Camera focus locking mechanism

Various embodiments include a locking mechanism for a camera. The locking mechanism may be used to provide a clamping force that prevents one or more components of the camera from moving along one or more axes in some examples. According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to a carrier (e.g., a lens carrier, an image sensor carrier, etc.), an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate, and a flexure to which the electromagnet may be attached. The flexure may further be attached to a stationary structure of the camera. In some embodiments, the camera may be operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along an optical axis of the camera.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to a locking mechanism that may be used to prevent one or more camera components from moving along one or more axes.

Description of the Related Art

The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones and tablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, small form factor cameras for integration in the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby the object focal distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments include a camera with a locking mechanism that may be used to lock a position of one or more camera components. In some examples described herein, the terms “camera” and “camera system” may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be used to provide a clamping force that prevents one or more components of the camera from moving along one or more axes. According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to a carrier (e.g., a lens carrier, an image sensor carrier, etc.), an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate, and a flexure to which the electromagnet may be attached. The flexure may further be attached to a stationary structure of the camera. In some embodiments, the camera may be operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along an optical axis of the camera.

In some embodiments, the camera may be operable in a lock mode, which may trigger activation of the locking mechanism. For example, the lock mode may be an option provided via a user interface of the camera system. A user of the camera system may enable the lock mode via the user interface, e.g., when the user would like to lock a focus position of the camera system during activities in which the user (and the camera system) will be experiencing a high degree of motion and/or during which the user may have a lower degree of control of the camera system. Non-limiting examples may include “active” users who would like to capture video using the camera system while riding a motorcycle, snowboarding, etc.

FIGS.1A-1Cillustrate schematic block diagrams of an example camera system that includes a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.1Ashows an example state100ain which the camera system is focusing.FIG.1Bshows an example state100bin which the camera system is activating a locking mechanism.FIG.1Cshows an example state100cin which the camera system is clamping, using the locking mechanism, a carrier of the camera system.

According to various embodiments, the camera system may include a carrier102and a locking mechanism104. In some examples, the carrier102may be a movable lens carrier to which a lens group is attached. In other examples, the carrier102may be a movable image sensor carrier to which an image sensor is attached. As will be discussed in further detail herein with reference to at leastFIGS.2-3F, the camera system may include a focus actuator (e.g., an actuator configured to enable autofocus functionality) that can be used to move the carrier102toward a focus position.

As indicated inFIG.1A, the actuator may be used to move the carrier102in one or more directions parallel to an optical axis of the camera system, e.g., as indicated by arrow(s)106. In some embodiments, a lens group may be attached to the carrier102, and the actuator may be used to move the lens group (e.g., together with the carrier102) relative to an image sensor (which may be attached to a stationary component of the camera system in some embodiments). In some embodiments, an image sensor may be attached to the carrier102, and the actuator may be used to move the image sensor (e.g., together with the carrier102) relative to a lens group (which may be attached to a stationary component of the camera system in some embodiments).

In various embodiments, the locking mechanism104may include a ferromagnetic plate108, an electromagnet110, and a flexure112. The ferromagnetic plate108may be fixedly attached to the carrier102. The electromagnet110may be attached to the flexure112and may be configured to electromagnetically interact with the ferromagnetic plate108. Further, the flexure112may be attached to a stationary structure114(e.g., a base structure) of the camera system. According to various embodiments, the camera system may be operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along the optical axis.

FIG.1Bshows an example state100bin which the camera system is activating a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the camera system may be operable in a lock mode, which may trigger activation of the locking mechanism. For example, the lock mode may be an option provided via a user interface of the camera system. A user of the camera system may enable the lock mode via the user interface, e.g., when the user would like to lock a focus position of the camera system during activities in which the user (and the camera system) will be experiencing a high degree of motion and/or during which the user may have a lower degree of control of the camera system. Non-limiting examples may include “active” users who would like to capture video using the camera system while riding a motorcycle, snowboarding, etc.

