Optical image stabilization with voice coil motor for moving image sensor

Abstract

To provide a technique relating to position management with optical image stabilization in autofocus camera components.SOLUTION: In some embodiments, a camera actuator includes an actuator base, an autofocus voice coil motor, and an optical image stabilization voice coil motor. In some embodiments, the autofocus voice coil motor includes a lens carrier mounting attachment movably mounted to the actuator base, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base, and an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachment for producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of an optical axis of one or more lenses of the lens carrier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to position control, and more particularly, to position management with optical image stabilization in autofocus camera components. [Background technology]

[0002] The advent of small mobile multi-purpose devices such as smartphones and tablet or pad devices has created a need for high-resolution, compact cameras to integrate into the devices. Some compact cameras may incorporate an optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanism that can detect and react to external excitation / disturbances by adjusting the position of the optical lens on the X and / or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted movement of the lens. Some compact cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism that can adjust the focal length of an object to focus on an object surface in front of the camera in the image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens moves as a single rigid body along the optical axis (referred to as the Z-axis) of the camera to refocus the camera.

[0003] In addition, high image quality is easier to achieve in a compact camera if movement of the lens along the optical axis, for example on the X and Y axes orthogonal to the camera's optical (Z) axis, is accompanied by minimal parasitic movement in the other degrees of freedom. Thus, some compact cameras that include autofocus mechanisms may also incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that can sense and respond to external stimuli / disturbances by adjusting the position of the optical lens on the X and / or Y axes in an attempt to compensate for unwanted movement of the lens. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some embodiments, the camera actuator includes an actuator base, an autofocus voice coil motor, and an optical image stabilization voice coil motor. In some embodiments, the autofocus voice coil motor includes a lens carrier mounting fixture movably mounted to the actuator base, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base, and an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting fixture for producing forces that move the lens carrier in the direction of an optical axis of one or more lenses in the lens carrier. In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization voice coil motor includes an image sensor carrier movably mounted to the actuator base, and a plurality of optical image stabilization coils movably mounted to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic field of the shared magnet for producing forces that move the image sensor carrier in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0005] Some embodiments may include a flexure module that can be used with an optical image stabilization VCM actuator (e.g., an optical image stabilization actuator) of a camera. The flexure module may include a dynamic platform and a static platform. In various examples, the flexure module may include one or more flexures. The flexures may be configured to mechanically connect the dynamic platform to the static platform. Further, the flexures may be configured to provide stiffness (e.g., in-plane bending stiffness) to the VCM actuator and allow the dynamic platform to move along a plane that is orthogonal to an optical axis defined by one or more lenses of the camera. In various embodiments, the flexure module may include one or more curved stabilizer members. The curved stabilizer members may be configured to mechanically connect the flexures to each other such that the curved stabilizer members prevent interference between the flexures connected by the curved stabilizer members. In some examples, the flexure module may include electrical traces configured to communicate signals from the dynamic platform to the static platform. The electrical traces may be routed from the dynamic platform to the static platform via the flexures, the curved stabilizer members, and / or the flex circuit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that can be used, for example, to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor in a compact camera, according to at least some embodiments. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that can be used, for example, to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor in a compact camera, according to at least some embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates components of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that can be used to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor in a compact camera, according to at least some embodiments, and shows an exploded view of the camera. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates components of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that can be used to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor in a compact camera, according to at least some embodiments, and shows a cross-sectional view of the camera. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates components of an exemplary camera having an actuator module or assembly that can be used to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor in a compact camera, according to at least some embodiments, and shows an external perspective view of the camera. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lateral motion voice coil motor (VCM) that can be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization, in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 7A] Exemplary embodiments of camera frames and flexures having actuator modules or assemblies that can be used, for example, to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor in a compact camera, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 7B] Exemplary embodiments of camera frames and flexures having actuator modules or assemblies that can be used, for example, to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor in a compact camera, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 7C] Exemplary embodiments of camera frames and flexures having actuator modules or assemblies that can be used, for example, to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor in a compact camera, according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 8A] 1A-1D each show an exemplary flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera to provide optical image stabilization, according to some embodiments, and show a top view of the exemplary flexure module. [Figure 8B] 1A-1D each show an exemplary flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera to provide optical image stabilization in accordance with some embodiments, and show a perspective view of the exemplary flexure module. [Figure 9A] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9B] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9C] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9D] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9E] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9F]9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9G] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9H] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9I] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9J] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9K] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 9L] 9A-9L , each showing a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10B] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10C] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10D]1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10E] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10F] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10G] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10H] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10I]1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 10J] 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary flexure and / or trace, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure may be used in a flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. A VCM actuator may be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization. [Figure 11A] 11A-11B show diagrams of an exemplary flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization, according to some embodiments, and a top view of the exemplary flexure module. In FIG. 11A-11B, the exemplary flexure module may include electrical traces routed from a dynamic frame to a static frame through a flexure. [Figure 11B] 11A-11B show diagrams of an exemplary flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization, according to some embodiments, and a perspective view of the exemplary flexure module. In FIG. 11A-11B, the exemplary flexure module may include electrical traces routed from a dynamic frame to a static frame through a flexure. [Figure 12A] 12A-12B each show a diagram of an exemplary flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization, and show a top view of the exemplary flexure module, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 12A-12B, the exemplary flexure module may include one or more flex circuits configured to route electrical traces from a dynamic frame to a static frame. [Figure 12B]12A-12B each show a diagram of an exemplary flexure module of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization, according to some embodiments, and a perspective view of the flexure module. In FIG. 12A-12B, the exemplary flexure module may include one or more flex circuits configured to route electrical traces from a dynamic frame to a static frame. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for communicating a signal from a dynamic platform of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to a static platform of the VCM actuator according to some embodiments. [Figure 14] 1 shows a block diagram of a portable multifunction device with a camera in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 15] According to some embodiments, a portable multifunction device with a camera is described. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an example computer system that may include a camera, according to some embodiments, that may be configured to perform aspects of systems and methods for camera control, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] This specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment." The appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with the present disclosure.

[0008] "Comprising." This term is open-ended. As used in the following claims, this term does not exclude additional structures or steps. Consider a claim that reads "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, graphics circuitry, etc.).

[0009] "Configured to." Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as being "configured to" perform a task or tasks. In this context, "configured" is used to imply structure by indicating that the unit / circuit / component includes structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, a unit / circuit / component can be said to be configured to perform a task even when the specified unit / circuit / component is not currently operational (e.g., not turned on). A unit / circuit / component used with the term "configured to" includes hardware, e.g., circuits, memory that stores program instructions capable of performing an operation, etc. Describing a unit / circuit / component as being "configured" to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, for that unit / circuit / component. Additionally, "configured to" can include general purpose structure (e.g., general purpose circuitry) that can be manipulated by software and / or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general purpose processor running software) to operate in a manner capable of performing the task(s) in question. "Configured to" can also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate a device (e.g., an integrated circuit) adapted to perform or execute one or more tasks.

[0010] "first," "second," etc. As used herein, these terms are used as markers for the nouns that follow 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 write operations on "first" and "second" values. The terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.

[0011] "Based on." As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that influence the determination. This term does not preclude additional factors that may influence the determination. That is, the determination may be based solely on those factors, or at least in part on those factors. Consider the phrase "determining A based on B." In this case, B is a factor that influences the determination of A, but such a phrase does not preclude the determination of A being based on C as well. In other examples, A may be determined solely on B.

[0012] Introduction to magnetic sensing for autofocus position detection

[0013] Some embodiments include a camera device having a controller, a magnet, and a voice coil motor to improve the effectiveness of miniature actuation mechanisms for a compact camera module. More specifically, in some embodiments, the compact camera module includes actuators for performing functions such as autofocus (AF) and optical image stabilization (OIS). One approach to achieving a very compact actuator for the OIS is to use a voice coil motor (VCM) array.

[0014] In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization actuator is designed such that the imaging sensor is mounted on the OIS frame translating in X and Y (opposite to the autofocus actuator translating in Z, where Z is the optical axis of the camera). The electromechanical components that move the image sensor are composed of a static and dynamic platform. Mounting the imaging sensor on the dynamic platform running off electrical signal traces from the dynamic platform to the static platform (wirebonding, flip / chip, BGA) provides the connection to the image sensor. An in-plane flexure connects the dynamic platform to the static platform and supports the electrical signal traces. The OIS coils are mounted on the dynamic platform. In some embodiments, the OIS permanent magnets are mounted on the static platform to provide additional Lorentz forces (e.g., for high in-plane bending stiffness).

[0015] Some embodiments include a camera. The camera may include a lens, an image sensor, and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. The lens may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis. The image sensor may be configured to capture light that passes through the lens. Further, the image sensor may be configured to convert the captured light into an image signal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the camera actuator includes an actuator base, an autofocus voice coil motor, and an optical image stabilization voice coil motor. In some embodiments, the autofocus voice coil motor includes a lens carrier mounting fixture movably mounted to the actuator base, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base, and an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting fixture for producing forces that move the lens carrier in the direction of an optical axis of one or more lenses in the lens carrier. In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization voice coil motor includes an image sensor carrier movably mounted to the actuator base, and a plurality of optical image stabilization coils movably mounted to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic field of the shared magnet for producing forces that move the image sensor carrier in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0017] Some embodiments provide an actuator system using a first AF VCM (voice coil motor) and a second OIS VCM to separately achieve sensor shift. In some embodiments, the AF VCM actuator allows translation of the optical system along the optical axis. In some embodiments, the OIS VCM actuator allows the image sensor to translate in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the sensor is mounted on a flat flexure, where electrical traces connecting the image sensor and I / O terminals are achieved directly on the flexure using a metal additive deposition process (e.g., a high-precision copper additive deposition process), and the in-plane translation force is a result of the VCM designed around the moving coil architecture.

[0018] In some embodiments, the elimination of the OIS "optical shift" design that relies on vertical beams (suspension wires) alleviates reliability challenges by relying on the OIS sensor shift and flat flexure design to have lower yield strength and larger cross-sections, both of which improve reliability.

[0019] In some embodiments, shifting the sensor allows for a reduction in moving mass and therefore a distinct advantage in power consumption compared to OIS "optically shifted" designs. In some embodiments, fabrication is accomplished with electrical traces deposited directly onto the OIS flexures (e.g., using a metal additive deposition process), which allows for smaller package size while meeting I / O requirements.

[0020] In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one or more flexible members for mechanically connecting the image sensor, fixed relative to the image sensor carrier, to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting the image sensor fixed relative to the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and the flexure includes electrical signal traces.

[0022] In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting the image sensor fixed relative to the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and the flexure includes a metal flexure carrying electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal flexure via an insulator (e.g., one or more polyimide insulator layers).

[0023] In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting the image sensor fixed relative to the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and the flexure includes a metal flexure carrying multiple layers of electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal flexure and from each other via insulation.

[0024] In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization coil is mounted on a flexible printed circuit that carries power to the coil for operation of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor.

[0025] In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization coil is corner mounted on a flexible printed circuit that is mechanically connected to the actuator base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voice coil motor.

[0026] In some embodiments, bearing surface end stops for limiting the movement of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor are mounted to the base.

[0027] In some embodiments, the camera includes a lens in a lens carrier, an image sensor for capturing a digital representation of light passing through the lens, an axial motion voice coil motor for focusing light from the lens on the image sensor by moving a lens assembly including the lens along the optical axis of the lens, and a lateral motion voice coil motor.

[0028] In some embodiments, the axial motion voice coil motor includes a suspension assembly for movably mounting the lens carrier to an actuator base, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the actuator base, and a focus adjustment coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier and mounted to the actuator base through the suspension assembly.

