Gyroscopic lens tilt optical image stabilization

Abstract

An example camera includes an inner lens carrier, a lens attached to and carried by the inner lens carrier, the lens being configured to image light to a sensor. The camera also includes an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction relative to the sensor, and the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction relative to the outer lens carrier. The camera also includes one or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).

Description

Docket No.: 1333-908W001GYROSCOPIC LENS TILT 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 a devices, such as when a device is being held in a user’s hands or is on a moving vehicle. The movement may be a lateral translation of the image in two or more directions.SUMMARY

[0002] Optical image stabilizer actuators used to laterally translate a lens of a camera to perform optical image stabilization (OIS) may limit design freedom of the camera or placement of other devices near or adjacent to the camera. For example, components such as yokes cannot be positioned so as to block and / or redirect magnetic flux and / or magnetic field lines of the actuator magnets of the optical image stabilizer actuators from leaking outside of the extent of the camera housing. Such magnetic leak may prevent other components, e.g., other cameras, speakers, or the like, from being positioned in the area susceptible to the leaked magnetic flux and / or magnetic fields. Additionally, leaked magnetic flux and / or magnetic fields may reduce power efficiency of the camera by requiring more actuator power, and the bump height of the camera may be negatively affected (e.g., increased) by the use of larger actuators because of the magnetic leak.

[0003] In general, aspects of this disclosure are directed to techniques, systems, lenses, and cameras that perform OIS. Example systems include an imaging lens attached to and carried by an optical image stabilizer configured to tip and / or tilt the lens to scan and / or shift an image along an image sensor, e.g., to stabilize a scene imaged to the image sensor. The optical image stabilizer includes one or more actuators configured to cause the lens to tip and / or tilt. The optical image stabilizer includes centering yokes, which may be magnetic yokes, configured to maintain a nominally centered tip-tilt position of the lens in order to maintain a nominally centered x-y image position along the image sensor. The centering yokes may be positioned along sides of the optical image stabilizer, and may block magnetic flux and / or magnetic field lines, e.g., from the magnets of the actuators, from leaking outside of the extent of the camera housing.Docket No.: 1333-908W001Positioning the centering yokes along the sides may also redirect the magnetic flux and / or magnetic field lines of the actuator magnets such that the actuators more efficiently use the magnetic flux, thereby increasing the efficiency of the actuators which may then require less power to perform OIS.

[0004] Aspects of this disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages and solve one or more technical problems. For example, aspects of this disclosure may provide for improved device design freedom by blocking and / or redirecting magnetic flux and / or magnetic field lines of the actuator magnets of the optical image stabilizer from leaking outside of the extent of the camera housing. For example, other devices such as other camera, speakers, or other devices may be positioned adjacent to any of the sides of the camera because magnetic interference and / or leak is removed via optical image stabilizers disclosed herein. Additionally, aspects of this disclosure may provide for improved power efficiency by redirecting magnetic flux and / or magnetic field lines of the actuator magnets. Further, aspects of this disclosure may provide for a reduced bump height of the camera by enabling the use of smaller actuators because of the improved power efficiency. Also, aspects of this disclosure may provide for an improved OIS by decreasing OIS X / Y crosstalk via using rotation of the lens, relative to the image sensor, along two axes rather than translation of the lens, relative to the image sensor.

[0005] As one example, a camera includes: an inner lens carrier; a lens attached to and carried by the inner lens carrier, wherein the lens is configured to image light to a sensor; an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction relative to the sensor, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction relative to the outer lens carrier; and one or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0006] As another example, an optical image stabilizer includes: an inner lens carrier configured to retain an imaging lens; an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction relative to the outer lens carrier; and one or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).Docket No.: 1333-908W001

[0007] As another example, a method includes: capturing, by an image sensor, an image focused onto the image sensor by a lens; performing optical image stabilization (OIS) by: rotating, by a first actuator of an optical image stabilizer, the lens about a first axis to scan the image in a first direction, the optical image stabilizer includes an inner lens carrier configured to retain an imaging lens; an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction different from the first direction; and one or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform OIS.

[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 A is a plan view of an example camera including an optical image stabilizer, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. IB is a cross-sectional diagram of the example camera of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1C is another cross-sectional diagram of the example camera of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional diagram of an example optical image stabilizer, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2B is another cross-sectional diagram of the example optical image stabilizer of FIG. 2A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 A is a plan view of an example optical image stabilizer, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a translational optical image stabilizer illustrating magnetic flex leak.

[0016] FIG. 3C is a plan view of an example optical image stabilizer illustrating reduced magnetic flux leak, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.Docket No.: 1333-908W001

[0017] FIG. 4 is an example computer system that may be used with a camera including an optical image stabilizer, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method of optical image stabilization using a double side slide guide, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIG. 1 A is a plan view of an example camera 100 including optical image stabilizer 104, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. IB is a cross-sectional side-view diagram of the example camera 100 of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is another cross-sectional diagram of a different side-view of the example camera 100 of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1A-1C are described together below. FIG. IB is a side view of a cross-section of camera 100 taken along the line 170 (e.g., axis 170) shown in FIG. 1 A, and FIG. 1C is a side view of a cross-section of camera 100 taken along the line 172 (e.g., axis 172) shown in FIG. 1 A. FIG. 1 A is a plan view of camera 100 taken along the line 174 shown in FIG. 1C. In the examples shown, camera 100 includes imaging lens 112, optical image stabilizer 104, sensor 106, and camera 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, configured to capture an image, e.g., imaged by imaging lens 112. In the example shown, camera 100 also includes cover shield-can 176, which may be configured to protect components of camera 100 from the outside environment, e.g., from dust, debris, and the like from settling within camera housing 108.

