Patent ID: 12219255

This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connotes structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and “second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

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.

The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments include a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for a camera with fixed magnets. In some examples described herein, the terms “camera” and “camera system” may be used interchangeably. The camera may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators that include the fixed magnets, optical image stabilization (OIS) coils, and/or one or more autofocus (AF) coils. The ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may be coupled with an image sensor of the camera, and may include carrier frames configured to move on ball bearings so as to enable motion of the image sensor in multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF). In some embodiments, the carrier frames may include one or more OIS carrier frames and/or an AF carrier frame. The OIS carrier frame(s) may be coupled with the OIS coils, which may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets and used for moving the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera. The AF carrier frame may be coupled with the AF coil(s), which may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets and used for moving the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

As the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement enables motion of the image sensor in multiple DOF, the camera may include fixed magnets in various embodiments. Use of fixed magnets, as opposed to movable magnets, may reduce the risk of coexistence with other magnetic field sources (e.g., magnets in a nearby camera). Furthermore, the camera may have a fixed lens group. Use of a fixed lens group, as opposed to a movable lens group, may allow for flexible scaling up of the optic design of the camera.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

FIGS.1A-1Hillustrate views of an example camera system100that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.1Ashows a schematic top view of the camera system100.FIG.1Bshows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system100.FIG.1Cshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system100including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.FIG.1Dshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system100including the first OIS carrier frame inFIG.1C.FIG.1Eshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system100including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.FIG.1Fshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system100including the second OIS carrier frame inFIG.1E.FIG.1Gshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system100including an autofocus (AF) coil.FIG.1Hshows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system100including the AF coil inFIG.1G.

According to various embodiments, the camera system100may include a lens group102, an image sensor104, one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets106, OIS coils108, and/or one or more AF coils110), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a first OIS carrier frame112, a second OIS carrier frame114, and/or an AF carrier frame). The lens group102may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system100. Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor104may define an optical axis of the camera system100. For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor104.

In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets106) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils108). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets106) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil110) in some embodiments. As used herein, a “fixed magnet” refers to a magnet having a position that is fixed relative to component(s) of the camera system100that are selectively movable via actuation.

According to some examples, the camera system100may include a shield can116that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system100. The fixed magnets106may be fixedly coupled with the shield can116. For example, the camera system100may include a spacer (e.g., spacer220inFIG.2A) attached to an underside of the shield can116, and the fixed magnets106may be attached to the spacer, e.g., as further discussed herein with reference toFIG.2A.

In various embodiments, the OIS coils108may be coupled with one or more carrier frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement. As indicated inFIG.1B, for example, a first subset of the OIS coils108may be fixedly attached to the first OIS carrier frame112, and a second subset of the OIS coils108may be fixedly attached to the second OIS carrier frame114. The OIS coils108may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets106such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils108are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets106to move the image sensor104in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some examples, the OIS coils108may be positioned below the fixed magnets106.

As indicated inFIG.1B, the first OIS carrier frame112may include one or more horizontally-oriented surfaces, such as horizontally-oriented surface118. Furthermore, the first OIS carrier frame112may include one or more vertically-oriented surfaces, such as vertically-oriented surface120. As used herein, the term “horizontally-oriented” (or similar variations thereof) may refer to an orientation that is orthogonal to the optical axis, and the term “vertically-oriented” (or similar variations thereof) may refer to an orientation that is parallel to the optical axis. In this non-limiting example, the first subset of the OIS coils108may include a first OIS coil108attached to a first vertically-oriented surface120, and a second OIS coil108attached to a second vertically-oriented surface120. The first vertically-oriented surface120and the second vertically-oriented surface120may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group102.

