Patent Publication Number: US-7907840-B2

Title: Compressible zoom camera

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/456,374, filed Jul. 10, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Implementations described herein relate generally to devices and, more particularly, to a compressible zoom camera for devices. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A camera module with an optical zoom portion presents problems for a device (e.g., a mobile communication device) because the optical zoom portion consumes valuable space within the device, which may require the size of the device to be increased. For example, a mobile communication device may include a camera with an optical zoom portion to enable a user to zoom in on and/or capture images and video with the device. One reason for not using such optical zoom cameras is the extra space required in the device for the lens and/or lenses of the optical zoom portion to move. However, adding extra space for optical zoom cameras is not desirable in today&#39;s world of small, sleek devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect, a device may include a front portion, and a rear portion slideably connected to the front portion. A space may be formed between the front portion and the rear portion when the rear portion moves away from the front portion. The device may also include a camera with an optical zoom portion provided within the front portion. The optical zoom portion may be capable of expanding into the space. 
     Additionally, the front portion may protect the camera when the rear portion is moved toward the front portion. 
     Additionally, a rear surface of the front portion may include an opening for exposing a portion of the camera. 
     Additionally, the exposed camera portion may include a prism. 
     Additionally, the front portion may include at least one of a display or a speaker. 
     Additionally, the rear portion may include at least one of a keypad, a control button, or a microphone. 
     Additionally, the front portion may protect the rear portion when the rear portion is moved toward the front portion. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may expand when the camera is in use and the space is formed. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may compress when the camera is not in use. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may be prevented from expanding if the camera is in use and the space is not formed. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may include at least one moveable lens and at least one fixed lens. The moveable lens may move away from the fixed lens when the optical zoom portion expands into the space. 
     Additionally, the rear portion may be one of manually, mechanically, or electromechanically moved away from the front portion. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may be one of mechanically or electromechanically expanded into the space. 
     According to another aspect, a device may include a housing with an opening, and an extendible flash provided in the housing opening. The extendible flash may be capable of extending from the opening, and a space may be formed when the extendible flash extends from the opening. The device may also include a camera with an optical zoom portion provided within the housing. The optical zoom portion may be capable of expanding into the space. 
     Additionally, the device may further include a substrate provided within the housing. The space may be formed between the substrate and the extendible flash when the extendible flash extends from the opening. 
     Additionally, the housing may protect the optical zoom portion of the camera. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may expand when the camera is in use and the space is formed. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may compress when the camera is not in use. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may be prevented from expanding if the camera is in use and the space is not formed. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may include at least one moveable lens and at least one fixed lens. The moveable lens may move away from the fixed lens when the optical zoom portion expands into the space. 
     Additionally, the device may further include at least one of a display, a speaker, a keypad, a control button, or a microphone. 
     Additionally, the extendible flash may be one of manually, mechanically, or electromechanically extended from the opening. 
     Additionally, the optical zoom portion may be one of mechanically or electromechanically expanded into the space. 
     According to yet another aspect, a device may include a housing capable of forming an internal space during operation of the device, and a camera with an optical zoom portion provided within the housing, the optical zoom portion being capable of expanding into the internal space when the camera is in use. 
