Lens and sensor rotation for optical image stabilization

Abstract

The invention relates to lens and sensor rotation for optical image stabilization. Various embodiments include a camera system having an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group with an image sensor to provide optical image stabilization (OIS). For example, the actuator arrangement can be used to rotate the lens group and the image sensor in pairs about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera system to achieve OIS. According to various embodiments, the actuator arrangement can also be configured to move the lens group or the image sensor to provide auto focus (AF). For example, the actuator arrangement can be used to move the lens group or the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis to achieve AF. Further, the camera system can include a suspension arrangement configured to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and to allow movement effected by the actuator arrangement.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Priority application

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 578,642, filed on August 24, 2023, entitled “Lens and Sensor Rotation for Optical Image Stabilization,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a camera including an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor to provide optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0004] Related technical description

[0005] 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 object focus 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figures 1A to 1C Views of corresponding example camera systems are illustrated that include an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor together to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) and for shifting the lens group or the image sensor to provide auto focus (AF) according to various embodiments. Figure 1A An example camera system is shown where the actuator arrangement includes an internal AF module (lens shift) and an external OIS module, each with its respective set of actuator components. Figure 1B Another example camera system is shown in which an actuator arrangement has an integrated architecture implementing OIS and lens-shift AF. Figure 1C Yet another example camera system is shown in which an actuator arrangement has an integrated architecture implementing OIS and sensor-shift AF.

[0007] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CIllustrated is a diagram of an example camera system including an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor to provide OIS, according to some embodiments. Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of the camera system is shown. Figure 2B An exploded side cross-sectional view of the camera system is shown. Figure 2C A perspective partial cross-sectional view of a camera system is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an example magnetic preload arrangement for a camera system is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of an example actuator arrangement for a camera system is shown according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of an example ball bearing suspension arrangement for a camera system according to some embodiments is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of operating a camera system having an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor to provide OIS in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an example environment including an apparatus that may include a camera system with an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor to provide OIS is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of an example environment including a computer system that may include a camera system with an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor to provide OIS is illustrated according to some embodiments.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.).

[0016] "Configured to", various units, circuits or other components may be described or described as "configured to" perform one or more tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is used to imply a structure (e.g., a circuit) that performs the one or more tasks during operation by indicating that the unit / circuit / component includes the structure. In this way, the unit / circuit / component is said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit / circuit / component is currently inoperable (e.g., not turned on). The units / circuits / components used with the "configured to" language include hardware-such as circuits, memories storing executable program instructions to implement operations, etc. Reference to a unit / circuit / component "configured to" perform one or more tasks is explicitly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112 (f) for the unit / circuit / component. In addition, "configured to" may include a general structure (e.g., a general circuit) manipulated by software and / or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general processor executing software) to operate in a manner capable of performing one or more tasks to be solved. "Configured to" may also include adapting a manufacturing process (eg, a semiconductor fabrication facility) to produce a device (eg, an integrated circuit) suitable for implementing or performing one or more tasks.

[0017] "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.

[0018] "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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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

[0022] Various embodiments include a camera system having an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group with an image sensor to provide optical image stabilization (OIS). In various embodiments, the actuator arrangement may also be configured to move the lens group or the image sensor to provide auto focus (AF). In addition, the camera system may include a suspension arrangement configured to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement achieved by the actuator arrangement.

[0023] For example, a multi-camera system may be used in a smartphone form factor to allow a wider range of possible image capture. Each module may be given a different zoom ratio, for example, including a field of view (FOV) ranging from telephoto to wide or ultra-wide angle. In contrast to the camera system disclosed herein, various other camera system designs may have OIS and AF mechanisms that must be adapted to suit the functional requirements of each individual module. A challenge with such OIS mechanisms on certain modules (e.g., an ultra-wide angle module with a small focal length) is the distortion that occurs within the linear travel.

[0024] To correct the aforementioned distortion problem, the camera system disclosed herein can be configured to rotate the lens group and the image sensor in pairs to achieve a large compensation angle OIS with improved image quality (relative to those other camera systems that use linear travel to achieve OIS). According to various embodiments, the camera system disclosed herein includes a design architecture that includes an actuator arrangement (e.g., a three-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) actuator arrangement), a suspension arrangement (e.g., a ball bearing suspension arrangement), and / or a dynamic flex circuit.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the actuator arrangement may include one or more actuators configured to rotate the lens group and the image sensor (e.g., together, in lockstep) about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera system, for example to achieve OIS. In addition, the actuator may be configured to shift the lens group or the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis, for example to achieve AF. In some embodiments, to achieve AF, the actuator may shift the lens group relative to the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis. In other embodiments, to achieve AF, the actuator may shift the image sensor relative to the lens group in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0026] In various embodiments, the actuator may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators. The VCM actuator may include a drive magnet and a drive coil. In some embodiments, the respective drive coil may be positioned proximate to the respective drive magnet, for example, such that the respective drive coil can electromagnetically interact with the respective drive magnet when driven with an electric current. The Lorentz force generated by the electromagnetic interaction may be used to move the lens group and / or image sensor to achieve OIS and / or AF as described herein.

[0027] The suspension arrangement may include a first movable component coupled to the lens group and a second movable component coupled to the image sensor.The suspension arrangement may be configured to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement (of the lens group and / or the image sensor) by an actuator.

[0028] In various embodiments, the suspension arrangement may include a ball bearing suspension arrangement. The ball bearing suspension arrangement may include multiple stages that move on ball bearings to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement achieved by the VCM actuator. For example, the multiple stages of the ball bearing suspension arrangement may include an Rx OIS stage, a Ry OIS stage, and / or an AF stage. The lens group may be fixedly coupled to the Rx OIS stage. The image sensor may be fixedly coupled to the AF stage.

[0029] The Rx OIS stage may be capable of pivoting on a first set of ball bearings disposed between the Rx OIS stage and the Ry OIS stage, for example, so as to rotate the Rx OIS stage (and the lens group coupled thereto) together with the AF stage (and the image sensor coupled thereto) about a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis. The Ry OIS stage may be capable of pivoting on a second set of ball bearings disposed between the Ry OIS stage and a base structure of the camera system, for example, so as to rotate the Ry OIS stage together with the Rx OIS stage (and the lens group coupled thereto) and the AF stage (and the image sensor coupled thereto) relative to the base structure about a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first axis. In this way, the Rx OIS stage and the Ry OIS stage may be used to rotate the lens group and the image sensor together (in pairs) about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis to provide OIS.

[0030] The AF stage may be movable on a third set of ball bearings disposed between the AF stage and the Rx OIS stage, for example, to displace the AF stage (and the image sensor coupled thereto) relative to the Rx OIS stage (and the lens group coupled thereto) in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis. In this way, the AF stage may be used to displace the image sensor relative to the lens group to provide AF.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the drive magnet may include an Rx OIS magnet, a Ry OIS magnet, and an AF magnet. The Rx OIS magnet and the Ry OIS magnet may be fixedly coupled to the Rx OIS stage, for example, at different sides of the Rx OIS stage (and / or camera system). The AF magnet may be fixedly coupled to the AF stage, for example, at a different side from each of the Rx OIS magnet and the Ry OIS magnet.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the drive coil may be a fixed drive coil coupled to the base structure. For example, the drive coil may include an Rx OIS coil, a Ry OIS coil, and an AF coil. The Rx OIS coil may be fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned close to the Rx OIS magnet. The Ry OIS coil may be fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned close to the Ry OIS magnet. The AF coil may be fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned close to the AF magnet. In some embodiments, the camera system may also include a drive flexible circuit surrounding at least a portion of the base structure. The drive coil may be coupled to the drive flexible circuit, for example, so that the drive coil is coupled to the base structure via the drive flexible circuit.

[0033] In some embodiments, a camera system may include a dynamic flex circuit, which may have, for example, a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion of the dynamic flex circuit may be coupled to one or more stationary components of the camera system (e.g., a shield can of the camera system). The second portion of the dynamic flex circuit may be coupled to an image sensor. The third portion of the dynamic flex circuit may extend from the first portion to the second portion. The dynamic flex circuit may be configured to transmit electrical signals between the first portion (coupled to the stationary component) and the second portion (coupled to the image sensor) via the third portion. According to various embodiments, the third portion of the dynamic flex circuit may have sufficient service loops to allow movement of the image sensor by the VCM actuator.

[0034] The design architecture of the camera system disclosed herein can achieve an OIS solution for short focal length optical designs in an overall smaller package size. The design architecture can be extended to larger travel / compensation angles. In addition, as indicated herein, the design architecture can have strong interference rejection due to the center of action matching and high bearing preload. As previously indicated, the design architecture can include a sensor shift design that can minimize lens translation. In addition, the design architecture can include an integrated module design that enables compact sizing in multiple dimensions.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Figures 1A to 1C Views of respective example camera systems 100a to 100c are illustrated according to various embodiments, the camera systems including an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor together to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) and for shifting the lens group or the image sensor to provide auto focus (AF). Figure 1A An example camera system 100a is shown in which an actuator arrangement includes an internal lens-shift AF module and an external OIS module, each with its respective set of actuator components. Figure 1B Another example camera system 100b is shown in which an actuator arrangement has an integrated architecture implementing OIS and lens-shift AF. Figure 1CYet another example camera system 100c is shown in which an actuator arrangement has an integrated architecture implementing OIS and sensor-shift AF.

[0037] According to various embodiments, Figure 1A The camera system 100a in may include a lens group 102a, an image sensor 104a, an internal lens shift AF module 106a, and an external OIS module 108a. In some embodiments, the internal lens shift AF module 106a may include an internal shield 110a that houses and / or at least partially encloses the internal AF actuator and other camera components. In some embodiments, the external OIS module 108a may include an external shield 112a that houses and / or at least partially encloses the external OIS actuator and other camera components (e.g., including the internal lens shift AF module 106a). Figure 1A As indicated, the internal lens-shift AF module 106a and the external OIS module 108a may each have their respective sets of actuator components - the internal lens-shift AF module 106a having an internal AF actuator, and the external OIS module 108a having an external OIS actuator.

