PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11743586-B2
Application Number: US-202117373595-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Camera actuator with moving coils and dynamic flex circuit

Abstract:
Various embodiments include a camera having an actuator with one or more moving coils and a dynamic flex circuit. In some embodiments, the camera may include a movable frame that is fixedly coupled with a lens group or an image sensor. The actuator may be a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that moves the movable frame relative to one or more stationary structures of the camera. The VCM actuator may include a coil coupled with the movable frame, and a magnet coupled with the stationary structure(s). The dynamic flex circuit may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the coil and the stationary structure(s), and a portion of the dynamic flex circuit may provide service loop to allow motion of the movable frame enabled by the VCM actuator.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera, comprising:
 a lens group comprising one or more lens elements; 
 an image sensor to capture image data based on light that has passed through the lens group; 
 a movable frame fixedly coupled with the lens group or the image sensor; 
 one or more stationary structures; 
 a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to move the movable frame relative to the one or more stationary structures, comprising:
 a coil fixedly coupled with the movable frame, such that the coil moves together with the movable frame; and 
 a magnet fixedly coupled with the one or more stationary structures; and 
 
 a flex circuit that provides an electrical connection between the coil and the one or more stationary structures, wherein a portion of the flex circuit provides a service loop including one or more discrete folds that allows motion of the movable frame enabled by the VCM actuator, wherein a moveable end portion of the flex circuit is fixedly coupled with the coil and the moveable frame, and wherein the flex circuit conveys electrical signals between the one or more stationary structures and the coil via the electrical connection. 
 
     
     
       2. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the flex circuit comprises:
 a fixed end portion fixedly coupled with the one or more stationary structures; 
 an intermediate portion that extends from the fixed end portion to the movable end portion and that provides the service loop. 
 
     
     
       3. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the movable frame comprises a lens carrier fixedly coupled with the lens group. 
     
     
       4. The camera of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the flex circuit is a first flex circuit; 
 the one or more stationary structures comprise at least one of:
 a base structure; or 
 a stationary portion of a second flex circuit that is attached to the base structure, wherein the second flex circuit is capable of routing electrical signals between the first flex circuit and at least one of:
 an image sensor package that includes the image sensor; or 
 one or more external components that are external to the camera. 
 
 
 
     
     
       5. The camera of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the one or more stationary structures comprise a base structure; and 
 the camera further comprises:
 a bearing suspension arrangement to suspend the lens carrier from the base structure, wherein the lens carrier is configured to move on ball bearings so as to allow motion enabled by the VCM actuator. 
 
 
     
     
       6. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the movable frame comprises a stage that is fixedly coupled with the image sensor; 
 the one or more stationary structures comprise a base structure; and 
 the camera further comprises:
 a bearing suspension arrangement to suspend the stage from the base structure, wherein the stage is configured to move on ball bearings so as to allow motion enabled by the VCM actuator. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The camera of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a position sensor for detecting a position of the movable frame, wherein the position sensor is fixedly coupled with the flex circuit and positioned proximate the coil. 
 
     
     
       8. A device, comprising:
 one or more processors; 
 memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operation of a camera; and 
 the camera, comprising:
 a lens group comprising one or more lens elements; 
 an image sensor to capture image data based on light that has passed through the lens group; 
 a movable frame fixedly coupled with the lens group or the image sensor; 
 one or more stationary structures; 
 a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to move the movable frame relative to the one or more stationary structures, the VCM actuator comprising:
 a coil fixedly coupled with the movable frame, such that the coil moves together with the movable frame; and 
 a magnet fixedly coupled with the one or more stationary structures; and 
 
 
 a flex circuit that provides an electrical connection between the coil and the one or more stationary structures, wherein a portion of the flex circuit provides a service loop including one or more discrete folds that allows motion of the movable frame enabled by the VCM actuator, wherein a moveable end portion of the flex circuit is fixedly coupled with the coil and the moveable frame, and wherein the flex circuit conveys electrical signals between the one or more stationary structures and the coil via the electrical connection. 
 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the flex circuit comprises:
 a fixed end portion fixedly coupled with the one or more stationary structures; and 
 an intermediate portion that extends from the fixed end portion to the movable end portion and that provides the service loop. 
 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the movable frame comprises a lens carrier fixedly coupled with the lens group. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the flex circuit is a first flex circuit; 
 the one or more stationary structures comprise at least one of:
 a base structure; or 
 a stationary portion of a second flex circuit that is attached to the base structure, wherein the second flex circuit is capable of routing electrical signals between the first flex circuit and at least one of: 
 an image sensor package that includes the image sensor; or 
 one or more external components that are external to the camera. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the one or more stationary structures comprise a base structure; and 
 the camera further comprises:
 a bearing suspension arrangement to suspend the lens carrier from the base structure, wherein the lens carrier is configured to move on ball bearings so as to allow motion enabled by the VCM actuator. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the movable frame comprises a stage that is fixedly coupled with the image sensor; 
 the one or more stationary structures comprise a base structure; and 
 the camera further comprises:
 a bearing suspension arrangement to suspend the stage from the base structure, wherein the stage is configured to move on ball bearings so as to allow motion enabled by the VCM actuator. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the camera further comprises:
 a position sensor for detecting a position of the movable frame, wherein the position sensor is fixedly coupled with the flex circuit and positioned proximate the coil. 
 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the VCM actuator to move the lens group in at least one direction parallel to an optical axis defined by the one or more lens elements. 
     
     
       16. A flex circuit for a camera, the flex circuit comprising:
 a fixed end portion to couple with one or more stationary structures of the camera; 
 a movable end portion to fixedly couple with a movable coil of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator of the camera, wherein the movable coil is to electromagnetically interact with a stationary magnet of the VCM actuator, so as to produce Lorentz forces that move a movable frame of the camera, together with the movable coil, relative to the one or more stationary structures; and 
 an intermediate portion to convey electrical signals between the fixed end portion and the movable end portion, wherein the intermediate portion provides a service loop including one or more discrete folds that allows motion of the movable frame enabled by the VCM actuator. 
 
     
     
       17. The flex circuit of  claim 16 , wherein the movable end portion is coupled with the movable coil such that the electrical signals are capable of supplying a drive current to the movable coil. 
     
     
       18. The flex circuit of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the movable frame is a lens carrier to which a lens group comprising one or more lens elements of the camera is attached; and 
 the intermediate portion is to allow the movable end portion to move together with the lens group. 
 
     
     
       19. The flex circuit of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the movable frame is a stage to which an image sensor package comprising an image sensor is attached; and 
 the intermediate portion is to allow the movable end portion to move together with the image sensor. 
 
     
     
       20. The flex circuit of  claim 16 , wherein the intermediate portion comprises one or more bend regions:
 the movable frame is a stage to which an image sensor package comprising an image sensor is attached; and 
 the intermediate portion is to allow the movable end portion to move together with the image sensor.

