Sensor shifting optical image stabilization

Abstract

An example camera includes an image sensor; a. lens attached to a. lens housing and configured to image light to the image sensor; a plurality of bearings; a bearing carrier defining a plurality of apertures, each aperture of the plurality of apertures configured to receive a. bearing of the plurality of bearings; a housing comprising one or more first grooves along a first axis and configured to receive first portions of the plurality of bearings; a first carrier comprising one or more second grooves along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and configured to receive second portions of the plurality of bearings; and a. second carrier movably coupled to the first carrier and configured to translate along a third axis that is perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis, wherein the image sensor is attached to and carried by the second earner.

Description

SENSOR SHIFTING OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATIONBACKGROUND

[0001] Existing optical systems of cameras in devices perform optical image stabilization (OIS) by using actuators to move the imaging lens. Such OIS may compensate for movement of devices, such as when a device is being held in a user’s hands or is on a moving vehicle. However, to provide better image quality' with higher resolution, the size of the camera sensor may be increased, which may increase the size of optical components of the optical lens system. Such size increases may require additional performance from the actuators to move the larger and heavier optical lens system.SUMMARY

[0002] In general, cameras that perform sensor shift optical image stabilization (OIS). Example systems include an imaging lens including one or more lens elements (e.g,, having optical power) attached to a lens housing, and an optical image stabilizer configured to move (i.e., shift) an image sensor relative to the housing and the lens. For example, to perform OIS, the optical image stabilizer is configured to move the relatively lighter image sensor rather than the relatively heavier imaging lens,

[0003] For example, to improve camera performance, components of the camera system may be changed and / or increased, or components may be added. For example, to improve image resolution, field of view, and / or light sensitivity, the camera sensor size may be increased, the number of pixels of the sensor may be increased, and / or the size of each pixel of the sensor may be increased, for which the size of the lens system may need to increase. Additionally, a component such as a variable aperture may be added to the lens system, for example, to function as a variable iris and / or stop to change the F-stop of the lens system in order to improve the dynamic range of the camera (e.g., from bright daylight scenes to lower light level, or night, scenes) or to improve overall image quality (e.g., by stopping down the lens to decrease the effects of aberrations, sharpen detail, and / or increase the depth of field of the camera).

[0004] Increasing the camera sensor and / or addition components may increase the mass of the lens system that needs to be moved in order to perform OIS, which may necessitate larger OIS actuators, thereby additionally increasing the overall size andweight of the camera system, as well as the power consumption of the OIS system needed in order to move the relatively larger lens system.[ 0005 In accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure, the optical image stabilizer includes a combined OIS and autofocus carrier movable along a first axis to perform autofocus and along a second axis to perform a first OIS movement (e.g., along a Y axis). A second carrier is movably coupled to the combined OIS and autofocus carrier to perform a second OIS movement (e.g., along an X axis). Relative movement between the combined OIS and autofocus carrier and a housing of the camera may be facilitated by a plurality of bearings that roll in grooves in the housing and grooves in the combined OIS and autofocus carrier, the grooves in the housing being perpendicular to the grooves in the combined OIS and autofocus carrier. The combined OIS and autofocus carrier may not be vertically stacked with the second carrier (e.g,, there may not be a vertical stack-up of the components for the second OIS movement and the components for the autofocus movement). As such, a thickness of the camera may be desirably reduced.

[0006] Furthermore, various components, such as the variable aperture and lenses, may be fixedly attached to the housing. As such, a mass of the components moved to perform OIS and autofocus (e.g., the combined carrier and the second carrier) may be reduced. Such reduction in mass may enable the use of relatively smaller actuators, which may desirably reduce cost and / or improve performance.

