PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9335452-B2
Application Number: US-201314042550-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: System and method for capturing images

Abstract:
Systems and methods for capturing images are disclosed. An image capture device includes two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device. In some embodiments, each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device. Some embodiments include one or more electrically switchable mirror elements configured for directing light from at least one of the one or more apertures to the image sensor. Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element enters a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element enters a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An image capture device, comprising:
 two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device, wherein
 each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device; and 
 
 one or more electrically switchable mirror elements configured for directing light from at least one of the one or more apertures to the image sensor, 
 wherein upon application of a signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element enters a semi-reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of the two or more apertures to the image sensor device, 
 wherein, the light from the first aperture combines with light admitted from a second aperture of the two or more apertures, wherein the light from the second aperture is reflected to the image sensor device; 
 wherein the image capture device is configured to capture an interlaced image at the image sensor device, wherein the interlaced image includes the light from the first aperture and the light from the second aperture. 
 
     
     
       2. The image capture device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more electrically switchable mirror elements further comprise a second electrically switchable mirror element. 
     
     
       3. The image capture device of  claim 2 , wherein
 upon application of another signal, the second electrically switchable mirror element enters a complementary semi-reflective mode for transmitting light from the second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. 
 
     
     
       4. The image capture device of  claim 2 , wherein
 the first aperture and the second aperture are equidistant from the image sensor device. 
 
     
     
       5. The image capture device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the image sensor device; and 
 a moveable lens apparatus capable of moving a lens assembly of the image capture device relative to the image sensor device to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture to the image sensor device and a distance from the second aperture to the image sensor device. 
 
     
     
       6. The image capture device of  claim 1 , wherein
 the first aperture admits light from a location opposite the second aperture relative to the image sensor device. 
 
     
     
       7. The image capture device of  claim 1 , wherein
 the first aperture is situated at a first distance from the image sensor device; 
 the second aperture is situated at a second distance from the image sensor device; and 
 the first distance is less than the second distance. 
 
     
     
       8. The image capture device of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a mirror element for directing light from the second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. 
 
     
     
       9. The image capture device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the image sensor device. 
 
     
     
       10. A method, comprising:
 causing an image capture device having two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device to perform, upon application of a signal, placing a first electrically switchable mirror element in a semi-reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of the two or more apertures to the image sensor device; 
 combining the light from the first aperture with light admitted from a second aperture of the two or more apertures, wherein the light from the second aperture is reflected to the image sensor device; and 
 capturing an interlaced image at the image sensor device, wherein
 each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device, wherein the interlaced image includes the light from the first aperture and the light from the second aperture. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , further comprising
 upon application of another signal, placing a second electrically switchable mirror element in a semi-reflective mode for transmitting light from the second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , further comprising, causing movement of a lens assembly of the image capture device relative to the image sensor device to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture to the image sensor device and a distance from the second aperture to the image sensor device. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein
 the semi-reflective mode of the second electrically switchable mirror is activated at a time to complement the semi-reflective mode of the first electrically switchable mirror element. 
 
     
     
       14. A computing device, comprising:
 a processor; 
 a display unit under control of the processor for displaying images captured by an image capture device; 
 an image capture device having two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device, wherein the image capture device is configured to perform:
 upon application of a signal, placing a first electrically switchable mirror element in a semi-reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of the two or more apertures to the image sensor device, wherein the light from the first aperture combines with light from a second aperture of the two or more apertures, wherein the light from the second aperture is reflected to the image sensor device; and 
 capturing an interlaced image at the image sensor device, wherein
 each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device, wherein 
 the interlaced image includes the light from the first aperture and the light from the second aperture. 
 
 
 
     
     
       15. The computing device of  claim 14 , wherein the image capture device further comprises a second electrically switchable mirror element. 
     
     
       16. The computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the image capture device is further configured to perform:
 moving a lens assembly of the image capture device relative to the image sensor device to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture to the image sensor device and a distance from the second aperture to the image sensor device. 
 
