Camera with curved electromagnet

Abstract

To provide a camera system having curved electromagnets.SOLUTION: A camera includes a camera system including one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators having curved electromagnets. The VCM actuator(s) may include an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator configured to tilt / rotate a lens group, together with an image sensor, about multiple axes orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera system. The VCM actuator(s) may include a θ-Z correction VCM actuator configured to rotate the lens group, together with the image sensor, about an axis parallel to the optical axis. The OIS VCM actuator and / or the θ-Z correction VCM actuator may have the curved electromagnets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to cameras that include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators with curved electromagnets. [Background technology]

[0002] The emergence 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 optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that can detect and respond to external excitation / disturbances by adjusting the location of the optical lens on the X and / or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted lens movement. Some compact cameras may incorporate autofocus (AF) mechanisms 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 of the camera to refocus the camera. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0003] [Figure 1A] 1A shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary camera system that may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators with curved electromagnets, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1A and 1B show diagrams of an exemplary camera system that may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators with curved electromagnets, according to some embodiments. FIG. 1B shows a folded perspective view of the camera system.

[0004] [Figure 2A]2A shows a diagram of an exemplary VCM actuator configuration 200 with curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the VCM actuator configuration. [Figure 2B] 2A and 2B show diagrams of an exemplary VCM actuator configuration 200 with curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a VCM actuator configuration that includes an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator. [Figure 2C] 2A and 2B show diagrams of an exemplary VCM actuator configuration 200 with a curved electromagnet that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. Figure 2C shows a schematic side view of an exemplary aspect of the electromagnetic interaction between an OIS drive magnet and an OIS drive coil of an OIS VCM actuator. [Figure 2D] 2A and 2B show diagrams of an exemplary VCM actuator configuration 200 with curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of a VCM actuator configuration including a theta-z correction VCM actuator. [Figure 2E] 2A and 2B show diagrams of an exemplary VCM actuator configuration 200 with a curved electromagnet that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. Figure 2E shows a schematic side view of an exemplary aspect of the electromagnetic interaction between the theta-Z magnet and theta-Z coil of a theta-Z correcting VCM actuator.

[0005] [Figure 3] 1 shows an exemplary graph illustrating an exemplary difference in Lorentz stroke versus stroke between a curved and a non-curved electromagnet, according to some embodiments.

[0006] [Figure 4A] 4A and 4B show diagrams illustrating exemplary differences in distance consistency over a stroke range between uncurved and curved electromagnets, according to some embodiments: FIG. 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an exemplary uncurved electromagnet; [Figure 4B]4A and 4B show diagrams illustrating exemplary differences in distance consistency over a stroke range between a non-curved and a curved electromagnet, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4B shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an exemplary curved electromagnet.

[0007] [Figure 5A] 5A shows a diagram of an exemplary set of curved electromagnets 500 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments: FIG. 5A shows a side view of the set of curved electromagnets. [Figure 5B] 5A and 5B show diagrams of an exemplary set of curved electromagnets 500 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5B shows a side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnets. [Figure 5C] 5A-5C show diagrams of an exemplary set of curved electromagnets 500 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of a curved magnet of the set of curved electromagnets.

[0008] [Figure 6A] 6A and 6B show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] 6A and 6B show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6C] 6A and 6B show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 7A] 7A and 7B show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments: FIG. 7A shows a side view of a set of curved electromagnets; [Figure 7B]7A and 7B show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7C] 7A-7C show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of the curved / stacked coils of the set of curved electromagnets.

[0010] [Figure 8A] 8A and 8B show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8B] 8A and 8B show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8C] 8A and 8B show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8C shows a perspective view of the curved / stacked coils of the set of curved electromagnets. [Figure 8D] 8A-8D show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments.

[0011] [Figure 9A] 9A and 9B show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments: FIG. 9A shows a side view of a set of curved electromagnets; [Figure 9B] 9A and 9B show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 9C] 9A-9C show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 10A] 10A shows a diagram of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments: FIG. 10A shows a top view of a set of curved electromagnets as used in a camera system for theta-z correction / compensation; [Figure 10B] 10A and 10B show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 11] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary environment with a device that may include a camera system with a curved electromagnet, according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary environment with a computer system that may include a camera system with a curved electromagnet, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] This specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment." The phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

[0016] "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 recites "an apparatus comprising one or more processor units...." Such a claim does not exclude the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.).

[0017] "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 connote structure by indicating that the unit / circuit / component includes structure (e.g., a circuit) that performs those task or tasks during operation. In that way, 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 phrase "configured to" includes hardware, e.g., a circuit, memory that stores executable program instructions to perform an operation, etc. A statement that a unit / circuit / component is "configured to" perform one or more tasks expressly intends that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) will not be invoked with respect to that unit / circuit / component. Additionally, "configured to" can include general-purpose structure (e.g., general-purpose circuitry) that is 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) that is adapted to perform or execute one or more tasks.

[0018] "first," "second," etc. As used herein, these terms are used as indicators of 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.

[0019] "Based on." As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that influence a decision. This term does not exclude additional factors that may influence the decision. That is, the decision 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 decision on A, but such a phrase does not exclude that the decision on A is also based on C. In other examples, A may be determined solely on B.

[0020] In this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various elements, but it will be understood that 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 referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as 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.

[0021] The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term "and / or" should 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Various embodiments include a camera system including one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators with curved electromagnets. In various embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuators configured to tilt / rotate a lens group together with an image sensor about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera system. Additionally or alternatively, the VCM actuator(s) may include a theta-Z correction VCM actuator configured to rotate the lens group together with the image sensor about an axis parallel to the optical axis. The OIS VCM actuator and / or theta-Z correction VCM actuator may have curved electromagnets.

[0024] Various camera applications (e.g., smartphone cameras) demand improved optical performance in increasingly compact devices. Conventional OIS actuators can be configured to tilt or translate a lens relative to an image sensor to prevent optical distortion and produce stable images in the presence of external disturbances. Gimbal tilt actuators, which can be configured to tilt / rotate a lens group and an image sensor as a pair, enable greater OIS compensation by facilitating larger tilt angles relative to the lens shift architecture, thus improving camera tilt OIS performance and reducing blurry images.