Similarly, as indicated inFIG.1B, the second OIS carrier frame114may include one or more horizontally-oriented surfaces, such as horizontally-oriented surface122. Furthermore, the second OIS carrier frame114may include one or more vertically-oriented surfaces, such as vertically-oriented surface124. In this non-limiting example, the second subset of the OIS coils108may include a first OIS coil108attached to a first vertically-oriented surface124, and a second OIS coil108attached to a second vertically-oriented surface124. The first vertically-oriented surface124and the second vertically-oriented surface124may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group102.

According to various embodiments, the first subset of OIS coils108attached to the first OIS carrier frame112may be arranged to move the image sensor104in directions parallel to a first axis. The second subset of OIS coils108attached to the second OIS carrier frame114may be arranged to move the image sensor104in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. As will be discussed in further detail herein with reference to at leastFIGS.2C,2D, and3C, the camera system100may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)).

In some embodiments, the OIS coils108may be vertically oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils108in directions along a plane that is parallel to the optical axis. In other embodiments, one or more of the OIS coils108may be horizontally oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.4A-5H.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first OIS carrier frame112may be positioned above at least a portion of the second OIS carrier frame114. For example, the horizontally-oriented surface118of the first OIS carrier frame112may be positioned above the horizontally-oriented surface122of the second OIS carrier frame114. The horizontally-oriented surface118of the first OIS carrier frame112may be parallel to the horizontally-oriented surface122of the second OIS carrier frame114. Furthermore, the horizontally-oriented surface118of the first OIS carrier frame112may be positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between the second OIS carrier frame114and the lens group102.

As indicated inFIGS.1A-1B, for example, the fixed magnets106and the OIS coils108may be considered “corner” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets106and the OIS coils108are positioned at corners of the camera system100(and/or proximate corners of the image sensor104). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “side” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.5A-5H. The side magnets and coils may be positioned at sides of the camera system (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor).

As previously mentioned, the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may include an AF carrier frame. While not shown inFIGS.1A-1H, example AF carrier frames are discussed herein with reference toFIGS.2A-3C.

FIGS.2A-2Dillustrate views of an example camera system200that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement having multiple optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frames, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.2Ashows a perspective exploded view of the camera system200.FIG.2Bshows a perspective collapsed view of the camera system200and an example process flow for assembling at least a portion of the camera system200.FIG.2Cshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system200, taken at section line A-A indicated inFIG.2B.FIG.2Dshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system200, taken at section line B-B indicated inFIG.2B.

In various embodiments, the camera system200may include a lens group202, an image sensor204, one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets206, OIS coils208, and/or one or more AF coils210), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a first OIS carrier frame212, a second OIS carrier frame214, and/or an AF carrier frame216). The lens group202may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system200. Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor204may define an optical axis of the camera system200. For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor204.

In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets206) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils208). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets206) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil210) in some embodiments. As used herein, a “fixed magnet” refers to a magnet having a position that is fixed relative to component(s) of the camera system200that are selectively movable via actuation.

According to some examples, the camera system200may include a shield can218that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system200. The fixed magnets206may be fixedly coupled with the shield can218. For example, the camera system200may include a spacer220attached to an underside of the shield can218, and the fixed magnets206may be attached to the spacer220.

In various embodiments, the OIS coils208may be coupled with one or more carrier frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement. As indicated inFIG.2A, for example, a first subset of the OIS coils208may be fixedly attached to the first OIS carrier frame212, and a second subset of the OIS coils208may be fixedly attached to the second OIS carrier frame214. The OIS coils208may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets206such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils208are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets206to move the image sensor204in directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

As indicated inFIG.2A, each of the first OIS carrier frame212and the second OIS carrier frame214may include one or more horizontally-oriented surfaces, e.g., similar to, or the same as, horizontally-oriented surfaces118and122discussed herein with reference toFIG.1B. Furthermore, each of the first OIS carrier frame212and the second OIS carrier frame214may include one or more vertically-oriented surfaces, e.g., similar to, or the same as, vertically-oriented surfaces120and124discussed herein with reference toFIG.1B. In this non-limiting example, the first subset of the OIS coils208may include a first OIS coil208attached to a first vertically-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame212, and a second OIS coil208attached to a second vertically-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame212. The first vertically-oriented surface and the second vertically-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group202.

