Folding optical device with tilt actuator and spring suspension

Abstract

The invention relates to a folded optic with a tilt actuator and a spring hanger. Various embodiments include a tilt actuator and spring hanger arrangement for use in a camera having a folded optic arrangement. In some embodiments, a folding optic arrangement may include an optical path folding element coupled with a carrier and tilted using a tilt actuator. The spring suspension arrangement may suspend the carrier and the light path folding element from the base structure and may allow movement of the light path folding element effected by the tilt actuator. The spring hanger arrangement may include one or more springs attached to the carrier and to the base structure. In some embodiments, the spring hanger arrangement may also include one or more hanger wires attached to the spring and to a stationary structure of the camera.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of August 26, 2021, application number 202110990292.8, and invention name “Folded optical device with tilt actuator and spring suspension”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to tilt actuators and spring suspensions for use in cameras with folded optics arrangements. Background Art

[0003] 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. Summary of the invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a camera, comprising: an optical folding element for folding an optical path; a carrier coupled to the optical folding element so that the carrier can move with the optical folding element; a base structure, the base structure being stationary relative to the movement of the carrier; an image sensor, the image sensor being used to capture image data based on light that has been folded by the optical folding element; an actuator, the actuator being used to tilt the optical folding element relative to the image sensor about a tilt axis; and a suspension arrangement, the suspension arrangement being used to suspend the carrier from the base structure and allow movement of the optical folding element achieved by the actuator, the suspension arrangement comprising: one or more springs, the one or more springs comprising: a first spring portion, the first spring portion being attached to the carrier; a second spring portion, the second spring portion being attached to the base structure; and a third spring portion, the third spring portion interconnecting the first spring portion with the second spring portion, wherein the third spring portion extends from the first spring portion to the second spring portion in a direction parallel to the tilt axis.

[0005] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system, the system comprising: a carrier, the carrier being coupled to an optical folding element so that the carrier can move together with the optical folding element; a base structure, the base structure being stationary relative to the movement of the carrier; an actuator, the actuator being used to tilt the optical folding element about a tilt axis relative to an image sensor of a camera, wherein the optical folding element is used to fold an optical path before the light reaches the image sensor; and a suspension arrangement, the suspension arrangement being used to suspend the optical folding element from the base structure and allow movement of the optical folding element achieved by the actuator, the suspension arrangement comprising: one or more springs, the one or more springs comprising: a first spring portion, the first spring portion being attached to the carrier; a second spring portion, the second spring portion being attached to the base structure; and a third spring portion, the third spring portion interconnecting the first spring portion with the second spring portion, wherein the third spring portion extends from the first spring portion to the second spring portion in a direction parallel to the tilt axis.

[0006] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device, the device comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing program instructions, the program instructions being executable by the one or more processors to control the operation of a camera; and the camera comprising: an optical folding element receiving light along a first optical axis and folding the optical path from the first optical axis to a second optical axis; a carrier coupled to the optical folding element so that the carrier can move with the optical folding element; a base structure being stationary relative to the movement of the carrier; an image sensor for capturing image data based on the light that has been folded by the optical folding element; an actuator an actuator for tilting the optical folding element relative to the image sensor about a tilt axis; and a suspension arrangement, the suspension arrangement being used to suspend the carrier from the base structure and allowing movement of the optical folding element achieved by the actuator, the suspension arrangement comprising: one or more springs, the one or more springs comprising: a first spring portion, the first spring portion being attached to the carrier; a second spring portion, the second spring portion being attached to the base structure; and a third spring portion, the third spring portion interconnecting the first spring portion with the second spring portion, wherein the third spring portion extends from the first spring portion to the second spring portion in a direction parallel to the tilt axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A schematic perspective view of an exemplary camera having a folded optics arrangement and which may include a tilt actuator and / or a spring suspension arrangement is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A view of an exemplary prism module that can be used in a camera with a folded optics arrangement according to some embodiments is shown. In various embodiments, the prism module can include a tilt actuator and / or a spring suspension arrangement. Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of a prism module is shown. Figure 2B A perspective view of a prism module is shown (with the components in an assembled state).

[0009] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Shown are views of exemplary spring suspension arrangements that may be used in cameras having a folded optics arrangement and / or a tilt actuator, according to some embodiments. Figure 3A A perspective view of a spring suspension arrangement is shown. Figure 3B A top view of the spring suspension arrangement is shown.