     
     
       17. The computing device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 a semi-reflective mode of the second electrically switchable mirror element is activated at a time to complement the semi-reflective mode of the first electrically switchable mirror element.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to capturing images, and, more specifically, to capturing images from multiple directions. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is common to include high-end miniature cameras in wireless or cellular telephones, computers, tablets, and other portable multifunction devices, whereby the user of the object can capture with digital image sensors various representations of the environment present around the multifunction device. Increasingly, these multifunction devices include multiple cameras or other similar image capture devices pointed in different directions. 
     The desire for multiple image capture devices in multifunction devices presents several associated problems. Each additional image capture device pointing in an additional direction presents an additional possibility for device failure and additional cost of materials for sensors, lenses and control hardware. Further, the addition of each image capture device increases the complexity of control software. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Systems and methods for capturing images are disclosed. An image capture device includes two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device. In some embodiments, each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device. Some embodiments include one or more electrically switchable mirror elements configured for directing light from at least one of the one or more apertures to the image sensor. Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element enters a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element enters a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates placement of an image capture device in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts placement of an image capture device in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  depicts one embodiment of an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example computer system configured to implement aspects of the system and method for operating an image capture device. 
     
    
    
     This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure. 
     “Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . . ” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.). 
     “Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks. 
     “First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and “second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value. 
     “Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Introduction 
     Various embodiments of systems and methods for image capture are disclosed. In some embodiments, an image capture device includes two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device. In some embodiments, each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device. One or more electrically switchable mirror elements is configured for directing light from at least one of the one or more apertures to the image sensor. Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element enters a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element enters a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more one or more electrically switchable mirror elements further include a second electrically switchable mirror element. Upon application of a third signal, the second electrically switchable mirror element enters a complementary transmissive mode for transmitting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. The complementary transmissive mode is activated at a time to complement the reflective mode of the reflective mode first electrically switchable mirror element. Upon application of a fourth signal, the second electrically switchable mirror element enters a complementary reflective mode for reflecting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures away from the image sensor device. The complementary reflective mode is activated at a time to complement the transmissive mode of the first electrically switchable mirror element. 
     In some embodiments, the first aperture and the second aperture are equidistant from the image sensor device. Some embodiments further include the image sensor device and a moveable lens apparatus capable of moving a lens assembly of the image capture device relative to the image sensor device to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture to the image sensor device and a distance from the second aperture to the image sensor device. 
     In some embodiments, the first aperture admits light from a location opposite the second aperture relative to the image sensor device. In some embodiments, the first aperture is situated at a first distance from the image sensor device. The second aperture is situated at a second distance from the image sensor device. The first distance is greater than the second distance. 
     Some embodiments further include a mirror element for directing light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. Some embodiments further include the image sensor device. 
     Some embodiments include methods for capturing images. In some embodiments, the methods include causing an image capture device having two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device to perform, upon application of a first signal, placing a first electrically switchable mirror element in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device, and upon application of a second signal, placing the first electrically switchable mirror element in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. Some embodiments further include capturing an image at an image sensor device. Each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device. 
     Some embodiments further include, upon application of a third signal, placing a second electrically switchable mirror element in a complementary transmissive mode for transmitting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device, and upon application of a fourth signal, placing the second electrically switchable mirror element in a complementary reflective mode for reflecting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures away from the image sensor device. 
     Some embodiments further include causing movement of a lens assembly of the image capture device relative to the image sensor device to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture to the image sensor device and a distance from the second aperture to the image sensor device. In some embodiments the complementary transmissive mode is activated at a time to complement the reflective mode of the reflective mode first electrically switchable mirror element, and the complementary reflective mode is activated at a time to complement the transmissive mode of the first electrically switchable mirror element. Some embodiments further include, upon application of a third signal, placing a second electrically switchable mirror element in a semi-transmissive mode for transmitting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device, and upon application of a fourth signal, placing the first electrically switchable mirror element in a complementary semi-reflective mode for reflecting light from the second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. Some embodiments further include capturing an interlaced image at an image sensor device. Each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device. 
     Some embodiments may include a means for capturing an image, as described herein. For example, in camera module may perform causing an image capture device having two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device to perform, upon application of a first signal, placing a first electrically switchable mirror element in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device, and upon application of a second signal, placing the first electrically switchable mirror element in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device, as described herein. The camera module may in some embodiments be implemented by a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium and one or more processors (e.g., CPUs and/or GPUs) of a computing apparatus. The computer-readable storage medium may store program instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the computing apparatus to perform causing an image capture device having two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device to perform, upon application of a first signal, placing a first electrically switchable mirror element in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device, and upon application of a second signal, placing the first electrically switchable mirror element in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device, as described herein. Other embodiments of an image capture module may be at least partially implemented by hardware circuitry and/or firmware stored, for example, in a non-volatile memory. 
     Some embodiments include a computing device. In some embodiments, the computing device includes a processor and an image capture device having two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device. In some embodiments, the image capture device is configured to perform, upon application of a first signal, placing a first electrically switchable mirror element in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device, upon application of a second signal, placing the first electrically switchable mirror element in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device, and capturing an image at an image sensor device. In some embodiments, each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device. In some embodiments, the computing device includes a display unit under control of the processor for displaying images captured by the image capture device. 