[0029] In some embodiments, the lateral motion voice coil motor includes an image sensor frame member, one or more flexible members for mechanically connecting the image sensor frame member to a frame of the lateral motion voice coil motor, and a number of lateral motion coils movably mounted to the image sensor frame member within the magnetic field of a shared magnet for generating forces that move the image sensor frame in a number of directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0030] In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting the image sensor fixed relative to the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and the flexure further includes electrical signal traces.

[0031] In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting the image sensor fixed relative to the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and the flexure further includes a metal flexure carrying electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal flexure via an insulator.

[0032] In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization coil is mounted on a flexible printed circuit that carries power to the coil for operation of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor.

[0033] In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization coil is corner mounted on a flexible printed circuit that is mechanically connected to the actuator base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voice coil motor.

[0034] In some embodiments, bearing surface end stops for limiting the movement of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor are mounted to the base.

[0035] In some embodiments, a bearing surface end stop for limiting movement of the image sensor along the optical axis is mounted to the actuator base.

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0037] It will also be understood that although terms such as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact may be called a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be called a first contact, without departing from the intended scope. Although a first contact and a second contact are both contacts, they are not the same contact.

[0038] The terms used in the description herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term "and / or" is to be understood to refer to and include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0039] As used herein, the term "if" can be interpreted to mean "when," "upon," "in response to determining," or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if (a stated condition or event) is detected" can be interpreted to mean "upon determining," "in response to determining," "upon detecting (the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detecting (the stated condition or event)," depending on the context.

[0040] 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary camera 100 having an actuator module or assembly that can be used to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly in a miniature camera and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor, according to at least some embodiments. The camera 100 may include an optical assembly 102. The optical assembly 102 may carry one or more lenses 104 (also referred to herein as "lenses"). In some cases, the optical assembly may be movably connected to an actuator base. The lens 104 may have a lens barrel, which may in turn be connected to a lens carrier 106, although it should be appreciated that the lens barrel and the lens carrier 106 may be common components in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the camera 100 includes an image sensor 108 for capturing a digital representation of light passing through the lens 104. The camera 100 may include an axial motion (autofocus) voice coil motor 110 for focusing light from the lens 104 on the image sensor 108 by moving the optical assembly 102, including the lens 104, along the optical axis of the lens 104. In some embodiments, the axial motion voice coil motor 110 may include a suspension assembly 112 for movably mounting the lens carrier 106 to an actuator base 114. Additionally, the axial motion voice coil motor 110 may include a plurality of shared magnets 116 mounted to the actuator base 114, and a focusing coil 118 fixedly mounted to the lens carrier 106 and mounted to the actuator base 114 through the suspension assembly 112. In some embodiments, the actuator base 114 may be fabricated from multiple separate components.

[0041] In various embodiments, the camera 100 includes a lateral motion (optical image stabilization (OIS)) voice coil motor 120. The lateral motion voice coil motor 120 may include an image sensor frame member 122, one or more flexible members 124 (also referred to herein as "flexures," "flexure arms," ​​or "spring arms") for mechanically connecting the image sensor frame member 122 (also referred to herein as the "dynamic platform" or "internal frame") to a frame of the lateral motion voice coil motor 120 (also referred to herein as the "static platform" or "external frame"), and multiple OIS coils 132. As shown in FIG. 2, the OIS coils 132 may be mounted to the dynamic platform 122 within the magnetic field 138 of the shared magnet 116 to generate forces 140 that move the dynamic platform 122 in multiple directions orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens 104.

[0042] In some embodiments, the dynamic platform 122, the flexure 124 for mechanically connecting the dynamic platform 122 to the static platform 126, and the static platform 126 are a single metal or other flexible part. In some embodiments, the flexure 124 mechanically and / or electrically connects the image sensor 108, which is fixed relative to the dynamic platform 122, to the static platform 126, and the flexure 124 includes electrical signal traces 130. In some embodiments, the flexure 124 includes a metal flexure carrying the electrical signal traces 130 that are electrically isolated from the metal flexure via an insulator.

[0043] In some embodiments, the OIS coil 132 is mounted on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 134, which carries power to the OIS coil 132 for operation of the lateral motion (OIS) voice coil motor 120. The flexible printed circuit 134, the dynamic platform 136, the flexure 124, and / or the static platform 126 may be connected to a top surface of the actuator base 114 in some embodiments.

[0044] In some embodiments, a bearing surface end stop 136 for limiting the movement of the image sensor 108 along the optical axis is mounted to the actuator base 114 .

[0045] For control of the OIS coil, in some embodiments, control circuitry (not shown) may be located on dynamic platform 122 and / or FPC 134, and power may be routed to the control circuitry via one or more of flexures 124. In other examples, the control circuitry may be located off of dynamic platform 122, and stimulation signals may be conveyed from the control circuitry to OIS coil 132 via one or more of flexures 124.

[0046] 3-5 show components of an exemplary camera 300 having an actuator module or assembly that can be used to provide autofocus (AF) through movement of an optical assembly in a compact camera and / or optical image stabilization (OIS) through movement of an image sensor, according to at least some embodiments. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of camera 300. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of camera 300. FIG. 5 shows an external perspective view of camera 300. In various embodiments, camera 300 may include an optical assembly 302, a shielding can 304, a magnet holder 306, a magnet 308, a lens carrier 310, an AF coil 312, a base 314, an OIS coil 316, an OIS FPC 318, an image sensor 320, an OIS frame 322 (e.g., according to one or more embodiments of the curved modules described herein with reference to FIGS. 7A-11B), and / or electrical traces 324.

[0047] In various embodiments, the shielding can 304 may be mechanically attached to the base 314. The camera 300 may include an axial motion (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) (e.g., the axial motion VCM 110 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2) and / or a lateral motion (OIS) VCM (e.g., the lateral motion VCM 120 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2). In some cases, the axial motion VCM may include the optical assembly 302, the magnet holder 306, the magnet 308, the lens carrier 310, and / or the AF coil 312. Further, the lateral motion VCM may include the OIS coil 316, the OIS FPC 318, the image sensor 320, the OIS frame 322, and / or the electrical traces 324. In some embodiments, the axial motion VCM (or a portion thereof) may be connected to the shielding can 304 and the lateral motion VCM (or a portion thereof) may be connected to the base 314.

[0048] In some embodiments, the OIS FPC 318 and / or the OIS frame 322 may be connected to a bottom surface of the base 314. In some examples, the base 314 may define one or more recesses and / or openings having a number of different cross-sections. For example, a lower portion of the base 314 may define a recess and / or opening having a cross-section sized to receive the OIS frame 322. An upper portion of the base 314 may define a recess and / or opening having a cross-section sized to receive the OIS FPC 318. The upper portion may have an internal contour that corresponds to an external contour of the OIS FPC 318. This helps maximize the amount of material included in the base 314 (e.g., to provide structural rigidity to the base 314) while also providing at least a minimum spacing between the OIS FPC 318 and the base 314.

[0049] In some non-limiting examples, OIS FPC 318 and image sensor 320 may be separately attached to OIS frame 322. For example, a first set of one or more electrical traces may be routed between OIS FPC 318 and OIS frame 322. A second, different set of one or more electrical traces may be routed between the image sensor and OIS frame 322. In other embodiments, image sensor 320 may be attached to or otherwise integrated into OIS FPC 318 such that image sensor 320 is connected to OIS frame 322 via OIS FPC 318, e.g., as discussed below with reference to FIG. 6 .

[0050] 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lateral motion voice coil motor (VCM) 600 that can be used in a camera, for example, to provide optical image stabilization, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the lateral motion VCM 600 may include an OIS frame 602, an image sensor 604, an OIS flat printed circuit (FPC) 606, and / or an OIS coil 608. The OIS frame 602 may include a dynamic platform 610, a static platform 612, and one or more flexures 614. The flexures 614 may connect the dynamic platform 610 to the static platform 612. In some examples, one or more of the flexures 614 may include one or more electrical traces 616 routed between the static platform 612 and the dynamic platform 610, and / or the OIS FPC 606.

[0051] In some embodiments, the image sensor 604 may be attached to or otherwise integrated into the OIS FPC 606, such that the image sensor 604 is connected to the OIS frame 602 via the OIS FPC 606, for example, as noted in FIG. 6 . In some examples, there may be one or more trace connections 618 between the OIS FPC 606 and the OIS frame 602. In some cases, the OIS frame 602 may have a hole 620 extending therethrough, and a portion of the OIS FPC 606 and / or the image sensor 604 may extend at least partially through the hole 620. This may allow for a reduction in the z-height (e.g., the height of the lateral motion VCM 600 along the optical axis of the camera) in some cases.

[0052] In some examples, the OIS FPC 606 may extend from the dynamic platform 610 such that a portion of the OIS FPC 606 is positioned on the flexure 614 (e.g., a plane on the flexure 614). In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the OIS coils 608 is positioned on the flexure 614. Such an arrangement can facilitate miniaturization of the lateral motion VCM 600 and / or camera, since the dynamic platform 610 does not need to be sized to accommodate both the image sensor 604 and the OIS coil 608.

[0053] 7A-7C depict an exemplary embodiment of a camera frame and flexure 700 having an actuator module or assembly that can be used, for example, to provide autofocus through movement of an optical assembly in a miniature camera and / or optical image stabilization through movement of an image sensor, according to at least some embodiments. An image sensor 702 resides on or is otherwise coupled to a dynamic platform 704 of an OIS frame that is connected to a static platform 706 of the OIS frame by a flexure 708 carrying electrical traces 710. The traces 710 may be electrically isolated (e.g., from each other, from other flexures 708, from the OIS frame, etc.) via insulators 712, for example, as shown in FIG. 7C. The traces 710 may be formed from a metallic material (e.g., copper). In some examples, the traces 710 may be formed using a metal-added deposition process, such as a copper-added deposition process. Similarly, the insulators 712 may be made from polyimide.

[0054] In some embodiments, the OIS frame may include multiple flexure groups. Each flexure group may be multiple flexures 708 connected to a common side of the dynamic platform 704 and a common side of the static platform 706. In some examples, at least one flexure group is configured to connect a flexure 708 to a side of the dynamic platform 704 and a non-corresponding side of the static platform 706. That is, as noted in FIGS. 7A and 7B , each side of the dynamic platform 704 may face a corresponding side of the static platform 706, and the flexure 708 may include at least one bend or curved portion to move around a corner to reach the non-corresponding side of the static platform 706.

[0055] In some cases, one or more sides of the dynamic platform 704 and / or static platform 706 may include multiple flexure groups. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a first side of the dynamic platform 704 may include two flexure groups. One flexure group may connect the first side of the dynamic platform 704 to a first non-corresponding side of the static platform 706, and the other flexure group may connect the first side of the dynamic platform 704 to a second non-corresponding side of the static platform 706. In some cases, the first non-corresponding side and the second non-corresponding side of the static platform 706 may be opposite one another. The second side of the dynamic platform 704 may include two flexure groups connected in a similar manner as the static platform 706. In some cases, the first side and the second side of the dynamic platform 704 may be opposite one another.

[0056] 8A-8B each show a diagram of an exemplary flexure module 800 of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera to provide optical image stabilization, according to some embodiments. Fig. 8A shows a top view of the exemplary flexure module 800. Fig. 8B shows a perspective view of the exemplary flexure module 800.

[0057] In some embodiments, the flexure module 800 may be used in a lateral motion (optical image stabilization) voice coil motor of a camera (e.g., the cameras described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5). The flexure module 800 may include a dynamic platform 802 and a static platform 804. In some examples, the dynamic platform 802 and / or the static platform 804 may be configured according to one or more embodiments described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-7C and 9A-13. However, various other configurations of the dynamic platform 802 and / or the static platform 804 suitable for use with a VCM actuator are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0058] In various embodiments, the flexure module 800 may include one or more flexures 806. The flexures 806 may be configured to mechanically connect the dynamic platform 802 to the static platform 804. The flexures 806 may be configured to provide stiffness (e.g., in-plane bending stiffness) to the VCM actuators, allowing the dynamic platform 802 (and an image sensor fixed relative to the dynamic platform 802) to move along a plane orthogonal to an optical axis defined by one or more lenses of the camera. In this manner, the image sensor may shift along the plane orthogonal to the optical axis to provide optical image stabilization functionality. Additionally, as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-7C, 10B-10E, 11A-11B, and 13, the one or more flexures 806 may include electrical traces configured to carry signals (e.g., image signals generated by an image sensor fixed relative to the dynamic platform 802) from the dynamic platform 802 to the static platform 804.

