PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12219255-B1
Application Number: US-202217932254-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for camera with fixed magnets

Abstract:
A ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for a camera may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators that include the fixed magnets, optical image stabilization (OIS) coils, and/or one or more autofocus (AF) coils. The ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may be coupled with an image sensor of the camera, and may include carrier frames configured to move on ball bearings so as to enable motion of the image sensor in multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF). An OIS carrier frame(s) may be coupled with the OIS coils, which may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets and used for moving the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera. An AF carrier frame may be coupled with the AF coil(s), which may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets and used for moving the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera, comprising:
 a lens group; 
 an image sensor; 
 one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators, comprising:
 fixed magnets; 
 optical image stabilization (OIS) coils; and 
 at least one autofocus (AF) coil; and 
 
 a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement coupled with the image sensor, wherein the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement comprises:
 one or more OIS carrier frames coupled with the OIS coils, wherein the OIS coils are positioned proximate the fixed magnets such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera; and 
 an AF carrier frame coupled with the at least one AF coil, wherein the at least one AF coil is positioned proximate the fixed magnets such that, when driven with an electric current, the at least one AF coil is capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets to move the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis; 
 wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames and the AF carrier frame are configured to move on ball bearings so as to enable motion of the image sensor in three degrees-of-freedom (DOF). 
 
 
     
     
       2. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames comprise:
 a first OIS carrier frame to which a first subset of the OIS coils is attached, wherein the first subset is arranged to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a first axis; and 
 a second OIS carrier frame to which a second subset of the OIS coils is attached, wherein the second subset is arranged to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. 
 
     
     
       3. The camera of  claim 2 , wherein the OIS coils are vertically oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils in directions along a plane that is parallel to the optical axis. 
     
     
       4. The camera of  claim 2 , wherein the OIS coils are horizontally oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils in directions along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     
     
       5. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames comprise:
 a single OIS carrier frame to which the OIS coils are attached, wherein the OIS coils comprise:
 a first subset of OIS coils to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a first axis; and 
 a second subset of OIS coils to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. 
 
 
     
     
       6. The camera of  claim 5 , wherein the OIS coils are vertically oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils in directions along a plane that is parallel to the optical axis. 
     
     
       7. The camera of  claim 5 , wherein the OIS coils are horizontally oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils in directions along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     
     
       8. The camera of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one AF coil encircles the lens group. 
     
     
       9. 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; 
 an image sensor; 
 one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators, comprising:
 fixed magnets; 
 optical image stabilization (OIS) coils; and 
 at least one autofocus (AF) coil; and 
 
 a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement coupled with the image sensor, wherein the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement comprises:
 one or more OIS carrier frames coupled with the OIS coils, wherein the OIS coils are positioned proximate the fixed magnets such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera; and 
 an AF carrier frame coupled with the at least one AF coil, wherein the at least one AF coil is positioned proximate the fixed magnets such that, when driven with an electric current, the at least one AF coil is capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets to move the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis; 
 wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames and the AF carrier frame are configured to move on ball bearings so as to enable motion of the image sensor in three degrees-of-freedom (DOF). 
 
 
 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames comprise:
 a first OIS carrier frame to which a first subset of the OIS coils is attached, wherein the first subset is arranged to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a first axis; and 
 a second OIS carrier frame to which a second subset of the OIS coils is attached, wherein the second subset is arranged to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 10 , wherein the ball bearings comprise:
 a first set of ball bearings disposed between the first OIS carrier frame and the second OIS carrier frame; 
 a second set of ball bearings disposed between the second OIS carrier frame and the AF carrier frame; and 
 a third set of ball bearings disposed between the AF carrier frame and a fixed structure of the camera. 
 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 11 , wherein the camera further comprises:
 a flex circuit, comprising:
 a first portion attached to the first OIS carrier frame; and 
 a second portion attached to the AF carrier frame; 
 wherein the flex circuit is configured to convey electrical signals between the first OIS carrier frame and the AF carrier frame. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames comprise:
 a single OIS carrier frame to which the OIS coils are attached, wherein the OIS coils comprise:
 a first subset of OIS coils to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a first axis; and 
 a second subset of OIS coils to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 13 , wherein the ball bearings comprise:
 a first set of ball bearings disposed between the single OIS carrier frame and the AF carrier frame; and 
 a second set of ball bearings disposed between the AF carrier frame and a fixed structure of the camera. 
 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 14 , wherein the camera further comprises:
 a flexure arrangement, comprising:
 an inner frame attached to the single OIS carrier frame; 
 an outer frame attached to the AF carrier frame; and 
 flexure arms extending from the inner frame to the outer frame, wherein the flexure arms comprise electrical traces configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame and the outer frame. 
 
 
     
     
       16. A system, comprising:
 an image sensor; and 
 a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement coupled with the image sensor, wherein the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement comprises:
 one or more OIS carrier frames coupled with optical image stabilization (OIS) coils of one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators of a camera, wherein the OIS coils are positioned proximate fixed magnets of the one or more VCM actuators such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets to move the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera; and 
 an AF carrier frame coupled with at least one autofocus (AF) coil, wherein the at least one AF coil is positioned proximate the fixed magnets such that, when driven with an electric current, the at least one AF coil is capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets to move the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis; 
 wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames and the AF carrier frame are configured to move on ball bearings so as to enable motion of the image sensor in three degrees-of-freedom (DOF). 
 