[0007] As one example, a camera includes an image sensor; a lens attached to a lens housing and configured to image light to the image sensor; a plurality of bearings; a bearing carrier defining a plurality of apertures, each aperture of the plurality of apertures configured to receive a bearing of the plurality of bearings, wherein first portions of each of the plurality of bearings extend from a first surface of the bearing carrier, wherein second portions of each of the plurality of bearings extend from a second surface of the bearing carrier that is opposite the first surface; a housing comprising one or more first grooves along a first axis and configured to receive the first portions of the plurality of bearings; a first carrier comprising one or more second grooves along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and configured to receive the second portions of the plurality of bearings; and a second carrier movably coupled to the first carrier and configured to translate along a third axis that is perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis, wherein the image sensor is attached to and earned by the second carrier.

[0008] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of an example camera including combined optical image stabilization and autofocus carrier, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIGS. 2A-2C are various views of an example double slide guide, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 3A-3E are various views of carriers of an image stabilization device, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an example computing system 401 that may be used with a camera 400, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS 5A-5C are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example mobile computing device, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example mode of operation of an example camera that performs optical image stabilization (OIS), in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of an example camera including combined optical image stabilization and autofocus carrier, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 1, camera 100 includes lens system 102, optical image stabilizer 104, sensor 106, and housing 108. Sensor 106 may be an image sensor, and may comprise an array of light sensitive pixels and / or detectors, e.g., a focal plane array.

[0016] In the example shown, lens system 102 includes imaging lens 112 and variable aperture 114 and is attached to lens housing 108. Imaging lens defines optical axis 120 and is configured to image light to sensor 106. Variable aperture 114 may be configured to open and close in order to change the clear aperture of imaging lens 112, e.g,, variable aperture 114 may be a controllable iris configured to control the F-stop of imaging lens 112. Although shown as being positioned opposite imaging lens 112 fromsensor 106, variable aperture 114 may be on the same side of imaging lens 112 as sensor 106, or internal to imaging lens 112, e.g., between lens elements of imaging lens 112.

[0017] In the example shown, both imaging lens 112 and variable aperture 114 are attached to housing 108, e.g., via fasteners 110A and 110B (collectively, “fasteners 1 I0’1). In some examples, imaging lens 112 may be attached to housing 108 and aperture 114 may be attached to imaging lens 112, or variable aperture 114 may be attached to housing 108 and imaging lens 112 may be attached to variable aperture 114. In some examples, fasteners 110 may be a mechanical fastener, an adhesive, a weld, or any suitable fastener configured to attach lens system 102 to housing 108. In some examples, fastener 110A may be different from 110B (e.g., a different fastener type such as mechanical, adhesive, weld, or the like). In other examples fastener 110A may be the same or of the same type. For example, fasteners 110 may be a single fastener, such as when variable aperture 114 is integrated within or onto imaging lens 112. Lens system 102 and housing 108 may be fixedly attached. For instance, lens system 102 may be configured to remain stable (e.g., not configured to be moved (e.g., accelerated) to perform optical image stabilization (OIS)) with reference to housing 108. Similarly, variable aperture 114 may be fixedly attached to housing 108.

[0018] In the example shown, optical image stabilizer 104 includes double side slide guide 122, combined OIS-Y and autofocus carrier 124 (hereinafter, “combined carrier 124’1), OIS-X carrier 126, and sensor support structure 146. Optical image stabilizer 104 may be configured to move sensor 106 relative to lens system 102 and / or lens housing 108 (e.g., to perform OIS and / or autofocus).

[0019] Combined carrier 124 may be configured to move / translate along the Y-axis (e.g., into and out of the page of FIG. 1) and move / translate along the Z-axis (e.g., up and down the page of FIG, 1). A s such, combined carrier 124 may perform movements to support performance of autofocus and OIS (one axis of OIS) for camera 100.Combined carrier 124 may be connected to housing 108 via bearings 150. Combined carrier 124 may include grooves 125 configured to receive portions 150B of bearings 150. Portions 150B of bearings 150 may move within grooves 125 as combined carrier 124 moves along the Y-axis (e.g., relative to housing 108). Housing 108 may include grooves 128 along the z-direction that are configured to receive portions 150A of bearings 150. Portions 150A of bearings 150 may move within grooves 128 as combined carrier 124 moves along the Z-axis (e.g., relative to housing 108).

