PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11573393-B2
Application Number: US-202117244761-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Camera with base cutout for position sensing arrangement

Abstract:
Various embodiments include a camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement. For example, the position sensing arrangement may be used to determine a position of a moveable lens group and/or a moveable image sensor. According to some embodiments, a base structure of the camera may include a cutout that allows for a protrusion of a lens carrier to extend (e.g., in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the camera) past at least a portion of the base structure. A probe magnet may be attached to the protrusion of the lens carrier, and a position sensor for sensing magnetic fields of the probe magnet may be attached to the substrate.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera, comprising:
 a lens group comprising one or more lens elements that define an optical axis; 
 a substrate; 
 an image sensor attached to the substrate, the image sensor to capture image data based on light that passes through the lens group; 
 an actuator to move at least one of the lens group or the image sensor; 
 a base structure positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between at least a portion of the lens group and the substrate, wherein the base structure comprises a cutout; 
 a lens carrier coupled with the lens group, wherein the lens carrier comprises a protrusion that extends, in the direction parallel to the optical axis, past at least a portion of the base structure via the cutout; 
 a position sensor attached to the substrate; and 
 a probe magnet attached to the protrusion of the lens carrier and located proximate the position sensor, such that the position sensor is capable of sensing magnetic fields of the probe magnet. 
 
     
     
       2. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the probe magnet and the position sensor are positioned along an axis that extends through the cutout in the direction parallel to the optical axis. 
     
     
       3. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to move the lens group, in the direction parallel to the optical axis, relative to the image sensor. 
     
     
       4. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the direction parallel to the optical axis is a first direction; 
 the protrusion is positioned, in a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis, between the lens group and the base structure; and 
 the base structure and the position sensor are attached to an upper surface of the substrate. 
 
     
     
       5. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the cutout comprises a space sized to accommodate an extension of the protrusion, such that, at a maximum actuator stroke in the direction parallel to the optical axis and towards the position sensor, the probe magnet is positioned between an upper surface of the base structure and an upper surface of the substrate. 
     
     
       6. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the direction parallel to the optical axis is a first direction; 
 the cutout comprises:
 an inner opening portion to allow light to reach the image sensor after the light passes through the lens group and the opening; 
 a first outer opening portion that extends, in a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis, between the inner opening portion and a first side wall of the camera; and 
 a second outer opening portion that extends, in the second direction, between the inner opening portion and a second side wall of the camera, wherein the second side wall is opposite the first side wall relative to the lens group. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The camera of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a suspension arrangement that suspends the lens carrier from the base structure and that allows movement of the lens carrier, in at least the first direction parallel to the optical axis, relative to the image sensor, wherein the suspension arrangement comprises at least one of:
 an upper leaf spring that extends, along a first plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis, from the lens carrier to one or more stationary structures of the camera; and 
 a lower leaf spring that extends, along a second plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis, from the lens carrier to the base structure, wherein the lower leaf spring is positioned between the first plane and the substrate. 
 
 
     
     
       8. A device, comprising:
 one or more processors; 
 memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operations of a camera; and 
 the camera, comprising:
 a lens group comprising one or more lens elements that define an optical axis; 
 a substrate; 
 an image sensor attached to the substrate, the image sensor to capture image data based on light that passes through the lens group; 
 an actuator to move at least one of the lens group or the image sensor; 
 a base structure positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between at least a portion of the lens group and the substrate, wherein the base structure comprises a cutout; 
 a lens carrier coupled with the lens group, wherein the lens carrier comprises a protrusion that extends, in the direction parallel to the optical axis, past at least a portion of the base structure via the cutout; 
 a position sensor attached to the substrate; and 
 a probe magnet attached to the protrusion of the lens carrier and located proximate the position sensor, such that the position sensor is capable of sensing magnetic fields of the probe magnet. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the probe magnet and the position sensor are positioned along an axis that extends through the cutout in the direction parallel to the optical axis. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the direction parallel to the optical axis is a first direction; 
 the protrusion is positioned, in a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis, between the lens group and the base structure; and 
 the base structure and the position sensor are attached to an upper surface of the substrate. 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the cutout comprises a space sized to accommodate an extension of the protrusion, such that, at a maximum actuator stroke in the direction parallel to the optical axis and towards the position sensor, the probe magnet is positioned between an upper surface of the base structure and an upper surface of the substrate. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to move the lens group in the direction parallel to the optical axis, relative to the image sensor; and 
 the base structure further comprises one or more electrical traces that form a portion of an electrical path used to convey drive current to one or more coils of the VCM actuator. 
 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 12 , wherein the cutout comprises:
 a first portion that extends, along a first axis orthogonal to the optical axis, between the lens group and a first side wall of the camera; and 
 a second portion that extends, along the first axis, between the lens group and a second side wall of the camera, wherein the second side wall is opposite the first side wall relative to the lens group. 
 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the protrusion is a first protrusion; 
 the position sensor is a first position sensor; 
 the probe magnet is a first probe magnet; 
 the lens carrier further comprises:
 a second protrusion that extends, in the direction parallel to the optical axis, past at least a portion of the base structure via the second portion; and 
 
 the camera further comprises:
 a second position sensor attached to the substrate; and 
 a second probe magnet attached to the second protrusion of the lens carrier and located proximate the second position sensor, such that the second position sensor is capable of sensing magnetic fields of the probe magnet. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 13 , wherein the VCM actuator comprises:
 a first magnet-coil group positioned, along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and the optical axis, between the lens group and a third side wall of the camera, wherein the first magnet-coil group comprises a first magnet and a first coil, and wherein each of the first magnet and the first coil have a respective longest dimension that is parallel to the third side wall; and 
 a second magnet-coil group positioned, along the second axis, between the lens group and a fourth side wall of the camera, wherein the fourth side wall is opposite the third side wall relative to the lens group, and wherein the second magnet-coil group comprises a second magnet and a second coil. 
 