     According to a further aspect, a method may include creating an internal space in a device including a camera with an optical zoom portion, activating the optical zoom portion of the camera, and expanding the optical zoom portion of the camera into the internal space when the camera is in use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, explain the invention. In the drawings, 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are diagrams of an exemplary device in which systems and methods consistent with principles of the invention may be implemented; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of an exemplary slider version of the exemplary device of  FIG. 1  in a closed position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front view of the exemplary slider device of  FIG. 2A  in a partially opened position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a rear view of the exemplary slider device of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  in a closed position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a rear view of the exemplary slider device of  FIGS. 2A-2C  in a partially opened position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side elevational view, in partial cross section, of the exemplary slider device of  FIGS. 2A-2D  in a closed position and showing a compressible optical zoom portion of a camera in a compressed position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a side elevational view of the exemplary slider device of  FIGS. 2A-2D  and  3 A in a partially opened position and showing a space created by the partially opened position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 3C  is a side elevational view of the exemplary slider device of  FIGS. 2A-2D ,  3 A, and  3 B in a partially opened position and showing the compressible optical zoom portion in an expanded position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of an exemplary extendible flash version of the exemplary device of  FIG. 1  in a closed position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of a substrate and the extendible flash of the device of  FIG. 4A  in a closed position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a front view of the extendible flash device of  FIG. 4A  in an open position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a front view of the substrate and the extendible flash of the device of  FIGS. 4A and 4C  in an open position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 4E  is a partial detailed cutaway view of the substrate and the extendible flash of  FIG. 4B  and showing the extendible flash in the closed position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 4F  is a partial detailed cutaway view of the substrate and the extendible flash of  FIG. 4D  and showing the extendible flash in the open position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an exemplary process according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. 
     Implementations consistent with principles of the invention may relate to a device that includes a camera with a compressible optical zoom portion. By using a compressible optical zoom portion and providing a space within the device when the device is placed in a camera mode, the optical zoom portion of the camera may expand into the space in the device and may provide optical zoom camera functions. For example, in one implementation, a space may be provided within the device when a portion (e.g., a portion containing a keypad and/or control buttons) of the device slides away from a protective cover of the device. The optical zoom portion of the camera may be compressed when not in use, but may expand when the camera is in use and the device portion is slid away from the protective cover, creating a space for the optical zoom portion of the camera. The optical zoom portion may remain within the protective cover of the device and may be protected even when in use. If the optical zoom portion of the camera is expanded, the internal lens(es) of the optical zoom portion may move according to the optical needs (e.g., the zoom required) of the camera. In another implementation, an extendible flash may be provided for the device. The extendible flash may extend outside of the protective cover of the device. If the extendible flash extends outside the protective cover, a space may be created within the device. The space may be used for expansion of the optical zoom portion of the camera. The optical zoom portion may remain within the protective cover of the device and may be protected even when in use. If the optical zoom portion of the camera is expanded, the internal lens(es) of the optical zoom portion may move according to the optical needs of the camera. 
     The description to follow will describe a device. As used herein, a “device” may include a radiotelephone; a personal communications system (PCS) terminal that may combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile, and data communications capabilities; a personal digital assistant (PDA) that can include a radiotelephone, pager, Internet/intranet access, web browser, organizer, calendar, a Doppler receiver, and/or global positioning system (GPS) receiver; a laptop; a GPS device; a personal computer; an MP3 player (e.g., an iPod); a printer; a facsimile machine; a pager; a camera (e.g., contemporary camera or digital camera); a video camera (e.g., a camcorder); a calculator; binoculars; a telescope; and/or any other device capable of utilizing a camera. 
     As used herein, a “camera” may include a device that may capture and store images and/or video. For example, a digital camera may be an electronic device that may capture and store images and/or video electronically instead of using photographic film as in contemporary cameras. A digital camera may be multifunctional, with some devices capable of recording sound and/or video, as well as images. 