[0020] Double side slide guide 122 may be configured to retain a relative position of bearings 150 with respect to each other. Double side slide guide 122 may include a main body that includes an aperture for each of bearings 150. Further details of one example of double side slide guide 122 are discussed below, with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. Double side slide guide 122 may be formed of a metal, a polymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a ceramic, or any suitable material.

[0021] OIS-X carrier 126 may be configured to move / translate along the X-axis (e.g., side to side of the page of FIG. 1). As such, OIS-X carrier may perform movements to support performance of OIS (one axis of OIS) for camera 100. OIS-X carrier 126 may be movably connected to combined carrier 124 via any suitable components. As one example, OIS-X carrier 126 may be connected to combined carrier 124 via bearings. As another example, OIS-X carrier 126 may be connected to combined carrier 124 via projections from OIS-X carrier 126 that slide within slots of combined carrier 124 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C).

[0022] Bearings 150 may be formed of a metal such as steel, aluminum, brass, or any suitable metal, a polymer, PTFE, or any suitable material configured to slide within grooves 125 and 128. In some examples, portions 150A of bearings 150 and / or grooves 128 may include a lubricant and / or a self-lubricating coating to reduce a coefficient of friction between portions 150A of bearings 150 and grooves 128, Similarly, in some examples, portions 150B of bearings 150 and / or grooves 125 may include a lubricant and / or a self-lubricating coating to reduce a coefficient of friction between portions 150B of bearings 150 and grooves 125.

[0023] Grooves 125 and / or 128 may be formed from a same material as their host components. For example, grooves 125 may be features formed into combined carrier 124, and / or grooves 128 may be features formed into housing 108. In some examples, one or both of grooves 125 and 128 may include a liner or other material having more desirable wear characteristics than their host components. For instance, grooves 125 may include a liner that is in contact with bearings 150, the liner may resist wear and abrasion better than the material from which combined carrier 124 is formed, but may be heavier and / or more costly than the material from which combined carrier 124 is formed.

[0024] While grooves 125 and 128 are respectively shown as extending along the Y and Z axes, this disclosure is not so limited. For instance, in some examples, grooves 125 may extend along the Z-axis and grooves 128 may extend along the Y-axis. However,having grooves 125 extend along the Y-axis and 128 along the Z-axis may provide geometric advantage. For instance, by having grooves 125 extend along the Y-axis and 128 along the Z-axis, a thickness of camera 100 along the Z-axis may be reduced (e.g., as combined carrier 124 moves up and down along the Z-axis, having grooves 128 of housing 108 extend along the Z-axis may allow a larger Z-stroke with a same overall thickness than having grooves 128 extend along the Y-axis).0025] Optical image stabilizer 104 may include various components that control movement of combined carrier 124 and OIS-X carrier 126. The components may include one or more actuators that generate force to positively move combined carrier 124 and / or OIS-X carrier 126, and / or one or more centering yokes that bias one or both of combined carrier 124 and OIS-X carrier 126 to center positions along their strokes. As one example, optical image stabilizer 104 may include first actuator 168A configured to move combined carrier 124 along a first axis (e.g., the Z-axis), second actuator 168B configured to move combined carrier 124 along a second axis (e.g., the Y-axis), and third actuator 168C configured to move OIS-X carrier 126 along a third axis (e.g., the X-axis).

[0026] One or more of the actuators may include a magnet and coil pair (e.g., a voice coil motor). As one example, first actuator 168A may include coil 170A attached to housing 108 and magnet 172A attached to combined carrier 124, As another example, second actuator 168B may include coil 170B attached to housing 108 and magnet 172B attached to combined carrier 124 (both coil 170B and magnet 172B shown in dashed lines as they are, in the frame of reference of FIG. 1, behind components such as sensor 106). As another example, third actuator 168C may include coil 170C attached to OIS-X carrier 126 and magnet 172C attached to combined carrier 124.