[0038] In some embodiments, the internal lens shift AF module 106a may include an internal AF actuator, a first carrier 114a, and a second carrier 116a. The AF actuator may include one or more AF coils 118a and one or more AF magnets 120a. According to some embodiments, the AF coils 118a and the image sensor 104a may be fixedly coupled to the first carrier 114a, for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A AF magnet 120a and lens group 102a may be fixedly coupled to second carrier 116a, for example, as Figure 1A However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the AF magnet 120a can be fixedly coupled to the first carrier 114a, and the AF coil 118a can be fixedly coupled to the second carrier 116a. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first carrier 114a can be fixedly coupled to the inner shield 110a. For example, the first carrier 114a can be attached to the inner surface of the inner shield 110a.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the respective AF coils 118a can be positioned proximate to the respective AF magnets 120a such that the respective AF coils 118a can electromagnetically interact with the respective AF magnets 120a when driven with an electric current to implement a lens-shift AF motion. For example, the lens-shift AF motion can include movement of the second carrier 116a (and the lens group 102a coupled thereto) relative to the first carrier 114a (and the image sensor 104a coupled thereto) in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis 122a of the camera system 100a. Figure 1A, an example direction of lens-shift AF motion is indicated by double arrow 124a.

[0040] In some embodiments, the external OIS module 108a may include an external OIS actuator, a base structure 126a, and / or a third carrier (e.g., an internal shield 110a). The OIS actuator may include one or more OIS coils 128a and one or more OIS magnets 130a. According to some embodiments, the OIS coil 128a may be fixedly coupled to the base structure 126a, for example, Figure 1A The OIS magnet 130a may be fixedly coupled to the inner shield 110a, for example, as Figure 1A However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the OIS magnet 130a can be fixedly coupled with the base structure 126a, and the OIS coil 128a can be fixedly coupled with the inner shield 110a.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the corresponding OIS coil 128a can be positioned proximate to the corresponding OIS magnet 130a so that the corresponding OIS coil 128a can electromagnetically interact with the corresponding OIS magnet 130a when driven with an electric current to achieve OIS movement. As previously described, in order to achieve OIS movement, the lens group 102a and the image sensor 104a are rotated in pairs. In various embodiments, the OIS movement may include rotation of the internal shielding cover 110a (and the internal lens shift AF module 106a, including rotation of the lens group 102a together with the image sensor 104a) relative to the base structure 126a around multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis 122a. For example, the internal shielding cover 110a can rotate relative to the base structure 126a around a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis 122a. In addition, the internal shielding cover 110a can rotate relative to the base structure 126a around a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis 122a and the first axis. In Figure 1A , arrows 132 and 134 are intended to generally represent rotational motion about each of two orthogonal axes, such as a first axis and a second axis.

[0042] In some embodiments, the camera system 100a may include a sensor package fixedly coupled to the first carrier 114a. For example, the sensor package may include an image sensor 104a, a substrate 136a, and / or an optical filter 138a (e.g., an infrared cut filter (IRCF)). Figure 1AAs indicated, image sensor 104a can be attached to substrate 136a, and substrate 136a can be attached to first carrier 114a. In some embodiments, optical filter 138a can also be attached to substrate 136a. Optical filter 138a can be positioned above image sensor 104a such that light passes through optical filter 138a before reaching image sensor 104a.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the camera system 100a may include one or more flexible circuits (e.g., including flexible circuit 140a), which may be used to route / transmit electrical signals between components of the camera system 100a. Such electrical signals may include, for example, image signals, power signals, and / or drive signals, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical signals may be transmitted between one or more stationary components (e.g., external components outside the camera system 100a) and the image sensor 104a via the flexible circuit 140a. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit may also be used to transmit the electrical signals to the drive coils (e.g., the AF coil 118a and the OIS coil 128a).

[0044] According to various embodiments, Figure 1B The camera system 100b in FIG. 1 may include a lens group 102b, an image sensor 104b, and an actuator arrangement having an integrated architecture for implementing OIS and lens-shift AF. As will be discussed in further detail herein, for example, Figure 1A Compared to the dual module architecture of the actuator arrangement of camera system 100a in FIG. 1 , the integrated architecture of the actuator arrangement of camera system 100b may enable size reduction in multiple dimensions.

[0045] In some embodiments, the actuator arrangement of the camera system 100b may include one or more AF coils 106b, one or more OIS coils 108b, and one or more magnets (e.g., a shared magnet 110b, such as Figure 1B ). The shared magnets 110b may be considered "shared" in various embodiments because these shared magnets may be used for both AF and OIS. For example, the shared magnets 110b may electromagnetically interact with the AF coils 106b to enable AF. Additionally, the shared magnets 110b may electromagnetically interact with the OIS coils 108b to enable OIS.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the camera system 100b may include a first carrier 112b, a second carrier 114b, and a base structure 116b. The lens group 102b and the AF coil 106b may be fixedly coupled to the first carrier 112b, for example, as Figure 1B The image sensor 104b and the shared magnet 110b may be fixedly coupled to the second carrier 114b, for example, as Figure 1B The OIS coil 108b may be fixedly coupled to the base structure 116b, e.g. Figure 1B As indicated.

[0047] In various embodiments, the respective AF coils 106b can be positioned proximate to the respective shared magnets 110b such that the respective AF coils 106b can electromagnetically interact with the respective shared magnets 110b when driven with an electric current to effect a lens-shift AF motion. For example, the lens-shift AF motion can include movement of the first carrier 112b (and the lens group 102b coupled thereto) relative to the second carrier 114b (and the image sensor 104b coupled thereto) in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis 118b of the camera system 100b. Figure 1B , an example direction of lens-shift AF motion is indicated by double arrow 120b.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the corresponding OIS coil 108b can be positioned close to the corresponding shared magnet 110b so that the corresponding OIS coil 108b can electromagnetically interact with the corresponding OIS coil 108b when driven with an electric current to achieve OIS movement. As previously described, in order to achieve OIS movement, the lens group 102b and the image sensor 104b are rotated in pairs. In various embodiments, the OIS movement may include the first carrier 112b (and the lens group 102b coupled thereto) and the second carrier 114b (and the image sensor 104b coupled thereto) rotating relative to the base structure 116b around multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis 118b. For example, the first carrier 112b and the second carrier 114b can rotate relative to the base structure 116b around a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis 118b. In addition, the first carrier 112b and the second carrier 114b can rotate relative to the base structure 116b around a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis 118b and the first axis. In Figure 1B , arrows 120b and 122b are intended to generally represent rotational motion about each of two orthogonal axes, such as a first axis and a second axis.

[0049] In some embodiments, the camera system 100b may include a sensor package fixedly coupled to the second carrier 114b. For example, the sensor package may include an image sensor 104b, a substrate 124b, and / or an optical filter 126b (e.g., an infrared cut filter (IRCF)). Figure 1BAs indicated, image sensor 104b can be attached to substrate 124b, and substrate 124b can be attached to second carrier 114b. In some embodiments, optical filter 126b can also be attached to substrate 124b. Optical filter 126b can be positioned above image sensor 104b such that light passes through optical filter 126b before reaching image sensor 104b.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the camera system 100b may include one or more flexible circuits (e.g., including flexible circuit 128b), which may be used to route / transmit electrical signals between components of the camera system 100b. Such electrical signals may include, for example, image signals, power signals, and / or drive signals, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical signals may be transmitted between one or more stationary components (e.g., external components outside the camera system 100b) and the image sensor 104b via the flexible circuit 128b. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit may also be used to transmit electrical signals to drive coils (e.g., AF coil 106b and OIS coil 108b).

[0051] In various embodiments, the camera system 100b may include a shield 130b. The shield 130b may enclose at least a portion of the camera system 100b. For example, Figure 1B As indicated, in some implementations, shield 130b can be configured to enclose an upper portion of camera system 100b.

[0052] and Figure 1A Compared to the dual module architecture of the actuator arrangement of the camera system 100a, Figure 1B The integrated architecture of the actuator arrangement of the camera system 100b in FIG. 1 can enable size reduction in multiple dimensions. For example, taking a Cartesian coordinate system, where the optical axis is the Z axis and the plane orthogonal to the optical axis is the XY plane. As described herein, the dual module architecture of the camera 100a includes certain components and / or includes components arranged relative to Figure 1B The integrated architecture of the camera system 100b in FIG. 1 may include components that consume more space in the X dimension, the Y dimension, and / or the Z dimension.

[0053] For example, Figure 1A The dual-module architecture of camera 100a in FIG. 4 has two separate sets of actuator components—one set for AF motion and another set for OIS motion—with each set located within a respective module at least partially enclosed by a respective shield. Figure 1A The dual module architecture of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 includes redundant packaging of the flexible circuit and the internal shield. Figure 1BThe integrated architecture of camera system 100b in does not include such redundant packaging, which may allow for size reduction relative to a dual architecture.

[0054] As mentioned earlier, Figure 1A The camera system 100a in the embodiment includes an internal shield 110a that accommodates and / or at least partially encloses an internal AF actuator, and also includes an external shield 112a that accommodates and / or at least partially encloses an external OIS actuator. On the other hand, Figure 1B The integrated architecture of the camera system 100b in may not include a similar Figure 1A The internal shield used in the dual module architecture of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 may enable a reduction in size in the X dimension and / or the Y dimension. Figure 1B Compared to the space consumed by the flexible circuit 128b of the camera system 100b, Figure 1A The flexible circuit 140a of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 may also consume more space in the X dimension, the Y dimension, and / or the Z dimension.

[0055] In addition, Figure 1B In the integrated architecture of the camera system 100b in FIG. 1 , one or more components for implementing AF may also be used to implement OIS in some embodiments. Figure 1A In the dual module architecture of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 , the components for implementing AF are separated from the components for implementing OIS. Additionally or alternatively, in Figure 1B In the integrated architecture of the camera system 100b in FIG. 1 , one or more components for implementing AF may be mounted on the same component (e.g., the same carrier / movable component, base structure, etc.), while in Figure 1A In the dual architecture of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 , the components for implementing AF are mounted on a different component from the components for implementing OIS. Figure 1A Compared with the dual module architecture of the camera system 100a in Figure 1B Using an overlapping / integrated approach of actuator components in the integrated architecture of the camera system 100b in FIG. 1 may allow for space savings in the X dimension, the Y dimension, and / or the Z dimension.

