PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11792516-B1
Application Number: US-202217675666-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Flex circuit arrangements for camera with sensor shift actuation

Abstract:
Various embodiments include flex circuit arrangements for a camera with sensor shift actuation. Some embodiments include a flexure-circuit hybrid structure. Some embodiments include an actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure. In some embodiments, the hybrid structures may include different portions that share multiple layers of a plurality of stacked layers. In some embodiments, one portion of a hybrid structure may include one or more layers that are different from the layers in another portion of the hybrid structure.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera, comprising:
 a lens group comprising one or more lens elements; 
 an image sensor; 
 an actuator for moving the image sensor relative to the lens group; and 
 a flexure-circuit hybrid structure, comprising:
 a plurality of layers stacked in a first direction that is orthogonal to an image plane defined at the image sensor, wherein the plurality of layers comprises:
 a flexure portion for suspending the image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera and for allowing motion of the image sensor enabled by the actuator; and 
 a flex circuit portion for conveying electrical signals between the flexure portion and one or more external components that are external to the camera, wherein the flex circuit portion extends from the flexure portion in a second direction that is parallel to the image plane; 
 wherein the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion share multiple layers of the plurality of layers. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the multiple layers that are shared by the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion comprise a conductive layer. 
     
     
       3. The camera of  claim 2 , wherein the multiple layers that are shared by the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion further comprise:
 a dielectric layer; and 
 an adhesion layer. 
 
     
     
       4. The camera of  claim 3 , wherein the dielectric layer and the adhesion layer are positioned, in the first direction orthogonal to the image plane, between the conductive layer and another conductive layer. 
     
     
       5. The camera of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the conductive layer comprises copper; 
 the dielectric layer comprises polyimide; and 
 the adhesion layer comprises chromium. 
 
     
     
       6. The camera of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the flexure portion further comprises:
 a base layer adjacent the conductive layer; and 
 
 the flex circuit portion further comprises:
 a coverlay layer adjacent the conductive layer; and 
 an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield layer adjacent the coverlay layer. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The camera of  claim 2 , wherein the flexure portion comprises:
 an inner frame fixedly coupled with the image sensor; 
 an outer frame fixedly coupled with the stationary structure of the camera; and 
 one or more flexure arms that are connected to the inner frame and to the outer frame; 
 wherein the conductive layer comprises electrical traces on at least a portion of the one or more flexure arms, and wherein the electrical traces are configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame and the outer frame. 
 
     
     
       8. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the one or more lens elements define an optical axis; and 
 the actuator is configured to move the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis and in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
 
     
     
       9. The camera of  claim 8 , wherein the actuator comprises:
 a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, comprising:
 one or more magnets; and 
 one or more coils that electromagnetically interact with the one or more magnets to produce Lorentz forces that move the image sensor. 
 
 
     
     
       10. A device, comprising:
 one or more processors; 
 memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operations of a camera; and 
 the camera, comprising:
 a lens group comprising one or more lens elements; 
 an image sensor; 
 an actuator for moving the image sensor relative to the lens group; and 
 a flexure-circuit hybrid structure, comprising:
 a plurality of layers stacked in a first direction that is orthogonal to an image plane defined at the image sensor, wherein the plurality of layers comprises:
 a flexure portion for suspending the image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera and for allowing motion of the image sensor enabled by the actuator; and 
 a flex circuit portion for conveying electrical signals between the flexure portion and one or more external components that are external to the camera, wherein the flex circuit portion extends from the flexure portion in a second direction that is parallel to the image plane; 
 wherein the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion share multiple layers of the plurality of layers. 
 
 
 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the multiple layers that are shared by the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion comprise a conductive layer. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the conductive layer is a first conductive layer; and 
 the multiple layers that are shared by the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion further comprise:
 a dielectric layer; 
 an adhesion layer; and 
 a second conductive layer. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the multiple layers that are shared by the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion further comprise:
 the flexure portion further comprises:
 a base layer adjacent the second conductive layer; and 
 
 the flex circuit portion further comprises:
 a coverlay layer adjacent the second conductive layer and adjacent the base layer; and 
 an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield layer adjacent the second coverlay layer. 
 
 
 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer comprise copper; 
 the dielectric layer comprises polyimide; and 
 the adhesion layer comprises chromium. 
 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 11 , wherein the flexure portion comprises:
 an inner frame fixedly coupled with the image sensor; 
 an outer frame fixedly coupled with the stationary structure of the camera; and 
 one or more flexure arms that are connected to the inner frame and to the outer frame; and 
 wherein the conductive layer comprises electrical traces on at least a portion of the one or more flexure arms, and wherein the electrical traces are configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame and the outer frame. 
 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of the electrical traces is routed from the inner frame of the flexure portion to a region of the flex circuit portion that is external to the camera. 
     
     
       17. The device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the one or more external components comprise a main logic board; 
 the camera further comprises:
 a substrate to which the image sensor is fixedly attached, wherein the substrate is fixedly attached to inner frame of the flexure portion, such that the substrate and the image sensor are movable together with the inner frame; and 
 the flexure-circuit hybrid structure is configured to convey electrical signals between the substrate and the main logic board. 
 