[0020] In the example shown, imaging lens 112 may be attached to, and carried by, an inner lens carrier 128 of optical image stabilizer 104. In some examples, imaging lens 112 may be attached to inner lens carrier 128 by fasteners (not shown), such as a mechanical fastener, an adhesive, a weld, or any suitable fastener configured to attach imaging lens 112 to inner lens carrier 128. In some examples, imaging lens 112 may include a variable aperture (not shown). Imaging lens 112 is configured to image light to sensor 106, and the variable aperture may be configured to open and close in order to change the clear aperture of imaging lens 112, e.g., the variable aperture may be aDocket No.: 1333-908W001controllable iris configured to control the F-stop of imaging lens 112. The variable aperture may be positioned opposite imaging lens 112 from sensor 106, or the variable aperture may be on the same side of imaging lens 112 as sensor 106, or the variable aperture may be positioned internal to imaging lens 112, e.g., between lens elements of imaging lens 112.

[0021] In the example shown, optical image stabilizer 104 includes outer lens carrier 126 and inner lens carrier 128. In some examples, optical image stabilizer 104 includes autofocus carrier 124. Optical image stabilizer 104 may be configured to rotate lens 112 about two axes, e.g., to shift and / or scan an image across image sensor 106 in two directions, to perform optical image stabilization (OIS). For example, outer lens carrier 126 may be configured to rotate about a first direction, e.g., about axis 170, relative to sensor 106, and inner lens carrier 128 may be configured to rotate about a second direction, e.g., axis 172, relative to outer lens carrier 126. The first direction, e.g., axis 170, may be substantially parallel with a plane defined by sensor 106, and the second direction, e.g., axis 172 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. For example, axis 172 may be, but may not always be, parallel with the plane defined by sensor 106, e.g., axis 172 may be tilted relative to sensor 106 by rotation of outer lens carrier 126 about axis 170.

[0022] In some examples, optical image stabilizer 104 may include one or more of actuators 132, 134, and 136 (collectively, “actuators 132-136”), and one or more of yokes 138, 140, and 142 (collectively, “yokes 138-142”). In the example shown, camera housing 108 may include one or more of yokes 138-142, and camera housing 108, outer lens carrier 126, and inner lens carrier 128 may include one or more of actuators 132-136. In some examples, portions of one or more of actuators 132-136 and yokes 138-142 may be included in camera housing 108 and / or optical image stabilizer 104.

[0023] Actuators 132-136 may be configured to move, or to cause to accelerate, any or all of autofocus carrier 124, outer lens carrier 126, and / or inner lens carrier 128, e.g., to perform OIS. In some examples, actuators 132-136 may comprise voice coil motors including a coil and a magnet. In the example shown, actuator 132 includes coil 152 positioned on, adjacent to, or within camera housing 108 and magnet 154 positioned on, attached to, or within autofocus carrier 124, actuator 134 includes coil 156 positioned on, adjacent to, or within camera housing 108 and magnet 158 positioned on, attachedDocket No.: 1333-908W001to, or within outer lens carrier 126, and actuator 136 includes coil 160 positioned on, adjacent to, or within camera housing 108 and magnet 162 positioned on, attached to, or within inner lens carrier 128. Actuator 132 may be configured to cause autofocus carrier to move in the z-direction along bearings 150, actuator 134 may be configured to cause outer lens carrier 126 to rotate about axis 170 via pivot bearings 116, and actuator 136 may be configured to cause inner lens carrier 128 to rotate about axis 172 via pivot bearings 118, e.g., to perform OIS and / or autofocusing.

[0024] Autofocus carrier 124 may be configured to translate inner lens carrier 126 and the outer lens carrier 128 towards and away from sensor 106. For example, autofocus carrier 124 may be configured to linearly translate inner lens carrier 126 and the outer lens carrier 128 up and down in the positive and negative z-directions. Yokes 138-142 may be configured to center any or all of autofocus carrier 124, outer lens carrier 126, and / or inner lens carrier 128 to respective nominal center positions, e.g., by exerting a force to maintain the respective nominal center positions, or by exerting a force to move, or to cause to accelerate, any or all of autofocus carrier 124, outer lens carrier 126, and / or inner lens carrier 128 to move from an off-center position towards the nominal position.