     A camera may include an optical zoom portion. As used herein, an “optical zoom portion” may include a mechanically, electrically, and/or electromechanically controlled assembly of lens(es) whose focal length may be changed, as opposed to a prime lens, which may have a fixed focal length. “Zoom lenses” may be described by the ratio of their longest and shortest focal lengths. For example, a zoom lens with focal lengths ranging from 100 millimeters (mm) to 400 mm may be described as a “4×” zoom. Zoom lenses may range, for example, from more than about “1×” to about “12×”. Some digital cameras may allow cropping and enlarging of the resultant image once the limits of a zoom lens have been reached, in order to emulate the effect of a longer length focal length zoom lens. There may be a variety of designs for zoom lenses. For example, many zoom lenses may include multiple individual lenses that may be either fixed and/or may slide axially along the body of the lens. If the magnification of the zoom lens changes, movement of the focal plane may be compensated for to keep the focused image sharp. This compensation may be done by mechanical means (e.g., moving the lens assembly as the magnification of the lens changes) and/or optically (e.g., arranging the position of the focal plane to vary as little as possible as the lens is zoomed). A zoom lens may be divided into two parts, a focusing lens preceded by an afocal zoom system (e.g., an arrangement of fixed and movable lens elements that may alter the magnification of the lens system). The afocal zoom system may include, for example, two positive lenses of equal focal length with a negative (e.g., diverging) lens between them with a focal length of less than half the focal length of the positive lenses. One positive lens may be fixed, and the other positive lens and the negative lens may move axially in a non-linear relationship. Such movement may be performed, for example, by an arrangement of gears and cams in the lens housing, although computer-controlled servos may also be used. As the lenses move, the overall magnification of the system may vary and change the effective focal length of the zoom lens. 
     Exemplary Devices 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are diagrams of an exemplary device  100  according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , device  100  may include a housing  110 , a speaker  120 , a display  130 , control buttons  140 , a keypad  150 , a microphone  160 , and/or a camera  170 . Housing  110  may protect the components of device  100  from outside elements. Speaker  120  may provide audible information to a user of device  100 . Display  130  may provide visual information to the user. For example, display  130  may provide information regarding incoming or outgoing calls, games, phone books, the current time, emails, etc. Control buttons  140  may permit the user to interact with device  100  to cause device  100  to perform one or more operations. Keypad  150  may include a standard telephone keypad and/or/or may include additional keys to enable typing information into device  100 . Microphone  160  may receive audible information from the user. 
     Camera  170  may enable a user to capture and/or store video and/or images (e.g., pictures). Camera  170  may be provided on the front side of device  100  and/or the rear side of device (as shown in  FIG. 1B ). The internal components of camera  170  are described more fully below. 
     First Exemplary Device Arrangement 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  provide various views of an exemplary slider version of the exemplary device of  FIG. 1  (e.g., device  100 ) according to implementations consistent with principles of the invention. As shown in the front view of  FIG. 2A , the slider version of the device (e.g., device  100 ) may include a front portion  210  that covers a rear movable portion  220  (e.g., partially shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 2A ). 
     Front portion  210  and rear moveable portion  220  may be combined to form device  100 . In one implementation, for example front portion  210  and rear movable portion  220  may be two separate components that may be slideably joined together in a longitudinal direction. Rear portion  220  may be slid against front portion  210  to protrude beyond front portion  210  at a predetermined distance, as shown in  FIG. 2B . As further shown in  FIG. 2B , speaker  120  and display  130  may be provided on a front surface of front portion  210 , and control buttons  140  and/or keypad  150  may be provided on a front surface of rear portion  220 . Control buttons  140  and/or keypad  150  may be exposed when rear portion  220  is slid away from and protrudes beyond front portion  210  (i.e., the open position and/or partially open position shown in  FIG. 2B ). Control buttons  140  and/or keypad  150  may be covered by the front portion  210  when rear portion  220  and front portion  210  overlap each other, as shown by the closed position of  FIG. 2A . 
