (e.g., movement that displaces the image projected on image sensor package 108 in one or more directions parallel to the X-axis). Additionally or alternatively, lens group 102 may be displaced along the Y-axis to provide OIS-Y movement (e.g., movement that displaces the image projected on image sensor package 108 in one or more directions parallel to the Y-axis). The components of camera 100 (e.g., lens group 102, first prism 104, second prism 106, and / or image sensor package 108, etc.) may be used with any of the actuator arrangements described in the following figures.

[0044] As described above, the camera systems described herein may include an actuator system to move the lens group relative to the optical path folding element (e.g., the first prism 104 and the second prism 106). The actuator arrangements described herein may generally include one or more carrier structures (e.g., the inner carrier structure and / or the outer carrier structure of the carrier arrangement discussed below); one or more suspension structures for movably holding the carrier structure relative to the rest of the camera and / or for movably holding the carrier structure relative to another carrier structure; and an actuator module for controlling the movement of the carrier structure. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Perspective and cross-sectional views of one such variation are shown, and include an exemplary camera 300 having a folded optics arrangement.

[0045] In some embodiments, camera 300 may include lens group 302 , first prism 304 , second prism 306 , and an image sensor (not shown). Lens group 302 may include one or more lens elements 308 disposed within lens barrel 310 .

[0046] In various embodiments, the camera 300 may include an actuator module 312 for displacing the lens group 302 along multiple axes, for example to provide AF and / or OIS movement. In some embodiments, the actuator module 312 may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module that includes one or more VCM actuators. For example, the actuator module 312 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. The magnets and coils may interact magnetically (e.g., when current is provided to the coils) to generate a Lorentz force that moves the lens group 302.

[0047] According to various embodiments, camera 300 may include a carrier arrangement that includes an internal carrier structure (e.g., lens barrel 310 and / or lens carrier) and an external carrier structure (e.g., magnet holder 314 and / or magnet frame). One or more coils may be coupled to the internal carrier structure (e.g., coupled to lens barrel 310 and / or lens carrier). Additionally, one or more magnets may be coupled to the external carrier structure (e.g., coupled to magnet holder 314). In some embodiments, magnet holder 314 may extend at least partially around first prism 304, at least partially around lens barrel 310 (and lens group 302), and / or at least partially around second prism 306. For example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C As shown, the magnet holder 314 can extend at least partially around the lens barrel 310 and the first prism 304. In some embodiments, the magnet holder 314 can be U-shaped.

[0048] The magnet holder 314 may have multiple sides and / or portions. For example, the magnet holder 314 may have a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along the side surface of the optical element. The second side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along the opposite side surface of the optical element. The third side may be a distal / object side extending along the Y-axis and may be positioned behind at least a portion of the reflective surface side of the first prism 304 (e.g., such that the first prism 304 is disposed between the lens group 302 and the magnet holder 314).

[0049] According to some examples, a first portion of magnet holder 314 (e.g., a first side of magnet holder 314) may extend proximate to a first side of lens barrel 310, a second portion of magnet holder 314 (e.g., the second side of magnet holder 314) may extend proximate to a second side of lens barrel 310 opposite to the first side of lens barrel 310, and a third portion of magnet holder 314 (e.g., the third side of magnet holder 314) may be tucked under a portion of first prism 304 and may extend from the first portion to the second portion, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In some embodiments, the magnet holder 314 (and / or the outer carrier structure) may have a different number of sides and / or a different combination of sides, for example, as will be described below with reference to at least 4A to 6C discussed. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The magnet holder 314 is shown partially surrounding the optical elements of the folded optics arrangement (e.g., the first prism 304, the lens group 302, and the second prism 306), but it should be understood that in some embodiments, the magnet holder 314 can surround the optical elements (e.g., FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C shown).

[0050] The following will refer to 9A to 9DAs discussed, the lens barrel 310 may be suspended on the magnet holder 314 via a suspension arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the magnet holder 314 may be suspended on a fixed (or static) structure (e.g., fixed structure 316) of the camera 300 via a suspension arrangement. The suspension arrangement may allow the lens barrel 310 to move relative to the magnet holder 314. Furthermore, the suspension arrangement may allow the lens barrel 310 to move relative to the fixed structure 316 together with the magnet holder 314. In various examples, the lens barrel 310 may be fixedly attached to the lens group 302, and movement of the lens barrel 310 (e.g., due to actuation of one or more actuators in the actuator module 312) may result in movement of the lens group 302, such that the lens group 302 moves together with the lens barrel 310. According to some embodiments, the fixed structure 316 may include a component of the camera 300 to which the carrier arrangement is movably connected (e.g., via a suspension element). The fixed structure 316 may be fixed relative to the movement of the carrier arrangement. Additionally, the fixing structure 316 can be fixed relative to the first prism 304, the second prism 306, and / or the image sensor. In some examples, the fixing structure 316 can include multiple components that are joined or otherwise fixed relative to each other.

[0051] In various embodiments, the actuator module 312 may include one or more AF VCM actuators and / or one or more OIS VCM actuators. In some embodiments, the actuator module 312 may include an AF VCM actuator 318 (e.g., to provide AF movement), an OIS-Y VCM actuator 320 (e.g., to provide OIS-Y movement), and an OIS-X VCM actuator 322 (e.g., to provide OIS-X movement).

[0052] The AF VCM actuator 318 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. In some examples, the AF VCM actuator 318 may include an AF magnet 324 (e.g., a monopole magnet) and an AF coil 326. The AF magnet 324 may be attached to the fixed structure 316. The AF coil 326 may be attached to the magnet holder 314. In some embodiments, the AF magnet 324 may have a longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the AF coil 326. In some embodiments, the AF coil 326 may be oriented so that the direction of the current flowing through the AF coil 326 defines a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 316 (e.g., a surface on which the AF magnet 324 is mounted) and / or substantially parallel to the XY plane. The AF magnet 324 and the AF coil 326 can be located in close proximity to each other, and the AF coil 326 can be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the AF magnet 324 to generate a Lorentz force that causes the AF coil 326, the magnet holder 314, and / or the lens group 302 to move along an axis (e.g., along the X-axis) to provide AF movement (e.g., movement that displaces an image projected on the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the Z-axis). The AF magnet 324 attached to the fixed structure 316 can remain stationary relative to the movement of the AF coil 326. In various embodiments, the AFVCM actuator 318 can be tucked into a space below a portion of the first prism 304, such as Figure 3B As shown. In this way, the effect of the AFVCM actuator 318 on the system size along its long axis (eg, X-axis) and along its vertical axis (eg, Z-axis) can be reduced or eliminated.

[0053] In some embodiments, OIS-Y VCM actuator 320 and OIS-X VCM actuator 322 can share one or more OIS magnets 328 (also referred to herein as "shared OIS magnets"). In some embodiments, shared OIS magnets 328 can be dipole magnets. Shared OIS magnets 328 can be attached to magnet holder 314, for example, at opposite sides of lens group 302. Figure 3B and Figure 3C shown.

[0054] According to some examples, the OIS-Y VCM actuator 320 may include one or more OIS-Y coils 330. The OIS-Y coils 330 may be attached to a fixed structure 316. In some embodiments, each OIS-Y coil 330 may be located below a corresponding shared OIS magnet 328. The OIS-Y coils 330 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnets 328 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the shared OIS magnets 328, the magnet holder 314, and / or the lens group 302 along an axis (e.g., along the Y axis) to provide an OIS-Y movement (e.g., a movement that shifts an image projected on the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the Y axis). The OIS-Y coils 330 attached to the fixed structure 316 may remain stationary relative to the movement of the shared OIS magnets 328. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 328 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-Y coils 330. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 328 and the OIS-Y coil 330 can be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Further, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 328 and the OIS-Y coil 330 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 324 and the AF coil 326. According to various embodiments, the OIS-Y coil 330 can be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the OIS-Y coil 330 defines a respective plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 316 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 330 is mounted).

[0055] According to some examples, OIS-X VCM actuator 322 may include one or more OIS-X coils 332. The OIS-X coils 332 may be attached to lens barrel 310. In some embodiments, each OIS-X coil 332 may be located between a corresponding shared OIS magnet 328 and lens group 302. OIS-X coils 332 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with shared OIS magnets 328 to generate Lorentz forces that move OIS-X coils 332, lens barrel 310, and lens group 302 along an axis (e.g., along the Z axis) relative to magnet holder 314 and / or fixed structure 316 to provide OIS-X movement (e.g., movement that shifts an image projected on an image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the X axis). In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 328 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to a respective longest dimension of the OIS-X coils 332. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 328 and the OIS-X coil 332 can be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Further, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 328 and the OIS-X coil 332 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 324 and the AF coil 326. According to various embodiments, the OIS-X coil 332 can be oriented such that the direction of current flowing through the OIS-X coil 332 defines a respective plane that is substantially orthogonal to a surface of the fixed structure 316 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 330 is mounted).

[0056] In various embodiments, the camera 300 may include a substrate below the second prism 306. The image sensor may be coupled to the substrate. In some embodiments, a filter (e.g., an infrared filter) may also be coupled to the substrate. For example, the filter may be located above the image sensor so that light passes through the filter before reaching the image sensor. In some examples, the substrate may be parallel to the fixed structure 316. Additionally or alternatively, the fixed structure 316 may include the substrate and / or one or more other components.

[0057] In some embodiments, the camera 300 may include a first prism holder 334 that holds the first prism 304. In some embodiments, the first prism 304 may be attached to one or more fixed (or static) structures of the camera 300 via the first prism holder 334. For example, in some cases, the first prism holder 334 may be attached to the shield 336. Additionally or alternatively, the camera 300 may include a second prism holder 338 that holds the second prism 306. In some embodiments, the second prism 306 may be attached to one or more fixed (or static) structures of the camera 300 via the second prism holder 338. For example, in some cases, the second prism holder 338 may be attached to the shield 336.

[0058] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B Each shows a respective view of another exemplary camera 400 having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of the camera 400 along multiple axes. Figure 4A A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera 400 is shown. Figure 4B A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera 400 is shown.

[0059] In some embodiments, camera 400 may include lens group 402 , first prism 404 and second prism 406 , and an image sensor (not shown). Lens group 402 may include one or more lens elements disposed within lens barrel 408 .

[0060] In various embodiments, the camera 400 may include an actuator module 410 for displacing the lens group 402 along multiple axes, for example, to provide AF and / or OIS movement. In some embodiments, the actuator module 410 may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module that includes one or more VCM actuators. For example, the actuator module 410 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. The magnets and coils may interact magnetically (e.g., when current is provided to the coils) to generate a Lorentz force that moves the lens group 402.

[0061] According to various embodiments, camera 400 may include a carrier arrangement that includes an internal carrier structure (e.g., lens barrel 408 and / or lens carrier) and an external carrier structure (e.g., magnet holder 412 and / or magnet frame). One or more coils may be coupled to the internal carrier structure (e.g., coupled to lens barrel 408 and / or lens carrier). Additionally, one or more magnets may be coupled to the external carrier structure (e.g., coupled to magnet holder 412). In some embodiments, magnet holder 412 may extend at least partially around first prism 404, at least partially around lens barrel 408 (and lens group 402), and / or at least partially around second prism 406. For example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B As shown, the magnet holder 412 can extend at least partially around the lens barrel 408 and the second prism 406. In some embodiments, the magnet holder 412 can be U-shaped.

[0062] The magnet holder 412 may have multiple sides and / or portions. For example, the magnet holder 412 may have a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along the side surface of the optical element. The second side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along the opposite side surface of the optical element. The third side may be a near side / image side extending along the Y-axis and may be positioned in front of at least a portion of the reflective surface side of the second prism 406 (e.g., such that the second prism 406 is disposed between the lens group 402 and the magnet holder 412).

[0063] According to some examples, a first portion of magnet holder 412 (e.g., a first side of magnet holder 412) may extend proximate to a first side of lens barrel 408, a second portion of magnet holder 412 (e.g., a second side of magnet holder 412) may extend proximate to a second side of lens barrel 408 opposite to the first side of lens barrel 408, and a third portion of magnet holder 412 (e.g., a third side of magnet holder 412) may extend in front of a portion of second prism 406, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B As shown below, reference will be made to 9A to 9D As discussed, the lens barrel 408 may be suspended on the magnet holder 412 via a suspension arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the magnet holder 412 may be suspended on a fixed structure 414 of the camera 400 via a suspension arrangement. The suspension arrangement may allow the lens barrel 408 to move relative to the magnet holder 412. Furthermore, the suspension arrangement may allow the lens barrel 408 to move together with the magnet holder 412 relative to the fixed structure 414.

[0064] In various embodiments, the actuator module 410 may include one or more AF VCM actuators and / or one or more OIS VCM actuators. In some embodiments, the actuator module 410 may include an AF VCM actuator 416 (e.g., to provide AF movement), an OIS-Y VCM actuator 418 (e.g., to provide OIS-Y movement), and an OIS-X VCM actuator 420 (e.g., to provide OIS-X movement).

[0065] The AF VCM actuator 416 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. In some examples, the AF VCM actuator 416 may include an AF magnet 422 (e.g., a monopole magnet) and an AF coil 424. The AF magnet 422 may be attached to the magnet holder 412. The AF coil 424 may be attached to the fixed structure 414. In some embodiments, the AF magnet 422 may have a longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the AF coil 424. In some embodiments, the AF coil 424 may be oriented so that the direction of the current flowing through the AF coil 424 defines a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 414 (e.g., a surface on which the AF coil 424 is mounted) and / or substantially parallel to the XY plane. AF magnet 422 and AF coil 424 can be located in close proximity to each other, and AF coil 424 can be electrically driven to magnetically interact with AF magnet 422 to generate a Lorentz force that moves AF magnet 422, magnet holder 412, and / or lens group 402 along an axis (e.g., along the X-axis) to provide AF movement. AF coil 424, attached to fixed structure 414, can remain stationary relative to the movement of AF magnet 422. In various embodiments, AF VCM actuator 416 can be located in front of a portion of second prism 406, such as Figure 4A shown.

[0066] In some embodiments, OIS-Y VCM actuator 418 and OIS-X VCM actuator 420 can share one or more OIS magnets 426. In some embodiments, shared OIS magnets 426 can be dipole magnets. Shared OIS magnets 426 can be attached to magnet holder 412, for example, at opposite sides of lens group 402. Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown.

[0067] According to some examples, the OIS-Y VCM actuator 418 may include one or more OIS-Y coils 428. The OIS-Y coils 428 may be attached to the fixed structure 414. In some embodiments, each OIS-Y coil 428 may be located below a corresponding shared OIS magnet 426. The OIS-Y coils 428 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnets 426 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the shared OIS magnets 426, the magnet holder 412, and / or the lens group 402 along an axis (e.g., along the Y axis) to provide OIS-Y movement. The OIS-Y coils 428 attached to the fixed structure 414 may remain stationary relative to the movement of the shared OIS magnets 426. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 426 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-Y coils 428. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 426 and the OIS-Y coil 428 can be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Further, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 426 and the OIS-Y coil 428 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 422 and the AF coil 424. According to various embodiments, the OIS-Y coil 428 can be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the OIS-Y coil 428 defines a respective plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 414 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 428 is mounted).

