U.S. patent application number 14/292870 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for method and system for a single frame camera module active alignment tilt correction.
This patent application is currently assigned to APPLE INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark N. Gamadia, Iain A. McAllister, Steven Webster.
Application Number | 20150350497 14/292870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54703257 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150350497 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gamadia; Mark N. ; et
al. |
December 3, 2015 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A SINGLE FRAME CAMERA MODULE ACTIVE ALIGNMENT
TILT CORRECTION
Abstract
Some embodiments include methods for correcting optical
alignment of components in a camera module for a multifunction
device. In some embodiments, components of a camera module for use
in a multifunction device are assembled on a test station. Some
embodiments include a method that includes capturing a single test
image, calculating from the spatial frequency response data an
optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis
of the image sensor of the camera module, and mechanically
adjusting an alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the
image sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical tilt. In
some embodiments, the capturing is performed using the components
of the camera module, and the single test image contains visually
encoded spatial frequency response data for characterizing the
components of the camera module.
Inventors: |
Gamadia; Mark N.;
(Cupertino, CA) ; McAllister; Iain A.; (Campbell,
CA) ; Webster; Steven; (Palo Alto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
APPLE INC.
Cupertino
CA
|
Family ID: |
54703257 |
Appl. No.: |
14/292870 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/373 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 27/62 20130101;
H04N 17/002 20130101; G01M 11/00 20130101; H04N 5/2251 20130101;
H04N 5/2259 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; G02B 27/62 20060101 G02B027/62 |
Claims
1. A method for correcting optical alignment of components in a
camera module for a multifunction device, the method comprising,
assembling on a test station components of a camera module for use
in a multifunction device; capturing a single test image, wherein
the capturing is performed using the components of the camera
module, and the single test image comprises visually encoded
spatial frequency response data for characterizing the components
of the camera module; calculating from the spatial frequency
response data an optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens
and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module; and
mechanically adjusting an alignment of the lens and the optical
axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical
tilt.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further comprises calculating the optical tilt between the
optical axis of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor
of the camera module from not more than one test image.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further comprises fitting a two-dimensional surface to the
spatial frequency response data using a tilted linear
two-dimensional surface model from low frequency spatial frequency
response data; and the method further comprises estimating
correction angles from the two-dimensional surface, and applying
linear calibration to convert the correction angles to physical
correction angles applicable to the lens and the optical axis of
the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical
tilt.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further comprises fitting a two-dimensional surface to the
spatial frequency response data using a weighted-least squares
calculation on a tilted linear two-dimensional surface model with
low frequency spatial frequency response data.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further comprises fitting a two-dimensional surface to the
spatial frequency response data; and the method further comprises
estimating correction angles from the two-dimensional surface,
applying linear calibration to convert the correction angles to
physical correction angles applicable to the lens and the optical
axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical
tilt.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: bonding a lens barrel
assembly comprising the lens to a connection for the optical axis
of the image sensor of the camera module to make permanent the
alignment in the position resulting from the mechanically
adjusting.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanically adjusting the
alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module to reduce the optical tilt further comprises:
mechanically adjusting an alignment of a lens barrel assembly
comprising the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the
camera module to reduce the optical tilt.
8. A camera module of a multifunction device, the camera module
comprising, an image sensor; a lens assembly moveably fixed to the
image sensor, wherein the optical axis of the lens assembly is
fixed relative to an optical axis of the image sensor using a
process comprising: assembling on a test station one or more
components of the camera module for use in a multifunction device;
capturing a single test image with the one or more components of
the camera module; calculating from the single test image an
optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis
of the image sensor of the camera module, and based at least in
part upon the optical tilt, mechanically adjusting an alignment of
the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module to reduce the optical tilt.
9. The camera module of claim 8, wherein: capturing the single test
image further comprises capturing exactly one test image from the
camera module, and calculating the optical tilt between the optical
axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the
camera module further comprises calculating the optical tilt
between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image
sensor of the camera module from the exactly one test image.
10. The camera module of claim 8, wherein the calculating from the
single test image the optical tilt between the optical axis of a
lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
further comprises fitting a two-dimensional surface to spatial
frequency response data derived from the single test image using a
tilted linear two-dimensional surface model from low frequency
spatial frequency response data; and the process further comprises
estimating correction angles from the two-dimensional surface, and
applying linear calibration to convert the correction angles to
physical correction angles applicable to the lens and the optical
axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical
tilt.
11. The camera module of claim 8, wherein the calculating from the
single test image the optical tilt between the optical axis of a
lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
further comprises fitting a two-dimensional surface to spatial
frequency response data in the single test image using a
weighted-least squares calculation on a tilted linear
two-dimensional surface model with low frequency spatial frequency
response data.
12. The camera module of claim 8, wherein the calculating from the
spatial frequency response data the optical tilt between the
optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module further comprises fitting a two-dimensional
surface to the spatial frequency response data; and the process
further comprises: estimating correction angles from the
two-dimensional surface, applying linear calibration to convert the
correction angles to physical correction angles applicable to the
lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
to reduce the optical tilt.
13. The camera module of claim 8, the process further comprising:
bonding the a lens barrel assembly comprising the lens to a
connection for the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module to make permanent the alignment in the position resulting
from the mechanically adjusting.
