PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9681031-B2
Application Number: US-201414296345-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Moving magnet for auto-focus

Abstract:
In some embodiments, the actuator module includes an voice coil motor base, a coil rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base, a lens movement mechanism suspended on the voice coil motor base by a suspension means configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera, and a plurality of magnets rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera apparatus, comprising:
 a voice coil motor base; 
 an image sensor attached to the voice coil motor base; 
 a plurality of coils rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base, wherein
 each coil of the plurality of coils is configured to circulate current in a respective plane of a first set of respective planes that are orthogonal to the image sensor, 
 the voice coil motor base comprises a metallic component for conducting heat away from the coil, 
 the metallic component includes heat conducting members that each protrude along a respective plane of a second set of respective planes that are orthogonal to the image sensor, and 
 each of the heat conducting members is adjacent to a respective coil of the plurality of coils such that the heat conducting member is configured to conduct heat away from the respective coil; and 
 
 a lens barrel; 
 a lens barrel motion assembly attached to the lens barrel, wherein
 the lens barrel motion assembly comprises a plurality of magnets rigidly affixed to the lens barrel, 
 the lens barrel motion assembly is moveably affixed to the voice coil motor base, and 
 each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to forces to move the lens barrel assembly based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein
 the plurality of magnets comprises two magnets mounted to the lens barrel motion assembly. 
 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein
 the each coil of the plurality of coils is driven with an electric current, and 
 the each coil of the plurality of coils is mounted in the magnetic field of each magnet. 
 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein
 the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of a lens of the apparatus, and 
 the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the apparatus. 
 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein
 the lens barrel is moveably suspended in the apparatus by a support structure that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein
 the Lorentz forces generate controlled motion of a focusing mechanism and a lens, in directions parallel to an optical axis. 
 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein
 the apparatus is configured for controlling the position of a lens relative to the image sensor. 
 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein
 a respective plane in which a first coil of the plurality of coils circulates current is perpendicular to a respective plane in which a second coil of the plurality of coils circulates current. 
 
     
     
       9. An actuator module for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in a miniature camera, the actuator module comprising:
 a voice coil motor base; 
 a plurality of coils rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base, wherein
 each coil of the plurality of coils is configured to circulate current in a respective plane of a first set of respective planes that are orthogonal to the image sensor, 
 the voice coil motor base comprises a metallic component for conducting heat away from the plurality of coils, 
 the metallic component includes heat conducting members that each protrude along a respective plane of a second set of respective planes that are orthogonal to the image sensor, and 
 each of the heat conducting members is adjacent to a respective coil of the plurality of coils such that the heat conducting member is configured to conduct heat away from the respective coil; 
 
 a lens movement mechanism moveably suspended on the voice coil motor base by a suspension means configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera; and 
 a plurality of magnets rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism. 
 
     
     
       10. The actuator module of  claim 9 , wherein
 the actuator module is rectangular in plan, when viewed in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, with sides arranged so that there is a long side and a short side, 
 the plurality of magnets includes four magnets; and 
 a combined arrangement of four magnets and one or more coils provides a force for moving the lens barrel relative to the image sensor. 
 
     
     
       11. The actuator module of  claim 9 , wherein each magnet of the plurality of magnets is arranged to interact with Lorentz forces generated from the coil driven with an appropriate electric current that is rigidly disposed to the voice coil motor base in the magnetic field of each magnet. 
     
     
       12. The actuator module of  claim 9 , wherein
 the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens, and 
 the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module. 
 
     
     
       13. The actuator module of  claim 9 , wherein
 the lens barrel is suspended in the actuator module by a support structure that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
 
     
     
       14. The actuator module of  claim 9 , wherein
 the actuator module is configured for controlling the position of the lens relative to the image sensor in the miniature camera. 
 
     
     