 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the OIS coils are located proximate corners of the image sensor, and wherein the OIS coils are configured to be disposed proximate corner magnets of the fixed magnets. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the OIS coils are located proximate sides of the image sensor, and wherein the OIS coils are configured to be disposed proximate side magnets of the fixed magnets. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames comprise:
 a first OIS carrier frame to which a first subset of the OIS coils is attached, wherein the first subset is arranged to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a first axis; and 
 a second OIS carrier frame to which a second subset of the OIS coils is attached, wherein the second subset is arranged to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. 
 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more OIS carrier frames comprise:
 a single OIS carrier frame to which the OIS coils are attached, wherein the OIS coils comprise:
 a first subset of OIS coils to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a first axis; and 
 a second subset of OIS coils to move the image sensor in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates generally to a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for a camera with fixed magnets. 
     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 H  illustrate views of an example camera system that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  1 A  shows a schematic top view of the camera system.  FIG.  1 B  shows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system.  FIG.  1 C  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  1 D  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the first OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  1 C .  FIG.  1 E  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  1 F  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the second OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  1 E .  FIG.  1 G  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including an autofocus (AF) coil.  FIG.  1 H  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the AF coil in  FIG.  1 G . 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  illustrate views of an example camera system that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement having multiple optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frames, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  2 A  shows a perspective exploded view of the camera system.  FIG.  2 B  shows a perspective collapsed view of the camera system and an example process flow for assembling at least a portion of the camera system.  FIG.  2 C  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system, taken at section line A-A indicated in  FIG.  2 B .  FIG.  2 D  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system, taken at section line B-B indicated in  FIG.  2 B . 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate views of an example camera system that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement having a single optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  3 A  shows a perspective exploded view of the camera system.  FIG.  3 B  shows a perspective collapsed view of the camera system.  FIG.  3 C  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system, taken at section line A-A indicated in  FIG.  3 B . 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 H  illustrate views of another example camera system that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for coupling with horizontally-oriented coils), in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  4 A  shows a schematic top view of the camera system.  FIG.  4 B  shows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system.  FIG.  4 C  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  4 D  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the first OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  4 C .  FIG.  4 E  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  4 F  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the second OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  4 E .  FIG.  4 G  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including an autofocus (AF) coil.  FIG.  4 H  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the AF coil in  FIG.  4 G . 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 H  illustrate views of yet another example camera system that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for coupling with side coils), in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  5 A  shows a schematic top view of the camera system.  FIG.  5 B  shows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system.  FIG.  5 C  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  5 D  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the first OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  5 C .  FIG.  5 E  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  5 F  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the second OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  5 E .  FIG.  5 G  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system including an autofocus (AF) coil.  FIG.  5 H  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system including the AF coil in  FIG.  5 G . 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a schematic representation of an example environment comprising a device that may include a camera system with a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example environment comprising a computer system that may include a camera system with a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure. 
     “Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.). 
     “Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is used to connotes 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 ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for a camera with fixed magnets. In some examples described herein, the terms “camera” and “camera system” may be used interchangeably. The camera may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators that include the fixed magnets, optical image stabilization (OIS) coils, and/or one or more autofocus (AF) coils. The ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may be coupled with an image sensor of the camera, and may include carrier frames configured to move on ball bearings so as to enable motion of the image sensor in multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF). In some embodiments, the carrier frames may include one or more OIS carrier frames and/or an AF carrier frame. The OIS carrier frame(s) may be coupled with the OIS coils, which may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets and used for moving the image sensor in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the camera. The AF carrier frame may be coupled with the AF coil(s), which may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets and used for moving the image sensor in at least one direction parallel to the optical axis. 
     As the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement enables motion of the image sensor in multiple DOF, the camera may include fixed magnets in various embodiments. Use of fixed magnets, as opposed to movable magnets, may reduce the risk of coexistence with other magnetic field sources (e.g., magnets in a nearby camera). Furthermore, the camera may have a fixed lens group. Use of a fixed lens group, as opposed to a movable lens group, may allow for flexible scaling up of the optic design of the camera. 
     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 H  illustrate views of an example camera system  100  that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  1 A  shows a schematic top view of the camera system  100 .  FIG.  1 B  shows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system  100 .  FIG.  1 C  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  100  including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  1 D  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  100  including the first OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  1 C .  FIG.  1 E  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  100  including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  1 F  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  100  including the second OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  1 E .  FIG.  1 G  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  100  including an autofocus (AF) coil.  FIG.  1 H  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  100  including the AF coil in  FIG.  1 G . 