14. The camera module of claim 8, wherein the mechanically
adjusting the alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the
image sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical tilt
further comprises: mechanically adjusting an alignment of a lens
barrel assembly comprising the lens and the optical axis of the
image sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical tilt.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program
instructions, the computer-readable medium storing program
instructions, wherein the program instructions are
computer-executable to implement: capturing a single test image,
wherein the single test image comprises visually encoded spatial
frequency response data for characterizing the components of the
camera module; calculating from the spatial frequency response data
an optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an optical
axis of the image sensor of the camera module; and the calculating
from the spatial frequency response data the optical tilt between
the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor
of the camera module further comprises fitting a two-dimensional
surface to the spatial frequency response data using a tilted
linear two-dimensional surface model from low frequency spatial
frequency response data. estimating correction angles from the
two-dimensional surface; applying linear calibration to convert the
correction angles to physical correction angles applicable to the
lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
to reduce the optical tilt.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program
instructions of claim 15, wherein: the program instructions
computer-executable to implement the capturing the single test
image further comprise program instructions computer-executable to
implement capturing exactly one test image from the camera module,
and the program instructions computer-executable to implement
calculating the optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and
an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module further
comprise program instructions computer-executable to implement
calculating the optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and
an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module from the
exactly one test image.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program
instructions of claim 15, wherein the program instructions
computer-executable to implement calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further comprise: program instructions computer-executable
to implement fitting a two-dimensional surface to the spatial
frequency response data using a weighted-least squares calculation
on a tilted linear two-dimensional surface model with low frequency
spatial frequency response data.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program
instructions of claim 15, wherein the program instructions
computer-executable to implement calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further comprise program instructions computer-executable to
implement fitting a two-dimensional surface to the spatial
frequency response data; and the computer-readable medium storing
program instructions further comprises program instructions
computer-executable to implement estimating correction angles from
the two-dimensional surface, and program instructions
computer-executable to implement applying linear calibration to
convert the correction angles to physical correction angles
applicable to the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module to reduce the optical tilt.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program
instructions of claim 15, further comprising: program instructions
computer-executable to implement bonding a lens barrel assembly
comprising the lens to a connection for the optical axis of the
image sensor of the camera module to make permanent the alignment
in the position resulting from the mechanically adjusting.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program
instructions of claim 1, wherein the program instructions
computer-executable to implement mechanically adjusting the
alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module to reduce the optical tilt further comprise:
program instructions computer-executable to implement mechanically
adjusting an alignment of a lens barrel assembly comprising the
lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
to reduce the optical tilt.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to camera module
components and more specifically to adjusting the optical alignment
of camera components.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as
smartphones and tablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for
the mass production of high-resolution, small form factor cameras,
capable of generating high levels of image quality, for integration
in the devices. Mass production creates pressure to maximize
throughput of the machines used for assembling these cameras.
[0005] Camera module active alignment is thought of in terms of an
image quality driven process that aligns a camera module lens to
the image sensor, taking into consideration the optical properties
of the combined lens/sensor system rather than only considering the
mechanical alignment in physically assembling and bonding these two
components together, as typically done in a high-throughput,
non-image quality driven conventional camera module lens holder
attachment process. The intention of active alignment is to align
the optical axis of the lens to the center of the image sensor,
which itself has been placed orthogonal to the principal axis of
the lens. While camera modules active alignment is a key process in
assembling a high resolution compact camera with high levels of
image quality, conventional active alignment methods have low
throughput compared with the conventional mechanical alignment
process, making it difficult and expensive to meet mass production
demands. There is a need for a faster method to realize camera
module active alignment for high throughput mass production.
[0006] Manufacturing tolerances of the lens elements placed into
the lens barrel, as well as tolerances in component placement,
result in tilt and decenter between the lens and sensor, which can
degrade image quality in the finished camera, especially on the
periphery of images taken by the camera, which may exhibit
noticeable blur at the edges and sharpness at the center.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS
[0007] Some embodiments include methods for correcting optical
alignment of components in a camera module for a multifunction
device. In some embodiments, components of a camera module for use
in a multifunction device are assembled on a test station. Some
embodiments include a method that includes capturing a single test
image, calculating from spatial frequency response data derived
from the test image an optical tilt between the optical axis of a
lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module,
and mechanically adjusting an alignment of the lens and the optical
axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical
tilt. In some embodiments, the capturing is performed using the
components of the camera module, and the single test image contains
visually encoded spatial frequency response data for characterizing
the components of the camera module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a portable
multifunction device with a camera in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a portable multifunction device having a
camera in accordance with some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an example embodiment of
actuator module components assembled on a test station for single
frame camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to
at least some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a processed test pattern chart for
generating spatial frequency response data that may be used for
imaging for single frame camera active optical tilt alignment
correction, according to at least some embodiments, marked up with
feature detection results.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a graph of low spatial frequency spatial
frequency response sensitivity to lens-to-sensor tilt in the
presence of large defocus for single frame camera active optical
tilt alignment correction, according to at least some
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 6 depicts charts of rotation values for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 7A illustrates a graph of angle sign adjustments along
axes for single frame camera active optical tilt alignment
correction, according to at least some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 7B illustrates a graph of angle sign adjustments within
quadrants for single frame camera active optical tilt alignment
correction, according to at least some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 15 illustrates an example computer system configured to
implement aspects of the system and method for camera control,
according to some embodiments.
[0024] 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.
[0025] "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.).
[0026] "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.
.sctn.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.
[0027] "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.
[0028] "Based On." As used herein, this term is used to describe
one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not
foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That
is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based,
at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase "determine
A based on B." While in this case, B is a factor that affects the
determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the
determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances,
A may be determined based solely on B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Introduction to Motion Compensation for Camera Modules
[0029] Some embodiments include methods for correcting optical
alignment of components in a camera module for a multifunction
device. In some embodiments, components of a camera module for use
in a multifunction device are assembled on a test station. Some
embodiments include a method that includes capturing a single test
image, calculating from spatial frequency response data an optical
tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the
image sensor of the camera module, and mechanically adjusting an
alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module to reduce the optical tilt. In some embodiments,
the capturing is performed using the components of the camera
module, and the single test image contains visually encoded spatial
frequency response data for characterizing the components of the
camera module.
[0030] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further includes calculating the optical tilt between the
optical axis of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor
of the camera module from not more than one test image. The ability
to perform calculating the optical tilt between the optical axis of
the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module with only one test image from the camera module is an
advantage towards achieving high throughput camera module active
alignment presented by some embodiments.
[0031] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further includes fitting a two-dimensional surface model to
the spatial frequency response data. While examples are provided
with the use of a linear plane for the purpose of clarity in
illustrating embodiments, one of skill in the art will readily
realize from having read the attached disclosure that other
embodiments take into account higher order effects such as lens
field curvature without departing from the scope and intent of the
disclosed embodiments. Embodiments use various models for fitting a
generalized two dimensional surface model to the spatial frequency
response data. From the fitted surface, the optical tilt can be
determined via comparison between the ideal, non-tilted
two-dimensional surface model. In some embodiments, the calculating
from the spatial frequency response data the optical tilt between
the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor
of the camera module further includes fitting a plane to the
spatial frequency response data using a tilted linear plane model
from low frequency spatial frequency response data. In some
embodiments, the method further includes estimating correction
angles from the plane, and applying linear calibration to convert
the correction angles to physical correction angles applicable to
the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module to reduce the optical tilt.
