PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10890734-B1
Application Number: US-201815940661-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Camera actuator for lens and sensor shifting

Abstract:
Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to shift a lens and/or an image sensor along multiple axes. The VCM actuator may include a bottom flexure and a top flexure that connect one or more dynamic members to one or more static members. The VCM actuator may include stationary magnets and coils held by dynamic members. In some cases, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor along an optical axis, to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, and/or to tilt the image sensor relative to the orthogonal axis. In some examples, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, to move the lens along the optical axis, and/or to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera, comprising:
 a lens that defines an optical axis; 
 an image sensor configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into image signals; 
 a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, including:
 a magnet; 
 a plurality of coils; 
 a sensor shift platform coupled to the image sensor such that the image sensor moves together with the sensor shift platform; 
 a first set of one or more flexures configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform to a first static member of the camera that is configured to be static relative to the sensor shift platform; and 
 a second set of one or more flexures configured to mechanically connect a coil holder to a second static member of the camera that is configured to be static relative to the sensor shift platform, wherein the coil holder is configured to support one or more coils of the plurality of coils; 
 wherein the VCM actuator is configured to:
 move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis; and 
 move the image sensor or the lens along the optical axis. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first set of one or more flexures is configured to provide compliance for movement in the plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis and along the optical axis; 
 the second set of one or more flexures is configured to:
 support the coil holder; 
 provide compliance for movement in the plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis and along the optical axis; and 
 provide stiffness to counteract tilt relative to the optical axis. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the plurality of coils include:
 a first optical image stabilization (OIS) coil proximate a top side of the magnet, wherein the first OIS coil is held by the coil holder; and 
 a second OIS coil proximate a bottom side of the magnet that is opposite the top side, wherein the second OIS coil is held by the coil holder; and 
 
 to move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause at least one of the first OIS coil or the second OIS coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
 
     
     
       4. The camera of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the magnet is a static single pole magnet that is configured to be static relative to the coil holder; 
 the plurality of coils further include an autofocus coil disposed between the magnet and the coil holder; 
 the autofocus coil extends around the lens along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis; and 
 to move the image sensor along the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
 
     
     
       5. The camera of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the magnet is a static dual pole magnet that is configured to be static relative to the coil holder; 
 the plurality of coils further include an autofocus coil disposed between the magnet and the coil holder; 
 the VCM actuator is further configured to tilt the image sensor relative to the optical axis; and 
 to move the image sensor along the optical axis and to tilt the image sensor relative to the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
 
     
     
       6. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the magnet is part of a magnet arrangement that includes:
 a first magnet to a first side of the lens; 
 a second magnet to second side of the lens, wherein the second magnet is opposite the first magnet relative to the lens; 
 a third magnet to a third side of the lens; and 
 a fourth magnet to a fourth side of the lens, wherein the fourth magnet is opposite the third magnet relative to the lens; 
 
 the plurality of coils include:
 a first set of coils proximate the first magnet, wherein the first set of coils includes a first set of OIS coils and a first autofocus coil; 
 a second set of coils proximate the second magnet, wherein the second set of coils includes a second set of OIS coils and a second autofocus coil; 
 a third set of coils proximate the third magnet, wherein the third set of coils includes a third set of OIS coils and a third autofocus coil; and 
 a fourth set of coils proximate the fourth magnet, wherein the fourth set of coils includes a fourth set of OIS coils and a fourth autofocus coil. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the coil holder is further configured to hold the lens; 
 the plurality of coils include:
 an autofocus coil held by the coil holder; and 
 an OIS coil on the sensor shift platform; 
 
 the VCM actuator is further configured to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis; 
 to move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause the OIS coil to magnetically interact with the magnet; and 
 to move the lens along the optical axis and to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
 
     
     
       8. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first set of one or more flexures is part of a sensor shift arrangement of the VCM actuator and is configured to provide compliance for movement of the image sensor in the plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis; 
 the sensor shift arrangement further includes:
 the sensor shift platform; and 
 an OIS coil on the sensor shift platform; 
 
 the second set of one or more flexures is part of a lens shift arrangement of the VCM actuator and is configured to provide compliance for movement of the lens along the optical axis and for tilt of the lens relative to the optical axis; and 
 the lens shift arrangement further includes:
 the coil holder, wherein the coil holder is further configured to hold the lens; 
 an autofocus coil held by the coil holder; and 
 a third set of one or more flexures configured to mechanically connect the coil holder to at least one of the first static member or the second static member. 
 
 
     
     
       9. A voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, comprising:
 a magnet; 
 a plurality of coils; 
 a dynamic platform configured to be coupled to an image sensor of a camera such that the image sensor moves together with the dynamic platform; 
 a first static member configured to be static relative to the dynamic platform; 
 a second static member configured to be static relative to the dynamic platform; 
 a bottom flexure configured to mechanically connect the dynamic platform to the first static member; and 
 a top flexure configured to mechanically connect a coil holder of the camera to the second static member, wherein the coil holder is configured to support one or more coils of the plurality of coils. 
 
     
     
       10. The VCM actuator of  claim 9 , wherein the magnet and the plurality of coils are configured to magnetically interact to:
 move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to an optical axis defined by a lens of the camera; and 
 move at least one of the image sensor or the lens along the optical axis. 
 
     
     
       11. The VCM actuator of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the bottom flexure extends, along a first plane that is orthogonal to an optical axis defined by a lens of the camera, from the dynamic platform to the first static member; 
 the top flexure extends, along a second plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis, from the coil holder to the second static member; 
 the first plane is closer to the image sensor than the second plane. 
 
     
     
       12. The VCM actuator of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the top flexure is configured to mechanically connect the coil holder to the second static member; 
 the plurality of coils include:
 a first optical image stabilization (OIS) coil proximate a top side of the magnet, wherein the first OIS coil is held by the coil holder; and 
 a second OIS coil disposed proximate a bottom side of the magnet that is opposite the top side, wherein the second OIS coil is held by the coil holder; 
 
 to move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to an optical axis defined by a lens of the camera, the VCM actuator is configured to cause at least one of the first OIS coil or the second OIS coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
 
     
     
       13. The VCM actuator of  claim 12 , wherein:
 each of the first OIS coil and the second OIS coil is a flat race track coil that is etched on the coil holder. 
 
     
     
       14. The VCM actuator of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the magnet is a single pole magnet that is configured to be static relative to the coil holder; 
 the plurality of coils further include an autofocus coil disposed between the magnet and the coil holder; 
 the autofocus coil extends around the lens along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis; and 
 to move the image sensor along the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
 
     
     
       15. The VCM actuator of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the magnet is a static dual pole magnet that is configured to be static relative to the coil holder; 
 the plurality of coils further include an autofocus coil held, by the coil holder, proximate a side of the magnet that is adjacent the top side and the bottom side of the magnet; 
 the VCM actuator is further configured to tilt the image sensor relative to the optical axis; and 
 to move the image sensor along the optical axis and to tilt the image sensor relative to the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
 
     
     
       16. The VCM actuator of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the coil holder is further configured to hold a lens of the camera; 
 the magnet is a single pole magnet; 
 the plurality of coils include:
 an autofocus coil held by the coil holder; and 
 an OIS coil, wherein the OIS coil is a flat race track coil that is etched on the dynamic platform; 
 
 the VCM actuator is further configured to tilt the lens relative to an optical axis defined by the lens; 
 to move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause the OIS coil to magnetically interact with the magnet; and 
 to move the lens along the optical axis and to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis, the VCM actuator is configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
 
     
     
       17. A mobile multifunction device, comprising:
 a camera module, including:
 a lens that defines an optical axis; 
 an image sensor configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into image signals; 
 a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, including:
 a sensor shift platform configured to be coupled to the image sensor such that the image sensor moves together with the sensor shift platform; 
 a bottom flexure configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform to a first static member of the camera that is configured to be static relative to the sensor shift platform; 
 a top flexure configured to mechanically connect a coil holder to a second static member of the camera that is configured to be static relative to the sensor shift platform, wherein the coil holder is configured to support one or more actuator coils; 
 
 
 a display; and 
 one or more processors configured to:
 cause the VCM actuator to move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis; 
 cause the VCM actuator to move the image sensor or the lens along the optical axis; and 
 cause the display to present an image based at least in part on one or more of the image signals from the image sensor. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The mobile multifunction device of  claim 17 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to:
 cause the VCM actuator to tilt the image sensor or the lens relative to the optical axis. 
 
     
     
       19. The mobile multifunction device of  claim 17 , wherein the bottom flexure includes one or more electrical traces configured to convey the image signals from the sensor shift platform to the first static member. 
     