 
     
     
       18. A camera, comprising:
 a lens group comprising one or more lens elements; 
 an image sensor; 
 an actuator for moving the image sensor relative to the lens group; and 
 a hybrid structure, comprising:
 a plurality of stacked layers, wherein the plurality of stacked layers comprises:
 a first portion comprising one or more layers for conveying electrical signals from the image sensor, wherein the first portion allows motion of the image sensor enabled by the actuator; and 
 a second portion for conveying the electrical signals between the first portion and one or more external components that are external to the camera, wherein the first portion and the second portion share multiple layers of the plurality of layers, and wherein the second portion comprises a flex circuit portion that includes at least one different layer than the first portion. 
 
 
 
     
     
       19. The camera of  claim 18 , wherein the multiple layers that are shared by the first portion and the second circuit portion comprise:
 a first conductive layer; 
 a dielectric layer; 
 an adhesion layer; and 
 a second conductive layer; 
 wherein the dielectric layer and the adhesion layer are positioned, in a first direction orthogonal to an image plane at the image sensor, between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. 
 
     
     
       20. The camera of  claim 18 , wherein the first portion comprises:
 an inner frame fixedly coupled with the image sensor; 
 an outer frame fixedly coupled with a stationary structure of the camera; 
 one or more flexure arms that are connected to the inner frame and to the outer frame; and 
 a conductive layer comprising electrical traces on at least a portion of the one or more flexure arms, and wherein the electrical traces are configured to convey the electrical signals between the inner frame and the outer frame.