[0010] 4A to 4D A diagram of an exemplary spring suspension arrangement that may be used, for example, in a prism module having a prism that is tiltable via a tilt actuator, according to some embodiments. Figure 4A A rest state is shown, corresponding to the spring suspension arrangement being in a rest position. Figure 4B A first deflection state is shown, indicating a deflection of the spring suspension arrangement when the prism is tilted about a first axis (eg, the Y-axis) relative to a rest position. Figure 4C A second deflected state is shown, indicating deflection of the spring suspension arrangement when the prism is translated in a first direction (eg, Z-axis direction) relative to the rest position. Figure 4D A third deflected state is shown indicating deflection of the spring suspension arrangement when the prism is translated in a second direction (eg, the Y-axis direction) relative to the rest position.

[0011] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device that may include a camera having a folded optics arrangement with a tilt actuator and / or a spring suspension arrangement is shown according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system that may include a camera having a folded optics arrangement with a tilt actuator and / or a spring suspension arrangement is shown according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.).

[0015] "Configured to", various units, circuits, or other components may be described or stated 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.

[0016] "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.

[0017] "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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Some embodiments include a tilt actuator and suspension arrangement for use in a camera having a folded optics arrangement. In some embodiments, the folded optics arrangement may include an optical path folding element (e.g., a prism, a reflector, etc.) coupled to a carrier. The carrier may be tilted relative to a base structure using a tilt actuator, for example to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) in at least one direction. A spring suspension arrangement may suspend the carrier and the optical path folding element from the base structure, and may allow movement of the optical path folding element achieved by the tilt actuator. The spring suspension arrangement may include one or more springs attached to the carrier and to the base structure. In some embodiments, the spring suspension arrangement may also include one or more suspension wires attached to the spring and to a stationary structure of the camera. According to some embodiments, the spring suspension arrangement may be designed to have a relatively low stiffness in a tilted direction and a relatively high stiffness in a direction that is not desired for movement of the optical path folding element. As will be discussed in further detail herein, the spring suspension arrangement includes multiple parts that function in different ways and can be independently adjusted to achieve desired modal performance.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the tilt actuator may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. For example, a VCM actuator may include a fixed magnet and a movable coil. In some embodiments, the fixed magnet may be attached to a base structure and positioned adjacent to the coil. The coil may be attached to a carrier so that the coil moves with the carrier and the optical path folding element. In some embodiments, the fixed magnet may reduce the magnetic coex sensitivity between adjacent camera modules and / or to sources of magnetic coex interference in the system.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Embodiments of cameras including tilt actuators and / or spring suspension arrangements are described herein. Arrangements discussed throughout generally relate to cameras having folded optics arrangements in which one or more optical elements (e.g., prisms, lens groups, etc.) and / or image sensors can be moved via one or more actuators to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) and / or autofocus (AF) during imaging. Figure 1 A generalized example of such a camera 100 is shown. Figure 1The exemplary XYZ coordinate system shown may be applicable to embodiments discussed throughout this disclosure.

[0025] According to various embodiments, camera 100 may include at least one optical path folding element (e.g., a prism, a mirror, etc.; also referred to herein as a "light folding element") that may be tilted relative to one or more other optical elements and / or an image sensor. For example, camera 100 may include prism module 102 that includes prism 104, spring suspension arrangement 106, and / or one or more actuators 108. In addition, as Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, camera 100 may include lens group 110 and image sensor 112. Lens group 110 may include one or more lens elements. Image sensor 112 may capture image data based on light that has passed through at least a portion of the folded optical device arrangement. Camera 100 is intended to provide an example of a camera with a folded optical device arrangement; however, various embodiments may include with respect to Figure 1 One or more differences in the configuration of the illustrated camera 100 (eg, with respect to the number of optical elements, type of optical elements, and / or positioning of components, etc.).