       15. An apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component in a mobile computing device, the apparatus comprising:
 an actuator module comprising a plurality of magnets mounted to a lens barrel for directing light to an image sensor; 
 a plurality of coils rigidly disposed to a fixed metallic base, wherein,
 the fixed metallic base comprises a metallic component for conducting heat away from the coil, each coil of the plurality of coils configured to circulate current in a respective plane orthogonal to the image sensor, 
 the metallic component includes heat conducting members that each protrude along a respective plane of a second set of respective planes that are orthogonal to the image sensor, and 
 each of the heat conducting members is adjacent to a respective coil of the plurality of coils such that the heat conducting member is configured to conduct heat away from the respective coil; and 
 each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens based on Lorentz forces generated from a respective coil of the plurality of coils. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the fixed metallic base is rigidly attached to a ceramic image sensor substrate. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein
 the image sensor substrate is attached to a printed circuit board, 
 the coil is affixed at an orientation such that the plane of the circuit board is orthogonal to an optical axis of the actuator. 
 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein
 the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens, and 
 the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module. 
 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein
 the lens barrel is suspended in the actuator module by a support structure that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein
 the actuator module is configured for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in a miniature camera.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to control of the motion of camera components and more specifically to the motion of camera components for small-scale cameras. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     For high-end miniature cameras, it is common to incorporate ‘auto-focus’ (AF), whereby the object focal distance is adjusted to allow objects at different distances to be in sharp focus at the image plane, to be captured by the digital image sensor. There have been many proposals for achieving such adjustment of focal position. 
     The most common solution, however, is to move the whole optical lens as a single rigid body along the optical axis using magnets mounted to a voice coil motor base and coil mounted to the optics. Positions of the lens closer to the image sensor correspond to object focal distances further from the camera. Demands on improvements to performance of such miniature cameras are constant, as are demands for continued miniaturization, given the added features and devices added to such mobile devices. 
     Unfortunately, however, current solutions generate and retain excessive heat for use at the sizes demanded in small form-factor camera platforms, such as cameras in phones, computers, and other multifunction devices. This generation and retention of heat is particularly acute in the long periods of autofocus engagement typical for such cameras, because periods of cooling inactivity are not as likely in the expected field-use scenarios. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS 
     In some embodiments, the actuator module includes an voice coil motor base, a coil rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base, a lens movement mechanism suspended on the voice coil motor base by a suspension means configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera, and a plurality of magnets rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a portable multifunction device with a camera in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a portable multifunction device having a camera in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an assembly view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an exploded view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a top view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of a moving-coil actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a side view of an example embodiment of a moving-coil actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example computer system configured to implement aspects of the system and method for camera control, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure. 
     “Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.). 
     “Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks. 
     “First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and “second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value. 
     “Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Introduction to Moving-Magnet Cameras 
     Some embodiments include camera equipment outfitted to improve the thermal performance of a miniature actuation mechanism for a compact camera module. More specifically, in some embodiments, compact camera modules include actuators to deliver functions such as autofocus (AF). One approach to delivering a very compact actuator for OIS is to use a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement. An arrangement of coils is mounted on a fixed base of the OIS actuator, and magnets are mounted on a moveable lens barrel. 
     Some embodiments include actuator module for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in a miniature camera. In some embodiments, the actuator module includes an voice coil motor base, a coil rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base, a lens movement mechanism suspended on the voice coil motor base by a suspension means configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera, and a plurality of magnets rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator module is rectangular in plan, when viewed in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, with sides arranged so that there is a long side and a short side. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets includes two magnets, and a combined arrangement of two magnets and one or more coils provides a force for moving the lens barrel relative to an image sensor. 
     In some embodiments, each magnet of the plurality of magnets is arranged to interact with Lorentz forces generated from the coil driven with an appropriate electric current that is rigidly disposed to the voice coil motor base in the magnetic field of each magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens, and the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module. 
     In some embodiments, the lens barrel is suspended in the actuator module by a support structure that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module is an actuator module for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in a miniature camera. 
     Some embodiments include an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a coil rigidly attached to an voice coil motor base, a lens barrel, and a lens barrel motion assembly attached to the lens barrel. In some embodiments, lens barrel motion assembly includes a plurality of magnets rigidly affixed to the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the lens barrel motion assembly is movably affixed to the voice coil motor base. In some embodiments, each magnet of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet. In some embodiments, each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to move the lens barrel assembly based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil. 
     In some embodiments, the voice coil motor base includes a metallic component for conducting heat away from the coil. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets includes two magnets mounted to the lens barrel assembly. In some embodiments, the coil is driven with an electric current, and the coil is mounted in the magnetic field of each magnet. In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens, and the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module. In some embodiments, the lens barrel is suspended in the actuator module by a support structure that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the Lorentz forces generate controlled motion of the focusing mechanism and a lens, in directions parallel to an optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module is an actuator module for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in a miniature camera. 
     Some embodiments include an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component in a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an actuator module with a plurality of magnets mounted to a lens barrel. In some embodiments, each magnet of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet. Some embodiments include a coil rigidly disposed to a fixed metallic base. Each magnet of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil rigidly disposed around the lens. 