     In some embodiments, the image capture device is further configured to perform, upon application of a third signal, placing a second electrically switchable mirror element in a complementary transmissive mode for transmitting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device, and upon application of a fourth signal, placing the second electrically switchable mirror element in a complementary reflective mode for reflecting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures away from the image sensor device. In some embodiments, the image capture device is further configured to perform moving a lens assembly of the image capture device relative to the image sensor device to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture to the image sensor device and a distance from the second aperture to the image sensor device. In some embodiments, the complementary transmissive mode is activated at a time to complement the reflective mode of the reflective mode first electrically switchable mirror element. In some embodiments, the complementary reflective mode is activated at a time to complement the transmissive mode of the first electrically switchable mirror element. 
     In some embodiments, the computing device is further configured to perform, upon application of a third signal, placing a second electrically switchable mirror element in a semi-transmissive mode for transmitting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device, and upon application of a fourth signal, placing the first electrically switchable mirror element in a complementary semi-reflective mode for reflecting light from the second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. In some embodiments, the image capture device is further configured to perform capturing an interlaced image at an image sensor device, wherein each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device. 
     Multifunction Device 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first signal could be termed a second signal, and, similarly, a second signal could be termed a first signal, without departing from the intended scope. The first signal and the second signal are both signals, but they are not the same signal. 
     The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. 
     Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as a mobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/or music player functions. Other portable electronic devices, such as laptops or tablet computers with touch-sensitive surfaces (e.g., touch screen displays and/or touch pads), may also be used. It should also be understood that, in some embodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but is a desktop or laptop computer with a camera. In some embodiments, the device is a gaming computer with cameras (e.g., in a gaming controller). 
     In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that includes a display and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should be understood, however, that the electronic device may include one or more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, a mouse and/or a joystick. 
     The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one or more of the following: a drawing application, a presentation application, a word processing application, a website creation application, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, a gaming application, a telephone application, a video conferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, a workout support application, a photo management application, a digital camera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsing application, a digital music player application, and/or a digital video player application. 
     The various applications that may be executed on the device may use at least one common physical user-interface device, such as the touch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitive surface as well as corresponding information displayed on the device may be adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or within a respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture (such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the device may support the variety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive and transparent to the user. 
     Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating portable multifunction device  100  with touch-sensitive displays  112  in accordance with some embodiments. Touch-sensitive display  112  is sometimes called a “touch screen” for convenience, and may also be known as or called a touch-sensitive display system. Device  100  may include memory  102  (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), memory controller  122 , one or more processing units (CPU&#39;s)  120 , peripherals interface  118 , RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , input/output (I/O) subsystem  106 , other input or control devices  116 , and external port  124 . Device  100  may include one or more optical sensors/cameras  164 . These components may communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines  103 . 
     It should be appreciated that device  100  is only one example of a portable multifunction device, and that device  100  may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in  FIG. 1  may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits. 
     Memory  102  may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory  102  by other components of device  100 , such as CPU  120  and the peripherals interface  118 , may be controlled by memory controller  122 . 
     Peripherals interface  118  can be used to couple input and output peripherals of the device to CPU  120  and memory  102 . The one or more processors  120  run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in memory  102  to perform various functions for device  100  and to process data. 
     In some embodiments, peripherals interface  118 , CPU  120 , and memory controller  122  may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip  104 . In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips. 
     RF (radio frequency) circuitry  108  receives and sends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  108  converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates with communications networks and other communications devices via the electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  108  may include well-known circuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited to an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RF circuitry  108  may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may use any of a variety of communications standards, protocols and technologies, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document. 
     Audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , and microphone  113  provide an audio interface between a user and device  100 . Audio circuitry  110  receives audio data from peripherals interface  118 , converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker  111 . Speaker  111  converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves. Audio circuitry  110  also receives electrical signals converted by microphone  113  from sound waves. Audio circuitry  110  converts the electrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data to peripherals interface  118  for processing. Audio data may be retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory  102  and/or RF circuitry  108  by peripherals interface  118 . In some embodiments, audio circuitry  110  also includes a headset jack (e.g.,  212 ,  FIG. 2 ). The headset jack provides an interface between audio circuitry  110  and removable audio input/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headset with both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input (e.g., a microphone). 
     I/O subsystem  106  couples input/output peripherals on device  100 , such as touch screen  112  and other input control devices  116 , to peripherals interface  118 . I/O subsystem  106  may include display controller  156  and one or more input controllers  160  for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers  160  receive/send electrical signals from/to other input or control devices  116 . The other input control devices  116  may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s)  160  may be coupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g.,  208 ,  FIG. 2 ) may include an up/down button for volume control of speaker  111  and/or microphone  113 . The one or more buttons may include a push button (e.g.,  206 ,  FIG. 2 ). 
     Touch-sensitive display  112  provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and a user. Display controller  156  receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen  112 . Touch screen  112  displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user-interface objects. 
     Touch screen  112  has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact. Touch screen  112  and display controller  156  (along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory  102 ) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen  112  and converts the detected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed on touch screen  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, a point of contact between touch screen  112  and the user corresponds to a finger of the user. 