Similarly, as indicated inFIG.2A, the second subset of the OIS coils208may include a first OIS coil208attached to a first vertically-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame214, and a second OIS coil208attached to a second vertically-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame214. The first vertically-oriented surface and the second vertically-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group202.

According to various embodiments, the first subset of OIS coils208attached to the first OIS carrier frame212may be arranged to move the image sensor204in directions parallel to a first axis. The second subset of OIS coils208attached to the second OIS carrier frame214may be arranged to move the image sensor204in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis.

The OIS coils208may be vertically oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils208in directions along a plane that is parallel to the optical axis, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, one or more of the coils208may be horizontally oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.4A-5H.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first OIS carrier frame212may be positioned above at least a portion of the second OIS carrier frame214. For example, the horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame212may be positioned above the horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame214. The horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame212may be parallel to the horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame214. Furthermore, the horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame212may be positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between the second OIS carrier frame214and the lens group202.

As indicated inFIG.2A, for example, the fixed magnets206and the OIS coils208may be considered “corner” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets206and the OIS coils208are positioned at corners of the camera system200(and/or proximate corners of the image sensor204). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “side” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.5A-5H. The side magnets and coils may be positioned at sides of the camera system (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor).

According to various embodiments, the AF coil(s)210may be coupled with the AF carrier frame216. For example, the AF carrier frame216may include a base portion222and an upward-extending portion224. The upward-extending portion224may be configured to hold the AF coil(s)210above the base portion222, e.g., as indicated inFIG.2A. In some examples, the AF coil(s)210may be fixedly attached to the upward-extending portion224, and the upward-extending portion224may be designed so as to function as a spacer that positions the AF coil(s) at an appropriate location relative to one or more other structural elements/components, e.g., the fixed magnets206.

In some embodiments, the camera system200may include a flex circuit226that is coupled with the first OIS carrier frame212and/or the AF carrier frame216. For example, the flex circuit226may have a first portion that is attached to the first OIS carrier frame212, and a second portion that is attached to the AF carrier frame216. The flex circuit226may be configured to convey electrical signals between the first OIS carrier frame212and the AF carrier frame216in some embodiments. Such electrical signals may include, for example, image signals, power signals, and/or drive signals, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, the flex circuit226may be coupled with another flex circuit (not shown) and/or one or more stationary components of the camera system200. In some embodiments, the stationary component(s) may include a base structure (not shown) of the camera system200. The flex circuit226may be configured to allow one or more components to move relative to one or more other components. As a non-limiting example, the flex circuit226may have sufficient service loop to allow the first OIS carrier frame212to move relative to the second OIS carrier frame214and/or the AF carrier frame216, during which motion the flex circuit226may convey electrical signals from the first OIS carrier frame212to the AF carrier frame216, and/or vice-versa.

In some embodiments, the camera system200may include one or more optical filters. For example, the camera system200may include an infrared cut-off filter (IRCF)228attached to the first OIS carrier frame212, as indicated inFIG.2A. The IRCF228may be used to block near infrared light from reaching the image sensor204in some embodiments.

As indicated inFIG.2B, a process flow for assembling at least a portion of the camera system200may generally include assembling a top assembly230and assembling a bottom assembly232, and coupling the top assembly230with the bottom assembly232. In some non-limiting embodiments, the top assembly230may include the lens202, the fixed magnets206, the shield can218, and/or the spacer220. In some non-limiting embodiments, the bottom assembly232may include the image sensor204, the OIS coils208, the AF coil(s)210, the first OIS carrier frame212, the second OIS carrier frame214, the AF carrier frame216, the flex circuit226, and/or the IRCF228.