     
     
       16. An imaging system, comprising:
 one or more optical elements; 
 a moveable carrier fixedly coupled with the one or more optical elements; 
 a substrate; 
 an image sensor attached to the substrate, the image sensor to capture image data based on light that passes through the one or more optical elements; 
 an actuator to move the moveable carrier, in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the imaging system, relative to the image sensor; 
 a base structure attached to an upper surface of the substrate, wherein the base structure comprises a cutout; 
 a position sensor attached to the upper surface of the substrate; and 
 a probe magnet fixedly attached to the moveable carrier, wherein a range of motion of the probe magnet includes a path, in the direction parallel to the optical axis and via the cutout, for positioning at least a portion of the probe magnet between an upper surface of the base structure and the upper surface of the substrate, and wherein the position sensor is capable of sensing magnetic fields of the probe magnet. 
 
     
     
       17. The imaging system of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the one or more optical elements comprise a lens that defines the optical axis; and 
 probe magnet and the position sensor are positioned along an axis that extends through the cutout in the direction parallel to the optical axis. 
 
     
     
       18. The imaging system of  claim 17 , wherein the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move the lens to provide autofocus of an image on the image sensor. 
     
     
       19. The imaging system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 one or more processors to:
 receive position sensor data from the position sensor; and 
 determine, based at least in part on the position sensor data, a current position of the lens in the direction parallel to the optical axis. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The imaging system of  claim 19 , wherein the one or more processors are further to:
 determine one or more focus control signals for moving the lens from the current position to a focus position at which the imaging system is focused with respect to an image on the image sensor; and 
 control the actuator according to the one or more focus control signals, so as to cause the lens to move to the focus position.