[0025] Various embodiments disclosed herein include electromagnetic architectures with curved magnet and coil geometries to enable gimbaled VCM actuators to achieve longer strokes, improved linearity over stroke, and increased power efficiency in a compact package. The curved electromagnetic components can generate a more uniform Lorentz force output throughout rotation over the stroke range. Furthermore, the curved electromagnets can enable larger module tilt angles. Increased gimbal tilt can enable larger OIS compensation angles to capture higher-quality, stable images and videos without introducing blurry pixels in the corners of the image.

[0026] According to some embodiments, a camera system may include a lens group, an image sensor, and one or more VCM actuators for rotating at least one of the lens group or the image sensor. The VCM actuator(s) may include one or more magnet-coil groups having a curved electromagnet. For example, the magnet-coil group may include one or more magnets and one or more coils. The magnet(s) may form a first curvature of the curved electromagnet. The coil(s) may form a second curvature of the curved electromagnet. In the magnet-coil group, the coil(s) may be positioned proximate to the magnet(s) such that, when driven with an electric current, the coil(s) can electromagnetically interact with the magnet(s) to generate a Lorentz force that rotates at least one of the lens group or the image sensor.

[0027] According to various embodiments, one of the first curvature (of the magnet(s)) and the second curvature (of the coil(s)) is convex, and the other of the first curvature and the second curvature is concave. As a non-limiting example, the magnet(s) may include a concave surface having a first curvature, and the coil(s) may include a convex surface having a second curvature. The concave surface of the magnet(s) may face the convex surface of the coil(s). As another non-limiting example, the magnet(s) may include a convex surface having a first curvature, and the coil(s) may include a concave surface having a second curvature. The convex surface of the magnet(s) may face the concave surface of the coil(s). In various embodiments, the first curvature may describe a first arc and the second curvature may describe a second arc that is concentric with the first arc.

[0028] In some embodiments, the magnet(s) in the magnet-coil group may include multiple magnets arranged in a curved magnet stack to form a first curvature. Additionally or alternatively, the coil(s) in the magnet-coil group may include stacked coils having wire strands stacked to form a second curvature.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 1A-1B show diagrams of an exemplary camera system 100 that may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators with curved electromagnets, according to some embodiments. FIG. 1A shows an exploded perspective view of camera system 100. FIG. 1B shows a folded perspective view of camera system 100.

[0031] According to various embodiments, camera system 100 may include lens group 102, image sensor 104, and / or one or more actuators. For example, the actuator(s) may include an autofocus (AF) actuator and / or an optical image stabilization (OIS) actuator. In some embodiments, the AF actuator may be configured to move lens group 102 and / or image sensor 104 in a direction parallel to an optical axis 106 of camera system 100. As shown in FIG. 1A , camera system 100 may include AF module 108, which may include an AF actuator that moves lens group 102 relative to image sensor 104 in a direction parallel to optical axis 106. In some embodiments, AF module 108 may include a module shielding can 110 that may house at least a portion of AF module 108.

[0032] In various embodiments, the actuator(s) may include an OIS voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. For example, an OIS VCM actuator may include one or more OIS drive coils 112 and one or more OIS drive magnets 114. As described in further detail herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-9C , an OIS VCM actuator may have a curved electromagnet. In some non-limiting embodiments, the OIS drive magnet(s) 114 may have a curved surface (and / or otherwise enable a curved electromagnetic interface with the OIS drive coil(s) 112), and the OIS drive coil(s) 112 may have a curved surface (and / or otherwise enable a curved electromagnetic interface with the OIS drive magnet(s) 114).

[0033] In various embodiments, camera system 100 may include a spacer 116 (which may also be referred to herein as a “coil holder” because it may include coil holder portion(s) 118, as shown in FIG. 1A ), a base 120, and / or a shielding can 122. OIS drive magnet(s) 112 may, in some embodiments, be fixedly coupled to AF module 108. For example, OIS drive magnet(s) 112 may, in some embodiments, be attached to a side of module shielding can 110. OIS drive coil(s) 114 may be fixedly coupled to one or more stationary structures of camera system 100. For example, in some embodiments, spacer 116 may be coupled to shielding can 122 and / or base 120, and OIS drive coil(s) 114 may be attached to spacer 116. Although some non-limiting examples of magnets and coils described herein may show the magnets as movable and the coils as fixed (relative to the magnets), it should be understood that in various embodiments the coils may be movable and the magnets may be fixed.

[0034] According to various embodiments, individual OIS drive coils 114 can be positioned in proximity to individual OIS drive magnets 112, and when driven with current, the individual OIS drive coils 114 can electromagnetically interact with the individual OIS drive magnets 112 to enable OIS movement. In various embodiments, to implement OIS movement, the OIS VCM actuator can be configured to rotate / tilt lens group 102 along with image sensor 104 about multiple axes orthogonal to optical axis 106.

[0035] In some embodiments, the actuator(s) may include a theta-Z correction VCM actuator. As described in further detail herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E and 10A-10B, the theta-Z correction VCM actuator may include a curved electromagnet. The theta-Z correction VCM actuator may be configured to rotate the lens group 102 together with the image sensor 104 about an axis parallel to the optical axis 106. According to various embodiments, the theta-Z correction actuator may include one or more theta-Z magnets 124 and one or more theta-Z coils 126. The theta-Z magnet(s) 124 may be fixedly coupled to the AF module 108. For example, the theta-Z magnet(s) 124 may be attached to a corner of the module shielding can 110, as shown in FIG. 1A in some embodiments. The theta-Z coil(s) 126 may be fixedly coupled to one or more stationary structures (e.g., spacer 116) of the camera system 100.

[0036] In various embodiments, the individual θ-Z coils 126 may be positioned in close proximity to the individual θ-Z magnets 124 so that, when driven with current, the individual θ-Z coils 126 can electromagnetically interact with the individual θ-Z magnets 124 to enable θ-Z motion (rotation about an axis parallel to the optical axis 106).

