PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12078914-B1
Application Number: US-202217815932-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Camera focus locking mechanism

Abstract:
Various embodiments include a locking mechanism for a camera. The locking mechanism may be used to provide a clamping force that prevents one or more components of the camera from moving along one or more axes in some examples. According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to a carrier (e.g., a lens carrier, an image sensor carrier, etc.), an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate, and a flexure to which the electromagnet may be attached. The flexure may further be attached to a stationary structure of the camera. In some embodiments, the camera may be operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along an optical axis of the camera.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera, comprising:
 a lens group comprising one or more lens elements; 
 an image sensor; 
 a carrier to which the lens group or the image sensor is attached; 
 an actuator to move the carrier in at least one direction parallel to an optical axis; and 
 a locking mechanism, comprising:
 a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to the carrier; 
 an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate; and 
 a flexure to which the electromagnet is attached, wherein the flexure is further attached to a stationary structure of the camera; 
 wherein the camera is operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along the optical axis. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein, in the lock mode, the camera is configured to use the locking mechanism to prevent the carrier from moving along the optical axis so as to lock the lens or the image sensor in a focus position. 
     
     
       3. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the electromagnet comprises:
 a coil; and 
 a ferromagnetic core. 
 
     
     
       4. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, the VCM actuator comprising:
 a first magnet-coil pair at a first side of the camera, the first magnet-coil pair comprising a first magnet and a first coil; and 
 a second magnet-coil pair at a second side of the camera opposite the first side, the second magnet-coil pair comprising a second magnet and a second coil; 
 
 the ferromagnetic plate is a first ferromagnetic plate at a third side of the camera different than the first side and the second side; 
 the electromagnet is a first electromagnet at the third side; 
 the flexure is a first flexure at the third side; and 
 the locking mechanism further comprises:
 a second ferromagnetic plate at a fourth side of the camera opposite the third side; 
 a second electromagnet at the fourth side; and 
 a second flexure at the fourth side. 
 
 
     
     
       5. The camera of  claim 4 , wherein the locking mechanism further comprises:
 a third ferromagnetic plate attached to the carrier at the third side of the camera; and 
 a third electromagnet attached to the first flexure at the third side. 
 
     
     
       6. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the lens group is attached to the carrier. 
     
     
       7. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the image sensor is attached to the carrier. 
     
     
       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; 
 an image sensor; 
 a carrier to which the lens group or the image sensor is attached; 
 an actuator to move the carrier in at least one direction parallel to an optical axis; and 
 a locking mechanism, comprising:
 a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to the carrier; 
 an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate; and 
 a flexure to which the electromagnet is attached, wherein the flexure is further attached to a stationary structure of the camera; 
 
 wherein the camera is operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along the optical axis. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the lens group is attached to the carrier; and 
 in the lock mode, the camera is configured to use the locking mechanism to prevent the carrier from moving along the optical axis so as to lock the lens in a focus position. 
 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the electromagnet comprises:
 a coil; and 
 a ferromagnetic core. 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the actuator comprises a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, the VCM actuator comprising:
 a first magnet-coil pair at a first side of the camera, the first magnet-coil pair comprising a first magnet and a first coil; and 
 a second magnet-coil pair at a second side of the camera opposite the first side, the second magnet-coil pair comprising a second magnet and a second coil; 
 
 the ferromagnetic plate is a first ferromagnetic plate at a third side of the camera different than the first side and the second side; 
 the electromagnet is a first electromagnet at the third side; 
 the flexure is a first flexure at the third side; and 
 the locking mechanism further comprises:
 a second ferromagnetic plate at a fourth side of the camera opposite the third side; 
 a second electromagnet at the fourth side; and 
 a second flexure at the fourth side. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the flexure comprises a leaf spring formed of a conductive material. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the flexure comprises flexure arms that extend from the stationary structure to the electromagnet, and wherein one or more of the flexure arms comprise:
 a dielectric material; and 
 a conductive material adjacent the dielectric material, the conductive material forming an electrical signal trace for conveying electrical signals between the stationary structure and a coil of the electromagnet. 
 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 13 , wherein the flexure arms comprise:
 a first flexure arm comprising a first electrical signal trace; and 
 a second flexure arm comprising a second electrical signal trace, wherein the second flexure arm is parallel to the first flexure arm. 
 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the flexure comprises a layer of dielectric material cladded with layers of a conductive material. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the stationary structure comprises a base of the camera, wherein the base comprises:
 a first portion having a longest dimension extending in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis; and 
 a second portion comprising one or more protrusions, wherein each of the one or more protrusions extends from the first portion in a second direction parallel to the optical axis. 
 