     Touch screen  112  may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emitting diode) technology, although other display technologies may be used in other embodiments. Touch screen  112  and display controller  156  may detect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of a variety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with touch screen  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     The user may make contact with touch screen  112  using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be less precise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command for performing the actions desired by the user. 
     In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device  100  may include a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particular functions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visual output. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from touch screen  112  or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch screen. 
     Device  100  also includes power system  162  for powering the various components. Power system  162  may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components associated with the generation, management and distribution of power in portable devices. 
     Device  100  may also include one or more optical sensors/cameras  164 . The terms optical sensor and camera are used interchangeably herein.  FIG. 1  shows an optical sensor coupled to optical sensor controller  159  in I/O subsystem  106 . Optical sensor  164  may include charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor  164  receives light from the environment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the light to data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module  143  (also called a camera module), optical sensor  164  may capture still images or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of device  100 , opposite touch screen display  112  on the front of the device, so that the touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user&#39;s image may be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conference participants on the touch screen display. 
     Device  100  may also include one or more proximity sensors  166 .  FIG. 1  shows proximity sensor  166  coupled to peripherals interface  118 . Alternately, proximity sensor  166  may be coupled to input controller  160  in I/O subsystem  106 . In some embodiments, the proximity sensor turns off and disables touch screen  112  when the multifunction device is placed near the user&#39;s ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call). 
     Device  100  includes one or more orientation sensors  168 . In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more accelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and/or one or more rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more gyroscopes. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more magnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include one or more of global positioning system (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and/or other global navigation system receivers. The GPS, GLONASS, and/or other global navigation system receivers may be used for obtaining information concerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) of device  100 . In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors include any combination of orientation/rotation sensors.  FIG. 1  shows the one or more orientation sensors  168  coupled to peripherals interface  118 . Alternately, the one or more orientation sensors  168  may be coupled to an input controller  160  in I/O subsystem  106 . In some embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of data received from the one or more orientation sensors. 
     In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory  102  include operating system  126 , communication module (or set of instructions)  128 , contact/motion module (or set of instructions)  130 , graphics module (or set of instructions)  132 , text input module (or set of instructions)  134 , Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set of instructions)  135 , arbiter module  158  and applications (or sets of instructions)  136 . Device/global internal state  157  includes one or more of: active application state, indicating which applications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicating what applications, views or other information occupy various regions of touch screen display  112 ; sensor state, including information obtained from the device&#39;s various sensors and input control devices  116 ; state information that indicates which processes control output of shared audio or visual resource of a vehicle; ownership transition conditions of the shared audio or visual resource; and location information concerning the device&#39;s location and/or attitude. 
     Operating system  126  (e.g., Darwin, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks or RTXC) includes various software components and/or drivers for controlling and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardware and software components. 
     Communication module  128  facilitates communication with other devices over one or more external ports  124  and also includes various software components for handling data received by RF circuitry  108  and/or external port  124 . External port  124  (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices or indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). 
     Contact/motion module  130  may detect contact with touch screen  112  (in conjunction with display controller  156 ) and other touch sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). Contact/motion module  130  includes various software components for performing various operations related to detection of contact, such as determining if contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-down event), determining if there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger-dragging events), and determining if the contact has ceased (e.g., detecting a finger-up event or a break in contact). Contact/motion module  130  receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determining movement of the point of contact, which is represented by a series of contact data, may include determining speed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in magnitude and/or direction) of the point of contact. These operations may be applied to single contacts (e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments, contact/motion module  130  and display controller  156  detect contact on a touchpad. 
     Contact/motion module  130  may detect a gesture input by a user. Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contact patterns. Thus, a gesture may be detected by detecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event at the same position (or substantially the same position) as the finger-down event (e.g., at the position of an icon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting one or more finger-dragging events, and subsequently followed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event. 
     Graphics module  132  includes various known software components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen  112  or other display, including components for changing the intensity of graphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics” includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including without limitation text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys), digital images, videos, animations and the like. 
     In some embodiments, graphics module  132  stores data representing graphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code. Graphics module  132  receives, from applications etc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be displayed along with, if necessary, coordinate data and other graphic property data, and then generates screen image data to output to display controller  156 . 
     Text input module  134 , which may be a component of graphics module  132 , provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications (e.g., contacts  137 , e-mail  140 , IM  141 , browser  147 , and any other application that needs text input). 
     GPS module  135  determines the location of the device and provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone  138  for use in location-based dialing, to camera  143  as picture/video metadata, and to applications that provide location-based services such as weather widgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets). 
     Applications  136  may include the following modules (or sets of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof:
         contacts module  137  (sometimes called an address book or contact list);   telephone module  138 ;   video conferencing module  139 ;   e-mail client module  140 ;   instant messaging (IM) module  141 ;   workout support module  142 ;   camera module  143  for still and/or video images;   image management module  144 ;   browser module  147 ;   calendar module  148 ;   widget modules  149 , which may include one or more of: weather widget  149 - 1 , stocks widget  149 - 2 , calculator widget  149 - 3 , alarm clock widget  149 - 4 , dictionary widget  149 - 5 , and other widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created widgets  149 - 6 ;   widget creator module  150  for making user-created widgets  149 - 6 ;   search module  151 ;   video and music player module  152 , which may be made up of a video module and a music module;   notes module  153 ;   map module  154 ; and/or   online video module  155 .       