[0037] 2A-2E show diagrams of an exemplary voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configuration 200 with a curved electromagnet that may be included in a camera system (e.g., camera system 100 of FIG. 1) according to some embodiments. FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the VCM actuator configuration 200. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a VCM actuator configuration including an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator. FIG. 2C shows a schematic side view of an exemplary aspect of electromagnetic interaction between an OIS drive magnet and an OIS drive coil of an OIS VCM actuator. FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of the VCM actuator configuration 200 including a theta-Z compensation VCM actuator. FIG. 2E shows a schematic side view of an exemplary aspect of electromagnetic interaction between a theta-Z magnet and a theta-Z coil of a theta-Z compensation VCM actuator.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the VCM actuator configuration 200 can include an OIS VCM actuator and / or a theta-Z correction VCM actuator. The camera system can include, among other camera components, a lens group 202 and an image sensor (e.g., image sensor 104 of FIG. 1A , not shown in FIGS. 2A-2E ). The OIS VCM actuator can include one or more OIS drive magnets 204 and one or more OIS drive coils 206. The theta-Z correction VCM actuator can include one or more theta-Z magnets 208 and one or more theta-Z coils 210. According to various embodiments, the OIS VCM actuator and / or theta-Z correction VCM actuator can be used to move the lens group 202 together with the image sensor to implement the OIS and / or theta-Z correction.

[0039] In various embodiments, the individual OIS drive coils 206 can be positioned in proximity to the individual OIS drive magnets 204, such that when driven with current, the individual OIS drive coils 206 can electromagnetically interact with the individual OIS drive magnets 204 to enable OIS movement. According to various embodiments, to implement OIS movement, the OIS VCM actuators can be configured to rotate / tilt the lens group 202 along with the image sensor about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera system (e.g., optical axis 106 of FIG. 1 ).

[0040] According to various embodiments, OIS drive magnet(s) 204 may include a first OIS drive magnet 204a, a second OIS drive magnet 204b, a third OIS drive magnet 204c, and / or a fourth OIS drive magnet 204d. OIS drive coil(s) 206 may include a first OIS drive coil 206a, a second OIS drive coil 206b, a third OIS drive coil 206c, and / or a fourth OIS drive coil 206d. In some embodiments, OIS drive magnet(s) 204 may be coupled with one or more moving components. For example, the moving components may include an autofocus (AF) module (e.g., AF module 108 of FIG. 1A ) having a module shielding can 212 (e.g., similar to or the same as module shielding can 110 of FIG. 1A ).

[0041] According to some embodiments, the first OIS drive magnet 204a may be attached to the module shielding can 212 at a first side of the module shielding can 212 (and / or a first side of the camera system). The second OIS drive magnet 204b may be attached to the module shielding can 212 at a second side of the module shielding can 212 (and / or a second side of the camera system). The third OIS drive magnet 204c may be attached to the module shielding can 212 at a third side of the module shielding can 212 (and / or a third side of the camera system) opposite the first side. The fourth OIS drive magnet 204d may be attached to the module shielding can 212 at a fourth side of the module shielding can 212 (and / or a fourth side of the camera system) opposite the second side.

[0042] In some embodiments, the OIS drive coil(s) 206 may be coupled to one or more stationary components (not shown) of the camera system. For example, the stationary component(s) may include a spacer (e.g., spacer 116 in FIG. 1A ) and / or a coil holder. According to some embodiments, the first OIS drive coil 206 a may be attached to the stationary component(s) on a first side proximate to the first OIS drive magnet 204 a. The second OIS drive coil 206 b may be attached to the stationary component(s) on a second side proximate to the second OIS drive magnet 204 b. The third OIS drive coil 206 c may be attached to the stationary component(s) on a third side proximate to the third OIS drive magnet 204 c. A fourth OIS drive coil 206d can be attached to the stationary component(s) on the fourth side, proximate to the fourth OIS drive magnet 204d.

[0043] As previously mentioned, FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary aspect of electromagnetic interaction between the OIS drive magnet 204 and the OIS drive coil 206. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the OIS drive magnet 204 may have a south magnetic pole disposed above a north magnetic pole, and the magnetization direction 214 may be oriented such that the magnetic field flows out of the page from the north magnetic pole and into the page toward the south magnetic pole, as shown in FIG. 2C. Additionally, a current (also referred to herein as a "drive current") may flow through the OIS drive coil 206 in a drive coil current direction 216 that is clockwise. Based on the magnetization direction 214 and the drive coil current direction 216, the electromagnetic interaction between the OIS drive magnet 204 and the OIS drive coil 206 may generate a Lorentz force vector 218 having an upward direction, as shown in FIG. 2C. To generate a Lorentz force vector in the opposite direction (e.g., downward), a current may be supplied to the OIS drive coil 206 in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise).

[0044] 2A, such electromagnetic interaction between corresponding pairs of OIS drive magnets 204 and OIS drive coils 206 can generate Lorentz forces that can tilt lens group 202, along with the image sensor, about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis. For example, one or more drive currents can be used to drive first OIS drive coil 206a and / or third OIS drive coil 206c to tilt the lens group 202 along a first axis (e.g., axis T shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2D) that is orthogonal to the optical axis. x ) about which the lens group 202 can be tilted together with the image sensor. In some embodiments, the axis T x The tilt direction around can be based at least in part on the drive current(s) supplied to first OIS drive coil 206a and / or third OIS drive coil 206c, the winding direction(s) of those OIS drive coils, and / or the magnetic pole orientation(s) of first OIS drive magnet 204a and / or third OIS drive magnet 204c.

[0045] According to various embodiments, one or more drive currents are used to drive second OIS drive coil 206b and / or fourth OIS drive coil 206d to generate a current along a first axis (axis T) that is orthogonal to the optical axis. x ) perpendicular to the second axis (e.g., axis T shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2D). y ) about which the lens group 202 can be tilted together with the image sensor. In some embodiments, the axis T y The tilt direction around can be based at least in part on the drive current(s) supplied to the second OIS drive coil 206b and / or the fourth OIS drive coil 206d, the winding direction(s) of those OIS drive coils, and / or the magnetic pole orientation(s) of the second OIS drive magnet 204b and / or the fourth OIS drive magnet 204d.