[0059] In various embodiments, the curved module 800 may include one or more curved stabilizer members 808. The curved stabilizer members 808 may be configured to mechanically connect the curved sections 806 to one another such that the curved stabilizer members 808 prevent interference between the curved sections 806 connected by the curved stabilizer members 808. For example, the curved stabilizer members 808 may be configured to prevent the curved sections 806 from colliding with one another and / or entangling, e.g., during a drop event, a vibration event, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the curved stabilizer members 808 may be configured to limit movement of the curved sections 806 connected by the curved stabilizer members 808 and / or stabilize relative movement between the curved sections 806. Furthermore, the curved stabilizer members 808 may be positioned along various portions of the curved sections 806 to provide in-plane stiffness in the curved module 800 as needed, e.g., to meet optical image stabilization design requirements. Some non-limiting examples of curved stabilizer member configurations are described below with reference to FIGS. 9A-9L.

[0060] In some embodiments, the flexures 806 may be arranged in one or more flexure groups 810 or arrays, each including a plurality of flexures 806. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 8A-8B, the flexure module 800 includes a first flexure group 810a, a second flexure group 810b, a third flexure group 810c, and a fourth flexure group 810d. In some examples, the flexures 806 of the flexure groups 810 may be juxtaposed to one another along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. In some cases, the flexures 806 of one flexure group 810 (e.g., the first flexure group 810a) may not be juxtaposed to the flexures 806 of another flexure group 810 (e.g., the second flexure group 810b). In some cases, one or more of the flexure groups 810 may include one or more flexure stabilizer members 808. For example, each of the flexure groups 810 may include one or more flexure stabilizer members 808. Additionally, one or more of the curve groups 810 may include one or more bends (or "turns"). In some cases, at least one of the curve groups 810 may include a curved stabilizer member 808 disposed at the bend. For example, in Figures 8A-8B, each of the curve groups 810 is bent at three respective bends, and each curved stabilizer member 808 connects the curves 806 of each curve group 810 at a respective one of the three respective bends.

[0061] In some examples, the dynamic platform 802 and / or the static platform 804 may include one or more offsets 812 (e.g., recesses, extensions, etc.). In some cases, one or more flexures 806 may connect to the dynamic platform 802 and / or the static platform 804 at the offsets 812. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the dynamic platform 802 may include two recess offsets 812 on opposite sides of the dynamic platform 802. However, in some embodiments, the dynamic platform 802 and / or the static platform 804 may include different offset configurations. Some non-limiting examples of offset configurations are described below with reference to FIGS. 9A-9L.

[0062] 9A-9L each illustrate a partial top view of a respective exemplary flexure module configuration, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator flexure module (e.g., the flexure modules described herein with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B and 11A-12B). A VCM actuator may be used in a camera (e.g., the camera described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5) to provide optical image stabilization, for example.

[0063] The exemplary flexure module configurations of Figures 9A-9L provide some non-limiting examples of design feature variations that can be used in one or more embodiments of the flexure modules, VCM actuators, and / or cameras described herein.

[0064] 9A illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900a, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900a includes a dynamic platform 902a, a static platform 904a, a flexure 906a, and a flexure stabilizer member 908a. The flexure 906a may be part of a flexure group extending from the dynamic platform 902a to the static platform 904a. A side of the dynamic platform 902a may define a recess where the flexure 906a is attached to the dynamic platform 902a. A non-corresponding side of the static platform 904a may define an extension where the flexure 906a is attached to the static platform 904a. In that extension from the recess of the dynamic platform 902a to the extension of the static platform 904a, the flexure group may include one or more bends. For example, the flexure group may include a first flexure across a first corner formed by the recess in the dynamic platform 902a, a second flexure across a corner adjacent to two sides of the dynamic platform 902a, and a third flexure directing the flexure group toward an extension of the static platform 904a. In some examples, each portion of the flexure group may be oriented orthogonal to the recess in the dynamic platform 902a and / or orthogonal to the extension of the static platform 904a at or near each connection location. In some embodiments, the recess in the dynamic platform 902a may allow for an increase in the length of the flexure 906a, which in turn may provide additional flexibility for the flexure 906a.

[0065] 9B illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900b, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900b includes a dynamic platform 902b, a static platform 904b, a flexure 906b, and a flexure stabilizer member 908b. In some embodiments, the dynamic platform 902b, the static platform 904b, and the flexure 906b may be configured similarly to the dynamic platform 902a, the static platform 904a, and the flexure 906a, respectively, described above with reference to FIG. 9A. However, the flexure module configuration 900b may include multiple flexure stabilizer members 908b. For example, each flexure of a flexure group may include a respective flexure stabilizer member 908b.

[0066] 9C illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900c, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900c includes a dynamic platform 902c, a static platform configuration 904c, a flexure 906c, and a flexure stabilizer member 908c. The flexure 906c may be part of a flexure group extending from the dynamic platform 902c to the static platform 904c. A side of the dynamic platform 902c may define a first extension where the flexure 906c is attached to the dynamic platform 902c. A non-corresponding side of the static platform 904c may define a second extension where the flexure 906c is attached to the static platform 904c. In that extension from the first extension of the dynamic platform 902c to the second extension of the static platform 904c, the flexure group may include one or more bends. For example, a flexure group may include a first flexure that traverses a corner adjacent to two sides of the dynamic platform 902c and a second flexure that directs the flexure group toward a second extension of the static platform 904c. In some embodiments, the first extension of the dynamic platform 902c can allow for a reduction in the length of the flexure 906c and / or a reduction in the number of flexures in the flexure 906c, which in turn can result in an increase in the stiffness of the flexure 906c.

[0067] In some embodiments, the extensions and / or recesses of the dynamic platform and / or static platform may change the direction in which the flexures attach to the dynamic platform and / or static platform. For example, in FIG. 9C , the flexure 906c is connected to the second extension of the static platform 904c such that the flexure 906c extends from the second extension in a direction toward the corresponding side of the dynamic platform 902c (so that the flexure 906c bends to avoid contacting the corresponding side of the dynamic platform 902c) and the flexure 906c is connected to the first extension of the dynamic platform 902c in a direction toward the non-corresponding side of the static platform 904c (so that the flexure 906c does not need a bend to avoid contacting the corresponding side of the static platform 904c).

[0068] In some embodiments, a second extension of the static platform 904c may be used to provide additional spacing for trace routing (e.g., for grounding of guard traces, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 10I).

[0069] 9D shows a partial top view of a curved module configuration 900d, according to some embodiments. The curved module configuration 900d includes a dynamic platform 902d, a static platform 904d, and a curve 906d. The curve 906d may be part of a curve group extending from the dynamic platform 902d to the static platform 904d. A side of the dynamic platform 902d may define a first extension where the curve 906d is attached to the dynamic platform 902d. A non-corresponding side of the static platform 904d may define a second extension where the curve 906d is attached to the static platform 904d. In its extension from the first extension of the dynamic platform 902d to the second extension of the static platform 904d, the curve group may include one or more bends. For example, the curve group may include a bend that traverses a corner (which may include, for example, a chamfer, a fillet, etc.) adjacent two sides of the dynamic platform 902d. In some embodiments, the first extension of the dynamic platform 902d can allow for a reduction in the length of the curved portion 906d and / or a reduction in the number of bends in the curved portion 906d, which can then result in an increase in the stiffness of the curved portion 906d.

[0070] In some embodiments, certain electrical traces (and the signals they carry) may be affected by physical deformation. In examples where different electrical traces have different thicknesses and / or strengths, the electrical traces may be routed along different curves 906d and / or different types of curves 906d, for example, based at least in part on the sensitivity of the electrical traces. For example, in FIG. 9D, a curve group may include curves 906d of varying shapes and / or thicknesses. From the outermost curve 906d to the innermost curve 906d, the first (outermost) curve 906d and the second curve 906d have a first shape and a first thickness that are consistent throughout the curves, the third curve 906d has a second shape and a second thickness that vary at different portions of the curves, and the fourth (innermost) curve 906d has a third shape and a third thickness that vary at different portions of the curves. In some cases, the first shape, the second shape, and / or the third shape may be different from one another. In some embodiments, the second and third shapes may each include a respective bend that is chamfered. In some examples, the fourth (innermost) curved portion 906d may include a chamfered bend proximate a chamfered corner of the dynamic platform 902d. Additionally, the fourth (innermost) curved portion 906d may define a through hole at or proximate the chamfered bend.

[0071] 9E illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900e, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900e includes a dynamic platform 902e, a static platform 904e, and a flexure 906e.

[0072] 9F illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900f, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900f includes a dynamic platform 902f, a static platform 904f, a flexure 906f, and a flexure stabilizer member 908f.

[0073] 9G illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900g, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900g includes a dynamic platform 902g, a static platform 904g, and a flexure 906g.

[0074] 9H illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900h, according to some embodiments, including a dynamic platform 902h, a static platform 904h, and a flexure 906h.

[0075] FIG. 9I illustrates a partial top view of a curved module configuration 900i, according to some embodiments. The curved module configuration 900i includes a dynamic platform 902i, a static platform 904i, a flexure 906i, and a curved stabilizer member 908i. In some embodiments, the static platform 904i may include a chamfered corner proximate the outermost flexure 906i. In some examples, the inner surface of the static platform 904i may have a contour that follows at least a portion of the outer contour of the dynamic platform 902i, along with the contour of the flexure 906i. Such an arrangement may be used to provide at least a minimum spacing between the flexure 906i and the dynamic platform 902i and / or the static platform 904i. It should be appreciated that while the components may have different contours, some other contours may reduce the usable area of ​​the dynamic platform and / or static platform and / or may increase the overall size of the OIS frame.

[0076] 9J illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900j, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900j includes a dynamic platform 902j, a static platform 904j, and a flexure 906j.

[0077] 9K illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900k, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900k includes a dynamic platform 902k, a static platform 904k, a flexure 906k, and a flexure stabilizer member 908k.

[0078] 9L illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration 900l, according to some embodiments. The flexure module configuration 900l includes a dynamic platform 902l, a static platform 904l, a flexure 906l, and a flexure stabilizer member 908l.

[0079] Regarding the flexures, some of the example flexure module configurations in FIGS. 9A-9L illustrate variations in the flexures, including but not limited to one or more of the following:

[0080] (1a) The number of flexures may vary. For example, a flexure module may include one or more flexures. In certain embodiments, a flexure module may include between 3 and 6 flexures in a flexure group. As a non-limiting example, the flexure group shown in FIG. 9A includes five flexures, and the flexure group shown in FIG. 9J includes four flexures. The number of flexures in a flexure group may affect the stiffness of the flexure group. In some examples, a greater number of flexures may correspond to a greater stiffness of the flexure group.

[0081] (2a) The curves may be parallel to one another. For example, the curved portion groups shown in Figures 9A-9C, 9E, 9F, 9H, 9I, 9K, and 9L have curved portions parallel to one another. However, the curved portions do not have to be parallel to one another. For example, the curved portion groups shown in Figures 9D, 9G, and 9J include curved portions that are not parallel to one another.