As indicated inFIG.1B, activation of the locking mechanism may cause the camera system to drive the electromagnet110(e.g., by providing an electrical current to a coil of the electromagnet110). The electromagnet110, when driven, may produce a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate108, as generally indicated by arrow116. According to some examples, arrow116may be indicative of the general direction of motion of the electromagnet110and/or the ferromagnetic plate108towards one another, which may be orthogonal to the optical axis and/or to the direction(s) of focus motion (e.g., orthogonal to direction(s) indicated by arrow(s)106inFIG.1A).

FIG.1Cshows an example state100cin which the camera system is clamping. using the locking mechanism, a carrier of the camera system. As shown, in this clamping state the electromagnet110is positioned beside the ferromagnetic plate108. The electromagnetic force (e.g., indicated by arrow118) may clamp the carrier102in its current position (e.g., a focus position), thereby avoiding positional drift of a lens carrier relative to an image sensor or avoiding positional drift of an image sensor carrier relative to a lens group, during certain active user cases.

FIG.2illustrates a schematic free-body diagram indicating example forces that may act on a camera system200that includes a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the camera system200may include a carrier202to which one or more coils204of an actuator (e.g., a focus voice coil motor (VCM) actuator) may be attached. While not shown inFIG.2, the camera system200may further include one or more magnets of the actuator. In some embodiments, each magnet may be positioned proximate a corresponding coil204, such that the magnet and the corresponding coil204may be capable of electromagnetically interacting with one another. The electromagnetic interaction between the magnet(s) and the coil(s)204may produce Lorentz force(s) that move the carrier202in direction(s) parallel to an optical axis of the camera system200.

In various embodiments, the locking mechanism may include one or more ferromagnetic plates206, one or more electromagnets (e.g., comprising one or more coils208and one or more ferromagnetic cores210), and one or more flexures212. For example, in the non-limiting example illustrated inFIG.2, the locking mechanism may include a first ferromagnetic plate206positioned at a first side of the carrier202(and/or at a first side of the camera system200), a first electromagnet positioned at the first side, and a first flexure212positioned at the first side. Furthermore, in the non-limiting example illustrated inFIG.2, the locking mechanism may include a second ferromagnetic plate206positioned at a second side of the carrier202(and/or at a second side of the camera system200), a second electromagnet positioned at the second side, and a second flexure212positioned at the second side. The second side may be opposite the first side, e.g., as indicated inFIG.2.

According to various embodiments, the example forces that may act on the camera system200may include electromagnetic force(s) Fem, gravitational force(s) G, friction force(s) Ffr, flexure force(s) Fn, and/or focus actuator force(s) Ff actuator, with example directions of such forces indicated by the corresponding arrows shown inFIG.2.

In some embodiments, an activating condition, in which the locking mechanism is activated (e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIG.1B), may be characterized by the electromagnetic force(s) Fembeing greater than the flexure force(s) Ffl. With the electromagnetic force(s) Fem, corresponding to attraction forces between the electromagnet and the ferromagnetic plate, overcoming the flexure force(s) Ffl(which tend to counteract the electromagnetic force(s) Fem), the activating condition may result in motion of the electromagnet and/or the ferromagnetic plate toward one another.

In some embodiments, a clamping condition, in which the locking mechanism is providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along the optical axis, may be based at least in part on the focus actuator design, the electromagnet design, the material design of the camera system200, and/or the locking mechanism design. In the example illustrated inFIG.2, the clamping condition may be characterized in the following manner:
G+Ff actuator=2×Ffr=2×μ(Fem−Ffl)

In some embodiments, the camera system200may further include a shield can214, a base structure216, one or more upper springs218, and/or one or more lower springs220. According to some embodiments, the carrier202may be suspended from the shield can214using the upper spring(s)218. Additionally, or alternatively, the carrier202may be suspended from the base structure216using the lower spring(s)220.