Description:
This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/051,314, entitled “Sensor Shift Camera Actuator With Suspension Arrangement,” filed Jul. 13, 2020, and claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/076,831, entitled “Camera Actuator With Moving Coils and Dynamic Flex Circuit,” filed Sep. 10, 2020, and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to architecture for a camera having a sensor shift actuator and/or a suspension arrangement. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones and tablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, small form factor cameras for integration in the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby the object focal distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic side cross-sectional view of an example camera having a moveable image sensor, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 F  illustrate views of an example camera having a sensor shift actuator and one or more bearing suspension arrangements, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  2 A  shows a top perspective exploded view of the camera.  FIG.  2 B  shows a bottom perspective exploded view of the camera.  FIG.  2 C  shows a top view of the camera.  FIG.  2 D  shows a side cross-sectional view of the camera.  FIG.  2 E  shows a perspective view of a portion of the camera that may include a lens shift actuator used for moving a lens group.  FIG.  2 F  shows an example of folding a flex circuit for coupling with a base structure of the camera. 
         FIG.  3    shows a schematic representation of an example flex circuit arrangement that may be used to convey electrical signals to, from, and/or within a camera configured with a sensor shift actuator, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a top perspective exploded view of an example flex circuit arrangement that may be used to convey electrical signals to, from, and/or within a camera configured with a sensor shift actuator, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a bottom perspective exploded view of another example flex circuit arrangement that may be used to convey electrical signals to, from, and/or within a camera configured with a sensor shift actuator, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    shows a schematic representation of an example flexure arrangement that may be used to convey electrical signals to, from, and/or within a camera configured with a sensor shift actuator, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a top perspective exploded view of an example flexure suspension arrangement that may be used in a camera having a sensor shift actuator, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic block diagram of some components of an example camera having an actuator with one or more moving coils and a dynamic flex circuit, and a perspective view of an example dynamic flex circuit, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an example camera that may include an actuator with one or more moving coils and a dynamic flex circuit, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a schematic representation of an example device that may include a camera having a sensor shift actuator and/or a suspension arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example computer system that may include a camera having a sensor shift actuator and/or a suspension arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure. 
     “Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.). 
     “Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks. 
     “First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and “second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value. 
     “Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact. 
     The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments include a camera having a sensor shift actuator and/or a suspension arrangement. In some embodiments, the sensor shift actuator may move the image sensor in multiple directions relative to a lens group of the camera. For example, the actuator may move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera, e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. In some embodiments, the camera may include a lens shift actuator for moving the lens group, relative to the image sensor, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, e.g., to provide focus and/or autofocus (AF) functionality. According to some embodiments, one or more suspension arrangements (e.g., bearing suspension arrangement(s), flexure suspension arrangement(s), etc.) may suspend the image sensor and/or the lens group from a base structure of the camera. For example, a respective bearing suspension arrangement may include one or more stages configured to move on ball bearings so as to allow motion enabled by the actuator. In some examples, a flexure suspension arrangement may include a plurality of flexures that suspend the image sensor and allow motion enabled by the actuator. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, some embodiments include a camera having an actuator with one or more moving coils and a dynamic flex circuit. For example, the camera may include a movable frame that is fixedly coupled with the lens group or the image sensor. The actuator may be a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that moves the movable frame relative to one or more stationary structures of the camera. The VCM actuator may include a coil coupled with the movable frame, such that the coil moves together with the movable frame. Furthermore, the VCM actuator may include a magnet coupled with the stationary structure(s). The dynamic flex circuit may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the coil and the stationary structure(s). A portion of the dynamic flex circuit may provide sufficient service loop to allow motion of the movable frame enabled by the VCM actuator. The dynamic flex circuit may be configured to convey electrical signals between the stationary structure(s) and the coil via the electrical connection. According to various embodiments, the dynamic flex circuit may include a fixed end portion, a movable end portion, and/or an intermediate portion. The fixed end portion may be fixedly coupled with the stationary structure(s). The movable end portion may be fixedly coupled with the coil. The intermediate portion may extend from the fixed end portion to the movable end portion and may provide the service loop that allows the motion of the movable frame enabled by the VCM actuator. 
     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. 
     Described herein are embodiments of a camera having a sensor shift actuator and/or a suspension arrangement. The arrangements discussed throughout generally comprise a camera having a moveable image sensor and/or a moveable lens group, e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) and/or focus (e.g., autofocus (AF)) during imaging.  FIG.  1    shows a generalized example of such a camera  100 . The example X-Y-Z coordinate system shown in  FIG.  1    may apply to embodiments discussed throughout this disclosure. 
     In various embodiments, the camera  100  may include a lens group  102 , an image sensor  104 , one or more actuators  106 , and/or one or more suspension arrangements  108 . The lens group may include one or more lens elements  110  that define an optical axis  112 . The image sensor may capture image data based on light that has passed through the lens group  102 .  FIG.  1    indicates example, generalized locations at which components of the actuator(s)  106  and the suspension arrangement(s)  108  may be positioned. Actuator(s) and suspension arrangement(s) that may be included in the camera  100  are described in further detail herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 7   . 
     In various embodiments, the actuator(s)  106  may include a sensor shift actuator to move the image sensor  104  (e.g., relative to the lens group  102 ) and/or a lens shift actuator to move the lens group  102  (e.g., relative to the image sensor  104 ). In some embodiments, the actuator(s)  106  may comprise one or more OIS actuators configured to move the image sensor in multiple directions orthogonal to the optical axis  112 , e.g., to provide OIS movement in a first direction  114  (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and a second direction  116  (e.g., the X-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction  114 . Furthermore, the actuator(s)  106  may comprise one or more focus actuators (e.g., an AF actuator) configured to move the lens group  102  in a direction parallel to the optical axis  112 , e.g., to provide focus movement (e.g., AF movement) in a third direction  118  (e.g., the Z-axis direction) that is orthogonal to the first direction  114  and the second direction  116 . In some embodiments, the actuator(s)  106  may additionally, or alternatively, be configured to move the image sensor  104  in the third direction  118 , and/or to move the lens group  102  in the first direction  114  and/or the second direction  116 . In various embodiments, the actuator(s)  106  may comprise one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators, e.g., as described herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 4   . It should be understood that the actuator(s)  106  may additionally, or alternatively, include one or more other types of actuators (e.g., a piezoelectric actuator, a comb drive actuator, etc.) in some embodiments. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  1   , the camera  100  may generally include an OIS-Y sensor shift portion  120 , an OIS-X sensor shift portion  122 , and/or an AF lens shift portion  124  in some embodiments. In various embodiments, some of the same components of the camera  100  may be included in multiple ones of the OIS-Y sensor shift portion  120 , the OIS-X sensor shift portion  122 , and the AF lens shift portion  124 . For example, the image sensor  104  may be included in the OIS-X sensor shift portion  122  and the OIS-Y sensor shift portion  120  in some embodiments. Furthermore, the OIS-X sensor shift portion  122  may be considered part of the OIS-Y sensor shift portion  120  in some embodiments. The legend in  FIG.  1    shows that the OIS-Y sensor shift portion  120  is indicated by two different types of shading (also referred to herein as “first shading” and “second shading”), one of which is also the shading used to indicate the OIS-X sensor shift portion  122 . The first shading and the second shading used for the OIS-Y sensor shift portion  120  indicate a portion of the camera  100  that moves together in the first direction  114  (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and the second shading for the OIS-X sensor shift portion  122  indicates a portion of the camera  100  that moves (e.g., independently of the portion shaded with the first shading) in the second direction  116  (e.g., the X-axis direction). The OIS-Y sensor shift portion  120  may be moveable, via the actuator(s)  106 , in the first direction  114  to provide OIS-Y movement of an image on the image sensor  104 . The OIS-X sensor shift portion  122  may be moveable, via the actuator(s)  106 , in the second direction  116  to provide OIS-X movement of the image on the image sensor  104 . The AF lens shift portion  124 , corresponding to a third shading (that is of a different type than the first shading and the second shading) in the legend in  FIG.  1   , may be moveable, via the actuator(s)  106 , in the third direction  118  to provide focus movement of the image on the image sensor  104 . 
