PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11567204-B2
Application Number: US-201816160707-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Mirror tilt actuator

Abstract:
In some embodiments, a depth map acquisition system, includes a housing, a light source for emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping, fixedly mounted to the housing, a mirror tilt actuator, fixedly mounted to the housing, for tilting a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to the objects, and a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A mirror tilt actuator, comprising:
 a base member fixedly mounted to a housing; 
 a mount post fixedly mounted to the base member; 
 a mirror pivot:
 fixedly mounted to a mirror, 
 that comprises one or more magnetic components, and 
 that is moveably retained on the mount post, wherein a magnetic force of one or more of the magnetic components of the mirror pivot acts to moveably retain the mirror pivot on the mount post; and 
 
 one or more coils fixedly coupled to the base member, and configured to generate, when current is driven through the one or more coils, one or more forces that act upon the one or more of the magnetic components of the mirror pivot such that an orientation of the mirror is adjusted. 
 
     
     
       2. The mirror tilt actuator as in  claim 1 , wherein the mirror pivot is held against the mount post via magnetic attraction between one or more of the magnetic components of the mirror pivot and a ferrous component on a side of a point of contact between the mirror pivot and the mount post that is opposite from the mirror pivot. 
     
     
       3. The mirror tilt actuator as in  claim 1 , wherein the mirror pivot is moveably retained on the mount post without any resilient spring to keep the mirror pivot mounted on the mount post. 
     
     
       4. The mirror tilt actuator as in  claim 1 , wherein the mirror pivot is moveably retained on the mount post without any resilient spring to provide a resistance to a tilting force applied to the mirror pivot. 
     
     
       5. The mirror tilt actuator as in  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic force of the magnetic component of the mirror pivot is an attraction force between the magnetic component of the mirror pivot and a slug of ferrous material fixed to a support structure, wherein the attraction force both provides a contact force of the mirror pivot onto a pivot of the mount post and generates a restoring torque to resist a tilting action as the mirror pivot is tilted. 
     
     
       6. The mirror tilt actuator as in  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic force of the magnetic component to moveably retain the mirror pivot on the mount post acts in concert with a ferrous slug fixedly mounted to the base member beneath the mount post to moveably retain the mirror pivot on the mount post. 
     
     
       7. The mirror tilt actuator recited in  claim 1 , wherein the coils comprise four non-moving coils disposed around four sides of the magnet that, when driven with electric signals, generate Lorentz forces to tilt the magnet and the mirror about a pivot. 
     
     
       8. The mirror tilt actuator recited in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more sensors fixedly coupled to the mirror pivot and configured to detect magnetic fields within the actuator. 
     
     
       9. A device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a light source, fixedly mounted to the housing, that emits light to illuminate objects in a scene; 
 a photosensitive detector; 
 a mount post fixedly mounted to the housing; 
 a mirror pivot:
 fixedly mounted to a mirror, 
 that comprises one or more magnetic components, and 
 that is moveably retained on the mount post, wherein a magnetic force of the one or more of the magnetic components of the mirror pivot acts to moveably retain the mirror pivot on the mount post while the orientation of the mirror is adjusted; and 
 
 one or more coils that, when current is driven through the one or more coils, generate one or more forces that act on one or more of the magnetic components such that an orientation of the mirror is adjusted. 
 
     
     
       10. The device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the mirror pivot is held against the mount post via magnetic attraction between the magnetic component of the mirror pivot and a ferrous component on a side of a point of contact between the mirror pivot and the mount post that is opposite from the mirror pivot. 
     
     
       11. The device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the mirror pivot is moveably retained on the mirror pivot on the mount post without a resilient spring that would keep the mirror pivot on the mount post. 
     
     
       12. The device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the magnetic force of the magnetic component of the mirror pivot is an attraction force between the magnetic component of the mirror pivot and a slug of ferrous material fixed to a support structure of the device, wherein the attraction force both provides a contact force of the mirror pivot onto the mount post and generates a restoring torque to resist a tilting action of the mirror pivot. 
     
     
       13. The device recited in  claim 9 ,
 further comprising a base member fixedly mounted to the housing, and that supports the mount post; 
 wherein the magnetic force of the magnetic component of the mirror pivot that acts to moveably retain the mirror pivot on the mount post acts in concert with a ferrous slug positioned between the base member and the mount post to moveably retain the mirror pivot on the mount post. 
 
     
     
       14. The device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the coils comprise four non-moving coils disposed around four sides of the magnet that, when driven with electric signals, generate Lorentz forces that tend to tilt the magnet and the mirror about a pivot of the mount post. 
     
     
       15. The device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the photosensitive detector is a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light to a scene to determine an outgoing angle of such light for use in construction of a digital representation of the scene. 
     
     
       16. The device recited in  claim 9 , further comprising cover glass;
 wherein the photosensitive detector is a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light and is mounted in a cover glass of the device. 
 
     
     
       17. A method, the method comprising:
 driving one or more coils to generate one or more forces that act upon one or more magnet components of a mirror pivot fixedly coupled to a mirror, wherein the one or more forces act to tilt the mirror about a pivot on a mount post to which the mirror pivot is moveably retained; 
 wherein a magnetic force of one or more of the magnetic components of the mirror pivot acts to moveably retain the mirror pivot on the mount post to which the mirror pivot is moveably retained. 
 
     
     
       18. The method recited in  claim 17 , further comprising:
 driving the one or more coils to control the mirror to reflect light from a light source to one or more objects in a scene at an outgoing angle; 
 measuring an outgoing angle of the light using a partially transparent photosensitive detector in a direct path of the light; 
 receiving, by a detector, reflected light from the objects; and 
 constructing, based on the reflected light, a depth map of the scene. 
 
     
     
       19. The method recited in  claim 18 , the method further comprising driving the one or more coils to adjust the outgoing angle based on calculations of a closed loop feedback system in response to said measuring the outgoing angle of the light using the partially transparent photosensitive detector. 
     
     
       20. The method recited in  claim 18 , wherein:
 the one or more coils are disposed about sides of the mirror pivot, 
 said driving one or more coils to generate one or more magnetic forces comprises driving, by a mirror tilt actuator, electricity though the one or more coils to interact with a fringing field of the mirror pivot, 
 said interact with the fringing field causes an adjustment to a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle of the light, and 
 the fringing field includes components of a magnetic field in appropriate directions to deliver Lorentz forces, when the coils are electrically driven.