FIGS.3A-3Fillustrate views of an example camera system300that includes a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.3Ashows an exploded perspective view of the camera system300.FIG.3Bshows a collapsed perspective view of the camera system300.FIG.3Cshows a side cross-sectional view, taken at section plane A-A indicated inFIG.3B, of the camera system300.FIG.3Dshows another perspective view of the camera system300.FIG.3Eshows a side cross-sectional view, taken at section line B-B indicated inFIG.3D, of the camera system300.FIG.3Fshows another side cross-sectional view, taken at section line C-C indicated inFIG.3D, of the camera system300.

According to some embodiments, the camera system300may include a lens group302, a carrier304, a locking mechanism (e.g., comprising one or more ferromagnetic plates306, one or more electromagnets308, and one or more flexures310), and an image sensor312. The lens group302may include one or more lens elements. An optical axis may be defined by the lens group302and/or the image sensor312in some embodiments. According to various embodiments, the lens group302may be fixedly coupled with the carrier304, and the image sensor312may be fixedly coupled with one or more stationary structures (e.g., a substrate assembly314) of the camera system300.

The camera system300may include an actuator for moving the carrier304, e.g., in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis for focusing purposes. In some examples, the actuator may be an autofocus (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. In the illustrated example, the AF VCM actuator may include one or more AF coils316and one or more AF magnets318. The AF VCM actuator may be configured to move the carrier304(together with the lens group302) relative to the image sensor312in some embodiments.

As previously mentioned, the locking mechanism may include ferromagnetic plate(s)306, electromagnet(s)308, and flexure(s)310. In some embodiments, an electromagnet308may include a coil320and a ferromagnetic core322. The electromagnet308may be coupled with a flexure310, e.g., as indicated inFIGS.1A-6C. In some embodiments, the electromagnet308may be attached to a first portion (e.g., a central portion) of the flexure310, and one or more other portions of the flexure310may be attached to one or more stationary structures of the camera system300. As a non-limiting example, a second portion (e.g., an end portion) and a third portion (e.g., another end portion) of the flexure310may be attached to a base structure324. According to some embodiments, the second portion of the flexure310may be attached to a protrusion326of the base structure324, and the third portion of the flexure310may be attached to another protrusion326of the base structure324, e.g., as indicated inFIG.3A.

In some embodiments, the camera system300may include a shield can328, a spacer330, one or more damping pins332, one or more pockets334for containing viscoelastic material, an upper spring336, and/or a lower spring338. The shield can328may encase at least a portion of the camera system300. For example, as indicated inFIGS.3A-3F, the shield can328may cover at least a portion of the electromagnetic components of the camera system300in some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the shield can328may shield the camera system300from electromagnetic interference from one or more components external to the camera system300.

The spacer330may be attached to an underside of the shield can328in some embodiments. The damping pin(s)332may protrude downward from the spacer330. Furthermore, the damping pin(s)332may be configured to extend toward corresponding pocket(s)334in the carrier304. The pocket(s)334may be configured to contain viscoelastic material, and at least a portion of the damping pin(s)332may be configured to be disposed within the viscoelastic material. The portion(s) of the damping pin(s)332that are disposed within the viscoelastic material may traverse the viscoelastic material so as to dampen undesirable motion that may negatively impact performance of the camera system300. According to some non-limiting examples, when focusing, desirable motion may be in directions parallel to the optical axis, and undesirable motion may be in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In such examples, the damping pin(s)332may be used to mitigate motion in the directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

In some embodiments, the upper spring336and/or the lower spring338may be used to suspend the carrier304while allowing motion of the carrier304in direction(s) parallel to the optical axis. According to some embodiments, a first portion of the upper spring336may be attached to the spacer330, and a second portion of the upper spring336may be attached to the carrier304. Additionally, or alternatively, a first portion of the lower spring338may be attached to the base structure324, and a second portion of the lower spring338may be attached to the carrier304.