     In various embodiments, the suspension arrangement(s)  108  may comprise one or more bearing suspension arrangements. For example, as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F , one or more OIS bearing suspension arrangements may be configured to suspend the image sensor  104  from a base structure  126  of the camera  100 . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more AF bearing suspension arrangements may be configured to suspend the lens group  102  from the base structure  126 . In various embodiments, each of the bearing suspension arrangements may include one or multiple stages. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments an OIS bearing suspension arrangement may include multiple stages (e.g., the X stage  208  and the Y stage  210  in  FIG.  2   ), and an AF bearing suspension arrangement may include one stage (e.g., the Z stage  212  in  FIG.  2   ), and each of the stages may be configured to move on ball bearings so as to allow motion enabled by the actuator(s)  106 . In some embodiments, each of the stages may comprise a respective moveable structure (e.g., a holder, a frame, and/or a platform, etc.) that is coupled with one or more components of the camera  100  so as to suspend such component(s) from the base structure  126 , and the respective moveable structure is moveable (e.g., via the actuator(s)) on ball bearings in at least one direction so as to correspondingly move the component(s) coupled therewith. It should be understood that the suspension arrangement(s)  108  may additionally, or alternatively, comprise one or more other types of suspension arrangements (e.g., a spring, wire, and/or flexure suspension arrangement, etc.) in some embodiments, such as the example flexure suspension arrangement  700  discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  7   . 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 F  illustrate views of an example camera  200  having a sensor shift actuator and one or more bearing suspension arrangements.  FIG.  2 A  shows a top perspective exploded view of the camera  200 .  FIG.  2 B  shows a bottom perspective exploded view of the camera  200 .  FIG.  2 C  shows a top view of the camera  200 .  FIG.  2 D  shows a side cross-sectional view of the camera  200 .  FIG.  2 E  shows a perspective view of a portion of the camera  200  that may include a lens shift actuator used for moving a lens group.  FIG.  2 F  shows an example of folding a flex circuit for coupling with a base structure of the camera  200 . In some embodiments, the camera  200  may include a lens group  202 , an image sensor package  204  (e.g., comprising an image sensor  206 ), one or more actuators (e.g., comprising the sensor shift actuator and/or the lens shift actuator), one or more bearing suspension arrangements (e.g., comprising an X stage  208 , a Y stage  210 , and/or a Z stage  212 ), and/or a base structure  214 . According to some embodiments, the camera  200  may be the same as, or similar to, the camera  100  described herein with reference to  FIG.  1   . 
     The lens group  202  may include one or more lens elements (e.g., lens element(s)  110  in  FIG.  1   ) that define an optical axis (e.g., optical axis  112  in  FIG.  1   ). The image sensor  206  may be configured to capture image data based on light that passes through the lens group  202 . In some embodiments, the image sensor  206  may be attached to a substrate  216 . In some embodiments, the image sensor package  204  may include the image sensor  206 , the substrate  216 , a filter  218  (e.g., an infrared filter), and/or one or more circuit layers (e.g., flex circuit  220 ). The circuit layer(s) may be used for conveying electrical signals, e.g., between electrical components of the image sensor package  206  (e.g., electrical components mounted to the circuit layer(s)), and/or between the image sensor package  206  and one or more other portions of the camera (e.g., via an electrical interface between the circuit layer(s) and one or more other circuits). In various embodiments, the image sensor package  204  may be coupled with one or more stages of an OIS bearing suspension arrangement. For example, the image sensor package  204  may be fixedly coupled with the X stage  208 , such that the image sensor package  204  is moveable together (e.g., in lockstep) with the X stage  208  in the X-axis direction, e.g., via the actuator(s). In some embodiments, the OIS-X sensor shift portion  122  described herein with reference to  FIG.  1    may include the image sensor package  204  and the X stage  208 . Furthermore, the image sensor package  204  may be coupled with the Y stage  210  via the X stage  208 , such that the image sensor package  204  and the X stage  208  are moveable together with the Y stage  210  in the Y-axis direction, e.g., via the actuator(s). In some embodiments, the OIS-Y sensor shift portion  120  described herein with reference to  FIG.  1    may include the image sensor package  204 , the X stage  208 , and the Y stage  210 . Additionally, or alternatively, the lens group  202  may be coupled with one or more stages of a focus (and/or an AF) bearing suspension arrangement. For example, the lens group  202  may be fixedly coupled with the Z stage  212 , such that the lens group  202  is moveable together (e.g., in lockstep) with the Z stage  212 , e.g., via the actuator(s). In some embodiments, the AF lens shift portion  124  described herein with reference to  FIG.  1    may include the lens group  202  and the Z stage. The Z stage  212  may comprise a lens carrier in various embodiments. According to some embodiments, the lens group  202  may be at least partially contained within a lens barrel  222 , and the lens barrel  222  may be fixedly attached to the Z stage  212 . 
     In various embodiments, the actuator(s) and/or the bearing suspension arrangement(s) may be used for controlled movement of the lens group  202  and/or the image sensor  204 . The base structure  214  may be in a fixed position relative to movement of the X stage  208 , the Y stage  210 , and/or the Z stage  212 . 
     According to various embodiments, the actuator(s) may be used to move the lens group  202  and/or the image sensor  206 , e.g., via movement of the X stage  208 , the Y stage  210 , and/or the Z stage  212 . In some embodiments, the actuator(s) may comprise one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators. The VCM actuator(s) may include one or more coils (e.g., OIS coil(s) and/or AF coil(s)) that can electromagnetically interact (e.g., when electrical current is provided to the coils) with one or more magnets (e.g., OIS magnet(s) and/or AF magnet(s)) to produce Lorentz forces that move the lens group  202  and/or the image sensor  206 , e.g., via controlled movement in directions allowed by the stages of the bearing suspension arrangement. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator(s) may include an OIS-X VCM actuator (e.g., to provide OIS-X movement), an OIS-Y VCM actuator (e.g., to provide OIS-Y movement), and an AF VCM actuator (e.g., to provide AF movement). For example, the OIS-X VCM actuator may include one or more OIS-X coils  224  and one or more OIS-X magnets  226 , e.g., as indicated in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 D . In some embodiments, an OIS-X coil  224  may be coupled with the X stage  208 . For example, the OIS-X coil  224  may be attached to, and/or embedded in, the flex circuit  220 . The flex circuit  220  may be coupled with the X stage  208 , e.g., via direct attachment and/or via attachment to one or more other components (e.g., component(s) of the image sensor package  204 ). An OIS-X magnet  226  may be attached to the base structure  214 , e.g., to an underside of the base structure  214 . The OIS-X magnet  226  and the OIS-X coil  224  may be positioned proximate one another so that they can electromagnetically interact with each other to shift the image sensor  206  together with the X stage  208  (e.g., relative to the lens group  202  and/or the base structure  214 ) in the X-axis direction, to provide OIS-X movement of an image on the image sensor  206 . 
     In some embodiments, the OIS-Y VCM actuator may include one or more OIS-Y coils  228  and one or more OIS-Y magnets  230 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  2 A . In some embodiments, an OIS-Y coil  228  may be coupled with the X stage  208 . For example, the OIS-Y coil  228  may be attached to, and/or embedded in, the flex circuit  220 . As previously mentioned, the flex circuit  220  may be coupled with the X stage  208 . An OIS-Y magnet  230  may be attached to the base structure  214 , e.g., to an underside of the base structure  214 . The OIS-Y magnet  230  and the OIS-Y coil  228  may be positioned proximate one another so that they can electromagnetically interact with each other to shift the image sensor  206  together with the X stage  208  and the Y stage  210  (e.g., relative to the lens group  202  and/or the base structure  214 ) in the Y-axis direction, to provide OIS-Y movement of an image on the image sensor  206 . 