     According to various embodiments, the camera system  100  may include a lens group  102 , an image sensor  104 , one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets  106 , OIS coils  108 , and/or one or more AF coils  110 ), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a first OIS carrier frame  112 , a second OIS carrier frame  114 , and/or an AF carrier frame). The lens group  102  may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system  100 . Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor  104  may define an optical axis of the camera system  100 . For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets  106 ) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils  108 ). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets  106 ) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil  110 ) in some embodiments. As used herein, a “fixed magnet” refers to a magnet having a position that is fixed relative to component(s) of the camera system  100  that are selectively movable via actuation. 
     According to some examples, the camera system  100  may include a shield can  116  that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system  100 . The fixed magnets  106  may be fixedly coupled with the shield can  116 . For example, the camera system  100  may include a spacer (e.g., spacer  220  in  FIG.  2 A ) attached to an underside of the shield can  116 , and the fixed magnets  106  may be attached to the spacer, e.g., as further discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  2 A . 
     In various embodiments, the OIS coils  108  may be coupled with one or more carrier frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement. As indicated in  FIG.  1 B , for example, a first subset of the OIS coils  108  may be fixedly attached to the first OIS carrier frame  112 , and a second subset of the OIS coils  108  may be fixedly attached to the second OIS carrier frame  114 . The OIS coils  108  may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets  106  such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils  108  are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets  106  to move the image sensor  104  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. In some examples, the OIS coils  108  may be positioned below the fixed magnets  106 . 
     As indicated in  FIG.  1 B , the first OIS carrier frame  112  may include one or more horizontally-oriented surfaces, such as horizontally-oriented surface  118 . Furthermore, the first OIS carrier frame  112  may include one or more vertically-oriented surfaces, such as vertically-oriented surface  120 . As used herein, the term “horizontally-oriented” (or similar variations thereof) may refer to an orientation that is orthogonal to the optical axis, and the term “vertically-oriented” (or similar variations thereof) may refer to an orientation that is parallel to the optical axis. In this non-limiting example, the first subset of the OIS coils  108  may include a first OIS coil  108  attached to a first vertically-oriented surface  120 , and a second OIS coil  108  attached to a second vertically-oriented surface  120 . The first vertically-oriented surface  120  and the second vertically-oriented surface  120  may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  102 . 
     Similarly, as indicated in  FIG.  1 B , the second OIS carrier frame  114  may include one or more horizontally-oriented surfaces, such as horizontally-oriented surface  122 . Furthermore, the second OIS carrier frame  114  may include one or more vertically-oriented surfaces, such as vertically-oriented surface  124 . In this non-limiting example, the second subset of the OIS coils  108  may include a first OIS coil  108  attached to a first vertically-oriented surface  124 , and a second OIS coil  108  attached to a second vertically-oriented surface  124 . The first vertically-oriented surface  124  and the second vertically-oriented surface  124  may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  102 . 
     According to various embodiments, the first subset of OIS coils  108  attached to the first OIS carrier frame  112  may be arranged to move the image sensor  104  in directions parallel to a first axis. The second subset of OIS coils  108  attached to the second OIS carrier frame  114  may be arranged to move the image sensor  104  in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. As will be discussed in further detail herein with reference to at least  FIGS.  2 C,  2 D, and  3 C , the camera system  100  may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)). 
     In some embodiments, the OIS coils  108  may be vertically oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils  108  in directions along a plane that is parallel to the optical axis. In other embodiments, one or more of the OIS coils  108  may be horizontally oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 5 H . 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first OIS carrier frame  112  may be positioned above at least a portion of the second OIS carrier frame  114 . For example, the horizontally-oriented surface  118  of the first OIS carrier frame  112  may be positioned above the horizontally-oriented surface  122  of the second OIS carrier frame  114 . The horizontally-oriented surface  118  of the first OIS carrier frame  112  may be parallel to the horizontally-oriented surface  122  of the second OIS carrier frame  114 . Furthermore, the horizontally-oriented surface  118  of the first OIS carrier frame  112  may be positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between the second OIS carrier frame  114  and the lens group  102 . 
     As indicated in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , for example, the fixed magnets  106  and the OIS coils  108  may be considered “corner” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets  106  and the OIS coils  108  are positioned at corners of the camera system  100  (and/or proximate corners of the image sensor  104 ). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “side” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 H . The side magnets and coils may be positioned at sides of the camera system (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor). 
     As previously mentioned, the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may include an AF carrier frame. While not shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 H , example AF carrier frames are discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 3 C . 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  illustrate views of an example camera system  200  that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement having multiple optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frames, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  2 A  shows a perspective exploded view of the camera system  200 .  FIG.  2 B  shows a perspective collapsed view of the camera system  200  and an example process flow for assembling at least a portion of the camera system  200 .  FIG.  2 C  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system  200 , taken at section line A-A indicated in  FIG.  2 B .  FIG.  2 D  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system  200 , taken at section line B-B indicated in  FIG.  2 B . 
     In various embodiments, the camera system  200  may include a lens group  202 , an image sensor  204 , one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets  206 , OIS coils  208 , and/or one or more AF coils  210 ), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a first OIS carrier frame  212 , a second OIS carrier frame  214 , and/or an AF carrier frame  216 ). The lens group  202  may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system  200 . Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor  204  may define an optical axis of the camera system  200 . For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor  204 . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets  206 ) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils  208 ). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets  206 ) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil  210 ) in some embodiments. As used herein, a “fixed magnet” refers to a magnet having a position that is fixed relative to component(s) of the camera system  200  that are selectively movable via actuation. 
     According to some examples, the camera system  200  may include a shield can  218  that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system  200 . The fixed magnets  206  may be fixedly coupled with the shield can  218 . For example, the camera system  200  may include a spacer  220  attached to an underside of the shield can  218 , and the fixed magnets  206  may be attached to the spacer  220 . 