[0068] According to some examples, the OIS-X VCM actuator 420 may include one or more OIS-X coils 430. The OIS-X coils 430 may be attached to the lens barrel 408. In some embodiments, each OIS-X coil 430 may be located between a corresponding shared OIS magnet 426 and the lens group 402. The OIS-X coils 430 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnets 426 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the OIS-X coils 430, the lens barrel 408, and the lens group 402 along an axis (e.g., along the Z axis) relative to the magnet holder 412 and / or the fixed structure 414 to provide OIS-X movement. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 426 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-X coils 430. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnets 426 and the OIS-X coils 430 may be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 426 and the OIS-X coil 430 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 422 and the AF coil 424. According to various embodiments, the OIS-X coil 430 can be oriented such that the direction of current flowing through the OIS-X coil 430 defines a respective plane that is substantially orthogonal to a surface of the fixed structure 414 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 428 is mounted).

[0069] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Each shows a respective view of yet another exemplary camera 500 having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of camera 500 along multiple axes. Figure 5A A perspective view of some structural components of the camera 500 is shown. Figure 5B A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera 500 is shown. Figure 5C A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera 500 is shown.

[0070] In some embodiments, camera 500 may include lens group 502 , first prism 504 and second prism 506 , and an image sensor (not shown). Lens group 502 may include one or more lens elements disposed within lens barrel 508 .

[0071] In various embodiments, the camera 500 may include an actuator module 510 for displacing the lens group 502 along multiple axes, for example to provide AF and / or OIS movement. In some embodiments, the actuator module 510 may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module that includes one or more VCM actuators. For example, the actuator module 510 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. The magnets and coils may interact magnetically (e.g., when current is provided to the coils) to generate a Lorentz force that moves the lens group 502.

[0072] According to various embodiments, camera 500 may include a carrier arrangement that includes an internal carrier structure (e.g., lens barrel 508 and / or lens carrier) and an external carrier structure (e.g., magnet holder 512 and / or magnet frame). One or more coils may be coupled to the internal carrier structure (e.g., coupled to lens barrel 508 and / or lens carrier). Additionally, one or more magnets may be coupled to the external carrier structure (e.g., coupled to magnet holder 512). In some embodiments, magnet holder 512 may extend at least partially around first prism 504, lens barrel 508 (and lens group 502), and second prism 506, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C shown.

[0073] The magnet holder 512 may have multiple sides and / or portions. For example, the magnet holder 512 may have a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along the side surface of the optical element. The second side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along the opposite side surface of the optical element. The third side may be a distal / object side extending along the Y-axis and may be positioned behind at least a portion of the reflective surface side of the first prism 504 (e.g., such that the first prism 504 is disposed between the lens group 502 and the magnet holder 512). The fourth side may be a proximal / image side extending along the Y-axis and may be positioned in front of at least a portion of the reflective surface side of the second prism 506 (e.g., such that the second prism 506 is disposed between the lens group 502 and the magnet holder 512). In some non-limiting examples, the magnet holder 512 may surround the optical elements (e.g., the first prism 504, the lens group 502, and the second prism 506) of the folded optics arrangement. In some examples, one or more of the sides of the magnet holder 512 may include two portions separated from each other by a gap, such that the magnet holder 512 partially surrounds the optical element.

[0074] According to some examples, a first portion of magnet holder 512 (e.g., a first side of magnet holder 512) may extend proximate to a first side of lens barrel 508, a second portion of magnet holder 512 (e.g., a second side of magnet holder 512) may extend proximate to a second side of lens barrel 508 opposite to the first side of lens barrel 508, a third portion of magnet holder 512 (e.g., a third side of magnet holder 512) may be tucked under a portion of first prism 504, and a fourth portion of magnet holder 512 (e.g., a fourth side of magnet holder 512) may extend in front of second prism 506. As will be described below with reference to 9A to 9D As discussed, the lens barrel 508 may be suspended from the magnet holder 512 via a suspension arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the magnet holder 512 may be suspended from a fixed structure 514 of the camera 500 via a suspension arrangement. The suspension arrangement may allow the lens barrel 508 to move relative to the magnet holder 512. Furthermore, the suspension arrangement may allow the lens barrel 508 to move together with the magnet holder 512 relative to the fixed structure 514.

[0075] In various embodiments, the actuator module 510 may include one or more AF VCM actuators and / or one or more OIS VCM actuators. In some embodiments, the actuator module 510 may include an AF VCM actuator 516 (e.g., to provide AF movement), an OIS-Y VCM actuator 518 (e.g., to provide OIS-Y movement), and an OIS-X VCM actuator 520 (e.g., to provide OIS-X movement).

[0076] The AF VCM actuator 516 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. In some examples, the AF VCM actuator 516 may include an AF magnet 522 (e.g., a monopole magnet) and an AF coil 524. The AF magnet 522 may be attached to the fixed structure 514. The AF coil 524 may be attached to the magnet holder 512. In some embodiments, the AF magnet 522 may have a longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the AF coil 524. In some embodiments, the AF coil 524 may be oriented so that the direction of the current flowing through the AF coil 524 defines a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 514 (e.g., a surface on which the AF magnet 522 is mounted) and / or substantially parallel to the XY plane. AF magnet 522 and AF coil 524 can be located in close proximity to each other, and AF coil 524 can be electrically driven to magnetically interact with AF magnet 522 to generate a Lorentz force that moves AF coil 524, magnet holder 512, and / or lens group 502 along an axis (e.g., along the X-axis) to provide AF movement. AF magnet 522 attached to fixed structure 514 can remain stationary relative to the movement of AF coil 524. In various embodiments, AF VCM actuator 516 can be tucked into a space below a portion of first prism 504, such as Figure 5B In this way, the effect of the AF VCM actuator 516 on the system size along the system X-axis and along the system Z-axis can be reduced or eliminated.

[0077] In some embodiments, OIS-Y VCM actuator 518 and OIS-X VCM actuator 520 can share one or more OIS magnets 526. In some embodiments, shared OIS magnets 526 can be dipole magnets. Shared OIS magnets 526 can be attached to magnet holder 512, for example, at opposite sides of lens group 502. Figure 5B and Figure 5C shown.

[0078] According to some examples, the OIS-Y VCM actuator 518 may include one or more OIS-Y coils 528. The OIS-Y coils 528 may be attached to the fixed structure 514. In some embodiments, each OIS-Y coil 528 may be located below a corresponding shared OIS magnet 526. The OIS-Y coils 528 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnets 526 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the shared OIS magnets 526, the magnet holder 512, and / or the lens group 502 along an axis (e.g., along the Y axis) to provide OIS-Y movement. The OIS-Y coils 528 attached to the fixed structure 514 may remain stationary relative to the movement of the shared OIS magnets 526. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 526 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-Y coils 528. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 526 and the OIS-Y coil 528 can be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Further, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 526 and the OIS-Y coil 528 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 522 and the AF coil 524. According to various embodiments, the OIS-Y coil 528 can be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the OIS-Y coil 528 defines a respective plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 514 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 528 is mounted).

[0079] According to some examples, the OIS-X VCM actuator 520 may include one or more OIS-X coils 530. The OIS-X coils 530 may be attached to the lens barrel 508. In some embodiments, each OIS-X coil 530 may be located between a corresponding shared OIS magnet 526 and the lens group 502. The OIS-X coils 530 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnets 526 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the OIS-X coils 530, the lens barrel 508, and the lens group 502 along an axis (e.g., along the Z axis) relative to the magnet holder 512 and / or the fixed structure 514 to provide OIS-X movement. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 526 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-X coils 530. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnets 526 and the OIS-X coils 530 may be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 526 and the OIS-X coil 530 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 522 and the AF coil 524. According to various embodiments, the OIS-X coil 530 can be oriented such that the direction of current flowing through the OIS-X coil 530 defines a respective plane that is substantially orthogonal to a surface of the fixed structure 514 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 528 is mounted).

[0080] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Each shows a respective view of yet another exemplary camera 600 having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of camera 600 along multiple axes. Fig. 6A A perspective view of some structural components of the camera 600 is shown. Figure 6B A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera 600 is shown. Figure 6C A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera 600 is shown.

[0081] In some embodiments, camera 600 may include lens group 602 , first prism 604 and second prism 606 , and an image sensor (not shown). Lens group 602 may include one or more lens elements disposed within lens barrel 608 .

[0082] In various embodiments, the camera 600 may include an actuator module 610 for displacing the lens group 602 along multiple axes, for example, to provide AF and / or OIS movement. In some embodiments, the actuator module 610 may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module that includes one or more VCM actuators. For example, the actuator module 610 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. The magnets and coils may interact magnetically (e.g., when current is provided to the coils) to generate a Lorentz force that moves the lens group 602.

[0083] According to various embodiments, camera 600 may include a carrier arrangement that includes an internal carrier structure (e.g., lens barrel 608 and / or lens carrier) and an external carrier structure (e.g., magnet holder 612 and / or magnet frame). One or more coils may be coupled to the internal carrier structure (e.g., coupled to lens barrel 608 and / or lens carrier). Additionally, one or more magnets may be coupled to the external carrier structure (e.g., coupled to magnet holder 612). In some embodiments, magnet holder 612 may extend at least partially around first prism 604, lens barrel 608 (and lens group 602), and second prism 606, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C shown.

[0084] The magnet holder 612 may have multiple sides and / or portions. For example, the magnet holder 612 may have a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along the side surface of the optical element. The second side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along the opposite side surface of the optical element. The third side may be a far side / object side extending along the Y-axis and may be positioned behind at least a portion of the reflective surface side of the first prism 604 (e.g., so that the first prism 604 is disposed between the lens group 602 and the magnet holder 612). The fourth side may be an upper side / portion extending above the lens group 602 and connecting the first side to the second side. In some embodiments, the fourth side may at least partially surround the upper surface of the lens barrel 608 (and / or the lens carrier). In addition, in some embodiments, the fourth side may not surround the upper surface of the first prism 604 and / or the second prism 606. There may be a gap between the upper surface of the lens barrel 608 (and / or the lens carrier). This gap may provide sufficient clearance to allow the lens barrel 608 (and / or lens carrier) to move in the Z direction (eg, to provide OIS-X movement).

[0085] According to some examples, a first portion of magnet holder 612 (e.g., a first side of magnet holder 612) may extend proximate to a first side of lens barrel 608, a second portion of magnet holder 612 (e.g., a second side of magnet holder 612) may extend proximate to a second side of lens barrel 608 opposite the first side of lens barrel 608, a third portion of magnet holder 612 (e.g., a third side of magnet holder 612) may be tucked under a portion of first prism 604, and a fourth portion of magnet holder 612 (e.g., a fourth side of magnet holder 612) may extend above lens barrel 608 (e.g., extend from the first side of lens barrel 608 to the second side of lens barrel 608 above the top of lens barrel 608). The fourth side / portion may provide structural support for magnet holder 612. For example, by attaching a first end portion of a first side of the magnet holder 612 to a second end portion of a second side of the magnet holder 612, the fourth side can improve the structural integrity of the magnet holder 612, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B The three-sided magnet holder is compared. 9A to 9D As discussed, the lens barrel 608 can be suspended on the magnet holder 612 via a suspension arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the magnet holder 612 can be suspended on a fixed structure 614 of the camera 600 via a suspension arrangement. The suspension arrangement can allow the lens barrel 608 to move relative to the magnet holder 612. Furthermore, the suspension arrangement can allow the lens barrel 608 to move together with the magnet holder 612 relative to the fixed structure 614.

[0086] In various embodiments, the actuator module 610 may include one or more AF VCM actuators and / or one or more OIS VCM actuators. In some embodiments, the actuator module 610 may include an AF VCM actuator 616 (e.g., to provide AF movement), an OIS-Y VCM actuator 618 (e.g., to provide OIS-Y movement), and an OIS-X VCM actuator 620 (e.g., to provide OIS-X movement).

[0087] The AF VCM actuator 616 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. In some examples, the AF VCM actuator 616 may include an AF magnet 622 (e.g., a monopole magnet) and an AF coil 624. The AF magnet 622 may be attached to the fixed structure 614. The AF coil 624 may be attached to the magnet holder 612. In some embodiments, the AF magnet 622 may have a longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the AF coil 624. In some embodiments, the AF coil 624 may be oriented so that the direction of the current flowing through the AF coil 624 defines a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 614 (e.g., a surface on which the AF magnet 622 is mounted) and / or substantially parallel to the XY plane. AF magnet 622 and AF coil 624 can be located in close proximity to each other, and AF coil 624 can be electrically driven to magnetically interact with AF magnet 622 to generate a Lorentz force that moves AF coil 624, magnet holder 612, and / or lens group 602 along an axis (e.g., along the X-axis) to provide AF movement. AF magnet 622 attached to fixed structure 614 can remain stationary relative to the movement of AF coil 624. In various embodiments, AF VCM actuator 616 can be tucked into a space below a portion of first prism 604, such as Figure 6B In this way, the effect of the AF VCM actuator 616 on the system size along the system X-axis and along the system Z-axis can be reduced or eliminated.

[0088] In some embodiments, OIS-Y VCM actuator 618 and OIS-X VCM actuator 620 can share one or more OIS magnets 626. In some embodiments, shared OIS magnets 626 can be dipole magnets. Shared OIS magnets 626 can be attached to magnet holder 612, for example, at opposite sides of lens group 602. Figure 6B and Figure 6C shown.

[0089] According to some examples, the OIS-Y VCM actuator 618 may include one or more OIS-Y coils 628. The OIS-Y coils 628 may be attached to the fixed structure 614. In some embodiments, each OIS-Y coil 628 may be located below a corresponding shared OIS magnet 626. The OIS-Y coils 628 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnet 626 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the shared OIS magnet 626, the magnet holder 612, and / or the lens group 602 along an axis (e.g., along the Y axis) to provide OIS-Y movement. The OIS-Y coils 628 attached to the fixed structure 614 may remain stationary relative to the movement of the shared OIS magnet 626. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 626 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-Y coils 628. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 626 and the OIS-Y coil 628 can be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Further, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 626 and the OIS-Y coil 628 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 622 and the AF coil 624. According to various embodiments, the OIS-Y coil 628 can be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the OIS-Y coil 628 defines a respective plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 614 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 628 is mounted).

[0090] According to some examples, the OIS-X VCM actuator 620 may include one or more OIS-X coils 630. The OIS-X coils 630 may be attached to the lens barrel 608. In some embodiments, each OIS-X coil 630 may be located between a corresponding shared OIS magnet 626 and the lens group 602. The OIS-X coils 630 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnets 626 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the OIS-X coils 630, the lens barrel 608, and the lens group 602 along an axis (e.g., along the Z axis) relative to the magnet holder 612 and / or the fixed structure 614 to provide OIS-X movement. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 626 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-X coils 630. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnets 626 and the OIS-X coils 630 may be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 626 and the OIS-X coil 630 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 622 and the AF coil 624. According to various embodiments, the OIS-X coil 630 can be oriented such that the direction of current flowing through the OIS-X coil 630 defines a respective plane that is substantially orthogonal to a surface of the fixed structure 614 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 628 is mounted).

[0091] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B Each shows a respective view of yet another exemplary camera 700 having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing a lens group of camera 700 along multiple axes. Fig. 7A A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera 700 is shown. Figure 7B A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera 700 is shown.