[0027] As discussed above, optical image stabilizer 104 may include centering yokes that one or both of combined carrier 124 and OIS-X carrier 126 to center positions along their strokes. As one example, optical image stabilizer 104 may include a first yoke (e.g., yoke 174A) that biases combined carrier 124 to a certain point (e.g., center) of the stroke along the Z-axis (e.g., the AF stroke). In some examples, the first yoke may further bias combined carrier 124 to a certain point (e.g., center) of the stroke along the Y-axis (e.g., the OIS-Y stroke). As another example, optical image stabilizer 104 may include a second yoke that biases combined carrier 124 to a certain point (e.g., center) of the stroke along the Y-axis (e.g., the OIS-Y stroke). As another example, opticalimage stabilizer 104 may include a third yoke that biases OIS-X carrier 126 to a certain point (e.g., center) of the stroke along the X-axis (e.g., the OIS-X stroke).0028 OIS-X carrier 126 may be configured to support sensor 106. In the example shown, OIS carrier 126 includes sensor support 146 and sensor 106. Sensor 106 may be attached to sensor support 146, and sensor support 146 may be attached to OIS carrier 126. In some examples, sensor support 146 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) and sensor 106 may be attached to, or integrated with, the PCB. In some examples, sensor 106 defines a plane that is substantially parallel with first and second directions that are substantially perpendicular to each other, e.g., the X- and Y-directions in the example shown, and the plane may be substantially perpendicular to optical axis 120 along a third direction, e.g., the X-direction in the example shown.

[0029] Although three bearings 150 are shown in FIG. 1, double side slide guide 122 may have fewer or more bearings (e.g., two bearings, three bearings, four bearings, five bearings, six bearings, or more than six bearings). Although grooves 128 of housing 108 and grooves 125 of combined carrier 124 are shown in FIG. 1, housing 108 and / or combined carrier 124 may have fewer or more grooves, e.g., one groove or three or more grooves.[0030 Double side slide guide 122. may be configured to have a single layer of bearings 150 (e.g., in an array on the Y-Z plane). For example, bearings 150 may be used to couple to grooves along two-directions, e.g., grooves 128 along the Z-axis and grooves 125 along the Y-axis. As such, as opposed to an OIS system using multiple sets of bearings arranged in layers that are each configured for use in one direction, optical image stabilizer 104 may include a single layer of bearings that supports movement in multiple directions.

[0031] As discussed above, combined carrier 124 may be configured to translate along the Y-axis and OIS-X earner 126 may be configured to translate along the X-axis. Combined carrier 124 and OIS-X carrier 126 may be respectively configured to independently move along the Y-axis and the X-axis. For instance, movement of combined carrier 124 along the Y-axis may not result in movement of OIS-X carrier 12.6 along the X-axis. Similarly, movement of OIS-X carrier 126 along the X-axis may not result in movement of combined carrier 124 along the Y-axis.

[0032] As discussed above, lens 112 and / or variable aperture 114 may be attached to housing 108. In some examples, housing 108 may include stepped down portion 109 (e.g., a portion of a top surface of housing 108 may be arranged lower on the Z-axis).Lens 112 and / or variable aperture 114 may be attached to stepped down portion 109. As such, an overall Z-height of camera 100 may be reduced.10033 Camera 100, or a host device thereof, may include one or more processor(s) 190 (hereinafter, “processors 190”). Examples of processors 190 include, but are not limited to, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry.0034] Processors 190 may control operation of one or more components of camera 100. For instance, processors 190 may control operation of actuators 168A-168C to adjust a relative position of sensor 106 relative to other components, such as lens system 102. As one example, processors 190 may control operation of actuators 168B and 168C to perform OIS (e.g., to compensate for movement of camera 100 relative to a scene being captured by sensor 106, such as due to a user’s shaking hands). As another example, processors 190 may control operation of actuator 168A to perform autofocus.0035] Processors 190 may control actuators 168A-168C based on signals generated by sensors. For instance, processors 190 may control actuators 168B and 168C based on signals generated by motion sensors of camera 100, or the host device.