     In some embodiments, the fixed metallic base is rigidly attached to a ceramic image sensor substrate. In some embodiments, the image sensor substrate is attached to a printed circuit board, and the coil is affixed at an orientation such that the plane of the circuit board is orthogonal to an optical axis of the actuator. 
     In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens, and the poling directions of each magnet of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module. In some embodiments, the lens barrel is suspended in the actuator module by a support structure that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module is an actuator module for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in a miniature camera. 
     Multifunction Device Examples 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact. 
     The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. 
     Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as a mobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/or music player functions. Example embodiments of portable multifunction devices include, without limitation, the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Other portable electronic devices, such as laptops, cameras, cell phones, or tablet computers, may also be used. It should also be understood that, in some embodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but is a desktop computer with a camera. In some embodiments, the device is a gaming computer with orientation sensors (e.g., orientation sensors in a gaming controller). In other embodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but is a camera. 
     In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that includes a display and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should be understood, however, that the electronic device may include one or more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, a mouse and/or a joystick. 
     The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one or more of the following: a drawing application, a presentation application, a word processing application, a website creation application, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, a gaming application, a telephone application, a video conferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, a workout support application, a photo management application, a digital camera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsing application, a digital music player application, and/or a digital video player application. 
     The various applications that may be executed on the device may use at least one common physical user-interface device, such as the touch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitive surface as well as corresponding information displayed on the device may be adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or within a respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture (such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the device may support the variety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive and transparent to the user. 
     Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices with cameras.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating portable multifunction device  100  with camera  164  in accordance with some embodiments. Camera  164  is sometimes called an “optical sensor” for convenience, and may also be known as or called an optical sensor system. Device  100  may include memory  102  (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), memory controller  122 , one or more processing units (CPU&#39;s)  120 , peripherals interface  118 , RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , touch-sensitive display system  112 , microphone  113 , input/output (I/O) subsystem  106 , other input or control devices  116 , and external port  124 . Device  100  may include one or more optical sensors  164 . These components may communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines  103 . 
     It should be appreciated that device  100  is only one example of a portable multifunction device, and that device  100  may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in  FIG. 28  may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits. 
     Memory  102  may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory  102  by other components of device  100 , such as CPU  120  and the peripherals interface  118 , may be controlled by memory controller  122 . 
     Peripherals interface  118  can be used to couple input and output peripherals of the device to CPU  120  and memory  102 . The one or more processors  120  run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in memory  102  to perform various functions for device  100  and to process data. 
     In some embodiments, peripherals interface  118 , CPU  120 , and memory controller  122  may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip  104 . In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips. 
     RF (radio frequency) circuitry  108  receives and sends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  108  converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates with communications networks and other communications devices via the electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  108  may include well-known circuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited to an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RF circuitry  108  may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may use any of a variety of communications standards, protocols and technologies, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document. 
     Audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , and microphone  113  provide an audio interface between a user and device  100 . Audio circuitry  110  receives audio data from peripherals interface  118 , converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker  111 . Speaker  111  converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves. Audio circuitry  110  also receives electrical signals converted by microphone  113  from sound waves. Audio circuitry  110  converts the electrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data to peripherals interface  118  for processing. Audio data may be retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory  102  and/or RF circuitry  108  by peripherals interface  118 . In some embodiments, audio circuitry  110  also includes a headset jack (e.g.,  212 ,  FIG. 2 ). The headset jack provides an interface between audio circuitry  110  and removable audio input/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headset with both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input (e.g., a microphone). 
     I/O subsystem  106  couples input/output peripherals on device  100 , such as touch screen  112  and other input control devices  116 , to peripherals interface  118 . I/O subsystem  106  may include display controller  156  and one or more input controllers  160  for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers  160  receive/send electrical signals from/to other input or control devices  116 . The other input control devices  116  may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s)  160  may be coupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g.,  208 ,  FIG. 2 ) may include an up/down button for volume control of speaker  111  and/or microphone  113 . The one or more buttons may include a push button (e.g.,  206 ,  FIG. 2 ). 
     Touch-sensitive display  112  provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and a user. Display controller  156  receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen  112 . Touch screen  112  displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user-interface objects. 
     Touch screen  112  has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact. Touch screen  112  and display controller  156  (along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory  102 ) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen  112  and converts the detected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed on touch screen  112 . In an example embodiment, a point of contact between touch screen  112  and the user corresponds to a finger of the user. 
     Touch screen  112  may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emitting diode) technology, although other display technologies may be used in other embodiments. Touch screen  112  and display controller  156  may detect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of a variety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with touch screen  112 . In an example embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     Touch screen  112  may have a video resolution in excess of 100 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution of approximately 160 dpi. The user may make contact with touch screen  112  using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be less precise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command for performing the actions desired by the user. 