[0092] In some embodiments, camera 700 may include lens group 702, first prism 704 and second prism 706, and an image sensor (not shown). Lens group 702 may include one or more lens elements disposed within lens barrel 708. Additionally, in various embodiments, camera 700 may include a lens carrier 710 configured to hold lens barrel 708 and / or lens group 702.

[0093] In various embodiments, the camera 700 may include an actuator module 712 for displacing the lens group 702 along multiple axes, for example to provide AF and / or OIS movement. In some embodiments, the actuator module 712 may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module that includes one or more VCM actuators. For example, the actuator module 712 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. The magnets and coils may interact magnetically (e.g., when current is provided to the coils) to generate a Lorentz force that moves the lens group 702.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the camera 700 may include a carrier arrangement including an internal carrier structure (e.g., a lens carrier 710 and / or a lens barrel 708) and an external carrier structure (e.g., a magnet holder 714 and / or a magnet frame). As shown in FIG. 7 , instead of having a single component (e.g., a lens barrel) that holds the lens elements of the lens group 702, the camera 700 may include multiple components (e.g., a lens barrel 708, in which one or more lens elements in the lens group 702 may be fixed, a lens carrier 710 that holds the lens barrel 708, etc.), which together hold one or more portions of the lens group 702 and the actuator module 712 (e.g., one or more coils), and are coupled to the magnet holder 714 (e.g., via a suspension element). In some embodiments, the lens carrier 710 may be further subdivided into separate connected components. One or more coils may be coupled to the internal carrier structure (e.g., coupled to the lens carrier 710). In addition, one or more magnets may be coupled to the external carrier structure (e.g., coupled to the magnet holder 714). In some embodiments, the magnet holder 714 may extend at least partially around the first prism 704, at least partially around the lens carrier 710 (and lens assembly 702), and / or at least partially around the second prism 706. For example, FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B As shown, the magnet holder 714 can extend at least partially around the lens carrier 710 and the first prism 704. In some embodiments, the magnet holder 714 can be U-shaped.

[0095] The magnet holder 714 may have multiple sides. For example, the magnet holder 714 may have a first side, a second side, and a third side, for example, similar to the above reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 3CAccording to some examples, a first portion of the magnet holder 714 (e.g., a first side of the magnet holder 714) may extend proximate to a first side of the lens carrier 710, a second portion of the magnet holder 714 (e.g., a second side of the magnet holder 714) may extend proximate to a second side of the lens carrier 710 opposite to the first side of the lens carrier 710, and a third portion of the magnet holder 714 (e.g., a third side of the magnet holder 714) may be tucked under a portion of the first prism 704 and may extend from the first portion to the second portion, for example, as FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B As shown below, reference will be made to 9A to 9D As discussed, the lens carrier 710 may be suspended on the magnet holder 714 via a suspension arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the magnet holder 714 may be suspended on a fixed structure 716 of the camera 700 via a suspension arrangement. The suspension arrangement may allow the lens carrier 710 to move relative to the magnet holder 714. Furthermore, the suspension arrangement may allow the lens carrier 710 to move together with the magnet holder 714 relative to the fixed structure 716.

[0096] In various embodiments, the actuator module 712 may include one or more AF VCM actuators and / or one or more OIS VCM actuators. In some embodiments, the actuator module 712 may include an AF VCM actuator 718 (e.g., to provide AF movement), an OIS-Y VCM actuator 720 (e.g., to provide OIS-Y movement), and an OIS-X VCM actuator 722 (e.g., to provide OIS-X movement).

[0097] The AF VCM actuator 718 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. In some examples, the AF VCM actuator 718 may include an AF magnet 724 (e.g., a monopole magnet) and an AF coil 726. The AF magnet 724 may be attached to the fixed structure 716. The AF coil 726 may be attached to the magnet holder 714. In some embodiments, the AF magnet 724 may have a longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the AF coil 726. In some embodiments, the AF coil 726 may be oriented so that the direction of the current flowing through the AF coil 726 defines a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 716 (e.g., a surface on which the AF magnet 724 is mounted) and / or substantially parallel to the XY plane. AF magnet 724 and AF coil 726 can be located in close proximity to each other, and AF coil 726 can be electrically driven to magnetically interact with AF magnet 724 to generate a Lorentz force that moves AF coil 726, magnet holder 714, and / or lens group 702 along an axis (e.g., along the X-axis) to provide AF movement. AF magnet 724, attached to fixed structure 716, can remain stationary relative to the movement of AF coil 726. In various embodiments, AF VCM actuator 718 can be tucked into a space below a portion of first prism 704, such as Fig. 7A In this way, the effect of the AF VCM actuator 718 on the system size along the system X-axis and along the system Z-axis can be reduced or eliminated.

[0098] In some embodiments, OIS-Y VCM actuator 720 and OIS-X VCM actuator 722 can share one or more OIS magnets 728. In some embodiments, shared OIS magnets 728 can be dipole magnets. Shared OIS magnets 728 can be attached to magnet holder 714, for example, at opposite sides of lens group 702. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B shown.

[0099] According to some examples, the OIS-Y VCM actuator 720 may include one or more OIS-Y coils 730. The OIS-Y coils 730 may be attached to a fixed structure 716. In some embodiments, each OIS-Y coil 730 may be located below a corresponding shared OIS magnet 728. The OIS-Y coils 730 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnets 728 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the shared OIS magnets 728, the magnet holder 714, and / or the lens group 702 along an axis (e.g., along the Y axis) to provide OIS-Y movement. The OIS-Y coils 730 attached to the fixed structure 716 may remain stationary relative to the movement of the shared OIS magnets 728. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 728 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-Y coils 730. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 728 and the OIS-Y coil 730 can be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Further, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 728 and the OIS-Y coil 730 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 724 and the AF coil 726. According to various embodiments, the OIS-Y coil 730 can be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the OIS-Y coil 730 defines a respective plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 716 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 730 is mounted).

[0100] According to some examples, the OIS-X VCM actuator 722 may include one or more OIS-X coils 732. The OIS-X coils 732 may be attached to the lens carrier 710. In some embodiments, each OIS-X coil 732 may be located between a corresponding shared OIS magnet 728 and the lens group 702. The OIS-X coils 732 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnets 728 to generate Lorentz forces that move the OIS-X coils 732, the lens carrier 710, and the lens group 702 along an axis (e.g., along the Z axis) relative to the magnet holder 714 and / or the fixed structure 716 to provide OIS-X movement. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 728 may have a respective longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension of the OIS-X coils 732. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnets 728 and the OIS-X coils 732 may be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnet 728 and the OIS-X coil 732 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnet 724 and the AF coil 726. According to various embodiments, the OIS-X coil 732 can be oriented such that the direction of current flowing through the OIS-X coil 732 defines a respective plane that is substantially orthogonal to a surface of the fixed structure 716 (e.g., a surface on which the OIS-Y coil 730 is mounted).

[0101] Fig. 8A An exemplary autofocus (AF) actuator 800a is shown, for example, for a camera having a folded optics arrangement. According to some embodiments, the AF actuator 800a can be a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. For example, the AF actuator 800a can include a monopole magnet 802a and a coil 804a. The monopole magnet 802a can be attached to a fixed structure 806a of the camera. The coil 804a can be attached to a magnet holder 808a of the camera. In various embodiments, the AF actuator 800a can be tucked into a space below a portion of the first prism 810a, for example, as Fig. 8A In some examples, the magnet holder 808a may have a portion 812a that faces the first prism 810a and is shaped (e.g., chamfered, angled, etc.) to reduce the space occupied by the magnet holder 808a below the first prism 810a. The shape of the portion 812a may allow the magnet holder 808a to have an increased range of movement below the first prism 810a and / or may reduce the likelihood of contact between the magnet holder 808a and the first prism 810a.

[0102] In some embodiments, the magnet 802a may have a longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the coil 804a (e.g., along the Y axis). The coil 804a may be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the coil 804a defines a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 806a (e.g., a surface on which the magnet 802a is mounted) and / or substantially parallel to the XY plane. The coil 804a may be located above the magnet 802a. In addition, the magnet 802a and the coil 804a may be located in close proximity to each other, and the coil 804a may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the magnet 802a to generate a Lorentz force that moves the coil 804a, the magnet holder 808a, and / or the lens group along an axis (e.g., along the X axis) to provide AF movement.

[0103] Figure 8B Another exemplary AF actuator 800b is shown, for example, for a camera with a folded optics arrangement. According to some embodiments, the AF actuator 800b can be a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. For example, the AF actuator 800b can include a dipole magnet 802b and a coil 804b. The dipole magnet 802b can be attached to a fixed structure 806b of the camera. The coil 804b can be attached to a magnet holder 808b of the camera. In various embodiments, the AF actuator 800b can be tucked into the space below a portion of the first prism 810b, for example, as Figure 8B In some examples, the magnet holder 808b may have a portion 812b that faces the first prism 810b and is shaped (e.g., chamfered, angled, etc.) to reduce the space occupied by the magnet holder 808b below the first prism 810b. The shape of the portion 812b may allow the magnet holder 808b to have an increased range of movement below the first prism 810b and / or may reduce the likelihood of contact between the magnet holder 808b and the first prism 810b.

[0104] In some embodiments, the magnet 802b may have a longest dimension that is substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the coil 804b (e.g., along the Y axis). The coil 804b may be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the coil 804b defines a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the fixed structure 806b (e.g., a surface on which the magnet 802b is mounted) and / or substantially parallel to the XY plane. The coil 804b may be located above the magnet 802b. In addition, the magnet 802b and the coil 804b may be located in close proximity to each other, and the coil 804b may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the magnet 802b to generate a Lorentz force that moves the coil 804b, the magnet holder 808b, and / or the lens group along an axis (e.g., along the X axis) to provide AF movement.

[0105] 9A to 9DEach shows a respective view of an exemplary suspension arrangement 900 for a camera having a folded optics arrangement. Fig.9A A perspective view of the suspension arrangement 900 is shown. Fig. 9B A top view of the suspension arrangement 900 is shown. Fig. 9C A top detailed view of a portion of the suspension arrangement 900 is shown. Fig.9D A bottom detailed view of a portion of the suspension arrangement 900 is shown.

[0106] In some embodiments, the camera may include, for example, Figure 1 and FIG. 3A to FIG. 7B Lens group 902 between the two prisms in question. Lens group 902 can include one or more lens elements disposed within lens barrel 904. Additionally, in various embodiments, the camera can include a lens carrier 906 configured to hold lens barrel 904 and / or lens group 902. For example, in some embodiments, lens carrier 906 can at least partially surround lens barrel 904.

[0107] In various embodiments, the lens carrier 906 (and / or the lens barrel 904) can be suspended from a magnet holder 908 via a suspension arrangement 900. Additionally or alternatively, the magnet holder 908 can be suspended from a fixed structure (not shown) via the suspension arrangement 900. The suspension arrangement 900 can allow the lens carrier 906 to move relative to the magnet holder 908. Furthermore, the suspension arrangement 900 can allow the lens carrier 906 to move together with the magnet holder 908 relative to the fixed structure.

[0108] According to some embodiments, the suspension arrangement 900 may include a set of one or more top springs 910 (at the top of the lens carrier 906) attached to the magnet holder 908 and the corresponding top corner portions of the lens carrier 906. Fig.9D For example, FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B Four top springs 910 are shown, each of which includes a respective first end attached to a respective corner portion of the magnet holder 908, and a second end attached to a corresponding corner portion of the lens carrier 906 (e.g., a corner portion of the lens carrier 906 located proximate to the respective corner portion of the magnet holder 908). In addition, a respective suspension wire 912 may extend downwardly from each of the top springs 910. The bottom end portion 914 of the respective suspension wire 910 may be attached to a fixed (or static) structure, such as a fixed base structure of the camera. In various embodiments, any number of top springs 910 may be connected so that they form a single piece of material with separate portions that can flex independently. From a manufacturing perspective, it may be desirable to reduce the number of separate pieces in this way.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the suspension arrangement 900 may include a set of one or more bottom springs 916 (at the bottom of the magnet holder 908 and the corresponding bottom corner portions of the lens carrier 906) attached to the magnet holder 908 and the lens carrier 906. Fig. 9C For example, FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B Four bottom springs 916 are shown, each of which includes a respective first end attached to a respective corner portion of the magnet holder 908, and a second end attached to a corresponding corner portion of the lens carrier 906. In some embodiments, a respective suspension wire (not shown) can extend upward from each of the bottom springs 916. The top end portion of the respective suspension wire can be attached to a fixed structure of the camera.

[0110] In some embodiments, one or more suspension elements used to suspend the magnet holder 908 may be detached from one or more suspension elements used to suspend the lens carrier 906. For example, Fig.9A As shown, the top spring 910 can have a fixed portion 918 fixed relative to the magnet holder 908. The top spring 910 can have a first portion 920 that can bend relative to the magnet holder 908 and is connected to a suspension wire 912 for suspending the magnet holder 908. In addition, the top spring 910 can have a second portion 922 that can be flexed independently relative to the magnet holder 908 and connected to the lens carrier 906 (e.g., at a fixed portion 924 fixed relative to the lens carrier 906) for suspending the lens carrier 906. In some embodiments, the first portion 920 and the second portion 922 can be made of separate pieces of material.

[0111] In some embodiments, one or more of the top springs 910 and / or one or more of the bottom springs 916 may not be positioned at a corner of the magnet holder 908 and / or the lens carrier 906. For example, one or more of the springs may be positioned along the side of the magnet holder 908 and / or the lens carrier 906. In addition, the top springs 910 and / or the bottom springs 916 may have more (or less) than four springs. In some embodiments, the top springs 910 may have the same number of springs as the bottom springs 916. In other embodiments, the top springs 910 may have a different number of springs than the bottom springs 916.

[0112] In some embodiments, one or more lens elements in lens group 902 can define an optical axis that is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top springs 910 of the group. Additionally or alternatively, the optical axis can be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the bottom springs 916 of the group. Furthermore, the plane defined by the top springs 910 of the group can be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the bottom springs 916 of the group. In some cases, suspension wire 912 can extend in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, the plane defined by the top springs 910 of the group, and / or the plane defined by the bottom springs 916 of the group.

[0113] In various embodiments, suspension arrangement 900 can provide flexibility and / or stiffness for controlled movement of lens carrier 906 and / or magnet holder 908. According to some examples, suspension wire 912 can flex to allow controlled AF movement (e.g., along the X-axis) and / or OIS-Y movement (e.g., along the Y-axis) of magnet holder 908 along with lens carrier 906. In some cases, for example, during such AF and / or OIS-Y movement, the set of top springs 910 and / or the set of bottom springs 916 may not flex (or may flex significantly less than suspension wire 912). In various embodiments, suspension wire 912 can provide flexibility for such AF and / or OIS-Y movement in a controlled manner, and can provide sufficient stiffness to resist XY plane movement of lens carrier (and lens group 102) during OIS-X movement. According to some examples, the set of top springs 910 and / or the set of bottom springs 916 may flex to allow controlled OIS-X movement (e.g., along the Z-axis) of the lens carrier 906 relative to the magnet holder 908. In some cases, for example, during such OIS-X movement, the suspension wire 912 may not flex (or may flex significantly less than the set of top springs 910 and / or the set of bottom springs 916). In various embodiments, the top springs 910 and / or the bottom springs 916 may provide flexibility for such OIS-X movement in a controlled manner, and may provide sufficient stiffness to resist Z-axis movement of the lens carrier 906 (and lens group 902) during OIS-Y and / or AF movement.