     In various embodiments, the OIS coils  208  may be coupled with one or more carrier frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement. As indicated in  FIG.  2 A , for example, a first subset of the OIS coils  208  may be fixedly attached to the first OIS carrier frame  212 , and a second subset of the OIS coils  208  may be fixedly attached to the second OIS carrier frame  214 . The OIS coils  208  may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets  206  such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils  208  are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets  206  to move the image sensor  204  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  2 A , each of the first OIS carrier frame  212  and the second OIS carrier frame  214  may include one or more horizontally-oriented surfaces, e.g., similar to, or the same as, horizontally-oriented surfaces  118  and  122  discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  1 B . Furthermore, each of the first OIS carrier frame  212  and the second OIS carrier frame  214  may include one or more vertically-oriented surfaces, e.g., similar to, or the same as, vertically-oriented surfaces  120  and  124  discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  1 B . In this non-limiting example, the first subset of the OIS coils  208  may include a first OIS coil  208  attached to a first vertically-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  212 , and a second OIS coil  208  attached to a second vertically-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  212 . The first vertically-oriented surface and the second vertically-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  202 . 
     Similarly, as indicated in  FIG.  2 A , the second subset of the OIS coils  208  may include a first OIS coil  208  attached to a first vertically-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  214 , and a second OIS coil  208  attached to a second vertically-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  214 . The first vertically-oriented surface and the second vertically-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  202 . 
     According to various embodiments, the first subset of OIS coils  208  attached to the first OIS carrier frame  212  may be arranged to move the image sensor  204  in directions parallel to a first axis. The second subset of OIS coils  208  attached to the second OIS carrier frame  214  may be arranged to move the image sensor  204  in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. 
     The OIS coils  208  may be vertically oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils  208  in directions along a plane that is parallel to the optical axis, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, one or more of the coils  208  may be horizontally oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 5 H . 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first OIS carrier frame  212  may be positioned above at least a portion of the second OIS carrier frame  214 . For example, the horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  212  may be positioned above the horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  214 . The horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  212  may be parallel to the horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  214 . Furthermore, the horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  212  may be positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between the second OIS carrier frame  214  and the lens group  202 . 
     As indicated in  FIG.  2 A , for example, the fixed magnets  206  and the OIS coils  208  may be considered “corner” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets  206  and the OIS coils  208  are positioned at corners of the camera system  200  (and/or proximate corners of the image sensor  204 ). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “side” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 H . The side magnets and coils may be positioned at sides of the camera system (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor). 
     According to various embodiments, the AF coil(s)  210  may be coupled with the AF carrier frame  216 . For example, the AF carrier frame  216  may include a base portion  222  and an upward-extending portion  224 . The upward-extending portion  224  may be configured to hold the AF coil(s)  210  above the base portion  222 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  2 A . In some examples, the AF coil(s)  210  may be fixedly attached to the upward-extending portion  224 , and the upward-extending portion  224  may be designed so as to function as a spacer that positions the AF coil(s) at an appropriate location relative to one or more other structural elements/components, e.g., the fixed magnets  206 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera system  200  may include a flex circuit  226  that is coupled with the first OIS carrier frame  212  and/or the AF carrier frame  216 . For example, the flex circuit  226  may have a first portion that is attached to the first OIS carrier frame  212 , and a second portion that is attached to the AF carrier frame  216 . The flex circuit  226  may be configured to convey electrical signals between the first OIS carrier frame  212  and the AF carrier frame  216  in some embodiments. Such electrical signals may include, for example, image signals, power signals, and/or drive signals, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, the flex circuit  226  may be coupled with another flex circuit (not shown) and/or one or more stationary components of the camera system  200 . In some embodiments, the stationary component(s) may include a base structure (not shown) of the camera system  200 . The flex circuit  226  may be configured to allow one or more components to move relative to one or more other components. As a non-limiting example, the flex circuit  226  may have sufficient service loop to allow the first OIS carrier frame  212  to move relative to the second OIS carrier frame  214  and/or the AF carrier frame  216 , during which motion the flex circuit  226  may convey electrical signals from the first OIS carrier frame  212  to the AF carrier frame  216 , and/or vice-versa. 
     In some embodiments, the camera system  200  may include one or more optical filters. For example, the camera system  200  may include an infrared cut-off filter (IRCF)  228  attached to the first OIS carrier frame  212 , as indicated in  FIG.  2 A . The IRCF  228  may be used to block near infrared light from reaching the image sensor  204  in some embodiments. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  2 B , a process flow for assembling at least a portion of the camera system  200  may generally include assembling a top assembly  230  and assembling a bottom assembly  232 , and coupling the top assembly  230  with the bottom assembly  232 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the top assembly  230  may include the lens  202 , the fixed magnets  206 , the shield can  218 , and/or the spacer  220 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the bottom assembly  232  may include the image sensor  204 , the OIS coils  208 , the AF coil(s)  210 , the first OIS carrier frame  212 , the second OIS carrier frame  214 , the AF carrier frame  216 , the flex circuit  226 , and/or the IRCF  228 . 
     According to some embodiments, assembling the bottom assembly  232  may include assembling a sensor package assembly  234 , assembling an OIS assembly  236 , and/or assembling a three-axis assembly  238 . Assembling the sensor package assembly  234  may include coupling the image sensor  204  with the first OIS carrier frame  212 , coupling OIS coils  208  with the first OIS carrier frame  212 , coupling the flex circuit  226  with the first OIS carrier frame  212 , and/or coupling the IRCF  228  with the first OIS carrier frame  212 . Assembling the OIS assembly  236  may include coupling OIS coils  208  with the second OIS carrier frame  214 , coupling the flex circuit  226  with the second OIS carrier frame  214 , and/or coupling the sensor package assembly  234  with the second OIS carrier frame  214 . Assembling the three-axis assembly  238  may include coupling the AF coil(s)  210  with the AF carrier frame  216  and/or coupling the OIS assembly  236  with the AF carrier frame  216 . It should be understood that, in various embodiments, certain components of the camera system  200  may be coupled with one another via ball bearings, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 C- 2 D . 
     As indicated in  FIGS.  2 C- 2 D , the camera system  200  may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)). In some embodiments, the ball bearings may include a first set of ball bearings  240 , a second set of ball bearings  242 , and/or a third set of ball bearings  244 . 
     The first set of ball bearings  240  may be disposed between the first OIS carrier frame  212  and the second OIS carrier frame  214  in some embodiments. The second set of ball bearings  242  may be disposed between the second OIS carrier frame  214  and the AF carrier frame  216  in some embodiments. The third set of ball bearings  244  may be disposed between the AF carrier frame  216  and one or more stationary components of the camera system  200 . 