     
       20. The mobile multifunction device of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a flex circuit board; 
 wherein:
 the first static member is in electrical contact with the flex circuit board such that the first static member conveys the image signals to the flex circuit board; and 
 the one or more processors are configured to receive the image signals at least partly via the flex circuit board.

Description:
This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/478,487, filed Mar. 29, 2017, titled “Camera Actuator for Lens and Sensor Shifting”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to a camera actuator and more specifically to a voice coil motor (VCM) camera actuator for shifting a lens and/or an image sensor along multiple axes. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones and tablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, small form factor cameras for integration in the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby the object focal distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis (referred to as the Z axis) of the camera to refocus the camera. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Some embodiments include a camera. The camera may include a lens, an image sensor, and a VCM actuator. In various embodiments, the VCM actuator may include a magnet, coils, a sensor shift platform, a first set of one or more flexures, and a second set of one or more flexures. The sensor shift platform may be coupled to the image sensor such that the image sensor moves together with the sensor shift platform. 
     In some embodiments, the first set of flexures may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform to a first static member of the camera. For instance, the first static member may be configured to be static relative to the sensor shift platform. The second set of flexures may be configured to mechanically connect a coil holder to a second static member of the camera. For instance, the second static member may be configured to be static relative to the sensor shift platform. The coil holder may be configured to support one or more of the coils. In some cases, the coil holder may be further configured to hold the lens. That is, the coil holder may also be considered a lens holder in some embodiments. 
     In various embodiments, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis, e.g., to provide OIS functionality to the camera. Additionally, or alternatively, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor and/or the lens along the optical axis, e.g., to provide autofocus functionality to the camera. Additionally, or alternatively, the VCM actuator may be configured to tilt the image sensor and/or the lens relative to the optical axis. 
     Some embodiments include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. The VCM actuator may include a magnet, coils, a dynamic platform, a first static member, a second static member, a bottom flexure, and a top flexure. The dynamic platform may be configured to be coupled to an image sensor of a camera such that the image sensor moves together with the dynamic platform. Each of the first static member and the second static member may be configured to be static, e.g., relative to the dynamic platform. In various embodiments, the magnet and the coils may be configured to magnetically interact to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera, e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. Additionally, or alternatively, the magnet and the coils may be configured to magnetically interact to move the image sensor and/or the lens along the optical axis, e.g., to provide autofocus functionality. Additionally, or alternatively, the magnet and the coils may be configured to magnetically interact to tilt the image sensor and/or the lens relative to the optical axis. 
     In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a mobile multifunction device) may include one or more camera modules, a display, and/or one or more processors. For instance, a camera module may include a lens that defines an optical axis, an image sensor, and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. The image sensor may be configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into image signals. 
     In various examples, the VCM actuator may include a sensor shift platform, a bottom flexure, and a top flexure. The sensor shift platform may be configured to be coupled to the image sensor such that the image sensor moves together with the sensor shift platform. The bottom flexure may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform to a first static member of the camera. The first static member may be configured to be static, e.g., relative to the sensor shift platform. The top flexure may be configured to mechanically connect a coil holder to a second static member of the camera. The second static member may be configured to be static, e.g., relative to the sensor shift platform. The coil holder may be configured to support one or more actuator coils. In some cases, the coil holder may be further configured to hold the lens. 
     In some embodiments, the processors may be configured to cause the VCM actuator to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the processors may be configured to cause the VCM actuator to move the image sensor and/or the lens along the optical axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the processors may be configured to cause the VCM actuator to tilt the image sensor and/or the lens relative to the optical axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example camera module that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for shifting a lens and/or an image sensor along multiple axes, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 1  includes a perspective view of an example exterior of the camera module and a block diagram of example camera module components. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example camera module that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for shifting an image sensor along multiple axes, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a top view of an example magnet and coil arrangement of the VCM actuator in the camera module of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  each illustrate a respective cross-sectional view of another example camera module that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for shifting an image sensor along multiple axis, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a top view of an example magnet and coil arrangement of the VCM actuator in the camera module of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  each illustrate a respective cross-sectional view of an example camera module that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for shifting a lens and an image sensor along multiple axis, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a top view of an example magnet and coil arrangement of the VCM actuator in the camera module of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an example method of conveying signals (e.g., image signals) from a sensor shift platform of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to a flex circuit board, where the signals are conveyed in part via one or more flexures that include electrical traces, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an example method of conveying current to one or more coils (e.g., autofocus and/or optical image stabilization coils) of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, where the current is conveyed in part via one or more flexures that include electrical traces, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an example method of conveying current to one or more autofocus coils of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, where the current is conveyed in part via one or more flexures that include electrical traces, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an example method of conveying current to one or more optical image stabilization (OIS) coils of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, where the current is conveyed in part via one or more flexures that include electrical traces, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a block diagram of a portable multifunction device with a camera, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a portable multifunction device having a camera, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example computer system that may include a camera, 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, sixth paragraph, 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. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments include camera equipment outfitted with controls, magnets, and voice coil motors to improve the effectiveness of a miniature actuation mechanism for a compact camera module. More specifically, in some embodiments, compact camera modules include actuators to deliver functions such as autofocus (AF), optical image stabilization (OIS), and/or tilt. One approach to delivering a very compact actuator for OIS is to use a voice coil motor (VCM) arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, a camera may include a lens, an image sensor, and a VCM actuator. The lens may define an optical axis. The image sensor may be configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into image signals. In various embodiments, the VCM actuator may include a magnet, coils, a sensor shift platform, a first set of one or more flexures, and a second set of one or more flexures. The sensor shift platform may be coupled to the image sensor such that the image sensor moves together with the sensor shift platform. 
     In some embodiments, the first set of flexures may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform to a first static member of the camera. For instance, the first static member may be configured to be static relative to the sensor shift platform. The second set of flexures may be configured to mechanically connect a coil holder to a second static member of the camera. For instance, the second static member may be configured to be static relative to the sensor shift platform. The coil holder may be configured to support one or more of the coils. In some cases, the coil holder may be further configured to hold the lens. 
     In various embodiments, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis, e.g., to provide OIS functionality to the camera. Additionally, or alternatively, the VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor and/or the lens along the optical axis, e.g., to provide autofocus functionality to the camera. Additionally, or alternatively, the VCM actuator may be configured to tilt the image sensor and/or the lens relative to the optical axis. 
     In some embodiments, the first set of flexures may be configured to provide compliance for movement (e.g., of the image sensor) in directions orthogonal to the optical axis and along the optical axis. The second set of flexures may be configured to provide compliance for movement (e.g., of the image sensor and/or the lens) in directions orthogonal to the optical axis and along the optical axis. In some cases, the second set of flexures may also be configured to support the coil holder and to provide stiffness to counteract tilt (e.g., of the image sensor and/or the lens) relative to the optical axis. 
     In some examples, the coils may include a first OIS coil and a second OIS coil. The first OIS coil may be held, by the coil holder, proximate a first side (e.g., a top side) of the magnet. The second OIS coil may be held, by the coil holder, proximate a second side (e.g., a bottom side) of the magnet that is opposite the first side. To move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the first OIS coil and/or the second OIS coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
     According to some embodiments, the magnet may be a single pole magnet. Furthermore, the magnet may be configured to be static, e.g., relative to the coil holder. In some cases, the coils may include an autofocus coil disposed between the magnet and the coil holder. The autofocus coil may extend around the lens, e.g., along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. To move the image sensor along the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the magnet may be a dual pole magnet. Furthermore, the magnet may be configured to be static, e.g., relative to the coil holder. In some cases, the coils may further include an autofocus coil disposed between the magnet and the coil holder. To move the image sensor along the optical axis and/or to tile the image sensor relative to the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
     By using stationary magnets, reliability and power efficiency may be improved compared to VCM actuators that use moving magnets, as magnets tend to be among the heaviest objects in VCM actuators. Furthermore, embodiments described herein that include stationary magnets may be used in multi-aperture systems (e.g., side-by-side cameras) as two such VCM actuators being located next to each other will have minimal interaction due the magnets being stationary. 