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/800,641, filed Jul. 15, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,101,457, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to depth map acquisition systems, and, more specifically, to tiltable mirrors for depth map acquisition systems. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     In 3D computer graphics, a depth map is an image or image channel that contains information relating to the distance of the surfaces of scene objects from a viewpoint. Many potential applications for depth maps exist in the functions or potential functions of miniature cameras. Miniature cameras, such as those typically used in mobile devices such as cellphones and other multifunction devices, could provide additional functions to the user if depth maps could be easily acquired. 
     In such devices, however, space is a premium and every effort is made to minimize the camera size. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS 
     In some embodiments, a depth map acquisition system includes a housing, a light source for emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping, fixedly mounted to the housing, a mirror tilt actuator, fixedly mounted to the housing, for tilting a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to the objects, and a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a block diagram of a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    depicts components of a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    depicts operation of a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    depicts a magnetic field associated with a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    depicts a magnetic field associated with a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9 A  illustrates components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9 B  depicts components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9 C  illustrates components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    depicts components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  11 A  illustrates components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  11 B  depicts components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  13    depicts a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  15    depicts a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates motion during operation of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  17    depicts a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  19    depicts a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  20    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  21    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  22    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  23    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  24    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  25    illustrates an example computer system configured to implement aspects of the system and method for depth map acquisition. 
     
    
    