Description:
This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/019,955, entitled “Camera with Base Cutout for Position Sensing Arrangement,” filed May 4, 2020, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to architecture for a camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones and tablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, small form factor cameras for integration in the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby the object focal distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an example camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 B  illustrate views of another example camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  2 A  shows a top view of the camera.  FIG.  2 B  shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the camera. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate views of yet another example camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  3 A  shows a schematic side view of the camera.  FIG.  3 B  shows a bottom cross-sectional view of the camera including an example base cutout arrangement.  FIG.  3 C  shows a schematic bottom view of the camera with another example base cutout arrangement. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of an example lens carrier that includes one or more protrusions to which a portion of a position sensing arrangement may be attached, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of some example components of a lower portion of a camera that includes one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an example imaging system having an actuator and one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an example computer system that may include a camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure. 
     “Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.). 
     “Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks. 
     “First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and “second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value. 
     “Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact. 
     The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments include a camera having camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement. For example, the position sensing arrangement may be used to determine a position of a moveable lens group and/or a moveable image sensor. According to some embodiments, a base structure of the camera may include a cutout that allows for a protrusion of a lens carrier to extend (e.g., in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the camera) past at least a portion of the base structure. A probe magnet may be attached to the protrusion of the lens carrier, and a position sensor for sensing magnetic fields of the probe magnet may be attached to the substrate. In various embodiments, the cutout(s) may enable a reduced gap, in the direction parallel to the optical axis, between the probe magnet and the position sensor, e.g., as compared to some other cameras that have a relatively large magnet to sensor gap due to one or more structures extending between the magnet and the sensor. In various embodiments, the reduced gap of the position sensing arrangement described herein may enable improved position sensing performance, e.g., by providing higher sensitivity and/or improved stray field rejection. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an example camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement. The example X-Y-Z coordinate system shown in  FIG.  1    may apply to embodiments discussed throughout this disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the camera  100  may include a lens group  102 , an image sensor  104 , an actuator (e.g., actuator  610  in  FIG.  6   ), a substrate  106 , a lens carrier  108 , a base structure  110 , and/or a position sensing arrangement (e.g., comprising one or more probe magnets  112  and one or more position sensors  114 ). 
     The lens group  102  may include one or more lens elements  116  that define an optical axis  118 . The image sensor  104  may be configured to capture image data based on light that passes through the lens group  102 . In some embodiments, the image sensor  104  may be attached to the substrate  106 . In some embodiments, the lens group  102  may be coupled with the lens carrier  108 . According to some examples, the lens group  102  may be contained within a lens barrel  120 , and the lens barrel  120  may be fixedly attached to the lens carrier  108 . The lens group  102  may be coupled with the lens carrier  108  such that the lens group  102  is moveable together (e.g., in lockstep) with the lens carrier  108 , e.g., via the actuator. 
     According to various embodiments, the actuator may be configured to move the lens group  102  and/or the image sensor  104 . For example, the actuator may move the lens group  102  relative to the image sensor  104 . Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator may move the image sensor  104  relative to the lens group  102 . In some embodiments, the actuator may move the lens group  102  and/or the image sensor  104  in a direction parallel to the optical axis  118 , e.g., to provide autofocus (AF) functionality. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator (and/or one or more other actuators of the camera  100 ) may move the lens group  102  and/or the image sensor  104  in one or more directions orthogonal to the optical axis  118 , e.g., to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) functionality. 
     As previously mentioned, the position sensing arrangement may include one or more probe magnets  112  and one or more position sensors  114  (e.g., magnetic field sensors, such as Hall sensors, tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors, giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors, etc.). In some embodiments, the probe magnet(s)  112  may be attached to the lens carrier  108 . Furthermore, the position sensor(s)  114  may be attached to the substrate  106  in some embodiments. According to various embodiments, the base structure  110  may comprise one or more cutouts (e.g., cutout  314  in  FIG.  3 B , cutouts  316   c  in  FIG.  3 C , cutout  314   c ′ in  FIG.  3 C , cutout  510  in  FIG.  5   , etc.). For example, the base structure  110  may define a cutout that accommodates at least a portion of a protrusion  122  of the lens carrier  108 . A probe magnet  112  may be attached to the protrusion  122  and located proximate the position sensor  114 . In some embodiments, the protrusion may extend, in a direction parallel to the optical axis  118  (e.g., the Z-axis direction), past at least a portion of the base structure  110  via an open space provided by the cutout of the base structure  110 . In some embodiments, the cutout(s) may enable a reduced gap (e.g., the gap Δz in  FIG.  1   ), in the direction parallel to the optical axis  118  (e.g., the Z-axis direction) between the probe magnet  112  and the position sensor  114 , e.g., as compared to some other cameras that have a relatively large magnet to sensor gap due to one or more structures extending between the magnet and the sensor, which may obstruct a path (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) that might otherwise allow for the magnet and the sensor to be placed closer together. In various embodiments, the reduced gap of the position sensing arrangement described herein may enable improved position sensing performance, e.g., by providing higher sensitivity and/or improved stray magnetic field rejection. 
     According to some embodiments, the camera  100  may include a shield can  124  that covers a portion of the camera  100 . For example, the shield can  124  may be shaped to cover at least a top portion and one or more side portions of the camera  100 . In some embodiments, the shield can  124  may include a top wall and one or more side walls. Furthermore, the shield can  124  may include one or more bend portions that interconnect the top wall with the side wall(s). In some examples, the bend portions may be formed by folding a sheet of material (e.g., sheet metal), e.g., into a shape configured to cover at least a portion of the actuator. 