     According to some embodiments, the first set of ball bearings  240  may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks not shown) configured to allow motion of the first OIS carrier frame  212 , relative to the second OIS carrier frame  214 , in at least a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis. In some embodiments, the track(s) for the first set of ball bearings  240  may be defined at least in part by an underside of the first OIS carrier frame  212  and/or a top side of the second OIS carrier frame  214 . 
     The second set of ball bearings  242  may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks (not shown) configured to allow motion of the second OIS carrier frame  214  (together with the first OIS carrier frame  212 ), relative to the AF carrier frame  216 , in at least a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis and orthogonal to the first direction. In some embodiments, the track(s) for the second set of ball bearings  242  may be defined at least in part by an underside of the second OIS carrier frame  214  and/or a top side of the AF carrier frame  216 . 
     The third set of ball bearings  244  may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks (not shown) configured to allow motion of the AF carrier frame  216  (together with the image sensor  202 , the first OIS carrier frame  212 , and the second OIS carrier frame  214 ), relative to the lens group  202 , in at least a third direction parallel to the optical axis and orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction. In some embodiments, the track(s) for the third set of ball bearings  244  may be defined at least in part by a vertically-oriented side of the AF carrier frame  216  and/or a corresponding vertically-oriented side of a stationary component of the camera system  200 , where the corresponding vertically-oriented side of the stationary component is proximate to, and faces, the vertically-oriented side of the AF carrier frame  216 . 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate views of an example camera system  300  that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement having a single optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  3 A  shows a perspective exploded view of the camera system  300 .  FIG.  3 B  shows a perspective collapsed view of the camera system  300 .  FIG.  3 C  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the camera system  300 , taken at section line A-A indicated in  FIG.  3 B . 
     In various embodiments, the camera system  300  may include a lens group  202 , an image sensor  204 , one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets  206 , OIS coils  208 , and/or one or more AF coils  210 ), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a single OIS carrier frame  302  and/or an AF carrier frame  304 ). The lens group  202  may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system  300 . Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor  204  may define an optical axis of the camera system  300 . For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor  204 . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets  206 ) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils  208 ). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets  206 ) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil  210 ) in some embodiments. 
     According to some examples, the camera system  300  may include a shield can  218  that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system  300 . The fixed magnets  206  may be fixedly coupled with the shield can  218 . For example, the camera system  300  may include a spacer  220  attached to an underside of the shield can  218 , and the fixed magnets  206  may be attached to the spacer  220 . 
     In various embodiments, the OIS coils  208  may be coupled with a single OIS carrier frame  302 . As previously discussed with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 2 D , in some embodiments the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may include multiple OIS carrier frames; however, as indicated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , in some embodiments the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may instead have a single OIS carrier frame  302  to which all of the OIS coils  208  are attached. The OIS coils  208  may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets  206  such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils  208  are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets  206  to move the image sensor  204  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  3 A , the single OIS carrier frame  302  may include one or more horizontally-oriented surfaces, e.g., similar to, or the same as, horizontally-oriented surface  118  discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  1 B . Furthermore, the single OIS carrier frame  302  may include one or more vertically-oriented surfaces, e.g., similar to, or the same as, vertically-oriented surface  120  discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  1 B . 
     In this non-limiting example, a first subset of the OIS coils  208  may include a first OIS coil  208  attached to a first vertically-oriented surface of the single OIS carrier frame  302 , and a second OIS coil  208  attached to a second vertically-oriented surface of the single OIS carrier frame  302 . The first vertically-oriented surface and the second vertically-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  202 . The first subset of OIS coils  208  may be configured to move the image sensor  204  in directions parallel to a first axis that is orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     Furthermore, a second subset of the OIS coils  208  may include a third OIS coil  208  attached to a third vertically-oriented surface of the single OIS carrier frame  302 , and a fourth OIS coil  208  attached to a fourth vertically-oriented surface of the single OIS carrier frame  302 . The third vertically-oriented surface and the fourth vertically-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  202 . The second subset of OIS coils  208  may be configured to move the image sensor  204  in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis and to the optical axis. 
     The OIS coils  208  may be vertically oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils  208  in directions along a plane that is parallel to the optical axis, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, one or more of the coils  208  may be horizontally oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 5 H . 
     As indicated in  FIG.  3 A , for example, the fixed magnets  206  and the OIS coils  208  may be considered “corner” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets  206  and the OIS coils  208  are positioned at corners of the camera system  300  (and/or proximate corners of the image sensor  204 ). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “side” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 H . The side magnets and coils may be positioned at sides of the camera system (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor). 
     According to various embodiments, the AF coil(s)  210  may be coupled with the AF carrier frame  304 . In some embodiments, the AF carrier frame  304  may include a base portion (e.g., base portion  222  in  FIG.  2 A ) and an upward-extending portion (e.g., upward-extending portion  224  in  FIG.  2 A ). The upward-extending portion may be configured to hold the AF coil(s)  210  above the base portion, e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  3 A . In some examples, the AF coil(s)  210  may be fixedly attached to the upward-extending portion, and the upward-extending portion may be designed so as to function as a spacer that positions the AF coil(s)  210  at an appropriate location relative to one or more other structural elements/components, e.g., the fixed magnets  206 . 
     In some embodiments, the camera system  300  may include a flexure arrangement  306  that is coupled with the single OIS carrier frame  302  and the AF carrier frame  304 . As indicated in  FIGS.  3 B and  3 C , the flexure arrangement  306  may include an inner frame  308 , an outer frame  310 , and one or more flexure arms  312 . The inner frame  308  may be attached to the single OIS carrier frame  302 . The outer frame  310  may be attached to the AF carrier frame  304 . The flexure arm(s)  312  may extend from the inner frame  308  to the outer frame  310 . According to some embodiments, the flexure arm(s)  312  may comprise electrical traces configured to convey electrical signals between the inner frame  308  and the outer frame  310 . The flexure arrangement  306  may be used to convey electrical signals between the single OIS carrier frame  302  and the AF carrier frame  304 . Such electrical signals may include, for example, image signals, power signals, and/or drive signals, etc. 