[0032] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further includes fitting a plane to the spatial frequency
response data using a weighted-least squares calculation on a
tilted linear plane model with low frequency spatial frequency
response data. In some embodiments, the calculating from the
spatial frequency response data the optical tilt between the
optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module further includes fitting (generally any)
two-dimensional surface to the spatial frequency response data
using an optimization procedure such as nelder mead. Linear plane
fitting with weighted least squares is only one possible example
embodiment, chosen for ready clarity of illustration herein, or
specific implementation of the general concept.
[0033] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further includes fitting a two dimensional surface to the
spatial frequency response data. In some embodiments, the method
further includes estimating correction angles from the fitted
two-dimensional surface (or a model of the two-dimensional surface)
via an optimization procedure, which in some embodiments takes the
form of applying linear calibration to convert the correction
angles to physical correction angles applicable to the lens and the
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the
optical tilt.
[0034] Some embodiments further include bonding a lens barrel
assembly including the lens to a connection for the optical axis of
the image sensor of the camera module to make permanent the
alignment in the position resulting from the mechanically
adjusting.
[0035] In some embodiments, the mechanically adjusting the
alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module to reduce the optical tilt further includes
mechanically adjusting an alignment of a lens barrel assembly
including the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the
camera module to reduce the optical tilt.
[0036] Some embodiments include a camera module of a multifunction
device. The camera module includes an image sensor, and a lens
assembly moveably fixed to the image sensor. In some embodiments,
an optical axis of the lens assembly is fixed relative to an
optical axis of the image sensor using a process or method that
includes assembling on a test station one or more components of the
camera module for use in a multifunction device, capturing a single
test image with the one or more components of the camera module,
calculating from the single test image an optical tilt between the
optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module, and based at least in part upon the optical
tilt, mechanically adjusting an alignment of the lens and the
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the
optical tilt.
[0037] In some embodiments, capturing the single test image further
includes capturing exactly one test image from the camera module,
and calculating the optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens
and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
further includes calculating the optical tilt between the optical
axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the
camera module from the exactly one test image.
[0038] In some embodiments, the calculating from the single test
image the optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module further
includes fitting a plane two-dimensional surface to low spatial
frequency response data derived from the single test image using a
tilted linear plane two-dimensional surface model. In some
embodiments, correction angles are estimated from the fitted
surface, and linear calibration is applied to convert the
correction angles to physical correction angles applicable to the
lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
to reduce the optical tilt.
[0039] In some embodiments, the calculating from the single test
image the optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module further
includes fitting a two-dimensional surface to spatial frequency
response data in the single test image using a mathematical
optimization procedure. Examples include fitting a plane to the low
spatial frequency response data and weighted-least squares
calculation on a tilted linear plane model with low frequency
spatial frequency response data.
[0040] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further includes fitting a two-dimensional surface to the
spatial frequency response data. In some embodiments, the process
further includes estimating correction angles from the fitted
surface and applying linear calibration to convert the correction
angles to physical correction angles applicable to the lens and the
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the
optical tilt. In some embodiments, a lens barrel assembly includes
the lens and is bonded to a connection for the optical axis of the
image sensor of the camera module to make permanent the alignment
in the position resulting from the mechanically adjusting.
[0041] In some embodiments, the mechanically adjusting the
alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module to reduce the optical tilt further includes
mechanically adjusting an alignment of a lens barrel assembly
comprising the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the
camera module to reduce the optical tilt.
[0042] Some embodiments include a non-transitory computer-readable
medium storing program instructions. In some embodiments the
program instructions are computer-executable to implement capturing
a single test image, calculating from the spatial frequency
response data an optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens
and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module,
estimating correction angles from the fitted two-dimensional
surface and applying linear calibration to convert the correction
angles to physical correction angles applicable to the lens and the
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the
optical tilt. In some embodiments, the single test image contains
visually encoded spatial frequency response data for characterizing
the components of the camera module, and the calculating from the
spatial frequency response data the optical tilt between the
optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module further includes fitting a two-dimensional
surface model to the spatial frequency response data. One example
is using a tilted linear plane model from low frequency spatial
frequency response data.
[0043] In some embodiments, the program instructions
computer-executable to implement the capturing the single test
image further include program instructions computer-executable to
implement capturing exactly one test and not more than one image
from the camera module. In some embodiments, the program
instructions computer-executable to implement calculating the
optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis
of the image sensor of the camera module further include program
instructions computer-executable to implement calculating the
optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis
of the image sensor of the camera module from the exactly one and
not more than one test image.
[0044] In some embodiments, the program instructions
computer-executable to implement calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further include program instructions computer-executable to
implement fitting a two-dimensional surface to the low spatial
frequency response data using a mathematical optimization
producedure (e.g., nelder mead or weighted-least squares
calculation on a tilted linear plane model).
[0045] In some embodiments, the program instructions
computer-executable to implement calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt between the optical axis
of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module further include program instructions computer-executable to
implement fitting a two-dimensional surface to the spatial
frequency response data. In some embodiments, the computer-readable
medium storing program instructions further includes program
instructions computer-executable to implement estimating correction
angles from the plane and program instructions computer-executable
to implement applying linear calibration to convert the correction
angles to physical correction angles applicable to the lens and the
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the
optical tilt.
[0046] Some embodiments further include program instructions
computer-executable to implement bonding a lens barrel assembly
comprising the lens to a connection for the optical axis of the
image sensor of the camera module to make permanent the alignment
in the position resulting from the mechanically adjusting. In some
embodiments, the program instructions computer-executable to
implement mechanically adjusting the alignment of the lens and the
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the
optical tilt further include program instructions
computer-executable to implement mechanically adjusting an
alignment of a lens barrel assembly comprising the lens and the
optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce the
optical tilt.