 
     
     
       17. A method, comprising:
 activating a lock mode of a camera; 
 determining that a lens group or an image sensor of the camera is at a focus position, wherein the lens group or the image sensor is attached to a carrier, and wherein the lens group comprises one or more lens elements; and 
 based at least in part on the activating the lock mode and the determining that the lens or the image sensor is at the focus position, using a locking mechanism to prevent the carrier from moving in at least one direction parallel to an optical axis of the camera, so as to lock the lens or the image sensor in the focus position, wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
 a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to the carrier; 
 an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate; and 
 a flexure to which the electromagnet is attached, wherein the flexure is further attached to a stationary structure of the camera. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein, to use the locking mechanism, the camera is operable to:
 electrically drive the electromagnet to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along the optical axis. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 receiving, via a user interface presented on a device that includes the camera, one or more inputs; and 
 determining that the one or more inputs satisfy one or more predetermined conditions for activating the lock mode of the camera; 
 wherein the activating the lock mode is performed based at least in part on the determining that the one or more inputs satisfy the one or more predetermined conditions. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 receiving data via one or more sensors of at least one of the camera or a device that includes the camera; and 
 determining that the data satisfy one or more predetermined conditions for activating the lock mode of the camera; 
 wherein the activating the lock mode is performed based at least in part on the determining that the data satisfy the one or more predetermined conditions.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to a locking mechanism that may be used to prevent one or more camera components from moving along one or more axes. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones and tablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, small form factor cameras for integration in the devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby the object focal distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a single rigid body along the optical axis of the camera to refocus the camera. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  illustrate schematic block diagrams of an example camera system that includes a locking mechanism that may be used to lock a position of one or more components, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  1 A  shows an example state in which the camera system is focusing.  FIG.  1 B  shows an example state in which the camera system is activating a locking mechanism.  FIG.  1 C  shows an example state in which the camera system is clamping, using the locking mechanism, a carrier of the camera. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a schematic free-body diagram indicating example forces that may act on a camera system that includes a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 F  illustrate views of an example camera system that includes a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  3 A  shows an exploded perspective view of the camera system.  FIG.  3 B  shows a collapsed perspective view of the camera system.  FIG.  3 C  shows a side cross-sectional view, taken at section plane A-A indicated in  FIG.  3 B , of the camera system.  FIG.  3 D  shows another perspective view of the camera system.  FIG.  3 E  shows a side cross-sectional view, taken at section line B indicated in  FIG.  3 D , of the camera system.  FIG.  3 F  shows another side cross-sectional view, taken at section line C-C indicated in  FIG.  3 D , of the camera system. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an example electrical connection path that may be used for driving a locking mechanism of a camera system, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate respective example arrangements for locking mechanisms of camera systems, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  5 A  shows a top view of a first locking mechanism arrangement that may be used in a camera system that has side magnets.  FIG.  5 B  shows a top view of a second locking mechanism arrangement that may be used in a camera system that has side magnets. 
         FIG.  5 C  shows a top view of another locking mechanism arrangement that may be used in a camera system that has corner magnets. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate respective example arrangements for flexures of locking mechanisms of camera systems, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  6 A  shows a top view of an example flexure arm arrangement.  FIG.  6 B  shows a top view of an example clad flexure arrangement.  FIG.  6 C  shows a top view of an example leaf spring flexure arrangement. 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart of an example method of operating a locking mechanism of a camera system, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic representation of an example environment comprising a device that may include a camera system with a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example environment comprising a computer system that may include a camera system with a locking mechanism, 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 
     Various embodiments include a camera with a locking mechanism that may be used to lock a position of one or more camera components. In some examples described herein, the terms “camera” and “camera system” may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be used to provide a clamping force that prevents one or more components of the camera from moving along one or more axes. According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a ferromagnetic plate fixedly attached to a carrier (e.g., a lens carrier, an image sensor carrier, etc.), an electromagnet for electromagnetically interacting with the ferromagnetic plate, and a flexure to which the electromagnet may be attached. The flexure may further be attached to a stationary structure of the camera. In some embodiments, the camera may be operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along an optical axis of the camera. 
     In some embodiments, the camera may be operable in a lock mode, which may trigger activation of the locking mechanism. For example, the lock mode may be an option provided via a user interface of the camera system. A user of the camera system may enable the lock mode via the user interface, e.g., when the user would like to lock a focus position of the camera system during activities in which the user (and the camera system) will be experiencing a high degree of motion and/or during which the user may have a lower degree of control of the camera system. Non-limiting examples may include “active” users who would like to capture video using the camera system while riding a motorcycle, snowboarding, etc. 
     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. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  illustrate schematic block diagrams of an example camera system that includes a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  1 A  shows an example state  100   a  in which the camera system is focusing.  FIG.  1 B  shows an example state  100   b  in which the camera system is activating a locking mechanism.  FIG.  1 C  shows an example state  100   c  in which the camera system is clamping, using the locking mechanism, a carrier of the camera system. 