[0026] In some embodiments, lens group 110 can be located between prism 104 (and / or prism module 102) and image sensor 112. Prism 104 and lens group 110 can form a folded optical device arrangement (e.g., as Figure 1 102 (a single folded optic arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 ), through which light passes before reaching image sensor 112. Light may follow optical path 114 that is folded by prism 104, such that the light is directed toward lens group 110, passes through lens group 110, and then reaches image sensor 112. In some examples, the light may enter the object side of prism 104 in a direction parallel to the Z axis. Prism 104 may redirect the light to propagate in an X-axis direction (which may be parallel to the optical axis defined by lens group 110), e.g., such that the light exits the lens group-facing side of prism 104, toward lens group 1120. The light may pass through lens group 110 and continue to propagate in the X-axis direction toward image sensor 112 (which may be vertically oriented, e.g., such that image sensor 112 defines a plane orthogonal to the X axis and / or the optical axis defined by lens group 110). Prism 104, lens group 110, and / or image sensor 112 may be positioned along a common axis (e.g., an X-axis, an optical axis defined by lens group 110, etc.) According to some examples, optical path 114 may be contained within a plane (e.g., parallel to an XZ plane), and image sensor 112 may extend along a different plane (e.g., parallel to an XY plane).

[0027] In some embodiments, the object side of prism 104 can extend along an XY plane. In addition, prism 104 can include: a pair of opposing lateral sides, each of which extends along an XZ plane; a lens group-facing side, which extends along a YZ plane; and a reflective surface side that is angled relative to one or more of the other sides of prism 104. For example, the reflective surface side of prism 104 can include an angled reflective surface to redirect light received from the object side of prism 104 (via the lens group-facing side of prism 104) toward lens group 110 and image sensor 112, as described above.

[0028] Although prisms are shown in various figures as examples of optical path folding elements, the camera systems and / or folded optical device arrangements described herein may include any suitable optical path folding elements (e.g., mirrors, etc.) or combinations of elements. In some embodiments, the optical path folding element may also act as a lens element (or a combination of lens elements). For example, one or more lens elements (e.g., in addition to those of lens group 110) may be integrated with prism 104 (and / or another prism) such that the prism acts as a lens element. Additionally or alternatively, prism 104 may be shaped such that the prism acts as a lens element.

[0029] In various embodiments, prism 104 and / or lens assembly 110 may be coupled to one or more actuators (e.g., as also described herein with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B As described above, the one or more actuators are configured to move the prism 104 and / or the lens group 110 to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) and / or auto focus (AF) functions. For example, the prism 104 can be coupled to the actuator 108 configured to tilt or otherwise move the prism 104. Figure 1 As shown, in various embodiments, the actuator 108 may be configured to tilt the prism 104 around one or more axes to provide OIS functionality. According to various embodiments, the actuator 108 may include a tilt actuator for tilting the prism 104 around the Y axis (tilt at Figure 1 In the expression θ y ) to provide OIS-Z movement (e.g., movement that shifts the image projected onto image sensor 112 in the Z axis). In some embodiments, actuator 108 may additionally or alternatively tilt prism 104 about the Z axis to provide OIS-Y movement (e.g., movement that shifts the image projected onto image sensor 112 in one or more directions parallel to the Y axis). In various embodiments, camera 100 may include one or more actuators for translating or otherwise moving lens group 110. For example, an actuator may linearly translate lens group 110 in a direction parallel to the X axis to provide AF movement.

[0030] In some embodiments, actuator 108 (and / or other actuators of camera 100) may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators, such as those described herein with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B However, in some embodiments, the camera 100 may additionally or alternatively include one or more other types of actuators (eg, piezoelectric actuators, comb drive actuators, etc.).

[0031] As previously described, the prism module 102 may include a prism 104, a spring suspension arrangement 106, and / or an actuator 108. In some embodiments, the prism module 102 may include a reference FIG. 2A to FIG. 4D For example, the prism module 102 may include a carrier (e.g., FIG. 2A to FIG. 4D prism carrier 204 in) and a base structure (e.g., FIG. 2A to FIG. 4D The carrier can be coupled to the prism 104 so that the carrier can move with the prism 104 (e.g., via the actuator 108). The base structure can be stationary relative to the movement of the carrier. The spring suspension arrangement 106 can be configured to suspend the carrier from the base structure and allow movement of the prism 104 by the actuator 108. In some embodiments, the spring suspension arrangement 106 can include one or more springs (e.g., FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Leaf spring 212, FIG. 3A to FIG. 4D 302, etc.) and / or one or more wires (e.g. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Suspension wire 214, FIG. 3A to FIG. 4D Wire 304, etc.).

[0032] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is shown that the camera can be arranged in a folded optical device (e.g., Figure 1 100) is a view of an exemplary prism module 200 used in a camera 100 in FIG. In various embodiments, this document refers to Figure 1 The prism module 102 may be the same as or similar to the prism module 200 . Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of the prism module 200 is shown. Figure 2B A perspective view of prism module 200 is shown (with the components in an assembled state).