According to some embodiments, assembling the bottom assembly232may include assembling a sensor package assembly234, assembling an OIS assembly236, and/or assembling a three-axis assembly238. Assembling the sensor package assembly234may include coupling the image sensor204with the first OIS carrier frame212, coupling OIS coils208with the first OIS carrier frame212, coupling the flex circuit226with the first OIS carrier frame212, and/or coupling the IRCF228with the first OIS carrier frame212. Assembling the OIS assembly236may include coupling OIS coils208with the second OIS carrier frame214, coupling the flex circuit226with the second OIS carrier frame214, and/or coupling the sensor package assembly234with the second OIS carrier frame214. Assembling the three-axis assembly238may include coupling the AF coil(s)210with the AF carrier frame216and/or coupling the OIS assembly236with the AF carrier frame216. It should be understood that, in various embodiments, certain components of the camera system200may be coupled with one another via ball bearings, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.2C-2D.

As indicated inFIGS.2C-2D, the camera system200may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)). In some embodiments, the ball bearings may include a first set of ball bearings240, a second set of ball bearings242, and/or a third set of ball bearings244.

The first set of ball bearings240may be disposed between the first OIS carrier frame212and the second OIS carrier frame214in some embodiments. The second set of ball bearings242may be disposed between the second OIS carrier frame214and the AF carrier frame216in some embodiments. The third set of ball bearings244may be disposed between the AF carrier frame216and one or more stationary components of the camera system200.

According to some embodiments, the first set of ball bearings240may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks not shown) configured to allow motion of the first OIS carrier frame212, relative to the second OIS carrier frame214, in at least a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the track(s) for the first set of ball bearings240may be defined at least in part by an underside of the first OIS carrier frame212and/or a top side of the second OIS carrier frame214.

The second set of ball bearings242may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks (not shown) configured to allow motion of the second OIS carrier frame214(together with the first OIS carrier frame212), relative to the AF carrier frame216, in at least a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first direction. In some embodiments, the track(s) for the second set of ball bearings242may be defined at least in part by an underside of the second OIS carrier frame214and/or a top side of the AF carrier frame216.

The third set of ball bearings244may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks (not shown) configured to allow motion of the AF carrier frame216(together with the image sensor202, the first OIS carrier frame212, and the second OIS carrier frame214), relative to the lens group202, in at least a third direction parallel to the optical axis and orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction. In some embodiments, the track(s) for the third set of ball bearings244may be defined at least in part by a vertically-oriented side of the AF carrier frame216and/or a corresponding vertically-oriented side of a stationary component of the camera system200, where the corresponding vertically-oriented side of the stationary component is proximate to, and faces, the vertically-oriented side of the AF carrier frame216.

FIGS.3A-3Cillustrate views of an example camera system300that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement having a single optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.3Ashows a perspective exploded view of the camera system300.FIG.3Bshows a perspective collapsed view of the camera system300.FIG.3Cshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system300, taken at section line A-A indicated inFIG.3B.

In various embodiments, the camera system300may include a lens group202, an image sensor204, one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets206, OIS coils208, and/or one or more AF coils210), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a single OIS carrier frame302and/or an AF carrier frame304). The lens group202may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system300. Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor204may define an optical axis of the camera system300. For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor204.

In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets206) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils208). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets206) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil210) in some embodiments.

According to some examples, the camera system300may include a shield can218that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system300. The fixed magnets206may be fixedly coupled with the shield can218. For example, the camera system300may include a spacer220attached to an underside of the shield can218, and the fixed magnets206may be attached to the spacer220.

In various embodiments, the OIS coils208may be coupled with a single OIS carrier frame302. As previously discussed with reference toFIGS.1A-2D, in some embodiments the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may include multiple OIS carrier frames; however, as indicated inFIGS.3A-3C, in some embodiments the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may instead have a single OIS carrier frame302to which all of the OIS coils208are attached. The OIS coils208may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets206such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils208are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets206to move the image sensor204in directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

As indicated inFIG.3A, the single OIS carrier frame302may include one or more horizontally-oriented surfaces, e.g., similar to, or the same as, horizontally-oriented surface118discussed herein with reference toFIG.1B. Furthermore, the single OIS carrier frame302may include one or more vertically-oriented surfaces, e.g., similar to, or the same as, vertically-oriented surface120discussed herein with reference toFIG.1B.