     In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device  100  may include a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particular functions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visual output. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from touch screen  112  or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch screen. 
     Device  100  also includes power system  162  for powering the various components. Power system  162  may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components associated with the generation, management and distribution of power in portable devices. 
     Device  100  may also include one or more optical sensors or cameras  164 .  FIG. 28  shows an optical sensor coupled to optical sensor controller  158  in I/O subsystem  106 . Optical sensor  164  may include charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor  164  receives light from the environment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the light to data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module  143  (also called a camera module), optical sensor  164  may capture still images or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of device  100 , opposite touch screen display  112  on the front of the device, so that the touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user&#39;s image may be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conference participants on the touch screen display. 
     Device  100  may also include one or more proximity sensors  166 .  FIG. 28  shows proximity sensor  166  coupled to peripherals interface  118 . Alternately, proximity sensor  166  may be coupled to input controller  160  in I/O subsystem  106 . In some embodiments, the proximity sensor turns off and disables touch screen  112  when the multifunction device is placed near the user&#39;s ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call). 
     Device  100  includes one or more orientation sensors  168 . In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more accelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and/or one or more rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more gyroscopes. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more magnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more of global positioning system (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and/or other global navigation system receivers. The GPS, GLONASS, and/or other global navigation system receivers may be used for obtaining information concerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) of device  100 . In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include any combination of orientation/rotation sensors.  FIG. 28  shows the one or more orientation sensors  168  coupled to peripherals interface  118 . Alternately, the one or more orientation sensors  168  may be coupled to an input controller  160  in I/O subsystem  106 . In some embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of data received from the one or more orientation sensors. 
     In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory  102  include operating system  126 , communication module (or set of instructions)  128 , contact/motion module (or set of instructions)  130 , graphics module (or set of instructions)  132 , text input module (or set of instructions)  134 , Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set of instructions)  135 , arbiter module  157  and applications (or sets of instructions)  136 . Furthermore, in some embodiments memory  102  stores device/global internal state  157 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 3 . Device/global internal state  157  includes one or more of: active application state, indicating which applications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicating what applications, views or other information occupy various regions of touch screen display  112 ; sensor state, including information obtained from the device&#39;s various sensors and input control devices  116 ; and location information concerning the device&#39;s location and/or attitude. 
     Operating system  126  (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes various software components and/or drivers for controlling and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardware and software components. 
     Communication module  128  facilitates communication with other devices over one or more external ports  124  and also includes various software components for handling data received by RF circuitry  108  and/or external port  124 . External port  124  (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices or indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with the 30-pin connector used on iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices. 
     Contact/motion module  130  may detect contact with touch screen  112  (in conjunction with display controller  156 ) and other touch sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). Contact/motion module  130  includes various software components for performing various operations related to detection of contact, such as determining if contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-down event), determining if there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger-dragging events), and determining if the contact has ceased (e.g., detecting a finger-up event or a break in contact). Contact/motion module  130  receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determining movement of the point of contact, which is represented by a series of contact data, may include determining speed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in magnitude and/or direction) of the point of contact. These operations may be applied to single contacts (e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments, contact/motion module  130  and display controller  156  detect contact on a touchpad. 
     Contact/motion module  130  may detect a gesture input by a user. Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contact patterns. Thus, a gesture may be detected by detecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event at the same position (or substantially the same position) as the finger-down event (e.g., at the position of an icon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting one or more finger-dragging events, and subsequently followed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event. 
     Graphics module  132  includes various known software components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen  112  or other display, including components for changing the intensity of graphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics” includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including without limitation text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys), digital images, videos, animations and the like. 
     In some embodiments, graphics module  132  stores data representing graphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code. Graphics module  132  receives, from applications etc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be displayed along with, if necessary, coordinate data and other graphic property data, and then generates screen image data to output to display controller  156 . 
     Text input module  134 , which may be a component of graphics module  132 , provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications (e.g., contacts  137 , e-mail  140 , IM  141 , browser  147 , and any other application that needs text input). 
     GPS module  135  determines the location of the device and provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone  138  for use in location-based dialing, to camera  143  as picture/video metadata, and to applications that provide location-based services such as weather widgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets). 
     Applications  136  may include the following modules (or sets of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof:
         contacts module  137  (sometimes called an address book or contact list);   telephone module  138 ;   video conferencing module  139 ;   e-mail client module  140 ;   instant messaging (IM) module  141 ;   workout support module  142 ;   camera module  143  for still and/or video images;   image management module  144 ;   browser module  147 ;   calendar module  148 ;   widget modules  149 , which may include one or more of: weather widget  149 - 1 , stocks widget  149 - 2 , calculator widget  149 - 3 , alarm clock widget  149 - 4 , dictionary widget  149 - 5 , and other widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created widgets  149 - 6 ;   widget creator module  150  for making user-created widgets  149 - 6 ;   search module  151 ;   video and music player module  152 , which may be made up of a video player   module and a music player module;   notes module  153 ;   map module  154 ; and/or   online video module  155 .       