     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 
     Introduction 
     Some embodiments provide an actuator that tilts a mirror independently about two orthogonal axes. In some embodiments, the mirror is used to raster scan a laser light beam in a depth map acquisition system. As such, in some embodiments the movement requirements for movements about the two notional orthogonal tilt axes are different. Hence there is a ‘fast’ axis and a ‘slow’ axis. In some embodiments, the slow axis scans around 30 Hz (although this is not a limitation, and future implementations may require different frequencies). In some embodiments, the fast axis scans at around 400 Hz (although faster is beneficial). 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator is usable for directing a light beam in a controlled manner into a two-dimensional space. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator technology is electro-magnetic, including one or more magnets and multiple energized coils disposed around the magnet(s). The combination of magnetic fields and current carrying wires generates Lorentz forces between the coils and the magnet, and hence generates torques and angular movement. 
     In some embodiments, a moving magnet is rigidly joined to the tilting mirror. Arranged around the magnet are plural coils that are fixed in position relative to the support structure of the system. Some embodiments are built on the assumption that, during each frame, only a portion of the field of view that contains objects of interest needs to be scanned. 
     In some embodiments, by ‘direct drive’, the actuator is able to move, hold and control the mirror position during a scan, rather than merely set the mirror oscillating as resonance (albeit with an associated measurement of its resulting position). 
     In some embodiments, the actuator is a ‘direct drive’ actuator that employs a single magnet surrounded by plural coils with dimensions of the magnet that are smaller than the coil arrangement and a coil arrangement that uses multiple electrical connections. 
     In some embodiments, the moving magnet allows a position sensing solution with the position sensors to detect the changing magnetic field from the magnet, rather than some property of the coils. In some embodiments, Hall sensors are used to detect the changing magnetic field and hence the tilt of the magnet. In addition, some embodiments include a pivot without a resilient spring to keep the moving body on the pivot, and to provide a resistance to the tilting force, which acts to center the moving body. 
     In some embodiments, a slug of magnetic material fixed to the support structure is attracted by the magnet, and hence both provides a contact force onto the pivot and generates a restoring torque as the magnet is tilted. 
     Some embodiments include an actuator that tilts a body, such as an optical mirror, about two orthogonal axes. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a magnet with four coils disposed around the sides of the magnet. In some embodiments, the magnet is poled such the north and south poles represented by faces of the magnet are oriented such that neither face is adjacent to one of the four coils. In some embodiments, coils on opposite sides of the magnet are electrically in series and work in concert to generate Lorentz forces that deliver a net torque between the coil assembly and the magnet. In some embodiments, these Lorentz forces are a result of the currents through the coils interacting with the fringing field of the magnet. In some embodiments, the coils are fixed relative to a support structure, and the magnet is tilting, with the mirror rigidly joined to the magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the magnet is mounted on a pivot and held against the pivot by magnetic attraction between the magnet and a magnetic material the other side of the pivot. In some embodiments, the mutual attraction also provides a restoring torque to resist the actuated tilt. In some embodiments, one pair of opposing coils is larger in size than a second pair of orthogonal opposing coils. 
     In some embodiments, the magnet and mirror have circular symmetry to avoid the need to constrain the magnet against rotations on the pivot about an axis orthogonal to the mirror surface. 
     In some embodiments, a depth map acquisition system, includes a housing, a light source for emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping, fixedly mounted to the housing a mirror tilt actuator, fixedly mounted to the housing, for tilting a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to the objects, and a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator includes a base member, fixedly mounted to the housing, a magnet mount post, fixedly mounted to the base member, for mounting a mirror pivot, a mirror pivot including a magnetic component, moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, and one or more magnetic coils, fixedly mounted to the base member, for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator includes a base member, fixedly mounted to the housing, a magnet mount post, fixedly mounted to the base member, for mounting a mirror pivot; a mirror pivot including a magnetic component, moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, and one or more magnetic coils, fixedly mounted to the base member, for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot by means of a mounting post fixedly mounted between the mirror and the mirror pivot. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator includes a base member, fixedly mounted to the housing, a magnet mount post, fixedly mounted to the base member, for mounting a mirror pivot, a mirror pivot including a magnetic component, moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, a ferrous slug, fixedly mounted to the base member beneath the post magnet mount post, for attracting and retaining the mirror pivot by means of a magnetic attraction force between the mirror pivot and the ferrous slug, and one or more magnetic coils, fixedly mounted to the base member, for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot. the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator includes a base member, fixedly mounted to the housing, a magnet mount post, fixedly mounted to the base member, for mounting a mirror pivot, a mirror pivot including a magnetic barrel component, and one or more magnetic coils, fixedly mounted to the base member, for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, wherein the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component includes a hollow interior space for mounting to the post. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component includes a permanent magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator includes a base member, fixedly mounted to the housing, a magnet mount post, fixedly mounted to the base member, for mounting a mirror pivot, a mirror pivot including a magnetic component, moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, and one or more magnetic coils, fixedly mounted to the base member, for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot by means of a mounting post fixedly mounted between the mirror and the mirror pivot. 
     In some embodiments, the partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects further includes a partially transparent photosensitive detector mounted in the cover glass of a device in which the depth map acquisition system is mounted. 
     In some embodiments, the partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects further includes a photosensitive detector in the direct path of a beam of light to a scene to determine the outgoing angle of such light for use in either construction of a digital representation of the scene. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator includes a moving magnet, and four non-moving coils disposed around four sides of the magnet. In some embodiments, when driven with electric signals, the four non-moving coils generate Lorentz forces that tend to tilt the magnet and the mirror about a pivot. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator includes: a base member, fixedly mounted to the housing, a magnet mount post, fixedly mounted to the base member, for mounting a mirror pivot, one or more magnetic coils, fixedly mounted to the base member, for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of a mirror pivot, and the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the mirror pivot includes a magnetic barrel component, and a fringing field of the moving magnet includes components of magnetic field in the appropriate directions to deliver the Lorentz forces, when the coils are electrically driven. 
     Some embodiments include a method for generating a depth map. In some embodiments, the method includes a light source emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping. In some embodiments, the method includes reflecting the light at an outgoing angle using a mirror fixedly mounted to a mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to one or more objects in the scene. In some embodiments, the method includes measuring an outgoing angle of the light using a partially transparent photosensitive detector in a direct path of the light. In some embodiments, the method includes a detector mounted within the housing, receiving reflected light from the objects. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes, based on the reflected light, constructing a depth map of the scene. In some embodiments, the method includes the mirror tilt actuator adjusting a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes the mirror tilt actuator adjusting a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle by one or more magnetic coils providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of a mirror pivot 
     In some embodiments, the one or more magnetic coils are fixedly mounted to a base member of the mirror tilt actuator. In some embodiments, the mirror pivot includes a magnetic barrel component. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, wherein the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component includes a hollow interior space for mounting to the post. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component includes a permanent magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes the mirror tilt actuator adjusting a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle based on calculations of a closed loop feedback system in response to the measuring the outgoing angle of the light using the partially transparent photosensitive detector. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes the mirror tilt actuator adjusting a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle the light by driving electricity though one or more coils disposed about the sides of the mirror pivot to interact with a fringing field of the mirror pivot, wherein the fringing gield includes components of magnetic field in the appropriate directions to deliver the Lorentz forces, when the coils are electrically driven. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes the mirror tilt actuator adjusting a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle by one or more magnetic coils providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of a mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the one or more magnetic coils are fixedly mounted to a base member of the mirror tilt actuator. In some embodiments, the mirror pivot includes a magnetic barrel component. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, wherein the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot. 
     Some embodiments include a mirror tilt actuator. In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator includes a base member, fixedly mounted to a housing, a magnet mount post, fixedly mounted to the base member, for mounting a mirror pivot, a mirror pivot including a magnetic component, moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, wherein the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot, and one or more magnetic coils, fixedly mounted to the base member, for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror tilt actuator further includes a ferrous slug, fixedly mounted to the base member beneath the post magnet mount post, for attracting and retaining the mirror pivot by means of a magnetic attraction force between the mirror pivot and the ferrous slug. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror pivot further includes a magnetic barrel component. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post, wherein the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component includes a hollow interior space for mounting to the post. In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component includes a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the actuator further includes one or more magnetic coils, fixedly mounted to the base member, for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot by means of a mounting post fixedly mounted between the mirror and the mirror pivot. In some embodiments, the actuator further includes four non-moving coils disposed around four sides of the magnet. In some embodiments, when driven with electric signals, the four non-moving coils generate Lorentz forces that tend to tilt the magnet and the mirror about a pivot. 
     In some embodiments, a narrow beam of light (e.g., from a laser) is modulated in angle by a reflective surface, such as the actuator-controlled mirrors discussed herein. Such modulation allows digital recording or recreation of a scene in one or more degrees of freedom. Applications of such embodiments include digital projectors, LIDAR and bar code scanners, cameras and depth-map acquisition systems. 