Multifunction Device Examples
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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,
cameras, cell phones, or tablet computers, may also be used. It
should also be understood that, in some embodiments, the device is
not a portable communications device, but is a desktop computer
with a camera. In some embodiments, the device is a gaming computer
with orientation sensors (e.g., orientation sensors in a gaming
controller). In other embodiments, the device is not a portable
communications device, but is a camera.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable
devices with cameras. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating
portable multifunction device 100 with camera 164 in accordance
with some embodiments. Camera 164 is sometimes called an "optical
sensor" for convenience, and may also be known as or called an
optical sensor system. Device 100 may include memory 102 (which may
include one or more computer readable storage mediums), memory
controller 122, one or more processing units (CPU's) 120,
peripherals interface 118, RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110,
speaker 111, touch-sensitive display system 112, microphone 113,
input/output (I/O) subsystem 106, other input or control devices
116, and external port 124. Device 100 may include one or more
optical sensors 164. These components may communicate over one or
more communication buses or signal lines 103.
[0056] 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 various of the
figures 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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).
[0062] 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).
[0063] 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.
[0064] Touch screen 112 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or
set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic
and/or tactile contact. Touch screen 112 and display controller 156
(along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in
memory 102) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the
contact) on touch screen 112 and converts the detected contact into
interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft
keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed on touch
screen 112. In an example embodiment, a point of contact between
touch screen 112 and the user corresponds to a finger of the
user.
[0065] Touch screen 112 may use LCD (liquid crystal display)
technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED
(light emitting diode) technology, although other display
technologies may be used in other embodiments. Touch screen 112 and
display controller 156 may detect contact and any movement or
breaking thereof using any of a variety of touch sensing
technologies now known or later developed, including but not
limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic
wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or
other elements for determining one or more points of contact with
touch screen 112. In an example embodiment, projected mutual
capacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in the
iPhone.RTM., iPod Touch.RTM., and iPad.RTM. from Apple Inc. of
Cupertino, Calif.
[0066] Touch screen 112 may have a video resolution in excess of
100 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video
resolution of approximately 160 dpi. The user may make contact with
touch screen 112 using any suitable object or appendage, such as a
stylus, a finger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user
interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts
and gestures, which can be less precise than stylus-based input due
to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In
some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based
input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command for
performing the actions calculated by the user.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] Device 100 may also include one or more optical sensors or
cameras 164. FIG. 28 shows an optical sensor coupled to optical
sensor controller 158 in I/O subsystem 106. Optical sensor 164 may
include charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor 164 receives
light from the environment, projected through one or more lens, and
converts the light to data representing an image. In conjunction
with imaging module 143 (also called a camera module), optical
sensor 164 may capture still images or video. In some embodiments,
an optical sensor is located on the back of device 100, opposite
touch screen display 112 on the front of the device, so that the
touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for still and/or
video image acquisition. In some embodiments, another optical
sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user's
image may be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views
the other video conference participants on the touch screen
display.
[0070] Device 100 may also include one or more proximity sensors
166. FIG. 28 shows proximity sensor 166 coupled to peripherals
interface 118. Alternately, proximity sensor 166 may be coupled to
input controller 160 in I/O subsystem 106. In some embodiments, the
proximity sensor turns off and disables touch screen 112 when the
multifunction device is placed near the user's ear (e.g., when the
user is making a phone call).
[0071] 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.
[0072] In some embodiments, the software components stored in
memory 102 include operating system 126, communication module (or
set of instructions) 128, contact/motion module (or set of
instructions) 130, graphics module (or set of instructions) 132,
text input module (or set of instructions) 134, Global Positioning
System (GPS) module (or set of instructions) 135, arbiter module
157 and applications (or sets of instructions) 136. Furthermore, in
some embodiments memory 102 stores device/global internal state
157, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 3. Device/global internal state 157
includes one or more of: active application state, indicating which
applications, if any, are currently active; display state,
indicating what applications, views or other information occupy
various regions of touch screen display 112; sensor state,
including information obtained from the device's various sensors
and input control devices 116; and location information concerning
the device's location and/or attitude.
[0073] Operating system 126 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X,
WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes
various software components and/or drivers for controlling and
managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage
device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates
communication between various hardware and software components.
[0074] Communication module 128 facilitates communication with
other devices over one or more external ports 124 and also includes
various software components for handling data received by RF
circuitry 108 and/or external port 124. External port 124 (e.g.,
Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling
directly to other devices or indirectly over a network (e.g., the
Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external
port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector that is the same as,
or similar to and/or compatible with the 30-pin connector used on
iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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).
[0080] 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).
[0081] Applications 136 may include the following modules (or sets
of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof: [0082] contacts
module 137 (sometimes called an address book or contact list);
[0083] telephone module 138; [0084] video conferencing module 139;
[0085] e-mail client module 140; [0086] instant messaging (IM)
module 141; [0087] workout support module 142; [0088] camera module
143 for still and/or video images; [0089] image management module
144; [0090] browser module 147; [0091] calendar module 148; [0092]
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; [0093]
widget creator module 150 for making user-created widgets 149-6;
[0094] search module 151; [0095] video and music player module 152,
which may be made up of a video player [0096] module and a music
player module; [0097] notes module 153; [0098] map module 154;
and/or [0099] online video module 155.
[0100] 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.
[0101] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, contact module 130, graphics module 132, and text input module
134, contacts module 137 may be used to manage an address book or
contact list (e.g., stored in application internal state 192 of
contacts module 137 in memory 102 or memory 370), including: adding
name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from the address
book; associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), physical
address(es) or other information with a name; associating an image
with a name; categorizing and sorting names; providing telephone
numbers or e-mail addresses to initiate and/or facilitate
communications by telephone 138, video conference 139, e-mail 140,
or IM 141; and so forth.
[0102] 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.
[0103] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110,
speaker 111, microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller
156, optical sensor 164, optical sensor controller 158, contact
module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, contact
list 137, and telephone module 138, videoconferencing module 139
includes executable instructions to initiate, conduct, and
terminate a video conference between a user and one or more other
participants in accordance with user instructions.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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).
[0106] 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.
[0107] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, optical sensor(s) 164, optical sensor controller 158, contact
module 130, graphics module 132, and image management module 144,
camera module 143 includes executable instructions to capture still
images or video (including a video stream) and store them into
memory 102, modify characteristics of a still image or video, or
delete a still image or video from memory 102.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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).
[0112] 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).
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.).
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
[0117] 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.
[0118] 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 rearranged 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.
[0119] 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.
[0120] 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.