[0082] (3a) Flexures may be aligned with edges of a frame (e.g., edges of a dynamic and / or static platform of a flexure module). For example, each of FIGS. 9A-9L includes one or more flexure portions aligned with a dynamic and / or static platform. In some embodiments, one or more flexure portions of a flexure group may not be aligned with a dynamic and / or static platform. For example, in FIG. 9G, a portion of flexure 906g is not aligned with dynamic platform 902g or static platform 904g.

[0083] (4a) The curves may be evenly spaced apart from one another. As a non-limiting example, the curve groups shown in Figures 9A-9C, 9E, 9F, 9H, 9I, 9K, and 9L include curves that are evenly spaced apart from one another. In other examples, the curves may not be evenly spaced apart from one another. For example, the curve groups shown in Figures 9D, 9G, and 9J include curves that are not evenly spaced apart from one another.

[0084] (5a) The width of a turn may vary along and / or within the turn. For example, the turn group shown in Figure 9D includes turns having such varying widths.

[0085] (6a) A curved portion may include features (e.g., recesses, extensions, gaps, etc.) For example, the curved portion group shown in Figure 9D includes an innermost curved portion that defines a gap.

[0086] (7a) The cross-section of the curved portion may be rectangular, concave, and / or convex in shape, for example, as discussed below with reference to Figures 10A-10J.

[0087] (8a) The flexure may be, for example, a solid material, a cladding, or a switching beam, as discussed below with reference to Figures 10A-10J.

[0088] Regarding the bends of a flexure (or flexure group), some of the example flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L illustrate flexure variations that include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0089] (1b) A curved portion may include one or more bends. For example, the curved portion shown in Figures 9A and 9B has three bends, the curved portion shown in Figure 9C has two bends, and the curved portion shown in Figure 9D has one bend.

[0090] (2b) The angle of rotation of the bends may vary. In some embodiments, the angle of rotation may be 90 degrees. For example, the bend group shown in FIG. 9A includes a bend with a 90 degree angle of rotation. However, in other embodiments, the angle of rotation may be an angle other than 90 degrees. For example, the innermost bend shown in FIG. 9G has a bend with a rotation angle other than 90 degrees.

[0091] (3b) The radius of turn of a bend may vary. For example, the bend group shown in Figures 9D and 9J includes bends having bends with varying radius of turn.

[0092] With respect to the curved stabilizer members, some of the example curved module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L illustrate variations of the curved stabilizer members, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0093] (1c) One or more curved stabilizer members may connect the flexures. For example, in Figure 9A, a single curved stabilizer member connects the flexures at one of the three bends in the flexure group. In Figure 9B, three curved stabilizer members are used to connect the flexures, each at a respective bend in the flexure group.

[0094] (2c) A curved stabilizer member may connect some or all of the curves. For example, in FIG. 9A, a curved stabilizer member connects all of the curves in a curve group. The curve group shown in FIGS. 9F and 9L includes a curved stabilizer member that connects some but not all of the curves. In some cases, a curved stabilizer member may be used to connect two adjacent curves to each other without connecting them to any other curves.

[0095] (3c) The location of the curved stabilizer members may be anywhere on the curved portion. In some embodiments, the location of the curved stabilizer members may vary among the curved portions. For example, in Figs. 9F and 9L, the location of the curved stabilizer members varies among the curved portions. Additionally, in Fig. 9F, the number of curved stabilizer members connecting the curved portions varies. Some of the curved portions are connected via two curved stabilizer members, while other curved portions are connected via three curved stabilizer members. In some examples, the width and / or thickness of the curved stabilizer members may vary, for example, some are wider and / or thicker than others, as shown in Fig. 9F.

[0096] (4c) The angle between the curved stabilizer member and the curved portion may vary. In some embodiments, the angle between the curved stabilizer member and the curved portion may be 90 degrees, for example, as shown in Figures 9A-9C, 9F, 9I, and 9L. However, in other embodiments, the angle may be other than 90 degrees, for example, as shown in Figure 9K.

[0097] Regarding the offset of the dynamic platform and / or static platform, some of the example curved module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L exhibit offset variations including, but not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0098] (1d) An offset may be present in the curved root where the curve connects to the dynamic platform and / or the static platform, for example as shown in Figures 9A-9L.

[0099] (2d) The offset may be, for example, a recess, a protrusion, etc. For example, Figures 9A, 9B, 9F, and 9K show a recess in the dynamic platform and an extension in the static platform. Figures 9C, 9D, 9E, 9G, 91, 9J, and 9L show an extension in the dynamic platform and an extension in the static platform.

[0100] With respect to the flexures connecting the corners to the dynamic platform and / or static platform, some of the example flexure module configurations in Figures 9A-9L show variations in the flexures connecting the corners, including but not limited to one or more of the following:

[0101] (1e) The curves connecting the corners may vary. In some embodiments, the curves connecting the corners may be 90 degrees, as shown, for example, in Figures 9A-9D, 9F, 9H, and 9J-9L. However, in other embodiments, the curves connecting the corners may be at angles other than 90 degrees, as shown, for example, in Figures 9E, 9G, and 9I.

[0102] (2e) The different curvatures may have different curvatures connecting the corners, for example as shown in FIG. 9G.

[0103] (3e) For dynamic and / or static platforms with offsets, the flexures may be connected to any available edge of the offset. In some cases, the flexures may be connected to an edge of the offset that is juxtaposed to the side of the dynamic or static platform that defines the offset, for example, as shown in Figures 9A-9C, 9F, 9H, and 9K. In some examples, the flexures may be connected to an edge of the offset that is perpendicular to the side of the dynamic or static platform that defines the offset, for example, as shown in Figures 9D, 9J, and 9L. In some cases, the flexures may be connected to an angled edge of the offset that is at an angle to the side of the dynamic or static platform that defines the offset, for example, as shown in Figures 9E, 9G, and 9I. In some embodiments, the angled edge may be used to individually adjust the length of the different flexures.

[0104] With respect to the curved patterns (which in some cases may include patterns formed by curved portions and curved stabilizer members), some of the example curved module configurations in Figures 9A-9L exhibit variations in the curved patterns, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0105] (1f) The curvature may be symmetric. For example, the curvature pattern may be symmetric along at least two axes (e.g., x and y axes) that are orthogonal to the optical axis. For example, the curvature patterns shown in Figures 3, 7A, 8A, and 8B are symmetric along two axes.

[0106] (1g) The curved pattern may be asymmetric. For example, the curved pattern may be asymmetric along at least one axis (e.g., the x-axis or the y-axis) perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, the curved pattern may include multiple different ones of the curved module configurations shown in Figures 9A-9L such that the curved pattern is asymmetric along the x-axis and / or the y-axis.

[0107] 10A-10J show diagrams of exemplary flexures and / or traces, according to some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodiments of the exemplary flexures may be used in a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator flexure module (e.g., the flexure modules described herein with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B and 11A-12B). VCM actuators may be used in cameras (e.g., the cameras described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5) to provide optical image stabilization, for example.

[0108] FIG. 10A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000a, according to some embodiments. For example, the cross-sectional view of the flexure 1000a may be taken along a plane aligned with the optical axis. The flexure 1000a may have a width dimension (denoted as "w" in FIG. 10A) and a height dimension (denoted as "h" in FIG. 10A). In some examples, the height dimension may be greater than the width dimension. For example, in certain embodiments, the height dimension may be approximately 120 micrometers and the width dimension may be approximately 30 micrometers. It should be understood that the height dimension and / or the width dimension may be any other suitable dimension.

[0109] FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000b, according to some embodiments. The flexure 1000b may include electrical traces 1002b. The electrical traces 1002b may be configured to transmit signals (e.g., image signals) from the dynamic platform to the static platform. The electrical traces 1002b may be routed along at least a portion of the flexure 1000b. In some embodiments, the electrical traces 1002b may be located at the top of the flexure 1000b. However, in other embodiments, the electrical traces 1002b may additionally or alternatively be located at the middle and / or bottom of the flexure 1000b. In some cases, the electrical traces 1002b may be a conductive material. For example, the electrical traces 1002b may be a copper deposition on the flexure 1000b. In some embodiments, the electrical traces 1002b may be electrically insulated. For example, the electrical traces 1002b may be at least partially covered by a dielectric material 1004b (e.g., polyimide).

[0110] FIG. 10C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000c, according to some embodiments. The flexure 1000c may include multiple electrical traces 1002c (e.g., electrical traces 1002b described above with reference to FIG. 10B). The electrical traces 1002c may be oriented horizontally side-by-side such that a horizontal plane passes through the electrical traces 1002c. The electrical traces 1002c may be routed along at least a portion of the flexure 1000c. In some embodiments, the electrical traces 1002c may be located at the top of the flexure 1000c. However, in other embodiments, the electrical traces 1002c may additionally or alternatively be located at the middle and / or bottom of the flexure 1000c. In some embodiments, the electrical traces 1002c may be electrically insulated from the remainder of the flexure 1000c and / or from each other. For example, the electrical traces 1002c may each be at least partially covered by a dielectric material 1004c (e.g., polyimide).

[0111] FIG. 10D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000d, according to some embodiments. The flexure 1000d may include multiple electrical traces 1002d (e.g., electrical traces 1002b described above with reference to FIG. 10B). The electrical traces 1002d may be oriented vertically side-by-side such that a vertical plane passes through the electrical traces 1002d. The electrical traces 1002d may be routed along at least a portion of the flexure 1000d. In some embodiments, the electrical traces 1002d may be located at the top of the flexure 1000d. However, in other embodiments, the electrical traces 1002d may additionally or alternatively be located at the middle and / or bottom of the flexure 1000d. In some embodiments, the electrical traces 1002d may be electrically insulated from the remainder of the flexure 1000d and / or from each other. For example, the electrical traces 1002d may each be at least partially covered by a dielectric material 1004d (e.g., polyimide).

[0112] FIG. 10E illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000e, according to some embodiments. The flexure 1000e may include a plurality of electrical traces 1002e (e.g., electrical traces 1002b described above with reference to FIG. 10B). The electrical traces 1002e may be routed from the dynamic platform to the static platform along at least a portion of the flexure 1000e. In some cases, one or more of the electrical traces 1002e may be located at the top of the flexure 1000e, and one or more of the electrical traces 1002e may be located at the top of the flexure 1000e. In some embodiments, the electrical traces 1002e may be electrically isolated from the remainder of the flexure 1000e and / or from each other. For example, the electrical traces 1002d may each be at least partially covered by a dielectric material 1004e (e.g., polyimide).

[0113] 10F illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000f, according to some embodiments. The flexure 1000f may be formed from multiple materials. For example, the flexure 1000f may include a first material 1002f sandwiching a second material 1004f. In some examples, the first material 1002f and / or the second material 1004f may include or be one or more electrical traces (e.g., the electrical trace 1002b described above with reference to FIG. 10B).

[0114] 10G illustrates a cross-sectional view of a curved portion 1000g, according to some embodiments. The curved portion 1000g may include a concave portion 1002g.

[0115] 10H illustrates a cross-sectional view of a curved portion 1000h, according to some embodiments. The curved portion 1000h may include a convex portion 1002h.

[0116] 10I illustrates a cross-sectional view of a curved configuration 1000i, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the curved configuration 1000i may include a first curved portion 1002i, a second curved portion 1004i, a third curved portion 1006i, and / or a fourth curved portion 1008i.

[0117] In some embodiments, the OIS frame may be formed from a conductive material (e.g., copper alloy or stainless steel, etc.) so that the flexures themselves serve as ground paths between the static and dynamic platforms. In addition, ground traces may be added to shield high frequency lines (e.g., twin pair lines carrying image signals from the image sensor to the image signal processor). For example, each of the first flexure 1002i and the second flexure 1004 may include a signal trace 1010i (e.g., the two signal traces shown in FIG. 10I). Furthermore, one or more common shielding traces 1012i may overlay the signal traces 1010i to shield the signal traces 1010i. The signal traces 1010i and / or the common shielding trace 1012i may be electrically isolated from each other, from the rest of the respective flexures, and / or from the other flexures via insulators 1014i. In some cases, the portions having the signal traces 1010i, the common shielding traces 1012i, and the insulators 1014i may be wider than the lower portions of their respective bends, such that at least a portion of the insulators 1014i and / or one or more of the traces 1012i, 1014i extend beyond the width of the lower portions of their respective bends.