[0056] According to various embodiments, Figure 1C The camera system 100c in FIG. 1 may include a lens group 102c and an image sensor 104c, as well as an actuator arrangement having an integrated architecture for implementing OIS and sensor-shift AF. As will be discussed in further detail herein, for example, Figure 1A Compared to the dual module architecture of the actuator arrangement of camera system 100a in FIG. 1 , the integrated architecture of the actuator arrangement of camera system 100c may enable size reduction in multiple dimensions.

[0057] In some embodiments, the actuator arrangement of the camera system 100c may include one or more AF coils 106c, one or more OIS coils 108c, and one or more magnets (e.g., a shared magnet 110c, such as Figure 1C ). The shared magnets 110c may be considered "shared" in various embodiments because these shared magnets may be used for both AF and OIS. For example, the shared magnets 110c may electromagnetically interact with the AF coils 106c to enable AF. Additionally, the shared magnets 110c may electromagnetically interact with the OIS coils 108c to enable OIS.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the camera system 100c may include a first carrier 112c, a second carrier 114c, and a base structure 116c. The image sensor 104c and the AF coil 106c may be fixedly coupled to the first carrier 112c, for example, as Figure 1C The lens group 102c and the shared magnet 110c may be fixedly coupled to a second carrier 114c, for example, as Figure 1C The OIS coil 108c may be fixedly coupled to the base structure 116c, e.g. Figure 1C As indicated.

[0059] In various embodiments, the respective AF coils 106c can be positioned proximate to the respective shared magnets 110c such that the respective AF coils 106c can electromagnetically interact with the respective shared magnets 110c when driven with an electric current to effectuate a sensor-shift AF motion. For example, the sensor-shift AF motion can include movement of the first carrier 112c (and the image sensor 104c coupled thereto) relative to the second carrier 114c (and the lens group 102c coupled thereto) in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis 118c of the camera system 100c. Figure 1C , an example direction of sensor-shift AF motion is indicated by double arrow 120c.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the corresponding OIS coil 108c can be positioned close to the corresponding shared magnet 110c so that the corresponding OIS coil 108c can electromagnetically interact with the corresponding OIS coil 108c when driven with an electric current to achieve OIS movement. As previously described, in order to achieve OIS movement, the lens group 102c and the image sensor 104c are rotated in pairs. In various embodiments, the OIS movement may include the first carrier 112c (and the image sensor 104c coupled thereto) and the second carrier 114c (and the lens group 102c coupled thereto) rotating relative to the base structure 116c around multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis 118c. For example, the first carrier 112c and the second carrier 114c can rotate relative to the base structure 116c around a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis 118c. In addition, the first carrier 112c and the second carrier 114c can rotate relative to the base structure 116c around a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis 118c and the first axis. In Figure 1C , arrows 120c and 122c are intended to generally represent rotational motion about each of two orthogonal axes, such as a first axis and a second axis.

[0061] In some embodiments, the camera system 100c may include a sensor package fixedly coupled to the first carrier 112c. For example, the sensor package may include an image sensor 104c, a substrate 124c, and / or an optical filter 126c (e.g., an infrared cut filter (IRCF)). Figure 1C As indicated, image sensor 104c can be attached to substrate 124c, and substrate 124c can be attached to first carrier 112c. In some embodiments, optical filter 126c can also be attached to substrate 124c. Optical filter 126c can be positioned above image sensor 104c such that light passes through optical filter 126c before reaching image sensor 104c.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the camera system 100c may include one or more flexible circuits (e.g., including flexible circuit 128c), which may be used to route / transmit electrical signals between components of the camera system 100c. Such electrical signals may include, for example, image signals, power signals, and / or drive signals, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical signals may be transmitted between one or more stationary components (e.g., external components outside the camera system 100c) and the image sensor 104c via the flexible circuit 128c. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit may also be used to transmit electrical signals to drive coils (e.g., AF coil 106c and OIS coil 108c).

[0063] In various embodiments, the camera system 100c may include a shield 130c. The shield 130c may enclose at least a portion of the camera system 100c. For example, Figure 1C As indicated, in some implementations, shield 130c can be configured to enclose an upper portion of camera system 100c.

[0064] and Figure 1A Compared to the dual module architecture of the actuator arrangement of the camera system 100a, Figure 1C The integrated architecture of the actuator arrangement of the camera system 100c in FIG. 1 may enable size reduction in multiple dimensions. As described herein, the dual module architecture of the camera 100a includes certain components and / or includes components that are arranged relative to each other. Figure 1C The integrated architecture of the camera system 100c in FIG. 1 may include components that consume more space in the X dimension, the Y dimension, and / or the Z dimension.

[0065] For example, Figure 1A The dual-module architecture of camera 100a in FIG. 4 has two separate sets of actuator components—one set for AF motion and another set for OIS motion—with each set located within a respective module at least partially enclosed by a respective shield. Figure 1A The dual module architecture of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 includes redundant packaging of the flexible circuit and the internal shield. Figure 1C The integrated architecture of camera system 100c in does not include such redundant packaging, which may allow for size reduction relative to a dual architecture.

[0066] As mentioned earlier, Figure 1A The camera system 100a in the embodiment includes an internal shield 110a that accommodates and / or at least partially encloses an internal AF actuator, and also includes an external shield 112a that accommodates and / or at least partially encloses an external OIS actuator. On the other hand, Figure 1C The integrated architecture of the camera system 100c in FIG. 1 may not include a configuration similar to Figure 1A The internal shield used in the dual module architecture of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 may enable a reduction in size in the X dimension and / or the Y dimension. Figure 1C Compared to the space consumed by the flexible circuit 128c of the camera system 100c, Figure 1A The flexible circuit 140a of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 may also consume more space in the X dimension, the Y dimension, and / or the Z dimension.

[0067] In addition, Figure 1C In the integrated architecture of the camera system 100c in FIG. 1 , one or more components for implementing AF may also be used to implement OIS in some embodiments. Figure 1AIn the dual module architecture of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 , the components for implementing AF are separated from the components for implementing OIS. Additionally or alternatively, in Figure 1C In the integrated architecture of the camera system 100c in FIG. 1 , one or more components for implementing AF may be mounted on the same component (eg, the same carrier / movable component, base structure, etc.), while in FIG. Figure 1A In the dual architecture of the camera system 100a in FIG. 1 , the components for implementing AF are mounted on a different component from the components for implementing OIS. Figure 1A Compared with the dual module architecture of the camera system 100a in Figure 1C Using an overlapping / integrated approach of actuator components in the integrated architecture of the camera system 100c in FIG. 1 may allow for space savings in the X dimension, the Y dimension, and / or the Z dimension.

[0068] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A diagram of an example camera system 200 is illustrated that includes an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group 202 and an image sensor 204 to provide OIS, according to some embodiments. Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of camera system 200 is shown. Figure 2B An exploded side cross-sectional view of camera system 200 is shown. Figure 2C A perspective partial cross-sectional view of camera system 200 is shown.

[0069] In various embodiments, camera system 200 may include lens group 202, image sensor 204, one or more actuators (e.g., voice coil motor (VCM) actuators), and / or suspension arrangements (e.g., ball bearing suspension arrangements). As will be discussed in more detail herein, the actuators may include an actuator arrangement for rotating lens group 202 with image sensor 204 to provide OIS. Additionally, the actuators may include an actuator arrangement for shifting image sensor 204 relative to lens group 202 to provide autofocus (AF).

[0070] According to various embodiments, lens group 202 may include one or more lens elements. The lens elements may define an optical axis (e.g., Figure 1A The optical axis 122a in Figure 1B The optical axis 118b and / or Figure 1C Additionally or alternatively, image sensor 204 can define an optical axis of camera system 200. For example, the optical axis can be an axis orthogonal to a light receiving surface of image sensor 204. In some embodiments, lens group 202 can be contained within a lens holder 206 (e.g., a lens barrel), such as Figure 2A As indicated.

[0071] As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the actuator may include a VCM actuator. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The VCM actuator shown in may include a drive magnet 208 (e.g., one or more OIS drive magnets and / or one or more AF drive magnets) and a drive coil 210 (e.g., one or more OIS drive coils and / or one or more AF drive coils). In some embodiments, the OIS drive magnet may include a first drive magnet 208a (also referred to herein as an "Rx magnet") and a second drive magnet 208b (also referred to herein as an "Ry magnet"). The AF drive magnet may include an AF drive magnet 208c. According to some embodiments, the OIS drive coil may include a first drive coil 210a (also referred to herein as an "Rx coil") and a second drive coil 210b (also referred to herein as an "Ry coil"). The AF drive coil may include an AF drive coil 210c.

[0072] In some embodiments, the respective drive coils 210 may be positioned proximate to the respective drive magnets 208, such that the respective drive coils 210, when driven with an electric current, can electromagnetically interact with the respective drive magnets 208 to achieve OIS motion and / or AF motion. Figure 2A As indicated, the Rx coil 210a may be located proximate to the Rx magnet 208a. The Ry coil 210b may be located proximate to the Ry magnet 208b. The AF coil 210c may be located proximate to the AF magnet 208c.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the suspension arrangement can be configured to suspend the lens group 202 and the image sensor 204. In addition, the suspension arrangement can be configured to allow movement (e.g., OIS movement and / or AF movement as described herein) achieved by the actuator. As previously described, in some embodiments, the suspension arrangement can include a ball bearing suspension arrangement. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C The ball bearing suspension arrangement shown in can include multiple stages that move on ball bearings. As will be discussed in more detail herein, these stages can include a first movable component coupled to lens group 202 and a second movable component coupled to image sensor 204. In various embodiments, the first movable component and the second movable component can be additionally or alternatively referred to as "carriers."

[0074] In some embodiments, the multiple stages of the ball bearing suspension arrangement may include a first OIS stage 212 (also referred to herein as an "Rx OIS stage"), a second OIS stage 214 (also referred to herein as an "Ry OIS stage"), and an AF stage 216. In addition, the camera system 200 and / or the ball bearing suspension arrangement may include a base structure 218. Figure 2A As indicated, lens group 202 may be fixedly coupled with Rx OIS stage 212 , and image sensor 204 may be fixedly coupled with AF stage 216 .