[0025] In some examples, the nominal center position of autofocus carrier 124 may be at a center of the z-motion range of autofocus carrier 124, the nominal center position of outer lens carrier 126 may be at the center of the rotational range of outer lens carrier 126, and the nominal center position of inner lens carrier 128 may be at the center of the rotational range of inner lens carrier 128, where the center rotational positions of outer lens carrier 126 and inner lens carrier 128 are such that optical axis 120 of lens 112 is perpendicular to optical image sensor 106 for the respective rotational directions of outer lens carrier 126 and inner lens carrier 128. For example, yoke 138 may be autofocus magnetic yoke configured to retain autofocus carrier 124 at a center translational position within the range of motion of autofocus carrier 124 along bearings 150 in the z-direction. In the example shown, yoke 138 is positioned opposite magnet 154 that is positioned on and / or within autofocus carrier 124. Yoke 138 may be configured to reduce, prevent, and / or block magnetic flux from magnet 154 from leaking outside of the extent of a camera housing 108, and in some examples, yoke 138 may be configured to redirect magnetic flux from magnet 154 back towards magnet 154 and thereby increasing the amount of magnetic flux from magnet 154 that may interactDocket No.: 1333-908W001with coil 152, which may increase the efficiency of actuator 132 by allowing less power and / or electrical current to be used with coil 152 in order to translate autofocus carrier 124.

[0026] Yoke 140 may be configured to center outer lens carrier 126 within the range of motion of outer lens carrier 126 along pivot bearings 116 about axis 170, and yoke 142 may be configured to center inner lens carrier 128.within the range of motion of inner lens carrier 128 along pivot bearings 118 about axis 172. Although three actuators 132-136 and yokes 138-142 are shown in FIGS. 1 A-1C, optical image stabilizer 104 and / or camera housing 108 may include more or fewer actuators and yokes, e.g., one actuator and yoke, or four or more actuators and yokes.

[0027] Optical image stabilizer 104 may be coupled to autofocus carrier 124 by pivot bearings 116, and autofocus carrier 124 may be coupled to camera housing 108 by bearings 150. In examples in which optical image stabilizer 104 includes autofocus carrier 124, optical image stabilizer 104 may be coupled to camera housing 108 by bearing 150. In the example shown, bearings 150 comprises one or more rollers coupling camera housing 108 and autofocus carrier 124 and configured to allow autofocus carrier 124 (and optical image stabilizer 104) to move relative to camera housing 108 and image sensor 106, e.g., towards and away from sensor 106 in the z-direction. In other examples, bearings 150 may comprise one or more plain bearings configured to allow autofocus carrier 124 (and optical image stabilizer 104) to move. Camera housing 108 may include a groove (not shown) along the z-direction and configured to receive bearings 150. In some examples, autofocus carrier 124 also includes a groove (not shown) along the z-direction and configured to receive bearings 150. Actuator 132 may be configured to cause autofocus carrier 124 to move along the z-direction by way of bearing 150. In the example shown, actuator 132 comprises a voice coil motor including coil 152 and magnet 154. Camera housing 108 may include coil 152 and autofocus carrier 124 may include magnet 154. Coil 152 may comprise an electrically conductive material, such as a conductive wire, and magnet 154 may be a permanent magnet.

[0028] Outer lens carrier 126 may be coupled to autofocus carrier 124 by pivot bearings 116, and inner lens carrier 128 may be coupled to outer lens carrier 126 by pivot bearings 118. Pivot bearings 116 may comprise one or more plain bearings configured to allow outer lens carrier 126 to rotate about a first direction relative to image sensorDocket No.: 1333-908W001106, e.g., to rotate about axis 170 to rotate lens 112 to scan an image along the x-direction. Pivot bearings 118 may comprise one or more plain bearings configured to allow inner lens carrier 128 to rotate about a second direction different from the first direction, e.g., to rotate about axis 172 to rotate lens 112 to scan an image along the y-direction. In other examples, pivot bearings 116 and / or 118 may comprise one or more roller bearings configured to allow outer lens carrier 126 and / or inner lens carrier 128 to rotate about axes 170, 172, respectively.

[0029] Autofocus carrier 124 may define one or more outer pivot seat 146 configured to maintain a position of an outer pivot bearing 116 while the outer pivot bearing 116 moves to rotate within outer pivot seat 146. Outer pivot seat 146 may be a recess and / or groove within (e.g., defined by) autofocus carrier 124. Outer lens carrier 126 may include at least a portion of actuator 134, e.g., magnet 158. Actuator 134 may be configured to cause outer lens carrier 126 to rotate about the first direction, e.g., to perform OIS. In the example shown, actuator 134 comprises a voice coil motor including coil 156 and magnet 158. Coil 156 may comprise an electrically conductive material, such as a conductive wire, and magnet 158 may be a permanent magnet.

[0030] Yoke 140 may be an outer magnetic yoke configured to retain outer lens carrier 126 at a center rotational position about the first direction (e.g., axis 170). In the example shown, yoke 140 is positioned opposite magnet 158 that is positioned on and / or within outer lens carrier 126. Yoke 140 may be configured to block magnetic flux from magnet 158 from leaking outside of the extent of a camera housing 108, and in some examples, yoke 140 may be configured to redirect magnetic flux from magnet 158 back towards magnet 158 and thereby increasing the amount of magnetic flux from magnet 158 that may interact with coil 156, which may increase the efficiency of actuator 134 by allowing less power and / or electrical current to be used with coil 156 in order to rotate outer lens carrier 126.