[0033] In some embodiments, the prism module 200 may include a prism 202, a prism carrier 204, a base structure 206, one or more actuators (e.g., a VCM actuator including a drive magnet 208 and a drive coil 210), and / or a spring suspension arrangement (e.g., including a leaf spring 212 and / or a suspension wire 214). FIG. 2A to FIG. 4DReference is made to "prism 202" and / or "prism carrier 204," it should be understood that, in various embodiments, prism 202 may be any suitable light path folding element, and prism carrier 204 may be any suitable light path folding element carrier.

[0034] In some embodiments, the actuator may include one or more magnets and one or more coils that electromagnetically interact with each other to generate a Lorentz force that moves the prism carrier 204 and the prism 202 together (e.g., synchronously) relative to the base structure 206. For example, the drive magnet 208 can be positioned proximate to the drive coil 210 so that they can electromagnetically interact with each other to move the prism carrier 204 and the prism 202, for example, relative to the base structure 206, one or more optical elements (e.g., Figure 1 lens group 110 in) and / or an image sensor (e.g., Figure 1 In some embodiments, the drive magnet 208 may be attached to a stationary structure, such as the base structure 206. The drive coil 210 may be attached to a movable structure, such as the prism carrier 204. In some embodiments, the drive magnet 208 and / or the drive coil 210 may have a respective longest dimension extending in the Y-axis direction. According to various embodiments, the drive coil 210 may be oriented so that current flows through the drive coil in a direction parallel to the XY plane.

[0035] According to some examples, the drive magnet 208 and / or the drive coil 210 can be positioned behind and / or below the reflective surface side of the prism 202, e.g. Figure 2A For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the prism 202 may be positioned in the X-axis direction between the magnet-coil pair (including the drive magnet 208 and the drive coil 210) and the lens group (e.g., Figure 1 Between the lens groups 110).

[0036] In some embodiments, the spring suspension arrangement may include one or more leaf springs 212 and / or one or more suspension wires 214. Some examples may include a first leaf spring 212 and a first suspension wire 214 located on a first side of the prism 202 (e.g., near a first side of the prism carrier 204). Additionally, in some examples, the spring suspension arrangement may include a second leaf spring 212 and a second suspension wire 214 located on a second side of the prism 202 (e.g., near a second side of the prism carrier 204, the second side being opposite the first side of the prism carrier 204 relative to the prism 202). In various embodiments, different numbers of leaf springs 212 and / or different numbers of suspension wires 214 may be used.

[0037] As referenced in this article FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Discussing in more detail, the corresponding leaf spring (e.g. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The spring 302 in FIG. 1 may include a first portion (eg, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B A first spring portion 306 in the embodiment of the present invention, a second portion attached to the base structure 206 (eg, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The second spring portion 308 in the embodiment of the present invention) and / or a third portion interconnecting the first portion with the second portion (e.g. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B In some embodiments, the third portion may extend from the first portion to the second portion in a first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) parallel to the tilt axis (the axis around which the prism 202 and the prism carrier 204 are tilted by the actuator). In some embodiments, the corresponding leaf spring 212 may be a flexure formed from a sheet of material (e.g., a metal sheet). Although in some embodiments, the corresponding leaf spring 212 may be an integrally formed unitary component (e.g., formed from a sheet of material), in addition or alternatively, the suspension spring arrangement may include a spring / flexure formed from a plurality of components joined together, the plurality of components being referred to herein as FIG. 3A to FIG. 4D The leaf spring 212 and / or spring 302 in the embodiment described above work together.

[0038] In some embodiments, the corresponding suspension wire 214 can extend from the corresponding leaf spring 212 to the stationary structure 216 in a second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction (and / or orthogonal to the tilt axis). In some embodiments, the stationary structure 216 can be part of the base structure 206 and / or connected to the base structure. For example, in some embodiments, the stationary structure 216 can be a metal tab attached to the base structure 206. The suspension wire 214 can be attached to the leaf spring 212 and to the stationary structure 216 at corresponding joints 218 (e.g., welds). For example, a first portion (e.g., an upper end) of the suspension wire 214 can be attached to the leaf spring 212 via a first weld, and / or a second portion (e.g., a lower end) of the suspension wire 214 can be attached to the stationary structure 216 via a second weld. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first portion of the suspension wire 214 can be attached to the first portion of the leaf spring 212, for example, near the third portion of the leaf spring 212.