In this non-limiting example, a first subset of the OIS coils208may include a first OIS coil208attached to a first vertically-oriented surface of the single OIS carrier frame302, and a second OIS coil208attached to a second vertically-oriented surface of the single OIS carrier frame302. The first vertically-oriented surface and the second vertically-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group202. The first subset of OIS coils208may be configured to move the image sensor204in directions parallel to a first axis that is orthogonal to the optical axis.

Furthermore, a second subset of the OIS coils208may include a third OIS coil208attached to a third vertically-oriented surface of the single OIS carrier frame302, and a fourth OIS coil208attached to a fourth vertically-oriented surface of the single OIS carrier frame302. The third vertically-oriented surface and the fourth vertically-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group202. The second subset of OIS coils208may be configured to move the image sensor204in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis and to the optical axis.

The OIS coils208may be vertically oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils208in directions along a plane that is parallel to the optical axis, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, one or more of the coils208may be horizontally oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.4A-5H.

As indicated inFIG.3A, for example, the fixed magnets206and the OIS coils208may be considered “corner” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets206and the OIS coils208are positioned at corners of the camera system300(and/or proximate corners of the image sensor204). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “side” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.5A-5H. The side magnets and coils may be positioned at sides of the camera system (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor).

According to various embodiments, the AF coil(s)210may be coupled with the AF carrier frame304. In some embodiments, the AF carrier frame304may include a base portion (e.g., base portion222inFIG.2A) and an upward-extending portion (e.g., upward-extending portion224inFIG.2A). The upward-extending portion may be configured to hold the AF coil(s)210above the base portion, e.g., as indicated inFIG.3A. In some examples, the AF coil(s)210may be fixedly attached to the upward-extending portion, and the upward-extending portion may be designed so as to function as a spacer that positions the AF coil(s)210at an appropriate location relative to one or more other structural elements/components, e.g., the fixed magnets206.

In some embodiments, the camera system300may include a flexure arrangement306that is coupled with the single OIS carrier frame302and the AF carrier frame304. As indicated inFIGS.3B and3C, the flexure arrangement306may include an inner frame308, an outer frame310, and one or more flexure arms312. The inner frame308may be attached to the single OIS carrier frame302. The outer frame310may be attached to the AF carrier frame304. The flexure arm(s)312may extend from the inner frame308to the outer frame310. According to some embodiments, the flexure arm(s)312may comprise electrical traces configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame308and the outer frame310. The flexure arrangement306may be used to convey electrical signals between the single OIS carrier frame302and the AF carrier frame304. Such electrical signals may include, for example, image signals, power signals, and/or drive signals, etc.

According to some embodiments, the flexure arrangement306may have sufficient compliance to allow three-DOF motion of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, e.g., so as to allow motion of the image sensor enabled by the VCM actuator(s). Furthermore, the flexure arrangement306may have sufficient stiffness to return the single OIS carrier frame302to a neutral position (e.g., a position of the single OIS carrier frame302at rest when the OIS coils208are not being driven to provide OIS functionality). In some embodiments, the flexure arrangement306may have sufficient stiffness to provide a pre-load force314(e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow314inFIG.3C) for pre-loading the ball bearings against the single OIS carrier frame302, the AF carrier frame304, and/or one or more stationary components (e.g., a base structure) of the camera system300.