     In various embodiments, the camera  100  may include a suspension arrangement  126  configured to suspend the lens carrier  108  from one or more stationary structures of the camera  100 . For example, the suspension arrangement  126  may suspend the lens carrier  108  from the base structure  110  and/or one or more other stationary structures of the camera  100 . Furthermore, the suspension arrangement  126  may allow controlled movement of the lens carrier  108  (e.g., in the direction parallel to the optical axis and/or the Z-axis direction) relative to the image sensor  104 . As indicated in  FIG.  1   , and as also discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , the suspension arrangement  124  may include an upper leaf spring  128  and/or a lower leaf spring  130 . In some embodiments, the camera  100  may include one or more spring mounting spacers (e.g., spring mounting spacer(s)  224  in  FIG.  2 B ) used to mount a spring (e.g., the upper leaf spring  126 ) of the suspension arrangement  126 . In some embodiments, such a spring mounting spacer may be positioned, in the Z-axis direction, between one or more outer walls (e.g., a top wall of the shield can  124 ) of the camera  100  and a leaf spring (e.g., the upper leaf spring  128 ) of the suspension arrangement  126 . For example, the spring mounting spacer may be located adjacent to and/or proximate a side wall of the shield can  124 , and the spring mounting spacer may be vertically sandwiched between the shield can  124  and the upper leaf spring  128 . In various embodiments, the suspension arrangement  126  may additionally, or alternatively, include one or more other suspension components arranged differently (and/or of a different type) than the leaf springs shown in  FIG.  1   . For example, the suspension arrangement  126  may include a ball bearing suspension arrangement in some embodiments. 
     In various embodiments, the camera  100  may include a flex circuit  132  that may be configured to convey electrical signals (e.g., power and/or control signals). In some embodiments, the flex circuit  132  may be used to convey certain signals (e.g., signals associated with image data captured via the image sensor  104 , signals associated with position sensor data captured via the position sensor(s)  114 , etc.) to one or more components that are external to the camera  100 , such as an image signal processor (ISP) of a device (e.g., device(s) described herein with reference to  FIG.  6   ). The flex circuit  132  may convey such signals to the image sensor  104  via the substrate  106  in some examples. Furthermore, the flex circuit  132  may be used to convey control signals (e.g., signals associated with actuator commands from controller(s) of the ISP) to the coil(s) of the actuator. For example, the flex circuit  132  may convey control signals to the coil(s) via the substrate  106 , the base structure  110 , the suspension arrangement  126 , and/or the lens carrier  108 . In some embodiments, the camera  100  may include a stiffener  134  that includes a bottom wall disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the flex circuit  132 . The stiffener  134  may provide structural support to the flex circuit  132  and/or one or more other portions of the camera  100 . According to some examples, the stiffener  134  may include one or more side walls (which also may be referred to as “tabs”) that are interconnected with the bottom wall of the stiffener  134 . In some embodiments, the tab(s) of the stiffener  134  may be folded up from the bottom wall of the stiffener  134 , e.g., to at least partially establish one or more sides of the camera  100 . As indicated in  FIG.  1   , in some embodiments a tab of the stiffener  134  may partially overlap with a corresponding side wall of the shield can  124 , and the overlapping tab and side wall may form a side of the camera  100 . Furthermore, the camera  100  may include one or more optical filters  136  (e.g., an infrared filter) coupled with the substrate  106  and positioned, in the Z-axis direction, between the lens group  102  and the image sensor  104 . 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 B  illustrate views of another example camera  200  having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement.  FIG.  2 A  shows a top view of the camera  200 .  FIG.  2 B  shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the camera  200 . In some embodiments, the cross-sectional view shown in  FIG.  2 B  may correspond to a cross section taken at a location indicated by section line  2 B- 2 B in  FIG.  2 A . 
     In some embodiments, the camera  200  may include a lens group  202 , an image sensor  204 , an actuator (e.g., actuator  610  in  FIG.  6   ), a substrate  206 , a lens carrier  208 , a base structure  210 , and/or a position sensing arrangement (e.g., comprising one or more probe magnets  212  and one or more position sensors  214 ). According to various embodiments, the camera  200  may be the same as, or similar to, the camera  100  described herein with reference to  FIG.  1   . For example, the lens group  202 , the image sensor  204 , the substrate  206 , the lens carrier  208 , the base structure  210 , and/or the position sensing arrangement comprising the probe magnet(s)  212  and the position sensor(s)  214 , respectively, may be the same as, or similar to, the lens group  102 , the image sensor  104 , the substrate  106 , the lens carrier  108 , the base structure  110 , and/or the position sensing arrangement comprising the probe magnet(s)  112  and the position sensor(s)  114 . 
     According to various embodiments, the base structure  210  may be positioned, in a direction parallel to an optical axis (e.g., optical axis  118  in  FIG.  1    and/or the Z-axis direction), between at least a portion of the lens group  202  and the substrate  206 . For example, the base structure  210  may be attached to an upper surface of the substrate  206 . In some embodiments, the probe magnet(s)  212  may be attached to the lens carrier  208 . Furthermore, the position sensor(s)  214  may be attached to the substrate  206 . In various embodiments, the base structure  210  may comprise one or more cutouts (e.g., cutout  314  in  FIG.  3 B , cutouts  316   c  in  FIG.  3 C , cutout  314   c ′ in  FIG.  3 C , cutout  510  in  FIG.  5   , etc.). In various embodiments, a cutout may be an opening through the base structure  210 . For example, the base structure  210  may define a cutout that accommodates at least a portion of a protrusion  216  of the lens carrier  208 . In some embodiments, the cutout may also serve as the same opening through which light passes to reach the image sensor  204 . In some embodiments, the cutout may be an opening that includes an inner opening portion and one or more outer opening portions. The inner opening portion may be configured to allow light to reach the image sensor  204 . The outer opening portion(s) may be configured to accommodate the protrusion(s)  216  and/or the probe magnet(s)  212 , and may extend outward (e.g., in a direction orthogonal to and away from the optical axis) from the inner opening portion towards a respective side wall of the camera  200 . A probe magnet  212  may be attached to the protrusion  216  and located proximate a position sensor  214 . For example, the probe magnet  212  and the position sensor  214  may be positioned along an axis that extends through the cutout in the direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis direction). In some embodiments, the protrusion  216  may extend, in the direction parallel to the optical axis, past at least a portion of the base structure  210  via the cutout of the base structure  210 . Furthermore, the probe magnet  212  and the protrusion  216  may be positioned, in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the Y-axis direction), between the lens group  202  and the base structure  210 . As discussed above, the cutout(s) may enable a reduced gap (e.g., the gap Δz in  FIG.  1   ), in the direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis direction) between the probe magnet  212  and the position sensor  214 . 