[0075] The Rx OIS stage 212 may be capable of being disposed between the Rx OIS stage 212 and the Ry OIS stage 214 in a first set of ball bearings 220 (see Figure 2B ), for example, so that the Rx OIS stage 212 and the Ry OIS stage 214 pivot together about a first axis (eg, Figure 5 The Ry OIS stage 214 may be capable of pivoting on a second set of ball bearings 222 disposed between the Ry OIS stage 214 and the base structure 218, for example, so that the Ry OIS stage 214, together with the Rx OIS stage 212 and the AF stage 216, pivots about a second axis (e.g., Figure 5 The AF stage 216 may be configured to rotate relative to the base structure 218 by means of an axis 522 in the AF stage 216. The AF stage 216 may be capable of moving on a third set of ball bearings 224 disposed between the AF stage 216 and the Rx OIS stage 212, for example, so as to displace the AF stage 216 relative to the Rx OIS stage 212 in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0076] According to some embodiments, the Rx coil 210a, the Ry coil 210b, and the AF coil 210c may be fixedly coupled to the base structure 218, e.g., as Figure 2A Indicated. According to some embodiments, the camera system 200 may include a drive flexible circuit 226 to which the drive coil 210 may be attached or otherwise fixedly coupled. A driver (not shown) for driving the drive coil 210 may also be coupled to the drive flexible circuit 226. In some embodiments, the drive flexible circuit 226 may be folded, for example so that it can wrap around at least a portion of the base structure 218. For example, in some embodiments, the drive flexible circuit 226 may include a first portion 226a, a second portion 226b, and a third portion 226c. The drive flexible circuit 226 may include a fold between the first portion 226a and the second portion 226b and another fold between the first portion 226a and the third portion 226c. Therefore, in some embodiments, the drive flexible circuit 226 may be generally U-shaped.

[0077] In some embodiments, the Rx coil 210a can be disposed at a first side of the base structure 218. For example, the Rx coil 210a can be coupled to the driving flex circuit 226 at the first portion 226a, e.g., as Figure 2A, and the first portion 226a can be positioned adjacent to the first side of the base structure 218. According to some embodiments, the first side of the base structure 218 can define a first aperture 228a at which the Rx coil 210a can be received, for example, to expose the Rx coil 210a to the interior of the base structure 218.

[0078] In some embodiments, the Ry coil 210b can be disposed at a second side of the base structure 218. For example, the Ry coil 210b can be coupled to the drive flex circuit 226 at the second portion 226b, e.g. Figure 2A , and the second portion 226b can be positioned adjacent to the second side of the base structure 218. According to some embodiments, the second side of the base structure 218 can define a second aperture 228b at which the Ry coil 210b can be received, for example, to expose the Ry coil 210b to the interior of the base structure 218.

[0079] In some embodiments, the AF coil 210c can be disposed at a third side of the base structure 218. The third side can be opposite to the first side relative to the lens group 202. According to some embodiments, the AF coil 210c can be coupled to the driving flexible circuit 226 at the third portion 226c, for example, as Figure 2A , and the third portion 226c can be positioned adjacent to the third side of the base structure 218. According to some embodiments, the third side of the base structure 218 can define a third aperture 228c at which the AF coil 210c can be received, for example, to expose the AF coil 210c to the interior of the base structure 218.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the Rx magnet 208a and the Ry magnet 208b can be fixedly coupled with the Rx OIS stage 212. For example, the Rx magnet 208a can be fixedly coupled with the Rx OIS stage 212 at a first side (e.g., in some embodiments, substantially corresponding to a first side of the camera system 200 and / or a first side facing the base structure 218) of the Rx OIS stage 212. The Ry magnet 208b can be fixedly coupled with the Rx OIS stage 212 at a second side (e.g., in some embodiments, substantially corresponding to a second side of the camera system 200 and / or a second side facing the base structure 218) of the Rx OIS stage 212.

[0081] In some embodiments, the AF magnet 208c can be fixedly coupled with the AF stage 216. For example, in some embodiments, the AF magnet 208c can be fixedly coupled with the AF stage 216 at a side of the AF stage 216 that generally corresponds to the third side of the camera system 200 and / or faces the third side of the base structure 218.

[0082] In some embodiments, Figure 2B Compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the Rx OIS stage 212 and the AF stage 216 can each be mirror-inverted across their center lines. For example, the Ry magnet 208b and the AF magnet 208c are on opposite sides of the camera module 200. In the mirror-inverted embodiment, Figure 2B Compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the relative positions of the Ry magnet 208b and the AF magnet 208c are reversed. In this mirror-flipped embodiment, the positions of the Ry coil 210b and the AF coil 210c will also be the same. Figure 2A Given the position of the dynamic flex circuit 244, a mirror-flipped implementation may allow space for a larger AF magnet 208c without increasing the overall size of the camera module 200.

[0083] According to various embodiments, to achieve OIS motion, the camera system 200 can be configured to drive the Rx coil 210a and / or the Ry coil 210b with current. When driven with current, the Rx coil 210a can electromagnetically interact with the Rx magnet 208a to generate a Lorentz force that causes the Rx OIS stage 212 (and the lens group 202 coupled thereto) and the AF stage 216 (and the image sensor 204 coupled thereto) to move together around a first axis (e.g., Figure 5 When driven with an electric current, the Ry coil 210b can electromagnetically interact with the Ry magnet 208b to generate a Lorentz force that causes the Ry OIS stage 214 and the Rx OIS stage 212 (and the lens group 202 coupled thereto) to rotate with the AF stage 216 (and the image sensor 204 coupled thereto) about a second axis (e.g., Figure 5 The axis 522) rotates.

[0084] In some embodiments, the Rx coil 210a and the Ry coil 210b can be driven in the same direction to rotate the lens group 202 and the image sensor 204 around a first axis. In addition, the Rx coil 210a and the Ry coil 210b can be driven in different directions to rotate the lens group 202 and the image sensor 204 around a second axis.

[0085] According to various embodiments, to achieve AF motion, the camera system 200 can be configured to drive the AF coil 210c with an electric current. When driven with an electric current, the AF coil 210c can electromagnetically interact with the AF magnet 208c to generate a Lorentz force that causes the AF stage 216 (and the image sensor 204 coupled thereto) to shift / translate relative to the Rx OIS stage 212 (and the lens group 202 coupled thereto) in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0086] In some embodiments, the camera system 200 may include a position sensor 230 that can be used to detect the current position of one or more components of the camera system 200. The position sensor 230 may include an Rx position sensor 230a, an Ry position sensor 230b, and / or an AF position sensor 230c. According to some embodiments, one or more of the position sensors 230 may be surrounded by the drive coil 210. Figure 2A As indicated, for example, the Rx position sensor 230a may be surrounded by the Rx coil 210a. Additionally or alternatively, the Ry position sensor 230b may be surrounded by the Ry coil 210b. Additionally or alternatively, the AF position sensor 230c may be surrounded by the AF coil 210c. Figure 4 Aspects of the VCM actuator and position sensor 230 are discussed.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the camera system 200 may include a magnetic preload arrangement for preloading ball bearings in a ball bearing suspension arrangement. For example, the magnetic preload arrangement may include a first set of preload magnetic elements for preloading a first set of ball bearings 220, a second set of preload magnetic elements for preloading a second set of ball bearings 222, and / or a third set of preload magnetic elements for preloading a third set of ball bearings 224. As used herein, the term "preload magnetic element" may refer to a magnetic component (e.g., including a magnet) and / or a ferromagnetic component (e.g., a ferromagnetic plate).

[0088] The first set of preload magnetic elements may include a first magnetic element 232 and a second magnetic element 234. The first magnetic element 232 may be coupled to the Rx OIS stage 212. The second magnetic element 234 may be coupled to the Ry OIS stage 214. In addition, the second magnetic element 234 may be positioned proximate to the first magnetic element 232, such as to allow the first magnetic element 232 and the second magnetic element 234 to magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the Rx OIS stage 212 and the Ry OIS stage 214 to each other.

[0089] The second set of preload magnetic elements may include a third magnetic element 236 and a fourth magnetic element 238. The third magnetic element 236 may be coupled to the Ry OIS stage 214. The fourth magnetic element 238 may be coupled to the base structure 218. In addition, the fourth magnetic element 238 may be positioned proximate to the third magnetic element 236, e.g., such that the third magnetic element 236 and the fourth magnetic element 238 magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the Ry OIS stage 214 and the base structure 218 to each other.

[0090] The third set of preload magnetic elements may include a fifth magnetic element 240 and a sixth magnetic element 242. The fifth magnetic element 240 may be coupled to the Rx OIS stage 212. The sixth magnetic element 242 may be coupled to the AF stage 216. In addition, the sixth magnetic element 242 may be positioned proximate to the fifth magnetic element 240, e.g., such that the fifth magnetic element 240 and the sixth magnetic element 242 magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the Rx OIS stage 212 and the AF stage 216 to each other.

[0091] In some embodiments, the camera system 200 may include a dynamic flex circuit 244 that may be used to route / transmit electrical signals between components of the camera system 200. Such electrical signals may include, for example, image signals, power signals, and / or drive signals, etc. In some embodiments, electrical signals may be transmitted between one or more stationary components (e.g., external components external to the camera system 200) and the movable image sensor 204 via the dynamic flex circuit 244.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the dynamic flexible circuit 244 may generally include a first portion 244a, a second portion 244b, and / or a third portion 244c, e.g., Figure 2A . A first portion 244a of the dynamic flex circuit 244 may be coupled to one or more stationary components of the camera system 200. For example, the first portion 244a may be attached to a voice coil motor (VCM) shield 246. The VCM shield 246 may be configured to enclose at least a portion of the camera system 200 and / or the VCM actuator. A second portion 244b of the dynamic flex circuit 244 may be coupled to the image sensor 204 (and / or an image sensor package including the image sensor 204). A third portion 244c of the dynamic flex circuit 244 may extend from the first portion 244a to the second portion 244b. The third portion 244c may be configured to provide sufficient service loops and / or consistency to allow movement of the image sensor 204 enabled by the VCM actuator while being able to route / transmit electrical signals between the first portion 244a and the second portion 244b.