     In some embodiments, the AF VCM actuator may include one or more AF coils  232  and one or more AF magnets  234 , e.g., as indicated in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . In some embodiments, an AF coil  232  may be attached to the base structure  214 . An AF magnet  234  may be attached to the Z stage  212 . The AF magnet  234  and the AF coil  232  may be positioned proximate one another so that they can electromagnetically interact with each other to shift the lens group  202  together with the Z stage  212  (e.g., relative to the image sensor  206  and/or the base structure  214 ) in the Z-axis direction, to provide AF movement of an image on the image sensor  206 . While some aspects of the actuator(s) may be referred to herein in terms of “AF,” it should be understood that such aspects may additionally, or alternatively, be referred to in terms of “focus,” in some embodiments. 
     According to various embodiments, the bearing suspension arrangement(s) may include the X stage  208 , the Y stage  210 , and/or the Z stage  212 . For example, the OIS bearing suspension arrangement may include the X stage  208  and the Y stage  210 . As previously discussed, the image sensor  206  may be coupled with the X stage  208  and the Y stage  210  in some embodiments. The AF bearing suspension arrangement may include the Z stage  212 , and the lens group  202  may be coupled with the Z stage  212 . 
     Furthermore, the bearing suspension arrangement(s) may include one or more ball bearings (e.g., made of steel, ceramic, etc.). In some embodiments, the OIS bearing suspension arrangement may include one or more X-translation ball bearings  236  and/or one or more Y-translation ball bearings  238 . The AF bearing suspension arrangement may include one or more Z-translation ball bearings  240 . While some aspects of the suspension arrangement(s) may be referred to herein in terms of “AF,” it should be understood that such aspects may additionally, or alternatively, be referred to in terms of “focus,” in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the X stage  208  may be disposed below the Y stage  210  and/or the base structure  214 . The X stage  208  may be configured to translate in the X-axis direction, e.g., via X-translation ball bearings  236  disposed between the X stage  208  and an underside of the Y stage  210 . According to some examples, the X-axis translation movement may be used to provide OIS-X movement of an image on the image sensor  206 . In some embodiments, the X-translation ball bearings  236  may reside within one or more X-translation tracks  242  defined, e.g., by the X stage  208  and/or the Y stage  210 . Respective ones of the X-translation track(s)  242  may be oriented in the same direction to allow for constrained movement in a common direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). An underside of the Y stage  210  may be shaped so as to define one or more grooves, recesses, pockets, etc., that at least partially form the X-translation track(s)  242 . Additionally, or alternatively, an upper portion of the X stage  208  may be shaped so as to define one or more grooves, recesses, pockets, etc., that at least partially form the X-translation track(s)  242 . In some embodiments, the X-translation ball bearings  236  may be disposed within respective spaces of the X-translation track(s)  242  that may be sized to accommodate the X-translation ball bearings  236  between the underside of the Y stage  210  and the upper portion of the X stage  208 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the X-translation track(s)  242  may comprise multiple segments. For example, as indicated in  FIG.  2 A , the X-translation track(s)  242  may comprise four segments positioned at corners of the X stage  208 . While the X stage  208  is illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 D  as a component with which the image sensor package  204  is coupled, some or all of the aspects described herein regarding the X stage  208  may instead be included in one or more components of the image sensor package  204  in some embodiments. For example, the substrate  216  may itself serve as the X stage  208 , instead of the camera  200  including the X stage  208  as a component that is separately formed from the substrate  216 . 
     In some embodiments, the Y stage  210  may be disposed above the X stage  208  and/or below the base structure  214 . According to some embodiments, the Y stage  210  may be U-shaped or otherwise shaped to allow for at least a portion of the Z stage  212  to reside in the same plane (e.g., the X-Y plane) as at least a portion of the Y stage  210 . The Y stage  210  may be configured to translate in the Y-axis direction, e.g., via Y-translation ball bearings  238  disposed between the Y stage  208  and an underside of the base structure  214 . According to some examples, the Y-axis translation movement may be used to provide OIS-Y movement of an image on the image sensor  206 . In some embodiments, the Y-translation ball bearings  238  may reside within one or more Y-translation tracks  244  defined, e.g., by the Y stage  210  and/or the base structure  214 . Respective ones of the Y-translation track(s)  244  may be oriented in the same direction to allow for constrained movement in a common direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). An underside of the base structure  214  may be shaped so as to define one or more grooves, recesses, pockets, etc., that at least partially form the Y-translation track(s)  244 . Additionally, or alternatively, an upper portion of the Y stage  210  may be shaped so as to define one or more grooves, recesses, pockets, etc., that at least partially form the Y-translation track(s)  244 . In some embodiments, the Y-translation ball bearings  238  may be disposed within respective spaces of the Y-translation track(s)  244  that may be sized to accommodate the Y-translation ball bearings  238  between the underside of the base structure  214  and the upper portion of the Y stage  210 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the Y-translation track(s)  244  may comprise multiple segments. For example, as indicated in  FIG.  2 A , the Y-translation track(s)  244  may comprise four segments positioned at corners of the Y stage  210 . 
     In some embodiments, the Z stage  212  may be at least partially encircled by the X stage  208 , the Y stage  210 , and/or the base structure  214 . The Z stage  212  may be configured to translate in the Z-axis direction, e.g., via Z-translation ball bearings  240  disposed between a first portion of the of the Z stage  212  and a side of the base structure  214 . According to some examples, the Z-axis translation movement may be used to provide AF movement of an image on the image sensor  206 . In some embodiments, the Z-translation ball bearings  240  may reside within one or more Z-translation tracks  246  defined, e.g., by the Z stage  212  and/or the base structure  214 . Respective ones of the Z-translation track(s)  246  may be oriented in the same direction to allow for constrained movement in a common direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). An inner side of the base structure  214  may be shaped so as to define one or more grooves, recesses, pockets, etc., that at least partially form the Z-translation track(s)  246 . Additionally, or alternatively, a side of the first portion of the Z stage  212  may be shaped so as to define one or more grooves, recesses, pockets, etc., that at least partially form the Z-translation track(s)  246 . In some embodiments, the Z-translation ball bearings  240  may be disposed within respective spaces of the Z-translation track(s)  246  that may be sized to accommodate the Z-translation ball bearings  240  between the side of the base structure  214  and the side of the first portion of the Z stage  212 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the Z-translation track(s)  246  may comprise multiple segments. For example, as indicated in  FIG.  2 A , the Z-translation track(s)  246  may comprise two segments positioned at opposite sides of the first portion of the Z stage  212 , relative to the AF magnet  234  (which may be attached to the same side of the Z stage  212  as the Z-translation ball bearings  240  and the Z-translation track(s)  246 ). 
     According to some embodiments, the lens group  202  may be fixedly coupled with a second portion of the Z stage  212 . In some examples, the second portion of the Z stage  212  may at least partially encircle the lens group  202  (and/or the lens barrel  222 ). According to some embodiments, the Z stage  212  may extend, in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., in the X-axis direction), from the first portion (which may be located proximate the side of the base structure  214 ) to the second portion (which may be located proximate the lens group  202 ), e.g., as a cantilever. In various embodiments, the Z stage  212  may suspend the lens group  202  above the image sensor  206 , e.g., such that the image sensor  206  and the lens group  202  are positioned along the optical axis. 
     In various embodiments, the camera  200  and/or the bearing suspension arrangement(s) may include one or more ferritic components (e.g., formed of iron, stainless steel, etc.) that magnetically interact with one or more magnets to preload the ball bearings of the bearing suspension arrangement(s), e.g., in a load direction that is based at least in part on forces of attraction between the magnet(s) and the ferritic component(s). 