     According to various embodiments, the camera system may include a carrier  102  and a locking mechanism  104 . In some examples, the carrier  102  may be a movable lens carrier to which a lens group is attached. In other examples, the carrier  102  may be a movable image sensor carrier to which an image sensor is attached. As will be discussed in further detail herein with reference to at least  FIGS.  2 - 3 F , the camera system may include a focus actuator (e.g., an actuator configured to enable autofocus functionality) that can be used to move the carrier  102  toward a focus position. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  1 A , the actuator may be used to move the carrier  102  in one or more directions parallel to an optical axis of the camera system, e.g., as indicated by arrow(s)  106 . In some embodiments, a lens group may be attached to the carrier  102 , and the actuator may be used to move the lens group (e.g., together with the carrier  102 ) relative to an image sensor (which may be attached to a stationary component of the camera system in some embodiments). In some embodiments, an image sensor may be attached to the carrier  102 , and the actuator may be used to move the image sensor (e.g., together with the carrier  102 ) relative to a lens group (which may be attached to a stationary component of the camera system in some embodiments). 
     In various embodiments, the locking mechanism  104  may include a ferromagnetic plate  108 , an electromagnet  110 , and a flexure  112 . The ferromagnetic plate  108  may be fixedly attached to the carrier  102 . The electromagnet  110  may be attached to the flexure  112  and may be configured to electromagnetically interact with the ferromagnetic plate  108 . Further, the flexure  112  may be attached to a stationary structure  114  (e.g., a base structure) of the camera system. According to various embodiments, the camera system may be operable such that, in a lock mode of the camera, the electromagnet is electrically driven to generate a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate, thereby providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along the optical axis. 
       FIG.  1 B  shows an example state  100   b  in which the camera system is activating a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the camera system may be operable in a lock mode, which may trigger activation of the locking mechanism. For example, the lock mode may be an option provided via a user interface of the camera system. A user of the camera system may enable the lock mode via the user interface, e.g., when the user would like to lock a focus position of the camera system during activities in which the user (and the camera system) will be experiencing a high degree of motion and/or during which the user may have a lower degree of control of the camera system. Non-limiting examples may include “active” users who would like to capture video using the camera system while riding a motorcycle, snowboarding, etc. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  1 B , activation of the locking mechanism may cause the camera system to drive the electromagnet  110  (e.g., by providing an electrical current to a coil of the electromagnet  110 ). The electromagnet  110 , when driven, may produce a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate  108 , as generally indicated by arrow  116 . According to some examples, arrow  116  may be indicative of the general direction of motion of the electromagnet  110  and/or the ferromagnetic plate  108  towards one another, which may be orthogonal to the optical axis and/or to the direction(s) of focus motion (e.g., orthogonal to direction(s) indicated by arrow(s)  106  in  FIG.  1 A ). 
       FIG.  1 C  shows an example state  100   c  in which the camera system is clamping. using the locking mechanism, a carrier of the camera system. As shown, in this clamping state the electromagnet  110  is positioned beside the ferromagnetic plate  108 . The electromagnetic force (e.g., indicated by arrow  118 ) may clamp the carrier  102  in its current position (e.g., a focus position), thereby avoiding positional drift of a lens carrier relative to an image sensor or avoiding positional drift of an image sensor carrier relative to a lens group, during certain active user cases. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a schematic free-body diagram indicating example forces that may act on a camera system  200  that includes a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the camera system  200  may include a carrier  202  to which one or more coils  204  of an actuator (e.g., a focus voice coil motor (VCM) actuator) may be attached. While not shown in  FIG.  2   , the camera system  200  may further include one or more magnets of the actuator. In some embodiments, each magnet may be positioned proximate a corresponding coil  204 , such that the magnet and the corresponding coil  204  may be capable of electromagnetically interacting with one another. The electromagnetic interaction between the magnet(s) and the coil(s)  204  may produce Lorentz force(s) that move the carrier  202  in direction(s) parallel to an optical axis of the camera system  200 . 
     In various embodiments, the locking mechanism may include one or more ferromagnetic plates  206 , one or more electromagnets (e.g., comprising one or more coils  208  and one or more ferromagnetic cores  210 ), and one or more flexures  212 . For example, in the non-limiting example illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the locking mechanism may include a first ferromagnetic plate  206  positioned at a first side of the carrier  202  (and/or at a first side of the camera system  200 ), a first electromagnet positioned at the first side, and a first flexure  212  positioned at the first side. Furthermore, in the non-limiting example illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the locking mechanism may include a second ferromagnetic plate  206  positioned at a second side of the carrier  202  (and/or at a second side of the camera system  200 ), a second electromagnet positioned at the second side, and a second flexure  212  positioned at the second side. The second side may be opposite the first side, e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  2   . 
     According to various embodiments, the example forces that may act on the camera system  200  may include electromagnetic force(s) F em , gravitational force(s) G, friction force(s) F fr , flexure force(s) Fn, and/or focus actuator force(s) F f actuator , with example directions of such forces indicated by the corresponding arrows shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     In some embodiments, an activating condition, in which the locking mechanism is activated (e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  1 B ), may be characterized by the electromagnetic force(s) F em  being greater than the flexure force(s) F fl . With the electromagnetic force(s) F em , corresponding to attraction forces between the electromagnet and the ferromagnetic plate, overcoming the flexure force(s) F fl  (which tend to counteract the electromagnetic force(s) F em ), the activating condition may result in motion of the electromagnet and/or the ferromagnetic plate toward one another. 
     In some embodiments, a clamping condition, in which the locking mechanism is providing a clamping force that prevents the carrier from moving along the optical axis, may be based at least in part on the focus actuator design, the electromagnet design, the material design of the camera system  200 , and/or the locking mechanism design. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the clamping condition may be characterized in the following manner:
 