[0031] Outer lens carrier 126 may define one or more inner pivot seat 148 configured to maintain a position of an inner pivot bearing 118 while the inner pivot bearing 118 moves to rotate within inner pivot seat 148. Inner pivot seat 148 may be a recess and / or groove within (e.g., defined by) outer lens carrier 126. Inner lens carrier 128 may include at least a portion of actuator 136, e.g., magnet 162. Actuator 136 may be configured to cause inner lens carrier 128 to rotate about the second direction, e.g., to perform OIS. In the example shown, actuator 136 comprises a voice coil motorDocket No.: 1333-908W001including coil 160 and magnet 162. Coil 160 may comprise an electrically conductive material, such as a conductive wire, and magnet 162 may be a permanent magnet.

[0032] Yoke 142 may be an inner magnetic yoke configured to retain inner lens carrier 128 at a center rotational position about the second direction (e.g., axis 172). In the example shown, yoke 142 is positioned opposite magnet 162 that is positioned on and / or within inner lens carrier 128. Yoke 142 may be configured to block magnetic flux from magnet 162 from leaking outside of the extent of a camera housing 108, and in some examples, yoke 142 may be configured to redirect magnetic flux from magnet 162 back towards magnet 162 and thereby increasing the amount of magnetic flux from magnet 162 that may interact with coil 160, which may increase the efficiency of actuator 136 by allowing less power and / or electrical current to be used with coil 160 in order to rotate outer lens carrier 128.

[0033] Outer lens carrier 126, inner lens carrier 128, autofocus carrier 124, and / or camera housing 108 may comprise a metal, a polymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a ceramic, or any suitable material. In some examples, bearings 150, pivot bearings 118 and / or pivot bearings 116 may comprise a metal such as steel, aluminum, brass, or any suitable metal, a polymer, PTFE, or any suitable material configured to roll and / or slide within grooves of camera housing 108 and / or autofocus carrier 124, pivot seats 148 and / or 146, respectively.

[0034] Although eight bearings 150 are shown in FIGS. 1 A-1C, camera 100 may have fewer or more bearings, e.g., one bearing 150, two to seven bearings 150, or nine or more bearings 150. Although two pivot bearings 118 and two pivot bearings 116 are shown in FIGS. 1 A-1C, optical image stabilizer 122 may have fewer or more pivot bearings 118, 116, e.g., one pivot bearing 118 and / or 116, or three or more pivot bearings 118 and / or 116.

[0035] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional diagram of an example optical image stabilizer 204, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is another cross-sectional diagram of the example optical image stabilizer 204 of FIG. 2 A, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2A-2C are described together below. Optical image stabilizer 204 may be an example of optical image stabilizer 104 described above, except for the differences described below.Optical image stabilizer 104 may include the additional details of optical image stabilizer 204 described below. FIG. 2A is a side view of a cross-section of opticalDocket No.: 1333-908W001image stabilizer 204 taken along a line similar to the line 170 (e.g., axis 170) shown in FIG. 1 A for optical image stabilizer 204 oriented similarly to optical image stabilizer 104 shown in FIG. IB. FIG. 2B is a side view of a cross-section of optical image stabilizer 204 taken along a line similar to the line 172 (e.g., axis 172) shown in FIG.1 A for optical image stabilizer 204 oriented similarly to optical image stabilizer 104 shown in FIG. 1C.

[0036] In the examples shown, optical image stabilizer 204 includes outer lens carrier 226 and inner lens carrier 228. In some examples, optical image stabilizer 204 includes autofocus carrier 224. Outer lens carrier 226, inner lens carrier 228, and autofocus carrier 224 may be substantially similar to outer lens carrier 226, inner lens carrier 228, and autofocus carrier 224 of FIG. 1. Optical image stabilizer 204 may be configured to rotate lens 112 about two axes, e.g., to shift and / or scan an image across image sensor 106 in two directions, to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2A, in the example shown, autofocus carrier 224 defines outer pivot seats 246 configured to maintain a position of outer pivot bearings 216 while the outer pivot bearings 216 move to rotate within outer pivot seats 246. Outer pivot seats 246 may be recesses and / or grooves within (e.g., defined by) autofocus carrier 224. Autofocus carrier 224 may include a lubricant, grease, oil, powder, or any suitable material to reduce and / or control friction between the surfaces of autofocus carrier 224 defining outer pivot seats 246 and outer pivot bearings 216. In the example shown, autofocus carrier 224 includes grease 202 disposed within outer pivot seats 246 along one or more surfaces of autofocus carrier 224 defining outer pivot seats 246. Grease 202 may be configured to reduce friction between the surfaces of autofocus carrier 224 and surfaces of outer pivot bearings 216.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2B, in the examples shown, outer lens carrier 226 defines inner pivot seats 248 configured to maintain a position of inner pivot bearings 218 while the pivot bearings 218 move to rotate within inner pivot seats 248. Inner pivot seats 248 may be recesses and / or grooves within (e.g., defined by) outer lens carrier 226. Outer lens carrier 226 may include a lubricant, grease, oil, powder, or any suitable material to reduce and / or control friction between the surfaces of outer lens carrier 226 defining inner pivot seats 248 and pivot bearings 218. In the example shown, outer lens carrier 226 includes grease 202 disposed within inner pivot seats 248 along one or more surfaces of outer lens carrier 226 defining inner pivot seats 248. Grease 202 may beDocket No.: 1333-908W001configured to reduce friction between the surfaces of outer lens carrier 226 and surfaces of pivot bearings 218.