[0114] In some embodiments, the camera and / or suspension arrangement 900 may include a damper that inhibits movement of one or more of the suspension wires 912. For example, the suspension wires 912 may be at least partially disposed within a viscoelastic material 926 (e.g., a viscoelastic gel). In some examples, one or more protrusions 928 may protrude from the magnet holder 908 and form one or more recesses, and the viscoelastic material 926 may be disposed within the recesses. In some cases, the viscoelastic material 926 may be injected into the recesses through a hole in a base structure (not shown) that at least partially surrounds the magnet holder 908. For example, an insertion needle (not shown) may be inserted through the hole in the base structure to enter the recess, and the viscoelastic material 918 may be injected into the recess. In some embodiments, the protrusion 928 may extend from a corner portion of the magnet holder 908, for example, as shown in FIG. Fig.9A As shown. Fig.9A A protrusion 928 is shown forming a recess configured to at least partially accommodate a viscoelastic material 926, but it should be understood that the viscoelastic material 926 can be disposed within a recess formed in a different manner, for example, via a recess formed by a protrusion from a structure other than the magnet holder 908, via a recess formed by a combination of the magnet holder 908 and one or more other structures, etc. The viscoelastic material 926 can be positioned along any portion of the length of the suspension wire 912. In some embodiments, the viscoelastic material 926 can be positioned along a central portion of the length of the suspension wire 912.

[0115] In various embodiments, the suspension arrangement 900 can be used to transmit signals (e.g., power and / or control signals) from a fixed structure of the camera to the magnet holder 908 and / or the lens carrier 906. For example, the suspension wire 912 can transmit the signal from the fixed structure to the top spring 910. The top spring 910 can transmit the signal (e.g., via the first portion 920 and the fixed portion 918) from the suspension wire 912 to the magnet holder 908, and the signal can be routed to one or more coils attached to the magnet holder 908. Additionally or alternatively, the top spring 910 can transmit the signal (e.g., via the second portion 922 and the fixed portion 924) from the suspension wire 912 to the lens carrier 906, and the signal can be routed to one or more coils attached to the lens carrier 906. Various portions of the suspension arrangement, the magnet holder 908, and / or the lens carrier 906 can be formed of conductive materials and / or can include electrical traces for transmitting / routing signals, for example, from the fixed structure to the coils.

[0116] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E Each shows a respective view of an exemplary position sensor arrangement 1000 for a camera having a folded optics arrangement. Fig. 10AA perspective view of the position sensor arrangement 1000 is shown. The position sensor arrangement 1000 may include position sensors for position sensing with respect to AF movement, OIS-Y movement, and OIS-X movement. Fig. 10B A detailed view focusing on position sensing relative to AF movement is shown. FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D Each shows a corresponding detailed view focusing on position sensing relative to movement of OIS-Y. Fig.10E A detailed view focusing on position sensing relative to movement of the OIS-X is shown.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the position sensor arrangement 1000 may include an AF movement position sensor arrangement 1002 , an OIS-Y movement position sensor arrangement 1004 , and / or an OIS-X movement position sensor arrangement 1006 .

[0118] In some embodiments, the AF mobile position sensor arrangement 1002 may include one or more AF position sensors 1008 and one or more corresponding AF probe magnets 1010. In various embodiments, the AF position sensor 1008 may be a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor, a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, etc.). The AF position sensor 1008 may be disposed proximate to the corresponding AF probe magnet 1010 so that the AF position sensor 1008 can sense one or more magnetic field components of the corresponding AF probe magnet 1010, for example, when the AF probe magnet 1010 moves relative to the AF position sensor 1008.

[0119] In some examples, the AF probe magnet 1010 may be attached to a magnet holder 1012. The magnet holder 1012 may be configured to hold one or more magnets (e.g., a shared OIS magnet 1014). In addition, the magnet holder 1012 may be configured to hold one or more coils (e.g., an AF coil 1016). In some embodiments, the AF position sensor 1008 may be attached to a fixed (or static) structure of the camera. For example, the fixed structure may be a flex circuit 1018 that is common (or shared) to some or all of the position sensors of the position sensor arrangement 1000. That is, some or all of the position sensors of the position sensor arrangement 1000 may be attached to the flex circuit 1018. Additionally or alternatively, the flex circuit 1018 may include one or more coils (e.g., an OIS-Y coil 1020).

[0120] In various embodiments, the AF mobile position sensor arrangement 1002 may include two AF position sensors 1008 and two corresponding AF probe magnets 1010. The first AF position sensor 1008 and the first corresponding AF probe magnet 1010 may form a first pair. The second AF position sensor 1008 and the second corresponding AF probe magnet 1010 may form a second pair opposite to the first pair with respect to the system X-axis, for example, as Fig. 10A By having two such pairs, in some embodiments, rotation about the system's Z axis due to displacement of the system's X axis can be canceled out.

[0121] In some embodiments, the OIS-Y mobile position sensor arrangement 1004 may include one or more OIS-Y position sensors 1022. In various embodiments, the OIS-Y position sensor 1022 may be a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor, a TMR sensor, a GMR sensor, etc.). The OIS-Y position sensor 1022 may be disposed proximate to a corresponding shared OIS magnet 1014 (e.g., a dipole magnet) such that the OIS-Y position sensor 1022 is capable of sensing one or more magnetic field components of the corresponding shared OIS magnet 1014, for example, when the shared OIS magnet 1014 moves relative to the OIS-Y position sensor 1022.

[0122] In some cases, the OIS-Y position sensor 1022 can be attached to a fixed (or static) structure of the camera. For example, the fixed structure can be a flex circuit 1018 that is common (or shared) to some or all of the position sensors of the position sensor arrangement 1000. In some embodiments, the OIS-Y position sensor 1022 can be attached to the flex circuit 1018 below the shared OIS magnet 1014 and / or below the OIS-Y coil 1020, for example, as FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D shown.

[0123] In various embodiments, the OIS-Y mobile position sensor arrangement 1004 may include two OIS-Y position sensors 1022 and two corresponding shared OIS magnets 1014. The first OIS-Y position sensor 1022 and the first corresponding shared OIS magnet 1014 may form a first pair. The second OIS-Y position sensor 1022 and the second corresponding shared OIS magnet 1014 may form a second pair opposite to the first pair with respect to the system X-axis, for example, as Fig. 10A By having two such pairs, in some embodiments, rotation about the system's Z axis due to displacement of the system's Y axis can be counteracted.

[0124] In some embodiments, the OIS-X mobile position sensor arrangement 1006 may include one or more OIS-X position sensors 1024 and one or more corresponding OIS-X probe magnets 1026. In various embodiments, the OIS-X position sensor 1024 may be a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor, a TMR sensor, a GMR sensor, etc.). The OIS-X position sensor 1024 may be disposed proximate to the corresponding OIS-X probe magnet 1026 so that the OIS-X position sensor 1024 can sense one or more magnetic field components of the corresponding OIS-X probe magnet 1026, for example, when the OIS-X probe magnet 1026 moves relative to the OIS-X position sensor 1024.

[0125] In some examples, the OIS-X probe magnet 1026 can be attached to a lens carrier 1028 (or lens barrel). The lens carrier 1028 can be configured to hold a lens barrel 1030 and / or a lens group 1032 (e.g., a lens group having one or more lens elements disposed within the lens barrel 1030). In addition, the lens carrier 1028 can be configured to hold one or more coils (e.g., the OIS-X coil 1034). In some embodiments, the OIS-X position sensor 1024 can be attached to a fixed (or static) structure of the camera. For example, the fixed structure can be a flex circuit 1018 that is common (or shared) to some or all of the position sensors of the position sensor arrangement 1000.

[0126] In various embodiments, the OIS-X mobile position sensor arrangement 1006 may include two OIS-X position sensors 1024 and two corresponding OIS-X probe magnets 1026. The first OIS-X position sensor 1024 and the first corresponding OIS-X probe magnet 1026 may form a first pair. The second OIS-X position sensor 1024 and the second corresponding OIS-X probe magnet 1026 may form a second pair opposite to the first pair with respect to the system X-axis, for example, as Fig. 10A and Fig.10E By having two such pairs, in some embodiments, rotation about the system Z-axis (due to system Z-axis displacement) and / or external field effects can be canceled.

[0127] In some implementations, the flexible circuit 1018 can be coupled to (eg, electrically contact) an image sensor package 1036. Additionally or alternatively, the image sensor package 1036 can be coupled to (eg, electrically contact) another flexible circuit 1038.

[0128] Fig.11 A perspective view of an exemplary camera 1100 having a folded optics arrangement is shown, wherein a shield 1102 covers at least a portion of the internal components of the camera 1100 .

[0129] In some embodiments, shield 1102 may include a first portion 1102a and a second portion 1102b. In some examples, first portion 1102a may cover at least a first prism and a lens group of camera 1100. In some examples, second portion 1102b may cover at least a second prism. Fig.11 It is indicated that the shield 1102 may include two parts (eg, a first part 1102a and a second part 1102b), but it should be understood that in some embodiments, the shield 1102 may be a single component. In addition, in other embodiments, the shield 1102 may include more than two parts.

[0130] According to some examples, shield 1102 can define an aperture 1104 above the first prism so that light can enter camera 1100 and reach the first prism. In some cases, aperture 1104 can be closed and / or sealed, for example, via a transparent window. In this way, in some cases, dust particles can be prevented from entering camera 1100 through aperture 1104 and adversely affecting the optical performance of the first prism and / or other components of camera 1100. Although Fig.11 Not shown, but camera 1100 may include one or more openings configured to allow ventilation.

[0131] In some cases, the camera 1100 may include a flexible circuit 1106 disposed below the first prism, the lens group, the second prism, the lens carrier (and / or the lens barrel), the magnet holder, and / or the fixed structure. The flexible circuit 1106 may include an interface configured to allow the camera 1100 to interact with one or more other components external to the camera 1100. The flexible circuit 1106 may be used to transmit data signals and power to and from the camera 1100. For example, the flexible circuit 1106 may be used to transmit image signals from an image sensor to one or more processors external to the camera 1100.

[0132] In some embodiments, the camera 1100 may include a stiffener 1108 at least partially beneath the flexible circuit 1106. For example, the stiffener 1108 may be a foldable stiffener, such as Fig.11According to some examples, the foldable stiffener 1108 may include a base portion and a tab portion below the flexible circuit 1106, each of which is folded from the base portion to cover a corresponding side of the camera 1100 and / or the shield 1102. In some cases, the foldable stiffener 1108 may include three tab portions, each of which covers a portion of a corresponding one of the three sides of the camera 1100 and / or the shield 1102. The fourth side of the camera 1100 and / or the shield 1102 may not have a corresponding tab portion covering a portion thereof. For example, the fourth side may be a side of the flexible circuit 1106 that extends outward to one or more components outside the camera 1100.

[0133] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B A flow chart of an exemplary method 1200 for assembling a camera with a folded optics arrangement is shown. At 1202, method 1200 may include coupling a lens carrier of a camera to one or more coils (e.g., an OIS-X coil). At 1204, method 1200 may include coupling a magnet holder of a camera to one or more magnets (e.g., a shared OIS magnet), one or more coils (e.g., an AF coil), and / or a suspension spring. At 1206, method 1200 may include coupling the lens carrier to the magnet holder via a suspension spring. At 1208, method 1200 may include coupling the magnet holder to a fixed structure of the camera via a suspension wire. At 1210, method 1200 may include coupling a first prism of the camera to the fixed structure. At 1212, method 1200 may include coupling the fixed structure to a shield of the camera. At 1214, method 1200 may include coupling a lens group to a lens carrier. At 1216, method 1200 can include performing active alignment with a second prism of the camera. Additionally, at 1216, method 1200 can include coupling the second prism, substrate, flex circuit, and / or stiffener to one or more components of the camera.

[0134] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C Each shows a respective view of another exemplary camera 1300 having a folded optics arrangement and an exemplary actuator arrangement for displacing the camera's lens groups along multiple axes. Fig.13A A perspective view showing some of the structural components of the camera.

[0135] Fig. 13B A schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera 1300 is shown, wherein the cross section is taken along Fig.13A The section line 13B-13B is shown. Fig. 13C A schematic front cross-sectional view of the camera is shown, wherein the cross section is taken along Fig.13A The section line 13C-13C is shown.

[0136] In some embodiments, the camera 1300 may include a lens group 1302, a first prism 1304, a second prism 1306, and an image sensor 1308 (eg, Fig. 13B ). Lens group 1302 may include one or more lens elements 1310 disposed within a lens barrel 1312.

[0137] In various embodiments, camera 1300 may include an actuator module for displacing lens group 1302 along multiple axes, for example, to provide AF and / or OIS movement. In some embodiments, the actuator module may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module that includes one or more VCM actuators. For example, the actuator module may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. The magnets and coils may interact magnetically (e.g., when current is provided to the coils) to generate a Lorentz force that moves lens group 1302.

[0138] According to various embodiments, camera 1300 may include a carrier arrangement that includes an inner carrier structure and an outer carrier structure. For example, the inner carrier structure may include a lens carrier 1314 (which may hold lens barrel 1312). The outer carrier structure may include a magnet holder 1316. One or more coils may be coupled to lens carrier 1314 and / or magnet holder 1316. In addition, one or more magnets may be coupled to magnet holder 1316. In some embodiments, magnet holder 1316 may extend at least partially around the folded optics arrangement. Magnet holder 1316 may have multiple sides and / or portions, such as those described above with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A to FIG. 8B Any side / portion of the magnet holder.

[0139] In a non-limiting example, the magnet holder 1316 may have a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along a side surface of the optical element. The second side may be a lateral side extending along the X-axis and along an opposite side surface of the optical element. The third side may be a distal / object side extending along the Y-axis and may be positioned behind at least a portion of the reflective surface side of the first prism 1304 (e.g., such that the first prism 1304 is disposed between the lens group 1302 and the magnet holder 1316). The fourth side may be a proximal / image side extending along the Y-axis and may be positioned in front of at least a portion of the reflective surface side of the second prism 1306 (e.g., such that the second prism 1306 is disposed between the lens group 1302 and the magnet holder 1316). In some non-limiting examples, the magnet holder 1316 may surround the optical elements of the folded optics arrangement (e.g., the first prism 1304, the lens group 1302, and the second prism 1306).

[0140] According to some examples, a first portion of the magnet holder 1316 (e.g., a first side of the magnet holder 1316) may extend proximate to a first side of the lens carrier 1314, a second portion of the magnet holder 1316 (e.g., a second side of the magnet holder 1316) may extend proximate to a second side of the lens carrier 1314 opposite to the first side of the lens carrier 1314, a third portion of the magnet holder 1316 (e.g., a third side of the magnet holder 1316) may be tucked under a portion of the first prism 1304, and a fourth portion of the magnet holder 1316 (e.g., a fourth side of the magnet holder 1316) may extend in front of the second prism 1306. As described above with reference to 9A to 9D As discussed, the lens carrier 1314 may be suspended from the magnet holder 1316 via a suspension arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the magnet holder 1316 may be suspended from a fixed structure (e.g., fixed structure 1318) of the camera 1300 via a suspension arrangement. The suspension arrangement may allow the lens carrier 1314 to move relative to the magnet holder 1316. Furthermore, the suspension arrangement may allow the lens carrier 1314 to move relative to the fixed structure 1318 together with the magnet holder 1316.