     In accordance with an exemplary implementation, a structure for providing the sliding operation of front portion  210  and rear portion  220  with respect to each other may include a main plate and a slide plate. In one implementation, the main plate may be fixed to front portion  210 , and the slide plate may be fixed to rear portion  220 . In another implementation, the main plate may be connected to rear portion  220 , and the slide plate may be connected to front portion  210 . Guide channels may be formed on both lateral sides of the main plate in a longitudinal direction. Holes may be provided through lateral ends of the main plate. The holes may receive an end of a torsion spring. Guide ribs may be formed at both lateral ends of the slide plate such that the slide plate may be guided and slid along the guide channels. The main plate and the slide plate may be interconnected through the torsion spring. One end of the torsion spring may be fitted into one hole of the main plate while the other end may be fitted into a hole of the slide plate. A pair of the torsion springs may be provided in a symmetrical manner. In operation, when the rear portion  220  is slid away from front portion  210 , the slide plate may be slid along the main plate. The torsion spring may provide an elastic force such that rear portion  220  may be kept in a state where it overlaps front portion  210  (i.e., the closed position of  FIG. 2A ) and may fully protrude beyond front portion  210  (i.e., the open position of  FIG. 2B ). In other words, if a user moves the slide plate to a certain position with respect to the main plate, the slide plate may be securely moved to a predetermined position by means of the elastic force of the torsion spring. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , if rear portion  220  is in a closed position (as shown in  FIG. 2C ), rear portion  220  may protect camera  170  provided on a rear surface of front portion  210 . If rear portion  220  is in an open position and/or a partially open position (as shown in  FIG. 2D ), rear portion  220  may not protect camera  170  and camera  170  may be exposed for use by device  100 . 
     Front portion  210  and/or rear portion  220  may be formed in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on their use in device and/or the size of device  100 . For example, in one implementation, front portion  210  and/or rear portion  220  may be smaller in size if they are provided in a cellular phone, than if they are provided in a device larger than a cellular phone. The dimensions (e.g., lengths, widths, or thicknesses) of front portion  210  and/or rear portion  220  may depend on the material, shape, and/or the degree of protection to be provided by front portion  210  and/or rear portion  220 . For example, smaller thicknesses may produce a less rigid, less protective housing  110 . 
     Front portion  210  and/or rear portion  220  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make the housings of any of the devices described above. For example, in one implementation, front portion  210  and/or rear portion  220  may be made from thermoplastics, metals, elastomers (e.g., synthetic rubber and/or natural rubber), and/or other similar materials. 
       FIG. 3A  is a side elevational view, in partial cross section, of the exemplary slider device of  FIGS. 2A-2D  in a closed position.  FIG. 3A  also shows a compressible optical zoom camera in a compressed position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention. The compressible optical zoom camera may correspond to camera  170  shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , and/or may include a prism  310  and an optical zoom portion  320 .  FIG. 3A  shows prism  310  and optical zoom portion  320  for simplicity, however, the compressible optical zoom camera (e.g., camera  170 ) according to implementations consistent with the invention may include more or fewer elements than prism  310  and optical zoom portion  320 . 
     Prism  310  may be formed in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on its use in device and/or the size of device  100 . For example, in one implementation, prism  310  may be smaller in size if it is provided in a cellular phone, than if they are provided in a device larger than a cellular phone. The dimensions (e.g., lengths, widths, or thicknesses) of prism  310  may depend on the material, shape, and/or the use of prism  310  by device. For example, in one implementation, prism  310  may be a geometric figure bounded by planes, whose bases may be equal polygons, similarly oriented in parallel planes. The planes defined by corresponding (and hence parallel) sides of these polygons may intersect in lines that are all parallel, so that the side faces of the prism may be parallelograms. In another implementation, prism  310  may a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, a hexagonal prism, and/or other similar types of prisms. 
     Prism  310  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make camera prisms. For example, in one implementation, prism  310  may be made from optical thermoplastics, optical glass, and/or other similar optical materials. In another implementation, the angles and/or materials of prism  310  may be selected based on the wavelength(s) of light to exit prism  310 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3A , optical zoom portion  320  may include a fixed lens  330  and a moveable lens  340 .  FIG. 3A  shows optical zoom portion  320  with two lenses (e.g., fixed lens  330  and moveable lens  340 ) for simplicity, however, in one implementation, more or fewer fixed and/or moveable lenses may be provided within optical zoom portion  320 . If the magnification of the optical zoom changes, movement of the focal plane may be compensated for by mechanical means (e.g., moving moveable lens  340  as the magnification changes) and/or optically (e.g., arranging the position of the focal plane to vary as little as possible as moveable lens  340  is zoomed). Such mechanical movement may be performed, for example, by an arrangement of gears and cams (not shown) in optical zoom portion  320 , although computer-controlled servos may also be used. As moveable lens  340  moves, the overall magnification of the system may vary and change the effective focal length. 