[0118] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to selectively choose which traces are placed on different curves. For example, in an example where one trace and curve carries power signals to the dynamic platform (e.g., to an image sensor and / or OIS control circuitry) and a trace on another curve carries image signals from the image sensor, it may be desirable to position a ground trace on the curve between the power carrying curve and the signal carrying curve. For example, the third curve 1006i may include a ground trace 1016i and the fourth curve 1008i may include a power trace 1018i. The third curve 1006i (including the ground trace 1016i) may be positioned between the second curve 1004i (which may carry image signals via the signal trace 1010i) and the fourth curve 1008i (which may carry power via the power trace 1008i). In some cases, the ground trace 1016i may be a different reference than the ground of the OIS frame itself. Additionally, in some instances, it may be desirable to route one or more power traces along the least curvature of the OIS frame. Similarly, image-carrying traces may also be prioritized for least curvature, while other traces (e.g., carrying information between the OIS frame and the axial motion (autofocus) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator) may have longer trace lengths.

[0119] FIG. 10J illustrates a top view of a curved configuration 1000j, according to some embodiments. The curved configuration 1000j may include a curved section 1002j that routes the signal traces 1004j and the shielding traces 1006j from the dynamic platform 1008j to the static platform 1010j. The signal traces 1004j and / or the shielding traces 1006j may be electrically connected to the OIS frame at one or more points along the dynamic platform 1008j, the static platform 1010j, and / or the curved section 1002j. As illustrated in FIG. 10J, in some embodiments, the signal traces 1004j and the shielding traces 1006j may follow different paths on the dynamic platform 1008j and the static platform 1010j to allow the shielding traces 1006 to be electrically connected to the dynamic platform 1008j and the static platform 1010j, for example, using vias 1012j.

[0120] In various embodiments, one or more of the curved stabilizer members described herein (e.g., with reference to Figures 8A-9L and 11A-12B) may have a cross-section similar to or identical to one or more of the curved portions described herein (e.g., with reference to Figures 10A-10J).

[0121] 11A-11B show diagrams of an exemplary flexure module 1100 of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera (e.g., the camera described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5) to provide optical image stabilization, according to some embodiments. FIG. 11A shows a top view of the flexure module 1100. FIG. 11B shows a perspective view of the flexure module 1100. Electrical traces may be routed from the dynamic platform 1102 to the static platform 1104 via the flexures 1106 and / or the flexure stabilizer members 1108, for example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 10A-10J. In some examples, electrical traces may be routed from one or more electrical connection elements 1110 disposed on the dynamic platform 1102 to one or more electrical connection elements 1112 disposed on the static platform 1112 via one or more flexures 1106 and / or one or more flexure stabilizer members 1108.

[0122] The electrical connection elements 1110 may be disposed along one or more portions (or sides) of the dynamic platform 1102. For example, the electrical connection elements 1110 may be disposed along one or more curved routes where the flexure 1106 connects to the dynamic platform 1102. Similarly, the electrical connection elements 1112 may be disposed along one or more portions (or sides) of the static platform 1104. For example, the electrical connection elements 1112 may be disposed along one or more curved routes where the flexure 1106 connects to the static platform 1104. In some examples, the electrical connection elements 1110 may be configured to electrically couple to an image sensor and / or another component (e.g., a flip chip, a substrate, etc.) coupled to the image sensor. Thus, the dynamic platform 1102 may be configured to receive a signal (e.g., an image signal) from the image sensor via the electrical connection element 1110, and the signal may be transmitted from the electrical connection element 1110 of the dynamic platform 1102 to the electrical connection element 1112 of the static platform 1104 via one or more electrical traces routed along the curved portion 1106 and / or the curved stabilizer member 1108.

[0123] 11A and 11B, the electrical connection elements 1112 are located on a common side of the static platform 1104. However, the electrical connection elements may be on multiple sides of the static platform in some embodiments. For example, FIG. 7A shows electrical connection elements on two different sides of the static platform.

[0124] In some embodiments, when there are electrical traces on both sides of the flexure 1106 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10E ), there may be vias through the dynamic platform 1102 such that the electrical connection elements 1110 are on a common side of the dynamic platform 1102. For static platforms, the electrical traces may be brought up to a common surface using vias (e.g., to facilitate ease of connection) or may be on different surfaces (which in some cases can facilitate size reduction of the OIS frame).

[0125] 12A-12B each show a diagram of an exemplary flexure module 1200 of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that can be used in a camera (e.g., the camera described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5) to provide, for example, optical image stabilization, according to some embodiments. FIG. 12A shows a top view of the flexure module 1200. FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of the flexure module 1200. The flexure module 1200 may include one or more flex circuits 1202 configured to route one or more electrical traces 1204 from a dynamic platform 1206 to a static platform 1208.

[0126] In some embodiments, electrical traces 1204 may be routed from one or more electrical connection elements 1210 disposed on the dynamic platform 1206 to one or more electrical connection elements 1212 disposed on the static platform 1208 via one or more flex circuits 1202.

[0127] The electrical connection elements 1210 may be disposed along one or more portions (or sides) of the dynamic platform 1206. Similarly, the electrical connection elements 1212 may be disposed along one or more portions (or sides) of the static platform 1208. In some embodiments, the electrical connection elements 1210 may be configured to electrically couple with an image sensor and / or another component (e.g., a flip chip, a substrate, etc.) coupled to the image sensor. Thus, the dynamic platform 1206 may be configured to receive a signal (e.g., an image signal) from the image sensor via the electrical connection elements 1210, and the signal may be communicated from the electrical connection elements 1210 of the dynamic platform 1206 to the electrical connection elements 1212 of the static platform 1208 via one or more electrical traces 1204 routed along the one or more flex circuits 1202.

[0128] In some embodiments, the flex circuit 1202 may include a first end secured (e.g., via adhesive) to the dynamic platform 1206, a second end secured (e.g., via adhesive) to the static platform 1208, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end. The second end of the flex circuit 1202 may be opposite the first end of the flex circuit 1202. Further, in some embodiments, the intermediate portion of the flex circuit 1202 may include a certain amount of slack that facilitates relative movement between the first and second ends of the flex circuit 1202. The certain amount of slack may be determined based at least in part on the stiffness of the flex module 1200. Further, in various embodiments, the flex circuit 1202 may include a flexible material. In some embodiments, multiple flex circuits 1202 may be arranged in proximity to one another to form a flex circuit array.

[0129] In some embodiments, in addition to routing electrical traces through one or more flex circuits 1204, the flex module 1200 may route electrical traces through the flex portion 1214 and / or the flex stabilizer member 1216, for example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B.

[0130] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 1300 of communicating a signal (e.g., an image signal) from a dynamic platform of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to a static platform of the VCM actuator, according to some embodiments. At 1302, the method 1300 may include receiving one or more signals at the dynamic platform. For example, the signal may be a signal generated by an image sensor. At 1304a, the method 1300 may include communicating the signal from the dynamic platform to the static platform at least in part via electrical traces routed on / in one or more curved arms and / or one or more curved stabilizer members of the VCM actuator, for example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B. Additionally or alternatively, at 1304b, the method 1300 may include communicating the signal from the dynamic platform to the static platform at least in part via electrical traces routed on / in one or more flex circuits of the VCM actuator, for example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A-12B. Example of a multi-function device

[0131] Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communication device, such as a mobile phone, that also includes other functions, such as PDA and / or music player functions. Other portable electronic devices, such as laptops, cameras, cell phones, or tablet computers, may also be used. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the device is not a portable communication device, but is a desktop computer with a camera. In some embodiments, the device is a gaming computer with an orientation sensor (e.g., an orientation sensor in a game controller). In other embodiments, the device is not a portable communication device, but is a camera.

[0132] In the following discussion, an electronic device is described that includes a display and a touch-sensitive surface, however, it should be understood that the electronic device may also include one or more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, a mouse, and / or a joystick.

[0133] The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one or more of drawing applications, presentation applications, word processing applications, website creation applications, disc authoring applications, spreadsheet applications, gaming applications, telephony applications, video conferencing applications, email applications, instant messaging applications, training support applications, photo management applications, digital camera applications, digital video camera applications, web browsing applications, digital music player applications, and / or digital video player applications.

[0134] Various applications that can be executed on a device can use at least one common physical user-interface device, such as a touch-sensitive surface. One or more features of the touch-sensitive surface and the corresponding information displayed on the device may be adjusted and / or changed from one application to the next and / or within each application. In this manner, the common physical architecture of the device (such as the touch-sensitive surface) can support a variety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive and transparent to the user.

[0135] Attention is now directed to an embodiment of a portable device having a camera. FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary portable multifunction device that may include a camera module (e.g., the camera described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5), according to some embodiments. The camera 1464 may be conveniently referred to as an "optical sensor" or may be known as or referred to as an optical sensor system. The device 1400 may include memory 1402 (which may include one or more computer-readable storage media), a memory controller 1422, one or more processing units (CPUs) 1420, a peripherals interface 1418, RF circuitry 1408, audio circuitry 1410, a speaker 1411, a touch-sensitive display system 1412, a microphone 1413, an input / output (I / O) subsystem 1406, other input or control devices 1416, and an external port 1424. The device 1400 may include one or more optical sensors 1464. These components may communicate via one or more communication buses or signal lines 1403.

[0136] It should be appreciated that device 1400 is just one example of a portable multifunction device, and that device 1400 may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of components. The various components shown in FIG. 14 may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one or more signal processing circuits and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[0137] Memory 1402 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory 1402 by other components of device 1400, such as CPU 1420 and peripherals interface 1418, may be controlled by memory controller 1422.

[0138] The peripherals interface 1418 may be used to couple input and output peripherals of the device to the CPU 1420 and memory 1402. The one or more processors 1420 operate or execute various software programs and / or instruction sets stored in the memory 1402 to perform various functions and process data for the device 1400.

[0139] In some embodiments, the peripherals interface 1418, the CPU 1420, and the memory controller 1422 may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip 1404. In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

[0140] The radio frequency (RF) circuitry 1408 transmits and receives RF signals, also referred to as electromagnetic signals. The RF circuitry 1408 converts electrical signals to electromagnetic signals or electromagnetic signals to electrical signals and communicates with communication networks and other communication devices via electromagnetic signals. The RF circuitry 1408 may include well-known circuits to perform these functions, including, but not limited to, an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, and memory. The RF circuitry 1408 may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet, and / or wireless networks, such as cellular telephone networks, wireless local area networks (LANs), and / or metropolitan area networks (MANs), and may communicate with other devices by wireless communication. Wireless communication is typified by a number of standards including Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.Any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and technologies may be used, including, but not limited to, IEEE 802.11g, and / or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, protocols for email (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and / or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and / or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communications protocols, including communications protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

[0141] The audio circuitry 1410, speaker 1411, and microphone 1413 provide an audio interface between a user and the device 1400. The audio circuitry 1410 receives audio data from the peripherals interface 1418, converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to the speaker 1411. The speaker 1411 converts the electrical signal into sound waves audible to humans. The audio circuitry 1410 also receives electrical signals converted from sound waves by the microphone 1413. The audio circuitry 1410 converts the electrical signal into audio data, and transmits the audio data to the peripherals interface 1418 for processing. The audio data may be retrieved from the memory 1402 and / or the RF circuitry 1408 by the peripherals interface 1418 and / or transmitted to the memory 14022 and / or the RF circuitry 1408. In some embodiments, the audio circuitry 1410 also includes a headset jack (e.g., 1512 in FIG. 15). The headset jack provides an interface between the audio circuitry 1410 and a removable audio input / output peripheral such as an output-only headphone or a headset that has both an output (e.g., one- or binaural headphones) and an input (e.g., a microphone).