     Examples of other applications  136  that may be stored in memory  102  include other word processing applications, other image editing applications, drawing applications, presentation applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, and voice replication. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , contacts module  137  may be used to manage an address book or contact list (e.g., stored in application internal state  192  of contacts module  137  in memory  102 ), including: adding name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from the address book; associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), physical address(es) or other information with a name; associating an image with a name; categorizing and sorting names; providing telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to initiate and/or facilitate communications by telephone  138 , video conference  139 , e-mail  140 , or IM  141 ; and so forth. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , telephone module  138  may be used to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to a telephone number, access one or more telephone numbers in address book  137 , modify a telephone number that has been entered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct a conversation and disconnect or hang up when the conversation is completed. As noted above, the wireless communication may use any of a variety of communications standards, protocols and technologies. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , and communication module  128 , arbiter module  158  negotiates control of a shared audio or visual resource. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , optical sensor  164 , arbiter module  158 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , contact list  137 , and telephone module  138 , videoconferencing module  139  includes executable instructions to initiate, conduct, and terminate a video conference between a user and one or more other participants in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140  includes executable instructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response to user instructions. In conjunction with image management module  144 , e-mail client module  140  makes it very easy to create and send e-mails with still or video images taken with camera module  143 . 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , the instant messaging module  141  includes executable instructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to an instant message, to modify previously entered characters, to transmit a respective instant message (for example, using a Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol for telephony-based instant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-based instant messages), to receive instant messages and to view received instant messages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or received instant messages may include graphics, photos, audio files, video files and/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or an Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging” refers to both telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) and Internet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS). 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , GPS module  135 , map module  154 , and music player module  146 , workout support module  142  includes executable instructions to create workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burning goals); communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receive workout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; select and play music for a workout; and display, store and transmit workout data. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , optical sensor(s)  164 , optical sensor controller  159 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and image management module  144 , camera module  143  includes executable instructions to capture still images or video (including a video stream) and store them into memory  102 , modify characteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image or video from memory  102 . 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and camera module  143 , image management module  144  includes executable instructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate, label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), and store still and/or video images. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , browser module  147  includes executable instructions to browse the Internet in accordance with user instructions, including searching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portions thereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140 , and browser module  147 , calendar module  148  includes executable instructions to create, display, modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars (e.g., calendar entries, to do lists, etc.) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and browser module  147 , widget modules  149  are mini-applications that may be downloaded and used by a user (e.g., weather widget  149 - 1 , stocks widget  149 - 2 , calculator widget  1493 , alarm clock widget  149 - 4 , and dictionary widget  149 - 5 ) or created by the user (e.g., user-created widget  149 - 6 ). In some embodiments, a widget includes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file, a CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file. In some embodiments, a widget includes an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file and a JavaScript file (e.g., Yahoo! Widgets). 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and browser module  147 , the widget creator module  150  may be used by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning a user-specified portion of a web page into a widget). 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , search module  151  includes executable instructions to search for text, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory  102  that match one or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specified search terms) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , RF circuitry  108 , and browser module  147 , video and music player module  152  includes executable instructions that allow the user to download and play back recorded music and other sound files stored in one or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, and executable instructions to display, present or otherwise play back videos (e.g., on touch screen  112  or on an external, connected display via external port  124 ). In some embodiments, device  100  may include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.). 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , notes module  153  includes executable instructions to create and manage notes, to do lists, and the like in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , GPS module  135 , and browser module  147 , map module  154  may be used to receive, display, modify, and store maps and data associated with maps (e.g., driving directions; data on stores and other points of interest at or near a particular location; and other location-based data) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , RF circuitry  108 , text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140 , and browser module  147 , online video module  155  includes instructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., by streaming and/or download), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or on an external, connected display via external port  124 ), send an e-mail with a link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage online videos in one or more file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments, instant messaging module  141 , rather than e-mail client module  140 , is used to send a link to a particular online video. 
     Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to a set of executable instructions for performing one or more functions described above and the methods described in this application (e.g., the computer-implemented methods and other information processing methods described herein). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory  102  may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory  102  may store additional modules and data structures not described above. 
     In some embodiments, device  100  is a device where operation of a predefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/or a touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device  100 , the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons, dials, and the like) on device  100  may be reduced. 
     The predefined set of functions that may be performed exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad include navigation between user interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by the user, navigates device  100  to a main, home, or root menu from any user interface that may be displayed on device  100 . In such embodiments, the touchpad may be referred to as a “menu button.” In some other embodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or other physical input control device instead of a touchpad. 
     While a portable or mobile computing device is shown as one embodiment of a multifunction device, one of skill in the art will readily realize in light of having read the current disclosure that a desktop computer or other computing device may also perform many of the functions described herein without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. Likewise, while touch screen devices are shown as one embodiment of a multifunction device, one of skill in the art will readily realize in light of having read the current disclosure that a desktop computer or other computing device without a touch screen may also perform many of the functions described herein without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a portable multifunction device  100  in accordance with some embodiments. The touch screen may display one or more graphics within user interface (UI)  200 . In this embodiment, as well as others described below, a user may select one or more of the graphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example, with one or more fingers  202  (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or more styluses  203  (not drawn to scale in the figure). 
     Device  100  may also include one or more physical buttons, such as “home” or menu button  204 . As described previously, menu button  204  may be used to navigate to any application  136  in a set of applications that may be executed on device  100 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on touch screen  112 . 
     In one embodiment, device  100  includes touch screen  112 , menu button  204 , push button  206  for powering the device on/off and locking the device, volume adjustment button(s)  208 , Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slot  210 , head set jack  212 , and docking/charging external port  124 . Push button  206  may be used to turn the power on/off on the device by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressed state for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressing the button and releasing the button before the predefined time interval has elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process. 
     In an alternative embodiment, device  100  also may accept verbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone  113 . 
     Example Hardware 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates placement of an image capture device in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. In a portable multifunction device  300 , an image capture device  340  includes two or more apertures  320  and  360  for directing light to an image sensor device (not shown). In some embodiments, each of the apertures  320  and  360  admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device  340 . In some embodiments, the first aperture  320  admits light from a location opposite the second aperture  360  relative to the image sensor device. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts placement of an image capture device in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. In a portable multifunction device  310 , an image capture device  340  includes two or more apertures  330  and  370  for directing light to an image sensor device (not shown). In some embodiments, each of the apertures  330  and  370  admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device  350 . In some embodiments, the first aperture  370  is situated at a first distance from the image sensor device. The second aperture  330  is situated at a second distance from the image sensor device. The first distance is greater than the second distance. Some embodiments further include the image sensor device and a moveable lens apparatus capable of moving a lens assembly of the image capture device relative to the image sensor device to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture  370  to the image sensor device and a distance from the second aperture  330  to the image sensor device. Some embodiments further include a mirror element (not shown) for directing light from first aperture  370  of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. Some embodiments further include the image sensor device. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. An image capture device  400  includes an image sensor device  425  for capturing images receive through a lens  430 . Image capture device  400  includes two or more apertures  415  and  420  for directing light  405  and  435  to an image sensor device  425 . In some embodiments, each of the apertures  415  and  420  admits light  405  and  435  from a different direction relative to the image sensor device  425 . In the embodiment shown, one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470  is mounted in a set of transparent support structures  450   a - 450   d . Alternative embodiments include alternative arrangements for mounting the one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470 , such as frames suspending edges of the one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470 . Likewise, while two electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470  are shown, more or fewer electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470  are used by some embodiments, and some embodiments employ electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470  that are arrays composed of multiple pieces, while in some embodiments each of electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470  are single-piece units. The one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470  is configured for directing light  435  from at least one of the one or more apertures  420  toward the lens  430  (see reflected light  455 ) and then to the image sensor  425 . Stray light  415  is reflected away (as reflected light  475 ) from the electrically switchable mirror element  460 . 
     Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element  460  enters a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of the one or more apertures  420  to the image sensor device  425 . Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element  460  enters a transmissive mode (not shown) for transmitting light  405  from a second aperture  415  of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device  425 . 