As indicated inFIG.3C, the camera system300may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)). In some embodiments, the ball bearings may include a first set of ball bearings316, and a second set of ball bearings318. The first set of ball bearings316may be disposed between the single OIS carrier frame302and the AF carrier frame304in some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the first set of ball bearings316may be used to enable OIS motion in at least two directions that are orthogonal to each other and that are orthogonal to the optical axis. The second set of ball bearings318may be disposed between the AF carrier frame304and one or more stationary components (e.g., a base structure) of the camera system300. The second set of ball bearings318may be used to enable AF motion in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis and orthogonal to the directions of OIS motion enabled by the first set of ball bearings316.

According to some embodiments, the first set of ball bearings316may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks not shown) configured to allow motion of the single OIS carrier frame304, relative to the AF carrier frame304and/or the lens group202. In some embodiments, the track(s) for the first set of ball bearings316may be defined at least in part by an underside of the single OIS carrier frame302and/or a top side of the AF carrier frame304.

The second set of ball bearings318may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks (not shown) configured to allow motion of the AF carrier frame304(together with the single OIS carrier frame302), relative to the lens group202. In some embodiments, the track(s) for the second set of ball bearings318may be defined at least in part by a vertically-oriented side of the AF carrier frame304and/or a corresponding vertically-oriented side of a stationary component (e.g., a base structure) of the camera system300, where the corresponding vertically-oriented side of the stationary component is proximate to, and faces, the vertically-oriented side of the AF carrier frame304.

FIGS.4A-4Hillustrate views of another example camera system400that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for coupling with horizontally-oriented coils), in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.4Ashows a schematic top view of the camera system400.FIG.4Bshows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system400.FIG.4Cshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system400including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.FIG.4Dshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system400including the first OIS carrier frame inFIG.4C.FIG.4Eshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system400including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.FIG.4Fshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system400including the second OIS carrier frame inFIG.4E.FIG.4Gshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system400including an autofocus (AF) coil.FIG.4Hshows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system400including the AF coil inFIG.4G.

According to various embodiments, the camera system400may include a lens group402, an image sensor404, one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets406, OIS coils408, and/or one or more AF coils410), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a first OIS carrier frame412, a second OIS carrier frame414, and/or an AF carrier frame). The lens group402may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system400. Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor404may define an optical axis of the camera system400. For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor404.

In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets406) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils408). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets406) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil410) in some embodiments.

According to some examples, the camera system400may include a shield can416that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system400. The fixed magnets406may be fixedly coupled with the shield can416. For example, the camera system400may include a spacer (e.g., spacer220inFIG.2A) attached to an underside of the shield can416, and the fixed magnets406may be attached to the spacer, e.g., as further discussed herein with reference toFIG.2A.

In various embodiments, the OIS coils408may be coupled with one or more carrier frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement. As indicated inFIG.4B, for example, a first subset of the OIS coils408may be fixedly attached to the first OIS carrier frame412, and a second subset of the OIS coils408may be fixedly attached to the second OIS carrier frame414. The OIS coils408may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets406such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils408are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets406to move the image sensor404in directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

As indicated inFIG.4B, the first OIS carrier frame412may include horizontally-oriented surfaces (e.g., horizontally-oriented surface418) to which the first subset of the OIS coils408may be attached. In this non-limiting example, the first subset of the OIS coils408may include a first OIS coil408attached to a first horizontally-oriented surface418, and a second OIS coil408attached to a second horizontally-oriented surface418. The first horizontally-oriented surface418and the second horizontally-oriented surface418may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group402.

Similarly, as indicated inFIG.4B, the second OIS carrier frame414may include horizontally-oriented surfaces (e.g., horizontally-oriented surface420) to which the second subset of the OIS coils408may be attached. In this non-limiting example, the second subset of the OIS coils408may include a first OIS coil408attached to a first horizontally-oriented surface420, and a second OIS coil408attached to a second horizontally-oriented surface420. The first horizontally-oriented surface420and the second horizontally-oriented surface420may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group402.