     Optical zoom portion  320  may be formed in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on its use in device  100 , and/or the size of device  100 . For example, in one implementation, optical zoom portion  320  may be smaller in size if it is provided in a cellular phone, than if it is provided in a device larger than a cellular phone. In another implementation, optical zoom portion  320  may be compressible. In other words, the dimensions (e.g., lengths, widths, etc.) of optical zoom portion  320  may compress (e.g., get smaller) when optical zoom portion  320  is not in use.  FIG. 3A  shows optical zoom portion  320  in its compressed position. 
       FIG. 3B  is a side elevational view of the exemplary slider device of  FIGS. 2A-2D  and  3 A, in a partially opened position. As further shown in  FIG. 3B , a space  350  may be created by the opened position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention. Space  350  may be created between front portion  210  and/or rear portion  220  of device  100 . Space  350  may become larger as rear moveable portion  220  extends away from front portion  210 . In one implementation, rear portion  220  may be manually moved away from front portion  210  by exerting a pulling force on rear portion  210 . In another implementation, rear portion  220  may be mechanically moved away from front portion  210  with a release mechanism (e.g., depressing a button may cause a mechanism (e.g., a spring) to force rear portion  220  away from front portion  210 ). In still another implementation, rear portion  220  may be electromechanically moved away from front portion  210  with an electromechanical mechanism (e.g., an electric motor may force rear portion  220  away from front portion  210 ). The slider device of  FIGS. 2A-2D  may be returned to its closed position using similar manual, mechanical, and/or electromechanical techniques. In an alternative implementation, front portion  210  may be moveable and rear portion  220  may be fixed. In such an arrangement similar manual, mechanical, and/or electromechanical techniques may be used to move front portion  210  towards and/or away from rear portion  220 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3B , optical zoom portion  320  may be in its compressed position. However, in one implementation, upon activation of the camera (e.g., camera  170 ), optical zoom portion  320  may assume an expanded position, as shown in  FIG. 3C . In other words, the dimensions (e.g., lengths, widths, etc.) of optical zoom portion  320  may expand (e.g., get larger) when optical zoom portion  320  is being used. In one implementation consistent with principles of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 3C , optical zoom portion  320  may expand into space  350  created between front portion  210  and rear portion  220  by the sliding movement of rear portion  220  away from front portion  210 . As further shown in  FIG. 3C , when optical zoom portion  320  expands, moveable lens  340  may move away from fixed lens  330 . Magnification (i.e., the zoom function) may be adjusted based on the distance between moveable lens  340  and fixed lens  330 . 
     In one implementation, optical zoom portion  320  may be mechanically expanded with a mechanical mechanism (e.g., gears, cams, etc. may be used to expand optical zoom portion  320 ). In still another implementation, optical zoom portion  320  may be electromechanically expanded with an electromechanical mechanism (e.g., an electric motor may expand optical zoom portion  320 ). Optical zoom portion  320  may be returned to its compressed position using similar mechanical and/or electromechanical techniques. 
     Although  FIG. 3C  shows optical zoom portion  320  extending into a portion of space  350 , optical zoom portion  320  may be sized to fit within the entire length of space  350 . The size of optical zoom portion  320  and space  350 , as well as the optical zoom magnification (e.g., 4×, 5×, etc.) may determine how far optical zoom portion  320  extends into space  350 . 