[0046] In various embodiments, the individual θ-Z coils 210 may be positioned in proximity to the individual θ-Z magnets 208 so that, when driven with current, the individual θ-Z coils 210 can electromagnetically interact with the individual θ-Z magnets 208 to enable θ-Z motion. According to various embodiments, to implement the θ-Z motion, the θ-Z correcting VCM actuator may be configured to rotate the lens group 202 together with the image sensor about an axis parallel to the optical axis.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the θ-Z magnet(s) 208 can include a first θ-Z magnet 208a, a second θ-Z magnet 208b, a third θ-Z magnet 208c, and / or a fourth θ-Z magnet 208d. The θ-Z coil(s) 210 can include a first θ-Z coil 210a, a second θ-Z coil 210b, a third θ-Z coil 210c, and / or a fourth θ-Z coil 210d. In some embodiments, the θ-Z magnet(s) can be coupled to one or more moving components, such as an AF module having a module shielding can 212.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the first θ-Z magnet 208a may be attached to the module shielding can 212 at a first corner of the module shielding can 212 (and / or a first corner of the camera system). The second θ-Z magnet 208b may be attached to the module shielding can 212 at a second corner of the module shielding can 212 (and / or a second corner of the camera system). The third θ-Z magnet 208c may be attached to the module shielding can 212 at a third corner of the module shielding can 212 (and / or a third corner of the camera system) opposite (e.g., diagonally opposite) the first corner. The fourth θ-Z magnet 208d may be attached to the module shielding can 212 at a fourth corner of the module shielding can 212 (and / or a fourth corner of the camera system) opposite (e.g., diagonally opposite) the second corner.

[0049] In some embodiments, the θ-Z coil(s) 210 may be coupled to one or more stationary components (not shown), such as the spacer / coil holders mentioned above. According to some embodiments, the first θ-Z coil 210a may be attached to the stationary component(s) at a first corner proximate to the first θ-Z magnet 208a. The second θ-Z coil 210b may be attached to the stationary component(s) at a second corner proximate to the second θ-Z magnet 208b. The third θ-Z coil 210c may be attached to the stationary component(s) at a third corner proximate to the third θ-Z magnet 208c. The fourth θ-Z coil 210d may be attached to the stationary component(s) at a fourth corner proximate to the fourth θ-Z magnet 208d.

[0050] As previously mentioned, FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary aspect of electromagnetic interaction between the theta-Z magnet 208 and the theta-Z coil 210. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the theta-Z magnet 208 may have a north magnetic pole located to the left of the south magnetic pole, and the magnetization direction 220 may be such that the magnetic field flows out of the page from the north magnetic pole and into the page toward the south magnetic pole, as shown in FIG. 2E. Furthermore, a drive current may flow through the theta-Z coil 210 in a clockwise drive coil current direction 222. Based on the magnetization direction 220 and the drive coil current direction 222, the electromagnetic interaction between the theta-Z magnet 208 and the theta-Z coil 210 may generate a Lorentz force vector 224 having a first direction (e.g., rightward as shown in FIG. 2E). To generate a Lorentz force vector in the opposite direction (e.g., a second leftward direction), a current may be supplied to the theta-Z coil 210 in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise).

[0051] 2A, such electromagnetic interaction between corresponding pairs of theta-Z magnets 208 and theta-Z coils 210 can generate a Lorentz force that can rotate the lens group 202, along with the image sensor, about an axis parallel to the optical axis. For example, one or more drive currents can drive one or more of theta-Z coils 210 to rotate the lens group 202, along with the image sensor, about axis T z 2D) in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 2D). Similarly, one or more drive currents can be used to drive one or more of the theta-Z coils 210 to rotate the lens group 202, along with the image sensor, about axis T. z In some embodiments, the rotation may be about an axis T in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., clockwise). z The direction of rotation around can be based at least in part on the drive current(s) supplied to the theta-Z coil 210, the winding direction(s) of the theta-Z coil 210, and / or the magnetic pole orientation(s) of the theta-Z magnet 208.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary graph 300 showing exemplary differences in Lorentz stroke versus stroke between a curved and non-curved electromagnet, according to some embodiments. In graph 300, the X-axis represents the amount of stroke (degrees) and the Y-axis represents the amount of Lorentz force (mN). The amount of stroke in graph 300 may be related to the amount of rotation of a voice coil motor (VCM) electromagnetic component relative to another VCM electromagnetic component. For example, the amount of rotation may, in some embodiments, be related to the rotation of a magnet relative to a corresponding coil. Additionally or alternatively, the amount of rotation may be related to the rotation of a coil relative to a corresponding magnet. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the VCM electromagnetic component may be part of an OIS VCM actuator and / or a theta-z correction VCM actuator, as described herein. Furthermore, the amount of Lorentz force in graph 300 may be related to the amount of Lorentz force generated by a VCM electromagnetic component over various stroke positions.

[0053] In the graph 300, three exemplary curves (first curve 302, second curve 304, and third curve 306) are plotted for comparison and illustration purposes. The first curve 302 represents an example of the Lorentz force generated over various stroke positions using an ideal curved electromagnet. The second curve 304 represents an example of the Lorentz force generated over various stroke positions using an exemplary curved electromagnet 308, as depicted, for example, in the schematic cross-sectional side view on the right side of FIG. 3 . The curved electromagnet 308 may include a curved magnet 310 (e.g., a moving magnet) and a corresponding curved coil 312 (e.g., a fixed coil that is stationary relative to the tilt / rotation of the magnet). The third curve 306 represents an example of the Lorentz force generated over various stroke positions using an exemplary non-curved electromagnet 314, as depicted, for example, in the schematic cross-sectional side view on the right side of FIG. 3 . The non-curved electromagnet 314 may include a non-curved magnet 316 (e.g., a moving magnet) and a corresponding non-curved coil 318 (e.g., a stationary coil that is stationary relative to the tilt / rotation of the magnet).

[0054] With respect to the curved electromagnet 308, the curved magnet 310 and the curved coil 312 can each have a respective curved surface. The curved surface of the curved magnet 310 may face the curved surface of the curved coil 312. According to various non-limiting embodiments, one of the curved surfaces may be convex (e.g., like the curved surface of the curved magnet 310 in the illustrated example) and the other of the curved surfaces may be concave (e.g., like the curved surface of the curved coil 312 in the illustrated example). Unlike the curved electromagnet 308, in the non-curved electromagnet 314, the non-curved magnet 316 and the non-curved coil 318 can have respective non-curved surfaces that face each other.