     In some applications, knowing the angle of the steered beam of light with time is useful for accurate recording or recreating a scene. Many measurement techniques can be used to achieve this, broadly they can be classified into direct optical measurements and indirect non-optical measurements. In some embodiments, indirect non-optical measurements involve methods for measuring some property of the actuator driving the tilt or the position of moving parts. In some embodiments, such methods include capacitive position sensing or shaft rotary encoders. In some embodiments, direct optical measurements include methods for measuring the position on a 2D plane of the reflected beam of light itself using a photosensitive detector sensor. In some embodiments, a photosensitive diode allows the majority of incident light (at IR wavelengths) to pass through, simplifying the system by placing the photodiode directly in the outgoing beam of light (and thus removing the need for either a beam splitter (or indirect angle measurement method). In some embodiments, this allows the beam scanning system to be made far more compact and potentially achieve greater angular range. In some embodiments, the outgoing beam of light typically has great enough intensity that a good signal-to-noise ratio on the position measurement can still be achieved. In some embodiments, photosensitive detector can be mounted to the cover glass of the system, adding very little volume to the device 
     Some embodiments place a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of a beam of light to a scene to determine the outgoing angle of such light for use in either reconstruction or acquisition of a digital representation of the scene. 
     Some embodiments place a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of a beam of light to a scene to determine the outgoing angle of such light for use in either reconstruction or acquisition of a digital representation of the scene with a closed loop feedback system to accurately position the tilting surface. 
     Some embodiments place a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of a beam of light to a scene to determine the outgoing angle of such light for use in either reconstruction or acquisition of a digital representation of the scene with the photosensitive detector being a subcomponent of the cover glass of the device. 
     Some embodiments place a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of a beam of light to a scene to determine the outgoing angle of such light for use in either reconstruction or acquisition of a digital representation of the scene with multiple photosensitive detectors and a very large angle scanning system to achieve full 360-degree field of view. 
     Multifunction Device 
     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. 
     Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as a mobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/or music player functions. Other portable electronic devices, such as laptops 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 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 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, and/or a digital video player application. 
     The various applications that may be executed on the device 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. 
     Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices.  FIG.  1    is a block diagram illustrating portable multifunction device  100  with touch-sensitive displays  112  in accordance with some embodiments. Touch-sensitive display  112  is sometimes called a “touch screen” for convenience, and may also be known as or called a touch-sensitive display system. Device  100  may include memory  102  (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), memory controller  122 , one or more processing units (CPU&#39;s)  120 , peripherals interface  118 , RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , input/output (I/O) subsystem  106 , other input or control devices  116 , and external port  124 . Device  100  may include one or more optical sensors  164 . These components may communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines  103 . 
     It should be appreciated that device  100  is only one example of a portable multifunction device, and that device  100  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.  1    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  102  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  102  by other components of device  100 , such as CPU  120  and the peripherals interface  118 , may be controlled by memory controller  122 . 
     Peripherals interface  118  can be used to couple input and output peripherals of the device to CPU  120  and memory  102 . The one or more processors  120  run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in memory  102  to perform various functions for device  100  and to process data. 
     In some embodiments, peripherals interface  118 , CPU  120 , and memory controller  122  may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip  104 . In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips. 
     RF (radio frequency) circuitry  108  receives and sends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  108  converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates with communications networks and other communications devices via the electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  108  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 CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RF circuitry  108  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  110 , speaker  111 , and microphone  113  provide an audio interface between a user and device  100 . Audio circuitry  110  receives audio data from peripherals interface  118 , converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker  111 . Speaker  111  converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves. Audio circuitry  110  also receives electrical signals converted by microphone  113  from sound waves. Audio circuitry  110  converts the electrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data to peripherals interface  118  for processing. Audio data may be retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory  102  and/or RF circuitry  108  by peripherals interface  118 . In some embodiments, audio circuitry  110  also includes a headset jack (e.g.,  212 ,  FIG.  2   ). The headset jack provides an interface between audio circuitry  110  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  106  couples input/output peripherals on device  100 , such as touch screen  112  and other input control devices  116 , to peripherals interface  118 . I/O subsystem  106  may include display controller  156  and one or more input controllers  160  for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers  160  receive/send electrical signals from/to other input or control devices  116 . The other input control devices  116  may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s)  160  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 (e.g.,  208 ,  FIG.  2   ) may include an up/down button for volume control of speaker  111  and/or microphone  113 . The one or more buttons may include a push button (e.g.,  206 ,  FIG.  2   ). 
     Touch-sensitive display  112  provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and a user. Display controller  156  receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen  112 . Touch screen  112  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  112  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  112  and display controller  156  (along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory  102 ) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen  112  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  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, a point of contact between touch screen  112  and the user corresponds to a finger of the user. 
     Touch screen  112  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  112  and display controller  156  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  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensing technology is used. Depth mapping systems as described herein may be free standing or components of other systems within proximity sensors  166  or optical sensors/cameras  164 . 
     The user may make contact with touch screen  112  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, device  100  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  112  or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch screen. 
     Device  100  also includes power system  162  for powering the various components. Power system  162  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  100  may also include one or more optical sensors  164 .  FIG.  1    shows an optical sensor coupled to optical sensor controller  159  in I/O subsystem  106 . Optical sensor  164  may include charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor  164  receives light from the environment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the light to data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module  143  (also called a camera module), optical sensor  164  may capture still images or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of device  100 , opposite touch screen display  112  on the front of the device, so that the touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user&#39;s image may be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conference participants on the touch screen display. 
     Device  100  may also include one or more proximity sensors  166 .  FIG.  1    shows proximity sensor  166  coupled to peripherals interface  118 . Alternately, proximity sensor  166  may be coupled to input controller  160  in I/O subsystem  106 . In some embodiments, the proximity sensor turns off and disables touch screen  112  when the multifunction device is placed near the user&#39;s ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call). 
     Device  100  includes one or more orientation sensors  168 . 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  100 . In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include any combination of orientation/rotation sensors.  FIG.  1    shows the one or more orientation sensors  168  coupled to peripherals interface  118 . Alternately, the one or more orientation sensors  168  may be coupled to an input controller  160  in I/O subsystem  106 . 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, the software components stored in memory  102  include operating system  126 , communication module (or set of instructions)  128 , contact/motion module (or set of instructions)  130 , graphics module (or set of instructions)  132 , text input module (or set of instructions)  134 , Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set of instructions)  135 , arbiter module  158  and applications (or sets of instructions)  136 . Device/global internal state  157  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  112 ; sensor state, including information obtained from the device&#39;s various sensors and input control devices  116 ; state information that indicates which processes control output of shared audio or visual resource of a vehicle; ownership transition conditions of the shared audio or visual resource; and location information concerning the device&#39;s location and/or attitude. 
     Operating system  126  (e.g., Darwin, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks or RTXC) 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  128  facilitates communication with other devices over one or more external ports  124  and also includes various software components for handling data received by RF circuitry  108  and/or external port  124 . External port  124  (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.). 
     Contact/motion module  130  may detect contact with touch screen  112  (in conjunction with display controller  156 ) and other touch sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). Contact/motion module  130  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  130  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., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments, contact/motion module  130  and display controller  156  detect contact on a touchpad. 
     Contact/motion module  130  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  132  includes various known software components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen  112  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  132  stores data representing graphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code. Graphics module  132  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  156 . 
     Text input module  134 , which may be a component of graphics module  132 , provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications (e.g., contacts  137 , e-mail  140 , IM  141 , browser  147 , and any other application that needs text input). 
     GPS module  135  determines the location of the device and provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone  138  for use in location-based dialing, to camera  143  as picture/video metadata, and to applications that provide location-based services such as weather widgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets). 
     Applications  136  may include the following modules (or sets of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof:
         contacts module  137  (sometimes called an address book or contact list);   telephone module  138 ;   video conferencing module  139 ;   e-mail client module  140 ;   instant messaging (IM) module  141 ;   workout support module  142 ;   camera module  143  for still and/or video images and/or depth mapping;   image management module  144 ;   browser module  147 ;   calendar module  148 ;   widget modules  149 , which may include one or more of: weather widget  149 - 1 , stocks widget  149 - 2 , calculator widget  149 - 3 , alarm clock widget  149 - 4 , dictionary widget  149 - 5 , and other widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created widgets  149 - 6 ;   widget creator module  150  for making user-created widgets  149 - 6 ;   search module  151 ;   video and music player module  152 , which may be made up of a video module and a music module;   notes module  153 ;   map module  154 ; and/or   online video module  155 .       