     In some embodiments, the actuator may be configured to move the lens carrier  208 , in a direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., in the Z-axis direction), relative to the image sensor  204 . The lens carrier  208  may be fixedly coupled with the lens group  202 . For example, the camera  200  may include a lens barrel  218  that contains the lens group  202 , and the lens carrier  208  may be fixedly attached to the lens barrel  218  such that the lens carrier  208  is moveable together (e.g., in lockstep) with the lens group  202  via the actuator. The probe magnet  212  may be fixedly attached to the protrusion  216  such that the probe magnet  212  is moveable together with the lens carrier  208  and the lens group  202  via the actuator, e.g., within a range of motion. In various embodiments, the range of motion of the probe magnet  212  may include a path, in the direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) and via the cutout, for positioning at least a portion of the probe magnet  212  between an upper surface of the base structure  210  and an upper surface of the substrate  206 . In some embodiments, the cutout may enable the camera  200  to be configured such that a maximum actuator stroke towards the image sensor  204  (and/or the substrate  206 ) may move the probe magnet  212  to a lowest position at which a bottom surface of the probe magnet  212  nearly touches a top surface of the position sensor  214 . For example, at the lowest position, there may be a minimal amount of separation, in the Z-axis direction, between the probe magnet  212  and the position sensor  214 . The minimal amount of separation may be determined based at least in part on design constraints, requirements, and/or tolerances in various examples. 
     In various embodiments, the cutout of the base structure  210  may comprise multiple outer opening portions. For example, the base structure  210  may define a first outer opening portion that extends, in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the Y-axis direction), between the inner opening portion and a first side wall of the camera  200 . Furthermore, the base structure  210  may define a second outer opening portion that extends, in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., the Y-axis direction), between the inner opening portion and a second side wall of the camera  200 . As indicated in  FIG.  2 B , for example, the second side wall may be opposite the first side wall relative to the lens group  202 . 
     In various embodiments, the camera  200  may include a suspension arrangement (e.g., suspension arrangement  126  in  FIG.  1   ) configured to suspend the lens carrier  208  from one or more stationary structures of the camera  200 . For example, the suspension arrangement may suspend the lens carrier  208  from the base structure  210  and/or one or more other stationary structures of the camera  200 . Furthermore, the suspension arrangement may allow controlled movement of the lens carrier  208  (e.g., in the direction parallel to the optical axis and/or the Z-axis direction) relative to the image sensor  204 . In some embodiments, the suspension arrangement may include one or more upper leaf springs  220  and/or one or more lower leaf springs  222 . In some embodiments, the camera  200  may include one or more spring mounting spacers  224  used to mount one or more springs (e.g., the upper leaf spring(s)  220 ) of the suspension arrangement. In some embodiments, a spring mounting spacer  224  may be positioned, in the Z-axis direction, between one or more outer walls (e.g., a top wall of the shield can  226 ) of the camera  200  and a leaf spring (e.g., the upper leaf spring  220 ) of the suspension arrangement. For example, the spring mounting spacer  224  may be located adjacent to and/or proximate a side wall of the shield can  226 , and the spring mounting spacer  224  may be vertically sandwiched between the shield can  226  and the upper leaf spring  220 . 
     In some embodiments, an upper leaf spring  220  may extend, along a first plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis (e.g., a plane that is parallel to the X-Y plane), from the lens carrier  208  to one or more stationary structures (e.g., the spring mounting spacer  224 ) of the camera  200 . Additionally, or alternatively, a lower leaf spring  222  may extend, along a second plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis, from the lens carrier  208  to the base structure  210 . The lower leaf spring  222  may be positioned between the first plane and the substrate  206  in some examples. 
     In various embodiments, the camera  200  may include a flex circuit  228  that may be configured to convey electrical signals (e.g., power and/or control signals), e.g., as discussed herein with reference to flex circuit  132  in  FIG.  1   . In some embodiments, the camera  200  may include a stiffener  230  that includes a bottom wall disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the flex circuit  228 . The stiffener  230  may provide structural support to the flex circuit  228  and/or one or more other portions of the camera  200 . According to some examples, the stiffener  230  may include one or more side walls (which also may be referred to as “tabs”) that are interconnected with the bottom wall of the stiffener  230 . As also discussed herein with reference to stiffener  134  in  FIG.  1   , the tab(s) of the stiffener  230  may be folded up from the bottom wall of the stiffener  230 , e.g., to at least partially establish one or more sides of the camera  200 . As indicated in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , in some embodiments each tab of the stiffener  230  may partially overlap with a respective side wall of the shield can  226 , and the overlapping tab and side wall may form a side of the camera  200 . In some embodiments, the stiffener  230  may not have such a tab one or more sides of the camera  200 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  2 A , the stiffener  230  may not include a tab at the side from which the flex circuit  228  extends outwardly from the camera  200 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the camera  200  may include one or more optical filters  232  (e.g., an infrared filter) coupled with the substrate  206  and positioned, in the Z-axis direction, between the lens group  202  and the image sensor  204 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera  200  may include one or more damper arrangements configured to dampen motion of a dynamic component (e.g., the lens carrier  208 ). According to some embodiments, the damper arrangement may include one or more interface members  234  and one or more pockets  236 . For example, an interface member  234  may extend from one or more stationary structures (e.g., the shield can  230 ) to at least partially into a viscoelastic material contained within the pocket  236 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  2 A . According to some embodiments, the interface member  234  may be attached to an inner surface of a top wall of the shield can  230 . In some embodiments, the pocket(s)  236  may be defined by the lens carrier  208 . The interface member(s)  234  may be configured to traverse within the viscoelastic material in corresponding pocket(s)  236  to dampen motion of the lens carrier  208 , e.g., during operation of the actuator to move the lens carrier  208  in the direction parallel to the optical axis (e.g., the Z-axis direction). 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate views of yet another example camera  300  having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement.  FIG.  3 A  shows a schematic side view of the camera  300 .  FIG.  3 B  shows a bottom cross-sectional view of the camera  300  including an example base cutout arrangement. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional view shown in  FIG.  3 B  may correspond to a cross section taken at a location indicated by section line  3 B- 3 B in  FIG.  3 A .  FIG.  3 C  shows a schematic bottom view of the camera with another example base cutout arrangement (e.g., different from the base cutout arrangement shown in  FIG.  3 B ). 