[0039] In some examples, outer pivot bearings 216 and / or inner pivot bearings 218 may be formed via molding process, and may be molded around a strengthening component, e.g., strengthening components 206. For example, outer pivot bearings 216 and / or inner pivot bearings 218 may be a plastic, a polymer, PTFE, or the like molded around strengthening components 206 comprising a metal material, such as steel. In some examples, outer pivot bearings 216 and / or inner pivot bearings 218 including strengthening components 206 may reduce deformations of outer pivot bearings 216 and / or inner pivot bearings 218 such as bending, warping, or ball-dent, and may also reduce deformations of outer pivot seats 246 and / or inner pivot seats 248 such as denting, pitting, and / or wearing away of portions of the surfaces defining outer pivot seats 246 and / or inner pivot seats 248.

[0040] FIG. 3A is a plan view of an example optical image stabilizer 304, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Optical image stabilizer 304 may be an example of optical image stabilizer 104 or 204 described above, except for the differences described below. Optical image stabilizers 104 and 204 may include the additional details of optical image stabilizer 304 described below. FIG. 3A is a plan view of optical image stabilizer 304 taken along a line similar to line 174 shown in FIG.1C for optical image stabilizer 304 oriented similarly to optical image stabilizer 104 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.

[0041] In the examples shown, optical image stabilizer 304 includes autofocus carrier 324, outer lens carrier 326 and inner lens carrier 328, each of which may be substantially similar to autofocus carriers 124, 224, outer lens carriers 126, 226, and inner lens carriers 128, 228, respectively, of FIGS. 1 A-2B. Optical image stabilizer 304 may be configured to rotate lens 112 about two axes, e.g., to shift and / or scan an image across an image sensor in two directions, to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0042] In the example shown, autofocus carrier 324 defines outer pivot slots 306 configured to receive outer pivot bearings 316 of the outer lens carrier 326. Outer pivot seats 346 may be configured to be accessible via the outer pivot slots 306. For example, autofocus carrier 324 defines outer pivot slots 306 that are open to a surface of autofocus carrier 324 so as to provide access to outer pivot seats 346 and enable outer pivot bearings 316 to be inserted into outer pivot seats 346 through outer pivot slotsDocket No.: 1333-908W001306. During assembly of optical image stabilizer 304, outer pivot bearings 316 of outer lens carrier 326 may be aligned with outer pivot slots 306 and inserted into outer pivot seats 346 through outer pivot slots 306. Autofocus carrier 324 may also include plugs 308. Plugs 308 may be configured to be inserted into outer pivot slots 306, e.g., after assembly of outer lens carrier 326 with autofocus carrier 324. Plugs 308 may be configured to retain outer pivot bearings 316 within respective outer pivot seats 346.

[0043] In the example shown, outer lens carriers 326 defines inner pivot slots 310 configured to receive inner pivot bearings 318 of the inner lens carrier 328. Inner pivot seats 348 may be configured to be accessible via the inner pivot slots 310. For example, outer lens carrier 326 defines inner pivot slots 310 that are open to a surface of outer lens carrier 326 so as to provide access to inner pivot seats 348 and enable inner pivot bearings 318 to be inserted into inner pivot seats 348 through inner pivot slots 310. During assembly of optical image stabilizer 304, inner pivot bearings 318 of inner lens carrier 328 may be aligned with inner pivot slots 310 and inserted into inner pivot seats 348 through inner pivot slots 310. Outer lens carrier 326 may also include plugs 312. Plugs 312 may be configured to be inserted into inner pivot slots 310, e.g., after assembly of inner lens carrier 328 with outer lens carrier 326. Plugs 312 may be configured to retain inner pivot bearings 318 within respective inner pivot seats 348.

[0044] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a translational optical image stabilizer 381 illustrating magnetic flex leak. FIG. 3C is a plan view of the example optical image stabilizer 304 of FIG. 3 A illustrating reduced magnetic flux leak, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3B and 3C are described together below.FIGS. 3B and 3C are plan views of respective optical image stabilizers 381 and 304 taken along a line similar to line 174 shown in FIG. 1C for optical image stabilizers 381 and 304 oriented similarly to optical image stabilizer 104 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3B, optical image stabilizer 381 includes a housing 382, an autofocus carrier 384, a first lens carrier 386 configured to linearly translate lens 112 in a first direct, and a second lens carrier 388 configured to linearly translate lens 112 in a second direction. Optical image stabilizer 381 may perform OIS using linear translations of lens 112, and may control the translations using actuators that may be similar to actuators 132, 134, and 136 and include magnets 354, 358, and 362 that may be substantially similar to magnets 154, 158, and 162 described above.Docket No.: 1333-908W001