[0142] The I / O subsystem 1406 connects input / output peripherals of the device 1400, such as a touch screen 1412 and other input control devices 1416, to a peripheral interface 1418. The I / O subsystem 1406 may include a display controller 1456, as well as one or more input controllers 1460 of other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers 1460 receive electrical signals from and send electrical signals to the other input or control devices 1416. The other input control devices 1416 may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, etc. In some alternative embodiments, the input controller(s) 1460 may be coupled to any (or none) of a keyboard, an infrared port, a USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g., 1508 in FIG. 15) may include up / down buttons for adjusting the volume of the speaker 1411 and / or microphone 1413. The one or more buttons may include a push button (eg, 1506 in FIG. 15).

[0143] The touch-sensitive display 1412 provides an input and output interface between the device and a user. The display controller 1456 receives and / or sends electrical signals to the touchscreen 1412. The touchscreen 1412 displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively referred to as "graphics"). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user interface objects.

[0144] Touchscreen 1412 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor, or set of sensors that accepts input from a user based on haptic and / or tactile contact. Touchscreen 1412 and display controller 1456 (along with any associated modules and / or instruction sets in memory 1402) detects contacts (and any interruptions in movement or contact) on touchscreen 1412 and translates the detected contacts into interactions with user interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages, or images) displayed on touchscreen 1412. In an exemplary embodiment, the point of contact between touchscreen 1412 and the user corresponds to the user's finger.

[0145] The touch screen 1412 may use LCD (liquid crystal display), LPD (light emitting polymer display), or LED (light emitting diode) technology, or in other embodiments, other display technologies. The touch screen 1412 and display controller 1456 may detect contact and any movement or disruption of that contact using any of a variety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including, but not limited to, capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements to determine one or more points of contact with the touch screen 1412. In an exemplary embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensing technology is used.

[0146] The touch screen 1412 may have a video resolution of more than 800 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution of approximately 860 dpi. A user may contact the touch screen 1412 using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus or finger. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which may be less precise than stylus-based input due to the large contact area of ​​a finger on a touch screen. In some embodiments, the device converts coarse finger-based input into precise pointer / cursor position or commands to perform the user's desired action.

[0147] In some embodiments, in addition to a touchscreen, device 1400 may include a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating certain functions. In some embodiments, a touchpad is a touch-sensitive area of ​​a device that, unlike the touchscreen, does not display visual output. The touchpad can be a touch-sensitive surface separate from touchscreen 1412 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touchscreen.

[0148] The device 1400 also includes a power system 1462 for providing power to the various components. The power system 1462 may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., batteries, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, power failure detection circuitry, power converters or inverters, power status indicators (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)), and any other components associated with the generation, management, and distribution of power in a portable device.

[0149] The device 1400 may also include one or more light sensors or cameras 1464. FIG. 14 shows the light sensor 1464 coupled to the light sensor controller 1458 in the I / O subsystem 1406. The light sensor 1464 may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistor. The light sensor 1464 receives light from the environment projected through one or more lenses and converts the light into data representing an image. In conjunction with the imaging module 1443 (also referred to as a camera module), the light sensor 1464 may capture still images or video. In some embodiments, the light sensor 1464 is located on the back of the device 1400, opposite the touchscreen display 1412 on the front of the device, so that the touchscreen display 1412 can be used as a viewfinder for acquisition of still and / or video images. In some embodiments, another light sensor is located on the front of the device so that an image of the user can be obtained for a video conference while the user sees other video conference participants on the touch screen display.

[0150] Device 1400 may include one or more proximity sensors 1466. FIG. 14 shows proximity sensor 1466 coupled to peripherals interface 1418. Alternatively, proximity sensor 1466 may be coupled to an input controller 1460 in I / O subsystem 1406. In some embodiments, proximity sensor 1466 turns off and disables touchscreen 1412 when multifunction device 1400 is placed near a user's ear (e.g., when the user is talking on the phone).

[0151] The device 1400 includes one or more orientation sensors 1468. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1468 include one or more accelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and / or one or more rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1468 include one or more gyroscopes. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1468 include one or more magnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1468 include one or more of a global positioning system (GPS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and / or other global navigation system receivers. The GPS, GLONASS, and / or other global navigation system receivers may be used to receive information regarding the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) of the device 1400. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 1468 include any combination of orientation / rotation sensors. 14 shows one or more orientation sensors 1468 coupled to the peripherals interface 1418. Alternatively, the one or more orientation sensors 1468 may be coupled to an input controller 1460 in the I / O subsystem 1406. In some embodiments, information is displayed on the touchscreen display 1412 in portrait or landscape view based on an analysis of data received from the one or more orientation sensors 1468.

[0152] In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 1402 include an operating system 1426, a communications module (or instruction set) 1428, a touch / motion module (or instruction set) 1430, a graphics module (or instruction set) 1432, a text input module (or instruction set) 1434, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or instruction set) 1435, an arbiter module 1458, and applications (or instruction sets) 1436. Additionally, in some embodiments, memory 1402 stores device / global internal state 1457. Device / global internal state 1457 includes one or more of an active application state indicating which applications, if any, are currently active, a display state indicating which applications, views, or other information are occupying various regions of touchscreen display 1412, a sensor state including information obtained from various sensors of the device and input control devices 1416, and location information regarding the location and / or orientation of the device.

[0153] Operating system 1426 (e.g., an embedded operating system such as Darwin®, RTXC, LINUX®, UNIX®, OS X®, WINDOWS®, or VxWorks®) includes various software components and / or drivers for controlling and managing common system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitating communication between various hardware and software components.

[0154] Communications module 1428 also includes various software components for facilitating communication with other devices through one or more external ports 1424 and for processing data received by RF circuitry 1408 and / or external port 1424. External port 1424 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE®, etc.) is adapted to couple to other devices directly or indirectly through a network (e.g., Internet, Wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector.

[0155] Contact / motion module 1430 (in conjunction with display controller 1456) can detect contact with touch screen 1412 and other touch-sensing devices (e.g., a touchpad or a physical click wheel). Contact / motion module 1430 includes various software components for performing various operations related to detecting contact, such as determining whether contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger down event), determining whether there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger dragging events), and determining whether contact has ended (e.g., detecting a finger up event or an interruption of contact). Contact / motion module 1430 receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determining the movement of the contact point represented by the set of contact data may include determining the speed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and / or acceleration (change in magnitude and / or direction) of the contact point. These operations may apply to a single contact (e.g., one finger contact) or multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g., "multi-touch" / multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments, the contact / motion module 1430 and display controller 1456 detect contacts on the touchpad.

[0156] The contact / motion module 1430 can detect gesture input by a user. Different gestures on a touch-sensitive surface have different contact patterns. Thus, a gesture can be detected by detecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includes detecting a finger down event, followed by detecting a finger up (lift off) event at the same location (or substantially the same location) as the finger down event (e.g., at the location of an icon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on a touch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger down event, followed by detecting one or more finger drag events, followed by detecting a finger up (lift off) event.

[0157] Graphics module 1432 includes various known software components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 1412 or other display, including components for changing the brightness of the displayed graphics. As used herein, the term "graphics" includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including, but not limited to, text, web pages, icons (such as user interface objects including soft keys), digital images, video, and animations.

[0158] In some embodiments, the graphics module 1432 stores data representing the graphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code. The graphics module 1432 receives one or more codes specifying the graphics to be displayed, including coordinate data and other graphic characteristic data, as appropriate, from an application or the like, and then generates screen image data to output to the display controller 1456.

[0159] A text input module 1434, which may be a component of the graphics module 1432, provides a soft keyboard for entering text within various applications (e.g., contacts 1437, email 1440, IM 1411, browser 1447, and any other application requiring text input).

[0160] The GPS module 1435 determines the location of the device and provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to the phone 1438 for use in location-based dialing, to the camera 1443 as picture / video metadata, and to applications that provide location-based services such as a weather widget, a local yellow pages widget, and a maps / navigation widget).

[0161] The applications 1436 may include the following modules (or sets of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof: Contacts module (sometimes called address book or contact list), Telephone module, Video conferencing module, Email client module, - Instant messaging (IM) module, Training support module, Camera modules for still and / or video images, Image management module, Browser module, Calendar module, A widget module, which may include one or more of a weather widget, a stock widget, a calculator widget, an alarm clock widget, a dictionary widget, and a user-created widget along with other widgets acquired by the user; A widget creator module for creating user-created widgets; Search module, a video and music player module, which may consist of a video player module and a music player module; -Notes module, Map module, and / or ·Online Video Module

[0162] Examples of other applications 1436 that may be stored in memory 1402 include other word processing applications, other image editing applications, drawing applications, presentation applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, and voice duplication.

[0163] Each of the above identified modules and applications corresponds to an executable instruction set that performs one or more of the functions described above, as well as the methods described in this application (e.g., computer-implemented methods and other information processing methods described herein). These modules (i.e., instruction sets) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, and thus, in various embodiments, various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise rearranged. In some embodiments, memory 1402 may store a subset of the above identified modules and data structures. Additionally, memory 1402 may store additional modules and data structures not described above.

[0164] In some embodiments, device 1400 is a device in which operation of a predefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusively through a touchscreen and / or touchpad. By using the touchscreen and / or touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device 1400, the number of physical input control devices (e.g., push buttons, dials, etc.) on device 1400 can be reduced.

[0165] A predefined set of functions that can be performed exclusively via the touchscreen and / or touchpad includes navigation between user interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by a user, navigates device 1400 to a main, home, or root menu from any user interface that may be displayed on device 1400. In such embodiments, the touchpad may be referred to as a "menu button." In some other embodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or other physical input control device instead of a touchpad.

[0166] 15 illustrates an exemplary portable multifunction device 1400 that may include a camera module (e.g., the camera described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5) according to some embodiments. The electronic device 1400 may include a touch screen 1412. The touch screen 1412 may display one or more graphics within a user interface (UI) 1500. In this embodiment as well as others described below, a user may select one or more of the graphics, for example, by making gestures on the graphics with one or more fingers 1502 (not drawn to scale) or one or more styluses (not shown).

[0167] The device 1400 may also include one or more physical buttons, such as a “home” or menu button 1504. As previously described, the menu button 1504 may be used to navigate to any application 1436 in an application set that may be executing on the device 1400. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button 1504 is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on the touch screen 1412.

[0168] In one embodiment, the device 1400 includes a touch screen 1412, a menu button 1504, a push button 1506 for powering the device on / off and locking the device, a volume control button(s) 1508, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card slot 1510, a headset jack 1512, and an external port 1424 for docking / charging. The push button 1506 may be used to turn power on / off on the device by pressing the button down and holding the button down for a predefined time interval, lock the device by pressing the button down and releasing the button before the predefined time interval has elapsed, and / or unlock the device or initiate an unlocking process. In an alternative embodiment, the device 1400 may also accept verbal input through a microphone 1413 to activate or deactivate some functions.

[0169] It should be noted that although many of the examples herein are given with reference to an optical sensor / camera 1464 (on the front of the device), a rear camera or optical sensor facing away from the display may be used instead of, or in addition to, the optical sensor / camera 1464 on the front of the device. Exemplary Computer System

[0170] 16 illustrates an exemplary computer system 1600 that may include a camera module (e.g., the camera described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5) according to some embodiments. Computer system 1600 may be configured to perform any or all of the above described embodiments. In different embodiments, computer system 1600 may be any of a variety of types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, a consumer device, a video game console, a handheld video game device, an application server, a storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or generally any type of computing device or electronic device.