Description:
This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/151,011, filed Feb. 18, 2021, and claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/248,371, filed Sep. 24, 2021, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to flex circuit arrangements for a camera with sensor shift actuation. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones and tablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, small form factor cameras for integration in the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby the object focal distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example camera system that may include a flexure-circuit hybrid structure for a camera with sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example camera that may include a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of another example camera that may include a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates a top view and a schematic block diagram of an example flexure-circuit hybrid structure for a camera with sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  3 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure along which an electrical trace may be routed, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example camera including a flexure that is bonded to a flex circuit. 
         FIG.  4 B  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example camera including a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart of an example method of fabricating at least a portion of a camera that includes a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates a perspective view of a camera including an example actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure for a camera with sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure along which one or more electrical traces may be routed, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a schematic representation of an example environment comprising a device that may include a camera with a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation and/or a camera with an actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example environment comprising a computer system that may include a camera with a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation and/or a camera with an actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     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 connote 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 flex circuit arrangements for a camera with sensor shift actuation. Some embodiments include a flexure-circuit hybrid structure. Some embodiments include an actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure. In some embodiments, the hybrid structures may include different portions that share multiple layers of a plurality of stacked layers. In some embodiments, one portion of a hybrid structure may include one or more layers that are different from the layers in another portion of the hybrid structure. 
     Some embodiments include a flexure-circuit hybrid structure for a camera with sensor shift actuation. As compared to some other systems that include a flexure and a flex circuit that are separately formed components (and that are bonded together, e.g., using an ACF bonding process), the flexure-circuit hybrid structure described herein may instead be a single component that functions as both a flexure and a flex circuit. The flexure-circuit hybrid structure may include layers that are stacked in a first direction (e.g., orthogonal to an image plane defined by an image sensor of the camera). In various embodiments, such layers may include a flexure portion and a flex circuit portion. The flexure portion may be configured to suspend the image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera and/or to allow motion of the image sensor enabled by one or more actuators of the camera. The flex circuit portion may be configured to convey electrical signals between the flexure portion and one or more external components that are external to the camera. In some embodiments, the flex circuit portion may extend from the flexure portion in a second direction that is parallel to the image plane. For example, the flex circuit portion may extend in the second direction towards the external component(s), which may include, for example, a main logic board of a camera system (and/or a device that includes the camera system). 
     In some embodiments, the flexure-circuit hybrid structure may be formed in a component-level process that eliminates one or more assembly processes (e.g., an ACF bonding process), reduces the supply chain, and/or improves the manufacturing process involved with respect to a camera with sensor shift actuation. In some embodiments, by eliminating one or more discontinuities (e.g., an impedance discontinuity that would otherwise be present due to ACF bonding a flexure to a flex circuit), the flexure-circuit hybrid structure may enable relatively higher data transfer rates, improved power delivery, and/or improved thermal performance in some embodiments. 
     Some embodiments include an actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure for a camera with sensor shift actuation. As compared to some other systems that include an actuation flex circuit and a module flex circuit that are separately formed components (and that are bonded together, e.g., using an ACF bonding process), the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure described herein may instead be a single component that functions as both an actuation flex circuit and a module flex circuit. 
     In some embodiments, the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure may be formed in a component-level process that eliminates one or more assembly processes (e.g., an ACF bonding process), reduces the supply chain, and/or improves the manufacturing process involved with respect to a camera with sensor shift actuation. In some embodiments, by eliminating one or more discontinuities (e.g., an impedance discontinuity that would otherwise be present due to ACF bonding one flex circuit to another flex circuit), the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure may enable relatively higher data transfer rates, improved power delivery, and/or improved thermal performance in some embodiments. 
     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. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example camera system  100  that may include a flexure-circuit hybrid structure  102  for a camera with sensor shift actuation. According to various embodiments, the camera system  100  may further include a lens group  104 , an image sensor  106 , and one or more actuators (e.g., voice coil motor (VCM) actuator(s), as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B ). The lens group  104  may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the camera may have an optical axis that is orthogonal to an image plane defined by the image sensor  106 . The image sensor  106  may receive light  108  that has passed through the lens group  104  and/or one or more other lens elements of the camera. Furthermore, the image sensor  106  may be configured to convert the captured light  108  to image signals. 
     In various embodiments, the actuator(s) may be configured to move the image sensor  106  (hence the reference herein to “sensor shift actuation”) and/or the lens group  104 . For example, the actuator(s) may be used to move the image sensor  106  relative to the lens group  104  to provide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator(s) may be used to move the lens group  104  relative to the image sensor  106  to provide AF and/or OIS functionality. 