[0039] In some embodiments, the camera and / or prism module 200 may include a flexible circuit 220 attached to the base structure 206, such as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2BThe flexible circuit 220 can be used to deliver current to the drive coil 210, for example, via the suspension wire 214 and the leaf spring 212. The flexible circuit 220 can be coupled to other circuits (not shown) of the camera. For example, the flexible circuit 220 can be coupled to another flexible circuit 220 that includes a driver integrated circuit for driving the drive coil 210.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the camera and / or prism module 200 may include one or more damping pins 222, which may be configured to inhibit movement of the prism carrier 204, for example, during actuation. In some embodiments, a first portion of a respective damping pin 222 may be attached to a stationary structure (e.g., a base structure 206, such as Figure 2B 224). The damping pin may extend toward a recess 224 (and / or cavity, recess, etc.) containing the viscoelastic material (e.g., in the X-axis direction). The recess 224 may be defined by a portion of the prism carrier 204. In some embodiments, a second portion of the damping pin 222 may be disposed within the viscoelastic material contained in the recess 224 so as to engage with the viscoelastic material to inhibit movement. In some embodiments, the second portion of the damping pin 222 disposed within the viscoelastic material may be away from the first portion of the damping pin 222. The damping pin 222 may include one or more curved portions. For example, the damping pin 222 may include a curved portion that allows the second portion to extend in a different direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) than the first portion. In accordance with some embodiments, the camera and / or prism module 200 may include a first damping group (e.g., including a first damping pin 222 and a first recess 224 for accommodating a viscoelastic material) located on a first side of the prism 202, and a second damping group (e.g., including a second damping pin 222 and a second recess 224 for accommodating a viscoelastic material) located on a second side of the prism 202, for example to form a damping arrangement having mirror symmetry (between the first damping group and the second damping group) relative to an XZ plane.

[0041] In some embodiments, the camera and / or prism module 200 may include one or more probe magnets 226 and one or more position sensors 228. For example, a corresponding probe magnet 226 may be attached to the prism carrier 204, and a corresponding position sensor 228 may be positioned proximate to the probe magnet 226, such that the position sensor 228 is able to sense changes in the magnetic field of the probe magnet 226, for example, when the probe magnet 226 moves with the prism carrier 204. In some embodiments, the position sensor 228 may be attached to (or otherwise coupled to) the flexible circuit 220. In various embodiments, the position sensor 228 may be a magnetic field sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor, a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, etc.). According to some embodiments, the camera and / or prism 200 may include a first probe magnet 226 and a first position sensor 228 located on a first side of the prism 202, and a second probe magnet 226 and a second position sensor 228 located on a second side of the prism 202 opposite to the first side of the prism 202. Each of the probe magnets 226 can be attached to the underside of a corresponding vertical column portion (eg, extending in the Z-axis direction) of the prism carrier 204. In some embodiments, an upper portion of the corresponding vertical column portion can define a recess 224 for receiving a viscoelastic material.

[0042] In some embodiments, the base structure 206 may include one or more end stop surfaces 230 that may limit the range of motion in one or more directions of the prism carrier 204. In some examples, the limited range of motion may be designed to prevent the suspension spring arrangement from exceeding a flexure / deflection threshold associated with a maximum range of motion, beyond which further flexure / deflection would compromise the structural integrity of the leaf spring 212 and / or the suspension wire 214.

[0043] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The invention shows that the camera can be used in a camera having a folded optics arrangement and / or a tilt actuator (e.g. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary spring suspension arrangement 300 for use in a camera 100 in FIG. 1 . In various embodiments, reference is made to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The spring suspension arrangement 300 may be used in conjunction with the Figures 1 to 2B One or more of the spring suspension arrangements are identical or similar. Figure 3A A perspective view of a spring suspension arrangement 300 is shown. Figure 3B Shown is a top view of a spring suspension arrangement 300. The spring suspension arrangement 300 is shown in the context of a portion of a prism module.