     Examples of other applications  136  that may be stored in memory  102  include other word processing applications, other image editing applications, drawing applications, presentation applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, and voice replication. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , contacts module  137  may be used to manage an address book or contact list (e.g., stored in application internal state  192  of contacts module  137  in memory  102 ), including: adding name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from the address book; associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), physical address(es) or other information with a name; associating an image with a name; categorizing and sorting names; providing telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to initiate and/or facilitate communications by telephone  138 , video conference  139 , e-mail  140 , or IM  141 ; and so forth. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , telephone module  138  may be used to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to a telephone number, access one or more telephone numbers in address book  137 , 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  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , and communication module  128 , arbiter module  158  negotiates control of a shared audio or visual resource of an automobile. A request for control of a shared audio or visual resource of the vehicle is received at arbiter module  158 . Arbiter module  158  maintains existing state information for ownership of the shared audio or visual resource and ownership transition conditions of the shared audio or visual resource. The request for control of the shared audio or visual resource of the vehicle is received from one of a plurality of processes including a process executing on an embedded system attached to the vehicle and a process executing on a mobile computing device (portable multifunction device  100 ) temporarily communicating with the vehicle. New state information regarding ownership of the shared audio or visual resource is determined by arbiter module  158  based at least in part on the request for control and the ownership transition conditions. The new state information indicates which of the processes controls output of the shared audio or visual resource of the vehicle. New ownership transition conditions of the shared audio or visual resource are determined by arbiter module  158  and communicated to a controller interface of the shared audio or visual resource. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , optical sensor  164 , arbiter module  158 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , contact list  137 , and telephone module  138 , videoconferencing module  139  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 RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140  includes executable instructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response to user instructions. In conjunction with image management module  144 , e-mail client module  140  makes it very easy to create and send e-mails with still or video images taken with camera module  143 . 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , the instant messaging module  141  includes executable instructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to an instant message, to modify previously entered characters, to transmit a respective instant message (for example, using a Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol for telephony-based instant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-based instant messages), to receive instant messages and to view received instant messages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or received instant messages may include graphics, photos, audio files, video files and/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or an Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging” refers to both telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) and Internet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS). 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , GPS module  135 , map module  154 , and music player module  146 , workout support module  142  includes executable instructions to create workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burning goals); communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receive workout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; select and play music for a workout; and display, store and transmit workout data. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , optical sensor(s)  164 , optical sensor controller  159 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and image management module  144 , camera module  143  includes executable instructions to capture still images or video (including a video stream) and store them into memory  102 , modify characteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image or video from memory  102 . 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and camera module  143 , image management module  144  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  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , browser module  147  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 RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140 , and browser module  147 , calendar module  148  includes executable instructions to create, display, modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars (e.g., calendar entries, to do lists, etc.) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and browser module  147 , widget modules  149  are mini-applications that may be downloaded and used by a user (e.g., weather widget  149 - 1 , stocks widget  149 - 2 , calculator widget  1493 , alarm clock widget  149 - 4 , and dictionary widget  149 - 5 ) or created by the user (e.g., user-created widget  149 - 6 ). In some embodiments, a widget includes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file, a CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file. In some embodiments, a widget includes an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file and a JavaScript file (e.g., Yahoo! Widgets). 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and browser module  147 , the widget creator module  150  may be used by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning a user-specified portion of a web page into a widget). 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , search module  151  includes executable instructions to search for text, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory  102  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  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , RF circuitry  108 , and browser module  147 , video and music player module  152  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  112  or on an external, connected display via external port  124 ). In some embodiments, device  100  may include the functionality of an MP3 player. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , notes module  153  includes executable instructions to create and manage notes, to do lists, and the like in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , GPS module  135 , and browser module  147 , map module  154  may be used to receive, display, modify, and store maps and data associated with maps (e.g., driving directions; data on stores and other points of interest at or near a particular location; and other location-based data) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , RF circuitry  108 , text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140 , and browser module  147 , online video module  155  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  124 ), send an e-mail with a link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage online videos in one or more file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments, instant messaging module  141 , rather than e-mail client module  140 , is used to send a link to a particular online video. 
     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 re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory  102  may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory  102  may store additional modules and data structures not described above. 
     In some embodiments, device  100  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  100 , the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons, dials, and the like) on device  100  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  100  to a main, home, or root menu from any user interface that may be displayed on device  100 . 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. 
     While a portable or mobile computing device is shown as one embodiment of a multifunction device, one of skill in the art will readily realize in light of having read the current disclosure that a desktop computer or other computing device may also perform many of the functions described herein without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. Likewise, while touch screen devices are shown as one embodiment of a multifunction device, one of skill in the art will readily realize in light of having read the current disclosure that a desktop computer or other computing device without a touch screen may also perform many of the functions described herein without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a portable multifunction device  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The touch screen may display one or more graphics within user interface (UI)  200 . 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  202  (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or more styluses  203  (not drawn to scale in the figure). 
     Device  100  may also include one or more physical buttons, such as “home” or menu button  204 . As described previously, menu button  204  may be used to navigate to any application  136  in a set of applications that may be executed on device  100 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on touch screen  112 . 
     In one embodiment, device  100  includes touch screen  112 , menu button  204 , push button  206  for powering the device on/off and locking the device, volume adjustment button(s)  208 , Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slot  210 , head set jack  212 , and docking/charging external port  124 . Push button  206  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  100  also may accept verbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone  113 . 
     Operational Principle of Depth Map Acquisition System 