     According to various embodiments, the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  102  may function as both a flexure and a flex circuit. As compared to some other systems (e.g., a system with a flexure and a flex circuit that are separately formed components and that are bonded together), the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  102  described herein may be a single component in various embodiments. The flexure-circuit hybrid structure  102  may include layers that are stacked in a first direction that is orthogonal to the image plane defined by the image sensor  106 , e.g., as also described herein with reference to  FIG.  3 A . In various embodiments, such layers may include a flexure portion  110  and a flex circuit portion  112 . The flexure portion  110  may be configured to suspend the image sensor  106  from a stationary structure of the camera and/or to allow motion of the image sensor  106  enabled by the actuator(s). The flex circuit portion  112  may be configured to convey electrical signals between the flexure portion  110  and one or more external components  114  that are external to the camera. Some of the stacked layers may be shared by the flexure portion  110  and the flex circuit portion  112 . In some embodiments, the flex circuit portion  112  may extend from the flexure portion  110  in a second direction that is parallel to the image plane. For example, the flex circuit portion  112  may extend in the second direction towards the external component(s)  114 , which may include, for example, a main logic board of the camera system  100  (and/or a device that includes the camera system  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera system  100  may include a camera cover  116  that encases at least a portion of the camera. According to some non-limiting examples, the camera cover  116  may comprise a shield can. Furthermore, in some embodiments the camera cover  116  may delimit, at least in part, a boundary between interior component(s) (e.g., lens group  104 , image sensor  106 , etc.) of the camera and one or more external components (e.g., external component(s)  114 ). 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 B  illustrate schematic cross-sectional side views of example cameras that may include a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation. In some embodiments, the cameras  200   a  and  200   b  may include a lens group  202 , an image sensor  204 , and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module  206 . The lens group  202  may define an optical axis. The image sensor  204  may be configured to capture light passing through the lens group  202  and convert the captured light into image signals. In some cases, the VCM actuator module  206  may be one of multiple VCM actuator modules of the camera  200 . For instance, the cameras  200   a  and  200   b  may include four such VCM actuator modules  206 , such as two pairs of VCM actuator modules  206  that oppose one another relative to the lens group  202 . The VCM actuator modules  206  may be configured to move the lens group  202  along the optical axis (e.g., in the Z-axis direction, to provide autofocus (AF) functionality) and/or tilt the lens group  202  relative to the optical axis. Furthermore, the VCM actuator module(s)  206  may be configured to move the image sensor  204  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., in the X-axis and/or Y-axis directions, to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality). 
     In various embodiments, the VCM actuator module  206  may include a magnet  208  (e.g., a stationary single pole magnet), a lens holder  210 , a substrate  212   a  (in  FIG.  2 A ) or substrate  212   b  (in  FIG.  2 B ), a top flexure (not shown), and a bottom flexure (e.g., a flexure portion of flexure-circuit hybrid structure  214 , which may be the same as, or similar to, flexure-circuit hybrid structure  102  in  FIG.  1   . Furthermore, the VCM actuator module  206  may include an AF coil  216  and a bottom sensor positioning (SP) coil  218 . 
     In some embodiments, the lens holder  210  may hold, or otherwise support, the AF coil  216  proximate a side of the magnet  208 . The lens holder  210  may be coupled to the lens group  202  such that the lens group  202  shifts together with the lens holder  210 . 
     According to some embodiments, the substrate  212   a  in  FIG.  2 A  may comprise an assembly of a different number of components, relative to the substrate  212   b  in  FIG.  2 B . For example, the substrate  212   a  in  FIG.  2 A  may comprise a three-block assembly, and the substrate  212   b  in  FIG.  2 B  may comprise a two-block assembly according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, the substrate  212  (e.g., substrate  212   a  in  FIG.  2 A  or substrate  212   b  in  FIG.  2 B ) may hold, or otherwise support, the bottom SP coil  218  proximate a bottom side of the magnet  208 . The substrate  212  may be coupled to the image sensor  204  such that the image sensor  204  shifts together with the substrate  212 . In some embodiments, the substrate  212  may also be coupled with, or may otherwise support, an infrared cut-off filter (IRCF)  220  (and/or one or more other optical elements), e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  2 A . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator module  206  may include a position sensor  222  (e.g., a Hall sensor) for position detection based on movement of the SP coil  218  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. For example, the position sensor  222  may be located on the substrate  212  proximate to the SP coil  218 . 
     The flexure portion of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  214  may be configured to provide compliance for motion of the substrate  212  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. Furthermore, the flexure portion of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  214  may be configured to suspend the substrate  212  and the image sensor  204  from one or more stationary structures  224  of the camera  200 . 
     The top flexure (not shown) may be configured to mechanically and electrically connect the lens holder  210  to the shield can  226  and/or to one or more other stationary structures (e.g., stationary structure  224 ). The top flexure may be configured to provide compliance for movement of the lens holder  210  along the optical axis and for tilt of the lens holder  210  relative to the optical axis. The shield can  226  may encase, at least in part, an interior of the camera  200 . The shield can  226  may be a stationary component that is static relative to one or more moving components (e.g., the lens holder  210  and substrate  212 ). 
     In some embodiments, the stationary magnet  214  may be fixed to a stationary structure (e.g., magnet holder  228 ). In some examples, each of the AF coil  216  and the SP coil  218  may be a racetrack coil. 
     Electromagnetic interaction between the AF coil  216  and the magnet  208  may produce Lorentz forces that cause the lens holder  210  to move along the optical axis and/or to tilt relative to the optical axis. Electromagnetic interaction between the SP coil  218  and the magnet  208  may produce Lorentz forces that cause the substrate  212  to move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. The lens group  202  may shift together with (e.g., in lockstep with) the lens holder  210 . Furthermore, the image sensor  204  may shift together with (e.g., in lockstep with) the substrate  212 . 
     In various embodiments, electrical contacts/connections may allow for electrical signals (e.g., image signals) to be conveyed from the image sensor  204  to a controller (not shown). For instance, the image sensor  204  may be in electrical contact with the substrate  212  via one or more contacts, and thus image signals may be conveyed from the image sensor  204  to the substrate  212 . The image signals may be conveyed from the substrate  212  to one or more external components (e.g., external component(s)  114  in  FIG.  1   ) via the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  214 . According to various examples, electrical contacts/connections may allow for current to be conveyed from the controller to the substrate  212  to drive the SP coil  218 . 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates a top view and a schematic block diagram of an example flexure-circuit hybrid structure  300  for a camera (e.g., camera system  100  in  FIG.  1   , camera  200   a  in  FIG.  2 A , and camera  200   b  in  FIG.  2 B ), etc.) with sensor shift actuation.  FIG.  3 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure along which an electrical trace may be routed, in accordance with some embodiments. For example, the cross-sectional view may correspond to a cross-section taken along a plane that is orthogonal to the image plane and orthogonal to a direction the electrical trace is configured to convey electrical signals. According to various embodiments, the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  300  may include a flexure portion  302  and a flex circuit portion  304 . 