     Examples of other applications  136  that may be stored in memory  102  include other word processing applications, other image editing applications, drawing applications, presentation applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, and voice replication. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , contacts module  137  may be used to manage an address book or contact list (e.g., stored in application internal state  192  of contacts module  137  in memory  102  or memory  370 ), including: adding name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from the address book; associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), physical address(es) or other information with a name; associating an image with a name; categorizing and sorting names; providing telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to initiate and/or facilitate communications by telephone  138 , video conference  139 , e-mail  140 , or IM  141 ; and so forth. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , telephone module  138  may be used to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to a telephone number, access one or more telephone numbers in address book  137 , modify a telephone number that has been entered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct a conversation and disconnect or hang up when the conversation is completed. As noted above, the wireless communication may use any of a variety of communications standards, protocols and technologies. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , optical sensor  164 , optical sensor controller  158 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , contact list  137 , and telephone module  138 , videoconferencing module  139  includes executable instructions to initiate, conduct, and terminate a video conference between a user and one or more other participants in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140  includes executable instructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response to user instructions. In conjunction with image management module  144 , e-mail client module  140  makes it very easy to create and send e-mails with still or video images taken with camera module  143 . 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , the instant messaging module  141  includes executable instructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to an instant message, to modify previously entered characters, to transmit a respective instant message (for example, using a Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol for telephony-based instant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-based instant messages), to receive instant messages and to view received instant messages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or received instant messages may include graphics, photos, audio files, video files and/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or an Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging” refers to both telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) and Internet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS). 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , GPS module  135 , map module  154 , and music player module  146 , workout support module  142  includes executable instructions to create workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burning goals); communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receive workout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; select and play music for a workout; and display, store and transmit workout data. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , optical sensor(s)  164 , optical sensor controller  158 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and image management module  144 , camera module  143  includes executable instructions to capture still images or video (including a video stream) and store them into memory  102 , modify characteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image or video from memory  102 . 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and camera module  143 , image management module  144  includes executable instructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate, label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), and store still and/or video images. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , browser module  147  includes executable instructions to browse the Internet in accordance with user instructions, including searching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portions thereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140 , and browser module  147 , calendar module  148  includes executable instructions to create, display, modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars (e.g., calendar entries, to do lists, etc.) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and browser module  147 , widget modules  149  are mini-applications that may be downloaded and used by a user (e.g., weather widget  149 - 1 , stocks widget  149 - 2 , calculator widget  1493 , alarm clock widget  149 - 4 , and dictionary widget  149 - 5 ) or created by the user (e.g., user-created widget  149 - 6 ). In some embodiments, a widget includes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file, a CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file. In some embodiments, a widget includes an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file and a JavaScript file (e.g., Yahoo! Widgets). 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and browser module  147 , the widget creator module  150  may be used by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning a user-specified portion of a web page into a widget). 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , search module  151  includes executable instructions to search for text, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory  102  that match one or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specified search terms) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , RF circuitry  108 , and browser module  147 , video and music player module  152  includes executable instructions that allow the user to download and play back recorded music and other sound files stored in one or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, and executable instructions to display, present or otherwise play back videos (e.g., on touch screen  112  or on an external, connected display via external port  124 ). In some embodiments, device  100  may include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.). 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , notes module  153  includes executable instructions to create and manage notes, to do lists, and the like in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , GPS module  135 , and browser module  147 , map module  154  may be used to receive, display, modify, and store maps and data associated with maps (e.g., driving directions; data on stores and other points of interest at or near a particular location; and other location-based data) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , RF circuitry  108 , text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140 , and browser module  147 , online video module  155  includes instructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., by streaming and/or download), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or on an external, connected display via external port  124 ), send an e-mail with a link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage online videos in one or more file formats, such as H. 264 . In some embodiments, instant messaging module  141 , rather than e-mail client module  140 , is used to send a link to a particular online video. 
     Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to a set of executable instructions for performing one or more functions described above and the methods described in this application (e.g., the computer-implemented methods and other information processing methods described herein). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory  102  may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory  102  may store additional modules and data structures not described above. 
     In some embodiments, device  100  is a device where operation of a predefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/or a touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device  100 , the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons, dials, and the like) on device  100  may be reduced. 
     The predefined set of functions that may be performed exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad include navigation between user interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by the user, navigates device  100  to a main, home, or root menu from any user interface that may be displayed on device  100 . In such embodiments, the touchpad may be referred to as a “menu button.” In some other embodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or other physical input control device instead of a touchpad. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a portable multifunction device  100  having a touch screen  112  in accordance with some embodiments. The touch screen may display one or more graphics within user interface (UI)  200 . In this embodiment, as well as others described below, a user may select one or more of the graphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example, with one or more fingers  202  (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or more styluses  203  (not drawn to scale in the figure). 