[0141] In various embodiments, the actuator module may include one or more AF VCM actuators and / or one or more OIS VCM actuators. In some embodiments, the actuator module may include an AF VCM actuator 1320 (e.g., to provide AF movement, such as Fig. 13B ), OIS-Y VCM actuator 1322 (e.g., to provide OIS-Y movement, such as Fig. 13C ) and OIS-X VCM actuator 1324 (e.g., to provide OIS-X movement, such as Fig. 13C shown).

[0142] The AF VCM actuator 1320 may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. In some examples, the AF VCM actuator 1320 may include an AF magnet 1326 (e.g., a monopole magnet) and an AF coil 1328. The AF magnet 1326 may be attached to the fixed structure 1318. In some examples, a first portion of the AF magnet 1326 may have an NS polarity in a first direction, and a second portion of the AF magnet 1326 may have an NS polarity in a second direction opposite to the first direction, e.g., Fig. 13B13. The AF coil 1328 may be attached to the magnet holder 1316. In some embodiments, the AF magnet 1326 may have a longest dimension (e.g., along the Y axis) that is substantially parallel to the longest dimension (e.g., along the Y axis) of the AF coil 1328. In some embodiments, the AF coil 1328 may be oriented such that the direction of current flowing through the AF coil 1328 defines a plane parallel to the XY plane. The AF magnet 1326 and the AF coil 1328 may be located in close proximity to each other, and the AF coil 1328 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the AF magnet 1326 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the AF coil 1328, the magnet holder 1316, and / or the lens group 1302 along an axis (e.g., along the X axis) to provide an AF movement (e.g., a movement that shifts an image projected on the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the Z axis). The AF magnet 1326 attached to the fixed structure 1318 can remain stationary relative to the movement of the AF coil 1328. In various embodiments, the AF VCM actuator 1320 can be tucked into the space below a portion of the first prism 1304, for example, as Fig. 13B As shown. In this way, the effect of the AF VCM actuator 1320 on the system size along its long axis (eg, X-axis) and along its vertical axis (eg, Z-axis) can be reduced or eliminated.

[0143] In some embodiments, OIS-Y VCM actuator 1322 and OIS-X VCM actuator 1324 may share one or more OIS magnets 1330. In some embodiments, shared OIS magnet 1330 may be a dipole magnet. In some examples, a first portion of shared OIS magnet 1330 may have NS polarity in a first direction, and a second portion of shared OIS magnet 1330 may have NS polarity in a second direction opposite to the first direction, for example, Fig. 13C 13. The NS polarity direction is shown in FIG. 13. In some embodiments, the first portion can be parallel to the second portion. The shared OIS magnet 1330 can be attached to the magnet holder 1316, for example, at the opposite side of the lens group 1302, as shown in FIG. Fig. 13C shown.

[0144] According to some examples, the OIS-Y VCM actuator 1322 may include one or more OIS-Y coils 1332. The OIS-Y coils 1332 may be attached to a fixed structure 1318. In some embodiments, each OIS-Y coil 1332 may be located below a corresponding shared OIS magnet 1330. The OIS-Y coils 1332 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with the shared OIS magnet 1330 to generate a Lorentz force that moves the shared OIS magnet 1330, the magnet holder 1316, and / or the lens group 1302 along an axis (e.g., along the Y axis) to provide an OIS-Y movement (e.g., a movement that shifts an image projected on the image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the Y axis). The OIS-Y coils 1332 attached to the fixed structure 1318 may remain stationary relative to the movement of the shared OIS magnet 1330. In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 1330 can have a respective longest dimension (e.g., along the X-axis) that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension (e.g., along the X-axis) of the OIS-Y coil 1332. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnets 1330 and the OIS-Y coils 1332 can be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system (e.g., along the X-axis). Further, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnets 1330 and the OIS-Y coils 1332 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnets 1326 and the AF coils 1328. According to various embodiments, the OIS-Y coils 1332 can be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the OIS-Y coils 1332 defines a respective plane that is parallel to the XY plane.

[0145] According to some examples, OIS-X VCM actuator 1324 may include one or more OIS-X coils 1334. The OIS-X coils 1334 may be attached to lens carrier 1314. In some embodiments, each OIS-X coil 1334 may be located between a corresponding shared OIS magnet 1330 and lens group 1302. OIS-X coils 1334 may be electrically driven to magnetically interact with shared OIS magnet 1330 to generate Lorentz forces that move OIS-X coils 1334, lens carrier 1314, and lens group 1302 along an axis (e.g., along the Z axis) relative to magnet holder 1316 and / or fixed structure 1318 to provide OIS-X movement (e.g., movement that shifts an image projected on an image sensor in one or more directions parallel to the X axis). In some embodiments, each of the shared OIS magnets 1330 can have a respective longest dimension (e.g., along the X-axis) that is substantially parallel to the respective longest dimension (e.g., along the X-axis) of the OIS-X coil 1334. In some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnets 1330 and the OIS-X coils 1334 can be substantially parallel to the longest dimension of the system (e.g., along the X-axis). Further, in some embodiments, the respective longest dimensions of the shared OIS magnets 1330 and the OIS-X coils 1334 can be substantially orthogonal to the respective longest dimensions of the AF magnets 1326 and the AF coils 1328. According to various embodiments, the OIS-X coils 1334 can be oriented such that the direction of the current flowing through the OIS-X coils 1334 defines a respective plane that is orthogonal to the XY plane (e.g., parallel to the XZ plane).

[0146] like Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C As shown, lens carrier 1314 can at least partially surround lens barrel 1312 and / or lens group 1302. For example, a first portion of lens carrier 1314 can at least partially surround a first side of lens barrel 1312. A second portion of lens carrier 1314 can at least partially surround a second side of lens barrel 1312 opposite the first side. A third portion of lens carrier 1314 can at least partially surround a third side of lens barrel 1312. In some embodiments, the third portion can extend below lens barrel 1312 and from the first portion to the second portion.

[0147] In various embodiments, camera 1300 may include a substrate 1336 below second prism 1306. Image sensor 1308 may be coupled to substrate 1336. In some embodiments, filter (e.g., infrared filter) 1338 may also be coupled to substrate. For example, filter 1338 may be located above image sensor 1308 so that light passes through filter 1338 before reaching image sensor 1308. In some examples, substrate 1336 may define a plane parallel to fixed structure 1318 and / or the XY plane. Additionally or alternatively, fixed structure 1318 may include substrate 1336 and / or one or more other components of camera 1300.

[0148] In some embodiments, the camera 1300 may include a first prism holder 1340 (eg, Fig.13A 1304 can be attached to one or more fixed structures of the camera 1300 via a first prism holder 1340. Additionally or alternatively, the camera 1300 can include a second prism holder 1342 that holds the second prism 1306. In some embodiments, the second prism 1342 can be attached to one or more fixed structures of the camera 1300 via the second prism holder 1342.

[0149] Fig.14 An exemplary camera 1400 having a folded optics arrangement and having a lower portion (eg, compared to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C The lower portion of the camera 1300) has a reduced dimension along the X-axis. In some embodiments, the camera 1400 may have the same dimensions as described above with reference to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C The components of the camera 1300 are the same or similar to some components. Fig.14 As shown, the folded optics arrangement of camera 1400 may include lens group 1402, first prism 1404, second prism 1406, and image sensor 1408. Camera 1400 may include an AF VCM actuator, an OIS-Y VCM actuator, and an OIS-X VCM actuator, each of which may include one or more magnets and one or more coils, as described above.

[0150] In various embodiments, the camera 1400 may include an AF VCM actuator 1410 located below the first prism 1404. Fig.14As shown, the AF VCM actuator 1410 (and other components near it) can be located in a first space below the first portion of the first prism 1404, leaving a second space (e.g., as generally shown by a dashed rectangle 1412) below the second portion of the first prism 1404 as available free space (space not occupied by the camera 1400). The first space (and the first portion) can be located (along the X-axis) between the lens group 1402 and the second space 1412 (and the second portion).

[0151] In some embodiments, the system may include multiple cameras. As a non-limiting example, the system may include camera 1400 and a second camera (not shown) adjacent to camera 1400. At least a portion of the second camera may be disposed within the second space 1412 described above. In this way, camera 1400 may partially overlap with the second camera, and the size of the multi-camera system along the X-axis may be reduced. In some embodiments, the multi-camera system may have more than two cameras. According to some examples, these cameras may be the same. In other embodiments, one or more cameras of the system may be different from one or more other cameras of the system.

[0152] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C Each shows a respective view of another exemplary position sensor arrangement 1500, for example for a camera with a folded optics arrangement. Fig.15A A perspective view of the position sensor arrangement 1500 is shown. The position sensor arrangement 1500 may include position sensors for position sensing with respect to AF movement, OIS-X movement, and OIS-Y movement. Fig. 15B A cross-sectional view focusing on position sensing relative to AF movement is shown. Fig. 15C A cross-sectional view focusing on position sensing relative to movement of OIS-X and OIS-Y is shown.

[0153] According to various embodiments, the position sensor arrangement 1500 may include an AF movement position sensor arrangement 1502 , an OIS-Y movement position sensor arrangement 1504 , and / or an OIS-X movement position sensor arrangement 1506 .

[0154] In some embodiments, the AF mobile position sensor arrangement 1502 may include one or more AF position sensors 1508 and one or more corresponding AF probe magnets 1510, such as Fig.15A and Fig. 15BAs shown. In various embodiments, the AF position sensor 1508 can be a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor, a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, etc.). The AF position sensor 1508 can be disposed close to the corresponding AF probe magnet 1510 so that the AF position sensor 1508 can sense one or more magnetic field components of the corresponding AF probe magnet 1510, for example, when the AF probe magnet 1510 moves relative to the AF position sensor 1508 (e.g., along the Z axis).

[0155] In some examples, the AF probe magnet 1510 can be attached to a magnet holder 1512. The magnet holder 1512 can be configured to hold one or more magnets (e.g., Fig.15A and Fig. 15C 1514). In addition, the magnet holder 1512 can be configured to hold one or more coils, such as an AF coil (not shown). In some embodiments, the AF position sensor 1508 can be attached to a fixed (or static) structure of the camera. For example, the fixed structure can be a flex circuit 1516 that is common (or shared) to some or all of the position sensors of the position sensor arrangement 1500. That is, some or all of the position sensors of the position sensor arrangement 1500 can be attached to the flex circuit 1516. Additionally or alternatively, the flex circuit 1516 can include one or more coils (e.g., an OIS-Y coil 1518).

[0156] In various embodiments, the AF mobile position sensor arrangement 1502 may include two AF position sensors 1508 and two corresponding AF probe magnets 1510. The first AF position sensor 1508 and the first corresponding AF probe magnet 1510 may form a first pair. The second AF position sensor 1508 and the second corresponding AF probe magnet 1510 may form a second pair that is opposite to the first pair with respect to an XZ plane that intersects one or more optical elements (e.g., the first prism 1520) of the folded optics arrangement. Fig.15A The arrow on the AF probe magnet 1510 (and Fig. 15B ), the AF probe magnets 1510 of the first pair may have an NS polarity direction opposite to the NS polarity direction of the AF probe magnets 1510 of the second pair. By having two such pairs, in some embodiments, rotation about the system Z axis due to system X axis displacement may be counteracted.

[0157] In some embodiments, the OIS-Y mobile position sensor arrangement 1504 may include one or more OIS-Y position sensors 1522, such as Fig.15A and Fig. 15CAs shown. In a non-limiting example, the OIS-Y mobile position sensor arrangement 1504 may include a single OIS-Y position sensor 1522. In various embodiments, the OIS-Y position sensor 1522 may be a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor, a TMR sensor, a GMR sensor, etc.). The OIS-Y position sensor 1522 may be disposed proximate to a shared OIS magnet 1514 (e.g., a dipole magnet) such that the OIS-Y position sensor 1522 is capable of sensing one or more magnetic field components of the corresponding shared OIS magnet 1514, for example, when the shared OIS magnet 1514 moves relative to the OIS-Y position sensor 1522 (e.g., along the Y axis). In some embodiments, due to the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the shared OIS magnet 1514, the OIS-Y mobile position sensor arrangement 1504 may not require a separate probe magnet and / or more than one OIS-Y mobile position sensor.

[0158] In some cases, the OIS-Y position sensor 1522 can be attached to a fixed (or static) structure of the camera. For example, the fixed structure can be a flex circuit 1516 that is common (or shared) to some or all of the position sensors of the position sensor arrangement 1500. In some embodiments, the OIS-Y position sensor 1522 can be attached to the flex circuit 1516 below the shared OIS magnet 1514 and / or below the OIS-Y coil 1518, for example, as Fig.15A and Fig. 15C shown.

[0159] In some embodiments, the OIS-X mobile position sensor arrangement 1506 may include one or more OIS-X position sensors 1524 and one or more corresponding OIS-X probe magnets 1526. In various embodiments, the OIS-X position sensor 1524 may be a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor, a TMR sensor, a GMR sensor, etc.). The OIS-X position sensor 1524 may be disposed proximate to the corresponding OIS-X probe magnet 1526 so that the OIS-X position sensor 1524 can sense one or more magnetic field components of the corresponding OIS-X probe magnet 1526, for example, when the OIS-X probe magnet 1526 moves relative to the OIS-X position sensor 1524 (e.g., along the Z axis).

[0160] In some examples, OIS-X probe magnet 1526 can be attached to lens carrier 1528 (or lens barrel). Lens carrier 1528 can be configured to hold lens barrel 1530 and / or lens group 1532 (e.g., a lens group having one or more lens elements disposed within lens barrel 1530). Additionally, lens carrier 1528 can be configured to hold one or more coils (e.g., Fig. 15C1534). In some embodiments, the OIS-X position sensor 1524 can be attached to a fixed (or static) structure of the camera. For example, the fixed structure can be a flex circuit 1516 that is common (or shared) to some or all of the position sensors of the position sensor arrangement 1500.

[0161] In various embodiments, the OIS-X mobile position sensor arrangement 1506 may include two OIS-X position sensors 1524 and two corresponding OIS-X probe magnets 1526. The first OIS-X position sensor 1524 and the first corresponding OIS-X probe magnet 1526 may form a first pair. The second OIS-X position sensor 1524 and the second corresponding OIS-X probe magnet 1526 may form a second pair that is opposite to the first pair with respect to an XZ plane that intersects the lens group 1532. Fig.15A The arrow on the OIS-X probe magnet 1526 (and Fig. 15C As shown in the figure (hatched lines in FIG. 1 ), the OIS-X probe magnets 1526 of the first pair can have an NS polarity direction opposite to the NS polarity direction of the OIS-X probe magnets 1526 of the second pair. By having two such pairs, in some embodiments, rotation about the system Z axis (due to system Z axis displacement) and / or external field effects can be canceled.

[0162] In a non-limiting embodiment, the AF position sensor arrangement 1502 may include two AF position sensors 1508 (e.g., two TMR sensors), the OIS-Y position sensor arrangement 1504 may include an OIS-Y position sensor 1522 (e.g., a Hall sensor), and the OIS-X position sensor arrangement 1506 may include two OIS-X position sensors 1524 (e.g., two TMR sensors).