[0036] FIGS. 2A-2C are various views of an example double slide guide, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Double slide guide 222 and bearings 250 of FIGS. 2A-2C may be examples of double slide guide 122 and bearings 150 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A show's a side view (e.g., on the X-Z plane of FIG. 1), FIG. 2B shows a front view (e.g., on the Y-Z plane of FIG. 1), and FIG. 2C shows a top view (e.g., on the X-Y plane of FIG. 1).

[0037] Double side slide guide 222 may have a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape, a polygonal shape, or any suitable shape. Double slide guide 222 may have first surface 267 and second surface 269.

[0038] Each of bearings 250 may include first and second bearing portions 250A and 250B that may be examples of first and second bearing portions 150A and 150B of FIG. 1. In the example shown, bearings 250 and bearing portions 250A / 250B have a spherical shape (e.g., a substantially circular cross-sectional profile shape). In other examples, each of bearings 250 and bearing portions 250A / 250B may have any suitable cross-sectional profile shape, e.g., a T-shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a V-shape, a dovetail shape, or the like, and may beconfigured to mate with a cross-sectional shape of grooves (e.g., grooves 125 and / or grooves 128 of FIG. 1).

[0039] In some examples, double side slide guide 222 defines a plurality of apertures, each aperture configured to receive a respective bearing of bearings 250. For example, double side slide guide 222 may include a plurality of apertures 251 configured to receive and retain respective bearings 250 with first portions 250A extending from first surface 267 of double side slide guide 222 and with second portions 250B extending from second surface 269 of double side slide guide 222.10040] FIGS. 3A-3E are various views of carriers of an image stabilization device, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Combined carrier 324 and OIS-X carrier 326 of FIGS. 3A-3E may be examples of combined carrier 124 and OIS-X carrier 126 of FIG, 1. Similarly, sensor 306, groove 325, sensor support 346, coil 370B, magnet 372B, coil 370C, and magnet 372C of FIG. 3A may be examples of sensor 106, groove 125, sensor support 146, coil 170B, magnet 172B, coil 170C, and magnet 172C of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a cross-section of combined carrier 324 and OIS-X carrier 326, that may correspond to a cross-section along line A-A of FIG. 1. Similarly, FIG. 1 may be a cross-sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 3A. FIGS. 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views of combined carrier 324 along line C-C of FIG. 3 A. FIGS. 3D and 3E are side views of combined carrier 324.]0042] As discussed above, an optical image stabilizer may include a third yoke that biases OIS-X carrier 326 to a certain point (e.g., center) of the stroke along the X-axis (e.g., the OIS-X stroke). As shown in FIG. 3A, combined carrier 324 may include yoke 374C and OIS-X carrier 326 may include magnet 375. Yoke 374C and magnet 375 may interact to bias OIS-X carrier 326 to the certain point of the stroke along the X-axis.

[0043] As can be seen in FIGS. 3A-3C, OIS-X carrier 326 may be movably connected to combined carrier 324. For instance, OIS-X carrier 326 may include projections 330 that extend into, and slide within, slots 332 of combined carrier 324. As can be seen in FIGS. 3A-3E, slots 332 may extend along the X-axis (e.g., such that movement of projections 330 within slots 332 allows OIS-X carrier 326 to translate along the X-axis). While shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C as having elliptical cross-sections, projections 330 may be formed with any suitable shape to slide within slots 332. In some examples, projections 330 may include bearings at their ends (e.g., bearings that slide within slots 332). The bearings may be plain bearings, ball bearings, or any other type of bearing.

[0044] Slots 332 may include openings 336. During assembly, OIS-X carrier 326 may be attached to combined carrier 324 by placing projections 330 into slots 332 via openings 336. Stoppers 336 may be inserted into openings 336 to retain projections 330 within slots 332.