     In some embodiments, the flexure portion  302  may be configured to suspend an image sensor (e.g., image sensor  106  in  FIG.  1   , image sensor  204  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , etc.) from a stationary structure (e.g., stationary structure  224  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B ) of the camera. Additionally, or alternatively, the flexure portion  302  may be configured to allow motion of the image sensor enabled by actuator(s) (e.g., VCM actuator module  206  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B ) of the camera. According to various embodiments, the flexure portion  302  may include an inner frame  306 , an outer frame  308 , and one or more flexure arms  310 . The inner frame  306  may be fixedly coupled with the image sensor. For example, the camera may include a substrate (e.g., substrate  212   a  in  FIG.  2 A , substrate  212   b  in  FIG.  2 B , etc.) to which the image sensor is fixedly attached, and the substrate may be fixedly attached to the inner frame  306 . The outer frame  308  may at least partially encircle the inner frame  306 . The outer frame  308  may be fixedly coupled with a stationary structure (e.g., stationary structure  224  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B ) of the camera. The flexure arm(s)  310  may be connected to the inner frame  306  and to the outer frame  308 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  3 A . According to some embodiments, the flexure portion  302  may include electrical traces (e.g., electrical trace  312 ) on at least a portion of the flexure arm(s)  310 . The electrical traces may be configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame  306  and the outer frame  308 , e.g., from the inner frame  306  to the outer frame  308 , and vice-versa. As indicated in  FIG.  3 A , electrical trace  312  may be routed from the inner frame  306  to the outer frame  308  (via the flexure arm(s)  310 ), and from the outer frame  308  to the flex circuit portion  304 . In various embodiments, different patterns of electrical traces may be routed from the inner frame  306  to the flex circuit portion  304 . The electrical trace(s) may be insulated (e.g., via a dielectric layer and/or a coverlay layer, as discussed herein). 
     According to some embodiments, the flex circuit portion  304  may be configured to convey electrical signals between the flexure portion  302  and one or more other components. For example, the flex circuit portion  304  may route electrical signals between the flexure portion  302  and external component(s) (e.g., external component(s)  114  in  FIG.  1   ) that are external to the camera, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  4 B . 
     In various embodiments, the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  300  may comprise layers of material that are stacked in a first direction orthogonal to an image plane of the image sensor, e.g., as indicated in the schematic block diagram of layers  316 - 330  in a first region  332  of flexure-circuit hybrid structure  300 . The flexure portion  302  and the flex circuit portion  304  may share a subset of the layers  316 - 330 . In the first region  332 , for example, the shared layers may include a first conductive layer  314 , an adhesion layer  316 , a dielectric layer  318 , a second conductive layer  320  (which may include electrical traces, such as electrical trace  312 , as indicated in  FIG.  3 B ), and/or a coverlay layer  322 . It should be appreciated that the shared layers may differ (e.g., with respect to quantity, material(s), size(s), shape(s), and/or order of arrangement, etc.) in various embodiments. As indicated in  FIG.  3 A , each of the shared layers may comprise a respective contiguously formed layer that extends in a second direction parallel to the image plane, between the flexure portion  302  and the flex circuit portion  304 , e.g., such that the flexure portion  302  and the flex circuit portion  304  are integrated with one another in singular component (the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  300 ). By contrast, as discussed in  FIG.  4 A , some other systems may include two discrete components—a flexure and a flex circuit—that are joined together after the two components have already been separately formed. 
     In some embodiments, the first conductive layer  314  and/or the second conductive layer  320  may comprise copper. For example, the first conductive layer  314  and/or the second conductive layer  320  may comprise electroplated copper. Furthermore, the first conductive layer  314  and/or the second conductive layer  320  may have a respective thickness, in the first direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 2 um to 30 um in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the adhesion layer  316  and/or the dielectric layer  318  may be positioned, in the first direction orthogonal to the image plane, between the first conductive layer  314  and the second conductive layer  320 . The coverlay layer  322  may be disposed adjacent the second conductive layer  320 , e.g., such that the second conductive layer  320  is sandwiched between the coverlay layer  322  and the dielectric layer  318 . In various embodiments, the adhesion layer  316  may be disposed between the conductive layer  314  and the dielectric layer  318 . According to some embodiments, the adhesion layer  316  may comprise chromium (e.g., physical vapor deposited (PVD) chromium). Furthermore, the adhesion layer  316  may have a thickness, in the first direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 50 nm to 300 nm in some embodiments. The dielectric layer  318  may be disposed between the adhesion layer  316  and the second conductive layer  320 . According to some embodiments, the dielectric layer  318  may comprise polyimide (e.g., photosensitive polyimide) and/or a build-up film (e.g., a dry insulation build-up film), etc. Furthermore, the dielectric layer  318  may have a thickness, in the first direction, ranging from 8 um to 14 um in some embodiments. 
     According to various embodiments, the shared layers (e.g., shared layers  314 - 322 ) may be a subset of all the layers in the first region  332 . In some embodiments, the flexure portion  302  may include one or more layers, in addition to the shared layers, that are different from one or more layers of the flex circuit portion  304 . For example, the flexure portion  302  may include a base layer  324  that the flexure portion  302  does not share with the flex circuit portion  304 . Additionally, or alternatively, the flex circuit portion  304  may include a coverlay layer  326  (e.g., polyimide, a Flex-finer material, etc.), a shield layer  328 , and/or a shield layer  330  that the flex circuit portion  304  does not share with the flexure portion  302 . In some embodiments, the shield layer  328  and/or the shield layer  330  may comprise an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield layer for reducing EMI between the electrical signals (conveyed via the flex circuit portion  304 ) and components of the camera and/or external components. 
     According to some embodiments, the base layer  324  may be configured to provide sufficient rigidity so that the flexure portion  302  is capable of suspending an image sensor package from a stationary structure of the camera. Furthermore, at least a portion of the base layer  324  may be configured to have sufficient compliance for allowing motion of the image sensor in the direction(s) enabled by the actuator. In some embodiments, the base layer  324  may be positioned, in the first direction orthogonal to the image plane, adjacent the first conductive layer  314 . Additionally, or alternatively, the base layer  324  may be positioned, in the second direction parallel to the image plane, adjacent the coverlay layer  326  and/or the shield layer  328 . According to some embodiments, the coverlay layer  326  may be positioned, in the first direction, adjacent the first conductive layer  314  and/or the shield layer  328 . In various embodiments, the shield layers  328  and  330  may be the outermost layers of the flex circuit portion  304  in the first region  332 . The shield layer  328  and/or the shield layer  330  may comprise silver (e.g., silver mesh shielding) and/or copper (e.g., copper-sputtered shielding), etc., in various embodiments. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments, the base layer  324  may comprise a nickel-cobalt (NiCo) alloy and/or a copper titanium (CuTi) alloy (e.g., having an electrical conductivity of 10%-40% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS)). In some embodiments, the base layer  324  may comprise electro-formed NiCo for areas of the flexure portion  302 , to increase rigidity in those areas. Furthermore, the base layer  324  may have a thickness, in the first direction orthogonal to the image plane, ranging from 30 um to 150 um. 