[0044] In some embodiments, the spring suspension arrangement 300 may include one or more springs 302 and / or one or more wires 304. The spring suspension arrangement 300 may include multiple parts that function in different ways. For example, the spring 302 may include a first spring portion 306, a second spring portion 308, and a third spring portion 310. The first spring portion 306 may be attached to the prism carrier 204. The second spring portion 308 may be attached to the base structure 206. The third spring portion 310 may interconnect the first spring portion 306 and the second spring portion 308. In addition, the third spring portion may extend from the first spring portion 306 to the second spring portion 308 in a first direction parallel to the tilt axis (about which the actuator tilts the prism carrier 204). In some embodiments, the first direction may be the Y-axis direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the wire 304 can extend from the spring 302 to the static structure of the camera in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In some embodiments, the second direction can be the Z-axis direction. According to some embodiments, the upper portion of the wire 304 can be attached to the spring 302, for example, at or near the third spring portion 310, at or near the first spring portion 306, and / or at or near the junction between the first spring portion 306 and the third spring portion 310. The wire 304 can extend downward from the upper portion to the lower portion attached to the static structure. In some embodiments, the static structure can be a part of the base structure 206. In some embodiments, the static structure can be a component (e.g., a metal insert) attached to the base structure 206.

[0046] In some embodiments, the third spring portion 310 may be a torsion member that serves as the primary engagement element of the spring suspension arrangement 300 relative to the tilting motion around the Y axis. According to some embodiments, the spring suspension arrangement 300 may be designed so that a certain range of motion is allowed via the torsion of the third spring portion 310. In some examples, the third spring portion 310 may be adjusted to provide a limited range of motion. As a non-limiting example, the range of motion may be limited to about 2 degrees. In various embodiments, the range of motion may be different. In addition, in some embodiments, the tilt around the Y axis may be considered as a functional degree of freedom, and the spring suspension arrangement 300 may be designed to offset motion in other degrees of freedom, such as translation (e.g., in X, Y, and Z) and / or tilt (e.g., around the X axis and the Z axis). In some embodiments, the first spring portion 306 and the wire 304 may play a major role in supporting the prism carrier 204 in the Z-axis direction and / or offsetting the motion of the prism carrier 204 in the Z-axis direction. Additionally or alternatively, the second spring portion 308 can play a primary role in counteracting movement of the prism carrier 204 in a direction parallel to the XY plane. According to some embodiments, the geometry (e.g., size, shape, curvature, etc.) of different portions of the spring 302 can be independently adjusted to achieve desired modal performance.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first spring portion 306 can have a first end attached to a first portion of the prism carrier 204, and a second end attached to a second portion of the prism carrier 204, e.g., FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B In addition, the second spring portion 308 may have a first end attached to the first upper protrusion of the base structure 206 (e.g., near the attachment of the first end of the first spring portion 306 to the first portion of the prism carrier 204), and a second end attached to the second upper protrusion of the base structure 206 (e.g., near the attachment of the second end of the first spring portion 306 to the second portion of the prism carrier 204).

[0048] 4A to 4D A diagram of an exemplary spring suspension arrangement that may be used, for example, in a prism module having a prism that is tiltable via a tilt actuator, according to some embodiments. Figure 4A A rest state 400a is shown corresponding to the spring suspension arrangement 400a being in a rest position. In some examples, the rest position may correspond to the position of the spring suspension arrangement when the prism 402 is not moving. Figure 4B A first deflected state 400b is shown indicating a deflection of the spring suspension arrangement when the prism 402 is tilted about a first axis (eg, the Y-axis) relative to a rest position. Figure 4CA second deflected state 400c is shown indicating a deflection of the spring suspension arrangement when the prism 402 is translated in a first direction (eg, Z-axis direction) relative to the rest position. Figure 4D A third deflected state 400d is shown indicating deflection of the spring suspension arrangement when the prism 402 is translated in a second direction (eg, the Y-axis direction) relative to the rest position.

[0049] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device 500 is shown, which may include a camera (e.g., Figure 1 100) in a camera having a folded optical device arrangement having a tilt actuator and / or a spring suspension arrangement, for example, as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4D In some embodiments, device 500 can be a mobile device and / or a multi-function device. In various embodiments, device 500 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 computer or a netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) helmet, a consumer device, a video game controller, a handheld video game device, an application server, a storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device (such as a switch, a modem, a router) or any type of computing or electronic device in general.

[0050] In some embodiments, device 500 may include a display system 502 (e.g., including a display and / or a touch-sensitive surface) and / or one or more cameras 504. In some non-limiting embodiments, display system 502 and / or one or more forward-facing cameras 504a may be disposed on the front side of device 500, e.g., Figure 5 Additionally or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras 504b may be disposed on the rear side of the device 500. In some embodiments including multiple cameras 504, some or all of the cameras may be identical or similar to one another. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the cameras may be different from one another. In various embodiments, the location and / or arrangement of the cameras 504 may differ from one another. Figure 5 Those shown in .