     Device  100  may also include one or more physical buttons, such as “home” or menu button  204 . As described previously, menu button  204  may be used to navigate to any application  136  in a set of applications that may be executed on device  100 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on touch screen  112 . 
     In one embodiment, device  100  includes touch screen  112 , menu button  204 , push button  206  for powering the device on/off and locking the device, volume adjustment button(s)  208 , Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slot  210 , head set jack  212 , and docking/charging external port  124 . Push button  206  may be used to turn the power on/off on the device by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressed state for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressing the button and releasing the button before the predefined time interval has elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process. In an alternative embodiment, device  100  also may accept verbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone  113 . 
     It should be noted that, although many of the examples herein are given with reference to optical sensor/camera  164  (on the front of a device), a rear-facing camera or optical sensor that is pointed opposite from the display may be used instead of or in addition to an optical sensor/camera  164  on the front of a device. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an assembly view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. Visible components of a camera module  300  include a voice coil motor base  302 , which in some embodiments is a metallic casting, a sensor package  304 , a voice coil motor cover  306  and a lens barrel  308 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts an exploded view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. Visible components of a camera module  400  include a voice coil motor base  402 , which in some embodiments is a metallic casting, a sensor package  404 , a voice coil motor cover  406  and a lens barrel  408 . Springs  410 , frame  412 , magnet  414 , and coil  416  are also visible. Some embodiments include camera equipment outfitted to improve the thermal performance of a miniature actuation mechanism for a compact camera module. More specifically, in some embodiments, compact camera module  400  includes actuators to deliver functions such as autofocus (AF). One approach to delivering a very compact actuator for OIS is to use a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement relying on coils  416  and magnets  414 . An arrangement of coils  416  is mounted on a fixed base  402  of the OIS actuator using springs  410  and frames  412 , and magnets  414  are mounted to a moveable lens barrel  408 . 
     Some embodiments include actuator module  422  for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in sensor package  404  in a miniature camera. In some embodiments, the actuator module  422  includes an voice coil motor base  402 , a coil  416  rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base  402  by a frame  412 , a lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  408 ) suspended on the voice coil motor base  402  by a suspension means (springs  410 ) configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera  400 , and a plurality of magnets  414  rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  408 ). 
     In some embodiments, the actuator module  422  is rectangular in plan, when viewed in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, with sides arranged so that there is a long side and a short side. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets includes two magnets  414 , and a combined arrangement of two magnets  414  and one or more coils  416  provides a force for moving the lens barrel  408  relative to an image sensor on image sensor package  404 . 
     In some embodiments, each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets is arranged to interact with Lorentz forces generated from the coil  416  driven with an appropriate electric current that is rigidly disposed to the voice coil motor base  402  in the magnetic field of each magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module  422  is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens in lens barrel  408 , and the poling directions of each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module  422 . 
     In some embodiments, the lens barrel  408  is suspended in the actuator module  400  by a support structure (e.g. springs  410 ) that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module  422  is an actuator module  422  for controlling the position of a lens in lens barrel  408  relative to an image sensor on image sensor package  404  in a miniature camera. 
     Some embodiments include an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a coil  416  rigidly attached to a voice coil motor base  402 , a lens barrel  408 , and a lens barrel  408  motion assembly  418  attached to the lens barrel  408 . In some embodiments, lens barrel motion assembly  418  connects a plurality of magnets  414  rigidly affixed to the lens barrel  408 . In some embodiments, the lens barrel motion assembly  418  is movably affixed to the voice coil motor base  402 . In some embodiments, each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet  414 . In some embodiments, each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to move the lens barrel assembly  418  based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil  416 . 
     In some embodiments, the voice coil motor base  402  includes a metallic component for conducting heat  420  away from the coil  416 . In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets  414  includes two magnets  414  mounted to the lens barrel motion assembly  418 . In some embodiments, the coil  416  is driven with an electric current, and the coil  416  is mounted in the magnetic field of each magnet  414 . In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module  400  is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens barrel  400 , and the poling directions of each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets  414  is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the camera module  400 . In some embodiments, the lens barrel  408  is suspended in the actuator module  422  by a support structure (lens barrel motion assembly  418  and springs  410 ) that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the Lorentz forces generate controlled motion of the focusing mechanism and a lens (in lens barrel  408 ), in directions parallel to an optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module  400  is an actuator module for controlling the position of a lens relative (in lens barrel  408 ) to an image sensor in sensor package  404  in a miniature camera  400 . 
     Some embodiments include an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component in a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the apparatus  400  includes an actuator module  422  with a plurality of magnets  414  mounted to a lens barrel  408 . In some embodiments, each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet  414 . Some embodiments include a coil  416  rigidly disposed to a fixed metallic base  402 . Each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens by moving a lens barrel  408  based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil  416  rigidly disposed around the lens. 
     In some embodiments, the fixed metallic base  402  is rigidly attached to a ceramic image sensor substrate  404 . In some embodiments, the image sensor substrate  404  is attached to a printed circuit board, and the coil  416  is affixed at an orientation such that the plane of the circuit board is orthogonal to an optical axis of the actuator  422 . 
     In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module  422  is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens, and the poling directions of each magnet  414  of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module  422 . In some embodiments, the lens barrel  408  is suspended in the actuator module  422  by a support structure that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module  422  is an actuator module  422  for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in a miniature camera. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. Visible components of an actuator module  500  includes a voice coil motor base  502 , which in some embodiments is a metallic casting, a sensor package  504 , a voice coil motor cover  506  and a lens barrel  508 . Springs  510 , frame  512 , magnet  514 , and coil  516  are also visible. More specifically, in some embodiments, compact camera module  500  includes actuators to deliver functions such as autofocus (AF). One approach to delivering a very compact actuator for OIS is to use a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement relying on coils  516  and magnets  514 . An arrangement of coils  516  is mounted on a fixed base  502  of the OIS actuator using springs  510  and frames  512 , and magnets  514  are mounted to a moveable lens barrel  508 . 