[0045] While OIS-X carrier 326 is described as having projections that mate with slots 332 of combined carrier 324, this disclosure is not so limited. For instance, in some examples, combined carrier 324 may include projections that mate with slots of OIS-X carrier 326.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3D, grooves 325 may be positioned on a side of combined carrier 324. Grooves 325 may extend along the Y-axis. While shown in FIG. 3D as single continuous grooves along the Y-axis, this disclosure is not so limited. For instance, as shown in the example of FIG. 3E, grooves 325 may be discontinuous and may be divided into discrete sections.

[0047] FIG. 4 is an example computing sy stem 401 that may be used with a camera 400, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Camera 400 may be an example of camera 100 of FIG. 1. Computing system 401 may implement methods for controlling operations of camera 402 using double side slide guides 122, 222 and actuators 168A-168C (FIG. 1) and / or for performing image processing of images captured with the camera 400. In some examples, computing system 401 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet or pad device, slate, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, a wireless phone, a smartphone, foldable device, a consumer device, handheld video game device, a television, a video recording device, or in general any type of computing or electronic device with a camera.

[0048] In the example shown, computing system 401 may include processing circuitry 490 (e.g., one or more processors) coupled to a memory 408. Processing circuitry 490 may be an example of processors 190 of FIG. 1. Computing system 401 also may include a network interface 406, input / output devices 404, e.g., a cursor control device, mouse, touchpad, trackball, a keyboard, a display, or the like.

[0049] Memory 408 may be configured to store program instructions and / or data accessible by processing circuitry 410. Memory 408 may be implemented using any suitable memory' technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile / flash-type memory, or any othertype of memory. Program instructions may be configured to implement various interfaces, methods and / or data for controlling operations of camera 400 and for capturing and processing images with camera 400 or other methods or data, for example interfaces and methods for capturing, displaying, processing, and storing images captured with camera 400. In some examples, program instructions and / or data may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory 408 or computing system 401.

[0050] Network interface 406 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computing system 401 and other devices attached to a network (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computing system 401. Network interface 406 may include one or more networks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g., an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. Network interface 406 may support communication via wired or wireless general data networks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example; via telecommunications / telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SAN s, or via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0051] Input / output devices 404 may include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for entering or accessing data by computing system 401. Multiple input / output devices 404 may be present in computing system 401 or may be distributed on various nodes of computing system 401. In some examples, similar input / output devices 404 may be separate from computing system 401 and may interact with one or more nodes of computing system 401 through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface 406.

[0052] In the example shown, memory 408 may include program instructions which may be processor-executable to implement any element or action to support camera 400, including but not limited to image processing software and interface software for controlling camera 400. In some examples, images captured by camera 400 may be stored to memory 408. In addition, metadata for images captured by camera 400 may be stored using memory 408.

[0053] FIGS 5A-5C are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example mobile computing device, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. As shown in FIGS5A-5C, mobile computing device 501 may include camera module 500A and / or camera module 500B. FIG. 5A may be a back view of mobile computing device 501, FIG. 5B may be a front view of mobile computing device 501, and FIG. 5C may be a side view of mobile computing device 501. Mobile computing device 501 may be an example of computing system 401 of FIG. 4.10054] As shown in FIG. 5 A, camera module 500A may be a rear-facing camera located on a back of mobile computing device 501. As shown in FIG. 5B, camera module 500B may be a front facing camera located on a front of mobile computing device 501. For instance, camera module 500B may be a through-display or hole-punch camera located at display 503 of mobile computing device 501.

[0055] One or both of camera module 500A and / or 500B may be examples of camera module 100 of FIG. 1. For instance, one or both of camera module 500A and / or 500B may include a mechanism that performs sensor shift optical image stabilization (e.g., similar to mechanism 104 of FIG. 1).