[0121] FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device 100
having a touch screen 112 in accordance with some embodiments. The
touch screen may display one or more graphics within user interface
(UI) 200. In this embodiment, as well as others described below, a
user may select one or more of the graphics by making a gesture on
the graphics, for example, with one or more fingers 202 (not drawn
to scale in the figure) or one or more styluses 203 (not drawn to
scale in the figure).
[0122] 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.
[0123] 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.
[0124] It should be noted that, although many of the examples
herein are given with reference to optical sensor/camera 164 (on
the front of a device), a rear-facing camera or optical sensor that
is pointed opposite from the display may be used instead of or in
addition to an optical sensor/camera 164 on the front of a
device.
[0125] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an example embodiment of
actuator module components assembled on a test station for single
frame camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to
at least some embodiments. A test station 3050 with an optical
target 3058 is loaded with an assembly of camera components
including an optics module (e.g., a lens barrel) 3002 attached to
an optics holder 3003 and a magnet holder 3006. An image sensor
3070, which may or may not be mounted on a substrate that is not
shown separately in FIG. 3, is attached to a camera module base
3008. The camera components may further include, in addition to
components such as power and remote control connections not shown,
a cover 3012 and suspension wires 3020.
[0126] Optics module 3002 may be suspended on the base assembly
3008 by suspension of the upper springs 3030 and the suspension
wires 3020. Camera components may include one or more of, but are
not limited to, optics 3002, optics holder 3003, magnet holder(s)
3006, upper spring(s) 3030, and lower spring(s) 3032. The upper and
lower spring(s) may be collectively referred to herein as optics
springs. An optics module (e.g., a lens or lens assembly or lens
barrel) 3002 may be screwed, mounted or otherwise held in or by an
optics holder 3003. In at least some embodiments, the optics
3002/optics holder 3003 assembly may be suspended from or attached
to the magnet holder 3006 by upper spring(s) 3030, and lower
spring(s) 3032. Note that upper spring(s) 3030 and lower spring(s)
3032 are flexible to allow the optics assembly 3000 a range of
motion along the Z (optical) axis for optical focusing, wires 3020
are flexible to allow a range of motion on the XY plane orthogonal
to the optical axis for optical image stabilization.
[0127] Note that, in some embodiments, a camera may not include
magnets and magnet holder(s) 3006, but may include a yoke or other
structure 3006 that may be used to help support the optics assembly
on suspension wires 3020 via upper springs 3030. In general, other
embodiments of an optics assembly 3000 may include fewer or more
components than the example optics assembly 3000 shown in FIG. 3.
Also note that, while embodiments show the optics assembly 3000
suspended on wires 3020, other mechanisms may be used to suspend an
optics assembly 3000 in other embodiments.
[0128] The autofocus yoke (e.g., magnet holder(s) 3006) acts as the
support chassis structure for the autofocus mechanism of actuator
3000. The lens carrier (optics holder 3003) is suspended on the
autofocus yoke by an upper autofocus (AF) spring 3030 and a lower
optics spring 3032. In this way when an electric current is applied
to the autofocus coil, Lorentz forces are developed due to the
presence of the four magnets, and a force substantially parallel to
the optical axis is generated to move the lens carrier, and hence
lens, along the optical axis, relative to the support structure of
the autofocus mechanism of the actuator, so as to focus the lens.
In addition to suspending the lens carrier and substantially
eliminating parasitic motions, the upper spring 3030 and lower
spring 3032 also resist the Lorentz forces, and hence convert the
forces to a displacement of the lens. This basic architecture shown
in FIG. 3 is typical of some embodiments, in which optical image
stabilization function includes moving the entire autofocus
mechanism of the actuator (supported by the autofocus yoke) in
linear directions orthogonal to the optical axis, in response to
user handshake, as detected by some means, such a two or three axis
gyroscope, which senses angular velocity. The handshake of interest
is the changing angular tilt of the camera in `pitch and yaw
directions`, which can be compensated by said linear movements of
the lens relative to the image sensor.
[0129] In at least some embodiments, the suspension of the
autofocus mechanism on the actuator 3000 support structure may be
achieved by the use of four corner wires 3020, for example wires
with a circular cross-section. Each wire 3020 acts as a flexure
beams capable of bending with relatively low stiffness, thus
allowing motion in both optical image stabilization
degrees-of-freedom. However, wire 3020 is in some embodiments
relatively stiff in directions parallel to the optical axis, as
this would require the wire to stretch or buckle, thus
substantially preventing parasitic motions in these directions. In
addition, the presence of four such wires, appropriately separated
allows them to be stiff in the parasitic tilt directions of pitch
and yaw, thus substantially preventing relative dynamic tilt
between the lens and image sensor. This may be seen by appreciating
that each wire 3020 is stiff in directions that require it to
change in length, and hence the fixed points at the ends of each
wire (eight points in total) will substantially form the vertices
of a parallelepiped for all operational positions of the optical
image stabilization mechanism.
[0130] In some embodiments, upon assembly of the aforementioned
camera components on test station 3050, an image sensor optical
axis 3052 will differ from a lens optical axis 3053 by an angle
3056. The difference or correspondence between an image sensor
optical axis 3052 and a lens optical axis 3053 is referred to as
optical alignment, and correcting optical alignment of components
in a camera module for a multifunction device is defined as
reducing absolute value of an angle 3056. Some embodiments provide
methods and systems for correcting optical alignment of components
in a camera module for a multifunction device by reducing angle
3056.
[0131] Some embodiments include methods for correcting optical
alignment of components in a camera module for a multifunction
device by reducing angle 3056. In some embodiments, components of a
camera module for use in a multifunction device, such as items
3002-3032 and 3070 are assembled on a test station 3050 associated
with a target 3058. Some embodiments include a method that includes
capturing a single test image of target 3058, calculating from
spatial frequency response data derived from target 3058 an optical
tilt (e.g., angle 3056) between the optical axis of a lens 3053 and
an optical axis of the image sensor 3070 of the camera module, and
mechanically adjusting an alignment of the lens 3053 and the
optical axis 3052 of the image sensor 3070 of the camera module to
reduce the optical tilt (e.g., angle 3056). In some embodiments,
the capturing is performed using the components of the camera
module, such as items 3002-3032 and 3070, and the single test image
contains visually encoded spatial frequency response data captured
from target 3058 for characterizing the components of the camera
module that includes items 3002-3032 and 3070.