     Some embodiments include actuator module  522  for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in sensor package  504  in a miniature camera. In some embodiments, the actuator module  522  includes an voice coil motor base  502 , a coil  516  rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base  502  by a frame  512 , a lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  508 ) suspended on the voice coil motor base  502  by a suspension means (springs  510 ) configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera  500 , and a plurality of magnets  514  rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  508 ). 
     In some embodiments, the actuator module  522  is rectangular in plan, when viewed in directions orthogonal to the optical axis, with sides arranged so that there is a long side and a short side. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets includes two magnets  514 , and a combined arrangement of two magnets  514  and one or more coils  516  provides a force for moving the lens barrel  508  relative to an image sensor on image sensor package  504 . 
     In some embodiments, each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets is arranged to interact with Lorentz forces generated from the coil  516  driven with an appropriate electric current that is rigidly disposed to the voice coil motor base  502  in the magnetic field of each magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module  522  is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens in lens barrel  508 , and the poling directions of each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module  522 . 
     In some embodiments, the lens barrel  508  is suspended in the actuator module  500  by a support structure (e.g. springs  510 ) that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module  522  is an actuator module  522  for controlling the position of a lens in lens barrel  508  relative to an image sensor on image sensor package  504  in a miniature camera. 
     Some embodiments include an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a coil  516  rigidly attached to a voice coil motor base  502 , a lens barrel  508 , and a lens barrel  508  motion assembly  518  attached to the lens barrel  508 . In some embodiments, lens barrel motion assembly  518  connects a plurality of magnets  514  rigidly affixed to the lens barrel  508 . In some embodiments, the lens barrel motion assembly  518  is movably affixed to the voice coil motor base  502 . In some embodiments, each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet  514 . In some embodiments, each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to move the lens barrel assembly  518  based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil  516 . 
     In some embodiments, the voice coil motor base  502  includes a metallic component for conducting heat  520  away from the coil  516 . In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets  514  includes two magnets  514  mounted to the lens barrel motion assembly  518 . In some embodiments, the coil  516  is driven with an electric current, and the coil  516  is mounted in the magnetic field of each magnet  514 . In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module  500  is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens barrel  500 , and the poling directions of each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets  514  is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the camera module  500 . In some embodiments, the lens barrel  508  is suspended in the actuator module  522  by a support structure (lens barrel motion assembly  518  and springs  510 ) that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the Lorentz forces generate controlled motion of the focusing mechanism and a lens (in lens barrel  508 ), in directions parallel to an optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module  500  is an actuator module for controlling the position of a lens relative (in lens barrel  508 ) to an image sensor in sensor package  504  in a miniature camera  500 . 
     Some embodiments include an apparatus for controlling the motion of a camera component in a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the apparatus  500  includes an actuator module  522  with a plurality of magnets  514  mounted to a lens barrel  508 . In some embodiments, each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets is poled with magnetic domains substantially aligned in the same direction throughout each magnet  514 . Some embodiments include a coil  516  rigidly disposed to a fixed metallic base  502 . Each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets contributes to the forces to adjust focus of the lens by moving a lens barrel  508  based on Lorentz forces generated from the coil  516  rigidly disposed around the lens. 
     In some embodiments, the fixed metallic base  502  is rigidly attached to a ceramic image sensor substrate  504 . In some embodiments, the image sensor substrate  504  is attached to a printed circuit board, and the coil  516  is affixed at an orientation such that the plane of the circuit board is orthogonal to an optical axis of the actuator  522 . 
     In some embodiments, the poling directions of each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets as mounted in the actuator module  522  is substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens, and the poling directions of each magnet  514  of the plurality of magnets is orthogonal to at least one of a plurality of planar sides of the actuator module  522 . In some embodiments, the lens barrel  508  is suspended in the actuator module  522  by a support structure that substantially limits the relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the actuator module  522  is an actuator module  522  for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in a miniature camera. 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate alternative example embodiments of an example actuator assembly in which embodiments of moving coil actuators as described herein may be applied.  FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. Optics (e.g., lenses)  6010  are held in an optics holder  6004  (e.g., a lens barrel) of an actuator package  6000 . Optics holder/lens barrel  6004  holds magnets  6008   a - 6008   d  and hall sensors  6002   a - 6002   d . Coils  6012   a - 6012   d  are attached to a coil holder/VCM base  6006 . 
     Visible components of a camera module include a voice coil motor base  6006 , which in some embodiments is a metallic casting, and a lens barrel/optics holder  6004 . Some embodiments include camera equipment outfitted to improve the thermal performance of a miniature actuation mechanism for a compact camera module. More specifically, in some embodiments, a compact camera module containing actuator package  6000  includes actuators to deliver functions such as autofocus (AF). One approach to delivering a very compact actuator for OIS is to use a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement relying on coils  6012   a - 6012   d  and magnets  6008   a - 6008   d . An arrangement of coils  6012   a - 6012   d  is mounted on a fixed base  6006  of the OIS actuator package  6000 , and magnets  6008   a - 6008   d  are mounted to a moveable lens barrel  6008   b.    
     Some embodiments include actuator package for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in sensor package (not shown) in a miniature camera. In some embodiments, the actuator module/package  6000  includes an voice coil motor base  6006 , a coil (e.g.  6012   a - 6012   d ) rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base  6006 , a lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  6004 ) suspended on the voice coil motor base  6006  by a suspension means (not shown) configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera housing actuator package  6000 , and a plurality of magnets  6008   a - 6008   d  rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  6004 ). 
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of an example embodiment of a camera module  7000  that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a camera module  7000  may include a base assembly  7008 , an optics barrel  7002 , and a cover  7012 . Base  7008  may include one or more of, but is not limited to, a base  7008  made of a metal casting to conduct heat with heat-conducting members  7020  protruding out from base  7008  to remove heat from coils  7018 . Optics barrel  7002  may be suspended on the base  7008  by suspension of the upper springs  7070 . Camera module  7000  may include one or more of, but is not limited to, optics (not shown), optics barrel  7002 , magnet (s)  7006 , upper spring(s)  7070 . In optics barrel  7002 , an optics component (e.g., a lens or lens assembly) may be screwed, mounted or otherwise held in or by an optics barrel  7002 . In at least some embodiments, the optics barrel  7002  may be suspended from or attached to the magnets  7006  by upper spring(s)  7070 . Note that upper spring(s)  7070  are flexible to allow the optics barrel  7002  a range of motion along the Z (optical) axis for optical focusing. 