[0055] As shown in graph 300, a first curve 302 shows that an ideal curved electromagnet has a constant Lorentz force output over the stroke range. A second curve 304 shows an example of how the Lorentz force output can be enhanced at the end of the stroke range using a curved electromagnet 308 relative to the Lorentz force output over the stroke range (shown in a third curve 306) using an uncurved electromagnet 314. In graph 300, a vertical distance 320 is used to show an example of the increase in Lorentz force output over the stroke range using, for example, a curved electromagnet 308 relative to using an uncurved electromagnet 314.

[0056] 4A-4B show diagrams illustrating exemplary differences in distance consistency over a stroke range between uncurved and curved electromagnets, according to some embodiments. Figure 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an exemplary uncurved electromagnet 400a. Figure 4B shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an exemplary curved electromagnet 400b.

[0057] In some other camera designs with a non-curved electromagnet 400a used for tilt / rotation, as shown in FIG. 4A (e.g., compared to camera systems with curved electromagnets described herein), tilting motion of one electromagnetic component relative to another may result in a gap distance that varies over the stroke range. The non-curved electromagnet 400a may include a non-curved magnet 402a and a non-curved coil 404a. In a non-limiting example, the non-curved magnet 402a may be coupled with one or more moving components (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4A), and the non-curved coil 404a may be “fixed” in the sense that it may remain stationary relative to tilt / rotation of the non-curved magnet 402a. It should be understood that in various other embodiments, the coil may be movable and the magnet may be fixed.

[0058] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4A , electromagnetic interaction between the non-curved electromagnets 400a can cause the non-curved magnet 402a to tilt relative to the non-curved coil 404a (e.g., by a θ degree compensation angle 406a), resulting in a non-constant magnet-to-coil gap, as indicated by the difference between gap distance 408a and gap distance 410a.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4B , in various embodiments of a camera system having a curved electromagnet 400b used for tilt / rotation (e.g., as compared to other camera designs having non-curved electromagnets, at least as described herein with reference to FIG. 4A ), tilting movement of one electromagnetic component relative to another can enable maintaining a constant gap distance over the stroke range. The curved electromagnet 400b can include a curved magnet 402b and a curved coil 404b. In a non-limiting example, the curved magnet 402b can be coupled with one or more movable components (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4B ), and the curved coil 404b can be “fixed” in the sense that it can remain stationary relative to tilt / rotation of the curved magnet 402b. It should be understood that in various other embodiments, the coil can be movable and the magnet can be fixed.

[0060] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4B, electromagnetic interaction between curved electromagnets 400b may tilt curved magnet 402b relative to curved coil 404b, e.g., by angle θ of compensation angle 406b, resulting in a constant magnet-to-coil gap, as shown by the similarity between gap distance 408b and gap distance 410b.

[0061] 5A-5C show diagrams of an exemplary set of curved electromagnets 500 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 5A shows a side view of the set of curved electromagnets 500. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional side view of the set of curved electromagnets 500. FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of the curved magnets of the set of curved electromagnets 500. In various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 500 may be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B. Additionally or alternatively, the set of curved electromagnets 500, or one or more aspects of the set of curved electromagnets 500, may be used in a theta-z correction VCM actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 500 can include a concave magnet 502 and a convex coil 504. As shown in Figure 5A, the concave magnet 502 can include a curved side (e.g., concave magnet side 506). The convex coil 504 can include a curved side (e.g., convex coil side 508) that is adjacent to the curved side of the concave magnet 502.

[0063] 5A-5B, the curved side of the concave magnet 502 and the curved side of the convex coil 504 may face each other. For example, the concave magnet side 506 may face the convex coil side 508. Furthermore, the curved side of the concave magnet 502 may substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the convex coil 504. For example, the concave magnet side 506 may substantially follow the curvature of the convex coil side 508.

[0064] 6A-6C show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets 600 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 6A shows a side view of the set of curved electromagnets 600. FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional side view of the set of curved electromagnets 600. FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of the curved magnets of the set of curved electromagnets 600. In various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 600 may be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B. Additionally or alternatively, the set of curved electromagnets 600, or one or more aspects of the set of curved electromagnets 600, may be used in a theta-z correction VCM actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 600 can include a convex magnet 602 and a concave coil 604. As shown in Figure 6A, the convex magnet 602 can include a curved side (e.g., convex magnet side 606). The concave coil 604 can include a curved side (e.g., concave coil side 608) that is adjacent to the curved side of the convex magnet 602.

[0066] 6A-6B, the curved side of the convex magnet 602 and the curved side of the concave coil 604 may face each other. For example, the convex magnet side 606 can face the concave coil side 608. Furthermore, the curved side of the convex magnet 602 can substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the concave coil 604. For example, the convex magnet side 606 can substantially follow the curvature of the concave coil side 608.

[0067] 7A-7C show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets 700 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 7A shows a side view of the set of curved electromagnets 700. FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional side view of the set of curved electromagnets 700. FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of the curved / stacked coils of the set of curved electromagnets 700. In various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 700 may be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B. Additionally or alternatively, the set of curved electromagnets 700, or one or more aspects of the set of curved electromagnets 700, may be used in a theta-z correction VCM actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 700 can include a concave magnet 702 and a convex stacked coil 704. As shown in Figure 7A, the concave magnet 702 can include a curved side (e.g., concave magnet side 706). The convex stacked coil 504 can include a curved side (e.g., convex stacked coil side 708) that is adjacent to the curved side of the concave magnet 702.

[0069] 7A-7B, the curved side of the concave magnet 702 and the curved side of the convex laminated coil 704 may face each other. For example, the concave magnet side 706 may face the convex laminated coil side 708. Furthermore, the curved side of the concave magnet 702 may substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the convex laminated coil 704. For example, the concave magnet side 706 may substantially follow the curvature of the convex laminated coil side 708.