     In some embodiments, the one or more one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  460  and  470  further include a second electrically switchable mirror element  470 . In some embodiments, the first aperture  415  and the second aperture  420  are equidistant from the image sensor device  425 . In some embodiments, the first aperture  415  admits light from a location opposite the second aperture  420  relative to the image sensor device  425 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts one embodiment of an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. An image capture device  500  for capturing images received through a lens  530  includes two or more apertures  515  and  520  for directing light  535  to an image sensor device. In some embodiments, each of the apertures  515  and  520  admits light  535  from a different direction relative to an image sensor device  525 . One or more electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570  is configured for directing light  535  from at least one of the one or more apertures  515  to the image sensor  525 . Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element enters a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device. Such a state is shown in  FIG. 4  and described above. Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element  560  enters a transmissive mode for transmitting light  555  from a second aperture  515  of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device  525 . 
     In some embodiments, the one or more one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570  further include a second electrically switchable mirror element  570 . Upon application of a third signal, the second electrically switchable mirror element  570  enters a complementary transmissive mode (not shown) for transmitting light from the first aperture  520  of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device  525 . The complementary transmissive mode is activated at a time to complement the reflective mode of the reflective mode first electrically switchable mirror element  560 . Upon application of a fourth signal, the second electrically switchable mirror element  570  enters a complementary reflective mode (not shown) for reflecting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures away from the image sensor device  525 . The complementary reflective mode is activated at a time to complement the transmissive mode of the first electrically switchable mirror element  560 . 
     In some embodiments, the first aperture  520  and the second aperture  515  are equidistant from the image sensor device  525 . In some embodiments, the first aperture  520  admits light from a location opposite the second aperture  515  relative to the image sensor device  525 . In the embodiment shown, one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570  is mounted in a set of transparent support structures  550   a - 550   d . Alternative embodiments include alternative arrangements for mounting the one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570 , such as frames suspending edges of the one or more electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570 . Likewise, while two electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570  are shown, more or fewer electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570  are used by some embodiments, and some embodiments employ electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570  that are made arrays of multiple pieces, while in some embodiments each of electrically switchable mirror elements  560  and  570  are single-piece units. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. An image capture device  600  for capturing images composed of light  655  received through a lens  630  includes two or more apertures  615  and  620  for directing light  605  and  636  to an image sensor device  625 . In some embodiments, each of the apertures  615  and  620  admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device  625 . One or more electrically switchable mirror elements  670  is configured for directing light from at least one of the one or more apertures  615  and  620  to the image sensor  625 . Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element  670  enters a reflective mode (not shown) for reflecting light  605  from a first aperture  615  of the one or more apertures  615  and  620  to the image sensor device  620 . Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element  670  enters a transmissive mode (shown) for transmitting light  635  from a second aperture  620  of the one or more apertures  615  and  620  to the image sensor device  625 . 
     Some embodiments further include the image sensor device  625  and a moveable lens apparatus capable of moving a lens assembly  675  of the image capture device  600  relative to the image sensor device  625  to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture  615  to the image sensor device  625  and a distance from the second aperture  620  to the image sensor device  625 . 
     In some embodiments, the first aperture  615  admits light from a location opposite the second aperture  620  relative to the image sensor device  625 . In some embodiments, the first aperture  615  is situated at a first distance from the image sensor device. The second aperture  620  is situated at a second distance from the image sensor device  625 . The first distance is less than the second distance. 
     Some embodiments further include a mirror element  660  for directing light from a second aperture  620  of the one or more apertures  615  and  620  to the image sensor device  625 . Some embodiments further include the image sensor device  625 . 
     Example Operations 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. A first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device (block  700 ). The first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  710 ). 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. An image capture device having two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device performs, upon application of a first signal, placing a first electrically switchable mirror element in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device (block  800 ). An image capture device having two or more apertures for directing light to an image sensor device performs, upon application of a second signal, placing the first electrically switchable mirror element in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  810 ). An image is captured at an image sensor device (block  820 ). 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device (block  900 ). Upon application of a third signal, a second electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a complementary transmissive mode for transmitting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  910 ). Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  920 ). Upon application of a fourth signal, the second electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a complementary reflective mode for reflecting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures away from the image sensor device (block  930 ). 