     When an electric current is applied to the coils  7007 , Lorentz forces are developed due to the presence of the magnets  7006 , and a force substantially parallel to the optical axis is generated to move the lens barrel  7002 , and hence lens, along the optical axis, relative to the support structure of the autofocus mechanism of the actuator, so as to focus the lens. In addition to suspending the lens carrier and substantially eliminating parasitic motions, the upper spring  7070  also resists the Lorentz forces, and hence convert the forces to a displacement of the lens. This basic architecture shown in  FIGS. 3-4  and is typical of some embodiments, in which optical image stabilization function includes moving the entire autofocus mechanism of the actuator (supported by the autofocus yoke) in linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis, in response to user handshake, as detected by some means, such a two or three axis gyroscope, which senses angular velocity. The handshake of interest is the changing angular tilt of the camera in ‘pitch and yaw directions’, which can be compensated by said linear movements of the lens relative to the image sensor. 
     Some embodiments include actuator package for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in sensor package  7050  in a miniature camera  7000 . In some embodiments, the actuator module/package  7000  includes an voice coil motor base  7008 , a coil (e.g.  7007 ) rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base  7008 , a lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  7002 ) suspended on the voice coil motor base  7008  by a suspension means (upper springs  7070 ) configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera housing actuator package  7000 , and a plurality of magnets  7006  rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  7002 ). 
       FIG. 8  depicts a side view of an example embodiment of an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. Each magnet is poled so as to generate a magnetic field, the useful component of which for the autofocus function is orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera/lens, and orthogonal to the plane of each magnet proximate to the autofocus coil, and where the field for all four magnets are all either directed towards the autofocus coil, or away from it, so that the Lorentz forces from all four magnets act in the same direction along the optical axis. 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of an example embodiment of a camera module  8000  that may, for example, be used in small form factor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 8 , a camera module  8000  may include a base  8008 , an optics barrel  8002 , and a cover  8012 . Base  8008  may include one or more of, but is not limited to, a base  8008  made of a metal casting to conduct heat with heat-conducting members  8010  protruding out from base  8008  to remove heat from coils  8018 . Optics barrel  8002  may be suspended on the base  8008  by suspension of the upper springs  8080 , side corner springs  8020 , and lower springs  8082 . Camera module  8000  may include one or more of, but is not limited to, optics (not shown), optics barrel  8002 , magnet(s)  8006 , upper spring(s)  8080 . In optics barrel  8002 , an optics component (e.g., a lens or lens assembly) may be screwed, mounted or otherwise held in or by an optics barrel  8002 . In at least some embodiments, the optics barrel  8002  may be suspended from or attached to the magnets  8006  by upper spring(s)  8080 . Note that upper spring(s)  8080  are flexible to allow the optics barrel  8002  a range of motion along the Z (optical) axis for optical focusing. 
     Some embodiments include actuator package for controlling the position of a lens relative to an image sensor in sensor package  8050  in a miniature camera  8000 . In some embodiments, the actuator module/package  8000  includes an voice coil motor base  8008 , a coil (e.g.  8008 ) rigidly attached to the voice coil motor base  8008 , a lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  8002 ) suspended on the voice coil motor base  8008  by a suspension means (upper springs  8080 ) configured to limit relative motion in linear directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the miniature camera housing actuator package  8000 , and a plurality of magnets  8006  rigidly mounted to the lens movement mechanism (lens barrel  8002 ). 
     Example Computer System 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example computer system  900  that may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  900  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     Various embodiments of a camera module as described herein, including embodiments of temperature compensation for sensors, as described herein may be executed in one or more computer systems  900 , which may interact with various other devices. Note that any component, action, or functionality described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-8  may be implemented on one or more computers configured as computer system  900  of  FIG. 9 , according to various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  900  includes one or more processors  910  coupled to a system memory  920  via an input/output (I/O) interface  930 . Computer system  900  further includes a network interface  940  coupled to I/O interface  930 , and one or more input/output devices  950 , such as cursor control device  960 , keyboard  980 , and display(s)  980 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  900 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  900 , 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  900  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  900  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  910 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  910  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  910  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  910  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  910  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  920  may be configured to store camera control program instructions  922  and/or camera control data accessible by processor  910 . In various embodiments, system memory  920  may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment, program instructions  922  may be configured to implement a lens control application  924  incorporating any of the functionality described above. Additionally, existing camera control data  932  of memory  920  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  920  or computer system  900 . While computer system  900  is described as implementing the functionality of functional blocks of previous Figures, any of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system. 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  930  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  910 , system memory  920 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  940  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  950 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  930  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  920 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  910 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  930  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  930  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  930 , such as an interface to system memory  920 , may be incorporated directly into processor  910 . 
     Network interface  940  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  900  and other devices attached to a network  985  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  900 . Network  985  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  940  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  950  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  900 . Multiple input/output devices  950  may be present in computer system  900  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  900 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  900  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  900  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  940 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , memory  920  may include program instructions  922 , which may be processor-executable to implement any element or action described above. In one embodiment, the program instructions may implement the methods described above. In other embodiments, different elements and data may be included. Note that data may include any data or information described above. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  900  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  900  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  900  may be transmitted to computer system  900  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: 20140604
Publication Date: 20170613
Grant Date: 20170613
Priority Date: 20140604
Inventors: BRODIE DOUGLAS S.
MILLER SCOTT W.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/62", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B3/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/62", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0069", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2257", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B3/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2254", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/23216", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0069", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0069", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B3/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54770555