 G+F   f actuator =2× F   fr =2×μ( F   em   −F   fl )
 
     In some embodiments, the camera system  200  may further include a shield can  214 , a base structure  216 , one or more upper springs  218 , and/or one or more lower springs  220 . According to some embodiments, the carrier  202  may be suspended from the shield can  214  using the upper spring(s)  218 . Additionally, or alternatively, the carrier  202  may be suspended from the base structure  216  using the lower spring(s)  220 . 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 F  illustrate views of an example camera system  300  that includes a locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  3 A  shows an exploded perspective view of the camera system  300 .  FIG.  3 B  shows a collapsed perspective view of the camera system  300 .  FIG.  3 C  shows a side cross-sectional view, taken at section plane A-A indicated in  FIG.  3 B , of the camera system  300 .  FIG.  3 D  shows another perspective view of the camera system  300 .  FIG.  3 E  shows a side cross-sectional view, taken at section line B-B indicated in  FIG.  3 D , of the camera system  300 .  FIG.  3 F  shows another side cross-sectional view, taken at section line C-C indicated in  FIG.  3 D , of the camera system  300 . 
     According to some embodiments, the camera system  300  may include a lens group  302 , a carrier  304 , a locking mechanism (e.g., comprising one or more ferromagnetic plates  306 , one or more electromagnets  308 , and one or more flexures  310 ), and an image sensor  312 . The lens group  302  may include one or more lens elements. An optical axis may be defined by the lens group  302  and/or the image sensor  312  in some embodiments. According to various embodiments, the lens group  302  may be fixedly coupled with the carrier  304 , and the image sensor  312  may be fixedly coupled with one or more stationary structures (e.g., a substrate assembly  314 ) of the camera system  300 . 
     The camera system  300  may include an actuator for moving the carrier  304 , e.g., in one or more directions parallel to the optical axis for focusing purposes. In some examples, the actuator may be an autofocus (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. In the illustrated example, the AF VCM actuator may include one or more AF coils  316  and one or more AF magnets  318 . The AF VCM actuator may be configured to move the carrier  304  (together with the lens group  302 ) relative to the image sensor  312  in some embodiments. 
     As previously mentioned, the locking mechanism may include ferromagnetic plate(s)  306 , electromagnet(s)  308 , and flexure(s)  310 . In some embodiments, an electromagnet  308  may include a coil  320  and a ferromagnetic core  322 . The electromagnet  308  may be coupled with a flexure  310 , e.g., as indicated in  FIGS.  1 A- 6 C . In some embodiments, the electromagnet  308  may be attached to a first portion (e.g., a central portion) of the flexure  310 , and one or more other portions of the flexure  310  may be attached to one or more stationary structures of the camera system  300 . As a non-limiting example, a second portion (e.g., an end portion) and a third portion (e.g., another end portion) of the flexure  310  may be attached to a base structure  324 . According to some embodiments, the second portion of the flexure  310  may be attached to a protrusion  326  of the base structure  324 , and the third portion of the flexure  310  may be attached to another protrusion  326  of the base structure  324 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  3 A . 
     In some embodiments, the camera system  300  may include a shield can  328 , a spacer  330 , one or more damping pins  332 , one or more pockets  334  for containing viscoelastic material, an upper spring  336 , and/or a lower spring  338 . The shield can  328  may encase at least a portion of the camera system  300 . For example, as indicated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F , the shield can  328  may cover at least a portion of the electromagnetic components of the camera system  300  in some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the shield can  328  may shield the camera system  300  from electromagnetic interference from one or more components external to the camera system  300 . 
     The spacer  330  may be attached to an underside of the shield can  328  in some embodiments. The damping pin(s)  332  may protrude downward from the spacer  330 . Furthermore, the damping pin(s)  332  may be configured to extend toward corresponding pocket(s)  334  in the carrier  304 . The pocket(s)  334  may be configured to contain viscoelastic material, and at least a portion of the damping pin(s)  332  may be configured to be disposed within the viscoelastic material. The portion(s) of the damping pin(s)  332  that are disposed within the viscoelastic material may traverse the viscoelastic material so as to dampen undesirable motion that may negatively impact performance of the camera system  300 . According to some non-limiting examples, when focusing, desirable motion may be in directions parallel to the optical axis, and undesirable motion may be in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In such examples, the damping pin(s)  332  may be used to mitigate motion in the directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     In some embodiments, the upper spring  336  and/or the lower spring  338  may be used to suspend the carrier  304  while allowing motion of the carrier  304  in direction(s) parallel to the optical axis. According to some embodiments, a first portion of the upper spring  336  may be attached to the spacer  330 , and a second portion of the upper spring  336  may be attached to the carrier  304 . Additionally, or alternatively, a first portion of the lower spring  338  may be attached to the base structure  324 , and a second portion of the lower spring  338  may be attached to the carrier  304 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an