     According to some embodiments, the flexure arrangement  306  may have sufficient compliance to allow three-DOF motion of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, e.g., so as to allow motion of the image sensor enabled by the VCM actuator(s). Furthermore, the flexure arrangement  306  may have sufficient stiffness to return the single OIS carrier frame  302  to a neutral position (e.g., a position of the single OIS carrier frame  302  at rest when the OIS coils  208  are not being driven to provide OIS functionality). In some embodiments, the flexure arrangement  306  may have sufficient stiffness to provide a pre-load force  314  (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow  314  in  FIG.  3 C ) for pre-loading the ball bearings against the single OIS carrier frame  302 , the AF carrier frame  304 , and/or one or more stationary components (e.g., a base structure) of the camera system  300 . 
     As indicated in  FIG.  3 C , the camera system  300  may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)). In some embodiments, the ball bearings may include a first set of ball bearings  316 , and a second set of ball bearings  318 . The first set of ball bearings  316  may be disposed between the single OIS carrier frame  302  and the AF carrier frame  304  in some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the first set of ball bearings  316  may be used to enable OIS motion in at least two directions that are orthogonal to each other and that are orthogonal to the optical axis. The second set of ball bearings  318  may be disposed between the AF carrier frame  304  and one or more stationary components (e.g., a base structure) of the camera system  300 . The second set of ball bearings  318  may be used to enable AF motion in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis and orthogonal to the directions of OIS motion enabled by the first set of ball bearings  316 . 
     According to some embodiments, the first set of ball bearings  316  may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks not shown) configured to allow motion of the single OIS carrier frame  304 , relative to the AF carrier frame  304  and/or the lens group  202 . In some embodiments, the track(s) for the first set of ball bearings  316  may be defined at least in part by an underside of the single OIS carrier frame  302  and/or a top side of the AF carrier frame  304 . 
     The second set of ball bearings  318  may be disposed on (and/or at least partially within) one or more tracks (not shown) configured to allow motion of the AF carrier frame  304  (together with the single OIS carrier frame  302 ), relative to the lens group  202 . In some embodiments, the track(s) for the second set of ball bearings  318  may be defined at least in part by a vertically-oriented side of the AF carrier frame  304  and/or a corresponding vertically-oriented side of a stationary component (e.g., a base structure) of the camera system  300 , where the corresponding vertically-oriented side of the stationary component is proximate to, and faces, the vertically-oriented side of the AF carrier frame  304 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 H  illustrate views of another example camera system  400  that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for coupling with horizontally-oriented coils), in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  4 A  shows a schematic top view of the camera system  400 .  FIG.  4 B  shows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system  400 .  FIG.  4 C  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  400  including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  4 D  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  400  including the first OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  4 C .  FIG.  4 E  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  400  including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  4 F  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  400  including the second OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  4 E .  FIG.  4 G  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  400  including an autofocus (AF) coil.  FIG.  4 H  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  400  including the AF coil in  FIG.  4 G . 
     According to various embodiments, the camera system  400  may include a lens group  402 , an image sensor  404 , one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets  406 , OIS coils  408 , and/or one or more AF coils  410 ), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a first OIS carrier frame  412 , a second OIS carrier frame  414 , and/or an AF carrier frame). The lens group  402  may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system  400 . Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor  404  may define an optical axis of the camera system  400 . For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor  404 . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets  406 ) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils  408 ). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets  406 ) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil  410 ) in some embodiments. 
     According to some examples, the camera system  400  may include a shield can  416  that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system  400 . The fixed magnets  406  may be fixedly coupled with the shield can  416 . For example, the camera system  400  may include a spacer (e.g., spacer  220  in  FIG.  2 A ) attached to an underside of the shield can  416 , and the fixed magnets  406  may be attached to the spacer, e.g., as further discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  2 A . 
     In various embodiments, the OIS coils  408  may be coupled with one or more carrier frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement. As indicated in  FIG.  4 B , for example, a first subset of the OIS coils  408  may be fixedly attached to the first OIS carrier frame  412 , and a second subset of the OIS coils  408  may be fixedly attached to the second OIS carrier frame  414 . The OIS coils  408  may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets  406  such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils  408  are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets  406  to move the image sensor  404  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  4 B , the first OIS carrier frame  412  may include horizontally-oriented surfaces (e.g., horizontally-oriented surface  418 ) to which the first subset of the OIS coils  408  may be attached. In this non-limiting example, the first subset of the OIS coils  408  may include a first OIS coil  408  attached to a first horizontally-oriented surface  418 , and a second OIS coil  408  attached to a second horizontally-oriented surface  418 . The first horizontally-oriented surface  418  and the second horizontally-oriented surface  418  may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  402 . 
     Similarly, as indicated in  FIG.  4 B , the second OIS carrier frame  414  may include horizontally-oriented surfaces (e.g., horizontally-oriented surface  420 ) to which the second subset of the OIS coils  408  may be attached. In this non-limiting example, the second subset of the OIS coils  408  may include a first OIS coil  408  attached to a first horizontally-oriented surface  420 , and a second OIS coil  408  attached to a second horizontally-oriented surface  420 . The first horizontally-oriented surface  420  and the second horizontally-oriented surface  420  may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  402 . 
     According to various embodiments, the first subset of OIS coils  408  attached to the first OIS carrier frame  412  may be arranged to move the image sensor  404  in directions parallel to a first axis. The second subset of OIS coils  408  attached to the second OIS carrier frame  414  may be arranged to move the image sensor  404  in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. As discussed in further detail herein with reference to at least  FIGS.  2 C,  2 D, and  3 C , the camera system  400  may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)). 
     In some embodiments, the OIS coils  408  may be horizontally oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils  408  in directions along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. In other embodiments, one or more of the OIS coils  408  may be vertically oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 3 C . 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first OIS carrier frame  412  may be positioned above at least a portion of the second OIS carrier frame  414 . For example, a horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  412  may be positioned above a horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  414 , e.g., in a manner similarly described herein with reference to horizontally-oriented surfaces  118  and  122  in  FIG.  1 B . The horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  412  may be parallel to the horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  414 . Furthermore, the horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  412  may be positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between the second OIS carrier frame  414  and the lens group  402 . 