     It should be understood that various regions of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  300  may have one or more layers that are different than those described with respect to the first region  332 . As a non-limiting example, the second region  334  of the flexure portion  302  may comprise a stack of layers that differs relative to the flexure portion  302  in the first region  332 . Additionally, or alternatively, the third region  336  of the flex circuit portion  304  may comprise a stack of layers that differs relative to the flex circuit portion  304  in the first region  332 . 
       FIG.  4 A  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example camera  400   a  including a flexure  402  that is bonded to a flex circuit  404 , e.g., via anisotropic conductive film (ACF) bonding pad  406 . By contrast,  FIG.  4 B  illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an example camera  400   b  that includes a flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
     As indicated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the cameras  400   a  and  400   b  may include a substrate  410  that is bonded to the flexure  402  (in  FIG.  4 A ) or to the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  (in  FIG.  4 B ), e.g., via ACF bonding pad  412 . The substrate  410  may be bonded to an image sensor  414 , e.g., via ACF bonding pad  416 . Instead of bonding a flexure to a flex circuit (as in  FIG.  4 A ), the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  may be a single component that integrates structural and/or functional aspects of the flexure and the flex circuit, thus eliminating the need for ACF bonding pad  406  ( FIG.  4 A ). In camera  400   b , the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  may be bonded to external component(s)  418 , e.g., via ACF bonding pad  420 . 
     Electrical signals may be routed between the image sensor  414  and the external component(s)  418  at least partly via the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408 . For example, an electrical signals may be routed along a path that includes the image sensor  414 , ACF bonding pad  416 , the substrate  410 , ACF bonding pad  412 , the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408 , ACF bonding pad  420 , and the external component(s)  418 , in that order from the image sensor  414  to the external component(s)  418 , and/or vice-versa. This example electrical signal routing may eliminate one or more potential discontinuities present in the other camera  400   a  that may adversely impact performance. For example, the ACF bonding pad  406  used in the other camera  400   a  (to bond the flexure  402  to the flex circuit  404 ) may comprise an impedance discontinuity, the elimination of which (in the camera  400   b  having the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408 ) may improve signal integrity and/or power integrity (due to removal of IR drop caused by the ACF bonding pad  406 ). 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the other camera  400   a  may include a via  422  that is used to route electrical signals from one side (e.g., a bottom side) of the flex circuit  404  to the opposite side (e.g., a top side) of the flex circuit  404 . The via  422  may similarly comprise an impedance discontinuity that may be eliminated by using the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  in camera  400   b . For example, in  FIG.  4 B , electrical signals may be routed along a top side of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408 , to the external component(s)  418  via ACF bonding pad  420 . Unlike the arrangement in  FIG.  4 A , the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  does not include the ACF bonding pad  406  that bonds a top side of the flexure  402  to a bottom side of the flex circuit  404  (which may require use of the via  422  to convey the electrical signals to the opposite side of the flex circuit  404 ); rather, the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  may receive the electrical signals, and may convey them without the aforementioned discontinuities, along a same side (e.g., the top side of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408 , via the ACF bonding pad  412  connection to the substrate  410  and/or the ACF bonding pad  420  connection to the external component(s)  418 . 
     In some embodiments, the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  may be formed in a component-level process that eliminates one or more assembly processes (e.g., an ACF bonding process), reduces the supply chain, and/or improves the manufacturing process involved with respect to a camera with sensor shift actuation. In some embodiments, the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  in the camera  400   b  may enable higher data transfer rates, improved power delivery, and/or improved thermal performance, relative to the arrangement in the other camera  400   a.    
       FIG.  5    is a flowchart of an example method  500  of fabricating at least a portion of a camera (e.g., camera system  100  in  FIG.  1   , camera  200   a  in  FIG.  2 A , camera  200   b  in  FIG.  2 B , etc.) that includes a flexure-circuit hybrid structure (e.g., flexure-circuit hybrid structure  102  in  FIG.  1   , flexure-circuit hybrid structure  214  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , flexure-circuit hybrid structure  300  in  FIG.  3 A , flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  in  FIG.  4 B ) that enables sensor shift actuation. 
     As previously mentioned, the flexure-circuit hybrid structure may include a plurality of layers stacked in a first direction (e.g., orthogonal to an image plane of the image sensor), such as layers  314 - 330  described herein with reference to  FIG.  3 A . The layers may comprise a flexure portion for suspending the image sensor form a stationary structure of the camera and for allowing motion of the image sensor enabled by an actuator of the camera. Furthermore, the layers may comprise a flex circuit portion for conveying electrical signals between the flexure portion and one or more other components (e.g., external component(s) that are external to the camera). The flex circuit portion may extend from the flexure portion in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction (and/or parallel to the image plane). According to various embodiments, the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion may share multiple layers (e.g., including one or more of shared layers  506 - 514  in  FIG.  5   ). 
     At  502 , the method  500  may include forming at least a portion of multiple layers that are shared by the flexure portion and the flex circuit portion of the flexure-circuit hybrid structure. For example, forming at least a portion of the shared layers may include forming the first conductive layer  506 , the adhesion layer  508 , the dielectric layer  510 , the second conductive layer  512 , and/or the coverlay layer  514  in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the adhesion layer  508  may be formed between the first conductive layer  506  and the dielectric layer  510 . Furthermore, the second conductive layer  512  may be positioned adjacent the dielectric layer  510 . 
     At  504 , the method  500  may include forming, on a conductive layer of the multiple layers, and in a region of the flex circuit portion, one or more layers that are of a different material from an adjacent layer in a region of the flexure portion. For example, the adjacent layer in the region of the flexure portion may be the base layer  516 . Forming the layer(s) that are of a different material from the adjacent layer may include forming the coverlay layer  518  and/or forming the shield layer  520  in some embodiments. 