       FIG.  3    depicts operation of a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. Some embodiments function by reflecting light from a light source into a subject scene, such as display surface or subject to be scanned  300  and receiving the light at a detector  302  for measurement of the light and construction of a depth map. A housing, which is omitted for simplicity in  FIG.  3   , contains a light source  304 , a scanning mirror  306  coupled to an actuator (not shown), and a semi-transparent photosensitive detector. 
     Some embodiments include a light source  304  for emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping  300 , and the light source is fixedly mounted to the housing (not shown). Some embodiments include a mirror tilt actuator (not shown), fixedly mounted to the housing (not shown), for tilting mirror  306 , and mirror  306  is fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator (not shown). In some embodiments, mirror  306  is fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator (not shown), for reflecting light from the light source  304  to the objects  300 . Some embodiments include a partially transparent photosensitive detector  302  in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects. In some embodiments, partially transparent photosensitive detector  302  is used to detect the angle of outgoing light from light source  304 . In other embodiments, partially transparent photosensitive detector  302  also detects light returned from the objects  300 . In some embodiments, partially transparent photosensitive detector  302  is used to detect outgoing light from light source  304 , and secondary detectors (not shown) are used to detect returning light reflected from the objects. 
       FIG.  4    depicts components of a depth map acquisition system, which may be part of a camera system for use with in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A lens and mirror assembly  420 , and a light source and sensor assembly  440  are shown as components of an depth map acquisition device package  400 , which connects to other components of a multifunction device by means of a FPC external connector  410 . 
     A depth map acquisition device package  400 , which is one embodiment of a depth map acquisition system, includes a housing  430  of an actuator and mirror assembly  420 . A light source for emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping, such as light source and sensor assembly  440  is fixedly mounted to the housing. A mirror tilt actuator, fixedly mounted to the housing  430  is contained within actuator and mirror assembly  420 , for tilting a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator within actuator and mirror assembly  420 . A mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator within actuator and mirror assembly  420 , is used for reflecting light from the light source to the objects. In some embodiments, cover glass  450  includes a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments, in a tilted state. A mirror tilt actuator  500  includes a base member  502 , which is fixedly mounted to a housing such as supporting casing  515 . 
     A magnet mount post  504  is fixedly mounted to the base member  502 , for mounting a mirror pivot  506 , which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot  506  is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot  506  includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot  506  is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post  504 . In some embodiments, a mirror  505  is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot  506 . In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  510   a  is fixedly mounted to the base member  502 , for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot  506 . 
     In some embodiments, a ferrous slug  512  is fixedly mounted to the base member  502  beneath the magnet mount post  504 , for attracting and retaining the mirror pivot by means of a magnetic attraction force between the mirror pivot and the ferrous slug. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror pivot  506  is configured as a magnetic barrel component, which is roughly cylindrical with a partially hollow interior having one or more cavities, at least one of which is used for insertion of the magnetic mount post  504 . In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component  506  is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post  504 . In some embodiments, the mirror  505  fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot  506 . In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component  506  includes a hollow interior space for mounting to the magnetic mount post  504 , and the magnetic barrel component  506  includes a permanent magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror  505  fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot  506  by means of a mounting post  514 , fixedly mounted between the mirror  505  and the mirror pivot  506 . In some embodiments, the mirror  505  fixedly mounts directly to the mirror pivot  506 , for example by means of an adhesive of a mechanical connection, without the need for mounting post  514 , fixedly mounted between the mirror  505  and the mirror pivot  506 . Some embodiments further include Hall sensors  516  for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  500  as well as a supporting casing  515  and a printed circuit board casing  520  for connecting components such as magnetic coils  510  and Hall sensors  516  for power and signaling. 
     In some embodiments, four non-moving coils  510  are disposed around four sides of the magnet  506 , such that when driven with electric signals delivered through FPC casing  520 , the four non-moving coils generate Lorentz forces that tend to tilt the magnet  506  and the mirror  505  about a post  504 . 
       FIG.  6    depicts magnetic fields surrounding a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments, in a tilted state. A magnetic coil  622  and magnet  624  are shown with a magnetic field  626  and a vector  626  normal to the surface of the mirror. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments, in a centered state. A mirror tilt actuator  700  includes a base member  702 , which is fixedly mounted to a housing such as supporting casing  717 . 
     A magnet mount post  704  is fixedly mounted to the base member  702 , for mounting a mirror pivot  706 , which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot  706  is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot  706  includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot  706  is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post  704 . In some embodiments, a mirror  707  is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot  706 . In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  710  is fixedly mounted to the base member  702 , for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot  706 . 
     In some embodiments, a ferrous slug  712  is fixedly mounted to the base member  702  beneath the magnet mount post  704 , for attracting and retaining the mirror pivot by means of a magnetic attraction force between the mirror pivot and the ferrous slug  712 . 
     In some embodiments, the mirror pivot  706  is configured as a magnetic barrel component, which is roughly cylindrical with a partially hollow interior having one or more cavities, at least one of which is used for insertion of the magnetic mount post  704 . In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component  706  is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post  704 . In some embodiments, the mirror  707  fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot  706 . In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component  706  includes a hollow interior space for mounting to the magnetic mount post  704 , and the magnetic barrel component  706  includes a permanent magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror  707  fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot  706  by means of a mounting post  714 , fixedly mounted between the mirror  707  and the mirror pivot  706 . In some embodiments, the mirror  707  fixedly mounts directly to the mirror pivot  706 , for example by means of an adhesive of a mechanical connection, without the need for mounting post  714   b , fixedly mounted between the mirror  707  and the mirror pivot  706 . Some embodiments further include Hall sensors  716  for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  700  as well as a supporting casing  717  and a printed circuit board casing  720  for connecting components such as magnetic coils  710  and Hall sensors  716  for power and signaling. 
     In some embodiments, four non-moving coils  710  are disposed around four sides of the magnet  706 , such that when driven with electric signals delivered through FPC casing  720 , the four non-moving coils generate Lorentz forces that tend to tilt the magnet  706  and the mirror  707  about a post  704 . 
       FIG.  8    depicts magnetic fields surrounding a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments, in a centered state. A magnetic coil  822  and magnet  824  are shown with a magnetic field  826  and a vector  828  normal to the surface of the mirror. 
       FIG.  9 A  depicts components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A pair of fast axis coils  902  and a pair of slow axis coils  904  are arranged around a magnet  906 . 
       FIG.  9 B  illustrates components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A pair of fast axis coils  908  and a pair of slow axis coils  910  are arranged around a magnet  912 . A pair of Hall sensors  912  is shown. 
       FIG.  9 C  depicts components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A pair of fast axis coils  914  and a pair of slow axis coils  916  are arranged around a magnet  918 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. Slow axis coil termination  1002 , a slow-axis coil  1004 , a terminal  1006 , an FPC (flexible printed circuit) ribbon with traces to a driver and processor  1008  and a fast-axis coil termination  1010  are shown. 
       FIG.  11 A  illustrates components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A chassis or base member  1102   a  is shown with a magnet mount post  1104   a  and terminals  1118   a.    
       FIG.  11 B  depicts components of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A chassis or base member  1102   b  is shown with a magnet mount post  1104   b  and terminals  1118   b . A magnetic slug  1112   b  is also visible. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A mirror tilt actuator  1200  includes a base member  1202 , which is fixedly mounted to a housing such as supporting casing (not shown). 