     In some embodiments, ferritic component(s)  248  may be positioned below the OIS-Y magnet  230  to preload the X-translation ball bearings  236  and/or the Y-translation ball bearings  238  with a load in the Z-axis direction. For example, as indicated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D , the ferritic component(s)  248  may be encircled by the OIS-Y coil  228  and/or coupled with the flex circuit  220 .  FIG.  2 A  shows two ferritic component(s)  248  within an inner periphery of the OIS-Y coil  228 ; however, the camera  200  and/or the OIS bearing suspension arrangement may include fewer or more ferritic component(s)  248  for preloading the X-translation ball bearings  236  and/or the Y-translation ball bearings  238  in various embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more other magnets (not shown) may be included to magnetically interact with the ferritic component(s)  248 , to preload the X-translation ball bearings  236  and/or the Y-translation ball bearings  238  in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, ferritic component(s)  250  may be positioned proximate the AF magnet  234  to preload the Z-translation ball bearings  240  with a load in a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction). For example, as indicated in  FIGS.  2 C- 2 F , the ferritic component(s)  250  may be disposed between the AF magnet  234  and a side of the camera  200 .  FIGS.  2 C- 2 F  show one ferritic component  250  for preloading the Z-translation ball bearings  240 ; however, the camera  200  and/or the AF bearing suspension arrangement may include one or more ferritic components  250  for preloading the Z-translation ball bearings  240  in various embodiments. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more other magnets (not shown) may be included to magnetically interact with the ferritic component(s)  250 , to preload the Z-translation ball bearings  240  in some embodiments. 
     In various embodiments, the camera  200  may include a flex circuit  254  (also referred to herein as “dynamic flex circuit”) that may be coupled with the image sensor package  204 . For example, the dynamic flex circuit  254  may include one or more fixed end portions  256  ( FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ), a moveable end portion  258  ( FIGS.  2 B and  2 D ), and/or an intermediate portion  260  ( FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 D ). The fixed end portion(s)  256  may be connected to a stationary structure, such as, but not limited to, the base structure  214  and/or an additional flex circuit  262  (e.g., a stationary flex circuit) that is attached to the base structure  214 , e.g., as indicated in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 E, and  2 F . The moveable end portion  258  may be coupled with the image sensor package  204  such that the moveable end portion  258  moves together with (e.g., in lockstep with) the image sensor  206 . In some embodiments, the moveable end portion  258  may be attached to an underside of the image sensor package  204 . For example, in some embodiments the moveable end portion  258  may be attached to a bottom surface of the flex circuit  220  of the image sensor package  204 , as indicated in  FIGS.  2 B and  2 D . The intermediate portion  260  may extend from the fixed end portion(s)  256  to the moveable end portion  258 . The intermediate portion  260  may be configured to allow the moveable end portion  258  to move (e.g., with the image sensor  206 ) relative to the fixed end portion(s)  256 . In some embodiments, the camera  200  may be configured to convey electrical signals (e.g., power and/or control signals) between the stationary structure (e.g. the flex circuit  262 ) and the image sensor package  204  via the dynamic flex circuit  254 . Additionally, or alternatively, the dynamic flex circuit  254  may be configured to convey electrical signals (e.g., power and/or control signals) along at least a portion of an electrical connection path between the stationary flex circuit  262  (which may be attached to the base structure  214 ) and the image sensor  206 .  FIG.  2 F  shows an example of folding the flex circuit  262  for coupling with the base structure  214 . In some embodiments, the flex circuit  262   a  may be in a flat state, then folded as indicated by the arrows and fold lines in  FIG.  2 F  to a folded state (flex circuit  262   b ) that wraps around a portion of the base structure  214 . 
     According to various embodiments, one or more portions of the dynamic flex circuit  254  may extend along (and/or proximate to) one or more respective sides of the camera  200 , e.g., for efficient use of space that may enable a reduction in size of the camera  200  in its X dimension(s) and/or Y dimension(s). For example, the moveable end portion  258  may extend along a lower side of the camera  200 , and the dynamic flex circuit  254  may include straight regions and one or more bend regions such that the intermediate portion  260  and the fixed end portion(s)  256  comprise one or more folded legs that extend proximate sides of the camera  200  that are parallel to the optical axis, e.g., as indicated in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 D . Additional aspects of a dynamic flex circuit and/or other flex circuits that may be included in the camera  200  are described herein with reference to  FIG.  3   . 
     In some embodiments, the camera  200  may include one or more position sensors (e.g., magnetic field sensors, such as Hall sensors, tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors, giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors, etc.) for position sensing with respect to OIS-X movement, OIS-Y movement, and/or AF movement. For example, the camera  200  may include position sensor  264  for position sensing with respect to OIS-X movement and/or OIS-Y movement. In some embodiments, the position sensor  264  may be positioned proximate the OIS-X coil  224 , e.g., so as to be capable of detecting changes in the magnetic field forces of the OIS-X magnet  226  as the OIS-X coil  224  moves in the X-axis direction and/or the Y-axis direction. In a non-limiting example, the position sensor  264  may be coupled with the flex circuit  220  and/or may be at least partially encircled by an inner periphery of the OIS-X coil  224 . Furthermore, the camera  200  may include position sensor  266  for position sensing with respect to AF movement. In some embodiments, the position sensor  264  may be positioned proximate the AF coil  232 , e.g., so as to be capable of detecting changes in the magnetic field forces of the AF magnet  234  as the AF magnet  234  moves in the Z-axis direction. In a non-limiting example, the position sensor  266  may be coupled with the base structure  214  (e.g., attached to the stationary flex circuit  262 ) and/or may be at least partially encircled by an inner periphery of AF coil  232 . 
     In various embodiments, the camera  200  may include one or more other electrical components  268  coupled to the image sensor package  206 . For example, the electrical component(s)  268  may include one or more driver integrated circuits (e.g., comprising a driver integrated circuit used for driving coil(s) of the actuator(s)) and/or one or more position sensors, etc., mounted to or otherwise coupled with the flex circuit  220  of the image sensor package  206 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the electrical component(s)  266  may include a position sensor (e.g., for position sensing with respect to OIS-X movement and/or OIS-Y movement) that may be oriented differently than position sensor  264 . In some embodiments, such a position sensor may be configured to detect changes in the magnetic field forces of a probe magnet and/or another drive magnet of the actuator(s), which may be attached to the base structure  214  (e.g., at the position indicated by arrow  270  in  FIG.  2 A ) in some embodiments. 
       FIG.  3    shows a schematic representation of an example flex circuit arrangement  300  that may be used to convey electrical signals in a camera (e.g., camera  100  in  FIG.  1    and/or camera  200  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F ) configured with a sensor shift actuator. The flex circuit arrangement  300  may include a dynamic flex circuit  302 , which may be the same as, or similar to, the dynamic flex circuit  254  described herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A and  2 C . Furthermore, the flex circuit arrangement  300  may include one or more circuit layers (e.g., flex circuit  304 , which may be the same as, or similar to, the flex circuit  220  of the image sensor package  204  in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D ) and/or a stationary flex circuit  306  (which may be the same as, or similar to, the stationary flex circuit  262  described herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F ). In various embodiments, the flex circuit arrangement  300  may be configured to convey electrical signals between a stage (e.g., X stage  308 ) of a bearing suspension arrangement and a base structure  310  of the camera. 
     In some embodiments, the stationary flex circuit  306  may be attached to the base structure  310  and/or the AF coil  232 . Furthermore, the stationary flex circuit  306  may extend along, or proximate to, one or more sides of the base structure  310 . For example, as indicated in  FIG.  3   , the stationary flex circuit  306  may include straight regions and one or more bend regions. In some embodiments, the stationary flex circuit  306  may extend, in directions orthogonal to an optical axis (e.g., optical axis  112  in  FIG.  1   ), along inner and/or outer sides of the base structure  310 . 