example  400  of an electrical connection path  402  that may be used for driving a locking mechanism  308  of a camera system, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the electrical connection path  402  may include a positive (+) signal path  404   a  and a negative (−) signal path  404   b , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  4   . The electrical connection path  402  may enable the conveyance of electrical current to a coil  320  of the electromagnet  308 . For example, one or more components (e.g., a driver) coupled with the substrate assembly  314  may be capable of providing electrical current to the coil  320  via the electrical connection path  402  (e.g., via the positive signal path  404   a  and/or the negative signal path  404   b ). In various embodiments, the electrical connection path  402  may comprise a series of electrical connections, including electrical connections between components that are located between the substrate assembly  314  and the coil  320 . 
     As a non-limiting example, the substrate assembly  314  may be electrically connected to the base structure  324 , e.g., via one or more electrical contacts  406 . As previously mentioned, the base structure  324  may include one or more upward protrusions. While  FIG.  4    shows two example protrusions  408 —a first protrusion  408   a  and a second protrusion  408   b —it should be understood that various embodiments may comprise different numbers of protrusions  408 . The perspective view in  FIG.  3 A , for example, shows the base structure  324  having four corner protrusions  326 . The base structure  324  may be electrically connected to the flexure  310  via the protrusions  408  in some embodiments. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  4   , a first portion (e.g., an end portion) of the flexure  310  may be attached to the first protrusion  408   a , and a second portion (e.g., another end portion) of the flexure  310  may be attached to the second protrusion  408   b  in some embodiments. Furthermore, the coil  320  may be electrically connected to the flexure  310 . For example, as indicated in  FIG.  4   , the coil  320  may be electrically connected to a third portion (e.g., a central portion) of the flexure  310  according to some embodiments. The third portion of the flexure  310  may be located between the first portion and the second portion of the flexure  310 . 
     According to various embodiments, such a series of electrical connections may enable the conveyance of electrical current from the substrate assembly  314  to the base structure  324 , then from the base structure  324  to the flexure  310 , and then from the flexure  310  to the coil  320 . According to various embodiments, the electrical connection path  402  may comprise one or more conductive materials. Furthermore, portions of the electrical connection path  402  may include electrical traces and/or vias that enable the conveyance of electrical current from one location to another. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate respective example schematic arrangements for locking mechanisms of camera systems, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  5 A  shows a top view of a first locking mechanism arrangement  500   a  that may be used in a camera system that has side magnets.  FIG.  5 B  shows a top view of a second locking mechanism arrangement  500   b  that may be used in a camera system that has side magnets.  FIG.  5 C  shows a top view of another locking mechanism arrangement  500   c  that may be used in a camera system that has corner magnets. 
     In  FIG.  5 A , the first locking mechanism arrangement  500   a  may include a ferromagnetic plate  502 , an electromagnet  504 , and a flexure  506 . As previously mentioned, the camera system in  FIG.  5 A  may have side magnets  508 . For example, the camera system may include a first side magnet  508   a  at a first side of the camera system, and a second side magnet  508   b  at a second side of the camera system that is opposite the first side (e.g., relative to a lens group  510 ). The first locking mechanism arrangement  500   a  may be located at a third side of the camera system. In some embodiments, the third side may have a longest dimension that is orthogonal to the longest dimensions of the first side and the second side. 
     Although not shown in  FIG.  5 A , the camera system may further include a fourth side that is opposite the third side, relative to the lens group  510  in various embodiments. A second ferromagnetic plate  502 , a second electromagnet  504 , and a second flexure  506  may be located at the fourth side. In some embodiments, the fourth side may have a longest dimension that is parallel to the longest dimension of the third side. Additionally, or alternatively, the fourth side may have a longest dimension that is orthogonal to the longest dimensions of the first side and the second side. 
     According to various embodiments, the electromagnet  504  may include a coil  512  and a ferromagnetic core  514 . As previously indicated (e.g., with reference to the electromagnets in  FIGS.  2 - 4   ), the coil  512  and the ferromagnetic core  514  may be configured to electromagnetically interact with one another, e.g., when an electrical current is provided to the coil  512 . This may produce a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate  502  and the electromagnet  504  toward one another. The force(s) of attraction may overcome the counteracting spring force(s), from the flexure  506 , acting on the electromagnet  504 . Upon ceasing to provide an electrical current to the coil  512 , the counteracting spring force(s) from the flexure  506  may retract the electromagnet  504  away from the ferromagnetic plate  502 , e.g., back to an “original” and/or “rest” position of electromagnet  504 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera system may further include side coils  516  configured to magnetically interact with the side magnets  508  to move the carrier  518  in one or more directions parallel to an optical axis of the camera system. For example, the first side magnet  508   a  and the first side coil  516   a  may be a first magnet-coil pair of the camera system. Similarly, the second side magnet  508   b  and the second side coil  516   b  may be a second magnet-coil pair of the camera system. Each magnet-coil pair of the camera system may comprise at least one magnet and at least one corresponding coil that are configured to electromagnetically interact with one another. 