       FIG.  6 A  illustrates a perspective view of an example actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure for a camera  600  with sensor shift actuation, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion  602  of the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure along which one or more electrical traces may be routed, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     According to some embodiments, the camera  600  may include one or more flex circuits (e.g., comprising the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure), an image sensor  604 , a substrate  606 , and one or more stationary structures (e.g., stationary structure  608 , base structure  610 , etc.). The image sensor  604  may be attached to the substrate  606  and/or one or more other components, such as a moveable platform of a suspension arrangement of the camera  600 . 
     In some embodiments, the flex circuit(s) may include one or more fixed end portions (e.g., fixed end portion  612  and/or fixed end portion  614 ), an intermediate portion  616 , and a moveable end portion  618  (partially obstructed from the reader&#39;s view by other components in  FIG.  6 A ). The fixed end portions  612  and  614  may be coupled with the stationary structure  608 . In some embodiments, rather than including the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure, the camera  600  and/or the stationary structure  608  may comprise a separate stationary/module flex circuit (not shown) that is attached to a dynamic/actuation flex circuit at the fixed end portions  612  and  614 . 
     In embodiments in which the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  is included, as schematically indicated in  FIG.  6 A  using double arrows  620  (representing a portion of a flex circuit), the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  which continuously extends from the fixed end portion(s) (e.g., fixed end portion  612 ) to one or more external components  622  (e.g., external component(s)  418  in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B ). The actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  may include an actuation portion  624  ( FIG.  6 B ) and a module portion  626  ( FIG.  6 B ) that share one or more layers, as discussed in further detail herein with reference to  FIG.  6 B . 
     In some embodiments, the actuation portion  624  may include one or more portions of a dynamic flex circuit designed to enable actuation movement (e.g., sensor shift actuation and/or other motion enabled by an actuator) while also being capable of conveying electrical signals. For example, in some embodiments, the actuation portion  624  may include the moveable end portion  618 , the intermediate portion  616 , and/or the fixed end portion  612 . In some embodiments, the module portion  626  may include one or more portions of a module flex circuit designed, at least in part, to convey electrical signals between the camera  600  and the external component(s)  622 . For example, in some embodiments, the module portion  626  may include a portion of the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  that extends from the actuation portion  624  and is ultimately connected to the external component(s)  622 , so as to be capable of conveying electrical signals between the actuation portion  624  and the external component(s)  622 . The module portion  626  may be stationary in various embodiments. Furthermore, while a straight path between fixed end portion  612  and the external component(s)  622  is schematically indicated in  FIG.  6 A  via double arrows  620 , the module portion  626  may include one or more bends. For example, some of the module portion  626  may be bent/folded to extend along multiple different planes (e.g., along different sides of the camera  600  for efficient use of space). 
     In various embodiments the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  may comprise layers of material that are stacked, e.g., as indicated in the schematic block diagram of layers  628 - 642  in  FIG.  6 B . The flexure portion  302  and the flex circuit portion  304  may share a subset of the layers  326 - 340 . In the portion  602  of the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure, for example, the shared layers may include an adhesion layer  628 , a dielectric layer  630 , a conductive layer  632  (which may include electrical traces, such as electrical trace  312  in  FIG.  3 B ), and/or a coverlay layer  634 . It should be appreciated that the shared layers may differ (e.g., with respect to quantity, material(s), size(s), shape(s), and/or order of arrangement, etc.) in various embodiments. As indicated in  FIG.  6 B , each of the shared layers may comprise a respective contiguously formed layer, such that the actuation portion  624  and the module portion  626  are integrated with one another in singular component (the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure). By contrast, as previously mentioned, some other systems may include two discrete components—an actuation flex circuit and a module flex circuit—that are joined together after the two components have already been separately formed. 
     In various embodiments, the actuation portion  624  and/or the module portion  626  may include one or more layers that are not shared between the two portions  624  and  626 . For example, as indicated in  FIG.  6 B , the module portion  626  may include a conductive layer  636 , a coverlay layer  638 , a shield layer  640 , and/or a shield layer  642  that are not included in the actuation portion  624 . 
     In some embodiments, the conductive layer  634  and/or the conductive layer  636  may comprise copper. For example, the conductive layer  634  and/or the conductive layer  636  may comprise electroplated copper. 
     In some embodiments, the adhesion layer  628  may be positioned, in a stacked direction, between the conductive layer  636  and the dielectric layer  630 . The conductive layer  632  may be positioned, in the stacked direction, between the dielectric layer  630  and the coverlay layer  634 . The coverlay layer  638  may be disposed adjacent the conductive layer  636 , e.g., such that the conductive layer  636  is sandwiched between the coverlay layer  638  and the adhesion layer  628 . The shield layer  640  may be disposed adjacent the coverlay layer  638 , and the shield layer  642  may be disposed adjacent the coverlay layer  634 . 
     According to some embodiments, the adhesion layer  628  may comprise chromium (e.g., physical vapor deposited (PVD) chromium). Furthermore, the adhesion layer  628  may have a thickness, in the stacked direction, ranging from 50 nm to 300 nm in some embodiments. The dielectric layer  630  may be disposed between the adhesion layer  628  and the conductive layer  632 . According to some embodiments, the dielectric layer  630  may comprise polyimide (e.g., photosensitive polyimide) and/or a build-up film (e.g., a dry insulation build-up film), etc. Furthermore, the dielectric layer  630  may have a thickness, in the stacked direction, ranging from 8 um to 14 um in some embodiments. 
     According to various embodiments, the module portion  626  may include conductive layer  636 , coverlay layer  638  (e.g., polyimide, a Flex-finer material, etc.), shield layer  640 , and/or shield layer  642  that the module portion  626  does not share with the actuation portion  624 . In some embodiments, the shield layer  640  and/or the shield layer  642  may comprise an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield layer for reducing EMI between the electrical signals (conveyed via the module portion  626 ) and components of the camera and/or external components. In various embodiments, the shield layers  640  and  642  may be the outermost layers of the module portion  626 . The shield layer  640  and/or the shield layer  642  may comprise silver (e.g., silver mesh shielding) and/or copper (e.g., copper-sputtered shielding), etc., in various embodiments. 
     As similarly discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  may enable elimination of one or more potential discontinuities present in the other designs that may adversely impact performance. For example, in other designs, a bonding pad may be used to bond an actuation flex circuit to a module flex circuit, similar to how pad  406  is required for attaching flexure  402  to flex circuit  404  in  FIG.  4 A . The bonding pad may comprise an impedance discontinuity, the elimination of which (using the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  disclosed herein) may improve signal integrity and/or power integrity (due to removal of IR drop caused by the bonding pad that might otherwise be present). 