     In some embodiments, the flex circuit arrangement  300  may include flex circuit electrical interface(s)  312  at which the dynamic flex circuit  302  may be coupled with the flex circuit  304  or the stationary flex circuit  306 , e.g., such that the dynamic flex circuit  302  may be used to convey electrical signals from the flex circuit  304  (and/or one or more other components of the image sensor package and/or the X stage  308 ) to the stationary flex circuit  306 , and/or vice-versa. For example, a flex circuit electrical interface  312   a  may comprise one or more electrical connections between the moveable portion of the dynamic flex circuit  302  and the flex circuit  304  and/or the image sensor package. Furthermore, a second flex circuit electrical interface  312   b  and/or a third flex circuit electrical interface  312   c  may comprise electrical connection(s) between respective fixed end portions of the dynamic flex circuit  302  and the stationary flex circuit  306 . 
     In some non-limiting examples, power from a driver integrated circuit (which may be mounted to the flex circuit  304 ) may be conveyed to the AF coil  232  via the flex circuit arrangement  300 . For example, drive current may be conveyed from the flex circuit  304  to the dynamic flex circuit  302  via the first flex circuit electrical interface  312   a , then from the dynamic flex circuit  302  to the stationary flex circuit  306  via the second flex circuit electrical interface  312   b  and/or the third flex circuit electrical interface  312   c , and then from the stationary flex circuit  306  to the AF coil  232  so as to drive the AF coil  232 . 
     In some non-limiting examples, a portion of the stationary flex circuit  306  (and/or one or more other portions of the flex circuit arrangement  300 ) may exit the camera module, such that the flex circuit arrangement is configured to convey certain signals (e.g., signals associated with image data captured via the image sensor  206 , signals associated with position sensor data captured via the position sensor(s)  264  and  266  in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D , etc.) between the camera module and one or more components that are external to the camera, such as an image signal processor (ISP) of a device (e.g., the device  1000  in  FIG.  10   , the computer system  1100  in  FIG.  11   , etc.). The flex circuit arrangement  300  may be used to convey signals from the image sensor  206  via a substrate (e.g., substrate  216  in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 C ) coupled with the image sensor  206  and the flex circuit  304 . Additionally, or alternatively, the flex circuit arrangement  300  may be used to convey control signals (e.g., signals associated with actuator commands from controller(s) of the ISP) to the driver integrated circuit for driving the coil(s) of the actuator(s). 
       FIG.  4    shows a top perspective exploded view of an example flex circuit arrangement  400  that may be used to convey electrical signals to, from, and/or within a camera (e.g., camera  100  in  FIG.  1    and/or camera  200  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D ) configured with a sensor shift actuator. The flex circuit arrangement  400  may include a flex circuit  402  that may electrically interface with the stationary flex circuit  262  that is attached to the base structure  214 . For example, as indicated in  FIG.  4   , the flex circuit  402  may comprise exposed ACF pads  404  that may be attached (e.g., via ACF bonding, reflow soldering, and/or ultrasonic bonding, etc.) with corresponding exposed ACF pads  406  of the stationary flex circuit  262 . 
     In some embodiments, the stationary flex circuit  262  may also be coupled with a dynamic flex circuit (e.g., dynamic flex circuit  254  in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 D , dynamic flex circuit  302  in  FIG.  3   , etc.) and/or one or more circuit layers (e.g., flex circuit  220  in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D , flex circuit  304  in  FIG.  3   , etc.). As previously discussed, such a configuration may enable conveying electrical signals between an image sensor package (and/or an image sensor) and the stationary flex circuit  262 , via the dynamic flex circuit and/or the one or more circuit layers. 
     According to various embodiments, the flex circuit  402  may convey electrical signals between the stationary flex circuit  262  and one or more components that are external to the camera, such as an image signal processor (ISP) of a device (e.g., the device  1000  in  FIG.  10   , the computer system  1100  in  FIG.  11   , etc.). As indicated in  FIG.  4   , a portion  408  of the flex circuit  402  may exit the camera module and extend away from the camera module so that the flex circuit  402  is configured to convey electrical signals between the camera module and the component(s) that are external to the camera. In some embodiments, a stiffener  410  may be mounted on a portion of the flex circuit  402 , e.g., to provide structural support to the flex circuit arrangement  400  and/or to the camera. The stiffener  410  may encase a portion of the camera. For example, the stiffener  410  may have an upper wall that covers an upper portion of the camera, and side walls that cover side portions of the camera. In some embodiments, the stiffener  410  may not include a side wall at the side of the camera through which the portion  408  of the flex circuit  402  exits the camera module. In some embodiments, the stiffener  410  may have a side wall at the side of the camera through which the portion  408  of the flex circuit  402  exits the camera module, but that side wall may be configured to allow the portion  408  of the flex circuit  402  to exit the camera module. 
       FIG.  5    shows a bottom perspective exploded view of another example flex circuit arrangement  500  that may be used to convey electrical signals to, from, and/or within a camera (e.g., camera  100  in  FIG.  1    and/or camera  200  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D ) configured with a sensor shift actuator. The flex circuit arrangement  500  may include a flex circuit  502  that may electrically interface with a stationary flex circuit  504  that is attached to the base structure  214 . For example, as indicated in  FIG.  5   , the flex circuit  502  may comprise exposed solder tabs  506  that may be attached (e.g., via ACF bonding, reflow soldering, and/or ultrasonic bonding, etc.) with corresponding exposed solder tabs  508  of the stationary flex circuit  504 . A portion of the stationary flex circuit  504  comprising the exposed solder tabs  508  may be disposed on a supporting shelf  510  of the base structure  214 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  5   . 
     In some embodiments, the stationary flex circuit  504  may also be coupled with a dynamic flex circuit (e.g., dynamic flex circuit  254  in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 D , dynamic flex circuit  302  in  FIG.  3   , etc.) and/or one or more circuit layers (e.g., flex circuit  220  in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D , flex circuit  304  in  FIG.  3   , etc.), e.g., as indicated herein with reference to the coupling of flex circuit  262  and/or flex circuit  306  to a dynamic flex circuit and/or one or more circuit layers. As previously discussed, such a configuration may enable conveying electrical signals between an image sensor package (and/or an image sensor) and the stationary flex circuit  504 , via the dynamic flex circuit and/or the one or more circuit layers. 
     According to various embodiments, the flex circuit  502  may convey electrical signals between the stationary flex circuit  504  and one or more components that are external to the camera, such as an image signal processor (ISP) of a device (e.g., the device  1000  in  FIG.  10   , the computer system  1100  in  FIG.  11   , etc.). As indicated in  FIG.  5   , a portion  512  of the flex circuit  402  may extend away from the camera module so that the flex circuit  502  is configured to convey electrical signals between the camera module and the component(s) that are external to the camera. 
       FIG.  6    shows a schematic representation of an example flexure arrangement  600  that may be used to convey electrical signals to, from, and/or within a camera (e.g., camera  100  in  FIG.  1    and/or camera  200  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D ) configured with a sensor shift actuator. The flexure arrangement  600  may include flexures  602  configured to convey electrical signals (e.g., the signals discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 5   ) between a stage (e.g., X stage  604 ) of a suspension arrangement and a base structure  606  of the camera. In some embodiments, the flexures  602  may have electrical interfaces  608   a  with the X stage  604  (and/or one or more components coupled with the X stage  604 ) and electrical interfaces  608   b  with the base structure  606  (and/or one or more components coupled with the base structure  606 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  6   . According to some embodiments, the flexure(s)  602  and/or the X stage  604  may be in electrical communication with a flex circuit  610  (e.g., flex circuit  220  in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D , flex circuit  304  in  FIG.  3   , etc.) and/or an image sensor package (e.g., image sensor package  204  in  FIG.  2 A ) comprising the image sensor  206 . Additionally, or alternatively, the flexure(s)  602  may be in electrical communication with a stationary flex circuit (e.g., flex circuit  262  in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 E, and  2 F , stationary flex circuit  306  in  FIG.  3   , etc.) that is coupled with the base structure  606  and/or the AF coil  232 . 