     In  FIG.  5 B , the second locking mechanism arrangement  500   b  may include multiple ferromagnetic plates and electromagnets at a same side of the camera system. For example, the second locking mechanism arrangement  500   b  may include, at a side of the camera system, a first ferromagnetic plate  520   a  and a corresponding first electromagnet  522   a . Furthermore, the second locking mechanism arrangement may include, at the same side, a second ferromagnetic plate  520   b  and a corresponding second electromagnet  522   b . As indicated in  FIG.  5 B , the second locking mechanism  500   b  may include a flexure  524  that is shared by both the first electromagnet  522   a  and the second electromagnet  522   b  in various embodiments. It should be understood, however, that multiple flexures may be used at a same side of the camera system, in some embodiments. As a non-limiting example, a respective flexure may be used for each of the first electromagnet  522   a  and the second electromagnet  522   b.    
     As previously mentioned, the camera system in  FIG.  5 B  may have side magnets  508 . For example, the camera system may include a first side magnet  508   a  at a first side of the camera system, and a second side magnet  508   b  at a second side of the camera system that is opposite the first side (e.g., relative to a lens group  510 ). The first locking mechanism arrangement  500   a  may be located at a third side of the camera system. In some embodiments, the third side may have a longest dimension that is orthogonal to the longest dimensions of the first side and the second side. 
     Although not shown in  FIG.  5 B , the camera system may further include a fourth side that is opposite the third side, relative to the lens group  510  in various embodiments. A third ferromagnetic plate, a corresponding third electromagnet, a fourth ferromagnetic plate, a corresponding fourth electromagnet, and/or another flexure may be located at the fourth side in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fourth side may have a longest dimension that is parallel to the longest dimension of the third side. Additionally, or alternatively, the fourth side may have a longest dimension that is orthogonal to the longest dimensions of the first side and the second side. 
     According to various embodiments, the first electromagnet  522   a  may include a first coil  526   a  and a first ferromagnetic core  528   a . Furthermore, the second electromagnet  522   b  may include a second coil  526   b  and a second ferromagnetic core  528   b . As previously indicated (e.g., with reference to the electromagnets in  FIGS.  2 - 4   ), a coil and a ferromagnetic core may be configured to electromagnetically interact with one another, e.g., when an electrical current is provided to the coil. This may produce a magnetic field that attracts a corresponding ferromagnetic plate and the electromagnet toward one another. The force(s) of attraction may overcome the counteracting spring force(s), from the flexure, acting on the electromagnet. Upon ceasing to provide an electrical current to the coil, the counteracting spring force(s) from the flexure may retract the electromagnet away from the ferromagnetic plate, e.g., back to an “original” and/or “rest” position of electromagnet. 
     In  FIG.  5 C , the third locking mechanism  500   c  may include a ferromagnetic plate  530 , an electromagnet  532 , and a flexure  534 . As previously mentioned, the camera system in  FIG.  5 C  may have corner magnets  536 . For example, the camera system may include a first corner magnet  508   a  at a first corner that is at least partially defined by a juncture between a first pair of sides of the camera system. Furthermore, the camera system may include a second corner magnet  508   b  at a second corner that is at least partially defined by a juncture between a second pair of sides of the camera system, e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  5 C . The third side may be opposite the second side (e.g., relative to the lens group  510 ). 
     According to some embodiments in which the camera system has corner magnets instead of side magnets, the third locking mechanism  500   c  may include one or more ferromagnetic plates, electromagnets, and/or flexures at any number of sides of the camera system. 
     According to various embodiments, the electromagnet  532  may include a coil  538  and a ferromagnetic core  540 . As previously indicated (e.g., with reference to the electromagnets in  FIGS.  2 - 4   ), the coil  538  and the ferromagnetic core  540  may be configured to electromagnetically interact with one another, e.g., when an electrical current is provided to the coil  538 . This may produce a magnetic field that attracts the ferromagnetic plate  530  and the electromagnet  532  toward one another. The force(s) of attraction may overcome the counteracting spring force(s), from the flexure  534 , acting on the electromagnet  532 . Upon ceasing to provide an electrical current to the coil  538 , the counteracting spring force(s) from the flexure  534  may retract the electromagnet  532  away from the ferromagnetic plate  530 , e.g., back to an “original” and/or “rest” position of electromagnet  532 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera system may further include a coil  542  configured to magnetically interact with the corner magnets  336  to move the carrier  544  in one or more directions parallel to an optical axis of the camera system. As indicated in  FIG.  5 C , the coil  542  may be attached to the carrier  544 . In some embodiments, the coil  542  may at least partially encircle the carrier  544  and/or the lens group  510 . 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate respective example arrangements for flexures of locking mechanisms of camera systems, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  6 A  shows a top view of an example flexure arm arrangement  600   a .  FIG.  6 B  shows a top view of an example clad-like flexure arrangement  600   b .  FIG.  6 C  shows a top view of an example leaf spring flexure arrangement  600   c.    