[0093] In some embodiments, the dynamic flex circuit 244 can be coupled to the drive flex circuit 226, for example directly (e.g., via a conductive bond), via a portion of the flex circuit (extending from the dynamic flex circuit 244 to the drive flex circuit 226), and / or indirectly via one or more conductive components of the camera system 200 suitable for routing electrical signals between the dynamic flex circuit 244 and the drive flex circuit 226.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the camera system 200 may include a shield 246 (e.g., a VCM shield 246) that encloses at least a portion of the camera system 200. In addition, in some embodiments, the VCM shield 246 may enclose at least a portion of a VCM actuator of the camera system 200, such as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B As indicated.

[0095] In some embodiments, the camera system 200 may include one or more endstops. Figure 2A As indicated, the camera system 200 may include a -Z stop 248 configured to provide a lowest position that the AF stage 216 can reach, for example, in a direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., in a downward direction, which may also be considered a "-Z" direction). In some embodiments, the -Z stop 248 may include a base portion 250 and / or one or more attachment portions 252. Figure 2A As indicated, the base portion 250 may include a stop surface (e.g., an uppermost surface of the base portion 250), a portion of which may engage the AF stage 216 at a predetermined lowest position to prevent the AF stage 216 from moving past the stop surface of the base portion 250 in the -Z direction. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 252 may include a protrusion (e.g., an upward protrusion) configured to attach to the Rx OIS stage 212. As a non-limiting example, Figure 2A The attachment portion 252 shown in FIG. 24 may define grooves and / or cutouts that may be used to clamp the −Z stop 248 to a corresponding clamping portion of the Rx OIS stage 212 .

[0096] Although Figure 2A indicates that the image sensor 204 is coupled to the AF stage 216, but Figure 2B to Figure 2C 254 and 264. Indicates example components that may be included in a sensor package coupled to AF stage 216. In various embodiments, the sensor package may include image sensor 204, substrate 254, and / or optical filter 256 (e.g., infrared cut filter (IRCF)). Figure 2B to Figure 2CAs indicated, image sensor 204 can be attached to substrate 254, and substrate 254 can be attached to AF stage 216. In some embodiments, optical filter 256 can also be attached to substrate 254. Optical filter 256 can be positioned above image sensor 204 such that light passes through optical filter 256 before reaching image sensor 204.

[0097] like Figure 2C As indicated, in some embodiments, the camera system 200 can include an upper shield 258. The upper shield 258 can enclose at least a portion of the camera system 200. For example, the upper shield 258 can be configured to surround at least a portion of the base structure 218. Additionally or alternatively, the upper shield 258 can enclose an upper portion of the camera system 200 and / or at least partially overlap the VCM shield 246, which in some embodiments can enclose a lower portion of the camera system 200.

[0098] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an example magnetic preloading arrangement 300 of a camera system (e.g., similar or identical to camera system 200 in FIG. 2 and / or one or more other camera systems disclosed herein, etc.) according to some embodiments is shown. In various embodiments, magnetic preloading arrangement 300 can include a first set of preloading magnetic elements 302, a second set of preloading magnetic elements 304, and / or a third set of preloading magnetic elements 306.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first set of preloaded magnetic elements 302 may include one or more first magnetic elements 308 (e.g., including first magnetic element 308a and / or first magnetic element 308b, etc.) and one or more second magnetic elements 310 (e.g., including second magnetic element 310a and / or second magnetic element 310b, etc.). The first magnetic element 308 may be coupled to the RxOIS stage 312. The second magnetic element 310 may be coupled to the Ry OIS stage 314.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the second set of preload magnetic elements 304 may include one or more third magnetic elements 316 (e.g., including third magnetic element 316a and / or third magnetic element 316b, etc.) and one or more fourth magnetic elements 318 (e.g., including fourth magnetic element 318a and / or fourth magnetic element 318b, etc.). The third magnetic element 316 may be coupled to the RyOIS stage 314. The fourth magnetic element 318 may be coupled to the base structure 320.

[0101] In some embodiments, the third set of preload magnetic elements 306 may include one or more fifth magnetic elements (e.g., fifth magnetic element 322) and one or more sixth magnetic elements 324 (e.g., sixth magnetic element 324a and / or sixth magnetic element 324b, etc.). The fifth magnetic element may be coupled to the Rx OIS stage 312. The sixth magnetic element may be coupled to the AF stage 326.

[0102] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of an example voice coil motor (VCM) actuator arrangement 400 of a camera system (e.g., similar or identical to camera system 200 in FIG. 2 and / or one or more other camera systems disclosed herein) according to some embodiments is shown. In various embodiments, VCM actuator arrangement 400 can include a first drive magnet-coil pair (e.g., Rx OIS drive magnet-coil pair 402), a second drive magnet-coil pair (e.g., Ry OIS drive magnet-coil pair 404), and / or a third drive magnet-coil pair (e.g., AF drive magnet-coil pair 406).

[0103] In some embodiments, the Rx OIS drive magnet-coil pair 402 may include a first OIS magnet 408a and a first OIS coil 410a positioned near each other. The Ry OIS drive magnet-coil pair 404 may include a second OIS magnet 408b and a second OIS coil 410b positioned near each other. The AF drive magnet-coil pair 406 may include an AF magnet 408c and an AF coil 410c positioned near each other.

[0104] According to some embodiments, the first OIS magnet 408a and the second OIS magnet 408b can be fixedly coupled with the Rx OIS stage 412. The AF OIS magnet 408c can be fixedly coupled with the AF stage 414. In some embodiments, the first OIS coil 410a, the second OIS coil 410b, and the AF coil 410c can be coupled with the base structure 416. For example, the first coil 410a, the second OIS coil 410b, and the AF coil 410c can be coupled with the drive flex circuit 418.

[0105] The first OIS coil 410a can be positioned proximate to the first OIS magnet 408a so that the first OIS coil 410a can electromagnetically interact with the first OIS magnet 408a when driven with an electric current to achieve Rx OIS motion and / or Ry OIS motion. The second OIS coil 410b can be positioned proximate to the second OIS magnet 408b so that the second OIS coil 410b can electromagnetically interact with the second OIS magnet 408b when driven with an electric current to achieve Rx OIS motion and / or Ry OIS motion. In various embodiments, the Rx OIS motion can include a lens group (e.g., lens group 202 in FIG. 2 and / or one or more other lens groups disclosed herein, etc.) and an image sensor (e.g., image sensor 204 in FIG. 2 and / or one or more other image sensors disclosed herein, etc.) together around a first axis (e.g., Figure 5 The Ry OIS motion may include rotation of the lens group with the image sensor about a second axis (e.g., Figure 5 Rotation of the axis 522 in the figure relative to the base structure 416.

[0106] As previously described, the camera system may include a ball bearing suspension arrangement, which in some embodiments may include an Rx OIS stage 412, an Ry OIS stage 420, and an AF stage 414. Figure 5 Various aspects of an example ball bearing suspension arrangement are discussed in further detail.

[0107] In various embodiments, the camera system may include one or more position sensors 422. For example, the position sensors 422 may include an Rx OIS position sensor 422a, a Ry OIS position sensor 422b, and / or an AF position sensor 422c. The Rx OIS position sensor 422a may be coupled to the drive flex circuit 418. In addition, in some embodiments, the Rx OIS position sensor 422a may be surrounded by the Rx OIS coil 410a. The Ry OIS position sensor 422b may be coupled to the drive flex circuit 418. In addition, in some embodiments, the Ry OIS position sensor 422b may be surrounded by the Ry OIS coil 410b. The Rx OIS position sensor 422a and / or the Ry OIS position sensor 422b may be used to determine the current position of one or more movable components (e.g., a lens group and / or an image sensor, etc.) relative to a rotation about a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis and / or relative to a rotation about a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0108] The AF position sensor 422c can be coupled to the drive flex circuit 418. In addition, in some embodiments, the AF position sensor 422c can be surrounded by the AF coil 410c. The AF position sensor 422c can be used to determine the current position of one or more movable components (e.g., image sensor) relative to at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0109] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of an example ball bearing suspension arrangement 500 of a camera system (e.g., similar or identical to camera system 200 in FIG. 2 and / or one or more other camera systems disclosed herein, etc.) according to some embodiments is shown. In various embodiments, the ball bearing suspension arrangement can include an Rx OIS stage 502, an Ry OIS stage 504, and / or an AF stage 506. Additionally, the ball bearing suspension arrangement 500 can include a first ball bearing arrangement 508, a second ball bearing arrangement 510, and / or a third ball bearing arrangement 512.

[0110] The first ball bearing arrangement 508 may include a first set of ball bearings 514. The first set of ball bearings 514 may include, for example, a first ball bearing 514a and / or a second ball bearing 514b, etc. The first set of ball bearings 514 may be disposed between the Rx OIS stage 502 and the Ry OIS stage 504. The Rx OIS stage 502 may be capable of pivoting on the first set of ball bearings 514 so as to rotate the Rx OIS stage 502 about a first axis 516 orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera system, for example, as Figure 5 Example ball bearing engagement locations where the first set of ball bearings 514 may engage the Rx OIS stage 502 and the Ry OIS stage 504 may be generally indicated by the endpoints of the vertical dashed line associated with the first ball bearing arrangement 508 .

[0111] The second ball bearing arrangement 510 may include a second set of ball bearings 518. The second set of ball bearings 518 may include, for example, a third ball bearing 518a and / or a fourth ball bearing 518b, etc. The second set of ball bearings 518 may be disposed between the Ry OIS stage 504 and a base structure 520 (which may also be considered part of the ball bearing suspension arrangement 500 in various embodiments). The Ry OIS stage 504 may be capable of pivoting on the second set of ball bearings 518 so as to rotate the Ry OIS stage 504 about a second axis 522 orthogonal to the optical axis, for example, as Figure 5 Example ball bearing engagement locations where the second set of ball bearings 518 may engage the Ry OIS stage 504 and the base structure 520 may be generally indicated by the endpoints of the vertical dashed line associated with the second ball bearing arrangement 510 .

[0112] The third ball bearing arrangement 512 may include a third set of ball bearings 524. The third set of ball bearings 524 may include, for example, a fifth ball bearing 524a and / or a sixth ball bearing 524b, etc. The third set of ball bearings 524 may be disposed between the AF stage 506 and the Rx OIS stage 502. The AF stage 506 may be movable on the third set of ball bearings 524 so as to displace / translate the AF stage 506 relative to the Rx OIS stage 502 in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis, for example, as Figure 5 An example ball bearing engagement location where the third set of ball bearings 524 may engage the AF stage 506 and the Rx OIS stage 502 may be generally indicated by the endpoint / end portion of the vertical dashed line associated with the third ball bearing arrangement 512 .