[0132] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data captured from target 3058 the optical tilt
represented by angle 3056 between the optical axis of the lens 3053
and the optical axis of the image sensor 3053 of the camera module
further includes calculating the optical tilt represented by angle
3056 between the optical axis of the lens 3053 and the optical axis
of the image sensor 3053 of the camera module from not more than
one test image of target 3058. The ability to perform calculating
the optical tilt between represented by angle 3056 between the
optical axis of the lens 3053 and the optical axis of the image
sensor 3053 of the camera module with only one test image of target
3058 is a decisive advantage presented by some embodiments.
[0133] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data acquired from target 3058 the optical tilt
represented by angle 3056 between the optical axis of the lens 3053
and the optical axis of the image sensor 3053 of the camera module
further includes fitting a two-dimensional surface to the spatial
frequency response data acquired from target 3058 using a tilted
linear plane model from low frequency spatial frequency response
data acquired from target 3058. In some embodiments, the method
further includes estimating correction angles from the plane, and
applying linear calibration to convert the correction angles to
physical correction angles applicable to the lens of lens of optics
module 3002 and the optical axis of the image sensor 3070 of the
camera module to reduce the optical tilt represented by angle
3056.
[0134] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data acquired from target 3058 the optical tilt
between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image
sensor of the camera module further includes fitting a plane to the
spatial frequency response data using a weighted-least squares
calculation on a tilted linear plane model with low frequency
spatial frequency response data.
[0135] In some embodiments, the calculating from the spatial
frequency response data the optical tilt by angle 3056 between the
optical axis of the lens 3053 and the optical axis of the image
sensor 3053 of the camera module further includes fitting a plane
to the spatial frequency response data. In some embodiments, the
method further includes estimating correction angles from the
plane, and applying linear calibration to convert the correction
angles to physical correction angles applicable to the lens of
optics module 3002 and the optical axis of the image sensor 3070 of
the camera module to reduce the optical tilt represented by angle
3056.
[0136] Some embodiments further include bonding the lens barrel
assembly (e.g., optics module 3002 including the lens to a
connection (e.g., optics holder 3003) for the optical axis of the
image sensor 3070 of the camera module to make permanent the
alignment in the position resulting from the mechanically
adjusting. In some embodiments, the mechanically adjusting the
alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module to reduce the optical tilt further includes
mechanically adjusting an alignment of a lens barrel assembly
comprising the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the
camera module to reduce the optical tilt. Some embodiments include
a camera module of a multifunction device. The camera module 3000
includes an image sensor, and a lens assembly moveably fixed to the
image sensor.
[0137] FIG. 4 illustrates a processed test pattern chart for
generating spatial frequency response data that may be used for
imaging for single frame camera active optical tilt alignment
correction, according to at least some embodiments, marked up with
feature detection results. Target 400 includes a test chart with a
distribution of large shapes (e.g. 402), small shapes (e.g., 404)
and grid lines (e.g. 406) for generating spatial frequency response
data. The large shapes 402 are slanted edge SFR squares, the small
shapes 404 are used for feature detection, the grid lines are
detection results 406 (not really a feature of the chart, but
rather of the markup). The spatial frequency response is the
frequency response of the camera system based on a specific target
input feature such as a slanted edge, siemens star, dead-leaves
pattern, superimposed, orthogonal sinusoidal line-pair pattern, and
the like, in regions such as a center region 408, a 30% region 410,
a 60% region 412 and an 85% region 414. Some embodiments fit a
plane to (x.sub.i, y.sub.i, SFR@f.sub.low (low spatial frequency
information)), where (x.sub.i, y.sub.i) locations include multiple
center regions 408, 30% regions 410, 60% regions 412, and 85%
regions 414. In some embodiments, multiple regions are useful for
reducing noise in the surface fit. Some embodiments estimate
correction angles .theta..sub.x, .theta..sub.y from the fitted
two-dimensional surface and apply a linear calibration factor to
convert estimated correction angles .theta..sub.x, .theta..sub.y to
physical correction angles applicable to the machine.
[0138] FIG. 5 depicts a graph of low spatial frequency spatial
frequency response sensitivity to lens-to-sensor tilt in the
presence of large defocus for single frame camera active optical
tilt alignment correction, according to at least some embodiments.
Low spatial frequency tilt sensitivity enables linear calibration
of the fitted surface angle and the machine correction angle. A
first graph 500 shows spatial frequency response data for a case
varying .theta..sub.x.epsilon.[-1.degree.,1.degree.] while keeping
.theta..sub.y=0.degree. with spatial frequency response 502, y
location 504 and x location 506 illustrated. A second graph 510
shows spatial frequency response data for a case varying Varying
.theta..sub.y.epsilon.[-1.degree.,1.degree.] while keeping
.theta..sub.x=0.degree. with spatial frequency response 512, y
location 514 and x location 516 illustrated.
[0139] As discussed with respect to the methods below, some
embodiments employ a Tilted Plane Linear Model:
f(x.sub.i,y.sub.i)=(p.sub.10)x.sub.i+(p.sub.01)y.sub.i+(p.sub.00),
where f(x.sub.i,y.sub.i) are the low spatial frequency response
(SFR@f.sub.low) at image plane field point position of
(x.sub.i,y.sub.i). In some embodiments, coefficients of fit are
estimated with weighted least squares, such that:
.about.A=[x.sub.iy.sub.i1],x=[p.sub.10p.sub.01p.sub.00],b=[f(x.sub.i,y.s-
ub.i)],
.about.w=[w.sub.i],W=diag(w), and
.about.x=min .parallel.b-Ax.parallel..sub.W.
[0140] As noted before, one of skill in the art will readily
comprehend in light of having read the present disclosure that the
methods discussed herein can be generalized to fitting a general 2d
surface model. Linear plane fitting is a specific embodiment. Other
embodiments use models include higher order terms which could
account for lens field curvature without departing from the scope
and intent of the present disclosure.
[0141] In some embodiments, weights, w.sub.i, are selected to give
more weight to those fields which are most sensitive to tilt
depending on the lens characteristic. In some embodiments, a normal
vector to a tilted plane is estimated by evaluating a fitted plane
at (x,y) such that x.epsilon.[min(x.sub.i), max(x.sub.i)] and
y.epsilon.[min(y.sub.i), max(y.sub.i)]: f.sub.measured(x,y). In
some embodiments, a determination is made to find a plane normal in
positive z-direction using two measured plane vectors (p.sub.0 and
p.sub.1) in the (x>0) (y>0) quadrant (QI), such that
n.sub.measured=(p.sub.0.times.p.sub.1)/.parallel.p.sub.0.times.p.sub.1.pa-
rallel.2.