     A magnet mount post (not shown) is fixedly mounted to the base member  1302 , for mounting a mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ), which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ) is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ) includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ) is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post (not shown). In some embodiments, a mirror  1208  is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ). In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  1210  is fixedly mounted to the base member  1202 , for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ). 
     In some embodiments, a ferrous slug (not shown) is fixedly mounted to the base member  1202  beneath the magnet mount post (not shown), for attracting and retaining the mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ) by means of a magnetic attraction force between the mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ) and the ferrous slug (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, the mirror pivot  506  (magnet  1224 ) is configured as a magnetic barrel component, which is roughly cylindrical with a partially hollow interior having one or more cavities, at least one of which is used for insertion of the magnetic mount post (not shown). In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component (magnet  1224 ) is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post (not shown). In some embodiments, the mirror  1208  fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot (not shown). In some embodiments, the magnetic barrel component (not shown) includes a hollow interior space (not shown) for mounting to the magnetic mount post (not shown), and the magnetic barrel component (magnet  1224 ) includes a permanent magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the mirror  1208  fixedly mounts to the mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ) by means of a mounting post (not used in the embodiments shown in  FIG.  12   ), fixedly mounted between the mirror  1208  and the mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ). In some embodiments, the mirror  1208  fixedly mounts directly to the mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ), for example by means of an adhesive of a mechanical connection, without the need for a mounting post, fixedly mounted between the mirror  1208  and the mirror pivot (magnet  1224 ). Some embodiments further include Hall sensors  1216  for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  1200  as well as a supporting casing (not shown) and a flexible printed circuit  1214  for connecting components such as magnetic coils  1210  and Hall sensors  1216  for power and signaling. 
     In some embodiments, four non-moving coils  1216  are disposed around four sides of the magnet  1224 , such that when driven with electric signals delivered through FPC  1214 , the four non-moving coils  1216  generate Lorentz forces that tend to tilt the magnet  1224  and the mirror  1208  about a post (not shown). 
       FIG.  13    depicts a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A mirror tilt actuator  1300  includes a base member  1302 , which is fixedly mounted to a housing such as supporting casing (not shown). 
     A magnet mount post (not shown) is fixedly mounted to the base member  1302 , for mounting a mirror pivot (not shown), which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot (not shown) is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot (not shown) includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot (not shown) is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post (not shown). In some embodiments, a mirror  1324  is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot (not shown). In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  1322  is fixedly mounted to the base member (not shown), for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot (not shown). 
     Some embodiments further include Hall sensors  1390  for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  1300  as well and a flexible printed circuit  1320  for connecting components such as magnetic coils  1322  and Hall sensors  1390  for power and signaling. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A mirror tilt actuator  1400  includes a base member  1402 , which is fixedly mounted to a housing such as supporting casing (not shown). 
     A magnet mount post  1404  is fixedly mounted to the base member  1402 , for mounting a mirror pivot (magnet  1424 ), which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot (magnet  1424 ) is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot (magnet  1424 ) includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot (magnet  1424 ) is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post  1404 . In some embodiments, a mirror  1408  is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot  1424 . In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  1410  is fixedly mounted to the base member  1402 , for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot (magnet  1424 ). 
     Some embodiments further include Hall sensors  1416  mounted to Hall sensor PCBs  1418  for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  1400  as well and a flexible printed circuit  1414  for connecting components such as magnetic coils  1410  and Hall sensors  1416  for power and signaling. 
       FIG.  15    depicts a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A mirror tilt actuator  1500  includes a base member  1502 , which is fixedly mounted to a housing such as supporting casing (not shown). 
     A magnet mount post (not shown) is fixedly mounted to the base member  1502 , for mounting a mirror pivot (magnet  1524 ), which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot (magnet  1524 ) is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot (magnet  1524 ) includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot (magnet  1524 ) is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post (not shown). In some embodiments, a mirror  1508  is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot (magnet  1524 ). In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  1510  is fixedly mounted to the base member (not shown), for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot (magnet  1524 ). 
     Some embodiments further include Hall sensors (not shown) for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  1500  as well and a flexible printed circuit  1515  for connecting components such as magnetic coils  1510  and Hall sensors (not shown) to a driver circuit  1504  for power and signaling. 
       FIG.  16    illustrates operation of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. Some embodiments move the mirror in a spiral motion pattern  1600  to provide coverage of an area in a depth map. 
       FIG.  17    depicts a schematic of a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A mirror tilt actuator  1700  includes a base member  1702 , which is fixedly mounted to a housing such as supporting casing (not shown). 
     A magnet mount post (not shown) is fixedly mounted to the base member  1702 , for mounting a mirror pivot (magnet  1724 ), which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot (magnet  1724 ) is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot (magnet  1724 ) includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot (magnet  1724 ) is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post (not shown). In some embodiments, a mirror (not shown) is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot  1724 . In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  1710  is fixedly mounted to the base member  1702 , for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot (magnet  1724 ). 
     Some embodiments further include Hall sensors (not shown) mounted to Hall sensor PCBs  1718  for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  1700  and a flexible printed circuit  1714  for connecting components such as magnetic coils  1710  and Hall sensors (not shown) for power and signaling. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A mirror tilt actuator  1800  includes a base member  1802 . 
     A magnet mount post (not shown) is fixedly mounted to the base member  1802 , for mounting a mirror pivot (magnet  1824 ), which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot (magnet  1824 ) is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot (magnet  1824 ) includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot (magnet  1824 ) is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post (not shown). In some embodiments, a mirror  1808  is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot  1824 . In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  1810  is fixedly mounted to the base member  1802 , for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot (magnet  1824 ). 
     Some embodiments further include Hall sensors  1816  mounted to Hall sensor PCBs  1818  for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  1800  as well and a flexible printed circuit (not shown) for connecting components such as magnetic coils  1810  and Hall sensors  1816  for power and signaling. 
       FIG.  19    depicts a mirror tilt actuator for use with a depth map acquisition system for use in portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A mirror tilt actuator  1900  includes a base member  1902 . 
     A magnet mount post with a rounded tip  1904  is fixedly mounted to the base member  1902 , for mounting a mirror pivot (magnet  1924 ), which in some embodiments includes a magnetic component. In some embodiments mirror pivot (magnet  1924 ) is entirely fabricated from permanently magnetic material. In other embodiments, mirror pivot (magnet  1924 ) includes one or more components fabricated from permanently magnetic material and one or more components fabricated from non-magnetic material. The mirror pivot (magnet  1924 ) is moveably mounted to the magnet mount post  1904 . In some embodiments, a mirror  1908  is fixedly mounted to the mirror pivot  1924 . In some embodiments, one or more magnetic coils  1910  is fixedly mounted to the base member  1902 , for providing one or more magnetic forces to adjust an orientation of the mirror pivot (magnet  1924 ). 
     Some embodiments further include Hall sensors  1916  mounted to Hall sensor PCBs  1918  for detecting magnetic fields within the actuator  1900  as well and a flexible printed circuit  1919  for connecting components such as magnetic coils  1910  and Hall sensors  1916  for power and signaling. A ferrous slug  1910  is included for attracting magnet  1924  to hold it in place within actuator  1900 . 