     In some cases, the magnet may be part of a magnet arrangement that includes a first magnet, a second magnet, a third magnet, and a fourth magnet. The first magnet may be located to a first side of the lens. The second magnet maybe located to a second side of the lens and opposite the first magnet relative to the lens. The third magnet may be located to a third side of the lens. The fourth magnet may be located to a fourth side of the lens and opposite the third magnet relative to the lens. In some examples, a first axis may traverse the first magnet, the lens, and the second magnet. A second axis may traverse the third magnet, the lens, and the fourth magnet. The second axis may be orthogonal to the first axis. In some embodiments, the coils may include a first set of coils proximate the first magnet, a second set of coils proximate the second magnet, a third set of coils proximate the third magnet, and a fourth set of coils proximate the fourth magnet. Each set of coils may include a respective set of OIS coils and a respective autofocus coil. 
     In various embodiments, the coils may include an autofocus coil and an OIS coil. The autofocus coil may be held by the coil holder. The OIS coil may be located on the sensor shift platform. For instance, the OIS coil may be a flat race track coil that is etched on the sensor shift platform. The VCM actuator may be configured to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, move the lens along the optical axis, and/or tilt the lens relative to the optical axis. To move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the OIS coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. To move the lens along the optical axis and/or to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
     According to some examples, the first set of flexures may be a part of a sensor shift arrangement of the VCM actuator. For instance, the sensor shift arrangement may be configured to provide compliance for movement of the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some cases, the sensor shift arrangement may further include the sensor shift platform, an OIS coil on the sensor shift platform, and/or the image sensor. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second set of flexures may be configured to mechanically connect the coil holder to the second static member. The second set of flexures may be part of a lens shift arrangement of the VCM actuator. For instance, the lens shift arrangement may be configured to provide compliance for movement of the lens along the optical axis and/or for tilt of the lens relative to the optical axis. In some cases, the lens shift arrangement may further include the lens, the coil holder (which may be further configured to hold the lens), an autofocus coil held by the coil holder, and/or a third set of one or more flexures configured to mechanically connect the coil holder to the first static member, the second static member, and/or a third static member. 
     In some embodiments, a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator may include a magnet, coils, a dynamic platform, a first static member, a second static member, a bottom flexure, and a top flexure. The dynamic platform may be configured to be coupled to an image sensor of a camera such that the image sensor moves together with the dynamic platform. Each of the first static member and the second static member may be configured to be static, e.g., relative to the dynamic platform. In various embodiments, the magnet and the coils may be configured to magnetically interact to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera, e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. Additionally, or alternatively, the magnet and the coils may be configured to magnetically interact to move the image sensor and/or the lens along the optical axis, e.g., to provide autofocus functionality. Additionally, or alternatively, the magnet and the coils may be configured to magnetically interact to tilt the image sensor and/or the lens relative to the optical axis. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom flexure may be configured to mechanically connect the dynamic platform to the first static member. The top flexure may be configured to mechanically connect a coil holder of the camera to the second static member. The coil holder may be configured to support one or more of the coils. In some cases, the coil holder may be further configured to hold a lens of the camera that defines the optical axis. 
     In some examples, the bottom flexure may extend, along a first plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis, from the dynamic platform to the first static member. Furthermore, the second flexure may extend, along a second plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis, from the coil holder to the second static member. In some cases, the first plane may be closer to the image sensor than the second plane. That is, a first distance between the first plane and the image sensor may be less than a second distance between the second plane and the image sensor. Additionally, or alternatively, the first plane may be closer to the image sensor than to the second plane. That is, the first distance between the first plane and the image sensor may be less than a third distance between the first plane and the second plane. 
     In some cases, the top flexure may be configured to mechanically connect the coil holder to the second static member. Furthermore, the coils may include a first OIS coil and a second OIS coil. The first OIS coil may be held, by the coil holder, proximate a first side (e.g., a top side) of the magnet. The second OIS coil may be held, by the coil holder, proximate a second side (e.g., a bottom side) of the magnet that is opposite the first side. In some examples, each of the first OIS coil and the second OIS coil may be a flat race track coil that is etched on the coil holder. To move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the first OIS coil and/or the second OIS coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the magnet may be a single pole magnet that is configured to be static relative to the coil holder. Furthermore, the coils may include an autofocus coil disposed between the magnet and the coil holder. The autofocus coil may extend around the lens along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. To move the image sensor along the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the magnet may be a dual pole magnet that is configured to be static relative to the coil holder. Furthermore, the coils may include an autofocus coil held, by the coil holder, proximate a third side of the magnet that is adjacent to the first and second sides of the magnet. To move the image sensor along the optical axis and/or to tilt the image sensor relative to the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
     According to some embodiments, the magnet may be a single pole magnet. Furthermore, the coils may include an autofocus coil and an OIS coil. The autofocus coil may be held by the coil holder. The OIS coil may be a flat race track coil that is etched on the dynamic platform. To move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the OIS coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. To move the lens along the optical axis and/or to tilt the lens relative to the optical axis, the VCM actuator may be configured to cause the autofocus coil to magnetically interact with the magnet. 
     In some embodiments, a device (e.g., a mobile multifunction device) may include one or more camera modules, a display, and/or one or more processors. For instance, a camera module may include a lens that defines an optical axis, an image sensor, and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. The image sensor may be configured to capture light passing through the lens and convert the captured light into image signals. 
     In various examples, the VCM actuator may include a sensor shift platform, a bottom flexure, and a top flexure. The sensor shift platform may be configured to be coupled to the image sensor such that the image sensor moves together with the sensor shift platform. The bottom flexure may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform to a first static member of the camera. The first static member may be configured to be static, e.g., relative to the sensor shift platform. The top flexure may be configured to mechanically connect a coil holder to a second static member of the camera. The second static member may be configured to be static, e.g., relative to the sensor shift platform. The coil holder may be configured to support one or more actuator coils. In some cases, the coil holder may be further configured to hold the lens. 
     In some embodiments, the processors may be configured to cause the VCM actuator to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the processors may be configured to cause the VCM actuator to move the image sensor and/or the lens along the optical axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the processors may be configured to cause the VCM actuator to tilt the image sensor and/or the lens relative to the optical axis. 
     In some cases, the processors may be configured to cause the display to present an image based at least in part on one or more of the image signals from the image sensor. For instance, the image sensor may be in electrical contact with the sensor shift platform. The bottom flexure may include one or more electrical traces configured to convey the image signals from the sensor shift platform to the first static member. Furthermore, the first static member may be in electrical contact with a flex circuit board of the device such that the first static member conveys the image signals to the flex circuit board. The processors may be configured to receive the image signals at least partly via the flex circuit board. 
     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. 
     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. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example camera module  100  that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for shifting a lens and/or an image sensor along multiple axes, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 1  includes a perspective view of an example exterior  102  of the camera module  100  and a block diagram of example camera module components  104  of the camera module  100 . In some embodiments, the camera module  100  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 2A-11 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera module components  104  may include a lens  106 , an image sensor  108 , and a VCM actuator  110 . The lens  106  may define an optical axis  112 . The image sensor  108  may be configured to capture light passing through the lens  106  and convert the captured light into image signals. In various embodiments, the VCM actuator  110  may include magnets  114 , coils  116 , one or more coil holding components  118 , one or more bottom flexures  120 , and one or more top flexures  122 . 
     The magnets  114  and the coils  116  may be configured to magnetically interact, e.g., to produce Lorentz forces that cause one or more of the coil holding components  118  to shift along multiple axes. For instance, the coil holding component(s) may move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  112  (e.g., along the x-y plane). Additionally, or alternatively, the coil holding component(s)  118  may move along the optical axis (e.g., along the z axis). Additionally, or alternatively, the coil holding component(s)  118  may tilt relative to the optical axis (e.g., along the x- and y-axes). In various examples, the lens  106  and/or the image sensor  108  may be configured to shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, one or more of the coil holding components. 
     The coils  116  may include autofocus (AF) coils  124  and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) coils  126 . In some cases, the autofocus coils  124  and the optical image stabilization coils  126  may be held by a same coil holding component  118 . In other cases, the autofocus coils  124  and the optical image stabilization coils  128  may be held by different coil holding components  118 . 
     In some embodiments, the coil holding components  118  may include a coil holder  128  that is configured to hold at least one AF coil  124  and at least one OIS coil  126 . The coil holder  128  may be coupled to the sensor shift platform  130  such that the sensor shift platform  130  shifts together with the coil holder  130 . Furthermore, the sensor shift platform  130  may be coupled to the image sensor  108  such that the image sensor  108  shifts together with the sensor shift platform  130 . In some cases, the coil holder  128  may also be configured to hold the lens  106  and may thus be referred to herein as a “lens holder” (e.g., lens holder  136 ). 
     The bottom flexures  120  may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform  130  to a static member  132  (e.g., a base). The bottom flexures  120  may also be configured to provide compliance for movement of the sensor shift platform  130 . Furthermore, the bottom flexures  120  may be configured to support, at least in part, the sensor shift platform  130 . 