FIG.4illustrates an example400of an electrical connection path402that may be used for driving a locking mechanism308of a camera system, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the electrical connection path402may include a positive (+) signal path404aand a negative (−) signal path404b, e.g., as indicated inFIG.4. The electrical connection path402may enable the conveyance of electrical current to a coil320of the electromagnet308. For example, one or more components (e.g., a driver) coupled with the substrate assembly314may be capable of providing electrical current to the coil320via the electrical connection path402(e.g., via the positive signal path404aand/or the negative signal path404b). In various embodiments, the electrical connection path402may comprise a series of electrical connections, including electrical connections between components that are located between the substrate assembly314and the coil320.

As a non-limiting example, the substrate assembly314may be electrically connected to the base structure324, e.g., via one or more electrical contacts406. As previously mentioned, the base structure324may include one or more upward protrusions. WhileFIG.4shows two example protrusions408—a first protrusion408aand a second protrusion408b—it should be understood that various embodiments may comprise different numbers of protrusions408. The perspective view inFIG.3A, for example, shows the base structure324having four corner protrusions326. The base structure324may be electrically connected to the flexure310via the protrusions408in some embodiments.

As indicated inFIG.4, a first portion (e.g., an end portion) of the flexure310may be attached to the first protrusion408a, and a second portion (e.g., another end portion) of the flexure310may be attached to the second protrusion408bin some embodiments. Furthermore, the coil320may be electrically connected to the flexure310. For example, as indicated inFIG.4, the coil320may be electrically connected to a third portion (e.g., a central portion) of the flexure310according to some embodiments. The third portion of the flexure310may be located between the first portion and the second portion of the flexure310.

According to various embodiments, such a series of electrical connections may enable the conveyance of electrical current from the substrate assembly314to the base structure324, then from the base structure324to the flexure310, and then from the flexure310to the coil320. According to various embodiments, the electrical connection path402may comprise one or more conductive materials. Furthermore, portions of the electrical connection path402may include electrical traces and/or vias that enable the conveyance of electrical current from one location to another.

FIGS.5A-5Cillustrate respective example schematic arrangements for locking mechanisms of camera systems, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.5Ashows a top view of a first locking mechanism arrangement500athat may be used in a camera system that has side magnets.FIG.5Bshows a top view of a second locking mechanism arrangement500bthat may be used in a camera system that has side magnets.FIG.5Cshows a top view of another locking mechanism arrangement500cthat may be used in a camera system that has corner magnets.

InFIG.5A, the first locking mechanism arrangement500amay include a ferromagnetic plate502, an electromagnet504, and a flexure506. As previously mentioned, the camera system inFIG.5Amay have side magnets508. For example, the camera system may include a first side magnet508aat a first side of the camera system, and a second side magnet508bat a second side of the camera system that is opposite the first side (e.g., relative to a lens group510). The first locking mechanism arrangement500amay be located at a third side of the camera system. In some embodiments, the third side may have a longest dimension that is orthogonal to the longest dimensions of the first side and the second side.

Although not shown inFIG.5A, the camera system may further include a fourth side that is opposite the third side, relative to the lens group510in various embodiments. A second ferromagnetic plate502, a second electromagnet504, and a second flexure506may be located at the fourth side. In some embodiments, the fourth side may have a longest dimension that is parallel to the longest dimension of the third side. Additionally, or alternatively, the fourth side may have a longest dimension that is orthogonal to the longest dimensions of the first side and the second side.

According to various embodiments, the electromagnet504may include a coil512and a ferromagnetic core514. As previously indicated (e.g., with reference to the electromagnets inFIGS.2-4), the coil512and the ferromagnetic core514may be configured to electromagnetically interact with one another, e.g., when an electrical current is provided to the coil512. This may produce a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate502and the electromagnet504toward one another. The force(s) of attraction may overcome the counteracting spring force(s), from the flexure506, acting on the electromagnet504. Upon ceasing to provide an electrical current to the coil512, the counteracting spring force(s) from the flexure506may retract the electromagnet504away from the ferromagnetic plate502, e.g., back to an “original” and/or “rest” position of electromagnet504.