       FIG.  7    shows a top perspective exploded view of an example flexure suspension arrangement  700  that may be used in a camera having a sensor shift actuator e.g., the sensor shift actuator of camera  100  in  FIG.  1    and/or the sensor shift actuator of camera  200  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D ). In some embodiments, the flexure suspension arrangement  700  may be used in the camera in addition to, or as an alternative to, at least a portion of the bearing suspension arrangements described herein. For example, the flexure suspension arrangement  700  may be used to suspend the image sensor package  204  (and/or the image sensor  206 ) from a base structure (e.g., base structure  126  in  FIG.  1   , base structure  214  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F , etc.) and/or one or more other stationary structures of the camera. According to some embodiments, the flexure suspension arrangement  700  may allow for controlled X-Y movement of the image sensor, e.g., to provide OIS movement, of an image on the image sensor, in multiple directions. In some embodiments, the flexure suspension arrangement  700  may additionally, or alternatively, allow for controlled movement of the image sensor, relative to the lens group, in a direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis direction), e.g., to provide AF movement of the image on the image sensor. 
     In some embodiments, the flexure suspension arrangement  700  may include a frame  702  comprising one or more circuit layers on an inner (dynamic) platform  704  and an outer (stationary) platform  706  that is stationary relative to movement of the inner platform. Furthermore, the flexure suspension arrangement  700  may include flexures  708  that couple the inner platform  704  with the outer platform  706 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  7   . The inner platform  704  may be coupled with one or more circuit layers (e.g., flex circuit  220  in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D , flex circuit  304  in  FIG.  3   , etc.) of the image sensor package  204 , such that electrical signals can be conveyed between the image sensor package  204  (and/or the image sensor  206 ) and the inner platform  704 . The flexures  708  may comprise electrical traces that enable the flexures  708  to convey electrical signals between the inner platform  704  and the outer platform  706 . In some embodiments, the frame  702  and/or the outer platform  706  may comprise exposed solder tabs  710  that may be used to electrically connect the flexure suspension arrangement  700  with one or more other flex circuits (e.g., stationary flex circuit  262  attached to the base structure  214 ), which may be used to convey the electrical signals within the camera and/or between the camera and one or more components that are external to the camera, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 6   ). Additionally, or alternatively, the exposed solder tabs  710  may be disposed on a portion of the flexure suspension arrangement  700  that exits the camera module and/or extends away from the camera module to one or more components that are exterior to the camera, such that flexure suspension arrangement  700  may be used to convey electrical signals between the image sensor package  204  (and/or the image sensor  206 ) and the component(s) that are exterior to the camera. 
     According to various embodiments, the flexures  708  may be configured to be relatively more compliant in directions orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the X-Y plane) as compared to a direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis direction). That is, the flexures  708  may have a higher stiffness in the Z-axis direction relative to their stiffness(es) in the X-Y plane. The compliance of the flexures  708  in the X-Y plane may enable the inner platform  704  to move together with the image sensor package  204  (and/or the image sensor  206 ) in the X-Y directions in accordance with OIS movement enabled by a sensor shift actuator in some embodiments. The stiffness of the flexures in the Z-axis direction may enable the flexure suspension arrangement  700  to suspend the image sensor package  204  (and/or the image sensor  206 ) from a stationary structure of the camera and/or restrict movement in the Z-axis direction in some embodiments. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic block diagram of some components of an example camera  800  having an actuator with one or more moving coils and a dynamic flex circuit, and a perspective view of an example dynamic flex circuit, in accordance with some embodiments. In various embodiments, the camera  800  may include a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator (e.g., comprising one or more coil(s)  802  and one or more magnets  804 ), a dynamic flex circuit  806 , a movable frame  808 , and one or more stationary structures (and/or one or more flex circuit(s))  810 . As indicated in  FIG.  8   , a stationary portion  812  of the camera  800  may include the magnet  804 , the stationary structure(s)  810 , and a fixed portion of the dynamic flex circuit  806 . A movable portion  814  of the camera  800  may include the coil(s)  802 , the movable frame  808 , and a movable portion of the dynamic flex circuit  806 . In various examples, the movable portion  814  of the camera  800  may comprise components that are movable relative to the stationary portion  812  of the camera  800 . 
     According to various embodiments, the movable frame  808  may include a lens carrier (and/or a lens barrel). A lens group (e.g., lens group  102  in  FIG.  1   ) may be fixedly coupled with the lens carrier, such that the lens group is movable (e.g., using the VCM actuator) together with the lens carrier, relative to an image sensor (e.g., image sensor  104  in  FIG.  1   ). In other embodiments, the movable frame  808  may include a stage. An image sensor package including the image sensor may be fixedly coupled with the stage, such that the image sensor package is movable (e.g., using the VCM actuator) together with the stage, relative to the lens group. In some embodiments, the VCM actuator may be used to move the lens group and/or the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to an optical axis defined by the lens group, e.g., to provide autofocus (AF) functionality. Additionally, or alternatively, the VCM actuator may be used to move the lens group and/or the image sensor in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis, e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. 
     In some embodiments, the coil(s)  802  may be fixedly coupled with the movable frame  808 , such that the coil(s)  802  move together with the movable frame  808 . Furthermore, the magnet(s)  804  may be fixedly coupled with the stationary structure(s)  810 . Respective sets of one or more coil(s)  802  may be positioned proximate corresponding sets of one or more magnet(s)  804 , such that the coil(s)  802  are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the magnet(s)  804  to produce Lorentz forces that move the movable frame  808 . 
     In various embodiments, the dynamic flex circuit  806  may provide an electrical connection between the coil(s)  802  and the stationary structure(s)  810 . A portion of the dynamic flex circuit  806  may provide sufficient service loop that allows motion of the movable frame  808  enabled by the VCM actuator. The dynamic flex circuit  806  may be configured to convey electrical signals between the stationary structure(s)  810  and the coil(s)  802  via the electrical connection. According to some embodiments, the dynamic flex circuit  806  may include one or more fixed end portions  816 , one or more movable end portions  818 , and/or one or more intermediate portions  820 . The fixed end portion(s)  816  may be fixedly coupled with the stationary structure(s)  810 . The movable end portion(s)  818  may be fixedly coupled with the coil(s)  802 . The intermediate portion(s)  820  may extend from the fixed end portion(s)  816  to the movable end portion(s)  818 . Furthermore, the intermediate portion(s)  820  may provide the service loop that allows the motion of the movable frame  808  enabled by the VCM actuator. In various embodiments, the intermediate portion(s)  820  may comprise straight region(s), bend region(s), fold(s), and/or leg(s) that enable motion in one or multiple degrees of freedom (DOF). In some non-limiting embodiments, the dynamic flex circuit  806  may enable the movable frame  808  to move in three DOF, e.g., so as to provide AF and OIS functionality. 
     In some embodiments, the camera  800  may include one or more position sensors  822  for detecting a position of the movable frame  808 . The position sensor(s)  822  may be fixedly coupled with the dynamic flex circuit  806 . Furthermore, the position sensor(s)  822  may be positioned proximate the coil(s)  802  and/or the magnet(s)  804 . For example, the position sensor(s)  822  may be attached to the movable portion  818  of the dynamic flex circuit  806  in some embodiments. 
     According to some embodiments, the fixed end portion(s)  816  of the dynamic flex circuit  806  may be coupled with one or more other flex circuits, e.g., via electrical interfaces, in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to  FIG.  3   . For example, the fixed end portion(s)  816  may have an electrical connection with the other flex circuit(s), directly, or indirectly via a conductive path through the stationary structure(s)  810 . The other flex circuit(s) may be capable of routing electrical signals between the dynamic flex circuit  806  and at least one of the image sensor package (e.g., when the movable frame  808  is a lens carrier) or one or more external components that are external to the camera  800 . 
     In various embodiments, the movable frame  808  may be suspended from the stationary structure(s)  810 , e.g., via one or more of the suspension arrangements described herein. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an example camera  900  that may include an actuator with moving coils (e.g., coil(s)  802  in  FIG.  8   ) and a dynamic flex circuit (e.g., dynamic flex circuit  806  in  FIG.  8   ). Unless otherwise specified herein, the components in  FIG.  9    labeled with reference numerals from  FIG.  2 D  may be the same as those described with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D . 