     In an exemplary operation (e.g., when camera  170  and/or optical zoom portion  320  are operating), light (e.g., representing an image and/or video to be captured by camera  170 ) may enter prism  310  and be reflected to optical zoom portion  320 . Based on the spacing between lenses  330  and  340 , optical zoom portion  320  may adjust the magnification of the image and/or video reflected by prism  310 . The magnified image and/or video may be captured and/or stored in a typical manner performed by any of the cameras described above (e.g., camera  170 ). 
     Although  FIGS. 2A-2D  and  3 A- 3 C show rear portion  220  sliding longitudinally away from the bottom of front portion  210 , rear portion  220  may extend away from front portion  210 , to create space  350 , in a variety of ways. For example, in one implementation, rear portion  220  may extend longitudinally away from the top of front portion  210 , to create space  350 . In other implementation, rear portion  220  may rotate to one of the sides of front portion  210 , and/or may create a space between front portion  210  and rear portion  220  for accommodating optical zoom portion  320 . 
     Although not shown in the figures, optical zoom portion  320  may be prevented from expanding when the camera (e.g., camera  170 ) is activated if space  350  is not provided for optical zoom portion  320 . For example, device  100  may sense when rear portion  220  may be moved enough away from front portion  210  to accommodate optical zoom portion  320 . In other words, device  100  may sense when space  350  is large enough to accommodate the dimensions of optical zoom portion  320 . 
     Second Exemplary Device Arrangement 
       FIGS. 4A-4F  provide various views of an exemplary extendible flash version of the exemplary device of  FIG. 1  (e.g., device  100 ) according to implementations consistent with principles of the invention. As shown in the front view of  FIG. 4A , the extendible flash version of the device (e.g., device  100 ) may include an extendible flash  410  and a substrate  420 . 
     Extendible flash  410  may include a variety of camera flashes. For example, extendible flash  410  may include a built-in automatic flash that may be tied into an autoexposure system of the camera (e.g., camera  170 ), an electronic xenon flash lamp (e.g., an electronic flash that may contain a tube filled with xenon gas, where electricity may be discharged to generate an electrical arc that emits a short flash of light), a microflash (e.g., a high-voltage flash unit designed to discharge a flash of light with a quick, sub-microsecond duration), and/or any other device that may produce an instantaneous flash of light (e.g., around 1/1000 of a second) at a color temperature (e.g., of about 5500 K) to help illuminate a scene. While extendible flash  410  may be used for a variety of reasons (e.g. capturing quickly moving objects, creating a different temperature light than the ambient light), it may also be used to illuminate scenes that do not have enough available light to adequately expose an image. The term “flash” may refer to the flash of light itself, or as a colloquialism for the electronic flash unit which discharges the flash of light. 
     Extendible flash  410  may be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on its use in device  100  and/or the size of device  100 . For example, in one implementation as shown in  FIG. 4A , extendible flash  410  may be sized to fit within housing  110  of device  100 . In another implementation, as shown in  FIG. 4B , extendible flash  410  may be shaped to be received by substrate  420 . The dimensions (e.g., length, width, etc.) of extendible flash  410  may depend on the material, function, and/or shape of extendible flash  410 , and/or the size of device  100 . For example, extendible flash  410  may be larger if more light is to be emitted by extendible flash  410 , but not so large as to occupy too much space in device  100 . 
     Extendible flash  410  may connect to housing  110  in a variety of ways. In one implementation, for example, one side of housing  110  may slideably receive extendible flash  410  with a conventional connection mechanism (e.g., a slot sized to accommodate extendible flash  410 , guide rails in an opening, etc.). Although  FIG. 4A  shows extendible flash  410  being connected to one side of housing  110 , in one implementation consistent with principles of the invention, extendible flash  410  may slideably connect to the other side of housing  110 , to the top of housing  110 , and/or to the bottom of housing  110 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show extendible flash  410  in a closed position. In other words, extendible flash  410  may be provided almost entirely within housing  110 . 