[0070] As shown in at least FIG. 7B , the convex coil stack 704 may be formed from wire strands 710 stacked to follow the curvature of the concave magnet 702. As a non-limiting example, as shown in FIGS. 7B-7C , a first set 712a of wire strands 710 may be stacked on top of a second set 712b of wire strands 710. The first set 712a and second set 712b may form two layers of the convex coil stack 704, or additional layers may be included, as shown in the non-limiting example shown. For example, different numbers of wire strands 710 may be used to form different layers in the stack to form a curvature of the convex coil stack side 708 that substantially follows the curvature of the concave magnet side 706.

[0071] 8A-8D show diagrams of another exemplary set of curved electromagnets 800 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8A shows a side view of the set of curved electromagnets 800. FIG. 8B shows a side cross-sectional view of the set of curved electromagnets 800. FIG. 8C shows a perspective view of the curved / stacked coils of the set of curved electromagnets 800. FIG. 8D shows a top view of the set of curved electromagnets 800. In various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 800 may be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B. Additionally or alternatively, the set of curved electromagnets 800, or one or more aspects of the set of curved electromagnets 800, may be used in a theta-z correction VCM actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 800 can include a convex magnet 802 and a concave coil stack 804. As shown in Figure 8A, the convex magnet 802 can include a curved side (e.g., a convex magnet side 806). The concave coil stack 804 can include a curved side (e.g., a concave coil stack side 808) that is adjacent to the curved side of the convex magnet 802.

[0073] 8A-8B, the curved side of the convex magnet 802 and the curved side of the concave laminated coil 804 may face each other. For example, the convex magnet side 806 may face the concave laminated coil side 808. Furthermore, the curved side of the convex magnet 802 may substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the concave laminated coil 804. For example, the convex magnet side 806 may substantially follow the curvature of the concave laminated coil side 808. In various embodiments, the concave laminated coil 804 may be formed from wire strands that are stacked to follow the curvature of the convex magnet 802, for example, as similarly discussed with reference to the convex laminated coil 702 of FIGS. 7A-7C.

[0074] 9A-9C show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets 900 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 9A shows a side view of the set of curved electromagnets 900. FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional side view of the set of curved electromagnets 900. FIG. 9C shows a perspective view of a curved magnet stack of the set of curved electromagnets 900. In various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 900 may be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B. Additionally or alternatively, the set of curved electromagnets 900, or one or more aspects of the set of curved electromagnets 900, may be used in a theta-z correction VCM actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 900 can include a concave magnet stack 902 and a convex coil 904. As shown in FIG. 9A , the concave magnet stack 902 can include multiple magnets arranged in a stacked manner and oriented to form a curved side 906 (or otherwise a side substantially the same as or similar to a curved side). For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, the curved side 906 can be formed from a first side 906 a of a first magnet, a second side 906 b of a second magnet, and a third side 906 c of a third magnet, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C . The second magnet (and second side 906 b) can be disposed between the first magnet (and first side 906 a) and the third magnet (and third side 906 c) in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the camera system (e.g., optical axis 106 of FIG. 1A ).

[0076] In various embodiments, each of the first and third magnets may be positioned at a separate non-zero angle relative to the second magnet. According to some embodiments, the second magnet may be a dipole magnet, and the first and second magnets may be monopole magnets. In FIGS. 9A-9C, the shaded and unshaded region(s) of the magnets may represent different magnetic poles (e.g., north versus south). In various embodiments, the magnets in the stack may be positioned such that the dual polarization of the second magnet may align the interpole region (e.g., the region between the pole on the first side 906a and the opposite pole on the third side 906c) with the center of the convex coil 904.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the convex coil 904 may include a curved side (e.g., a convex coil side 908) that is proximate to the curved side 906 of the concave magnet stack 902. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B , the curved side of the concave magnet stack 902 and the curved side of the convex coil 904 may face each other. For example, the concave magnet stack side 906 may face the convex coil side 908. Furthermore, the curved side of the concave magnet stack 902 may substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the convex coil 904. For example, the concave magnet stack side 906 may substantially follow the curvature of the convex coil side 908.

[0078] 10A-10B show diagrams of yet another exemplary set of curved electromagnets 1000 that may be included in a camera system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 10A shows a top view of the set of curved electromagnets 1000 as used in a camera system for theta-Z correction / compensation. FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of the set of curved electromagnets 1000. In various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 1000 can be used in a theta-Z voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B. Additionally or alternatively, the set of curved electromagnets 1000, or one or more aspects of the set of curved electromagnets 1000, can be used in an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-4B.

[0079] In various embodiments, the set of curved electromagnets 1000 may include a convex magnet 1002 and a concave coil 1004. As shown in FIG. 10A , the convex magnet 1002 may include a curved side (e.g., convex magnet side 1006). The concave coil 1004 may include a curved side (e.g., concave coil side 1008) adjacent to the curved side of the convex magnet 1002.

[0080] 10A-10B, the curved side of the convex magnet 1002 and the curved side of the concave coil 1004 may face each other. For example, the convex magnet side 1006 can face the concave coil side 1008. Furthermore, the curved side of the convex magnet 1002 can substantially follow the curvature of the curved side of the concave coil 1004. For example, the convex magnet side 1006 can substantially follow the curvature of the concave coil side 1008.

[0081] 10A , the camera system may include a movable component 1010 (e.g., an autofocus (AF) module shielding can) and a lens group 1012 fixedly coupled to the movable component 1010. In various embodiments, the camera system may include multiple sets of curved electromagnets 1000. In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 10A , the camera system includes four sets of curved electromagnets 1000, each set of electromagnets 1000 positioned at a different corner of the movable component 1010 (and / or a different corner of the camera system). In some embodiments, the convex magnets 1002 may be attached to the movable component 1010, and the concave coils 1004 may be attached to one or more stationary components (not shown in FIG. 10A ).

[0082] 11 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary environment including a device 1100, which may include one or more cameras. For example, device 1100 may include a camera system with a curved electromagnet, such as those described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-10B. In some embodiments, device 1100 may be a mobile device and / or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, device 1100 may be any of a variety of types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop, a notebook, a tablet, a slate, a pad, or a netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, a video game 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 or electronic device.