[0163] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B An exemplary camera 1600 having a folded optics arrangement and including a module cover 1602 having a retaining element (e.g., a protrusion, a tab, etc.) is shown. In some embodiments, the camera 1600 may include the same camera as described above (e.g., FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C 1600). For example, the folded optics arrangement of camera 1600 may include lens group 1604, first prism 1606, and second prism 1608. In some embodiments, camera 1600 may include an AF VCM actuator, an OIS-Y VCM actuator, and an OIS-X VCM actuator, each of which may include one or more magnets and one or more coils, as described above.

[0164] In some embodiments, the module cover 1602 may include one or more retaining elements for substantially holding one or more components in place, such as to prevent the component from moving in a direction parallel to the Z axis during a drop event. The retaining elements may be used for prism retention and / or lens barrel retention. For example, the module cover 1602 may include a first set of one or more retaining elements 1610 for holding a first prism 1606, a second set of one or more retaining elements 1612 for holding a lens barrel 1614 (and / or a lens carrier) (which holds the lens group 1604), and / or a third set of one or more retaining elements 1616 for holding a second prism 1608.

[0165] According to some embodiments, each retaining element may be configured to engage a corresponding portion of the component it is used to retain. For example, a first set of retaining elements 1610 (for retaining the first prism 1606) may include a first retaining element 1618a, a second retaining element 1618b, and a third retaining element 1618c, each of which protrudes inward from a base portion 1620 of the module cover 1602. The retaining elements 1618 may be configured to contact one or more corresponding portions 1622 of the first prism 1606 and / or a component (e.g., a prism holder) attached to the first prism 1606. In some embodiments, the retaining elements 1618 may be formed to extend continuously along multiple sides (e.g., three sides) of the first prism 1606, for example, as shown in FIG. Fig.16A In other embodiments, the retaining element 1618 may extend discontinuously along one or more sides of the first prism 1606. An adhesive may be used to attach the retaining element 1618 to the corresponding portion 1622.

[0166] The second set of retaining elements 1612 (for retaining lens barrel 1614) may include a first retaining element 1624a and a second retaining element 1624b that each protrude inwardly from the base portion 1620 of the module cover 1602. The retaining elements 1624 may be configured to contact one or more corresponding portions 1626 of the lens barrel 1614 and / or a component (e.g., a lens carrier) attached to the lens barrel 1614. The first retaining element 1624a may be disposed proximate to a first side of the lens barrel 1614, and the second retaining element 1624b may be disposed proximate to a second side of the lens barrel 1614 opposite the first side. An adhesive may be used to attach the retaining elements 1624 to the corresponding portions 1626.

[0167] The third set of retaining elements 1616 (for retaining the second prism 1608) may include a first retaining element 1628a, a second retaining element 1628b, and a third retaining element 1628c, each of which protrudes inward from the base portion 1620 of the module cover 1602. The retaining elements 1628 may be configured to contact one or more corresponding portions 1630 of the second prism 1608 and / or a component (e.g., a prism holder) attached to the second prism 1608. In some embodiments, the retaining elements 1628 may be formed to extend continuously along multiple sides (e.g., three sides) of the second prism 1608, for example, as Fig.16A In other embodiments, the retaining element 1628 may extend discontinuously along one or more sides of the second prism 1608. An adhesive may be used to attach the retaining element 1628 to the corresponding portion 1630.

[0168] In some examples, module cover 1602 may be an auxiliary shielding cover. Fig. 16B As shown, camera 1600 may include a main shield 1632 that at least partially surrounds some of the internal components of camera 1600.

[0169] Fig.17 A bottom perspective view of an exemplary base structure 1700 (e.g., for use with a camera having a folded optics arrangement, such as those described above) is shown with an exemplary base bridge 1702 providing structural support for the base structure 1700. In some embodiments, a substrate 1704 can be attached to the base structure 1700. An image sensor 1706 can be attached to the substrate 1704. Additionally, a flexible circuit board 1708 can be attached to the base structure 1700.

[0170] In some other base structures, due to the elongated shape (e.g., along the X-axis), undesirable bending deformation may occur at one side of the substrate near the center, near the window / opening area, and / or near the image sensor, for example, during a drop event. The base bridge 1702 described herein can be used to reinforce the window area and provide structural support for the substrate 1704 to reduce or prevent undesirable bending deformation. In some embodiments, the base bridge 1702 can extend near one side of the substrate 1704 and / or near the image sensor 1706 (e.g., along the Y-axis).

[0171] Multi-function device example

[0172] Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described herein. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communication device, such as a mobile phone, that also includes other functions, such as a PDA and / or a music player function. Exemplary embodiments of portable multifunction devices include, but are not limited to, the Apple iPod from Apple Inc. (Cupertino, California). and Device. Other portable electronic devices, such as laptops, cameras, mobile phones, or tablet computers may also be used. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the device is not a portable communication device, but a desktop computer with a camera. In some embodiments, the device is a gaming computer with an orientation sensor (e.g., an orientation sensor in a game controller). In other embodiments, the device is not a portable communication device, but a camera.

[0173] In the following discussion, an electronic device including a display and a touch-sensitive surface is described. However, it should be understood that the electronic device may include one or more other physical user interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, mouse, and / or joystick.

[0174] 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 editing application, a spreadsheet application, a gaming application, a telephony application, a video conferencing application, an email application, an instant messaging application, a fitness support application, a photo management application, a digital camera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsing application, a digital music player application, and / or a digital video player application.

[0175] Various applications executable on the device may use at least one common physical user interface device, such as a touch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitive surface and corresponding information displayed on the device may be adjusted and / or varied from one application to the next and / or within a respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture of the device (such as a touch-sensitive surface) may support a variety of applications with a user interface that is intuitive and transparent to the user.

[0176] Attention is now turned to embodiments of portable devices having a camera. Fig.18 A block diagram of an exemplary portable multifunction device 1800 is shown, which may include one or more cameras (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 to Figure 16). For convenience, the camera 1864 is sometimes referred to as an "optical sensor", and may also be named or referred to as an optical sensor system. The device 1800 may include a memory 1802 (which may include one or more computer-readable storage media), a memory controller 1822, one or more processing units (CPUs) 1820, a peripheral device interface 1818, an RF circuit 1808, an audio circuit 1810, a speaker 1811, a touch-sensitive display system 1812, a microphone 1813, an input / output (I / O) subsystem 1806, other input or control devices 1816, and an external port 1824. The device 1800 may include multiple optical sensors 1864. These components may communicate via one or more communication buses or signal lines 1803.

[0177] It should be understood that device 1800 is only one example of a portable multifunction device and that device 1800 may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. Fig.18 The various components shown in the drawings may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware, including one or more signal processing circuits and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[0178] The memory 1802 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to the memory 1802 by other components of the device 1800 (such as the CPU 1820 and the peripheral device interface 1818) may be controlled by a memory controller 1822.

[0179] Peripherals interface 1818 may be used to couple the device's input and output peripherals to CPU 1820 and memory 1802. One or more processors 1820 run or execute various software programs and / or instruction sets stored in memory 1802 to perform various functions of device 1800 and process data.

[0180] In some embodiments, peripherals interface 1818, CPU 1820, and memory controller 1822 can be implemented on a single chip, such as chip 1804. In some other embodiments, they can be implemented on separate chips.

[0181] RF (radio frequency) circuit 1808 receives and sends RF signals, also known as electromagnetic signals. RF circuit 1808 converts electrical signals into / from electromagnetic signals and communicates with a communication network and other communication devices via electromagnetic signals. RF circuit 1808 may include well-known circuits for performing these functions, including but not limited to an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a codec chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and the like. RF circuit 1808 may communicate with a network and other devices via wireless communications, such as the Internet (also known as the World Wide Web (WWW)), an intranet, and / or a wireless network (such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN), and / or a metropolitan area network (MAN)). The wireless communication may use any of a 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, Wireless Fidelity (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, protocols for email (e.g., Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) and / or Post Office Protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Utilizing Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS), and / or Short Message Service (SMS)), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed on the filing date of this document.

[0182] The audio circuit 1810, the speaker 1811, and the microphone 1813 provide an audio interface between the user and the device 1800. The audio circuit 1810 receives audio data from the peripheral device interface 1818, converts the audio data into electrical signals, and transmits the electrical signals to the speaker 1811. The speaker 1811 converts the electrical signals into sound waves audible to humans. The audio circuit 1810 also receives electrical signals converted from sound waves by the microphone 1813. The audio circuit 1810 converts the electrical signals into audio data and transmits the audio data to the peripheral device interface 1818 for processing. The audio data can be retrieved from and / or transmitted to the memory 1802 and / or the RF circuit 1808 by the peripheral device interface 1818. In some embodiments, the audio circuit 1810 also includes a headphone jack (e.g., Fig.191912 in FIG. 1912). The headset jack provides an interface between the audio circuit 1810 and a removable audio input / output peripheral device, such as an output-only headset or a headset having both output (e.g., a single-ear headset or a dual-ear headset) and input (e.g., a microphone).

[0183] The I / O subsystem 1806 couples input / output peripherals on the device 1800, such as a touch screen 1812 and other input control devices 1816, to a peripheral device interface 1818. The I / O subsystem 1806 may include a display controller 1856 and one or more input controllers 1860 for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers 1860 receive / send electrical signals from other input or control devices 1816. The other input control devices 1816 may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and the like. In some alternative embodiments, the input controller 1860 may be coupled to (or not coupled to) any of the following: a keyboard, an infrared port, a USB port, and a pointing device such as a mouse. One or more buttons (e.g., Fig.19 1908 in the figure) may include an increase / decrease button for volume control of the speaker 1811 and / or the microphone 1813. The one or more buttons may include a push button (e.g., Fig.19 in 1906).

[0184] The touch-sensitive display 1812 provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and the user. The display controller 1856 receives electrical signals from the touch screen 1812 and / or sends electrical signals to the touch screen. The touch screen 1812 displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, videos, and any combination thereof (collectively referred to as "graphics"). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user interface objects.

[0185] The touch screen 1812 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor, or sensor group that accepts input from a user based on tactile and / or haptic contact. The touch screen 1812 and display controller 1856 (together with any associated modules and / or instruction sets in memory 1802) detect contact (and any movement or interruption of the contact) on the touch screen 1812 and convert the detected contact into interaction with a user interface object (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages, or images) displayed on the touch screen 1812. In an exemplary embodiment, the point of contact between the touch screen 1812 and the user corresponds to the user's finger.

[0186] The touch screen 1812 may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emitting diode) technology, although other display technologies may be used in other embodiments. The touch screen 1812 and display controller 1856 may use any of a variety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including but not limited to capacitive technology, resistive technology, infrared technology, and surface acoustic wave technology, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with the touch screen 1812 to detect contact and any movement or interruption thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensing technology is used, such as the . and Technology found in.

[0187] The touch screen 1812 may have a video resolution of more than 800 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution of about 860 dpi. The user may use any suitable object or appendage such as a stylus, finger, etc. to contact the touch screen 1812. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily through finger-based contacts and gestures, which may not be as precise as stylus-based input due to the larger contact area of ​​a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device converts rough finger-based input into precise pointer / cursor positions or commands for performing the actions desired by the user.

[0188] In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, the device 1800 may include a touch pad (not shown) for activating or deactivating specific functions. In some embodiments, the touch pad is a touch-sensitive area of ​​the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visual output. The touch pad can be a touch-sensitive surface separate from the touch screen 1812, or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch screen.

[0189] The device 1800 also includes a power system 1862 for powering the various components. The power system 1862 may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., batteries, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, a power fault detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)), and any other components associated with the generation, management, and distribution of power in a portable device.

[0190] Device 1800 may also include one or more optical sensors or cameras 1864 . Fig.18An optical sensor 1864 coupled to an optical sensor controller 1858 in an I / O subsystem 1806 is shown. The optical sensor 1864 may include a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistor. The optical sensor 1864 receives light projected through one or more lenses from the environment and converts the light into data representing an image. In conjunction with an imaging module 1843 (also referred to as a camera module), the optical sensor 1864 can capture a still image or a video. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 1864 is located on the rear of the device 1800 opposite to the touch screen display 1812 on the front of the device, so that the touch screen display 1812 can be used as a viewfinder for still image and / or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user can obtain an image of the user for video conferencing while watching other video conference participants on the touch screen display.

[0191] Device 1800 may also include one or more proximity sensors 1866 . Fig.18 A proximity sensor 1866 is shown coupled to peripherals interface 1818. Alternatively, proximity sensor 1866 can be coupled to input controller 1860 in I / O subsystem 1806. In some embodiments, when multifunction device 1800 is placed near a user's ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call), proximity sensor 1866 turns off and disables touch screen 1812.

[0192] The device 1800 includes one or more orientation sensors 1868. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1868 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 1868 include one or more gyroscopes. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1868 include one or more magnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1868 include one or more of a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), and / or other global navigation system receivers. GPS, GLONASS, and / or other global navigation system receivers can be used to obtain information about the location and orientation (e.g., longitudinal or transverse) of the device 1800. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1868 include any combination of orientation / rotation sensors. Fig.18One or more orientation sensors 1868 are shown coupled to the peripherals interface 1818. Alternatively, the one or more orientation sensors 1868 can be coupled to the input controller 1860 in the I / O subsystem 1806. In some embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen display 1812 in a portrait view or a landscape view based on analysis of data received from the one or more orientation sensors 1868.

[0193] In some embodiments, the software components stored in the memory 1802 include an operating system 1826, a communication module (or instruction set) 1828, a contact / motion module (or instruction set) 1830, a graphics module (or instruction set) 1832, a text input module (or instruction set) 1834, a global positioning system (GPS) module (or instruction set) 1835, an arbitration module 1858, and an application (or instruction set) 1836. In addition, in some embodiments, the memory 1802 stores a device / global internal state 1857. The device / global internal state 1857 includes one or more of the following: an active application state, which indicates which applications (if any) are currently active; a display state, which indicates what applications, views, or other information occupy various areas of the touch screen display 1812; a sensor state, which includes information obtained from various sensors and input control devices 1816 of the device; and position information about the position and / or posture of the device.

[0194] The operating system 1826 (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 communication between various hardware and software components.

[0195] The communication module 1828 facilitates communication with other devices through one or more external ports 1824, and also includes various software components for processing data received by the RF circuit 1808 and / or the external port 1824. The external port 1824 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, etc.) is suitable for coupling directly to other devices or indirectly via a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector.

[0196] The contact / motion module 1830 can detect contact with the touch screen 1812 (in conjunction with the display controller 1856) and other touch-sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). The contact / motion module 1830 includes various software components for performing various operations related to the detection of contact, such as determining whether contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger press event), determining whether there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement on the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger drag events), and determining whether the contact has terminated (e.g., detecting a finger lift event or contact interruption). The contact / motion module 1830 receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determining the movement of a contact point represented by a series of contact data may include determining the rate (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and / or acceleration (change in magnitude and / or direction) of the contact point. These operations may be applied to a single contact point (e.g., a finger contact point) or multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g., "multi-touch" / multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments, the contact / motion module 1830 and the display controller 1856 detect contact on a touchpad.