[0113] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 600 of operating a camera system having an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) in accordance with some embodiments.

[0114] At 602, method 600 may include determining a position of a lens group and / or an image sensor of a camera. For example, the position of the lens group and / or the image sensor may be determined based at least in part on output from one or more position sensors of the camera, for example, as also described herein with reference to Figure 2A and Figure 4 Discussed.

[0115] At 604, method 600 may include determining whether to trigger OIS movement. For example, the current position of the lens group and / or image sensor may be compared to a target tilt / OIS position of the image sensor. If the current position of the lens group and / or image sensor is different from the target tilt / OIS position, it may be determined that OIS movement is triggered. In some implementations, determining whether to trigger OIS movement may include determining whether the current position of the lens group and / or image sensor is within a threshold of the target tilt / OIS position.

[0116] At 606, method 600 may include determining whether to trigger a focus (e.g., AF) motion. For example, a current position of the lens group or image sensor may be compared to a target focus position of the lens group or image sensor. If the current position of the lens group or image sensor is different from the target focus position, it may be determined that an AF motion is triggered. In some implementations, determining whether to trigger an AF motion may include determining whether the current position of the lens group or image sensor is within a threshold of the target focus position.

[0117] If it is determined at 604 and / or 606 that OIS motion and / or AF motion is triggered, method 600 may include using one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators of the camera to move the lens group and / or image sensor of the camera (at 608). Moving the lens group and / or image sensor may include providing a current to at least one of the drive coils of the VCM actuator (e.g., via a controller). For example, if it is determined at 604 that OIS motion is triggered, method 600 may include rotating the lens group with the image sensor to achieve OIS (at 610), e.g., as described herein with reference to Figures 1A to 5 In some embodiments, implementing OIS may include providing a current to a first OIS coil (e.g., an Rx OIS coil) to rotate the lens group with the image sensor around a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera. Additionally or alternatively, implementing OIS may include providing a current to a second OIS coil (e.g., an Ry OIS coil) to rotate the lens group with the image sensor around a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0118] Additionally or alternatively, if it is determined at 606 that AF motion is triggered, method 600 may include shifting the lens group or image sensor to achieve AF (at 612), for example, as described herein with reference to Figures 1A to 5 In some examples, implementing AF can include providing current to an AF coil to move the image sensor relative to the lens group in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0119] In various implementations, method 600 may include continuously and / or periodically determining a current position of an image sensor (at 602 ), then checking whether OIS motion and / or AF motion is triggered (at 604 and 606 ), and the like.

[0120] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an example environment including a device 700 is illustrated, which may include one or more cameras. For example, the device 700 may include a camera system having an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor to provide OIS, such as described herein with reference to Figures 1A to 6As described. In some embodiments, device 700 can be a mobile device and / or a multi-function device. In various embodiments, device 700 can be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to: a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a tablet or netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) headset, 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.

[0121] In some embodiments, device 700 may include a display system 702 (e.g., including a display and / or a touch-sensitive surface) and / or one or more cameras 704. In some non-limiting embodiments, display system 702 and / or one or more forward-facing cameras 704a may be disposed on the front side of device 700, e.g., Figure 7 Additionally or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras 704b can be disposed at the rear side of device 700. In some embodiments including multiple cameras 704, some or all of cameras 704 can be identical or similar to each other. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of cameras 704 can be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location and / or arrangement of cameras 704 can be different from Figure 7 Those cameras shown.

[0122] In addition, the device 700 may include a memory 706 (e.g., including an operating system 708 and / or application / program instructions 710), one or more processors and / or controllers 712 (e.g., including a CPU, a memory controller, a display controller, and / or a camera controller, etc.), and / or one or more sensors 714 (e.g., an orientation sensor, a proximity sensor, and / or a position sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, the device 700 may communicate with one or more other devices and / or services (such as a computing device 716, a cloud service 718, etc.) via one or more networks 720. For example, the device 700 may include a network interface (e.g., Figure 8 700) that enables the device 700 to transmit data to and receive data from the network 720. Additionally or alternatively, the device 700 can communicate with other devices via wireless communications using any of a variety of communication standards, protocols, and / or technologies.

[0123] Figure 8A schematic block diagram of an example environment including a computer system 800 is illustrated, which may include a camera system having an actuator arrangement for rotating a lens group and an image sensor to provide OIS, such as described herein with reference to Figures 1A to 7 In addition, the computer system 800 may implement methods for controlling the operation of the camera and / or for performing image processing on images captured by the camera. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, (hereinafter referred to as Figure 7 The device 700 described herein may include some or all of the functional components described herein.

[0124] The computer system 800 may be configured to perform any or all of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the computer system 800 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a tablet computer or a netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) headset, 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 any type of computing or electronic device in general.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the computer system 800 includes one or more processors 802 coupled to a system memory 804 via an input / output (I / O) interface 806. The computer system 800 also includes one or more cameras 808 coupled to the I / O interface 806. The computer system 800 also includes a network interface 810 and one or more input / output devices 812, such as a cursor control device 814, a keyboard 816, and a display 818, coupled to the I / O interface 806. In some cases, it is contemplated that various embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of the computer system 800, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems or multiple nodes making up the computer system 800 may be configured to host different portions or instances of various embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of the computer system 800 that are different from those nodes that implement other elements.

[0126] In various embodiments, computer system 800 may be a uniprocessor system including one processor 802, or a multiprocessor system including a number of processors 802 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 802 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 802 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 processor 802 may typically, but need not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

[0127] The system memory 804 may be configured to store program instructions 820 that can be accessed by the processor 802. In various embodiments, the system memory 804 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 addition, the existing camera control data 822 of the memory 804 may include any of the above-mentioned information or data structures. In some embodiments, the program instructions 820 and / or data 822 may be received, sent, or stored on different types of computer-accessible media or similar media separate from the system memory 804 or the computer system 800. In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system 800.

[0128] In one embodiment, the I / O interface 806 may be configured to coordinate I / O communications between the processor 802, the system memory 804, and any peripheral devices in the device (including the network interface 810 or other peripheral device interfaces, such as the input / output device 812). In some embodiments, the I / O interface 806 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversion to convert data signals from one component (e.g., the system memory 804) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., the processor 802). In some embodiments, the I / O interface 806 may include support for devices attached, for example, via various types of peripheral buses (such as a variation of the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the universal serial bus (USB) standard). In some embodiments, the functions of the I / O interface 806 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 806 (such as an interface to the system memory 804) may be directly incorporated into the processor 802.

[0129] The network interface 810 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between the computer system 800 and other devices (e.g., carrier or proxy devices) attached to the network 824 or between nodes of the computer system 800. In various embodiments, the network 824 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 810 may support communication via a wired or wireless general data network (such as any suitable type of Ethernet network), for example; communication via a telecommunications / telephone network (such as an analog voice network or a digital fiber optic communication network); communication via a storage area network (such as a Fiber Channel SAN), or communication via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0130] In some embodiments, the input / output devices 812 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touch pads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other device suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 800. Multiple input / output devices 812 may be present in the computer system 800, or may be distributed across various nodes of the computer system 800. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices may be separate from the computer system 800 and may interact with one or more nodes of the computer system 800 via a wired or wireless connection (such as via a network interface 810).

[0131] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 800 is merely illustrative, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. Specifically, computer systems and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network equipment, Internet equipment, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system 800 may also be connected to other devices not shown, or may otherwise be operated as an independent system. In addition, the functions provided by the components shown 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 components shown may not be provided, and / or other additional functions may be available.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, although various items are shown as being stored in memory or on storage devices during use, for the purpose of memory management and data integrity, these items or parts thereof may be transmitted between memory and other storage devices. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of these software components may be executed in a memory on another device, and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or portable article to be read by a suitable driver, and various examples thereof are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separated from the computer system 800 may be transmitted to the computer system 800 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 foregoing description on a computer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, computer-accessible media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media or memory media, such as magnetic or optical media, for example, disks or DVD / CD-ROMs, volatile or non-volatile media, such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, computer-accessible media may include transmission media or signals, such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link.

[0133] Additional description of implementation scheme (exemplary clauses):

[0134] Item 1: A camera comprising: a lens group including one or more lens elements defining an optical axis; an image sensor; and one or more actuators configured to: rotate the lens group and the image sensor together around a plurality of axes orthogonal to the optical axis; and shift the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0135] Clause 2: The camera of clause 1, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators.

[0136] Item 3: A camera according to Item 2, wherein the one or more VCM actuators include: a drive magnet; and a drive coil; wherein the corresponding drive coil is positioned adjacent to the corresponding drive magnet so that the corresponding drive coil can electromagnetically interact with the corresponding drive magnet when driven with an electric current to achieve: optical image stabilization (OIS) movement, the optical image stabilization (OIS) movement including rotation of the lens group together with the image sensor relative to the base structure of the camera; and autofocus (AF) movement, the autofocus (AF) movement including movement of the image sensor relative to the lens group.

[0137] Clause 4: The camera of clause 3, wherein the drive coil is a fixed drive coil coupled to one or more stationary components of the camera; and the drive magnet is a movable drive magnet coupled to one or more movable components of the camera.

[0138] Clause 5: A camera according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising: a suspension arrangement, the suspension arrangement comprising: a first movable component, the first movable component being coupled to the lens group; and a second movable component, the second movable component being coupled to the image sensor; wherein the suspension arrangement is constructed to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement achieved by the one or more actuators.

[0139] Clause 6: The camera of clause 5, wherein the suspension arrangement comprises: a ball bearing suspension arrangement comprising a plurality of stages moving on ball bearings.

[0140] Clause 7: A camera according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising: a dynamic flexible circuit, the dynamic flexible circuit comprising: a first portion, the first portion being coupled to one or more stationary components of the camera; a second portion, the second portion being coupled to the image sensor; and a third portion, the third portion extending from the first portion to the second portion; wherein the dynamic flexible circuit is configured to transmit electrical signals between the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the third portion has sufficient service loops to allow movement of the image sensor achieved by the one or more actuators.