[0083] In some embodiments, device 1100 may include a display system 1102 (e.g., including a display and / or a touch-sensitive surface) and / or one or more cameras 1104. In some non-limiting embodiments, display system 1102 and / or one or more front-facing cameras 1104a may be provided on the front side of device 1100, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras 1104b may be provided on the rear side of device 1100. In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras 1104, some or all of the cameras 1104 may be identical or similar to one another. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the cameras 1104 may be different from one another. In various embodiments, the location(s) and / or configuration(s) of camera(s) 1104 may differ from that shown in FIG. 11 .

[0084] Among other things, device 1100 may include memory 1106 (e.g., comprising an operating system 1108 and / or application(s) / program instructions 1110), one or more processors and / or controllers 1112 (e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and / or camera controller(s), etc.), and / or one or more sensors 1114 (e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and / or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, device 1100 can communicate with one or more other devices and / or services, such as computing device(s) 1116, cloud services 1118, etc., via one or more network(s) 1120. For example, device 1100 may include a network interface (e.g., network interface 1210 in FIG. 12) that enables device 1100 to transmit data to and receive data from network(s) 1120. Additionally or alternatively, device 1100 may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communications using any of a variety of communication standards, protocols, and / or technologies.

[0085] 12 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary environment including a computer system 1200 that may include a camera system with a curved electromagnet, e.g., as described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-11. Additionally, computer system 1200 may implement methods for controlling the operation of the camera and / or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, device 1100 (described herein with reference to FIG. 11) may additionally or alternatively include some or all of the functional components of those described herein.

[0086] Computer system 1200 can be configured to perform any or all of the above-described embodiments. In different embodiments, computer system 1200 can be any of a variety of types of device, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, a desktop computer, a laptop, a notebook, a tablet, a slate, a pad, or a netbook computer, a mainframe computer system, a handheld computer, a workstation, a network computer, a camera, a set-top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and / or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, a video game 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 or electronic device.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 1200 includes one or more processors 1202 coupled to system memory 1204 via an input / output (I / O) interface 1206. Computer system 1200 further includes one or more cameras 1208 coupled to I / O interface 1206. Computer system 1200 further includes a network interface 1210 coupled to I / O interface 1206, and one or more input / output devices 1212, such as a cursor control device 1214, a keyboard 1216, and a display(s) 1218. While in some cases, embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system 1200, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, multiple such systems, or multiple nodes comprising computer system 1200, may be configured to host different portions or instances of an embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system 1200 that are different from the nodes implementing other elements.

[0088] In various embodiments, computer system 1200 may be a uniprocessor system including one processor 1202, or a multiprocessor system including multiple processors 1202 (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processor 1202 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments, processor 1202 may be a general-purpose or embedded processor implementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable instruction set architecture (ISA). In a multiprocessor system, each of processors 1202 may, but need not, commonly implement the same ISA.

[0089] The system memory 1204 may be configured to store program instructions 1220 accessible by the processor 1202. In various embodiments, the system memory 1204 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. Additionally, existing camera control data 1222 in the memory 1204 may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, the program instructions 1220 and / or data 1222 may be received, sent, or stored on different types of computer-accessible media, or on similar media separate from the system memory 1204 or the computer system 1200. In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system 1200.

[0090] In one embodiment, I / O interface 1206 may be configured to coordinate I / O traffic between processor 1202, system memory 1204, and any peripheral devices within the device, including other peripheral interfaces such as network interface 1210 or input / output devices 1212. In some embodiments, I / O interface 1206 may perform any necessary protocol, timing, or other data conversions to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory 1204) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor 1202). In some embodiments, I / O interface 1206 may include support for devices attached via various types of peripheral buses, such as, for example, variants of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard. In some embodiments, the functionality of I / O interface 1206 may be split between two or more separate components, such as, for example, a northbridge and a southbridge. Additionally, in some embodiments, some or all of the functionality of I / O interface 1206 , such as an interface to system memory 1204 , may be incorporated directly into processor 1202 .

[0091] Network interface 1210 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system 1200 and other devices (e.g., carrier or agent devices) attached to network 1224, or between nodes of computer system 1200. Network 1224, 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 some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface 1210 may support communication over a wired or wireless general-purpose data network, such as, for example, any suitable type of Ethernet network. It may also support communication over a telecommunications / telephone network, such as an analog voice network or a digital fiber communications network, a storage area network, such as a Fibre Channel SAN, or any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0092] Input / output device(s) 1212, in some embodiments, may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for inputting or accessing data by one or more computer systems 1200. Multiple input / output devices 1212 may be present within computer system 1200 or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system 1200. In some embodiments, similar input / output devices may be separate from computer system 1200 and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system 1200 through wired or wireless connections, such as via network interface 1210.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 1200 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 depicted functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless telephones, pagers, etc. Computer system 800 may also be connected to other devices not shown, or alternatively, may operate as a stand-alone system. Additionally, functionality provided by the illustrated components may, in some embodiments, be combined in fewer components or distributed among additional components. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided, and / or other additional functionality may be available.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will also understand 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., as 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 800 may be transmitted to computer system 800 via signals, such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed over a transmission medium or communications medium, such as a network and / or wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending, or storing instructions and / or data embodied on a computer-accessible medium in accordance with the preceding description. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or memory medium, such as a magnetic medium or an optical medium, e.g., a disk or DVD / CD-ROM, a RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), a volatile or non-volatile medium, such as a ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include a transmission medium or a signal, such as an electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signal, conveyed over a communication medium, such as a network and / or a wireless link.

[0095] The methods described herein may, in different embodiments, be implemented in the form of software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In addition, the order of method blocks may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and variations may be made as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill 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 variations may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific exemplary configurations. Other allocations of functionality are contemplated and may be included within the scope of the following claims. Finally, structures and functions presented as separate components in exemplary configurations may be implemented as combined structures or components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may be included within the scope of the embodiments, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A camera, A lens group; an image sensor; and one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating at least one of the lens group or the image sensor about an optical axis, wherein the one or more VCM actuators: a magnet-coil group having a curved electromagnet, the magnet-coil group comprising: a plurality of magnets, each magnet of the plurality of magnets having a curvature that forms a first curvature of the curved electromagnet; a plurality of coils, each coil of the plurality of coils having a curvature that forms a second curvature of the curved electromagnet, the plurality of coils being proximate to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets and disposed around at least one of the lens group or the image sensor such that, when driven with an electric current, the respective coil of the plurality of coils can electromagnetically interact with the respective magnet of the plurality of magnets to generate a Lorentz force that rotates the at least one of the lens group or the image sensor about the optical axis; one of the first curvature and the second curvature is convex, and the other of the first curvature and the second curvature is concave; The camera includes a camera can and a base configured to house the lens group, the image sensor, and at least a portion of the one or more VCM actuators.