[0056] In operation, mobile computing device 501 may move (e.g., due to being held in unsteady hands, on a moving vehicle, etc.) while one of camera modules 500A or 500B is capturing a photo or video. The movement of camera modules 500A or 500B may cause undesirable effects to the photo or video (e.g., blur). To counteract the movement of camera modules 500A or 500B and prevent the undesirable effects, the mechanism(s) of camera modules 500A or 500B may perform OIS, specifically sensor shift image stabilization.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example mode of operation of an example camera that performs optical image stabilization (OIS), in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Although the example operation of FIG. 6 is described as being performed by camera 100 of FIG. 1, in other examples some or all of the example operations may be performed by another camera,

[0058] Undesirable photo or video effects (e.g., blur) may occur because of the movement of camera 100. To prevent these effects, in response to the movement of camera 100, mechanism 104 may perform OIS. For instance, mechanism 104 may move (i.e., shift) a position of image sensor 106 to compensate for movement of camera 100 relative to the photo or video being captured via camera 100.

[0059] One or more components may generate motion data representing movement of camera 100 (600). For instance, one or more of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or other sensors may generate motion data representing movement of camera 100 in an Xdirection and motion data representing movement of camera 100 in a Y direction while camera 100 is capturing a photo or video.

[0060] One or more processors of camera 100, or a host device, may process the motion data and control operation of actuators of camera 100 to perform OIS. As one example, the one or more processors may cause an actuator (e.g,, actuator 168C) to move OIS-X carrier 126 of camera 100 in the X direction to counteract movement of camera 100 in the X direction (602). For instance, responsive to the motion data representing movement of camera 100 in the X direction indicating that camera 100 is moving in the positive X direction, the one or more processors may output a signal that causes X coil 170C to generate a magnetic field that interacts with X magnet 172C to move X carrier 126 in the negative X direction.

[0061] As another example, the one or more processors may cause an actuator (e.g., actuator 168B) to move a combined carrier of camera 100 in the Y direction to counteract movement of camera 100 in the Y direction (604). For instance, responsive to the motion data representing movement of camera 100 in the Y direction indicating that camera 100 is moving in the negative Y direction, the one or more processors may output a signal that causes Y coil 170B to generate a magnetic field that interacts with Y magnet 172B to move combined carrier 124 in the positive Y direction.

[0062] In some examples, camera 100 may further perform autofocus. For example, the one or more processors may cause an actuator (e.g., actuator 168 A) to move the combined carrier of camera 100 in the Z direction to perform autofocus (606). For instance, the one or more processors may output a signal that causes Z coil 170A to generate a magnetic field that interacts with Z magnet 172A to cause combined carrier 124 (and OIS-X carrier 126 carried by combined carrier 124) to move along the Z axis.

[0063] Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

[0064] The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, including a wireless handset, an integrated circuit (IC) or a set of ICs (e.g., a chip set). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. Rather, as described above, various units may be combined in a hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperative hardware units, including one or more processors as described above, in conjunction with suitable software and / or firmware.

[0065] This disclosure includes the following examples:

[0066] Example 1. A camera comprising: an image sensor; a lens attached to a lens housing and configured to image light to the image sensor; a plurality of bearings; a bearing carri er defining a plurality of apertures, each aperture of the plurality of apertures configured to receive a bearing of the plurality of bearings, wherein first portions of each of the plurality of bearings extend from a first surface of the bearing carrier, wherein second portions of each of the plurality of bearings extend from a second surface of the bearing carrier that is opposite the first surface; a housing comprising one or more first grooves along a first axis and configured to receive the first portions of the plurality of bearings; a first carrier comprising one or more second grooves along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and configured to receive the second portions of the plurality of bearings; and a second carrier movably coupled to the first carrier and configured to translate along a third axis that is perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis, wherein the image sensor is attached to and carried by the second carrier.

[0067] Example 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the first carrier is configured to move, with reference to the housing and carried by the plurality of bearings, along the first axis and along the second axis.

[0068] Example 3. The camera of example 1, wherein the first axis is parallel to an optical axis of the camera.

[0069] Example 4. The camera of example 1, further comprising: a first actuator configured to move the first carrier along the first axis; a second actuator configured to move the first carrier along the second axis; and a third actuator configured to move the second carrier along the third axis.

[0070] Example 5. The camera of example 4 wherein at least one of the first actuator, the second actuator, or the third actuator comprises a magnet and coil pair.