     Example Operations 
       FIG.  20    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. A light source emits light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping ( 2010 ). The light is reflected at an outgoing angle using a mirror fixedly mounted to a mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to one or more objects in the scene ( 2020 ). An outgoing angle of the light using a partially transparent photosensitive detector in a direct path of the light ( 2030 ). A detector mounted within the housing receives reflected light from the objects ( 2040 ). Based on the reflected light, a depth map of the scene is constructed ( 2050 ). 
       FIG.  21    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. A light source emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping ( 2110 ). The light is reflected at an outgoing angle using a mirror fixedly mounted to a mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to one or more objects in the scene ( 2120 ). An outgoing angle of the light is measured using a partially transparent photosensitive detector in a direct path of the light ( 2130 ). A detector mounted within the housing, receives reflected light from the objects ( 2140 ). Based on the reflected light, a depth map of the scene is constructed ( 2150 ). The mirror tilt actuator adjusts a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle ( 2160 ). 
       FIG.  22    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. A light source emits light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping ( 2210 ). The light is reflected at an outgoing angle using a mirror fixedly mounted to a mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to one or more objects in the scene ( 2220 ). An outgoing angle of the light is measured using a partially transparent photosensitive detector in a direct path of the light ( 2230 ). A detector mounted within the housing receives reflected light from the objects ( 2240 ). Based on the reflected light, a depth map of the scene is constructed ( 2250 ). The mirror tilt actuator adjusts a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle using one or more magnetic coils fixedly mounted to a base member of the mirror tilt actuator, in interaction with a mirror pivot comprises a magnetic barrel component moveably mounted to the magnet mount post including a hollow interior space for mounting to the post, and a permanent magnet ( 2260 ). 
       FIG.  23    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. A light source emits light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping ( 2310 ). The light is reflected at an outgoing angle using a mirror fixedly mounted to a mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to one or more objects in the scene ( 2320 ). An outgoing angle of the light is measured using a partially transparent photosensitive detector in a direct path of the light ( 2330 ). A detector mounted within the housing receives reflected light from the objects ( 2340 ). Based on the reflected light, a depth map of the scene is constructed ( 2350 ). The mirror tilt actuator adjusts a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle based on calculations of a closed loop feedback system in response to the measuring the outgoing angle of the light using the partially transparent photosensitive detector ( 2360 ). 
       FIG.  24    is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating a depth map acquisition system according to some embodiments. A light source emits light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping ( 2410 ). The light is reflected at an outgoing angle using a mirror fixedly mounted to a mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to one or more objects in the scene ( 2420 ). An outgoing angle of the light is measured using a partially transparent photosensitive detector in a direct path of the light ( 2430 ). A detector mounted within the housing, receives reflected light from the objects ( 2440 ). Based on the reflected light, a depth map of the scene is constructed ( 2450 ). The mirror tilt actuator adjusts a position of the mirror to adjust the outgoing angle by driving electricity though one or more coils disposed about the sides of the mirror pivot to interact with a fringing field of the mirror pivot, wherein the fringing field includes components of magnetic field in the appropriate directions to deliver the Lorentz forces, when the coils are electrically driven. ( 2460 ). 
     Example Computer System 
       FIG.  25    illustrates computer system  2500  that is configured to execute or control any or all of the embodiments described above, especially when embodied as depth map program instructions  2525  or program instructions  2522 . In different embodiments, computer system  2500  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a computer embedded in a vehicle, a computer embedded in an appliance, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, phone, slate, 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 system and method for mirror tilt actuation, as described herein, may be executed on one or more computer systems  2500 , which may interact with various other devices. Note that any component, action, or functionality described above with respect to  FIGS.  20 - 24    may be implemented on one or more computers configured as computer system  2500  of  FIG.  25   , according to various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  2500  includes one or more processors  2510  coupled to a system memory  2520  via an input/output (I/O) interface  2530 . Computer system  2500  further includes a network interface  2540  coupled to I/O interface  2530 , and one or more input/output devices  2550 , such as cursor control device  2560 , keyboard  2550 , and display(s)  2580 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  2500 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  2500 , 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  2500  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  2500  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  2510 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  2510  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  2510  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  2510  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  2510  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  2520  may be configured to store program instructions  2522  and/or existing state information and ownership transition condition data  2525  accessible by processor  2510 . In various embodiments, system memory  2520  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. In the illustrated embodiment, program instructions  2522  may be configured to implement a mapping application  2524  incorporating any of the functionality described above. Additionally, existing state information and ownership transition condition data  2525  of memory  2520  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  2520  or computer system  2500 . While computer system  2500  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  2530  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  2510 , system memory  2520 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  2540  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  2550 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  2530  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  2520 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  2510 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  2530  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  2530  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  2530 , such as an interface to system memory  2520 , may be incorporated directly into processor  2510 . 
     Network interface  2540  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  2500  and other devices attached to a network  2585  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  2500 . Network  2585  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  2540  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  2550  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  2500 . Multiple input/output devices  2550  may be present in computer system  2500  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  2500 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  2500  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  2500  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  2540 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  25   , memory  2520  may include program instructions  2522 , 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, such as the methods illustrated by  FIG.  8   . In other embodiments, different elements and data may be included. Note that data  2525  may include any data or information described above. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  2500  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  2500  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  2500  may be transmitted to computer system  2500  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 exemplary 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: 20181015
Publication Date: 20230131
Grant Date: 20230131
Priority Date: 20150715
Inventors: TOPLISS, Richard J.
GREGORY, THOMAS M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B26/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/0242", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F1/153", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/89", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F27/28", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/1821", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4817", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G2700/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/101", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B5/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F7/0242", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05G2700/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/1821", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4817", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F1/153", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/89", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/1821", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B5/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/101", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F27/28", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/89", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/101", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4817", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 63761256