[0197] The contact / motion module 1830 can detect gesture inputs made by a user. Different gestures on a touch-sensitive surface have different contact patterns. Therefore, a gesture can be detected by detecting a specific contact pattern. For example, detecting a single-finger tap gesture includes detecting a finger press event, and then detecting a finger lift (lift-off) event at the same location (or substantially the same location) as the finger press event (e.g., at an icon location). For another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on a touch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger press event, then detecting one or more finger drag events, and then detecting a finger lift (lift-off) event.

[0198] Graphics module 1832 includes various known software components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 1812 or other display, including components for changing the intensity of displayed graphics. 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, etc.

[0199] In some embodiments, the graphics module 1832 stores data representing graphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code. The graphics module 1832 receives one or more codes for specifying the graphics to be displayed from an application program, etc., and also receives coordinate data and other graphic attribute data together if necessary, and then generates screen image data to be output to the display controller 1856.

[0200] The text input module 1834, which may be a component of the graphics module 1832, provides a soft keyboard for entering text in various applications (e.g., contacts 1837, email 1840, instant messaging 1841, browser 1847, and any other application requiring text input).

[0201] The GPS module 1835 determines the location of the device and provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to the phone 1838 for location-based dialing, to the camera 1843 as picture / video metadata, and to applications that provide location-based services such as the Weather widget, the Local Pages widget, and the Maps / Navigation widget).

[0202] The application 1836 may include the following modules (or instruction sets), or a subset or superset thereof:

[0203] Contacts module 1837 (sometimes called address book or contact list);

[0204] Telephone module 1838;

[0205] Video conferencing module 1839;

[0206] Email client module 1840;

[0207] Instant messaging (IM) module 1841;

[0208] Fitness support module 1842;

[0209] A camera module 1843 for still images and / or video images;

[0210] Image management module 1844;

[0211] Browser module 1847;

[0212] Calendar module 1848;

[0213] A widget module 1849, which may include one or more of the following: a weather widget 1849-1, a stock market widget 1849-2, a calculator widget 1849-3, an alarm clock widget 1849-4, a dictionary widget 1849-5, and other widgets acquired by the user and a widget 1849-6 created by the user;

[0214] A widget creator module 1850 for forming a user-created widget 1849-6;

[0215] Search module 1851;

[0216] Video and music player module 1852, which may be composed of a video player module and a music player module;

[0217] Notepad module 1853;

[0218] Map module 1854; and / or

[0219] Online video module 1855.

[0220] Examples of other applications 1836 that may be stored in memory 1802 include other word processing applications, other image editing applications, drawing applications, presentation applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, and voice replication.

[0221] In combination with the touch screen 1812, display controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832 and text input module 1834, the contact module 1837 can be used to manage an address book or contact list (e.g., stored in the application internal state 1857), including: adding names to the address book; deleting names from the address book; associating phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses or other information with names; associating images with names; categorizing and classifying names; providing phone numbers or email addresses to initiate and / or facilitate communications via telephone 1838, video conferencing 1839, email 1840 or IM 1841; and the like.

[0222] In conjunction with RF circuit 1808, audio circuit 1810, speaker 1811, microphone 1813, touch screen 1812, display controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832, and text input module 1834, phone module 1838 can be used to enter a character sequence corresponding to a phone number, access one or more phone numbers in address book 1837, modify an entered phone number, dial a corresponding phone number, conduct a conversation, and disconnect or hang up when the conversation is completed. As described above, wireless communication can use any of a number of communication standards, protocols, and technologies.

[0223] In combination with the RF circuit 1808, the audio circuit 1810, the speaker 1811, the microphone 1813, the touch screen 1812, the display controller 1856, the optical sensor 1864, the optical sensor controller 1858, the contact module 1830, the graphics module 1832, the text input module 1834, the contact list 1837 and the telephone module 1838, the video conferencing module 1839 includes executable instructions for initiating, conducting and terminating a video conference between a user and one or more other participants in accordance with user instructions.

[0224] In conjunction with RF circuit 1808, touch screen 1812, display controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832, and text input module 1834, email client module 1840 includes executable instructions for creating, sending, receiving, and managing emails in response to user instructions. In conjunction with image management module 1844, email client module 1840 makes it very easy to create and send emails with still images or video images captured by camera module 1843.

[0225] In conjunction with RF circuit 1808, touch screen 1812, display controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832 and text input module 1834, instant messaging module 1841 includes executable instructions for inputting a character sequence corresponding to an instant message, modifying previously input characters, sending a corresponding instant message (e.g., using a short message service (SMS) or multimedia message service (MMS) protocol for phone-based instant messaging or using XMPP, SIMPLE or IMPS for Internet-based instant messaging), receiving instant messages, and viewing received instant messages. In some embodiments, the sent and / or received instant messages may include graphics, photos, audio files, video files, and / or other attachments supported in MMS and / or enhanced messaging service (EMS). As used herein, "instant messaging" refers to both phone-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) and Internet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE or IMPS).

[0226] In combination with RF circuit 1808, touch screen 1812, display controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832, text input module 1834, GPS module 1835, map module 1854 and music player module 1846, fitness support module 1842 includes executable instructions for creating fitness (e.g., with time, distance and / or calorie burn goals); communicating with fitness sensors (sports equipment); receiving fitness sensor data; calibrating sensors for monitoring fitness; selecting and playing music for fitness; and displaying, storing and transmitting fitness data.

[0227] In conjunction with touch screen 1812, display controller 1856, optical sensor 1864, optical sensor controller 1858, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832 and image management module 1844, camera module 1843 includes executable instructions for the following operations: capturing still images or videos (including video streams) and storing them in memory 1802, modifying the characteristics of still images or videos, or deleting still images or videos from memory 1802.

[0228] In conjunction with touch screen 1812, display controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832, text input module 1834, and camera module 1843, image management module 1844 includes executable instructions for arranging, modifying (e.g., editing), or otherwise manipulating, labeling, deleting, presenting (e.g., in a digital slideshow or album), and storing still images and / or video images.

[0229] In combination with the RF circuit 1808, the touch screen 1812, the display system controller 1856, the contact module 1830, the graphics module 1832 and the text input module 1834, the browser module 1847 includes executable instructions for browsing the Internet (including searching, linking to, receiving and displaying web pages or portions thereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages) in accordance with user instructions.

[0230] In combination with the RF circuit 1808, the touch screen 1812, the display system controller 1856, the contact module 1830, the graphics module 1832, the text input module 1834, the email client module 1840 and the browser module 1847, the calendar module 1848 includes executable instructions for creating, displaying, modifying and storing calendars and calendar-associated data (e.g., calendar entries, to-do items, etc.) in accordance with user instructions.

[0231] In conjunction with RF circuit 1808, touch screen 1812, display system controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832, text input module 1834, and browser module 1847, desktop widget module 1849 is a mini-application that can be downloaded and used by a user (e.g., weather desktop widget 549-1, stock desktop widget 549-2, calculator desktop widget 1849-3, alarm desktop widget 1849-4, and dictionary desktop widget 1849-5) or a mini-application created by a user (e.g., user-created desktop widget 1849-6). In some embodiments, the desktop widget includes HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) files, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) files, and JavaScript files. In some embodiments, the desktop widget includes XML (Extensible Markup Language) files and JavaScript files (e.g., Yahoo! Desktop widget).

[0232] In combination with the RF circuit 1808, the touch screen 1812, the display system controller 1856, the contact module 1830, the graphics module 1832, the text input module 1834 and the browser module 1847, the desktop widget creator module 1850 can be used by users to create desktop widgets (for example, transferring a user-specified portion of a web page to a desktop widget).

[0233] In combination with the touch screen 1812, the display system controller 1856, the contact module 1830, the graphics module 1832 and the text input module 1834, the search module 1851 includes executable instructions for searching the memory 1802 for text, music, sound, images, videos and / or other files that match one or more search conditions (e.g., one or more user-specified search terms) in accordance with user instructions.

[0234] In conjunction with touch screen 1812, display system controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832, audio circuit system 1810, speaker 1811, radio frequency circuit system 1808, and browser module 1847, video and music player module 1852 includes executable instructions that allow a user to download and play recorded music and other sound files stored in one or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, and that display, present, or otherwise play video (e.g., on touch screen 1812 or on an external display connected via external port 1824). In some embodiments, device 1800 may include the functionality of an MP3 player.

[0235] In conjunction with the touch screen 1812, display controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832 and text input module 1834, the notepad module 1853 includes executable instructions for creating and managing notes, to-do lists, etc. according to user instructions.

[0236] In combination with the RF circuit system 1808, the touch screen 1812, the display system controller 1856, the contact module 1830, the graphics module 1832, the text input module 1834, the GPS module 1835 and the browser module 1847, the map module 1854 can be used to receive, display, modify and store executable instructions for maps and data associated with the maps (e.g., driving routes; data about stores and other points of interest at or near a particular location; and other location-based data) in accordance with user instructions.

[0237] In conjunction with the touch screen 1812, display system controller 1856, contact module 1830, graphics module 1832, audio circuit 1810, speaker 1811, RF circuit 1808, text input module 1834, email client module 1840, and browser module 1847, the online video module 1855 includes instructions that allow a user to access, browse, receive (e.g., by streaming and / or downloading), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or on an external display connected via external port 1824), send an email with a link to a specific online video, and otherwise manage online videos in one or more file formats such as H.264. In some embodiments, the instant messaging module 1841 is used instead of the email client module 1840 to send a link to a specific online video.

[0238] Each module and application identified above corresponds to a set of executable instructions for performing one or more of the above functions and methods described in this application (e.g., computer-implemented methods and other information processing methods described herein). These modules (i.e., instruction sets) do not have to be implemented as separate software programs, processes, or modules, so various subsets of these modules can be combined or otherwise rearranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 1802 may store subsets of the above modules and data structures. In addition, memory 1802 may store additional modules and data structures not described above.

[0239] In some embodiments, device 1800 is a device that performs operations of a predefined set of functions on it exclusively through a touch screen and / or a touch pad. By using a touch screen and / or a touch pad as the primary input control device for the operation of device 1800, the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons, dials, etc.) on device 1800 can be reduced.

[0240] A predefined set of functions that can be uniquely performed by a touch screen and / or a touchpad include navigating between user interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by a user, navigates the device 1800 to a main menu, a home menu, or a root menu from any user interface that may be displayed on the device 1800. In such embodiments, the touchpad may be referred to as a "menu button." In some other embodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or other physical input control device, rather than a touchpad.

[0241] Fig.19 A block diagram of an exemplary portable multifunction device 1800 is shown, which may include one or more cameras (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 1 ). Figures 1 to 16BDevice 1800 may have a touch screen 1812. Touch screen 1812 may display one or more graphics within user interface (UI) 1900. In this embodiment, and in other embodiments described below, a user may select one or more of the graphics by, for example, gesturing on the graphics with one or more fingers 1902 (not drawn to scale in the figures) or with one or more styluses 1903 (not drawn to scale in the figures).

[0242] The device 1800 may also include one or more physical buttons, such as a "home" button or a menu button 1904. As previously described, the menu button 1904 can be used to navigate to any application 1836 in a set of applications that can be executed on the device 1800. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button 1904 is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on the touch screen 1812.

[0243] In one embodiment, the device 1800 includes a touch screen 1812, a menu button 1904, a push button 1906 for turning the device on and off and locking the device, one or more volume adjustment buttons 1908, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card slot 1910, a headset jack 1912, and a docking / charging external port 1924. The push button 1906 can be used to turn the device on and off by pressing the button and keeping the button pressed for a predefined time interval; lock the device by pressing the button and releasing the button before the predefined time interval has passed; and / or unlock the device or initiate an unlocking process. In an alternative embodiment, the device 1800 can also accept voice input for activating or deactivating some functions through a microphone 1813.

[0244] It should be noted that while many of the examples herein refer to one or more optical sensors / cameras 1864 being provided (on the front of the device), one or more rear-facing cameras or optical sensors pointing opposite to the display may be used in place of or in addition to the one or more optical sensors / cameras 1864 on the front of the device.

[0245] Exemplary Computer System

[0246] Fig. 20 A block diagram of an exemplary computer system 2000 is shown, which may include one or more cameras (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. Figures 1 to 16BThe computer system 2000 may be configured to perform any or all of the embodiments described above. In various embodiments, the computer system 2000 may be any of a variety of types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a tablet or netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, a consumer device, a video game controller, a handheld video game device, an application server, a storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device (such as a switch, a modem, a router), or generally any type of computing or electronic device.

[0247] Various embodiments of the camera motion control system as described herein, including the embodiments of magnetic position sensing as described herein, may be executed in one or more computer systems 2000, which may interact with various other devices. Note that, according to various embodiments, the above descriptions with respect to Figures 1 to 19 Any component, action or functionality described may be implemented in a configuration as Fig. 20 2000. In the illustrated embodiment, the computer system 2000 includes one or more processors 2010 coupled to a system memory 2020 via an input / output (I / O) interface 2030. The computer system 2000 also includes a network interface 2040 coupled to the I / O interface 2030 and one or more input / output devices 2050, such as a cursor control device 2060, a keyboard 2070, and a display 2080. In some cases, it is contemplated that the embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of the computer system 2000, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems or multiple nodes making up the computer system 2000 may be configured to host different parts or instances of the embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of the computer system 2000 that are different from those nodes that implement other elements.

[0248] In various embodiments, computer system 2000 may be a uniprocessor system including one processor 2010, or a multiprocessor system including several processors 2010 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 2010 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 2010 may be a general-purpose or embedded processor that implements any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISAs. In a multiprocessor system, each of processors 2010 may typically, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

[0249] The system memory 2020 may be configured to store camera control program instructions 2022 and / or camera control data that may be accessed by the processor 2010. In various embodiments, the system memory 2020 may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), non-volatile / flash type memory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment, the program instructions 2022 may be configured to implement a lens control application 2024 that includes any of the above-described functionalities. In addition, the existing camera control data 2032 of the memory 2020 may include any of the above-described information or data structures. In some embodiments, the program instructions and / or data may be received, sent, or stored on a different type of computer accessible medium or similar medium separate from the system memory 2020 or the computer system 2000. Although the computer system 2000 is described as implementing the functionality of the functional blocks of the preceding figures, any functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system.

[0250] In one embodiment, the I / O interface 2030 may be configured to coordinate I / O communications between the processor 2010, the system memory 2020, and any peripheral devices (including the network interface 2040 or other peripheral device interfaces, such as the input / output device 2050) in the device. In some embodiments, the I / O interface 2030 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversion to convert data signals from one component (e.g., the system memory 2020) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., the processor 2010). In some embodiments, the I / O interface 2030 may include support for devices attached, for example, via various types of peripheral device buses (such as, variations of the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the universal serial bus (USB) standard). In some embodiments, the functions of the I / O interface 2030 may be divided into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. In addition, in some embodiments, some or all of the functions of the I / O interface 2030 (such as an interface to the system memory 2020) may be directly incorporated into the processor 2010.