     The top flexures  122  may be configured to mechanically connect the coil holder  128  to another static member  134  (e.g., a case that at least partially encompasses an interior of the camera module  100 ). The top flexures  122  may also be configured to provide compliance for movement of the coil holder  128 . Furthermore, the top flexures  122  may be configured to support the coil holder  128  and/or to provide stiffness to counteract tilt of the coil holder  128  relative to the optical axis. 
     The AF coil(s)  124  and the OIS coil(s)  126  may receive a current and magnetically interact with the magnet(s)  114  to produce forces that cause the coil holder  128  to shift. For instance, interaction between the AF coil(s)  124  and the magnet(s)  114  may produce forces that cause the coil holder  128  to move along the optical axis  112  and/or to tilt relative to the optical axis  112 . Interaction between the OIS coil(s)  116  and the magnet(s)  114  may produce forces that cause the coil holder  128  to move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  112 . In some embodiments, the sensor shift platform  130  may be suspended from, or otherwise coupled to, the coil holder  128 . Accordingly, the sensor shift platform  130  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the coil holder  128 . Furthermore, the image sensor  108  may be suspended from, or otherwise coupled to, the sensor shift platform  130 . Accordingly, the image sensor  108  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the sensor shift platform  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the coil holding components  118  may include the sensor shift platform  130  and a lens holder  136  (also referred to herein as a “coil holder”). For instance, the sensor shift platform  130  may be configured to hold at least one OIS coil  126 , and the lens holder  136  may be configured to hold at least one autofocus coil  124 . The sensor shift platform  130  may be coupled to the image sensor  108  such that the image sensor  108  shifts together with the sensor shift platform  130 . Furthermore, the lens holder  136  may be coupled to the lens  106  such that the lens  106  shifts together with the lens holder  136 . 
     The bottom flexures  120  may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform  130  to the static member  132 . The bottom flexures  120  may also be configured to provide compliance for movement of the sensor shift platform  130 . Furthermore, the bottom flexures  120  may be configured to support, at least in part, the sensor shift platform  130 . For example, the sensor shift platform  130  may be suspended from the bottom flexures  120 . 
     The top flexures  122  may be configured to mechanically connect the lens holder  136  to the static member  134 . The top flexures  122  may also be configured to provide compliance for movement of the lens holder  136 . Furthermore, the top flexures  122  may be configured to support, at least in part, the lens holder  136 . For example, the lens holder  136  may be suspended from the top flexures  122 . As will be discussed in further detail below with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , one or more additional flexures may be used to mechanically connect the lens holder  136  and/or the sensor shift platform  130  to a static member. 
     The AF coil(s)  124  may receive a current and magnetically interact with the magnet(s)  114  to produce forces that cause the lens holder  136  to shift. For instance, interaction between the AF coil(s)  124  and the magnet(s)  114  may produce forces that cause the lens holder  136  to move along the optical axis  112  and/or to tilt relative to the optical axis  112 . The lens  106  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the lens holder  136 . 
     Furthermore, the OIS coil(s)  126  may receive a current and magnetically interact with the magnet(s)  114  to produce forces that cause the sensor shift platform  130  to shift. For instance, interaction between the OIS coil(s)  126  and the magnet(s)  114  may produce forces that cause the sensor shift platform  130  to move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  112 . The image sensor  108  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the sensor shift platform  130 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example camera module  200   a  that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for shifting an image sensor along multiple axes, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the camera module  200  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2B-11 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera module  200   a  may include a lens  202 , an image sensor  204 , and a VCM actuator module  206 . The lens  202  may define an optical axis  208 . In some examples, the lens  202  may be a fixed lens. The image sensor  204  may be configured to capture light passing through the lens  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 module  200   a . For instance, the camera module  200   a  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  202 . As discussed in further detail below, the VCM actuator module(s)  206  may be configured to shift the image sensor  204  along three axes in some embodiments. For instance, the VCM actuator module(s)  206  may shift the image sensor  204  along the optical axis  208  (e.g., to provide autofocus (AF) functionality) and/or in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  208  (e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality). 
     In various embodiments, the VCM actuator module  206  may include a stationary single pole magnet  210 , a top OIS coil  212 , a bottom OIS coil  214 , and an AF coil  216 . Furthermore, the VCM actuator module  206  may include a coil holder  218 , a sensor shift platform  220 , a top flexure  222 , and a bottom flexure  224 . 
     In some embodiments, the coil holder  218  may hold, or otherwise support, the top OIS coil  212 , the bottom OIS coil  214 , and the AF coil  216 . The coil holder  218  may be coupled to the sensor shift platform  220  such that the sensor shift platform  220  shifts together with the coil holder  218 . Furthermore, the sensor shift platform  220  may be coupled to the image sensor  204  such that the image sensor  204  shifts together with the sensor shift platform  220 . 
     The bottom flexure  224  may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform  220  to a base  226  of the VCM actuator module(s)  206  and/or of the camera module  200   a . The bottom flexure  224  may also be configured to provide compliance for movement of the sensor shift platform  220  along the optical axis  208  and in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  208 . Furthermore, the bottom flexure  224  may be configured to support, at least in part, the sensor shift platform  220 . In some cases, the sensor shift platform  220  may be suspended from the bottom flexure  224  and the coil holder  218 . The base  226  may be a static member that is static relative to one or more moving components (e.g., the sensor shift platform  220 ). In other embodiments, the bottom flexure  224  may additionally, or alternatively, be connected to a different static member. 
     The top flexure  222  may be configured to mechanically connect the coil holder  218  to a case  228  of the VCM actuator module(s) and/or of the camera module  200   a . The top flexure  222  may also be configured to provide compliance for movement of the coil holder  218  along the optical axis  208  and in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  208 . Furthermore, the top flexure  222  may be configured to support the coil holder  218  and/or to provide stiffness to counteract tilt of the coil holder  218  relative to the optical axis  208 . The case  228  may encompass, at least in part, an interior of the camera module  200   a . The case  228  may be a static member that is static relative to one or more moving components (e.g., the sensor shift platform  220 ). In other embodiments, the top flexure  222  may additionally, or alternatively, be connected to a different static member. 
     In some embodiments, the stationary single pole magnet  210  may be fixed to a static member (e.g., the case  228 ). The coil holder  218  may be configured to at least partially encompass an outer perimeter of the single pole magnet  210 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the top OIS coil  212  may be held, by the coil holder  218 , proximate a top side of the single pole magnet  210 . Furthermore, the bottom OIS coil  214  may be held, by the coil holder  218 , proximate a bottom side of the single pole magnet  210 . In some examples, each of the top OIS coil  212  and the bottom OIS coil  214  may be a flat race track coil that is etched on the coil holder  218 . In some embodiments, the top OIS coil  212  and the bottom OIS coil  214  are formed using a semi-additive manufacturing process in which conductors are grown on metal substrates. The metal substrates may be formed into different shapes based on the particular design of the VCM actuator module  206 . In some instances, current flow through the top OIS coil  212  may be in a direction that is opposite the current flow through the bottom OIS coil  214 . Furthermore, each of the top OIS coil  212  and the bottom OIS coil  214  may be oriented such that current flows through the respective coil  212 ,  214  along a respective plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator module  206  may include one of the top OIS coil  212  or the bottom OIS coil  214  instead of including both. By including both, however, as one moves away from the single pole magnet  210  (e.g., due to magnetic interaction between the AF coil  216  and the single pole magnet  210 ), the other moves closer to the single pole magnet  210 . That is, at least one of the top OIS coil  212  or the bottom OIS coil  214  will be capable of effectively interacting with the single pole magnet  210  at all times. 
     The AF coil  216  may be held by the coil holder  218  such that the AF coil  216  is disposed between the single pole magnet  210  and the coil holder  218 . In various embodiments, the AF coil  216  may extend around the lens  202 , e.g., along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis  208 . 
     Interaction between the AF coil  216  and the single pole magnet  210  may produce forces that cause the coil holder  218  to move along the optical axis  208 . Interaction between the single pole magnet  210  and the top OIS coil  212  and/or the bottom OIS coil  214  may produce forces that cause the coil holder  218  to move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  208 . The sensor shift platform  220  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the coil holder  218 . Furthermore, the image sensor  204  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the sensor shift platform  220 . 
     In various embodiments, electrical contacts/connections may allow for image signals to be conveyed from the image sensor  204  to a flex circuit board  230 . For instance, the image sensor  204  may be in electrical contact with the sensor shift platform  220  via one or more contacts  232 , and thus the image signals may be conveyed from the image sensor  204  to the sensor shift platform  220 . The image signals may be conveyed from the sensor shift platform  220  to the base  226  via bottom flexure  224 . For instance, the bottom flexure  224  may include electrical traces  234  that allow for the image signals to be conveyed from the sensor shift platform  220  to the base  226 . The base  226  may be in electrical contact with the flex circuit board  230  via one or more contacts  236 , and thus the image signals may be conveyed from the base  226  to the flex circuit board  230 . 
     According to various examples, electrical contacts/connections may allow for current to be conveyed from the flex circuit board  230  to the coil holder  218  to drive one or more of the coils  212 ,  214 ,  216 . For instance, the flex circuit board  230  may convey the current to the base  226  via the contact(s)  236 . The current may be conveyed from the base  226  to the image sensor platform  220  via the electrical traces  234  of the bottom flexure  224 . The image sensor platform  220  may be in electrical contact with the coil holder  218  via one or more contacts  238 , and thus the current may be conveyed from the image sensor platform  220  to the coil holder  218 . The coil holder  218  may convey the current to one or more of the coils  212 ,  214 ,  216 . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator module  206  and/or the camera module  200   a  may include a position sensor  240  (e.g., a Hall sensor) for position detection based on movement of the bottom OIS coil  214  and/or the top OIS coil  212  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  208 . For example, the position sensor  240  may be located on the base  226  or otherwise proximate the bottom OIS coil  214  and/or the top OIS coil  212 . 