[0046] However, optical image stabilizer 381 may comprise only an autofocus yoke 338 about its border, rather than three yokes for each of the translations dimensions (e.g., x and y for OIS and z for autofocus). Yokes configured to center first lens carrier 386 and second lens carrier 388 may not be positioned along a perimeter of optical image stabilizer 381 or such yokes may hold first lens carrier 386 and second lens carrier 388 to respective sides and not allow, or cause resistance to, translation of first lens carrier 386 and second lens carrier 388. As a result, magnetic flux and / or magnetic fields 390 and 394 may extend, or leak, outside of the extent of housing 382, e.g., into areas 392, 396. For example, yokes for first lens carrier 386 and second lens carrier 388 may need to be positioned on the top and / or bottom of housing 382, an autofocus carrier 384, first lens carrier 386, or second lens carrier 388 such that the yokes may center first lens carrier 386 and second lens carrier 388 within their translational ranges. The lack of a centering yoke positioned along the perimeter of housing 382 opposite magnet 358, may allow magnetic field 390 from magnet 358 to leak outside of the extent 372 of housing 382, and the lack of a centering yoke positioned along the perimeter of housing 382 opposite magnet 362, may allow magnetic field 394 from magnet 362 to leak outside of the extent 370 of housing 382. By way of contrast, yoke 338 for autofocus centering is positioned along the perimeter of housing 382 and may block magnetic flux and / or magnetic field 398 from leaking outside of the extent 370 of housing 382, and / or may redirect magnetic flux and / or magnetic field 398 back towards magnet 354.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3C, optical image stabilizer 304 includes camera housing 302, autofocus carrier 324, outer lens carrier 326 and inner lens carrier 328. Optical image stabilizer 304 may control OIS using actuators that may be similar to actuators 132, 134, and 136 and include magnets 354, 358, and 362 that may be substantially similar to magnets 154, 158, and 162 described above.

[0048] In the example shown, optical image stabilizer 304 includes yokes 338, 340, and 342 (collectively, “yokes 138-142”) which may be substantially similar to yokes 138-142 described above. Yokes 338-342 may be positioned about, or adjacent to, the perimeter of camera housing 302 and may be configured to block magnetic flux and / or magnetic fields 390, 394, and 398 from magnets 358, 362, and 354, respectively, from leaking outside of the extent 370, 372 of camera housing 302, and / or may redirect magnetic flux and / or magnetic fields 390, 394, and 398 back towards respective magnets 358, 362, and 354. For example, because outer lens carrier 326 and inner lensDocket No.: 1333-908W001carrier 328 are configured to move rotationally, positioning 338-342 about, or adjacent to, the perimeter of camera housing 302 may not interfere with OIS functionality.

[0049] FIG. 4 is an example computing system 400 that may be used with a camera 402 including an optical image stabilizer 104, 204, and / or 304, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Camera 402 may be substantially similar to camera 100 described herein. Computing system 400 may implement methods for controlling operations of camera 402 using an optical image stabilizer 104, 204, and / or 304 and / or for performing image processing of images captured with the camera 402. In some examples, computing system 400 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet or pad device, slate, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, a wireless phone, a smartphone, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device.

[0050] In the example shown, computing system 400 may include processing circuitry 410 (e.g., one or more processors) coupled to a memory 408. Computing system 400 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.Computing system 400 may include one or more actuators 434, which may be substantially similar to one or more of actuators 132-136. Computing system 400 also may include one or more cameras 402 which may include a lens system 112 (FIG. 1).

[0051] 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 other type of memory. Program instructions may be configured to implement various interfaces, methods and / or data for controlling operations of camera 402 and for capturing and processing images with camera 402 or other methods or data, for example interfaces and methods for capturing, displaying, processing, and storing images captured with camera 402. In some examples, program instructions and / or data may beDocket No.: 1333-908W001received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory 408 or computing system 400.

[0052] Network interface 406 may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computing system 400 and other devices attached to a network (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computing system 400. 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 SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and / or protocol.

[0053] 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 400. Multiple input / output devices 404 may be present in computing system 400 or may be distributed on various nodes of computing system 400. In some examples, similar input / output devices 404 may be separate from computing system 400 and may interact with one or more nodes of computing system 400 through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface 406.

[0054] In the example shown, memory 408 may include program instructions which may be processor-executable to implement any element or action to support camera 402, including but not limited to image processing software and interface software for controlling camera 402. In some examples, images captured by camera 402 may be stored to memory 408. In addition, metadata for images captured by camera 402 may be stored using memory 408.

[0055] In some examples, processing circuitry 410 may be configured to control actuators 434 to cause an outer lens carrier to rotate about a first axis in a first direction to scan an image in a second direction different from the first direction, and to cause an inner lens carrier to rotate about a second axis in the second direction to scan the image in the first direction, e.g., to perform optical image stabilization (OIS). Processing circuitry may also be configured to control actuators 434 to cause an autofocus carrier toDocket No.: 1333-908W001move in a third direction different from the first direction and the second directions, e.g., in a z-direction, to focus an image along the z-axis.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method of OIS using an optical image stabilizer 104, 204, and / or 304, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Although the example method of FIG. 5 is described with respect to camera 100 of FIG. 1, the example technique of FIG. 5 may be performed using any optical image stabilizer configured to enable rotational movement in at least two directions. FIG 5 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 A-4.

[0057] Processing circuitry 410 may cause an actuator 134 to rotate lens 112 about axis 170 to scan an image in a first direction (502). For example, sensor 106 may capture an image that is imaged by lens 112, and processing circuitry 410 may receive the image and / or image data and determine a shift of the image to perform OIS based on the image and / or image data. The processing circuitry 410 may then cause actuator 134 (e.g., a magnet and coil actuator) to cause outer lens carrier 126 to rotate lens 112 about axis 170 to scan an image in the x-direction (FIG. 1).