[0142] Some embodiments estimate transformation angles needed to
rotate the ideal non-tilted plane (f.sub.ideal(x,y)) to match the
measured tilted plane (f.sub.measured(x,y)) by minimizing the
squared error between the measured and estimated tilted planes via
Nelder-Mead multidimensional, unconstrained nonlinear
minimization:
(.theta..sub.x*,.theta..sub.y*)=argmin.sub..theta.x.theta.y.SIGMA.x.SIGM-
A.y(f.sub.measured(x,y)-f.sub.estimated(x,y;.theta..sub.x,.theta..sub.y))
.sup.2 with
fmeasured(x,y) from fitted data
festimated(x,y;.theta..sub.x,.theta..sub.y)=R.sub.xy(.theta..sub.x,.thet-
a..sub.y)f.sub.ideal(x,y)
f.sub.ideal(x,y)=[x;y;0] (i.e. z=0 plane)
R.sub.xy(.theta..sub.x,.theta..sub.y)=R.sub.x(.theta..sub.x)R.sub.y(.the-
ta..sub.y)
[0143] An initial condition
(.theta..sub.x.sup.0,.theta..sub.y.sup.0) is estimated as an angle
between normal to f.sub.measured(x,y) and normal to
f.sub.ideal(x,y). Angle sign adjustment is made depending on where
n.sub.measured lies in the (x,y) plane: (.times. denotes vector
cross-product, denotes vector dot product), such that
.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal=(.pi./180.degree.)a tan
2(.parallel.n.sub.measured.times.n.sub.ideal.parallel.2,n.sub.measuredn.s-
ub.ideal). In some embodiments Alternative initial condition
estimated from the fitted plane:
.theta..sub.x.sup.0=arctan(p.sub.01).theta..sub.y.sup.0=-arctan(p.sub.10-
)0=-arctan(p.sub.10).
[0144] FIG. 6 depicts charts of rotation values for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments. An x-rotation (roll) chart 602 and a
y-rotation (pitch) chart 604 are included.
[0145] FIG. 7A illustrates a graph of angle sign adjustments along
axes for single frame camera active optical tilt alignment
correction, according to at least some embodiments. An x-axis 702
and a y-axis 704 are depicted.
[0146] Along Axis:
.about.(x=0,y>0): (nx=0)(ny>0)
.about..theta..sub.x.sup.0=-.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
.about..theta..sub.y.sup.0=0
.about.(x=0,y<0): (nx=0)(ny<0)
.about..theta..sub.x.sup.0=.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
.about..theta..sub.y.sup.0=0
.about.(x>0,y=0): (nx>0)(ny=0)
.about..theta..sub.x.sup.0=0
.about..theta..sub.y.sup.0=.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
.about.(x<0,y=0): (nx<0)(ny=0)
.about..theta..sub.x.sup.0=0
.about..theta..sub.y.sup.0=-.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
[0147] FIG. 7B illustrates a graph of angle sign adjustments along
axes for single frame camera active optical tilt alignment
correction, according to at least some embodiments. A first
quadrant 710, a second quadrant 712, a third quadrant 714 and a
fourth quadrant 716 are depicted.
[0148] Inside Quadrant:
(nx>0)(ny>0) .about.QI:
.about..theta..sub.x.sup.0=-.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
.about..theta..sub.y.sup.0=.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
(nx>0)(ny<0) .about.QII:
.about..theta..sub.x.sup.0=.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
.about..theta..sub.y.sup.0=.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
(nx<0)(ny>0) .about.QIII:
.about..theta..sub.x.sup.0=-.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
.about..theta..sub.y.sup.0=-.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
(nx<0)(ny<0) .about.QIV:
.about..theta..sub.x.sup.0=.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
.about..theta..sub.y.sup.0=-.theta.n.sub.measuredn.sub.ideal
[0149] Some embodiments assume use of R.sub.xy, but due to
commutation under small angle approximation (adjustment of
.+-.2.degree. w/1 arcmin resolution), R.sub.xy R.sub.yx:
R xy ( 0 x , 0 y ) - R yx ( 0 x , 0 y ) ( 0 - sin ( 0 x ) sin ( 0 y
) sin ( 0 y ) - cos ( 0 x ) sin ( 0 y ) sin ( 0 x ) sin ( 0 y ) 0
sin ( 0 x ) - cos ( 0 y ) sin ( 0 x ) sin ( 0 y ) - cos ( 0 x ) sin
( 0 y ) sin ( 0 x ) - cos ( 0 y ) sin ( 0 x ) 0 ) = ( 0 - 0 x 0 y 0
y - ( 1 - 0 x 2 2 ) 0 y 0 x 0 y 0 0 x - ( 1 - 0 y 2 2 ) 0 x 0 y - (
1 - 0 x 2 2 ) 0 y 0 x - ( 1 - 0 y 2 2 ) 0 x 0 ) - R xy ( 0 x , 0 y
) ( 0 sin ( 0 x ) sin ( 0 y ) - sin ( 0 y ) + cos ( 0 x ) sin ( 0 y
) - sin ( 0 x ) sin ( 0 y ) 0 - sin ( 0 x ) + cos ( 0 y ) sin ( 0 x
) - sin ( 0 y ) + cos ( 0 x ) sin ( 0 y ) sin ( 0 x ) + cos ( 0 y )
sin ( 0 x ) 0 ) = .uparw. ( 0 0 x 0 y - 0 y + ( 1 - 0 x 2 2 ) 0 y -
0 x 0 y 0 - 0 x + ( 1 - 0 y 2 2 ) 0 x - 0 y + ( 1 - 0 x 2 2 ) 0 y -
0 x + ( 1 - 0 y 2 2 ) 0 x 0 ) ##EQU00001## Small angle
approximation : cos ( 0 ) = 1 - 0 2 2 sin ( 0 ) = 0 .apprxeq. ( 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ) ##EQU00001.2##
[0150] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments. A single test image is captured with one or
more components of the camera module (block 800). An optical tilt
between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image
sensor of the camera module is calculated from the single test
image (block 802).