2. each magnet of the plurality of magnets includes a concave surface having the first curvature; each coil of the plurality of coils includes a convex surface having the second curvature; The camera of claim 1 , wherein the concave surface faces the convex surface.

3. each magnet of the plurality of magnets includes a convex surface having the first curvature; each coil of the plurality of coils includes a concave surface having the second curvature; The camera of claim 1 , wherein the convex surface faces the concave surface.

4. the first curvature describes a first arc; The camera of claim 1 , wherein the second curvature describes a second arc concentric with the first arc.

5. each magnet of the plurality of magnets comprises a bipolar magnet having a first curved side having the first curvature; the respective coils of the plurality of coils comprising a coil having a second curved side having the second curvature; The camera of claim 1 , wherein the first curved side is opposite the second curved side.

6. the plurality of magnets are arranged in a curved magnet stack; the curved magnet stack has a first curved side having the first curvature; the plurality of coils comprises a coil having a second curved side having the second curvature; The camera of claim 1 , wherein the first curved side is opposite the second curved side.

7. The plurality of magnets are a first monopole magnet; a second monopole magnet; and 7. The camera of claim 6, further comprising: a dipole magnet disposed between the first monopole magnet and the second monopole magnet in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the camera.

8. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of coils includes a stacked coil having wire strands stacked to form the second curvature.

9. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the one or more VCM actuators are configured to rotate the lens group together with the image sensor about multiple axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera.

10. The camera of claim 1 , wherein the one or more VCM actuators are configured to rotate the lens group together with the image sensor about an axis parallel to the optical axis of the camera.

11. A device, one or more processors; a memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operation of the camera; the camera, A lens group; an image sensor; and one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating at least one of the lens group or the image sensor about an optical axis, wherein the one or more VCM actuators: a magnet-coil group having a curved electromagnet, the magnet-coil group comprising: a plurality of magnets, each magnet of the plurality of magnets having a curvature that forms a first curvature of the curved electromagnet; a plurality of coils, each coil of the plurality of coils having a curvature that forms a second curvature of the curved electromagnet, each coil of the plurality of coils being proximate to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets and disposed around at least one of the lens group or the image sensor such that, when driven with an electric current, each coil of the plurality of coils can electromagnetically interact with a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets to generate a Lorentz force that rotates the at least one of the lens group or the image sensor about the optical axis; one of the first curvature and the second curvature is convex, and the other of the first curvature and the second curvature is concave; The device, wherein the camera comprises a camera can and a base configured to house the lens group, the image sensor, and at least a portion of the one or more VCM actuators.

12. the one or more VCM actuators an optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM actuator configured to rotate the lens group together with the image sensor about a plurality of axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera; or a θ-Z corrected VCM actuator configured to rotate the lens group together with the image sensor about an axis parallel to the optical axis.

13. the one or more VCM actuators include the OIS VCM actuator; the magnet-coil group is a first magnet-coil group of the OIS VCM actuator and is located on a first side of the camera; The OIS VCM actuator is a second magnet-coil group disposed on a second side of the camera; a third magnet-coil group disposed on a third side of the camera opposite the first side; a fourth magnet-coil group disposed on a fourth side of the camera opposite the second side; The device of claim 12 , wherein the second magnet-coil group, the third magnet-coil group, and the fourth magnet-coil group each comprise a curved electromagnet.

14. the one or more VCM actuators include the θ-Z correction VCM actuator; the magnet-coil group is a first magnet-coil group of the θ-Z correction VCM actuator and is located at a first corner of the camera; The θ-Z correction VCM actuator is a second magnet-coil group positioned at a second corner of the camera; a third magnet-coil group disposed at a third corner of the camera diagonally opposite the first corner; a fourth magnet-coil group disposed at a fourth corner of the camera diagonally opposite the second corner; The device of claim 12 , wherein the second magnet-coil group, the third magnet-coil group, and the fourth magnet-coil group each comprise a curved electromagnet.

15. the plurality of magnets are coupled to a moving component of the camera; The device of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of coils are coupled to a stationary component of the camera.

16. the plurality of magnets are coupled to a stationary component of the camera; The device of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of coils are coupled to a moving component of the camera.

17. the first curvature describes a first arc; The device of claim 11 , wherein the second curvature describes a second arc concentric with the first arc.

18. 1. A system comprising: one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating at least one of a camera lens group or an image sensor about an optical axis, the one or more VCM actuators comprising: a magnet-coil group having a curved electromagnet, the magnet-coil group comprising: a plurality of magnets, each magnet of the plurality of magnets having a curvature that forms a first curvature of the curved electromagnet; a plurality of coils, each coil of the plurality of coils having a curvature that forms a second curvature of the curved electromagnet, the plurality of coils being proximate to a respective magnet of the plurality of magnets and disposed around at least one of the lens group or the image sensor such that, when driven with an electric current, the respective coil of the plurality of coils can electromagnetically interact with the respective magnet of the plurality of magnets to generate a Lorentz force that rotates the at least one of the lens group or the image sensor about the optical axis; one of the first curvature and the second curvature is convex, and the other of the first curvature and the second curvature is concave; The system includes a camera shield can and a base configured to house the lens group, the image sensor, and at least a portion of the one or more VCM actuators.

19. each magnet of the plurality of magnets includes a concave surface having the first curvature; each coil of the plurality of coils includes a convex surface having the second curvature; 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the concave surface faces the convex surface.

20. each magnet of the plurality of magnets includes a convex surface having the first curvature; each coil of the plurality of coils includes a concave surface having the second curvature; The system of claim 18 , wherein the convex surface faces the concave surface.

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