[0058] Processing circuitry 410 may cause an actuator 136 to rotate lens 112 about axis 172 to scan an image in a second direction different from the first direction (504). For example, processing circuitry 410 may cause actuator 136 (e.g., a magnet and coil actuator) to cause inner lens carrier 128 to rotate lens 112 about axis 172 to scan an image in the y-direction (FIG. 1).

[0059] In some examples, processing circuitry 410 may determine a first amount to scan the image in the first direction and a second amount to scan the image in the second direction independently of the first direction in order to stabilize the image on sensor 106 relative to a motion of the camera 100. Processing circuitry 410 may then cause actuator 134 to cause outer lens carrier to rotate lens 112 about axis 170 to scan the image in the x-direction by the first amount and cause actuator 136 to cause inner lens carrier 128 to rotate lens 112 about axis 172 to scan an image in the y-direction by the second amount.

[0060] Processing circuitry 410 may cause an actuator (e.g., actuator 132 or another actuator) to move lens 112 in a third direction. For example, processing circuitry 410 may cause actuator 132 to cause autofocus carrier 124 to move in the z-direction guided by bearings 150 and grooves of one or both of camera housing 108 and autofocus carrier 124 to focus an image along the z-axis, e.g., onto sensor 106.Docket No.: 1333-908W001

[0061] Computing system 400 and devices described herein may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, wireless phones, tablets, pagers, video or still cameras, and the like. Computing system 400 may also be connected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead may operate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may, in some examples, be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, in some examples, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided and / or other additional functionality may be available.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] This disclosure includes the following examples:

[0065] Example 1 : A camera including: an inner lens carrier; a lens attached to and carried by the inner lens carrier, wherein the lens is configured to image light to a sensor; an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction relative to the sensor, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction relative to the outer lens carrier; and one or more actuators configured to cause the innerDocket No.: 1333-908W001lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0066] Example 2: The camera of example 1, further including an autofocus carrier configured to translate the inner lens carrier and the outer lens carrier towards and away from the sensor.

[0067] Example 3 : The camera of example 1 or example 2, further including a camera housing, the camera housing including: an outer magnetic yoke configured to retain the outer lens carrier at a center rotational position about the first direction, the outer magnetic yoke positioned opposite a first magnet positioned within the outer lens carrier; and an inner magnetic yoke configured to retain the inner lens carrier at a center rotational position about the second direction, the inner magnetic yoke positioned opposite a second magnet positioned within the inner lens carrier.

[0068] Example 4: The camera of example 3, wherein the first yoke and the second yoke are configured to block magnetic flux from the one or more magnets from leaking outside of the extent of a camera housing.

[0069] Example 5: The camera of any one of examples 2-4, wherein the autofocus carrier defines an outer pivot slot configured to receive an outer pivot bearing of the outer lens carrier.

[0070] Example 6: The camera of example 5, wherein the autofocus carrier defines an outer pivot seat configured to maintain a position of the outer pivot bearing while the outer pivot bearing moves to rotate within the outer pivot seat, wherein the outer pivot seat is accessible via the outer pivot slot.

[0071] Example 7: The camera of example 5 or example 6, wherein the outer pivot bearing is formed via a molding process, and wherein the outer pivot bearing is molded around a strengthening component.

[0072] Example 8: The camera of any one of examples 1-7, wherein the outer lens carrier defines an inner pivot slot configured to receive an inner pivot bearing of the inner lens carrier.

[0073] Example 9: The camera of example 8, wherein the inner pivot bearing is formed via a molding process, and wherein the inner pivot bearing is molded around a strengthening component.

[0074] Example 10: The camera of example 8 or example 9, wherein the outer lens carrier defines an inner pivot seat configured to maintain a position of the inner pivotDocket No.: 1333-908W001bearing while the inner pivot bearing moves to rotate within the inner pivot seat, wherein the inner pivot seat is accessible via the inner pivot slot.

[0075] Example 11 : The camera of any one of examples 1-10, wherein the first direction is parallel with a plane defined by the sensor, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0076] Example 12: An optical image stabilizer including: an inner lens carrier configured to retain an imaging lens; an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction relative to the outer lens carrier; and one or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).

[0077] Example 13: The optical image stabilizer of example 12, further including an autofocus carrier configured to translate the inner lens carrier and the outer lens carrier towards and away from the sensor.

[0078] Example 14: The optical image stabilizer of example 12 or example 13, further including a camera housing, the camera housing including: an outer magnetic yoke configured to retain the outer lens carrier at a center rotational position about the first direction, the outer magnetic yoke positioned opposite a first magnet positioned within the outer lens carrier; and an inner magnetic yoke configured to retain the inner lens carrier at a center rotational position about the second direction, the inner magnetic yoke positioned opposite a second magnet positioned within the inner lens carrier.

[0079] Example 15: The optical image stabilizer of example 14, wherein the first yoke and the second yoke are configured to block magnetic flux from the one or more magnets from leaking outside of the extent of a camera housing.

[0080] Example 16: The optical image stabilizer of any one of examples 13-15, wherein the autofocus carrier defines an outer pivot slot configured to receive an outer pivot bearing of the outer lens carrier.