In some embodiments, the camera system may further include side coils516configured to magnetically interact with the side magnets508to move the carrier518in one or more directions parallel to an optical axis of the camera system. For example, the first side magnet508aand the first side coil516amay be a first magnet-coil pair of the camera system. Similarly, the second side magnet508band the second side coil516bmay be a second magnet-coil pair of the camera system. Each magnet-coil pair of the camera system may comprise at least one magnet and at least one corresponding coil that are configured to electromagnetically interact with one another.

InFIG.5B, the second locking mechanism arrangement500bmay include multiple ferromagnetic plates and electromagnets at a same side of the camera system. For example, the second locking mechanism arrangement500bmay include, at a side of the camera system, a first ferromagnetic plate520aand a corresponding first electromagnet522a. Furthermore, the second locking mechanism arrangement may include, at the same side, a second ferromagnetic plate520band a corresponding second electromagnet522b. As indicated inFIG.5B, the second locking mechanism500bmay include a flexure524that is shared by both the first electromagnet522aand the second electromagnet522bin various embodiments. It should be understood, however, that multiple flexures may be used at a same side of the camera system, in some embodiments. As a non-limiting example, a respective flexure may be used for each of the first electromagnet522aand the second electromagnet522b.

As previously mentioned, the camera system inFIG.5Bmay have side magnets508. For example, the camera system may include a first side magnet508aat a first side of the camera system, and a second side magnet508bat a second side of the camera system that is opposite the first side (e.g., relative to a lens group510). The first locking mechanism arrangement500amay be located at a third side of the camera system. In some embodiments, the third side may have a longest dimension that is orthogonal to the longest dimensions of the first side and the second side.

Although not shown inFIG.5B, the camera system may further include a fourth side that is opposite the third side, relative to the lens group510in various embodiments. A third ferromagnetic plate, a corresponding third electromagnet, a fourth ferromagnetic plate, a corresponding fourth electromagnet, and/or another flexure may be located at the fourth side in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fourth side may have a longest dimension that is parallel to the longest dimension of the third side. Additionally, or alternatively, the fourth side may have a longest dimension that is orthogonal to the longest dimensions of the first side and the second side.

According to various embodiments, the first electromagnet522amay include a first coil526aand a first ferromagnetic core528a. Furthermore, the second electromagnet522bmay include a second coil526band a second ferromagnetic core528b. As previously indicated (e.g., with reference to the electromagnets inFIGS.2-4), a coil and a ferromagnetic core may be configured to electromagnetically interact with one another, e.g., when an electrical current is provided to the coil. This may produce a magnetic field that attracts a corresponding ferromagnetic plate and the electromagnet toward one another. The force(s) of attraction may overcome the counteracting spring force(s), from the flexure, acting on the electromagnet. Upon ceasing to provide an electrical current to the coil, the counteracting spring force(s) from the flexure may retract the electromagnet away from the ferromagnetic plate, e.g., back to an “original” and/or “rest” position of electromagnet.

InFIG.5C, the third locking mechanism500cmay include a ferromagnetic plate530, an electromagnet532, and a flexure534. As previously mentioned, the camera system inFIG.5Cmay have corner magnets536. For example, the camera system may include a first corner magnet508aat a first corner that is at least partially defined by a juncture between a first pair of sides of the camera system. Furthermore, the camera system may include a second corner magnet508bat a second corner that is at least partially defined by a juncture between a second pair of sides of the camera system, e.g., as indicated inFIG.5C. The third side may be opposite the second side (e.g., relative to the lens group510).

According to some embodiments in which the camera system has corner magnets instead of side magnets, the third locking mechanism500cmay include one or more ferromagnetic plates, electromagnets, and/or flexures at any number of sides of the camera system.