[0141] Item 8: 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 the camera comprising: a lens group comprising one or more lens elements defining an optical axis; an image sensor; and one or more actuators configured to: rotate the lens group and the image sensor together around a plurality of axes orthogonal to the optical axis; and shift the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0142] Item 9: An apparatus according to Item 8, wherein the one or more actuators include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators, and wherein the one or more VCM actuators include: a drive magnet; and a drive coil; wherein the corresponding drive coil is positioned adjacent to the corresponding drive coil so that the corresponding drive coil can electromagnetically interact with the corresponding drive magnet when driven with an electric current to achieve: optical image stabilization (OIS) movement, the optical image stabilization (OIS) movement including rotation of the lens group together with the image sensor relative to the base structure of the camera; and autofocus (AF) movement, the autofocus (AF) movement including movement of the lens group or the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis of the camera.

[0143] Clause 10: The apparatus of clause 9, wherein the camera further comprises: a ball bearing suspension arrangement comprising a plurality of stages that move on ball bearings to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement effected by the one or more VCM actuators.

[0144] Clause 11: An apparatus according to clause 10, wherein: the drive magnet includes: an AF magnet, which is fixedly coupled to an AF stage among the multiple stages of the ball bearing suspension arrangement; a first OIS magnet, which is fixedly coupled to an OIS stage among the multiple stages; and a second OIS magnet, which is fixedly coupled to the OIS stage; and the drive coil includes: an AF coil, which is fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned near the AF magnet; a first OIS coil, which is fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned near the first OIS magnet; and a second OIS coil, which is fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned near the second OIS magnet.

[0145] Clause 12: The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the camera further comprises: a drive flex circuit that surrounds at least a portion of the base structure; wherein: the first OIS coil is coupled to the drive flex circuit and positioned at a first side of the camera; the second OIS coil is coupled to the drive flex circuit and positioned at a second side of the camera; and the AF coil is coupled to the drive flex circuit and positioned at a third side of the camera, wherein the third side is opposite to the second side relative to the lens group.

[0146] Clause 13: A device according to clause 12, wherein the camera further includes: an AF position sensor, which is coupled to the driving flexible circuit and surrounded by the AF coil; a first OIS position sensor, which is coupled to the driving flexible circuit and surrounded by the first OIS coil; and a second OIS position sensor, which is coupled to the driving flexible circuit and surrounded by the second OIS coil.

[0147] Clause 14: An apparatus according to any one of clauses 10 to 13, wherein the multiple stages of the ball bearing suspension arrangement include: the multiple stages of the ball bearing suspension arrangement include: an AF stage, the image sensor is fixedly coupled to the AF stage; a first OIS stage, the lens group is fixedly coupled to the first OIS stage; and a second OIS stage; the first OIS stage is capable of pivoting on a first set of ball bearings arranged between the first OIS stage and the second OIS stage so that the first OIS stage rotates together with the AF stage around a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera; the second OIS stage is capable of pivoting on a second set of ball bearings arranged between the second OIS stage and the base structure so that the second OIS stage rotates together with the first OIS stage and the AF stage relative to the base structure around a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first axis; and the AF stage is capable of moving on a third set of ball bearings arranged between the AF stage and the first OIS stage so that the AF stage is displaced relative to the first OIS stage in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0148] Clause 15: A device according to clause 14, wherein the camera further comprises: a first group of preloaded magnetic elements, the first group of preloaded magnetic elements being used to preload the first group of ball bearings; a second group of preloaded magnetic elements, the second group of preloaded magnetic elements being used to preload the second group of ball bearings; and a third group of preloaded magnetic elements, the third group of preloaded magnetic elements being used to preload the third group of ball bearings.

[0149] Item 16: A device according to item 15, wherein: the first group of preloaded magnetic elements includes: a first magnetic element, the first magnetic element is coupled to the first OIS stage; and a second magnetic element, the second magnetic element is coupled to the second OIS stage and is positioned close to the first magnetic element, so that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the first OIS stage and the second OIS stage to each other; the second group of preloaded magnetic elements includes: a third magnetic element, the third magnetic element is coupled to the second OIS stage; and a fourth magnetic element, the fourth magnetic element is coupled to the base structure and is positioned close to the third magnetic element, so that the third magnetic element and the fourth magnetic element magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the second OIS stage and the base structure to each other; and the third group of preloaded magnetic elements includes: a fifth magnetic element, the fifth magnetic element is coupled to the first OIS stage; and a sixth magnetic element, the sixth magnetic element is coupled to the AF stage and is positioned close to the fifth magnetic element, so that the fifth magnetic element and the sixth magnetic element magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the first OIS stage and the AF stage to each other.

[0150] Clause 17: The apparatus of clause 16, wherein the fifth magnetic element coupled to the first OIS stage comprises a drive magnet among the drive magnets.

[0151] Item 18: A method comprising: using one or more actuators of a camera to rotate a lens group of the camera together with an image sensor of the camera around a first axis orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera, wherein the one or more actuators are further configured to: rotate the lens group together with the image sensor around a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first axis; and shift the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0152] Clause 19: The method of clause 18, further comprising: rotating the lens group along with the image sensor about the second axis using the one or more actuators.

[0153] Clause 20: A method according to clause 18 or clause 19, wherein: the one or more actuators include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators; the one or more VCM actuators include: a driving magnet, the driving magnet including: an AF magnet; a first OIS magnet; and a second OIS magnet; and a driving coil, the driving coil including: an AF coil, the AF coil is positioned close to the AF magnet; a first OIS coil, the first OIS coil is positioned close to the first OIS magnet; and a second OIS coil, the second OIS coil is positioned close to the second OIS magnet. Causing the lens group to rotate together with the image sensor around the first axis includes: supplying a first OIS drive current to the first OIS coil so that the first OIS coil electromagnetically interacts with the first OIS magnet to generate a first Lorentz force, and the first Lorentz force causes the lens group and the image sensor to rotate around the first axis; and causing the lens group to rotate together with the image sensor around the second axis includes: supplying a second OIS drive current to the second OIS coil so that the second OIS coil electromagnetically interacts with the second OIS magnet to generate a second Lorentz force, and the second Lorentz force causes the lens group and the image sensor to rotate around the second axis.

[0154] Clause 21: A camera comprising: a lens group; an image sensor; and an actuator arrangement, the actuator arrangement comprising: an optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator, the optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator comprising: an OIS actuator component, the OIS actuator component being configured to implement OIS movement, the OIS movement comprising rotation of the lens group and the image sensor together about a plurality of axes orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera; and an auto focus (AF) actuator, the auto focus (AF) actuator comprising: an AF actuator component, the AF actuator component being configured to implement AF movement, the AF movement comprising rotation of the lens group or the image sensor The camera of claim 1, wherein the OIS actuator is at least partially integrated with the AF actuator in an integrated architecture, the integrated architecture being characterized by at least one of the following: the OIS actuator and the AF actuator share at least one shared actuator component included in the OIS actuator component and the AF actuator component, wherein the at least one shared actuator component is used to achieve both OIS movement and AF movement; or one or more of the OIS actuator components and one or more of the AF actuator components are mounted on the same component of the camera.

[0155] Clause 22: The camera of clause 21, further comprising: an outer shield at least partially enclosing the camera; wherein the camera does not include an inner shield disposed between the outer shield and the lens group.

[0156] Clause 23: A camera according to clause 21 or clause 22, wherein the OIS actuator component and the AF actuator component are not separated from each other by a shield cover.

[0157] Clause 24: A camera as described in any of clauses 21 to 23, wherein the actuator arrangement comprises one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators.

[0158] Clause 25: A camera according to any one of clauses 21 to 24, wherein: the lens group includes one or more lens elements defining the optical axis; and the multiple axes about which the lens group and the image sensor can rotate include: a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis; and a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0159] Clause 26: A camera according to any of clauses 21 to 25, wherein to provide AF movement, the AF actuator is configured to: displace the lens group relative to the image sensor in the at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0160] Clause 27: A camera according to any of clauses 21 to 25, wherein to provide AF movement, the AF actuator is configured to: displace the image sensor relative to the lens group in the at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0161] Clause 28: A camera according to any one of clauses 21 to 27, further comprising: a ball bearing suspension arrangement, the ball bearing suspension arrangement comprising a plurality of stages moving on ball bearings to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement achieved by the actuator arrangement.

[0162] Clause 29: A camera according to any one of clauses 21 to 28, wherein: the OIS actuator and the AF actuator include voice coil motor (VCM) actuators; and the integrated architecture is characterized at least in part in that: the OIS actuator and the AF actuator share at least one shared actuator component included in the OIS actuator component and the AF actuator component, wherein the at least one shared actuator component includes at least one of the drive magnet or the drive coil of the VCM actuator.

[0163] Clause 30: A camera according to any one of clauses 21 to 29, wherein: the OIS actuator includes an OIS VCM actuator, the OIS VCM actuator includes an OIS drive magnet and an OIS drive coil; the AF actuator includes an AF VCM actuator, the AF VCM actuator includes an AF drive magnet and an AF drive coil; and the integrated architecture is characterized at least in part in that: one or more of the OIS actuator components and one or more of the AF actuator components are mounted on the same component of the camera, wherein: the one or more of the OIS actuator components include at least one of the OIS drive magnet or the OIS drive coil; and the one or more of the AF actuator components in the AF actuator component include at least one of the AF drive magnet or the AF drive coil.

[0164] Clause 31: 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 the camera, the camera comprising: a lens group; an image sensor; and an actuator arrangement, the actuator arrangement comprising: an optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator, the optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator comprising: an OIS actuator component, the OIS actuator component being configured to achieve OIS movement, the OIS movement comprising rotation of the lens group and the image sensor together about a plurality of axes orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera; and an autofocus (AF) actuator, the autofocus (AF) actuator comprising: an AF actuator component, the AF actuator component being configured to achieve OIS movement. The actuator component is configured to implement AF movement, and the AF movement includes movement of the lens group or the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis; wherein the OIS actuator is at least partially integrated with the AF actuator in an integrated architecture, and the integrated architecture is characterized by at least one of the following: the OIS actuator and the AF actuator share at least one shared actuator component included in the OIS actuator component and the AF actuator component, wherein the at least one shared actuator component is used to implement both OIS movement and AF movement; or one or more OIS actuator components in the OIS actuator component and one or more AF actuator components in the AF actuator component are mounted on the same component of the camera.