[0171] Various embodiments of the camera motion control system described herein, including the magnetic position sensing embodiments, may be executed on one or more computer systems 1600, which may interact with various other devices. Note that any of the components, actions, or functionality described above with respect to FIGS. 1-15 may be implemented on one or more computers configured as computer system 1600 of FIG. 16, according to various embodiments. In the embodiment shown, computer system 1600 includes one or more processors 1610 coupled to system memory 1620 via input / output (I / O) interface 1630. Computer system 1600 further includes a network interface 1640 coupled to I / O interface 1630, as well as one or more input / output devices 1650, such as a cursor control device 1660, a keyboard 1670, and a display(s) 1680. It is contemplated that in some cases, embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system 1600, while in other embodiments, multiple such systems, or multiple nodes that make up computer system 1600, 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 computer system 1600 that are separate from the nodes that implement other elements.

[0172] In various embodiments, computer system 1600 may be a uniprocessor system including one processor 1610, or a multiprocessor system including several processors 1610 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 1610 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 1610 may be a general-purpose or embedded processor that executes any of a variety of ISAs, such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS instruction set architectures (ISAs), or any other suitable ISA. In a multiprocessor system, each of processors 1610 may, but does not necessarily, commonly execute the same ISA.

[0173] The system memory 1620 may be configured to store camera control program instructions 1622 and / or camera control data accessible by the processor 1610. In various embodiments, the system memory 1620 may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), non-volatile / flash type memory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment, the program instructions 1622 may be configured to execute a lens control application 1624 incorporating any of the functionality described above. In addition, the existing camera control data 1632 in the memory 1620 may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, the program instructions and / or data may be received, transmitted, or stored on different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from the system memory 1620 or the computer system 1600. Although the computer system 1600 is described as executing the functionality of the functional blocks of the previous figures, any of the functionality described herein may be executed via such a computer system.

[0174] In one embodiment, I / O interface 1630 may be configured to coordinate I / O traffic between processor 1610 and any peripheral devices within the device, including system memory 1620 and other peripheral interfaces such as network interface 1640 or input / output devices 1650. In some embodiments, I / O interface 1630 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversions to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory 1620) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor 1610). In some embodiments, I / O interface 1630 may include support for devices attached through various types of peripheral buses, such as, for example, variations of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. In some embodiments, the functionality of I / O interface 1630 may be split into two or more separate components, such as, for example, a northbridge and a southbridge. Also, in some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of I / O interface 1630, such as the interface to system memory 1620, may be incorporated directly within processor 1610.

[0175] Network interface 1640 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system 1600 and other devices (e.g., carrier devices or agent devices) attached to network 1685 or between nodes of computer system 1600. Network 1685, in various embodiments, may include one or more networks, including, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN) (e.g., an Ethernet or enterprise network), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a wireless data network, some other electronic data network, or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface 1640 may support, for example, communication over a wired or wireless general-purpose data network, such as an Ethernet network of any suitable type, communication over a telecommunications / telephone network, such as an analog voice network or a digital fiber communications network, communication over a storage area network, such as a Fibre Channel SAN, or communication over any other suitable type of network or protocol.

[0176] The input / output devices 1650, in some embodiments, may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touch pads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 1600. Multiple input / output devices 1650 may be present within computer system 1600 or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system 1600. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices may be separate from computer system 1600 and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system 1600 through wired or wireless connections, such as through network interface 1640.

[0177] As shown in Figure 16, memory 1620 may include program instructions 1622 that may be executable by a processor to perform any of the elements or actions described above. In one embodiment, the program instructions may perform the methods described above. In other embodiments, different elements and data may be included. It should be noted that the data may include any of the data or information described above.

[0178] Those skilled in the art will recognize that computer system 1600 is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments. In particular, computer systems and devices may include any combination of hardware or software capable of performing the illustrated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless telephones, pagers, and the like. Computer system 1600 may also be connected to other devices not shown, or may instead operate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components in some embodiments. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided and / or other additional functionality may be available.

[0179] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that while various items are shown as being stored in memory or on a storage device during use, these items or portions thereof may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments, some or all of the software components may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via computer-to-computer communications. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or portable article to be read by an appropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from computer system 1600 may be transmitted to computer system 1600 via a signal, such as an electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signal, conveyed over a transmission medium or a communications medium such as a network and / or wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending, or storing instructions and / or data executed on a computer-accessible medium in accordance with the previous description. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media or memory media, such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., volatile or non-volatile media, such as disks or DVDs / CD-ROMs, RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, the computer-accessible medium may include a transmission medium or signal, such as an electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signal, conveyed over a communication medium, such as a network and / or a wireless link.

[0180] The methods described herein may be implemented in different embodiments in the form of software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In addition, the order of blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes may be made as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, multiple instances may be provided for components described herein as single instances. Boundaries between various components, operations, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and certain operations are illustrated in the context of specific example configurations. Other allocations of functionality are contemplated and are within the scope of the following claims. Finally, structures and functions presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as combined structures or components. These variations, modifications, additions, and improvements, as well as other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements, may be included within the scope of the embodiments, as defined in the following claims.

[0181] Further description of the embodiments Clause 1: a camera in a lens carrier; an image sensor that captures a digital representation of the light passing through the lens; an axial motion voice coil motor that focuses light from the lens onto an image sensor by moving a lens assembly including the lens along an optical axis of the lens, the axial motion voice coil motor comprising: a suspension assembly that movably mounts the lens carrier to an actuator base; A plurality of shared magnets mounted on an actuator substrate; an axial motion voice coil motor including a focusing coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier and mounted to an actuator base through a suspension assembly; and a lateral motion voice coil motor, The lateral motion voice coil motor is an image sensor frame member; one or more flexible members for mechanically connecting the image sensor frame member to a frame of the lateral motion voice coil motor; a lateral motion voice coil motor including a plurality of lateral motion coils mounted on the image sensor frame member within the magnetic field of a shared magnet for producing forces to move the image sensor frame member in a plurality of directions perpendicular to the optical axis; Including the camera. Clause 2: The flexible member mechanically and electrically connects the image sensor present in the image sensor carrier to the frame of the lateral motion voice coil motor; the flexible member includes electrical signal traces; A camera as described in clause 1. Clause 3: 3. The camera of any one of clauses 1-2, wherein the flexible member includes a metal flexure carrying electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal flexure by a polyimide insulator layer. Article 4: 4. The camera of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the lateral motion coil is mounted on a flexible printed circuit that carries power to the lateral motion coil for operation of the lateral motion voice coil motor. Article 5: 5. A camera as described in any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the optical image stabilization coil is corner mounted on a flexible printed circuit that is mechanically connected to the actuator base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voice coil motor. Article 6: 6. A camera as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein a bearing surface end stop for limiting movement of the optical image stabilisation voice coil motor is mounted to the base. Article 7: 7. A camera as described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein a bearing surface end stop for limiting movement of the image sensor along the optical axis is mounted to the actuator base. Article 8: The lateral motion voice coil motor is The camera described in any one of clauses 1-7, further comprising one or more curved stabilizer members configured to mechanically connect the flexible members of the one or more flexible members to each other such that the one or more curved stabilizer members prevent interference between the flexible members. Article 9: The flexible member includes a first flexible member and a second flexible member arranged in parallel with each other; the one or more curved stabilizer members include a curved stabilizer member connecting a first curved arm to a second curved arm and extending along an axis perpendicular to the first curved arm and the second curved arm; A camera as described in clause 8. Article 10: An actuator base; An autofocus voice coil motor, Autofocus voice coil motor a lens carrier movably mounted to an actuator base; A plurality of shared magnets mounted on a base; an autofocus voice coil motor including an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens for exerting a force in the direction of an optical axis of one or more lenses of the lens carrier; 1. An optical image stabilization voice coil motor, comprising: Optical Image Stabilization Voice Coil Motor an image sensor carrier movably mounted to an actuator base; an optical image stabilization voice coil motor including: a plurality of optical image stabilization coils mounted on the image sensor carrier within the magnetic field of a shared magnet for producing forces that move the image sensor carrier in a plurality of directions perpendicular to the optical axis; a camera actuator. Article 11: 11. The camera actuator of clause 10, wherein the image sensor carrier further comprises one or more flexible members for mechanically connecting an image sensor present in the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor. Article 12: the image sensor carrier further includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting the image sensor present on the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor; the flexible member includes electrical signal traces; 12. A camera actuator according to any one of clauses 10 to 11. Article 13: the image sensor carrier further includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting the image sensor present on the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor; 13. A camera actuator according to any one of clauses 10 to 12, wherein the flexible member comprises a metal flexure carrying electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal flexure by a polyimide insulator layer. Article 14: 14. A camera actuator as described in any one of clauses 10 to 13, wherein the optical image stabilisation coil is mounted on a flexible printed circuit that carries power to the coil for operation of the optical image stabilisation voice coil motor. Article 15: 15. A camera actuator as described in any one of clauses 10 to 14, wherein the optical image stabilisation coil is corner mounted on a flexible printed circuit that is mechanically connected to the actuator base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voice coil motor. Article 16: 16. A camera actuator according to any one of clauses 10 to 15, wherein a bearing surface end stop for limiting movement of the optical image stabilisation voice coil motor is mounted to the base. Article 17: A camera module, comprising: a lens including one or more lens elements defining an optical axis; an image sensor configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into an image signal; 1. A voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, comprising: an internal frame coupled to the image sensor and configured to receive an image signal; an outer frame surrounding the inner frame along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; a plurality of spring arms configured to mechanically connect an inner frame to an outer frame; and and electrical traces configured to transmit image signals from the inner frame to the outer frame. A camera module; A display and one or more processors, causing the VCM actuator to move the first frame relative to the second frame in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis; causing the display to present an image based at least in part on one or more of the image signals communicated from the internal frame to the external frame via the electrical traces; one or more processors configured to Mobile multifunction devices, including Article 18: The VCM actuator is The mobile multifunction device of clause 17, further comprising one or more curved stabilizer members configured to mechanically connect the spring arms of the plurality of spring arms such that the curved stabilizer members limit movement of the spring arms along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Article 19: The plurality of spring arms include a first array of parallel spring arms; a second array of spring arms parallel to one another, the second array of spring arms not parallel to the first array of spring arms; The one or more curved stabilizer members include a first set of one or more curved stabilizer members interconnecting the first array of spring arms along a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis; a second set of one or more curved stabilizer members interconnecting the second array of spring arms along a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis; 19. A mobile multifunction device as claimed in clause 18, comprising: Article 20: 20. The mobile multifunction device of any one of clauses 17-19, wherein at least a portion of the electrical traces are routed from the inner frame to the outer frame via one or more of the plurality of spring arms. Article 21: a lens including one or more lens elements defining an optical axis; an image sensor configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into an image signal; 1. A voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, comprising: a first frame coupled to the image sensor, such that The image sensor moves with the first frame; A first frame, the first frame receiving an image signal; A second frame; a plurality of curved arms configured to mechanically connect the first frame to the second frame; a VCM actuator including: one or more curved stabilizer members configured to mechanically connect curved arms of a plurality of curved arms to each other such that the one or more curved stabilizer members prevent interference between the curved arms; Including, the VCM actuator is configured to move the first frame such that the image sensor moves relative to the second frame in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis; camera. Article 22: The curved arm includes a first curved arm and a second curved arm arranged in parallel with each other, the one or more curved stabilizer members include a curved stabilizer member connecting a first curved arm to a second curved arm and extending along an axis perpendicular to the first curved arm and the second curved arm; A camera as described in clause 21. Article 23: 1. A flex circuit comprising: a first end secured to a first frame; a second end secured to the second frame; and one or more electrical traces configured to convey image signals from the first frame to the second frame, at least a portion of the one or more electrical traces being routed from the first frame to the second frame through the flex circuit; 23. The camera according to any one of clauses 21 to 22, further comprising: Article 24: 24. A camera as described in any one of clauses 21 to 23, further comprising one or more electrical traces configured to transmit image signals from the first frame to the second frame, at least a portion of the one or more electrical traces being routed from the first frame to the second frame via one or more curved arms of the plurality of curved arms. Article 25: The curved arm includes a first curved arm and a second curved arm, the one or more curved stabilizer members include a curved stabilizer member connecting a first curved arm to a second curved arm; 25. The camera of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the one or more electrical traces are further routed from the first curved arm to the second curved arm through the curved stabilizer member. Article 26: 1. A flex circuit comprising: a first end secured to a first frame; a second end secured to the second frame; and an electrical trace configured to convey an image signal from the first frame to the second frame; the electrical traces include a first set of one or more electrical traces and a second set of one or more electrical traces; At least a portion of the first set of one or more electrical traces are routed from the first frame to the second frame through the flex circuit; 26. The camera of any one of clauses 21-25, further comprising: electrical traces, at least a portion of the second set of one or more electrical traces being routed from the first frame to the second frame via a curved arm of the plurality of curved arms. Article 27: The first frame is a first portion extending along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; a second portion extending along the plane; a bend extending along the plane and connecting the first portion to the second portion; The plurality of curved arms include respective curved arms, each of the respective curved arms having a respective first portion juxtaposed to the first portion of the first frame; a respective second portion juxtaposed to the second portion of the first frame; a respective bend connecting each of the first portions to each of the second portions; The camera according to any one of clauses 21 to 26, Article 28: 28. The camera of clause 27, wherein the one or more curved stabilizer members include a curved stabilizer member interconnecting respective curved arms along an axis perpendicular to respective bends of the respective curved arms. Article 29: one or more actuator magnets; one or more actuator coils; a dynamic platform configured to be coupled to an image sensor of the camera; a static platform configured to be static relative to the dynamic platform; and a plurality of spring arms configured to mechanically connect the dynamic platform to the static platform, the plurality of spring arms including a first spring arm and a second spring arm; one or more curved stabilizer members including a curved stabilizer member configured to mechanically connect a first spring arm to a second spring arm such that the curved stabilizer member stabilizes relative movement between the first spring arm and the second spring arm along a plane orthogonal to the optical axis; the one or more actuator magnets and the one or more actuator coils are configured to magnetically interact to move the dynamic platform relative to the static platform in a plurality of directions orthogonal to an optical axis defined by the one or more lenses of the camera; Voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. Article 30: The dynamic platform is further configured to receive an image signal; The VCM actuator is 1. A flex circuit comprising: a first end connected to the first frame; a second end connected to the second frame; an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; the flex circuit includes electrical traces configured to convey image signals from the dynamic platform to the static platform; an intermediate portion of the flex circuit including a degree of slack that facilitates relative movement between the first end of the flex circuit and the second end of the flex circuit; 29. A VCM actuator as claimed in claim 29. Article 31: The dynamic platform is further configured to receive an image signal; The VCM actuator is a first flex circuit, a first end connected to a first side of the first frame; a first flex circuit having a second end connected to a first side of the second frame; a second flex circuit, a first end connected to a second side of the first frame different from the first side of the first frame; a second end connected to a second side of the second frame different from the second side of the second frame; each of the first flex circuit and the second flex circuit includes electrical traces configured to convey image signals from the dynamic platform to the static platform; 31. A VCM actuator according to any one of clauses 29 to 30. Article 32: The dynamic platform is further configured to receive an image signal; the first spring arm and the second spring arm each include one or more electrical traces configured to convey one or more of the image signals from the dynamic platform to the static platform; 32. A VCM actuator according to any one of clauses 29 to 31. Article 33: One or more electrical traces may a first electrical trace routed along a first side of the first spring arm; and a second electrical trace routed along a second side of the first spring arm opposite the first side of the first spring arm. 33. The VCM actuator of claim 32, comprising: Article 34: 34. The VCM actuator of any one of clauses 29-33, wherein the plurality of spring arms and the one or more curved stabilizer members are integrally formed. Article 35: A camera module, comprising: a lens including one or more lens elements defining an optical axis; an image sensor configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into an image signal; 1. A voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, comprising: an internal frame coupled to the image sensor and configured to receive an image signal; an outer frame surrounding the inner frame along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; a plurality of spring arms configured to mechanically connect the inner frame to the outer frame; one or more curved stabilizer members configured to mechanically connect spring arms of the plurality of spring arms such that the curved stabilizer members limit movement of the spring arms along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; and electrical traces configured to transmit image signals from the inner frame to the outer frame. A camera module; A display and one or more processors, having a lateral motion VCM actuator move the first frame relative to the second frame in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis; causing the display to present an image based at least in part on one or more of the image signals communicated from the internal frame to the external frame via the electrical traces; one or more processors configured to Mobile multifunction devices, including Article 36: The plurality of spring arms include a first array of parallel spring arms; a second array of spring arms parallel to one another, the second array of spring arms not parallel to the first array of spring arms; The one or more curved stabilizer members include a first set of one or more curved stabilizer members interconnecting the first array of spring arms along a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis; a second set of one or more curved stabilizer members interconnecting the second array of spring arms along a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis; 36. A mobile multifunction device as claimed in clause 35, comprising: Article 37: The inner frame defines a perimeter perpendicular to the optical axis; a first portion of the periphery recessed or protruding relative to a second portion of the periphery adjacent the first portion; the first array of spring arms is connected to the inner frame at a first portion of the periphery; A mobile multifunction device as described in clause 36. Article 38: The first array of spring arms includes: a plurality of straight line segments each extending along a respective axis perpendicular to the optical axis, the plurality of straight line segments including a first straight line segment and a second straight line segment; a plurality of bends including a first bend connecting the first straight portion to the second straight portion along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; The first set of one or more curved stabilizer members a first curved stabilizer member configured to interconnect the first array of spring arms at connections in the first linear portion; a second curved stabilizer member configured to interconnect the first array of spring arms at a connection in the second straight section; A mobile multifunction device as described in clause 36. Article 39: 39. The mobile multifunction device of any one of clauses 35-38, wherein the plurality of spring arms and the one or more curved stabilizer members form a pattern that is symmetrical along at least two axes orthogonal to the optical axis. Article 40: 39. The mobile multifunction device of any one of clauses 35-38, wherein the plurality of spring arms and the one or more curved stabilizer members form an asymmetric pattern along at least one axis orthogonal to the optical axis.