According to various embodiments, the electromagnet532may include a coil538and a ferromagnetic core540. As previously indicated (e.g., with reference to the electromagnets inFIGS.2-4), the coil538and the ferromagnetic core540may be configured to electromagnetically interact with one another, e.g., when an electrical current is provided to the coil538. This may produce a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate530and the electromagnet532toward one another. The force(s) of attraction may overcome the counteracting spring force(s), from the flexure534, acting on the electromagnet532. Upon ceasing to provide an electrical current to the coil538, the counteracting spring force(s) from the flexure534may retract the electromagnet532away from the ferromagnetic plate530, e.g., back to an “original” and/or “rest” position of electromagnet532.

In some embodiments, the camera system may further include a coil542configured to magnetically interact with the corner magnets336to move the carrier544in one or more directions parallel to an optical axis of the camera system. As indicated inFIG.5C, the coil542may be attached to the carrier544. In some embodiments, the coil542may at least partially encircle the carrier544and/or the lens group510.

FIGS.6A-6Cillustrate respective example arrangements for flexures of locking mechanisms of camera systems, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.6Ashows a top view of an example flexure arm arrangement600a.FIG.6Bshows a top view of an example clad-like flexure arrangement600b.FIG.6Cshows a top view of an example leaf spring flexure arrangement600c.

In some embodiments, the flexure arm arrangement600amay include one or more flexure arms602that extend from a stationary structure604to the electromagnet (e.g., comprising ferromagnetic core606and coil608), e.g., as indicated inFIG.6A. In some embodiments, the flexure arm(s) may comprise one or more conductive material layers610and one or more dielectric material layers612. In some examples, at least a portion of the conductive material may be adjacent the dielectric material and may function as an electrical signal trace for conveying electrical signals between the stationary structure604and the coil608via the flexure arms602. According to some embodiments, the flexure arms602may be formed using one or more additive and/or subtractive manufacturing processes.

In some embodiments, the clad-like flexure arrangement600bmay include a layer of dielectric material614cladded with layers of a conductive material616, e.g., as indicated inFIG.6B. According to some embodiments, a first layer of conductive material616may be adjacent the stationary structure604, a second layer of conductive material616may be adjacent the electromagnet, and a layer of dielectric material614may be sandwiched between the first and second layers of conductive material616.

In some embodiments, the leaf spring flexure arrangement600cmay include a leaf spring618formed of a conductive material, e.g., as indicated inFIG.6C. The leaf spring618may extend from the stationary structure604to the electromagnet.

FIG.7is a flowchart of an example method700of operating a locking mechanism of a camera system, in accordance with some embodiments. At702, the process700may include operating a camera. For example, a user may use a camera application on a mobile device to perform one or more functions with a camera of the mobile device. The user may, for example, use the camera to capture one or more images and/or videos.

At704, the process700may include determining whether a lock mode of the camera is triggered. In some examples, the lock mode of the camera may be triggered via a user interface of the camera application. The user interface may be presented on a display of the mobile device, for example. According to some examples, a user of the mobile device may provide input via one or more selections of options and/or features, presented via the user interface, indicating an instruction triggering the lock mode. In some non-limiting embodiments, the user may desire to activate the lock mode when the user is about to participate in an active experience associated with a high degree of motion and/or instability. As previously mentioned, some non-limiting examples may include “active” users who would like to capture video using the camera system while riding a motorcycle, snowboarding, etc.

According to some embodiments, the lock mode of the camera may be triggered automatically in response to one or more predetermined conditions. As a non-limiting example, the camera and/or the mobile device may receive motion data (e.g., via an accelerometer, a gyroscope, etc., of the mobile device) and may analyze the motion data to determine if one or more real-time motion conditions satisfy one or more predetermined motion conditions that automatically trigger the lock mode of the camera. It should be understood that one or more other types of data may additionally or alternatively be analyzed and compared to predetermined condition(s) to determine whether to trigger the lock mode.