[0165] Clause 32: The apparatus of clause 31, wherein the camera further comprises: an outer shield at least partially enclosing the camera; wherein the camera does not comprise an inner shield disposed between the outer shield and the lens group.

[0166] Clause 33: The apparatus of clause 31 or clause 32, wherein the OIS actuator component and the AF actuator component are not separated from each other by a shield.

[0167] Clause 34: Apparatus according to any of clauses 31 to 33, wherein the actuator arrangement comprises one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators.

[0168] Clause 35: Apparatus according to any of clauses 31 to 34, wherein to provide AF movement, the AF actuator is configured to displace the lens group relative to the image sensor in the at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0169] Clause 36: Apparatus according to any of clauses 31 to 35, wherein to provide AF movement, the AF actuator is configured to displace the image sensor relative to the lens group in the at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

[0170] Clause 37: A device according to any one of clauses 31 to 36, wherein the camera further comprises: a ball bearing suspension arrangement, the ball bearing suspension arrangement comprising a plurality of stages moving on ball bearings to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement achieved by the actuator arrangement.

[0171] Clause 38: A system comprising: an actuator arrangement, the actuator arrangement comprising: an optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator, the optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator comprising: an OIS actuator component, the OIS actuator component being configured to implement OIS movement, the OIS movement comprising rotation of a lens group of a camera together with an image sensor of the camera about a plurality of axes orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera; an auto focus (AF) actuator, the auto focus (AF) actuator comprising: an AF actuator component, the AF actuator component being configured to implement AF movement, the AF movement comprising movement of the lens group or the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis; wherein the OIS The actuator is at least partially integrated with the AF actuator in an integrated architecture, and the integrated architecture is characterized by at least one of the following: the OIS actuator and the AF actuator share at least one shared actuator component included in the OIS actuator component and the AF actuator component, wherein the at least one shared actuator component is used to achieve both OIS movement and AF movement; or one or more OIS actuator components in the OIS actuator component and one or more AF actuator components in the AF actuator component are mounted on the same component of the camera; and a suspension arrangement, which suspends the lens group and the image sensor and allows the movement achieved by the actuator arrangement.

[0172] Clause 39: The system of clause 38, wherein the OIS actuator and the AF actuator comprise voice coil motor (VCM) actuators.

[0173] Clause 40: The system of clause 39, wherein the suspension arrangement comprises: a ball bearing suspension arrangement including a plurality of stages that move on ball bearings to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement effected by the VCM actuator.

[0174] In different embodiments, the methods described herein can be implemented in software, hardware or a combination thereof. In addition, the order of the frames of the method can be changed, and various elements can be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. For those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, various modifications and changes can obviously be made. The various embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. Therefore, multiple examples can be provided for the components described as a single example in this article. The boundaries between various components, operations and data repositories are arbitrary to a certain extent, and specific operations are shown in the context of a specific exemplary configuration. Other allocations of functions are expected, and they may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, the structure and function presented as discrete components in the exemplary configuration may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements may fall within the scope of the embodiments defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A camera, comprising: a lens assembly including one or more lens elements defining an optical axis; Image sensor; and One or more actuators, the one or more actuators being configured to: rotating the lens group and the image sensor together about a plurality of axes orthogonal to the optical axis; and The image sensor is displaced in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators.

3. The camera of claim 2, wherein the one or more VCM actuators comprise: A driving magnet; and Driving coil; Wherein the respective drive coil is positioned close to the respective drive magnet, so that the respective drive coil can electromagnetically interact with the respective drive magnet when driven with electric current to achieve: an optical image stabilization (OIS) motion comprising a rotation of the lens group together with the image sensor relative to a base structure of the camera; and An auto focus (AF) motion includes movement of the image sensor relative to the lens group.

4. A camera according to claim 3, wherein: The drive coil is a fixed drive coil coupled to one or more stationary components of the camera; and The drive magnet is a movable drive magnet coupled to one or more movable components of the camera.

5. The camera of claim 1, further comprising: A suspension arrangement, the suspension arrangement comprising: a first movable member coupled to the lens assembly; and a second movable member coupled to the image sensor; Wherein the suspension arrangement is configured to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and to allow movement effected by the one or more actuators.

6. The camera of claim 5, wherein the suspension arrangement comprises: A ball bearing suspension arrangement comprising a plurality of stages moving on ball bearings.

7. The camera of claim 1, further comprising: A dynamic flexible circuit, the dynamic flexible circuit comprising: a first portion coupled to one or more stationary components of the camera; a second portion coupled to the image sensor; and a third portion extending from the first portion to the second portion; Wherein the dynamic flex circuit is configured to transmit electrical signals between the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the third portion has sufficient service loops to allow movement of the image sensor effectuated by the one or more actuators.

8. A device comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operation of the camera; and The camera comprises: a lens assembly including one or more lens elements defining an optical axis; Image sensor; and One or more actuators, the one or more actuators being configured to: rotating the lens group and the image sensor together about a plurality of axes orthogonal to the optical axis; and The image sensor is displaced in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators, and wherein the one or more VCM actuators comprise: A driving magnet; and Driving coil; wherein the respective drive coil is positioned proximate to the respective drive coil so that the respective drive coil, when driven with an electric current, can electromagnetically interact with the respective drive magnet to achieve: an optical image stabilization (OIS) motion comprising a rotation of the lens group together with the image sensor relative to a base structure of the camera; and An auto focus (AF) movement, the auto focus (AF) movement comprising movement of the lens group or the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis of the camera.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the camera further comprises: A ball bearing suspension arrangement including a plurality of stages that move on ball bearings to suspend the lens group and the image sensor and allow movement by the one or more VCM actuators.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: The driving magnet comprises: an AF magnet fixedly coupled to an AF stage of the plurality of stages of the ball bearing suspension arrangement; a first OIS magnet fixedly coupled to an OIS stage of the plurality of stages; and a second OIS magnet fixedly coupled to the OIS stage; and The driving coil comprises: an AF coil fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned proximate to the AF magnet; a first OIS coil fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned proximate to the first OIS magnet; and A second OIS coil is fixedly coupled to the base structure and positioned proximate to the second OIS magnet.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the camera further comprises: a drive flex circuit that surrounds at least a portion of the base structure; in: the first OIS coil is coupled to the drive flex circuit and positioned at a first side of the camera; the second OIS coil is coupled to the drive flex circuit and positioned at a second side of the camera; and The AF coil is coupled to the drive flex circuit and is positioned at a third side of the camera, wherein the third side is opposite the second side relative to the lens group.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the camera further comprises: an AF position sensor coupled to the drive flex circuit and surrounded by the AF coil; a first OIS position sensor coupled to the drive flex circuit and surrounded by the first OIS coil; and A second OIS position sensor is coupled to the driving flex circuit and is surrounded by the second OIS coil.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of stages of the ball bearing suspension arrangement comprises: The multiple stages of the ball bearing suspension arrangement include: an AF stage, the image sensor being fixedly coupled to the AF stage; a first OIS stage, the lens group being fixedly coupled to the first OIS stage; and Second OIS level; the first OIS stage being pivotable on a first set of ball bearings disposed between the first OIS stage and the second OIS stage so as to rotate the first OIS stage together with the AF stage about a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera; the second OIS stage being pivotable on a second set of ball bearings disposed between the second OIS stage and the base structure so as to rotate the second OIS stage together with the first OIS stage and the AF stage relative to the base structure about a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first axis; and The AF stage is movable on a third set of ball bearings disposed between the AF stage and the first OIS stage so as to displace the AF stage relative to the first OIS stage in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the camera further comprises: a first set of preloaded magnetic elements, the first set of preloaded magnetic elements being used to preload the first set of ball bearings; a second set of preloaded magnetic elements, the second set of preloaded magnetic elements being used to preload the second set of ball bearings; and A third set of preloaded magnetic elements is provided, wherein the third set of preloaded magnetic elements is used to preload the third set of ball bearings.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: The first set of preloaded magnetic elements comprises: a first magnetic element coupled to the first OIS stage; and A second magnetic element is coupled to the second OIS stage and is positioned proximate to the first magnetic element such that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic elements magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the first OIS stage and the second OIS stage to each other; The second set of preloaded magnetic elements comprises: a third magnetic element coupled to the second OIS stage; and a fourth magnetic element coupled to the base structure and positioned proximate to the third magnetic element so that the third magnetic element and the fourth magnetic elements magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the second OIS stage and the base structure to each other; and The third set of preloaded magnetic elements comprises: a fifth magnetic element coupled to the first OIS stage; and A sixth magnetic element is coupled to the AF stage and is positioned proximate to the fifth magnetic element such that the fifth and sixth magnetic elements magnetically interact with each other to provide a force that attracts the first OIS stage and the AF stage to each other.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fifth magnetic element coupled to the first OIS stage comprises a drive magnet among the drive magnets.

18. A method comprising: Rotating a lens group of the camera together with an image sensor of the camera about a first axis orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera using one or more actuators of the camera, wherein the one or more actuators are further configured to: rotating the lens group together with the image sensor about a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first axis; and The image sensor is displaced in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: The lens group is rotated about the second axis along with the image sensor using the one or more actuators.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein: The one or more actuators include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators; The one or more VCM actuators include: A driving magnet, the driving magnet comprising: AF magnet; a first OIS magnet; and a second OIS magnet; and A driving coil, the driving coil comprising: an AF coil, the AF coil being positioned proximate to the AF magnet; a first OIS coil positioned proximate to the first OIS magnet; and a second OIS coil, the second OIS coil being positioned proximate to the second OIS magnet; Rotating the lens group together with the image sensor around the first axis comprises: supplying a first OIS driving current to the first OIS coil so that the first OIS coil electromagnetically interacts with the first OIS magnet to generate a first Lorentz force, the first Lorentz force causing the lens group and the image sensor to rotate around the first axis; and Rotating the lens group together with the image sensor around the second axis comprises: A second OIS driving current is supplied to the second OIS coil so that the second OIS coil electromagnetically interacts with the second OIS magnet to generate a second Lorentz force, which causes the lens group and the image sensor to rotate around the second axis.

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