     As indicated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , for example, the fixed magnets  406  and the OIS coils  408  may be considered “corner” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets  406  and the OIS coils  408  are positioned at corners of the camera system  400  (and/or proximate corners of the image sensor  404 ). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “side” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 H . The side magnets and coils may be positioned at sides of the camera system (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor). 
     As previously mentioned, the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement may include an AF carrier frame. While not shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 H , example AF carrier frames are discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 3 C . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 H  illustrate views of yet another example camera system  500  that includes a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement for coupling with side coils), in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  5 A  shows a schematic top view of the camera system  500 .  FIG.  5 B  shows a perspective view of at least a portion of an example ball bearing sensor shift arrangement of the camera system  500 .  FIG.  5 C  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  500  including a first optical image stabilization (OIS) carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  5 D  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  500  including the first OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  5 C .  FIG.  5 E  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  500  including a second OIS carrier frame of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement.  FIG.  5 F  shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  500  including the second OIS carrier frame in  FIG.  5 E .  FIG.  5 G  shows a schematic top view of a portion of the camera system  500  including an autofocus (AF) coil.  FIG.  5 H  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the camera system  500  including the AF coil in  FIG.  5 G . 
     According to various embodiments, the camera system  400  may include a lens group  502 , an image sensor  504 , one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators (e.g., comprising fixed magnets  506 , OIS coils  508 , and/or one or more AF coils  510 ), and/or a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement (e.g., comprising a first OIS carrier frame  512 , a second OIS carrier frame  514 , and/or an AF carrier frame  516 ). The lens group  502  may include one or more lens elements that define an optical axis of the camera system  500 . Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor  504  may define an optical axis of the camera system  500 . For example, the optical axis may be an axis that is orthogonal to a light-receiving surface of the image sensor  504 . 
     In some embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include one or more OIS actuators and/or one or more AF actuators. According to some embodiments, the OIS actuator(s) may include one or more magnets (e.g., fixed magnets  506 ) and one or more coils (e.g., OIS coils  508 ). Furthermore, the AF actuator(s) may include magnet(s) (e.g., fixed magnets  506 ) and coil(s) (e.g., AF coil  510 ) in some embodiments. 
     According to some examples, the camera system  500  may include a shield can  518  that at least partially encases internal components of the camera system  500 . The fixed magnets  506  may be fixedly coupled with the shield can  518 . For example, the camera system  500  may include a spacer (e.g., spacer  220  in  FIG.  2 A ) attached to an underside of the shield can  518 , and the fixed magnets  506  may be attached to the spacer, e.g., as further discussed herein with reference to  FIG.  2 A . 
     In various embodiments, the OIS coils  508  may be coupled with one or more carrier frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement. As indicated in  FIG.  5 B , for example, a first subset of the OIS coils  508  may be fixedly attached to the first OIS carrier frame  512 , and a second subset of the OIS coils  508  may be fixedly attached to the second OIS carrier frame  514 . The OIS coils  508  may be positioned proximate the fixed magnets  506  such that, when driven with an electric current, the OIS coils  508  are capable of electromagnetically interacting with the fixed magnets  506  to move the image sensor  504  in directions orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     As indicated in  FIG.  5 B , the first OIS carrier frame  512  may include horizontally-oriented surfaces to which the first subset of the OIS coils  508  may be attached. In this non-limiting example, the first subset of the OIS coils  508  may include a first OIS coil  508  attached to a first horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  512 , and a second OIS coil  508  attached to a second horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  512 . The first horizontally-oriented surface and the second horizontally-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  502 . 
     Similarly, as indicated in  FIG.  5 B , the second OIS carrier frame  514  may include horizontally-oriented surfaces to which the second subset of the OIS coils  508  may be attached. In this non-limiting example, the second subset of the OIS coils  508  may include a first OIS coil  508  attached to a first horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  514 , and a second OIS coil  408  attached to a second horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  514 . The first horizontally-oriented surface and the second horizontally-oriented surface may be opposite one another, e.g., relative to the lens group  502 . 
     According to various embodiments, the first subset of OIS coils  508  attached to the first OIS carrier frame  512  may be arranged to move the image sensor  504  in directions parallel to a first axis. The second subset of OIS coils  508  attached to the second OIS carrier frame  514  may be arranged to move the image sensor  504  in directions parallel to a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. As discussed in further detail herein with reference to at least  FIGS.  2 C,  2 D, and  3 C , the camera system  500  may include ball bearings that allow the frames of the ball bearing sensor shift arrangement to move in accordance with desired OIS and/or AF motion (e.g., using the VCM actuator(s)). 
     In some embodiments, the OIS coils  508  may be horizontally oriented such that, when driven with an electric current, the electric current flows through the OIS coils  508  in directions along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. In other embodiments, one or more of the OIS coils  508  may be vertically oriented, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 3 C . 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first OIS carrier frame  512  may be positioned above at least a portion of the second OIS carrier frame  514 . For example, a horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  512  may be positioned above a horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  514 , e.g., in a manner similarly described herein with reference to horizontally-oriented surfaces  118  and  122  in  FIG.  1 B . The horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  512  may be parallel to the horizontally-oriented surface of the second OIS carrier frame  514 . Furthermore, the horizontally-oriented surface of the first OIS carrier frame  512  may be positioned, in a direction parallel to the optical axis, between the second OIS carrier frame  514  and the lens group  502 . 
     As indicated in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B , for example, the fixed magnets  506  and the OIS coils  508  may be considered “side” magnets and coils in some embodiments, as the fixed magnets  506  and the OIS coils  508  are positioned at sides of the camera system  500  (and/or proximate sides of the image sensor  504 ). In some other embodiments, the camera system may include fixed magnets and OIS coils that may be considered “corner” magnets and coils, e.g., as discussed herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 4 H . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a schematic representation of an example environment comprising a device  600  that may include one or more cameras. For example, the device  600  may include a camera system with a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, such as the camera systems and/or ball bearing sensor shift arrangements described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 5 H . In some embodiments, the device  600  may be a mobile device and/or a multifunction device. In various embodiments, the device  600  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  600  may include a display system  602  (e.g., comprising a display and/or a touch-sensitive surface) and/or one or more cameras  604 . In some non-limiting embodiments, the display system  602  and/or one or more front-facing cameras  604   a  may be provided at a front side of the device  600 , e.g., as indicated in  FIG.  6   . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear-facing cameras  604   b  may be provided at a rear side of the device  600 . In some embodiments comprising multiple cameras  604 , some or all of the cameras  604  may be the same as, or similar to, each other. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the cameras  604  may be different from each other. In various embodiments, the location(s) and/or arrangement(s) of the camera(s)  604  may be different than those indicated in  FIG.  6   . 