     Additionally, or alternatively, other designs may include a via (e.g., via  422  in  FIG.  4 A ) that is used to route electrical signals from one side (e.g., a bottom side) of module flex circuit to the opposite side (e.g., a top side) of the module flex circuit. The via may similarly comprise an impedance discontinuity that may be eliminated by using the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  in camera  600 . For example, electrical signals may be routed along a top side of the actuation module flex circuit hybrid structure  602 , to the external component(s)  622 , as similarly discussed herein with reference to the flexure-circuit hybrid structure  408  in  FIG.  4 B . 
     In some embodiments, the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  may be formed in a component-level process that eliminates one or more assembly processes (e.g., an ACF bonding process), reduces the supply chain, and/or improves the manufacturing process involved with respect to a camera with sensor shift actuation. In some embodiments, the actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure  602  in the camera  600  may enable higher data transfer rates, improved power delivery, and/or improved thermal performance, relative to other arrangements in which an actuation flex circuit is attached to a module flex circuit. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a schematic representation of an example environment  700  comprising a device  702  that may include one or more cameras. For example, the device  702  may include a camera system having a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation (such as camera system  100  in  FIG.  1   ) and/or a camera with an actuation-module flex circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation (such as camera system  600  in  FIG.  6 A ). In some embodiments, the device  702  may be a mobile device and/or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, the device  702  may 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 device  702  may include a display system  704  (e.g., comprising a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras  706 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system  704  and/or one or more front-facing cameras  706   a  may be provided at a front side of the device  702 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  7   . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras  706   b  may be provided at a rear side of the device  702 . In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras  706 , some or all of the cameras  706  may be the same as, or similar to, each other. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the cameras  706  may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location(s) and/or arrangement(s) of the camera(s)  706  may be different than those indicated in  FIG.  7   . 
     Among other things, the device  702  may include memory  708  (e.g., comprising an operating system  710  and/or application(s)/program instructions  712 ), one or more processors and/or controllers  714  (e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and/or camera controller(s), etc.), and/or one or more sensors  716  (e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the device  702  may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services, such as computing device(s)  718 , cloud service(s)  720 , etc., via one or more networks  722 . For example, the device  702  may include a network interface (e.g., network interface  812  in  FIG.  8   ) that enables the device  702  to transmit data to, and receive data from, the network(s)  722 . Additionally, or alternatively, the device  702  may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and/or technologies. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example environment  700  comprising a computer system  802  that may include a camera with a flexure-circuit hybrid structure that enables sensor shift actuation, e.g., as described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   . In addition, computer system  802  may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, the device  702  (described herein with reference to  FIG.  7   ) may additionally, or alternatively, include some or all of the functional components of the described herein. 
     The computer system  802  may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  802  may 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 system  802  includes one or more processors  704  coupled to a system memory  806  via an input/output (I/O) interface  808 . Computer system  802  further includes one or more cameras  810  coupled to the I/O interface  808 . Computer system  802  further includes a network interface  812  coupled to I/O interface  808 , and one or more input/output devices  814 , such as cursor control device  816 , keyboard  818 , and display(s)  820 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  802 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  802 , 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 system  802  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  802  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  704 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  804  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  804  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  804  may 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 processors  804  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  806  may be configured to store program instructions  822  accessible by processor  804 . In various embodiments, system memory  806  may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. Additionally, existing camera control data  824  of memory  806  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions  822  and/or data  824  may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  806  or computer system  802 . In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system  802 . 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  808  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  804 , system memory  806 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  812  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  814 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  808  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  806 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  804 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  808  may 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 interface  808  may 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 interface  808 , such as an interface to system memory  806 , may be incorporated directly into processors  804 . 
     Network interface  812  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  802  and other devices attached to a network  826  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  802 . Network  826  may 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 interface  812  may support communication via wired or wireless general data networks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example; via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/or protocol. 
     Input/output device(s)  814  may, 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 systems  802 . Multiple input/output devices  814  may be present in computer system  802  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  802 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  802  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  802  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  812 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  802  is 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 system  802  may also be connected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead may operate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may in some 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 system  802  may be transmitted to computer system  802  via 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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220218
Publication Date: 20231017
Grant Date: 20231017
Priority Date: 20210218
Inventors: PATEL, HIMESH
MIN, Kai
SOMMER, PHILLIP R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/687", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K11/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K41/0356", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/687", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K11/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K41/0356", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/687", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 88309481