According to various embodiments, the first subset of OIS coils408attached to the first OIS carrier frame412may be arranged to move the image sensor404in directions parallel to a first axis. The second subset of OIS coils408attached to the second OIS carrier frame414may be arranged to move the image sensor404in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. As discussed in further detail herein with reference to at leastFIGS.2C,2D, and3C, the camera system400may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)).

In some embodiments, the OIS coils408may be horizontally oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils408in directions along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. In other embodiments, one or more of the OIS coils408may be vertically oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.1A-3C.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first OIS carrier frame412may be positioned above at least a portion of the second OIS carrier frame414. For example, a horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame412may be positioned above a horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame414, e.g., in a manner similarly described herein with reference to horizontally-oriented surfaces118and122inFIG.1B. The horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame412may be parallel to the horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame414. Furthermore, the horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame412may be positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between the second OIS carrier frame414and the lens group402.

As indicated inFIGS.4A-4B, for example, the fixed magnets406and the OIS coils408may be considered “corner” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets406and the OIS coils408are positioned at corners of the camera system400(and/or proximate corners of the image sensor404). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “side” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.5A-5H. The side magnets and coils may be positioned at sides of the camera system (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor).

As previously mentioned, the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may include an AF carrier frame. While not shown inFIGS.4A-4H, example AF carrier frames are discussed herein with reference toFIGS.2A-3C.

FIGS.5A-5Hillustrate views of yet another example camera system500that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for coupling with side coils), in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.5Ashows a schematic top view of the camera system500.FIG.5Bshows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system500.FIG.5Cshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system500including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.FIG.5Dshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system500including the first OIS carrier frame inFIG.5C.FIG.5Eshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system500including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.FIG.5Fshows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system500including the second OIS carrier frame inFIG.5E.FIG.5Gshows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system500including an autofocus (AF) coil.FIG.5Hshows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system500including the AF coil inFIG.5G.

According to various embodiments, the camera system400may include a lens group502, an image sensor504, one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets506, OIS coils508, and/or one or more AF coils510), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a first OIS carrier frame512, a second OIS carrier frame514, and/or an AF carrier frame516). The lens group502may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system500. Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor504may define an optical axis of the camera system500. For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor504.

In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets506) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils508). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets506) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil510) in some embodiments.

According to some examples, the camera system500may include a shield can518that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system500. The fixed magnets506may be fixedly coupled with the shield can518. For example, the camera system500may include a spacer (e.g., spacer220inFIG.2A) attached to an underside of the shield can518, and the fixed magnets506may be attached to the spacer, e.g., as further discussed herein with reference toFIG.2A.

In various embodiments, the OIS coils508may be coupled with one or more carrier frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement. As indicated inFIG.5B, for example, a first subset of the OIS coils508may be fixedly attached to the first OIS carrier frame512, and a second subset of the OIS coils508may be fixedly attached to the second OIS carrier frame514. The OIS coils508may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets506such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils508are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets506to move the image sensor504in directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

As indicated inFIG.5B, the first OIS carrier frame512may include horizontally-oriented surfaces to which the first subset of the OIS coils508may be attached. In this non-limiting example, the first subset of the OIS coils508may include a first OIS coil508attached to a first horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame512, and a second OIS coil508attached to a second horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame512. The first horizontally-oriented surface and the second horizontally-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group502.

Similarly, as indicated inFIG.5B, the second OIS carrier frame514may include horizontally-oriented surfaces to which the second subset of the OIS coils508may be attached. In this non-limiting example, the second subset of the OIS coils508may include a first OIS coil508attached to a first horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame514, and a second OIS coil408attached to a second horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame514. The first horizontally-oriented surface and the second horizontally-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group502.

According to various embodiments, the first subset of OIS coils508attached to the first OIS carrier frame512may be arranged to move the image sensor504in directions parallel to a first axis. The second subset of OIS coils508attached to the second OIS carrier frame514may be arranged to move the image sensor504in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. As discussed in further detail herein with reference to at leastFIGS.2C,2D, and3C, the camera system500may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)).