[0071] Example 6. The camera of example 4, further comprising one or more processors configured to: perform optical image stabilization (OIS) via the second actuator and the third actuator; and perform autofocus via the first actuator.

[0072] Example 7. The camera of example 6, wherein the first carrier is a combined OIS-Y and autofocus carrier, and wherein the second carrier is an OIS-X earner.

[0073] Example 8. The camera of example 1, further comprising a variable aperture through which the light passes prior to passing through the lens.

[0074] Example 9. The camera of example 1, wherein the variable aperture and the lens are both fixedly attached to the housing.

[0075] Example 10. The camera of example 9, wherein the housing includes a top surface opposite the image sensor, wherein the top surface includes a stepped down portion that extends towards the image sensor, and wherein one or both of the variable aperture and the lens are fixedly attached to the housing at the stepped down portion.

[0076] Example 11. The camera of example 1, wherein the first carrier defines a plurality of slots along the third axis, and wherein the second carrier includes a plurality’ of projections that are configured to slide within the plurality of slots.

[0077] Example 12. The camera of example 11, further comprising: a plurality of stoppers configured to retain the plurality of projections of the second carrier in the plurality of slots of the first earner.

[0078] Example 13. The camera of example 1, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are respectively configured to independently move along the second axis and the third axis.

[0079] Example 14. A mobile computing device comprising the camera of any of examples 1-13.

[0080] Various examples of the disclosure have been described. Any combination of the described systems, operations, or functions is contemplated. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A camera comprising:an image sensor;a lens attached to a lens housing and configured to image light to the image sensor;a plurality of bearings;a bearing carrier defining a plurality of apertures, each aperture of the plurality of apertures configured to receive a bearing of the plurality of bearings, wherein first portions of each of the plurality of bearings extend from a first surface of the bearing carrier, wherein second portions of each of the plurality of bearings extend from a second surface of the bearing carrier that is opposite the first surface;a housing comprising one or more first grooves along a first axis and configured to receive the first portions of the plurality of bearings;a first carrier comprising one or more second grooves along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and configured to receive the second portions of the plurality of bearings; anda second carrier movably coupled to the first carrier and configured to translate along a third axis that is perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis, wherein the image sensor is attached to and carried by the second carrier.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the first carrier is configured to move, with reference to the housing and carried by the plurality of bearings, along the first axis and along the second axis.3, The camera of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first axis is parallel to an optical axis of the camera.

4. The camera of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising:a first actuator configured to move the first carrier along the first axis;a second actuator configured to move the first carrier along the second axis; and a third actuator configured to move the second carrier along the third axis.

5. The camera of claim 4 wherein at least one of the first actuator, the second actuator, or the third actuator comprises a magnet and coil pair.

6. The camera of claim 4, further comprising one or more processors configured to:perform optical image stabilization (OIS) via the second actuator and the third actuator; andperform autofocus via the first actuator.

7. The camera of claim 6, wherein the first carrier is a combined OIS-Y and autofocus carrier, and wherein the second carrier is an OIS-X carrier.8, The camera of any of claims 1-7, further comprising a variable aperture through which the light passes prior to passing through the lens.

9. The camera of any of claims 1 -8, wherein the variable aperture and the lens are both fixedly attached to the housing.

10. The camera of claim 9, wherein the housing includes a top surface opposite the image sensor, wherein the top surface includes a stepped down portion that extends towards the image sensor, and wherein one or both of the variable aperture and the lens are fixedly attached to the housing at the stepped down portion.

11. The camera of any of claims 1-10, wherein the first carrier defines a plurality of slots along the third axis, and wherein the second carrier includes a plurality of projections that are configured to slide within the plurality of slots.

12. The camera of claim 11, further comprising:a plurality of stoppers configured to retain the plurality of projections of the second carrier in the plurality of slots of the first carrier.

13. The camera of any of claims 1-12, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are respectively configured to independently move along the second axis and the third axis.

14. A mobile computing device comprising the camera of any of claims 1-13.

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