     Although the coil holder  218  and the sensor shift platform  220  are shown in  FIG. 2A  as two separate pieces, it is understood that the coil holder  218  and the sensor shift platform  220  may be a single piece in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a top view of an example magnet and coil arrangement  200   b  of the VCM actuator in the camera module  200   a  of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the magnet and coil arrangement  200   b  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2A, and 3A-11 . 
     The magnet arrangement may include a first single pole magnet  210 , a second single pole magnet  242 , a third single pole magnet  244 , and a fourth single pole magnet  246 . In some embodiments, each of the magnets may be stationary magnets. For instance, each of the magnets may be fixed to the case  228 . The polarities of the magnets are indicated in  FIG. 2B  by the solid arrows. As shown, each of the polarities may point inwards. In other embodiments, each of the polarities may point outwards. 
     The coil arrangement may include the autofocus coil  216 , a first bottom OIS coil  214  below the first single pole magnet  210 , a second bottom OIS coil  248  below the second single pole magnet  242 , a third bottom OIS coil  250  below the third single pole magnet  244 , and a fourth bottom OIS coil  252  below the fourth single pole magnet  246 . Although not shown in  FIG. 2B , the coil arrangement may include a set of top OIS coils that are arranged like the bottom OIS coils, but that are instead located above a respective one of the single pole magnets. The direction of current flow of the coils are indicated in  FIG. 2B  by the dashed arrows. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  each illustrate a respective cross-sectional view of another example camera module  300  that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for shifting an image sensor along multiple axis, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the camera module  300  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2B and 3C-11 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera module  300  may include several of the same structural elements as the camera module  200   a  described above with reference to  FIG. 2A . However, as discussed in further detail below, the coil holder  304  of the VCM actuator module  302  of the camera module  300  may have a different coil arrangement than that of the VCM actuator module  206  in the camera module  200   a . Furthermore, the VCM actuator module  302  may include a dual pole magnet  306  instead of the single pole magnet  210  of the VCM actuator module  206  in the camera module  200   a . In some cases, the VCM actuator module  302  may be one of multiple VCM actuator modules of the camera module  300 . For instance, the camera module  300  may include four such VCM actuator modules  302 , such as two pairs of VCM actuator modules  302  that oppose one another relative to the lens  202 . The VCM actuator module(s)  302  may be configured to shift the image sensor  204  along five axes in some embodiments. For instance, the VCM actuator module(s)  302  may move the image sensor  204  along the optical axis  208  (e.g., to provide autofocus (AF) functionality), move the image sensor  204  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  208  (e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality), and/or tilt the image sensor  204  relative to the optical axis  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the dual pole magnet  306  may be fixed to a static member (e.g., the case  228 ). The coil holder  304  may be configured to at least partially encompass an outer perimeter of the dual pole magnet  306 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the top OIS coil  308  may be held, by the coil holder  304 , proximate a top side of the dual pole magnet  306 . Furthermore, the bottom OIS coil  310  may be held, by the coil holder  304 , proximate a bottom side of the dual pole magnet  306 . 
     The coil holder  304  may be configured to hold the AF coil  312  proximate a side of the dual pole magnet  306  that is adjacent to the top side and the bottom side of the dual pole magnet  306 . Instead of having a single AF coil that extends around the lens and that is shared by multiple VCM actuator modules, such as the AF coil  216  described above with reference to  FIG. 2A , each VCM actuator module  302  in the camera module  300  may include a separate AF coil  312 . 
     Interaction between the AF coil  312  and the dual pole magnet  306  may produce forces that cause the coil holder  304  to move along the optical axis  208 . Because each VCM actuator  302  in the camera module  300  may include a separate AF coil  312 , interaction between the AF coil  312  and the dual pole magnet  306  may also produce forces that cause the coil holder  304  to tilt relative to the optical axis  208 , as indicated by M theta,x  in  FIG. 3B . Furthermore, interaction between the dual pole magnet  306  and the top OIS coil  308  and/or the bottom OIS coil  310  may produce forces that cause the coil holder  304  to move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  208 . The sensor shift platform  220  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the coil holder  304 . Furthermore, the image sensor  204  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the sensor shift platform  220 . 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a top view of an example magnet and coil arrangement  300   c  of the VCM actuator in the camera module  300  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the magnet and coil arrangement  300   c  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-3B and 4A-11 . 
     The magnet arrangement may include a first dual pole magnet  306 , a second dual pole magnet  314 , a third dual pole magnet  316 , and a fourth dual pole magnet  318 . In some embodiments, each of the magnets may be stationary magnets. For instance, each of the magnets may be fixed to the case  228 . The polarities of the magnets are indicated in  FIG. 3C  by the solid arrows. 
     The coil arrangement may include a first bottom OIS coil  310  below the first dual pole magnet  306 , a second bottom OIS coil  320  below the second dual pole magnet  314 , a third bottom OIS coil  322  below the third dual pole magnet  316 , and a fourth bottom OIS coil  324  below the fourth dual pole magnet  318 . Although not shown in  FIG. 3C , the coil arrangement may include a set of top OIS coils that are arranged like the bottom OIS coils, but that are instead located above a respective one of the single pole magnets. Furthermore, the coil arrangement may include a first AF coil  312  proximate a side of the first dual pole magnet  306 , a second AF coil  326  proximate a side of the second dual pole magnet  314 , a third AF coil  328  proximate a side of the third dual pole magnet  316 , and a fourth AF coil  330  proximate a side of the fourth dual pole magnet  318 . The direction of current flow of the coils are indicated in  FIG. 3C  by the dashed arrows. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  each illustrate a respective cross-sectional view of an example camera module  400  that includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator for shifting a lens and an image sensor along multiple axis, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the camera module  400  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-3C and 4C-11 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera module  400  may include a lens  402 , an image sensor  404 , and a VCM actuator module  406 . The lens  402  may define an optical axis  408 . The image sensor  404  may be configured to capture light passing through the lens  402  and convert the captured light into image signals. In some cases, the VCM actuator module  406  may be one of multiple VCM actuator modules of the camera module  400 . For instance, the camera module  400  may include four such VCM actuator modules  406 , such as two pairs of VCM actuator modules  206  that oppose one another relative to the lens  402 . As discussed in further detail below, the VCM actuator module(s)  406  may be configured to move the lens  402  along the optical axis  408  (e.g., to provide autofocus (AF) functionality) and/or tilt the lens  402  relative to the optical axis  408 . Furthermore, the VCM actuator module(s)  406  may be configured to move the image sensor  404  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  408  (e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality). 
     In various embodiments, the VCM actuator module  406  may include a stationary single pole magnet  410 , a lens holder  412 , a sensor shift platform  414 , a top flexure  416 , an intermediate flexure  418 , and a bottom flexure  420 . Furthermore, the VCM actuator module  406  may include an autofocus coil  422  and a bottom OIS coil  424 . 
     In some embodiments, the lens holder  412  may hold, or otherwise support, the AF coil  422  proximate a side of the single pole magnet  410 . The lens holder  412  may be coupled to the lens  402  such that the lens  402  shifts together with the lens holder  412 . 
     In some embodiments, the sensor shift platform  414  may hold, or otherwise support, the bottom OIS coil  424  proximate a bottom side of the single pole magnet  410 . The sensor shift platform  414  may be coupled to the image sensor  404  such that the image sensor  404  shifts together with the sensor shift platform  414 . 
     The bottom flexure  420  may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform  414  to a base  426  of the VCM actuator module(s)  406  and/or of the camera module  400 . The bottom flexure  420  may also be configured to provide compliance for movement of the sensor shift platform  414  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  408 . Furthermore, the bottom flexure  420  may be configured to support, at least in part, the sensor shift platform  414 . In some cases, the sensor shift platform  414  may be suspended from the bottom flexure  420 . The base  426  may be a static member that is static relative to one or more moving components (e.g., the sensor shift platform  414 ). In other embodiments, the bottom flexure  420  may additionally, or alternatively, be connected to a different static member. 
     The intermediate flexure  418  and the top flexure  416  may be configured to mechanically connect the lens holder  412  the base  426  and a case  428 , respectively. For instance, the intermediate flexure  418  may be configured to connect a bottom portion of the lens holder  412  to the base  426 , and the top flexure may be configured to connect a top portion of the lens holder  412  to the case  428 . The intermediate flexure  418  and the top flexure  416  may also be configured to provide compliance for movement of the lens holder  412  along the optical axis  408  and for tilt of the lens holder  412  relative to the optical axis  408 . The case  428  may encompass, at least in part, an interior of the camera module  400 . The case  428  may be a static member that is static relative to one or more moving components (e.g., the lens holder  412 ). In other embodiments, the intermediate flexure  418  and/or the top flexure  416  may additionally, or alternatively, be connected to a different static member. 
     In some embodiments, the stationary single pole magnet  410  may be fixed to a static member (e.g., the case  428 ). In some examples, each of the AF coil  422  and the bottom OIS coil  424  may be a race track coil. In some embodiments, the bottom OIS coil may be a flat race track coil that is etched on the sensor shift platform  414 . 
     As indicated in  FIG. 4B , interaction between the AF coil  422  and the single pole magnet  410  may produce forces that cause the lens holder  412  to move along the optical axis  408  and/or to tilt relative to the optical axis  408 . Interaction between the single pole magnet  410  and the bottom OIS coil  424  may produce forces that cause the sensor shift platform  414  to move in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  408 . The lens  402  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the lens holder  412 . Furthermore, the image sensor  404  may shift together with, and in a similar or same manner as, the sensor shift platform  414 . 
     In various embodiments, electrical contacts/connections may allow for image signals to be conveyed from the image sensor  404  to a flex circuit board  430 . For instance, the image sensor  404  may be in electrical contact with the sensor shift platform  414  via one or more contacts  432 , and thus the image signals may be conveyed from the image sensor  404  to the sensor shift platform  414 . The image signals may be conveyed from the sensor shift platform  414  to the base  426  via the bottom flexure  420 . For instance, the bottom flexure  420  may include electrical traces that allow for the image signals to be conveyed from the sensor shift platform  414  to the base  426 . The base  426  may be in electrical contact with the flex circuit board  430  via one or more contacts  434 , and thus the image signals may be conveyed from the base  426  to the flex circuit board  430 . 