[0051] The device 500 may include, among other things, a memory 506 (e.g., including an operating system 508 and / or application / program instructions 510), one or more processors and / or controllers 512 (e.g., including a CPU, a memory controller, a display controller, and / or a camera controller, etc.), and / or one or more sensors 516 (e.g., an orientation sensor, a proximity sensor, and / or a position sensor, etc.). In some embodiments, the device 500 may communicate with one or more other devices and / or services such as a computing device 518, a cloud service 520, etc. via one or more networks 522. For example, the device 500 may include a network interface (e.g., a network interface 610) that enables the device 500 to transmit data to and receive data from the network 522. In addition or alternatively, the device 500 may be able to communicate with other devices via wireless communications using any of a variety of communication standards, protocols, and / or technologies.

[0052] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing device, referred to as computer system 600, is shown that may include or host an embodiment of a camera having a sensor offset actuator and / or suspension arrangement, such as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 5 In addition, the computer system 600 may implement methods for controlling the operation of a camera and / or for performing image processing on images captured by the camera. Figure 5 The device 500 may additionally or alternatively include some or all of the functional components of the computer system 600 described herein.

[0053] The computer system 600 may be configured to perform any or all of the embodiments described above. In various embodiments, the computer system 600 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a tablet computer or a netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) helmet, a consumer device, a video game controller, a handheld video game device, an application server, a storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device (such as a switch, a modem, a router), or generally any type of computing or electronic device.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the computer system 600 includes one or more processors 602 coupled to a system memory 604 via an input / output (I / O) interface 606. The computer system 600 also includes one or more cameras 608 coupled to the I / O interface 606. The computer system 600 also includes a network interface 610 coupled to the I / O interface 606 and one or more input / output devices 612, such as a cursor control device 614, a keyboard 616, and a display 618. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of the computer system 600, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems or multiple nodes making up the computer system 600 may be configured to host different portions or instances of the embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of the computer system 600 that are different from those nodes that implement other elements.

[0055] In various embodiments, computer system 600 may be a uniprocessor system including one processor 602, or a multiprocessor system including a number of processors 602 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 602 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 602 may be a general-purpose or embedded processor that implements any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISAs. In a multiprocessor system, each of processors 602 may typically, but need not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

[0056] The system memory 604 can be configured to store program instructions 620 that can be accessed by the processor 602. In various embodiments, the system memory 604 can be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), non-volatile / flash type memory, or any other type of memory. In addition, the existing camera control data 622 of the memory 604 may include any of the above-mentioned information or data structures. In some embodiments, the program instructions 620 and / or data 622 may be received, sent, or stored on different types of computer-accessible media or similar media separate from the system memory 604 or the computer system 600. In various embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein can be implemented via such a computer system 600.

[0057] In one embodiment, the I / O interface 606 may be configured to coordinate I / O communications between the processor 602, the system memory 604, and any peripheral devices (including the network interface 610 or other peripheral device interfaces, such as the input / output device 612) in the device. In some embodiments, the I / O interface 606 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversion to convert data signals from one component (e.g., the system memory 604) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., the processor 602). In some embodiments, the I / O interface 606 may include support for devices attached, for example, via various types of peripheral device buses (such as a variation of the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the universal serial bus (USB) standard). In some embodiments, the functions of the I / O interface 606 may be divided into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. In addition, in some embodiments, some or all of the functions of the I / O interface 606 (such as an interface to the system memory 604) may be directly incorporated into the processor 602.

[0058] The network interface 610 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between the computer system 600 and other devices (e.g., carriers or proxy devices) attached to the network 624 or between nodes of the computer system 600. In various embodiments, the network 624 may include one or more networks, including but not limited to a local area network (LAN) (e.g., an Ethernet or an enterprise network), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a wireless data network, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, the network interface 610 may support communication via a wired or wireless general data network (such as any suitable type of Ethernet network), for example; communication via a telecommunications / telephone network (such as an analog voice network or a digital fiber optic communication network); communication via a storage area network (such as a Fiber Channel SAN), or communication via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0059] In some embodiments, input / output devices 612 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touch pads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other device suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 600. Multiple input / output devices 612 may be present in computer system 600, or may be distributed across various nodes of computer system 600. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices may be separate from computer system 600 and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system 600 via a wired or wireless connection (such as via network interface 610).