[0182] Other allocations of functionality are contemplated and may be included within the scope of the claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may be included within the scope of the embodiments, as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. a lens in a lens carrier; an image sensor that captures a digital representation of the light passing through the lens; an axial motion voice coil motor for focusing light from the lens onto the image sensor by moving a lens assembly including the lens along an optical axis of the lens; The axial motion voice coil motor includes: a suspension assembly that movably mounts the lens carrier to an actuator base; A plurality of shared magnets mounted on the actuator substrate; the axial motion voice coil motor including a focus adjustment coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier and mounted to the actuator base through the suspension assembly; A transverse motion voice coil motor, The lateral motion voice coil motor includes: an image sensor frame member; one or more flexures for mechanically connecting the image sensor frame member to a frame of the lateral motion voice coil motor; a lateral motion voice coil motor including a plurality of lateral motion coils mounted on the image sensor frame member within the magnetic field of the shared magnet for producing forces that move the image sensor frame member in a plurality of directions perpendicular to the optical axis; Equipped with a camera.

2. the flexible member mechanically and electrically connects an image sensor present in an image sensor carrier to a frame of the lateral motion voice coil motor; the flexible member includes electrical signal traces; The camera of claim 1 .

3. 10. The camera of claim 1, wherein the flexible member includes a metal flexure carrying electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal flexure by a layer of polyimide insulation.

4. 10. The camera of claim 1, wherein the lateral motion coil is mounted on a flexible printed circuit that carries power to the lateral motion coil for operation of the lateral motion voice coil motor.

5. 10. The camera of claim 1, wherein an optical image stabilization coil is corner mounted on a flexible printed circuit that is mechanically connected to the actuator base and mechanically isolated from an autofocus voice coil motor.

6. 10. The camera of claim 1, wherein a bearing surface end stop for limiting movement of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor is mounted to the base.

7. The camera of claim 1 , wherein a bearing surface endstop for limiting movement of the image sensor along the optical axis is mounted to the actuator base.

8. The lateral motion voice coil motor 10. The camera of claim 1, further comprising one or more curved stabilizer members configured to mechanically connect the one or more flexible members to one another such that the one or more curved stabilizer members prevent interference between the flexible members.

9. the flexible member includes a first flexible member and a second flexible member arranged in parallel with each other, the one or more curved stabilizer members include a curved stabilizer member connecting a first curved arm to a second curved arm and extending along an axis perpendicular to the first curved arm and the second curved arm; The camera according to claim 8.

10. An actuator base; An autofocus voice coil motor, The autofocus voice coil motor is a lens carrier movably mounted to the actuator base; A plurality of shared magnets mounted on the actuator substrate; an autofocus voice coil motor including an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to one or more lenses of the lens carrier for exerting a force in the direction of an optical axis of the lens; 1. An optical image stabilization voice coil motor, comprising: The optical image stabilization voice coil motor an image sensor carrier movably mounted to the actuator base; the optical image stabilization voice coil motor including a plurality of optical image stabilization coils mounted on the image sensor carrier within the magnetic field of the shared magnet for producing forces that move the image sensor carrier in a plurality of directions perpendicular to the optical axis; A camera actuator comprising:

11. The camera actuator of claim 10 , wherein the image sensor carrier further comprises one or more flexible members for mechanically connecting an image sensor present in the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor.

12. the image sensor carrier further includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting an image sensor present on the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor; the flexible member includes electrical signal traces; The camera actuator of claim 10.

13. the image sensor carrier further includes one or more flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting an image sensor present on the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor; 11. The camera actuator of claim 10, wherein the flexible member includes a metal flexure carrying electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal flexure by a layer of polyimide insulation.

14. The camera actuator of claim 10 , wherein the optical image stabilization coil is mounted on a flexible printed circuit that carries power to the coil for operation of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor.

15. 11. The camera actuator of claim 10, wherein the optical image stabilization coil is corner mounted on a flexible printed circuit that is mechanically connected to the actuator base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voice coil motor.

16. 11. A camera actuator as claimed in any one of claims 10, wherein a bearing surface end stop for limiting movement of the optical image stabilisation voice coil motor is mounted to the actuator base.

17. A camera module, comprising: a lens including one or more lens elements defining an optical axis; an image sensor configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into an image signal; 1. A voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, comprising: an internal frame coupled to the image sensor and configured to receive the image signal; an outer frame surrounding the inner frame along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; a plurality of spring arms configured to mechanically connect the inner frame to the outer frame; and and electrical traces configured to convey the image signals from the inner frame to the outer frame. A camera module; A display and One or more processors, causing the VCM actuator to move a first frame relative to a second frame in a plurality of directions perpendicular to the optical axis; causing the display to present an image based at least in part on one or more of the image signals communicated from the internal frame to the external frame via the electrical traces. one or more processors configured to A mobile multifunction device comprising:

18. The VCM actuator is 18. The mobile multifunction device of claim 17, further comprising one or more curved stabilizer members configured to mechanically connect a spring arm of the plurality of spring arms such that the curved stabilizer member limits movement of the spring arm along the plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

19. The plurality of spring arms include a first array of parallel spring arms; a second array of spring arms parallel to one another, the second array of spring arms not parallel to the first array of spring arms; The one or more curved stabilizer members include: a first set of one or more curved stabilizer members interconnecting the first array of spring arms along a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis; a second set of one or more curved stabilizer members interconnecting the second array of spring arms along a second axis orthogonal to the optical axis; 20. The mobile multifunction device of claim 18, comprising:

20. 20. The mobile multifunction device of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the electrical traces are routed from the inner frame to the outer frame through one or more spring arms of the plurality of spring arms.

Images