     According to various examples, electrical contacts/connections may allow for current to be conveyed from the flex circuit board  430  to the sensor shift platform  414  to drive the bottom OIS coil  424 . Furthermore, current may be conveyed from the flex circuit board  430  to the lens holder  412  to drive the AF coil  422 . For instance, the flex circuit board  430  may convey the current to the base  426  via the contact(s)  434 . The current may be conveyed from the base  426  to the sensor shift platform  414  via the electrical traces of the bottom flexure  420 . The sensor shift platform  414  may convey the current to the bottom OIS coil  424 . Furthermore, the base  426  may convey the current to the lens holder  412  via the intermediate flexure  418 . For instance, the intermediate flexure  418  may include electrical traces that allow for the current to be conveyed from the base  426  to the lens holder  412 . The lens holder  412  may convey the current to the AF coil  422 . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator module  406  and/or the camera module  400  may include a position sensor  436  (e.g., a Hall sensor) for position detection based on movement of the bottom OIS coil  424  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis  408 . For example, the position sensor  436  may be located on the base  426  or otherwise proximate the bottom OIS coil  424 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a top view of an example magnet and coil arrangement  400   c  of the VCM actuator in the camera module  400  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the magnet and coil arrangement  400   c  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-4B and 5-11 . 
     The magnet arrangement may include a first single pole magnet  410 , a second single pole magnet  438 , a third single pole magnet  440 , and a fourth single pole magnet  442 . In some embodiments, each of the magnets may be stationary magnets. For instance, each of the magnets may be fixed to the case  428 . The polarities of the magnets are indicated in  FIG. 4C  by the solid arrows. 
     The coil arrangement may include a first bottom OIS coil  424  below the first single pole magnet  410 , a second bottom OIS coil  444  below the second single pole magnet  438 , a third bottom OIS coil  446  below the third single pole magnet  440 , and a fourth bottom OIS coil  448  below the fourth single pole magnet  442 . Furthermore, the coil arrangement may include a first AF coil  422  proximate a side of the first single pole magnet  410 , a second AF coil  450  proximate a side of the second single pole magnet  438 , a third AF coil  452  proximate a side of the third single pole magnet  440 , and a fourth AF coil  454  proximate a side of the fourth single pole magnet  442 . The direction of current flow of the coils are indicated in  FIG. 4C  by the dashed arrows. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an example method  500  of conveying signals (e.g., image signals) from a sensor shift platform of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator (e.g., a VCM actuator of a camera module) to a flex circuit board, where the signals are conveyed in part via one or more flexures that include electrical traces, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method  500  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-4C and 6-11 . 
     At  502 , the method  500  may include generating signals. For instance, an image sensor of the camera module may generate image signals. At  504 , the method  500  may include conveying the image signals from the image sensor to the sensor shift platform of the VCM actuator. At  506 , the method  500  may include conveying the image signals from the sensor shift platform to a base of the VCM actuator (e.g., a VCM actuator of a camera module). In some examples, one or more flexures of the VCM actuator may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform to the base. The flexures may include electrical traces that allow the image signals to be conveyed from the sensor shift platform to base via the flexures. At  508 , the method  500  may include conveying the image signals from the base to a flex circuit board. The base may be in electrical contact with the flex circuit board. The flex circuit board may be configured to route the image signals (or other signals) from the camera module to one or more other components in a device and/or system. For instance, the flex circuit board may route signals from the camera module to one or more processors of a device in which the camera module resides. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an example method  600  of conveying current to one or more coils (e.g., autofocus and/or optical image stabilization coils) of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator (e.g., a VCM actuator of a camera module), where the current is conveyed in part via one or more flexures that include electrical traces, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method  500  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11 . 
     At  602 , the method  600  may include providing current for driving one or more coils of the VCM actuator. At  604 , the method  600  may include conveying the current to a base of the VCM actuator. For instance, the current may be conveyed to the base via a flex circuit board. The flex circuit board may be in electrical contact with the base. At  606 , the method  600  may include conveying the current from the base to a coil holder of the VCM actuator. In some examples, one or more flexures of the VCM actuator may be configured to mechanically connect the coil holder to the base. The flexures may include electrical traces that allow the image signals to be conveyed from the base to the coil holder. At  608 , the method  600  may include conveying the current from the coil holder to the coil(s). 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an example method  700  of conveying current to one or more autofocus coils of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator (e.g., a VCM actuator of a camera module), where the current is conveyed in part via one or more flexures that include electrical traces, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method  500  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 and 8-11 . 
     At  702 , the method  700  may include providing current for driving one or more autofocus coils of the VCM actuator. The autofocus coil(s) may be held by a lens holder of the VCM actuator. The lens holder may also hold the lens of the camera module such that the lens moves together with the lens holder. At  704 , the method  700  may include conveying the current to a base of the VCM actuator. For instance, the current may be conveyed to the base via a flex circuit board. The flex circuit board may be in electrical contact with the base. At  706 , the method  700  may include conveying the current from the base to the lens holder. In some examples, one or more flexures of the VCM actuator may be configured to mechanically connect the lens holder to the base. The flexures may include electrical traces that allow the image signals to be conveyed from the base to the lens holder. At  708 , the method  700  may include conveying the current from the lens holder to the AF coil(s). 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an example method  800  of conveying current to one or more optical image stabilization (OIS) coils of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator (e.g., a VCM actuator of a camera module), where the current is conveyed in part via one or more flexures that include electrical traces, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method  800  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 and 9-11 . 
     At  802 , the method  800  may include providing current for driving one or more OIS coils of the VCM actuator. The OIS coil(s) may be held by a sensor shift platform of the VCM actuator. The lens holder may also hold the image sensor of the camera module such that the image sensor moves together with the lens holder. At  804 , the method  800  may include conveying the current to a base of the VCM actuator. For instance, the current may be conveyed to the base via a flex circuit board. The flex circuit board may be in electrical contact with the base. At  806 , the method  800  may include conveying the current from the base to the sensor shift platform. In some examples, one or more flexures of the VCM actuator may be configured to mechanically connect the sensor shift platform to the base. The flexures may include electrical traces that allow the image signals to be conveyed from the base to the sensor shift platform. 
     Multifunction Device Examples 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a block diagram of a portable multifunction device  900 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the portable multifunction device  900  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or implement functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-8, 10, and 11 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  900  is a portable communications device, such as a mobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA, camera, video capture and/or playback, and/or music player functions. Example embodiments of portable multifunction devices include, without limitation, the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Other portable electronic devices, such as laptops, cell phones, smartphones, pad or tablet computers with touch-sensitive surfaces (e.g., touch screen displays and/or touch pads), may also be used. It should also be understood that, in some embodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but is a desktop computer with a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch screen display and/or a touch pad). In some embodiments, the device is a gaming computer with orientation sensors (e.g., orientation sensors in a gaming controller). In other embodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but is a camera and/or video camera. 
     In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that includes a display and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should be understood, however, that the electronic device may include one or more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, a mouse and/or a joystick. 
     The device  900  typically supports a variety of applications, such as one or more of the following: a drawing application, a presentation application, a word processing application, a website creation application, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, a gaming application, a telephone application, a video conferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, a workout support application, a photo management application, a digital camera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsing application, a digital music player application, a streaming video application, and/or a digital video player application. 
     The various applications that may be executed on the device  900  may use at least one common physical user-interface device, such as the touch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitive surface as well as corresponding information displayed on the device may be adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or within a respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture (such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the device may support the variety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive and transparent to the user. 
     Device  900  may include memory  902  (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), memory controller  922 , one or more processing units (CPU&#39;s)  920 , peripherals interface  918 , RF circuitry  908 , audio circuitry  910 , speaker  911 , touch-sensitive display system  912 , microphone  913 , input/output (I/O) subsystem  906 , other input control devices  916 , and external port  924 . Device  900  may include one or more optical sensors or cameras  964  (e.g., one or more embodiments of the cameras described herein). These components may communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines  903 . 
     It should be appreciated that device  900  is only one example of a portable multifunction device, and that device  900  may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in  FIG. 9  may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits. 
     Memory  902  may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory  902  by other components of device  900 , such as CPU  920  and the peripherals interface  918 , may be controlled by memory controller  922 . 
     Peripherals interface  918  can be used to couple input and output peripherals of the device to CPU  920  and memory  902 . The one or more processors  920  run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in memory  902  to perform various functions for device  900  and to process data. 
     In some embodiments, peripherals interface  918 , CPU  920 , and memory controller  922  may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip  904 . In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips. 