     Substrate  420  may be provided within housing  110  of device  100 . Substrate  420  may include any electronics based substrate, e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), rigid-flex circuits, flex circuits, semiconductor packages, multichip modules, micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS), ceramic circuits, etc. Substrate  420  may be formed in a variety of sizes and shapes depending upon its use in device  100 , and/or the size of device  100 . For example in one implementation, substrate  420  may be smaller in size if it is provided in a cellular phone, than if it is provided in a laptop computer. Substrate  420  may be made from a variety of materials, including any of the materials used to make existing electronics based substrates (e.g., PCBs). For example in one implementation, substrate  420  may include conductive pathways, or traces, which may be etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. Substrate  420  may include a variety of electrical components depending upon its use in the device. For example, substrate  420  may include switches, contacts, traces, capacitors, resistors, inductors, varistors, diodes, transistors, oscillators, resonators, relays, etc. In one implementation, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , substrate  420  may include a camera (e.g., camera  170 ). 
       FIG. 4C  is a front view of device  100  and shows extendible flash  410  in an open position according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention. In other words, extendible flash  410  may extend away from housing  110  of device  100 . In one implementation, extendible flash  410  may be manually moved away from housing  110  by exerting a pulling force on extendible flash  410 . In another implementation, extendible flash  410  may be mechanically moved away from housing  110  with a release mechanism (e.g., depressing a button may cause a mechanism (e.g., a spring) to force extendible flash  410  from housing  110 ). In still another implementation, extendible flash  410  may be electromechanically moved away from housing  110  with an electromechanical mechanism (e.g., an electric motor may force extendible flash  410  from housing  110 ). Extendible flash  410  may be returned to its closed position within housing  110  using similar manual, mechanical, and/or electromechanical techniques. When extendible flash  410  moves away from housing  110 , a space  430  may be formed between extendible flash  410  and substrate  420 , as shown in  FIG. 4D . Space  430  may become larger as extendible flash  410  extends away from substrate  420 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4E , optical zoom portion  320  may be provided for the camera (e.g., camera  170 ) and/or may or may not be slideably connected to substrate  420 . As further shown in  FIG. 4E , optical zoom portion  320  may be in its compressed position. However, upon activation of the camera (e.g., camera  170 ), optical zoom portion  320  may assume its expanded position, as shown in  FIG. 4F . In other words, the dimensions (e.g., lengths, widths, etc.) of optical zoom portion  320  may expand (e.g., get larger) when optical zoom portion  320  is being used. In one implementation consistent with principles of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 4F , optical zoom portion  320  may expand into space  430  created between extendible flash  410  and substrate  420  by the sliding movement of extendible flash  410  away from substrate  420 . As further shown in  FIG. 4F , when optical zoom portion  320  expands, the moveable lens (e.g., lens  340 ) may move away from the fixed lens (e.g., lens  330 ). Magnification (i.e., the zoom function) may be adjusted based on the distance between the moveable lens and the fixed lens  330 . 
     In one implementation, optical zoom portion  320  may be mechanically expanded with a mechanical mechanism (e.g., gears, cams, etc. may be used to expand optical zoom portion  320 ). In still another implementation, optical zoom portion  320  may be electromechanically expanded with an electromechanical mechanism (e.g., an electric motor may expand optical zoom portion  320 ). Optical zoom portion  320  may be returned to its compressed position using similar mechanical and/or electromechanical techniques. 
     Although  FIG. 4F  shows optical zoom portion  320  extending into a portion of space  430 , optical zoom portion  320  may be sized to fit within the entire length of space  430 . The size of optical zoom portion  320  and space  430 , as well as the optical zoom magnification (e.g., 4×, 5×, etc.) may determine how far optical zoom portion  320  extends into space  430 . 
     Although not shown in the figures, optical zoom portion  320  may be prevented from expanding when the camera (e.g., camera  170 ) is activated if space  430  is not provided for optical zoom portion  320 . For example, device  100  may sense when extendible flash  410  may be moved enough away from housing  110  to accommodate optical zoom portion  320 . In other words, device  100  may sense when space  430  is large enough to accommodate the dimensions of optical zoom portion  320 . 