[0251] The network interface 2040 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between the computer system 2000 and other devices (e.g., carriers or proxy devices) attached to the network 2085 or between nodes of the computer system 2000. In various embodiments, the network 2085 may include one or more networks, including, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN) (e.g., an Ethernet or an enterprise network), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a wireless data network, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, the network interface 2040 may support communication via a wired or wireless general data network (such as any suitable type of Ethernet network), for example; communication via a telecommunications / telephone network (such as an analog voice network or a digital fiber optic communication network); communication via a storage area network (such as Fibre Channel SANs), or communication via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0252] In some embodiments, the input / output device 2050 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other device suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 2000. Multiple input / output devices 2050 may be present in the computer system 2000, or may be distributed across various nodes of the computer system 2000. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices may be separate from the computer system 2000 and may interact with one or more nodes of the computer system 2000 via a wired or wireless connection (such as via a network interface 2040).

[0253] like Fig. 20 As shown, memory 2020 may include program instructions 2022, which may be executable by a processor to implement any of the elements or actions described above. In one embodiment, the program instructions may execute the method described above. In other embodiments, different elements and data may be included. It should be noted that the data may include any data or information described above.

[0254] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 2000 is merely illustrative, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. Specifically, computer system and equipment may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated function, including computers, network equipment, Internet equipment, personal digital assistants, wireless telephones, pagers, etc. Computer system 2000 may also be connected to other equipment not shown, or may otherwise be operated as an independent system. In addition, the functions provided by the shown components may be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components in some embodiments. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functions of some components in the shown components may not be provided, and / or other additional functions may be available.

[0255] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, although various items are shown as being stored in memory or on storage devices during use, for the purpose of memory management and data integrity, these items or parts thereof may be transmitted between memory and other storage devices. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of these software components may be executed in a memory on another device, and communicate with the computer system shown via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored on a computer accessible medium or portable article (e.g., as instructions or structured data) to be read by a suitable driver, and its various examples are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer accessible medium separated from the computer system 2000 may be transmitted to the computer system 2000 via a transmission medium or signal (such as an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a digital signal transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link). Various embodiments may also include receiving, sending, or storing instructions and / or data implemented according to the above description on a computer accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or memory medium, such as a magnetic medium or an optical medium, for example a disk or a DVD / CD-ROM, a volatile or non-volatile medium, such as a RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), a ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include a transmission medium or signal, such as an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a digital signal transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link.

[0256] In different embodiments, the methods described herein can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In addition, the order of the frames of the method can be changed, and various elements can be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. For those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, various modifications and changes can obviously be made. The various embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Therefore, multiple examples can be provided for the components described as a single example in this article. The boundaries between the various components, operations, and data repositories are arbitrary to a certain extent, and specific operations are shown in the context of a specific exemplary configuration.

[0257] Additional description of implementation scheme (exemplary clauses):

[0258] Item 1: A camera, comprising: a folded optical device arrangement, the folded optical device arrangement being used to fold the path of light, the folded optical device arrangement comprising: a first prism; a second prism; and a lens group, the lens group being arranged between the first prism and the second prism, wherein the lens group comprises one or more lens elements; an image sensor, the image sensor being used to capture light that has passed through the first prism, the lens group and the second prism; a carrier arrangement, the carrier arrangement comprising: an internal carrier structure, the internal carrier structure coupled to the lens group; and an external carrier structure, the external carrier structure coupled to the internal carrier structure; and an actuator module, the actuator module being used to: move the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least a first direction relative to the image sensor; and move the internal carrier structure in at least a second direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the external carrier structure.

[0259] Item 2: A camera according to Item 1, wherein the actuator module includes: an autofocus (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, the AF VCM actuator being used to move the inner carrier structure and the outer carrier structure together in at least the first direction relative to the image sensor; a first optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator, the first OIS VCM actuator being used to move the inner carrier structure and the outer carrier structure together in at least the second direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the outer carrier structure; and a second OIS VCM actuator, the second OIS VCM actuator being used to move the inner carrier structure and the outer carrier structure together in at least a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction relative to the image sensor.

[0260] Item 3: A camera according to Item 2, wherein: the AF VCM actuator is used to move the lens group in at least the first direction to provide AF movement of the image projected on the image sensor in at least the second direction; the first OIS VCM actuator is used to move the lens group in at least the second direction to provide OIS movement of the image in at least the first direction; and the second OIS VCM actuator is used to move the lens group in at least the third direction to provide OIS movement of the image in at least the third direction.

[0261] Clause 4: A camera according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein: the actuator module comprises: one or more magnets; and one or more coils; the internal carrier structure comprises a lens carrier, at least one of the one or more coils is attached to the lens carrier; the external carrier structure comprises a magnet holder, at least one of the one or more magnets is attached to the magnet holder; and the external carrier structure is arranged at least partially around the folded optical device.

[0262] Clause 5: A camera according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising: a suspension arrangement for suspending the lens group and allowing the lens group to move along multiple axes, the suspension arrangement comprising: a leaf spring attached to the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure so as to allow the lens group and the internal carrier structure to move together relative to the external carrier structure in at least the second direction; and a suspension wire for allowing the lens group, the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure to move together relative to the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the second direction, wherein the suspension wire comprises: a first end portion attached to the leaf spring; and a second end portion attached to a fixed structure that is stationary relative to the movement of the lens group.

[0263] Item 6: A device comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control the operation of a camera; and a camera comprising: a folded optics arrangement for folding a path of light, the folded optics arrangement comprising: a first prism; a second prism; and a lens group disposed between the first prism and the second prism, wherein the lens group comprises one or more lens elements; an image sensor for capturing light that has passed through the first prism, the lens group, and the second prism; a carrier arrangement comprising: an internal carrier structure coupled to the lens group; and an external carrier structure coupled to the internal carrier structure; and an actuator module for: moving the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least a first direction relative to the image sensor; and moving the internal carrier structure in at least a second direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the external carrier structure.

[0264] Item 7: A device according to Item 6, wherein the actuator module includes: an autofocus (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, the AF VCM actuator being used to move the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least the first direction relative to the image sensor; a first optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator, the first OIS VCM actuator being used to move the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least the second direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the external carrier structure; and a second OIS VCM actuator, the second OIS VCM actuator being used to move the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction relative to the image sensor.

[0265] Item 8: An apparatus according to Item 7, wherein the one or more processors are further used to: cause the AFVCM actuator to move the lens group in at least the first direction to provide AF movement of the image projected on the image sensor in at least the second direction; cause the first OIS VCM actuator to move the lens group in at least the second direction to provide OIS movement of the image in at least the first direction; and cause the second OISVCM actuator to move the lens group in at least the third direction to provide OIS movement of the image in at least the third direction.

[0266] Clause 9: Apparatus according to any of clauses 6 to 8, wherein the external carrier structure is arranged at least partially around the folded optics.

[0267] Clause 10: An apparatus according to any one of clauses 6 to 9, wherein: the actuator module comprises: one or more magnets; and one or more coils; the internal carrier structure comprises a lens carrier, at least one of the one or more coils is attached to the lens carrier; and the external carrier structure comprises a magnet holder, at least one of the one or more magnets is attached to the magnet holder.

[0268] Clause 11: The apparatus of clause 10, wherein at least one other of the one or more coils is attached to the magnet holder.

[0269] Clause 12: A device according to any one of clauses 6 to 11, wherein: the first prism includes: an object side, through which light enters the first prism; and a first reflective surface side, the first reflective surface side includes a first reflective surface for redirecting the light toward the lens group; and the second prism includes: a second reflective surface side, the second reflective surface side includes a second reflective surface for redirecting the light toward the image sensor; and an image side, through which the light leaves the first prism, the image side being close to the image sensor.

[0270] Item 13: An apparatus according to Item 12, wherein: the first reflective surface side is angled relative to the object side of the first prism; and the actuator module includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, the VCM actuator having at least one magnet and at least one coil arranged in a space below the first reflective surface side.

[0271] Clause 14: A device according to any one of clauses 6 to 13, wherein the camera further comprises: a suspension arrangement for suspending the lens group and allowing the lens group to move along multiple axes, the suspension arrangement comprising: a leaf spring attached to the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure so as to allow the lens group and the internal carrier structure to move together relative to the external carrier structure in at least the second direction; and a suspension wire for allowing the lens group, the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure to move together relative to the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the second direction, wherein the suspension wire comprises: a first end portion attached to the leaf spring; and a second end portion attached to a fixed structure that is stationary relative to the movement of the lens group.

[0272] Clause 15: The apparatus of any of clauses 6 to 14, wherein: the first prism and the second prism are positioned along an optical axis defined by the lens group; and the image sensor defines a plane parallel to the optical axis.

[0273] Item 16: A folded optical device system comprising: a lens group, the lens group including one or more lens elements; a first prism, the first prism being used to redirect light to the lens group; a second prism, the second prism being used to receive the light from the lens group and redirect the light to an image sensor; an internal carrier structure, the internal carrier structure being used to couple with the lens group; an external carrier structure, the external carrier structure being used to couple with the internal carrier structure; and an actuator module, the actuator module being used to: move the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least a first direction relative to the image sensor; and move the internal carrier structure in at least a second direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the external carrier structure.

[0274] Item 17: A folded optical device system according to Item 16, wherein the actuator module includes: an autofocus (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, the AF VCM actuator being used to move the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least the first direction relative to the image sensor; a first optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator, the first OIS VCM actuator being used to move the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least the second direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the external carrier structure; and a second OIS VCM actuator, the second OIS VCM actuator being used to move the internal carrier structure and the external carrier structure together in at least a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction relative to the image sensor.

[0275] Clause 18: A folded optical device system according to any one of clauses 16 to 17, wherein: the actuator module comprises: one or more magnets; and one or more coils; a first portion of the actuator module is attached to the internal carrier structure; a second portion of the actuator module is attached to the external carrier structure; and a third portion of the actuator module is attached to a base structure that is fixed relative to the movement of the lens group.

[0276] Clause 19: The folded optics system of any of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the outer carrier structure is configured to at least partially surround the lens group, the first prism, and the second prism.

[0277] Clause 20: A folded optics system according to any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein: the lens group is disposed between the first prism and the second prism; and the first prism and the second prism are positioned along an optical axis defined by the lens group.

[0278] Other allocations of functionality are contemplated and may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, structures and functions presented as discrete components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as combined structures or components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the embodiments as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A folded optical system, comprising: a lens assembly including one or more lens elements for refracting incident light along an optical axis; a light folding element for redirecting light along a folding axis to the lens group; an internal carrier structure, the internal carrier structure being used to couple with the lens assembly; an outer carrier structure for coupling with the inner carrier structure and extending at least partially around the light folding element; as well as a suspension structure for movably holding the inner carrier structure relative to the outer carrier structure, wherein the suspension structure comprises: a plurality of suspension wires configured to suspend the outer carrier structure and allow the lens group, the inner carrier structure, and the outer carrier structure to move together along the optical axis or along a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis; as well as A leaf spring structure is configured to suspend the inner carrier structure, and the leaf spring structure is configured to allow the lens group and the inner carrier structure to move relative to the outer carrier structure along a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

2. The folded optical system according to claim 1, wherein the suspension wires in the suspension wires comprise: a first end portion attached to the leaf spring; and A second end portion is attached to a fixed structure that is stationary relative to the movement of the lens group.

3. The folded optical system of claim 1 , wherein the first light folding element is a first prism, the first prism comprising: an object side, through which light enters the first prism; and A first reflective surface side includes a first reflective surface for redirecting the light toward the lens group.

4. The folded optical system of claim 1 , further comprising: another light folding element, wherein the lens group is arranged between the light folding element and the another light folding element, wherein the another light folding element is configured to receive light that has propagated through the lens group.

5. The folded optical system of claim 4, wherein the another light folding element comprises a second prism, the second prism comprising: On the object side, the light passes through the lens group and then enters the second prism through the object side; as well as A second reflective surface side includes a second reflective surface for redirecting light received from the lens group.

6. The folded optical system of claim 1, wherein the suspension structure further comprises a damper configured to inhibit movement of one or more of the suspension wires.

7. The folded optical system of claim 6, wherein the damper comprises a viscoelastic material, wherein the one or more suspension wires are at least partially disposed within the viscoelastic material.

8. The folded optical system of claim 1, wherein the suspension structure is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the internal carrier structure.

9. A camera comprising: a lens assembly including one or more lens elements for refracting incident light along an optical axis; an image sensor configured to receive light passing through the lens group along the optical axis; a light folding element for redirecting light along a folding axis to the lens group; an internal carrier structure, the internal carrier structure being used to couple with the lens assembly; an outer carrier structure for coupling with the inner carrier structure and extending at least partially around the light folding element; as well as a suspension structure for movably holding the inner carrier structure relative to the outer carrier structure, wherein the suspension structure comprises: a plurality of suspension wires configured to suspend the outer carrier structure and allow the lens group, the inner carrier structure, and the outer carrier structure to move together along the optical axis or along a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis; as well as A leaf spring structure is configured to suspend the inner carrier structure, and the leaf spring structure is configured to allow the lens group and the inner carrier structure to move relative to the outer carrier structure along a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis.

10. The camera of claim 9, wherein the suspension wires in the suspension wires comprise: a first end portion attached to the leaf spring; and A second end portion is attached to a fixed structure that is stationary relative to the movement of the lens group.

11. The camera of claim 9, wherein the first light folding element is a first prism, the first prism comprising: an object side, through which light enters the first prism; and A first reflective surface side includes a first reflective surface for redirecting the light toward the lens group.

12. The camera of claim 9, further comprising: another light folding element, wherein the lens group is arranged between the light folding element and the another light folding element, wherein the another light folding element is configured to receive light that has propagated through the lens group.

13. The camera of claim 12, wherein the another light folding element comprises a second prism, the second prism comprising: On the object side, the light passes through the lens group and then enters the second prism through the object side; as well as A second reflective surface side includes a second reflective surface for redirecting light received from the lens group.

14. The camera of claim 9, wherein the suspension structure further comprises a damper configured to dampen movement of one or more of the suspension lines.

15. The camera of claim 14, wherein the damper comprises a viscoelastic material, wherein the one or more suspension wires are at least partially disposed within the viscoelastic material.

16. The camera of claim 9, wherein the suspension structure is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the internal carrier structure.

17. A folded optical system, comprising: a lens assembly, the lens assembly comprising one or more lens elements having an optical axis; a light folding element having a reflective surface side for redirecting light received from above the reflective surface side toward the lens group; as well as a lens carrier configured to be coupled to the lens assembly; A voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move the lens group relative to the light folding element in an auto-focus (AF) direction along the optical axis, wherein the VCM actuator comprises: an AF magnet attached to a fixed structure; and an AF coil coupled to the lens group; Wherein the AF magnet and the AF coil are located below the reflective surface side of the light folding element.

18. The folded optical system of claim 17, comprising: a first optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator, the first OIS VCM actuator being configured to move the lens group at least in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis, the first OIS VCM actuator comprising: a first coil attached to the lens carrier; and OIS magnets.

19. The folded optical system of claim 18, further comprising: a second OIS VCM actuator, the second OIS VCM actuator being configured to move the lens group at least in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to the optical axis, the second OIS VCM actuator comprising: a second coil attached to a fixed structure that is stationary relative to movement of the lens group; and The OIS magnet.

20. The folded optical system of claim 17, wherein the first light folding element is a first prism, the first prism comprising: an object side, through which light enters the first prism; and A first reflective surface side includes a first reflective surface for redirecting the light toward the lens group.

Images