     In some embodiments, the camera  300  may include a lens group  302 , a lens barrel  304 , a lens carrier  306 , a base structure  308 , a shield can  310 , and/or a stiffener  312 . According to various embodiments, the camera  300  may be the same as, or similar to, the camera  100  and/or the camera  200  described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 2 B . For example, the lens group  302 , the lens barrel  304 , the lens carrier  306 , the base structure  308 , the shield can  310 , and/or the stiffener  312 , respectively, may be the same as, or similar to, the lens group  102 , the lens barrel  120 , the lens carrier  108 , the base structure  110 , the shield can  124 , and/or the stiffener  134  of  FIG.  1   . 
     As indicated in  FIG.  3 B , the base structure  308  may define a cutout  314  comprising an inner opening portion and one or more outer opening portions  316  that collectively form an opening. The inner opening portion may be configured to allow light to reach the image sensor (e.g., image sensor  104  in  FIG.  1   ). Each of the outer opening portion(s)  316  may be sized to receive at least a portion of a respective protrusion  318  of the lens carrier  306  and/or at least a portion of a respective probe magnet  320  (which may be attached to the respective protrusion  318 ). In various embodiments, an outer opening portion  316  of the cutout  314  may at least partially encircle a protrusion  318  and/or a probe magnet  320 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  3 B . While the outer opening portion(s)  316  are shown in  FIG.  3 B  as having a periphery defined by rectilinear surfaces of the base structure  308 , it should be understood that in various embodiments the periphery of one or more outer opening portions may be shaped differently (e.g., defined by curved surfaces, a combination of rectilinear and curved surfaces, etc.). 
     According to some embodiments, the cutout  314  may be a hole that has a shape that is formed from the inner opening portion (e.g., a circular or oval inner opening portion), with outer opening portion(s)  316  (e.g., rectangular outer opening portions) intersecting the inner opening portion, e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  3 B . In some embodiments, the outer opening portion(s)  316  may individually be sized and/or shaped to accommodate a respective protrusion  318  and/or a respective probe magnet  320 . For example, an individual outer opening portion  316  may be configured such that a respective protrusion  316  may extend, in the Z-axis direction, past at least a portion of the base structure  308 . In some embodiments, the inner opening portion and an outer opening portion  316  may collectively be sized and/or shaped to accommodate a respective protrusion  318  and/or a respective probe magnet  320 . For example, a protrusion  318  may extend through a region (of the cutout  314 ) that is defined partially by an outer opening portion  316  (e.g., a rectangular outer opening portion that intersects the inner opening portion) and partially by the inner opening portion. 
     In other embodiments, a base structure may include one or more cutouts that accommodate respective protrusions and/or respective probe magnets, and those cutouts may be separate openings from a cutout configured to allow light to pass through the base structure to the image sensor. For example, as indicated in  FIG.  3 C , the base structure  308   c  may comprise a central opening  314   c  and one or more cutouts  316   c  that do not intersect the central opening  314   c . The central opening  314   c  may be configured to allow light to reach the image sensor. Each of the cutout(s)  316  may be configured to receive at least a portion of a respective protrusion  318  of the lens carrier  306  and/or at least a portion of a respective probe magnet  320  (which may be attached to the respective protrusion  318 ). The cutout(s)  316   c  may be positioned (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) between the central opening  314   c  and a respective side of the camera  300  in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, a central opening itself may be a cutout configured to allow light to reach the image sensor and accommodate the protrusion(s) and/or the probe magnet(s). In  FIG.  3 C , for example, instead of having the central opening  314   c  and separate cutout(s)  316   c , the base structure  308   c  may have a cutout  314   c ′ that is sized to allow light to reach the image sensor and accommodate the protrusion(s)  318  of the lens carrier  306  and/or the probe magnet(s)  320 . The cutout  314   c ′ shown in  FIG.  3 C  is circular, but may be shaped differently in various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the cutout  314   c ′ may be a curved shape (e.g., a circle, an oval, etc.), a polygon shape (e.g., hexagon, octagon, etc.), a freeform shape, and/or a hybrid shape that combines multiple types of shapes (e.g., a shape comprising a rectilinear portion and a curved portion). 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of an example lens carrier  400  that includes one or more protrusions to which a portion of a position sensing arrangement may be attached. In some embodiments, the lens carrier  400  may be the same as, or similar to, the lens carrier  108  in  FIG.  1   , the lens carrier  208  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , and/or the lens carrier  306  in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B . 
     In some embodiments, the lens carrier  400  may include an upper portion  402  and a lower portion  404 . The upper portion  402  and the lower portion  404  may have one or more shared interior surfaces that at least partially encircle a lens group (e.g., lens group  102  in  FIG.  1   ) and/or a lens barrel (e.g., lens barrel  120  in  FIG.  1   ). In some embodiments, the lower portion  404  may extend outwardly (e.g., along the X-Y plane) relative to the upper portion  402 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  4   . 
     According to some embodiments, the lens carrier  400  may include one or more protrusions  406  that extend downwardly (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) from the lower portion  404  (e.g., from a bottom surface of the lower portion  404  towards a substrate (e.g., substrate  106  in  FIG.  1   ). One or more probe magnets  408  may be attached to the protrusion(s)  406 . In some embodiments, a probe magnet  408  may be at least partially embedded within a protrusion  406 . 
     In some embodiments, the lens carrier  400  may include one or more coil holder portion(s)  410 . For example, as discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  6   , one or more coils of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator may be attached to the lens carrier  400 . The coil holder portion(s)  410  may be configured to fixedly couple with such coil(s). In some embodiments, the coil holder portion(s)  410  may extend from opposite sides of the lens carrier  400 . For example, the coil holder portions  410  shown in  FIG.  4    may extend from a first side of the lens carrier  400  to hold a coil (e.g., coil  612  in  FIG.  6   ) of a first magnet-coil group of the VCM actuator, and additional coil holder portion(s)  410  may extend from a second side (opposite the first side) of the lens carrier  400  to hold a coil of a second magnet-coil group of the VCM actuator. 