     Exemplary Process 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an exemplary process according to an implementation consistent with principles of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a process  500  may create an internal extra space within a device that includes a camera with an optical zoom portion (block  510 ). For example, in one implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2D  and  3 A- 3 C, space  350  may be created in the slider version of device  100 , between front portion  210  and/or rear portion  220  of device  100 . Space  350  may become larger as rear movable portion  220  extends away from front portion  210 . In another implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4F , space  430  may be formed in the extendible flash version of device  100 , between extendible flash  410  and substrate  420  when extendible flash  410  moves away from housing  110 . Space  430  may become larger as extendible flash  410  extends away from substrate  420 . 
     Process  500  may activate the optical zoom portion of the camera (block  520 ). For example, in one implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2D  and  3 A- 3 C, the slider version of device  100  may include a compressible optical zoom camera (e.g., camera  170 ) that may include optical zoom portion  320 . In another implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4F , the extendible flash version of device  100  may include camera  170 , and/or optical zoom portion  320  may be provided for camera  170  and/or may or may not be slideably connected to substrate  420  of device  100 . Optical zoom portion  320  may be activated upon camera activation, upon creation of the internal space in the device, and/or a combination of the aforementioned. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 5 , process  500  may expand the optical zoom portion of the camera within the internal extra space of the device (block  530 ). For example, in one implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2D  and  3 A- 3 C, upon activation of the camera (e.g., camera  170 ), optical zoom portion  320  may assume an expanded position. In other words, the dimensions (e.g., lengths, widths, etc.) of optical zoom portion  320  may expand (e.g., get larger) when optical zoom portion  320  is being used. Optical zoom portion  320  may expand into space  350  created between front portion  210  and rear portion  220  by the sliding movement of rear portion  220  away from front portion  210 . When optical zoom portion  320  expands, moveable lens  340  may move away from fixed lens  330 . Magnification (i.e., the zoom function) may be adjusted based on the distance between moveable lens  340  and fixed lens  330 . In another implementation described above in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4F , upon activation of the camera (e.g., camera  170 ), optical zoom portion  320  may expand into space  430  created between extendible flash  410  and substrate  420  by the sliding movement of extendible flash  410  away from substrate  420 . 
     CONCLUSION 
     Implementations consistent with principles of the invention may relate to a device that includes a camera with a compressible optical zoom portion. By using a compressible optical zoom portion and providing a space in the device when the device is placed in a camera mode, the optical zoom portion may expand into the space in the device and may provide optical zoom camera functions. For example, in one implementation, a space may be provided within the device when a moveable portion (e.g., a portion containing a keypad and/or control buttons) of the device slides away from a protective cover of the device. The optical zoom portion of the camera may be compressed when not in use, but may expand when the camera is in use and the moveable portion is slid away from the protective cover, creating a space for the optical zoom portion. The optical zoom portion may remain within the protective cover of the device even when in use. If the optical zoom portion is expanded, the internal lens(es) of the optical zoom portion may move according to the optical needs (e.g., the zoom required) of the camera. In another implementation, an extendible flash may be provided for the device. The extendible flash may extend outside of the protective cover of the device. If the extendible flash extends outside the protective cover, a space may be created within the device. The space may be used for expansion of the optical zoom portion. The optical zoom portion may remain within the protective cover of the device even when in use. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. 
     For example, while series of acts have been described with regard to  FIG. 5 , the order of the acts may be modified in other implementations consistent with principles of the invention. Further, non-dependent acts may be performed in parallel. 
     It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in the this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. 
     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that aspects of the invention, as described above, may be implemented in many different forms of software, firmware, and hardware in the implementations illustrated in the figures. The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement aspects consistent with principles of the invention is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the aspects were described without reference to the specific software code—it being understood that one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to design software and control hardware to implement the aspects based on the description herein. 
     No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.