     RF (radio frequency) circuitry  908  receives and sends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  908  converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates with communications networks and other communications devices via the electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  908  may include well-known circuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited to an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a coder/decoder (codec) chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RF circuitry  908  may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may use any of a variety of communications standards, protocols and technologies, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document. 
     Audio circuitry  910 , speaker  911 , and microphone  913  provide an audio interface between a user and device  900 . Audio circuitry  910  receives audio data from peripherals interface  918 , converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker  911 . Speaker  911  converts the electrical signal to audible sound waves. Audio circuitry  910  also receives electrical signals converted by microphone  913  from sound waves. Audio circuitry  910  converts the electrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data to peripherals interface  918  for processing. Audio data may be retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory  902  and/or RF circuitry  908  by peripherals interface  918 . In some embodiments, audio circuitry  910  also includes a headset jack. The headset jack provides an interface between audio circuitry  910  and removable audio input/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headset with both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input (e.g., a microphone). 
     I/O subsystem  906  couples input/output peripherals on device  900 , such as touch screen  912  and other input control devices  916 , to peripherals interface  918 . I/O subsystem  906  may include display controller  956  and one or more input controllers  960  for other input control devices  916 . The one or more input controllers  960  receive/send electrical signals from/to other input control devices  916 . The other input control devices  916  may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and so forth. In some alternative embodiments, input controller(s)  960  may be coupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons may include an up/down button for volume control of speaker  911  and/or microphone  913 . The one or more buttons may include a push button. 
     Touch-sensitive display  912  provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and a user. Display controller  956  receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen  912 . Touch screen  912  displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user-interface objects. 
     Touch screen  912  has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact. Touch screen  912  and display controller  956  (along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory  902 ) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen  912  and converts the detected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed on touch screen  912 . In an example embodiment, a point of contact between touch screen  912  and the user corresponds to a finger of the user. 
     Touch screen  912  may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emitting diode) technology, although other display technologies may be used in other embodiments. Touch screen  912  and display controller  956  may detect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of a variety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with touch screen  912 . In an example embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     Touch screen  912  may have a video resolution in excess of 100 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution of approximately 160 dpi. The user may make contact with touch screen  912  using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be less precise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command for performing the actions desired by the user. 
     In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen  912 , device  900  may include a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particular functions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visual output. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from touch screen  912  or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch screen. 
     Device  900  also includes power system  962  for powering the various components. Power system  962  may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components associated with the generation, management and distribution of power in portable devices. 
     Device  900  may also include one or more optical sensors or cameras  964 .  FIG. 9  shows an optical sensor coupled to optical sensor controller  958  in I/O subsystem  906 . Optical sensor  964  may, for example, include charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors or photosensors. Optical sensor  964  receives light from the environment, projected through one or more lenses, and converts the light to data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module  943  (also called a camera module), optical sensor  964  may capture still images and/or video sequences. In some embodiments, at least one optical sensor may be located on the back of device  900 , opposite touch screen display  912  on the front of the device. In some embodiments, the touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, at least one optical sensor may instead or also be located on the front of the device. 
     Device  900  may also include one or more proximity sensors  966 .  FIG. 9  shows proximity sensor  966  coupled to peripherals interface  918 . Alternatively, proximity sensor  966  may be coupled to input controller  960  in I/O subsystem  906 . In some embodiments, the proximity sensor turns off and disables touch screen  912  when the multifunction device is placed near the user&#39;s ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call). 
     Device  900  may also include one or more orientation sensors  968 . In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more accelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and/or one or more rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more gyroscopes. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more magnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more of global positioning system (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and/or other global navigation system receivers. The GPS, GLONASS, and/or other global navigation system receivers may be used for obtaining information concerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) of device  900 . In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include any combination of orientation/rotation sensors.  FIG. 9  shows the one or more orientation sensors  968  coupled to peripherals interface  918 . Alternatively, the one or more orientation sensors  968  may be coupled to an input controller  960  in I/O subsystem  906 . In some embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of data received from the one or more orientation sensors. 
     In some embodiments, device  900  may also include one or more other sensors (not shown) including but not limited to ambient light sensors and motion detectors. These sensors may be coupled to peripherals interface  918  or, alternatively, may be coupled to an input controller  960  in I/O subsystem  906 . For example, in some embodiments, device  900  may include at least one forward-facing (away from the user) and at least one backward-facing (towards the user) light sensors that may be used to collect ambient lighting metrics from the environment of the device  900  for use in video and image capture, processing, and display applications. 
     In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory  902  include operating system  926 , communication module  928 , contact/motion module (or set of instructions)  930 , graphics module  932 , text input module  934 , Global Positioning System (GPS) module  935 , and applications  936 . Furthermore, in some embodiments memory  902  stores device/global internal state  957 . Device/global internal state  957  includes one or more of: active application state, indicating which applications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicating what applications, views or other information occupy various regions of touch screen display  912 ; sensor state, including information obtained from the device&#39;s various sensors and input control devices  916 ; and location information concerning the device&#39;s location and/or attitude. 
     Operating system  926  (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes various software components and/or drivers for controlling and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardware and software components. 
     Communication module  928  facilitates communication with other devices over one or more external ports  924  and also includes various software components for handling data received by RF circuitry  908  and/or external port  924 . External port  924  (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices or indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with the 30-pin connector used on iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices. 
     Contact/motion module  930  may detect contact with touch screen  912  (in conjunction with display controller  956 ) and other touch sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). Contact/motion module  930  includes various software components for performing various operations related to detection of contact, such as determining if contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-down event), determining if there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger-dragging events), and determining if the contact has ceased (e.g., detecting a finger-up event or a break in contact). Contact/motion module  930  receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determining movement of the point of contact, which is represented by a series of contact data, may include determining speed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in magnitude and/or direction) of the point of contact. These operations may be applied to single contacts (e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g., “multi-touch”/multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments, contact/motion module  930  and display controller  956  detect contact on a touchpad. 
     Contact/motion module  930  may detect a gesture input by a user. Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contact patterns. Thus, a gesture may be detected by detecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event at the same position (or substantially the same position) as the finger-down event (e.g., at the position of an icon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting one or more finger-dragging events, and subsequently followed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event. 
     Graphics module  932  includes various software components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen  912  or other display, including components for changing the intensity of graphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics” includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including without limitation text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys), digital images, videos, animations and the like. 
     In some embodiments, graphics module  932  stores data representing graphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code. Graphics module  932  receives, from applications etc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be displayed along with, if necessary, coordinate data and other graphic property data, and then generates screen image data to output to display controller  956 . 
     Text input module  934 , which may be a component of graphics module  932 , provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications that need text input. 
     GPS module  935  determines the location of the device and provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone module  938  for use in location-based dialing, to camera module  943  as picture/video metadata, and to applications that provide location-based services such as map/navigation applications). 
     Applications  936  may include one or more of, but are not limited to, the following modules (or sets of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof:
         telephone module  938 ;   video conferencing module  939 ;   camera module  943  for still and/or video imaging;   image management module  944 ;   browser module  947 ;   search module  951 ;   video and music player module  952 , which may be made up of a video player module and a music player module; and/or   online video module  955 .   one or more other modules not shown, such as a gaming module.       