     In some embodiments, the flexure arm arrangement  600   a  may include one or more flexure arms  602  that extend from a stationary structure  604  to the electromagnet (e.g., comprising ferromagnetic core  606  and coil  608 ), e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  6 A . In some embodiments, the flexure arm(s) may comprise one or more conductive material layers  610  and one or more dielectric material layers  612 . In some examples, at least a portion of the conductive material may be adjacent the dielectric material and may function as an electrical signal trace for conveying electrical signals between the stationary structure  604  and the coil  608  via the flexure arms  602 . According to some embodiments, the flexure arms  602  may be formed using one or more additive and/or subtractive manufacturing processes. 
     In some embodiments, the clad-like flexure arrangement  600   b  may include a layer of dielectric material  614  cladded with layers of a conductive material  616 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  6 B . According to some embodiments, a first layer of conductive material  616  may be adjacent the stationary structure  604 , a second layer of conductive material  616  may be adjacent the electromagnet, and a layer of dielectric material  614  may be sandwiched between the first and second layers of conductive material  616 . 
     In some embodiments, the leaf spring flexure arrangement  600   c  may include a leaf spring  618  formed of a conductive material, e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  6 C . The leaf spring  618  may extend from the stationary structure  604  to the electromagnet. 
       FIG.  7    is a flowchart of an example method  700  of operating a locking mechanism of a camera system, in accordance with some embodiments. At  702 , the process  700  may include operating a camera. For example, a user may use a camera application on a mobile device to perform one or more functions with a camera of the mobile device. The user may, for example, use the camera to capture one or more images and/or videos. 
     At  704 , the process  700  may include determining whether a lock mode of the camera is triggered. In some examples, the lock mode of the camera may be triggered via a user interface of the camera application. The user interface may be presented on a display of the mobile device, for example. According to some examples, a user of the mobile device may provide input via one or more selections of options and/or features, presented via the user interface, indicating an instruction triggering the lock mode. In some non-limiting embodiments, the user may desire to activate the lock mode when the user is about to participate in an active experience associated with a high degree of motion and/or instability. As previously mentioned, some non-limiting examples may include “active” users who would like to capture video using the camera system while riding a motorcycle, snowboarding, etc. 
     According to some embodiments, the lock mode of the camera may be triggered automatically in response to one or more predetermined conditions. As a non-limiting example, the camera and/or the mobile device may receive motion data (e.g., via an accelerometer, a gyroscope, etc., of the mobile device) and may analyze the motion data to determine if one or more real-time motion conditions satisfy one or more predetermined motion conditions that automatically trigger the lock mode of the camera. It should be understood that one or more other types of data may additionally or alternatively be analyzed and compared to predetermined condition(s) to determine whether to trigger the lock mode. 
     If, at  704 , it is determined that the lock mode is not triggered, then the process  700  may proceed by periodically and/or continuously monitor whether the lock mode is triggered, according to some embodiments. If, at  704 , it is determined that the lock mode is triggered, then the process  700  may proceed by activating the lock mode (at  706 ). 
     When the lock mode is activated, the process  700  may include determining whether a focus position has been achieved (at  708 ). If, at  708 , it is determined that the focus position has not been achieved, then the process  700  may proceed by periodically and/or continuously monitor whether the focus position has been achieved. If, at  708 , it is determined that the focus position has been achieved, then the process  700  may proceed by locking the focus position (at  710 ). 