     In some embodiments, a VCM actuator of the camera  900  may include the coil(s)  902  and one or more magnets  904  (e.g., magnet(s)  804  in  FIG.  8   ). The coil(s)  902  may be fixedly coupled with a movable frame (e.g., lens carrier  212 ) and with a dynamic flex circuit  906 . For example, the coil(s)  902  may be attached to and/or at least partially embedded within a movable end portion (e.g., movable end portion  818  in  FIG.  8   ) of the dynamic flex circuit  906 . The magnet(s)  904  may be attached to one or more stationary structures (e.g., stationary structure(s)  810  in  FIG.  8   ), such as the base structure  214 . In various embodiments, a fixed end portion (e.g., fixed end portion  816  in  FIG.  8   ) may be coupled with the stationary structure(s) and/or one or more other flex circuits as described herein. In some examples, the dynamic flex circuit  906  may have an electrical interface with the dynamic flex circuit  254  that is coupled with the image sensor  206 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera  900  may include a position sensor  908  (e.g., position sensor  822  in  FIG.  8   ) that is fixedly coupled with the dynamic flex circuit  906 . For instance, the position sensor  908  may be attached to the movable end portion of the dynamic flex circuit  906 . The position sensor  908  may be used to detect magnetic field changes, e.g., as the position sensor  908  moves (together with the coil(s)  902  and the lens group  202 ) in the Z-axis direction relative to the magnet(s)  904 . In some non-limiting examples, the position sensor  908  may be encircled by the coil  902 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a schematic representation of an example device  1000  that may include a camera (e.g., camera  100  in  FIG.  1   , camera  200  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D , etc.) having a sensor shift actuator and/or a bearing suspension arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the device  1000  may be a mobile device and/or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, the device  1000  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the device  1000  may include a display system  1002  (e.g., comprising a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras  1004 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system  1002  and/or one or more front-facing cameras  1004   a  may be provided at a front side of the device  1000 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  10   . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras  1004   b  may be provided at a rear side of the device  1000 . In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras  1004 , some or all of the cameras may be the same as, or similar to, each other. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the cameras may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location(s) and/or arrangement(s) of the camera(s)  1004  may be different than those indicated in  FIG.  10   . 
     Among other things, the device  1000  may include memory  1006  (e.g., comprising an operating system  1008  and/or application(s)/program instructions  1010 ), one or more processors and/or controllers  1012  (e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and/or camera controller(s), etc.), and/or one or more sensors  1016  (e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the device  1000  may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services, such as computing device(s)  1018 , cloud service(s)  1020 , etc., via one or more networks  1022 . For example, the device  1000  may include a network interface (e.g., network interface  1110  in  FIG.  11   ) that enables the device  1000  to transmit data to, and receive data from, the network(s)  1022 . Additionally, or alternatively, the device  1000  may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and/or technologies. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example computing device, referred to as computer system  1100 , that may include or host embodiments of a camera having a sensor shift actuator and/or a suspension arrangement, e.g., as described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 10   . In addition, computer system  1100  may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, the device  1000  (described herein with reference to  FIG.  10   ) may additionally, or alternatively, include some or all of the functional components of the computer system  1100  described herein. 
     The computer system  1100  may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  1100  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  1100  includes one or more processors  1102  coupled to a system memory  1104  via an input/output (I/O) interface  1106 . Computer system  1100  further includes one or more cameras  1108  coupled to the I/O interface  1106 . Computer system  1100  further includes a network interface  1110  coupled to I/O interface  1106 , and one or more input/output devices  1112 , such as cursor control device  1114 , keyboard  1116 , and display(s)  1118 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  1100 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  1100 , may be configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system  1100  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  1100  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  1102 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  1102  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  1102  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  1102  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  1102  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  1104  may be configured to store program instructions  1120  accessible by processor  1102 . In various embodiments, system memory  1104  may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. Additionally, existing camera control data  1122  of memory  1104  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions  1120  and/or data  1122  may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  1104  or computer system  1100 . In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system  1100 . 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  1106  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  1102 , system memory  1104 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  1110  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  1112 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  1106  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  1104 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  1102 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  1106  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  1106  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  1106 , such as an interface to system memory  1104 , may be incorporated directly into processor  1102 . 
     Network interface  1110  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  1100  and other devices attached to a network  1124  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  1100 . Network  1124  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  1110  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  1112  may, in some embodiments, include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for entering or accessing data by one or more computer systems  1100 . Multiple input/output devices  1112  may be present in computer system  1100  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  1100 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  1100  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  1100  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  1110 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  1100  is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system  1100  may also be connected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead may operate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality provided by the illustrated components may in some embodiments be combined in fewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, in some embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustrated components may not be provided and/or other additional functionality may be available. 
     Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various items are illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while being used, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memory and other storage devices for purposes of memory management and data integrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of the software components may execute in memory on another device and communicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computer communication. Some or all of the system components or data structures may also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on a computer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by an appropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. In some embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium separate from computer system  1100  may be transmitted to computer system  1100  via transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a computer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium or memory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g. SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as network and/or a wireless link. 
     The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, the order of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210712
Publication Date: 20230829
Grant Date: 20230829
Priority Date: 20200713
Inventors: SMYTH, NICHOLAS D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/687", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B5/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0069", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B3/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/687", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B5/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0069", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B30/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/09", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K41/0354", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K2201/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0069", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B5/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 79173287