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 600 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, personal digital assistants, wireless telephones, pagers, etc. Computer system 600 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 shown components may be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components in some embodiments. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functions of some components in the shown components may not be provided, and / or other additional functions may be available.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, although various items are shown as being stored in memory or on storage devices during use, for the purpose of memory management and data integrity, these items or parts thereof may be transmitted between memory and other storage devices. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of these software components may be executed in a memory on another device, and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer accessible medium or portable article to be read by a suitable driver, and its various examples are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer accessible medium separated from the computer system 600 may be transmitted to the computer system 600 via a transmission medium or signal (such as an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a digital signal transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link). Various embodiments may also include receiving, sending, or storing instructions and / or data implemented according to the above description on a computer accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or memory medium, such as a magnetic medium or an optical medium, for example a disk or a DVD / CD-ROM, a volatile or non-volatile medium, such as a RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), a ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include a transmission medium or signal, such as an electrical signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a digital signal transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless link.

[0062] 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 light folding element, the light folding element being used to fold an optical path; a carrier coupled to the light folding element so that the carrier can move together with the light folding element; a base structure that is stationary relative to the movement of the carrier; an image sensor for capturing image data based on light that has been folded by the light folding element; an actuator for tilting the light folding element relative to the image sensor about a tilt axis; as well as a suspension arrangement for suspending the carrier from the base structure and allowing movement of the light folding element by the actuator, the suspension arrangement comprising: One or more springs, the one or more springs comprising: a first spring portion attached to the carrier; a second spring portion attached to the base structure; and A third spring portion interconnects the first spring portion with the second spring portion, wherein the third spring portion extends from the first spring portion to the second spring portion in a direction parallel to the tilt axis.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein: A direction parallel to the tilt axis is a first direction; and The suspension arrangement further comprises: A wire extends from the one or more springs to a stationary structure of the camera in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

3. The camera of claim 2, further comprising: Flexible circuits; wherein the camera is configured to deliver current from the flexible circuit to the coil via the wire and at least a portion of the one or more springs, and wherein the current is used to drive the coil such that the coil electromagnetically interacts with the magnet.

4. The camera of claim 2, wherein: The one or more springs include a first leaf spring attached to a first portion of the carrier; The wire includes a first wire attached to the first leaf spring; and The suspension arrangement further comprises: a second leaf spring, the second leaf spring being attached to a second portion of the carrier, wherein the second portion is opposite to the first portion relative to the light folding element and relative to a plane defined by a light path folded by the light folding element; as well as A second wire is attached to the second leaf spring.

5. The camera of claim 1, wherein: The one or more springs include a flexure formed from a sheet of material; and The flexure includes the first spring portion, the second spring portion, and the third spring portion.

6. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises: a magnet, the magnet being stationary relative to the motion of the carrier; as well as A coil is attached to the carrier so that the coil can move with the carrier, wherein the coil is positioned close to the magnet so that the coil can electromagnetically interact with the magnet to generate a Lorentz force, which causes the carrier and the light folding element to tilt about the tilt axis.

7. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the light folding element comprises: Prism; or Reflector.

8. A system, comprising: a carrier coupled to the light folding element so that the carrier can move together with the light folding element; a base structure that is stationary relative to the movement of the carrier; an actuator for tilting the light folding element relative to an image sensor of a camera about a tilt axis, wherein the light folding element is for folding a light path before the light reaches the image sensor; as well as a suspension arrangement for suspending the light folding element from the base structure and allowing movement of the light folding element by the actuator, the suspension arrangement comprising: One or more springs, the one or more springs comprising: a first spring portion attached to the carrier; a second spring portion attached to the base structure; and A third spring portion interconnects the first spring portion with the second spring portion, wherein the third spring portion extends from the first spring portion to the second spring portion in a direction parallel to the tilt axis.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein: A direction parallel to the tilt axis is a first direction; and The suspension arrangement further comprises: A wire extends from the one or more springs to a stationary structure of the camera in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising: Flexible circuits; wherein the camera is configured to deliver current from the flexible circuit to the coil via the wire and at least a portion of the one or more springs, and wherein the current is used to drive the coil such that the coil electromagnetically interacts with the magnet.

Images