     At  712 , the process  700  may include determining whether to stop the lock mode. For example, a different mode of the camera may be triggered, and in some examples the triggering of one or more different modes of the camera may also cause the process  700  to determine to stop the lock mode. If, at  712 , it is determined that the lock mode is not to be stopped, then the process  700  may proceed by periodically and/or continuously monitor whether to stop the lock mode. If, at  712 , it is determined that the lock mode is to be stopped, then the process  700  may proceed by deactivating the lock mode (at  714 ). The process  700  may proceed by periodically and/or continuously monitor whether the lock mode is triggered (at  704 ). 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic representation of an example environment comprising a device  800  that may include one or more cameras. For example, the device  800  may include a camera system with a locking mechanism, such as the camera systems and/or locking mechanisms described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 7   . In some embodiments, the device  800  may be a mobile device and/or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, the device  800  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the device  800  may include a display system  802  (e.g., comprising a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras  804 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system  802  and/or one or more front-facing cameras  804   a  may be provided at a front side of the device  800 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  8   . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras  804   b  may be provided at a rear side of the device  800 . In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras  804 , some or all of the cameras  804  may be the same as, or similar to, each other. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the cameras  804  may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location(s) and/or arrangement(s) of the camera(s)  804  may be different than those indicated in  FIG.  8   . 
     Among other things, the device  800  may include memory  806  (e.g., comprising an operating system  808  and/or application(s)/program instructions  810 ), one or more processors and/or controllers  812  (e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and/or camera controller(s), etc.), and/or one or more sensors  814  (e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the device  800  may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services, such as computing device(s)  816 , cloud service(s)  818 , etc., via one or more networks  820 . For example, the device  800  may include a network interface (e.g., network interface  910  in  FIG.  9   ) that enables the device  800  to transmit data to, and receive data from, the network(s)  820 . Additionally, or alternatively, the device  800  may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and/or technologies. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example environment comprising a computer system  900  that may include a camera system with a locking mechanism, such as the camera systems and/or locking mechanisms described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 8   . In addition, computer system  900  may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, the device  800  (described herein with reference to  FIG.  8   ) may additionally, or alternatively, include some or all of the functional components of the described herein. 
     The computer system  900  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, 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  900  includes one or more processors  902  coupled to a system memory  904  via an input/output (I/O) interface  906 . Computer system  900  further includes one or more cameras  908  coupled to the I/O interface  906 . Computer system  900  further includes a network interface  910  coupled to I/O interface  906 , and one or more input/output devices  912 , such as cursor control device  914 , keyboard  916 , and display(s)  918 . 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  902 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  902  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  902  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  902  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  902  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  904  may be configured to store program instructions  920  accessible by processor  902 . In various embodiments, system memory  904  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  922  of memory  904  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions  920  and/or data  922  may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  904  or computer system  900 . In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system  900 . 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  906  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  902 , system memory  904 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  910  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  912 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  906  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  904 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  902 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  906  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  906  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  906 , such as an interface to system memory  904 , may be incorporated directly into processors  902 . 
     Network interface  910  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  900  and other devices attached to a network  924  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  900 . Network  924  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  910  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 device(s)  912  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  912  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  910 . 
     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  702  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: 20220728
Publication Date: 20240903
Grant Date: 20240903
Priority Date: 20220728
Inventors: XU, BIN
HUBERT, Aurelien R
WANG, XU
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G03B3/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B13/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/667", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/667", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B13/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/667", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B13/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 92545670