     Examples of other applications  936  that may be stored in memory  902  include but are not limited to other word processing applications, other image editing applications, drawing applications, presentation applications, communication/social media applications, map applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, and voice replication. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  908 , audio circuitry  910 , speaker  911 , microphone  913 , touch screen  912 , display controller  956 , contact module  930 , graphics module  932 , and text input module  934 , telephone module  938  may be used to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to a telephone number, access one or more telephone numbers in an address book, modify a telephone number that has been entered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct a conversation and disconnect or hang up when the conversation is completed. As noted above, the wireless communication may use any of a variety of communications standards, protocols and technologies. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  908 , audio circuitry  910 , speaker  911 , microphone  913 , touch screen  912 , display controller  956 , optical sensor  964 , optical sensor controller  958 , contact/motion module  930 , graphics module  932 , text input module  934 , and telephone module  938 , videoconferencing module  939  includes executable instructions to initiate, conduct, and terminate a video conference between a user and one or more other participants in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  912 , display controller  956 , optical sensor(s)  964 , optical sensor controller  958 , contact/motion module  930 , graphics module  932 , and image management module  944 , camera module  943  includes executable instructions to capture still images or video (including a video stream) and store them into memory  902 , modify characteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image or video from memory  902 . 
     In conjunction with touch screen  912 , display controller  956 , contact/motion module  930 , graphics module  932 , text input module  934 , and camera module  943 , image management module  944  includes executable instructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate, label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), and store still and/or video images. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  908 , touch screen  912 , display system controller  956 , contact/motion module  930 , graphics module  932 , and text input module  934 , browser module  947  includes executable instructions to browse the Internet in accordance with user instructions, including searching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portions thereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  912 , display system controller  956 , contact/motion module  930 , graphics module  932 , and text input module  934 , search module  951  includes executable instructions to search for text, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory  902  that match one or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specified search terms) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  912 , display system controller  956 , contact/motion module  930 , graphics module  932 , audio circuitry  910 , speaker  911 , RF circuitry  908 , and browser module  947 , video and music player module  952  includes executable instructions that allow the user to download and play back recorded music and other sound files stored in one or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, and executable instructions to display, present or otherwise play back videos (e.g., on touch screen  912  or on an external, connected display via external port  924 ). In some embodiments, device  900  may include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.). 
     In conjunction with touch screen  912 , display system controller  956 , contact/motion module  930 , graphics module  932 , audio circuitry  910 , speaker  911 , RF circuitry  908 , text input module  934 , and browser module  947 , online video module  955  includes instructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., by streaming and/or download), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or on an external, connected display via external port  924 ), and otherwise manage online videos in one or more video formats, such as the H.264/AVC format or the H.265/HEVC format. 
     Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to a set of executable instructions for performing one or more functions described above and the methods described in this application (e.g., the computer-implemented methods and other information processing methods described herein). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise rearranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory  902  may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory  902  may store additional modules and data structures not described above. 
     In some embodiments, device  900  is a device where operation of a predefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/or a touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device  900 , the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons, dials, and the like) on device  900  may be reduced. 
     The predefined set of functions that may be performed exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad include navigation between user interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by the user, navigates device  900  to a main, home, or root menu from any user interface that may be displayed on device  900 . In such embodiments, the touchpad may be referred to as a “menu button.” In some other embodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or other physical input control device instead of a touchpad. 
       FIG. 10  depicts illustrates an example portable multifunction device  900  that may include one or more cameras, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the portable multifunction device  900  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 and 11 . 
     The device  900  may have a touch screen  912 . The touch screen  912  may display one or more graphics within user interface (UI)  1000 . In this embodiment, as well as others described below, a user may select one or more of the graphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example, with one or more fingers  1002  (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or more styluses  1003  (not drawn to scale in the figure). 
     Device  900  may also include one or more physical buttons, such as “home” or menu button  1004 . As described previously, menu button  1004  may be used to navigate to any application  936  in a set of applications that may be executed on device  900 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button  1004  is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on touch screen  912 . 
     In one embodiment, device  900  includes touch screen  912 , menu button  1004 , push button  1006  for powering the device on/off and locking the device, volume adjustment button(s)  1008 , Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slot  1010 , head set jack  1012 , and docking/charging external port  924 . Push button  1006  may be used to turn the power on/off on the device by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressed state for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressing the button and releasing the button before the predefined time interval has elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process. In an alternative embodiment, device  900  also may accept verbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone  913 . 
     It should be noted that, although many of the examples herein are given with reference to optical sensor(s)/camera(s)  964  (on the front of a device), one or more rear-facing cameras or optical sensors that are pointed opposite from the display may be used instead of, or in addition to, an optical sensor(s)/camera(s)  964  on the front of a device. 
     Example Computer System 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example computer system  1100  that may include one or more cameras, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system  1100  may include one or multiple features, components, and/or implement functionality of embodiments described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . 
     The computer system  1100  may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  1100  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, 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. 
     Various embodiments of a camera motion control system as described herein, including embodiments of magnetic position sensing, as described herein may be executed in one or more computer systems  1100 , which may interact with various other devices. Note that any component, action, or functionality described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-10  may be implemented on one or more computers configured as computer system  1100  of  FIG. 11 , according to various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  1100  includes one or more processors  1110  coupled to a system memory  1120  via an input/output (I/O) interface  1130 . Computer system  1100  further includes a network interface  1140  coupled to I/O interface  1130 , and one or more input/output devices  1150 , such as cursor control device  1160 , keyboard  1170 , and display(s)  1180 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  1100 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  1100 , 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  1100  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  1100  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  1110 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  1110  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  1110  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  1110  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  1110  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  1120  may be configured to store program instructions  1122  accessible by processor  1110 . In various embodiments, system memory  1120  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  1132  of memory  1120  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  1120  or computer system  1100 . While computer system  1100  is described as implementing the functionality of functional blocks of previous figures, any of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system. 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  1130  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  1110 , system memory  1120 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  1140  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  1150 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  1130  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  1120 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  1110 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  1130  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  1130  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  1130 , such as an interface to system memory  1120 , may be incorporated directly into processor  1110 . 
     Network interface  1140  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  1100  and other devices attached to a network  1185  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  1100 . Network  1185  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  1140  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 devices  1150  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  1100 . Multiple input/output devices  1150  may be present in computer system  1100  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  1100 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  1100  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  1100  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  1140 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , memory  1120  may include program instructions  1122 , which may be processor-executable to implement any element or action described above. In one embodiment, the program instructions may implement the methods described above. In other embodiments, different elements and data may be included. Note that data may include any data or information described above. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  1100  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  1100  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  1100  may be transmitted to computer system  1100  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: 20180329
Publication Date: 20210112
Grant Date: 20210112
Priority Date: 20170329
Inventors: SHARMA, SHASHANK
BRODIE, DOUGLAS S.
MILLER, SCOTT W.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02P6/16", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/67", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/67", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02P6/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/09", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02P25/034", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/09", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/23212", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02P25/034", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2254", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2253", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 74066856