     In some embodiments, the lens carrier  400  may include one or more end stop bumpers configured to limit or prevent portions of the lens carrier from colliding against one or more stationary components (e.g., a shield can) in one or more directions, e.g., in a drop event. For example, the end stop bumper(s) may include one or more horizontal bumpers  412  and/or one or more vertical bumpers  414 . The horizontal bumper(s)  412  may extend in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and the vertical bumper(s)  414  may extend in a direction parallel to the optical axis, e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  4   . In some embodiments, the end stop bumper(s) may be configured to cushion motion of the lens carrier  400  as it approaches an interior surface (of a stationary structure) that defines an end stop. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of some example components  500  of a lower portion of a camera (e.g., camera  100  in  FIG.  1   , camera  200  in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , camera  300  in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , and/or imaging system  600  in  FIG.  6   , etc.) that includes one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement. In some embodiments, the components  500  may include a base structure  502 , a substrate  504 , an image sensor  506 , one or more position sensors  508 , one or more cutouts (e.g., comprising outer opening portions  510 ), and/or one or more electrical traces  512 . According to some examples, the base structure  502 , the substrate  504 , the image sensor  506 , the position sensor(s)  508 , and/or the cutout(s), respectively, may be the same as, or similar to, the base structure  110 , the substrate  106 , the image sensor  104 , the position sensor(s)  114 , and/or the cutout(s) of  FIG.  1   . 
     In some embodiments, the base structure  502  may comprise electrical trace(s)  512  in some embodiments. The electrical trace(s)  502  may form a portion of an electrical path used to convey drive current to one or more coils (e.g., coil  612  in  FIG.  6   ) of an actuator (e.g., actuator  610  in  FIG.  6   ). In a non-limiting example, current may flow in the electrical path from the substrate  504  to the coil(s) via the electrical trace(s)  512  of the base structure  502 . In some embodiments, the electrical trace(s)  512  may bridge the electrical path from the substrate  504  to one or more springs of a suspension arrangement (e.g., lower leaf spring  130  in  FIG.  1   ), which in turn may convey the current to the coil(s) and/or a lens carrier (e.g., lens carrier  108  in  FIG.  1   ) to which the coil(s) may be attached, so as to supply the drive current to the coil(s). 
     According to some embodiments, the base structure  502  may include multiple separate pieces, e.g., instead of being a singular component. As a non-limiting example, the outer opening portion(s)  510  of the cutout shown in  FIG.  5    may be extended by removal of example region  514 . Removal of the region  514  at opposite sides of the base structure  502 , for example, may form a base structure  502  that comprises two pieces that are separated from each other. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an example imaging system  600  (e.g., a camera) having an actuator and one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement.  FIG.  6    includes a schematic representation generally illustrating example positioning of actuator components relative to position sensing components according to some examples. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional view labeled “Section A-A” at the top of  FIG.  6    may correspond to a cross section taken at a location indicated by section line A-A shown in the schematic representation at the bottom of  FIG.  6   . 
     In some embodiments, the imaging system  600  may include one or more optical elements  602  (e.g., comprising one or more lenses, prisms, and/or reflective elements, etc.), an image sensor  604 , a substrate  606 , a moveable carrier  608  (e.g., a lens carrier as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 4   ), an actuator  610  (e.g., comprising one or more coil(s)  612  and one or more magnets  614 ), one or more stationary structures  616 , a base structure  618 , one or more cutouts  620 , one or more protrusions  622 , one or more probe magnets  624 , and/or one or more position sensors  626 . According to various embodiments, the imaging system  600  may be the same as, or similar to, the cameras  100 ,  200 , and/or  300  described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3 B . For example, the one or more optical elements  602 , the image sensor  604 , the substrate  606 , the moveable carrier  608 , the actuator  610 , the base structure  618 , the cutout(s)  620 , the protrusion(s)  622 , the probe magnet(s)  624 , and/or the position sensor(s)  626 , respectively, may be the same as, or similar to, the lens group  102  (and/or the optical element(s)  116 ), the image sensor  104 , the substrate  106 , the lens carrier  108 , the cutout(s), the protrusion(s)  122 , the probe magnet(s)  112 , and/or the position sensor(s)  114  of  FIG.  1   . 
     According to various examples, the actuator  610  may comprise a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. The VCM actuator may include one or more coils  612  and one or more magnets  614 . As indicated in  FIG.  6   , the VCM actuator may include a first magnet-coil group (e.g., comprising a magnet  614  and a coil  612  that electromagnetically interact with each other) and/or a second magnet-coil group (not shown). For example, the first magnet-coil group may be positioned, in the X-axis direction, between the optical element(s)  602  and a first side wall of the imaging system  600 . The second magnet-coil group may be positioned, in the X-axis direction, between the optical element(s)  602  and a second side wall of the imaging system  600  that is opposite the first side wall. In some non-limiting embodiments, the imaging system  600  may not have a magnet-coil group positioned in a space to a third side (e.g., no magnet-coil group positioned, in the Y-axis direction, between the optical element(s)  602  and a third side wall of the imaging system  600 ) and/or a fourth side (e.g., no magnet-coil group positioned, in the Y-axis direction, between the optical element(s)  602  and a fourth side wall of the imaging system  600  that is opposite the third side wall of the imaging system  600 ). In some embodiments, the first magnet-coil group may have a longest dimension in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the second magnet-coil group may have a longest dimension in the Y-axis direction. Embodiments of the cameras disclosed herein are not limited to two magnet-coil groups and/or positioning of the magnet-coil groups described with reference to  FIG.  6   ; various embodiments may include fewer or more magnet-coil groups and/or magnet-coil groups that are positioned differently (e.g., including at different sides of the imaging system  600  and/or at different orientations, etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the coil(s)  612  may comprise autofocus (AF) coil(s) attached to the moveable carrier  608 . The magnet(s)  614  may comprise drive magnets attached to one or more stationary structures of the imaging system  600 . For example, the magnet(s)  614  may be attached to a shield can (e.g., shield can  124  in  FIG.  1   ) and/or to the base structure  618 . As discussed herein with reference to at least  FIG.  1   , control signals (e.g., signals associated with actuator commands from controller(s) of an ISP) may be conveyed to the coil(s)  612 . For example, drive current may be supplied to the coil(s)  612  so as to cause the coil(s)  612  to electromagnetically interact with the magnetic fields produced by the magnet(s)  614 , producing Lorentz forces that move the moveable carrier  608  in the Z-axis direction, e.g., to provide AF of an image on the image sensor  604 . As discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  5   , the base structure  618  may comprise electrical traces (e.g., electrical traces  512  in  FIG.  5   ) that may be part of an electrical path through which the drive current is conveyed. In some embodiments, the electrical traces may include an electrical trace for a positive drive signal (e.g., to move the moveable carrier  608  upwards, in the Z-axis direction, away from the image sensor  604 ) to a coil  612 , and an electrical trace for negative drive signal (e.g., to move the moveable carrier  608  downwards, in the Z-axis direction, towards the image sensor  604 ) to the coil  612 . 