In some embodiments, the OIS coils508may be horizontally oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils508in directions along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. In other embodiments, one or more of the OIS coils508may be vertically oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.1A-3C.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first OIS carrier frame512may be positioned above at least a portion of the second OIS carrier frame514. For example, a horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame512may be positioned above a horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame514, e.g., in a manner similarly described herein with reference to horizontally-oriented surfaces118and122inFIG.1B. The horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame512may be parallel to the horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame514. Furthermore, the horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame512may be positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between the second OIS carrier frame514and the lens group502.

As indicated inFIGS.5A-5B, for example, the fixed magnets506and the OIS coils508may be considered “side” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets506and the OIS coils508are positioned at sides of the camera system500(and/or proximate sides of the image sensor504). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “corner” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference toFIGS.1A-4H.

FIG.6illustrates a schematic representation of an example environment comprising a device600that may include one or more cameras. For example, the device600may include a camera system with a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, such as the camera systems and/or ball bearing sensor shift arrangements described herein with reference toFIGS.1A-5H. In some embodiments, the device600may be a mobile device and/or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, the device600may 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 device600may include a display system602(e.g., comprising a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras604. In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system602and/or one or more front-facing cameras604amay be provided at a front side of the device600, e.g., as indicated inFIG.6. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras604bmay be provided at a rear side of the device600. In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras604, some or all of the cameras604may be the same as, or similar to, each other. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the cameras604may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location(s) and/or arrangement(s) of the camera(s)604may be different than those indicated inFIG.6.

Among other things, the device600may include memory606(e.g., comprising an operating system608and/or application(s)/program instructions610), one or more processors and/or controllers612(e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and/or camera controller(s), etc.), and/or one or more sensors614(e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the device600may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services, such as computing device(s)616, cloud service(s)618, etc., via one or more networks620. For example, the device600may include a network interface (e.g., network interface710inFIG.7) that enables the device600to transmit data to, and receive data from, the network(s)620. Additionally, or alternatively, the device600may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and/or technologies.

FIG.7illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example environment comprising a computer system700that may include a camera system with a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, such as the camera systems and/or ball bearing sensor shift arrangements described herein with reference toFIGS.1A-6. In addition, computer system700may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, the device600(described herein with reference toFIG.6) may additionally, or alternatively, include some or all of the functional components of the described herein.

The computer system700may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system700may 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 the illustrated embodiment, computer system700includes one or more processors702coupled to a system memory704via an input/output (I/O) interface706. Computer system700further includes one or more cameras708coupled to the I/O interface706. Computer system700further includes a network interface710coupled to I/O interface706, and one or more input/output devices712, such as cursor control device714, keyboard716, and display(s)718. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system700, while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system700, 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 system700that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.

In various embodiments, computer system700may be a uniprocessor system including one processor702, or a multiprocessor system including several processors702(e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors702may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors702may 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 processors702may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

System memory704may be configured to store program instructions720accessible by processor702. In various embodiments, system memory704may 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 data722of memory704may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions720and/or data722may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory704or computer system700. In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system700.

In one embodiment, I/O interface706may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor702, system memory704, and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface710or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices712. In some embodiments, I/O interface706may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory704) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor702). In some embodiments, I/O interface706may 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 interface706may 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 interface706, such as an interface to system memory704, may be incorporated directly into processors702.

Network interface710may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system700and other devices attached to a network724(e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system700. Network724may in various embodiments 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. In various embodiments, network interface710may 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.

Input/output device(s)712may, 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 systems700. Multiple input/output devices712may be present in computer system700or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system700. In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system700and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system700through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface710.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system700is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system702may 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 embodiments be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided and/or other additional functionality may be available.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various items are illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while being used, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of the software components may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by an appropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from computer system700may be transmitted to computer system700via transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a computer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium or memory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as network and/or a wireless link.

The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, the order of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.