[0081] Example 17: The optical image stabilizer of example 16, wherein the autofocus carrier defines an outer pivot seat configured to maintain a position of the outer pivot bearing while the outer pivot bearing moves to rotate within the outer pivot seat, wherein the outer pivot seat is accessible via the outer pivot slot.Docket No.: 1333-908W001

[0082] Example 18: The optical image stabilizer of example 16 or example 17, wherein the outer pivot bearing is formed via a molding process, and wherein the outer pivot bearing is molded around a strengthening component.

[0083] Example 19: The optical image stabilizer of any one of examples 12-18, wherein the outer lens carrier defines an inner pivot slot configured to receive an inner pivot bearing of the inner lens carrier.

[0084] Example 20: The optical image stabilizer of example 19, wherein the inner pivot bearing is formed via a molding process, and wherein the inner pivot bearing is molded around a strengthening component.

[0085] Example 21: The optical image stabilizer of example 19 or example 20, wherein the outer lens carrier defines an inner pivot seat configured to maintain a position of the inner pivot bearing while the inner pivot bearing moves to rotate within the inner pivot seat, wherein the inner pivot seat is accessible via the inner pivot slot.

[0086] Example 22: The optical image stabilizer of any one of examples 12-21, wherein the first direction is parallel with a plane defined by the sensor, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0087] Example 23: A method including: capturing, by an image sensor, an image focused onto the image sensor by a lens; performing optical image stabilization (OIS) by: rotating, by a first actuator of an optical image stabilizer, the lens about a first axis to scan the image in a first direction, the optical image stabilizer includes an inner lens carrier configured to retain an imaging lens; an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction different from the first direction; and one or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform OIS.

[0088] Example 24: The method of example 21, wherein performing the OIS further comprises: rotating, by a second actuator of the optical image stabilizer, the lens about a second axis to scan the image in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0089] 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

Docket No.: 1333-908W001CLAIMS:

1. A camera comprising:an inner lens carrier;a lens attached to and carried by the inner lens carrier, wherein the lens is configured to image light to a sensor;an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction relative to the sensor, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction relative to the outer lens carrier; andone or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).

2. The camera of claim 1, further comprising an autofocus carrier configured to translate the inner lens carrier and the outer lens carrier towards and away from the sensor.

3. The camera of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a camera housing, the camera housing comprising:an outer magnetic yoke configured to retain the outer lens carrier at a center rotational position about the first direction, the outer magnetic yoke positioned opposite a first magnet positioned within the outer lens carrier; andan inner magnetic yoke configured to retain the inner lens carrier at a center rotational position about the second direction, the inner magnetic yoke positioned opposite a second magnet positioned within the inner lens carrier.

4. The camera of claim 3, wherein the outer magnetic yoke and the inner magnetic yoke are configured to block magnetic flux from the one or more magnets from leaking outside of the extent of a camera housing.

5. The camera of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the autofocus carrier defines an outer pivot slot configured to receive an outer pivot bearing of the outer lens carrier.Docket No.: 1333-908W0016. The camera of claim 5, wherein the autofocus carrier defines an outer pivot seat configured to maintain a position of the outer pivot bearing while the outer pivot bearing moves to rotate within the outer pivot seat, wherein the outer pivot seat is accessible via the outer pivot slot.

7. The camera of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the outer lens carrier defines an inner pivot slot configured to receive an inner pivot bearing of the inner lens carrier.

8. The camera of claim 7, wherein the inner pivot bearing is formed via a molding process, and wherein the inner pivot bearing is molded around a strengthening component.

9. The camera of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the outer lens carrier defines an inner pivot seat configured to maintain a position of the inner pivot bearing while the inner pivot bearing moves to rotate within the inner pivot seat, wherein the inner pivot seat is accessible via the inner pivot slot.

10. The camera of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first direction is parallel with a plane defined by the sensor, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

11. An optical image stabilizer comprising:an inner lens carrier configured to retain an imaging lens;an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction relative to the outer lens carrier; andone or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform optical image stabilization (OIS).

12. The optical image stabilizer of claim 11, further comprising an autofocus carrier configured to translate the inner lens carrier and the outer lens carrier towards and away from the sensor.Docket No.: 1333-908W00113. The optical image stabilizer of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a camera housing, the camera housing comprising:an outer magnetic yoke configured to retain the outer lens carrier at a center rotational position about the first direction, the outer magnetic yoke positioned opposite a first magnet positioned within the outer lens carrier; andan inner magnetic yoke configured to retain the inner lens carrier at a center rotational position about the second direction, the inner magnetic yoke positioned opposite a second magnet positioned within the inner lens carrier,wherein the outer magnetic yoke and the inner magnetic yoke are configured to block magnetic flux from the one or more magnets from leaking outside of the extent of a camera housing.

14. A method comprising:capturing, by an image sensor, an image focused onto the image sensor by a lens; andperforming optical image stabilization (OIS) by at least:rotating, by a first actuator of an optical image stabilizer, the lens about a first axis to scan the image in a first direction, the optical image stabilizer comprising:an inner lens carrier configured to retain an imaging lens; an outer lens carrier configured to rotate about a first direction, wherein the inner lens carrier is configured to rotate about a second direction different from the first direction; andone or more actuators configured to cause the inner lens carrier to rotate about the second direction and cause the outer lens carrier to rotate about the first direction to perform OIS.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein performing the OIS further comprises:rotating, by a second actuator of the optical image stabilizer, the lens about a second axis to scan the image in a second direction different from the first direction.

Images