If, at704, it is determined that the lock mode is not triggered, then the process700may proceed by periodically and/or continuously monitor whether the lock mode is triggered, according to some embodiments. If, at704, it is determined that the lock mode is triggered, then the process700may proceed by activating the lock mode (at706).

When the lock mode is activated, the process700may include determining whether a focus position has been achieved (at708). If, at708, it is determined that the focus position has not been achieved, then the process700may proceed by periodically and/or continuously monitor whether the focus position has been achieved. If, at708, it is determined that the focus position has been achieved, then the process700may proceed by locking the focus position (at710).

At712, the process700may include determining whether to stop the lock mode. For example, a different mode of the camera may be triggered, and in some examples the triggering of one or more different modes of the camera may also cause the process700to determine to stop the lock mode. If, at712, it is determined that the lock mode is not to be stopped, then the process700may proceed by periodically and/or continuously monitor whether to stop the lock mode. If, at712, it is determined that the lock mode is to be stopped, then the process700may proceed by deactivating the lock mode (at714). The process700may proceed by periodically and/or continuously monitor whether the lock mode is triggered (at704).

FIG.8illustrates a schematic representation of an example environment comprising a device800that may include one or more cameras. For example, the device800may include a camera system with a locking mechanism, such as the camera systems and/or locking mechanisms described herein with reference toFIGS.1A-7. In some embodiments, the device800may be a mobile device and/or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, the device800may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, 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.

In some embodiments, the device800may include a display system802(e.g., comprising a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras804. In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system802and/or one or more front-facing cameras804amay be provided at a front side of the device800, e.g., as indicated inFIG.8. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras804bmay be provided at a rear side of the device800. In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras804, some or all of the cameras804may be the same as, or similar to, each other. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the cameras804may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location(s) and/or arrangement(s) of the camera(s)804may be different than those indicated inFIG.8.

Among other things, the device800may include memory806(e.g., comprising an operating system808and/or application(s)/program instructions810), one or more processors and/or controllers812(e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and/or camera controller(s), etc.), and/or one or more sensors814(e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the device800may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services, such as computing device(s)816, cloud service(s)818, etc., via one or more networks820. For example, the device800may include a network interface (e.g., network interface910inFIG.9) that enables the device800to transmit data to, and receive data from, the network(s)820. Additionally, or alternatively, the device800may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and/or technologies.

FIG.9illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example environment comprising a computer system900that may include a camera system with a locking mechanism, such as the camera systems and/or locking mechanisms described herein with reference toFIGS.1A-8. In addition, computer system900may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, the device800(described herein with reference toFIG.8) may additionally, or alternatively, include some or all of the functional components of the described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, computer system900includes one or more processors902coupled to a system memory904via an input/output (I/O) interface906. Computer system900further includes one or more cameras908coupled to the I/O interface906. Computer system900further includes a network interface910coupled to I/O interface906, and one or more input/output devices912, such as cursor control device914, keyboard916, and display(s)918. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system900, while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system900, may be configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system900that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.

In various embodiments, computer system900may be a uniprocessor system including one processor902, or a multiprocessor system including several processors902(e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors902may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors902may be general-purpose or embedded processors implementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors902may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

System memory904may be configured to store program instructions920accessible by processor902. In various embodiments, system memory904may 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. Additionally, existing camera control data922of memory904may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions920and/or data922may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory904or computer system900. In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system900.

In one embodiment, I/O interface906may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor902, system memory904, and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface910or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices912. In some embodiments, I/O interface906may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory904) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor902). In some embodiments, I/O interface906may include support for devices attached through various types of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/O interface906may be split into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in some embodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface906, such as an interface to system memory904, may be incorporated directly into processors902.

Input/output device(s)912may, in some embodiments, 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 one or more computer systems900. Multiple input/output devices912may be present in computer system900or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system900. In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system900and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system900through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface910.