     Among other things, the device  600  may include memory  606  (e.g., comprising an operating system  608  and/or application(s)/program instructions  610 ), one or more processors and/or controllers  612  (e.g., comprising CPU(s), memory controller(s), display controller(s), and/or camera controller(s), etc.), and/or one or more sensors  614  (e.g., orientation sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or position sensor(s), etc.). In some embodiments, the device  600  may communicate with one or more other devices and/or services, such as computing device(s)  616 , cloud service(s)  618 , etc., via one or more networks  620 . For example, the device  600  may include a network interface (e.g., network interface  710  in  FIG.  7   ) that enables the device  600  to transmit data to, and receive data from, the network(s)  620 . Additionally, or alternatively, the device  600  may be capable of communicating with other devices via wireless communication using any of a variety of communications standards, protocols, and/or technologies. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example environment comprising a computer system  700  that may include a camera system with a ball bearing sensor shift arrangement, such as the camera systems and/or ball bearing sensor shift arrangements described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 6   . In addition, computer system  700  may implement methods for controlling operations of the camera and/or for performing image processing on images captured with the camera. In some embodiments, the device  600  (described herein with reference to  FIG.  6   ) may additionally, or alternatively, include some or all of the functional components of the described herein. 
     The computer system  700  may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system  700  may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device, an augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) headset, a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device, application server, storage device, a television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, computer system  700  includes one or more processors  702  coupled to a system memory  704  via an input/output (I/O) interface  706 . Computer system  700  further includes one or more cameras  708  coupled to the I/O interface  706 . Computer system  700  further includes a network interface  710  coupled to I/O interface  706 , and one or more input/output devices  712 , such as cursor control device  714 , keyboard  716 , and display(s)  718 . In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single instance of computer system  700 , while in other embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system  700 , may be configured to host different portions or instances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elements may be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system  700  that are distinct from those nodes implementing other elements. 
     In various embodiments, computer system  700  may be a uniprocessor system including one processor  702 , or a multiprocessor system including several processors  702  (e.g., two, four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors  702  may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For example, in various embodiments processors  702  may be general-purpose or embedded processors implementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs), such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitable ISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors  702  may commonly, but not necessarily, implement the same ISA. 
     System memory  704  may be configured to store program instructions  720  accessible by processor  702 . In various embodiments, system memory  704  may be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. Additionally, existing camera control data  722  of memory  704  may include any of the information or data structures described above. In some embodiments, program instructions  720  and/or data  722  may be received, sent or stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or on similar media separate from system memory  704  or computer system  700 . In various embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented via such a computer system  700 . 
     In one embodiment, I/O interface  706  may be configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processor  702 , system memory  704 , and any peripheral devices in the device, including network interface  710  or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices  712 . In some embodiments, I/O interface  706  may perform any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory  704 ) into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g., processor  702 ). In some embodiments, I/O interface  706  may include support for devices attached through various types of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/O interface  706  may be split into two or more separate components, such as a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in some embodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface  706 , such as an interface to system memory  704 , may be incorporated directly into processors  702 . 
     Network interface  710  may be configured to allow data to be exchanged between computer system  700  and other devices attached to a network  724  (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computer system  700 . Network  724  may in various embodiments include one or more networks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g., an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network, or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface  710  may support communication via wired or wireless general data networks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example; via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networks or digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks such as Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/or protocol. 
     Input/output device(s)  712  may, in some embodiments, include one or more display terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for entering or accessing data by one or more computer systems  700 . Multiple input/output devices  712  may be present in computer system  700  or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system  700 . In some embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate from computer system  700  and may interact with one or more nodes of computer system  700  through a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface  710 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system  700  is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may include any combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicated functions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances, PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system  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  700  may be transmitted to computer system  700  via transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments may further include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or data implemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon a computer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessible medium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium or memory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk or DVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g., SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessible medium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication medium such as network and/or a wireless link. 
     The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, the order of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The various embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220914
Publication Date: 20250204
Grant Date: 20250204
Priority Date: 20220914
Inventors: XU, BIN
WANG, XU
HUBERT, Aurelien R
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K41/0354", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/687", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K41/0354", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/687", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 94392063