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device (block  1000 ). Upon application of a third signal, place a second electrically switchable mirror element in a complementary transmissive mode for transmitting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  1010 ). Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  1020 ). Upon application of a fourth signal, the second electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a complementary reflective mode for reflecting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures away from the image sensor device (block  1030 ). A lens assembly of the image capture device is moved relative to the image sensor device to compensate for a difference between a distance from the first aperture to the image sensor device and a distance from the second aperture to the image sensor device. (block  1040 ). 
       FIG. 11  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating an image capture device for use in a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. Upon application of a first signal, a first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a reflective mode for reflecting light from a first aperture of one or more apertures to an image sensor device (block  1100 ). Upon application of a third signal, a second electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a semi-transmissive mode for transmitting light from the first aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  1110 ). Upon application of a second signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a transmissive mode for transmitting light from a second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  1120 ). Upon application of a fourth signal, the first electrically switchable mirror element is placed in a complementary semi-reflective mode for reflecting light from the second aperture of the one or more apertures to the image sensor device (block  1130 ). An interlaced image is captured at an image sensor device, wherein each of the apertures admits light from a different direction relative to the image sensor device (block  1140 ). 
     Example Computer System 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example computer system configured to implement aspects of the system and method for operating an image capture device.  FIG. 12  illustrates computer system  1200  that is configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  1200  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a computer embedded in a vehicle, a computer embedded in an appliance, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     Various embodiments of a system and method for capturing images, as described herein, may be executed on one or more computer systems  1200 , which may interact with various other devices. Note that any component, action, or functionality described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-11  may be implemented on one or more computers configured as computer system  1200  of  FIG. 12 , according to various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  1200  includes one or more processors  1210  coupled to a system memory  1220  via an input/output (I/O) interface  1230 . Computer system  1200  further includes a network interface  1240  coupled to I/O interface  1230 , and one or more input/output devices  1250 , such as cursor control device  1260 , keyboard  1270 , and display(s)  1280 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  1200 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  1200 , 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  1200  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  1200  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  1210 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  1210  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  1210  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  1210  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  1210  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  1220  may be configured to store program instructions  1222  and/or existing state information and ownership transition condition data  1232  accessible by processor  1210 . In various embodiments, system memory  1220  may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment, program instructions  1222  may be configured to implement a mapping application  1224  incorporating any of the functionality described above. Additionally, existing state information and ownership transition condition data  1232  of memory  1220  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  1220  or computer system  1200 . While computer system  1200  is described as implementing the functionality of functional blocks of previous Figures, any of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system. 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  1230  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  1210 , system memory  1220 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  1240  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  1250 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  1230  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  1220 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  1210 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  1230  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  1230  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  1230 , such as an interface to system memory  1220 , may be incorporated directly into processor  1210 . 
     Network interface  1240  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  1200  and other devices attached to a network  1285  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  1200 . Network  1285  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  1240  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  1250  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  1200 . Multiple input/output devices  1250  may be present in computer system  1200  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  1200 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  1200  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  1200  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  1240 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , memory  1220  may include program instructions  1222 , which may be processor-executable to implement any element or action described above. In one embodiment, the program instructions may implement the methods described above, such as the methods illustrated by  FIG. 8 . In other embodiments, different elements and data may be included. Note that data  1232  may include any data or information described above. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  1200  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  1200  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  1200  may be transmitted to computer system  1200  via transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a computer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium or memory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g. SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as network and/or a wireless link. 
     The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, the order of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130930
Publication Date: 20160510
Grant Date: 20160510
Priority Date: 20130930
Inventors: CHAN NING Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/75", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/58", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/58", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/63", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/63", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/238", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B5/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2259", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2254", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B5/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51492466