     The position sensor(s)  626  may be configured to sense magnetic fields produced by the probe magnet(s)  624 . For example, a position sensor  626  may detect changes in a magnetic field as a probe magnet  624  moves relative to the position senor  626  in the Z-axis direction. In some embodiments, the imaging system  600  may include one or more processors (e.g., processor(s)  702  in  FIG.  7   ) that receive position sensor data from the position sensor(s)  626 . The processor(s) may determine, based at least in part on the position sensor data, a current position of the optical element(s)  602  in the Z-axis direction. In some embodiments, the processor(s) (and/or one or more controller(s)) may determine one or more actuator control signals, e.g., focus control signal(s) for moving the optical element(s)  602  from the current position to a focus position at which the imaging system  600  is focused with respect to an image on the image sensor  604 . The processor(s) may control the actuator  610  according to the one or more focus control signals, so as to cause the optical element(s)  602  to move to the focus position. 
     According to some embodiments, the imaging system  600  may comprise a camera that is included in a device (e.g., a mobile device, a mobile multi-function device, and/or one or more of the devices described herein with reference to  FIG.  7   , etc.). The device may include memory storing program instructions executable by the one or more processors to control operations of the camera. In some embodiments, the camera may be included in a multi-camera system. Such a system may include multiple cameras and a chassis for mounting the cameras, e.g., in a fixed position relative to one another and/or in a fixed position relative to the device. The multi-camera system may include different types of cameras (e.g., with respect to module size, lens architecture, focal length, image sensor size, actuator architecture, and/or suspension architecture, etc.) in some embodiments. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an example computing device, referred to as computer system  700 , that may include or host embodiments of a camera having one or more base cutouts for a position sensing arrangement, e.g., as described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6   . In addition, computer system  700  may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. 
     The computer system  700  may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  700  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  700  includes one or more processors  702  coupled to a system memory  704  via an input/output (I/O) interface  706 . Computer system  700  further includes one or more cameras  708  coupled to the I/O interface  706 . Computer system  700  further includes a network interface  710  coupled to I/O interface  706 , and one or more input/output devices  712 , such as cursor control device  714 , keyboard  716 , and display(s)  718 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  700 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  700 , 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  700  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  700  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  702 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  702  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  702  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  702  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  702  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  704  may be configured to store program instructions  720  accessible by processor  702 . In various embodiments, system memory  704  may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. Additionally, existing camera control data  722  of memory  704  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions  720  and/or data  722  may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  704  or computer system  700 . In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system  700 . 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  706  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  702 , system memory  704 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  710  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  712 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  706  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  704 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  702 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  706  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  706  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  706 , such as an interface to system memory  704 , may be incorporated directly into processor  702 . 
     Network interface  710  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  700  and other devices attached to a network  724  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  700 . Network  724  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  710  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  712  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  700 . Multiple input/output devices  712  may be present in computer system  700  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  700 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  700  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  700  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  710 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  700  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  700  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  700  may be transmitted to computer system  700  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: 20210429
Publication Date: 20230207
Grant Date: 20230207
Priority Date: 20200504
Inventors: BIRNBAUM, ZACHARY W.
SMYTH, NICHOLAS D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G03B30/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0015", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B13/36", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/687", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B3/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B30/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B5/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/09", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/021", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/67", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B5/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B30/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/646", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/09", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B13/36", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/232", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B2205/0007", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2254", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 78292774