[0151] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments. A single test image that contains visually
encoded spatial frequency response data for characterizing the
components of the camera module is captured (block 900). An optical
tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the
image sensor of the camera module is calculated from the spatial
frequency data by fitting a plane, though one of skill in the art
will readily comprehend from having read the present disclosure
that other two-dimensional surfaces may be used without departing
from the scope and intent of the present disclosure, to the spatial
frequency response data using a tilted linear plane model from low
frequency spatial frequency response data (block 902). Correction
angles are estimated from the plane (block 904). Linear calibration
is applied to convert the correction angles to physical correction
angles applicable to the lens and the optical axis of the image
sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical tilt (block
906).
[0152] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments. Components of a camera module for use in a
multifunction device are assembled on a test station (block 1000).
A single test image is captured, using the components of the camera
module, such that the single test image contains visually encoded
spatial frequency response data for characterizing the components
of the camera module (block 1002). An optical tilt between the
optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module is calculated from the spatial frequency response
data (block 1004). An alignment of the lens and the optical axis of
the image sensor of the camera module is mechanically adjusted to
reduce the optical tilt (block 1006).
[0153] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments. Components of a camera module for use in a
multifunction device are assembled on a test station (block 1100).
A single test image visually encoded spatial frequency response
data for characterizing the components of the camera module is
captured using the components of the camera module (block 1102). An
optical tilt between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis
of the image sensor of the camera module is calculated by fitting a
plane, though one of skill in the art will readily comprehend from
having read the present disclosure that other two-dimensional
surfaces may be used without departing from the scope and intent of
the present disclosure, to the spatial frequency response data
using a tilted linear plane model from low frequency spatial
frequency response data (block 1104). Correction angles are
estimated from the plane (block 1106). Linear calibration is
applied to convert the correction angles to physical correction
angles applicable to the lens and the optical axis of the image
sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical tilt (block
1108). An alignment of the lens and the optical axis of the image
sensor of the camera module to reduce the optical tilt is
mechanically adjusted (block 1110).
[0154] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments. Components of a camera module for use in a
multifunction device are assembled on a test station (block 1200).
A single test image such that the single test image contains
visually encoded spatial frequency response data for characterizing
the components of the camera module is captured using the
components of the camera module (block 1202). An optical tilt
between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image
sensor of the camera module is calculated from the spatial
frequency response data by fitting a plane to the spatial frequency
response data (block 1204). Correction angles are estimated from
the plane (block 1206). Linear calibration is applied to convert
the correction angles to physical correction angles applicable to
the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera
module to reduce the optical tilt (block 1208). An alignment of the
lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
is mechanically adjusted to reduce the optical tilt (block
1210).
[0155] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments. Components of a camera module for use in a
multifunction device are assembled on a test station (block 1300).
A single test image such that the single test image contains
visually encoded spatial frequency response data for characterizing
the components of the camera module is captured using the
components of the camera module (block 1302). An optical tilt
between the optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image
sensor of the camera module is calculated from the spatial
frequency response data (block 1304). An alignment of the lens and
the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module to reduce
the optical tilt is adjusted (block 1306). A lens barrel assembly
comprising the lens is bonded to a connection for the optical axis
of the image sensor of the camera module to make permanent the
alignment in the position resulting from the mechanically adjusting
(block 1308).
[0156] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method usable for single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, according to at
least some embodiments. Components of a camera module for use in a
multifunction device are assembled on a test station (block 1400).
A single test image is captured using the components of the camera
module, such that the single test image contains visually encoded
spatial frequency response data for characterizing the components
of the camera module (block 1402). An optical tilt between the
optical axis of a lens and an optical axis of the image sensor of
the camera module is calculated (block 1404). An alignment of the
lens and the optical axis of the image sensor of the camera module
to reduce the optical tilt by mechanically adjusting an alignment
of a lens barrel assembly comprising the lens and the optical axis
of the image sensor of the camera module is adjusted to reduce the
optical tilt (block 1406).
Example Computer System
[0157] FIG. 15 illustrates an example computer system 1500 that may
be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described
above. In different embodiments, computer system 1500 may be any of
various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personal
computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate,
pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld
computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a
mobile device, a consumer device, video game console, handheld
video game device, application server, storage device, a
television, a video recording device, a peripheral device such as a
switch, modem, router, or in general any type of computing or
electronic device.
[0158] Various embodiments of a camera component motion control
system as described herein, including embodiments of single frame
camera active optical tilt alignment correction, as described
herein may be executed in one or more computer systems 1500, which
may interact with various other devices. Note that any component,
action, or functionality described above with respect to FIGS. 1-20
may be implemented on one or more computers configured as computer
system 1500 of FIG. 30, according to various embodiments. In the
illustrated embodiment, computer system 1500 includes one or more
processors 1510 coupled to a system memory 1520 via an input/output
(I/O) interface 1530. Computer system 1500 further includes a
network interface 1540 coupled to I/O interface 1530, and one or
more input/output devices 1550, such as cursor control device 1560,
keyboard 1570, and display(s) 1580. In some cases, it is
contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using a single
instance of computer system 1500, while in other embodiments
multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up computer system
1500, 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 1500 that are
distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.
[0159] In various embodiments, computer system 1500 may be a
uniprocessor system including one processor 1510, or a
multiprocessor system including several processors 1510 (e.g., two,
four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors 1510 may be
any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For
example, in various embodiments processors 1510 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 1510 may commonly, but
not necessarily, implement the same ISA.
[0160] System memory 1520 may be configured to store camera control
program instructions 1522 and/or camera control data accessible by
processor 1510. In various embodiments, system memory 1520 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 1522 may be configured
to implement a lens control application 1524 incorporating any of
the functionality described above. Additionally, existing camera
control data 1532 of memory 1520 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 1520 or computer system 1500. While
computer system 1500 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.
[0161] In one embodiment, I/O interface 1530 may be configured to
coordinate I/O traffic between processor 1510, system memory 1520,
and any peripheral devices in the device, including network
interface 1540 or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output
devices 1550. In some embodiments, I/O interface 1530 may perform
any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to
convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory 1520)
into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g.,
processor 1510). In some embodiments, I/O interface 1530 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 1530 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
1530, such as an interface to system memory 1520, may be
incorporated directly into processor 1510.
[0162] Network interface 1540 may be configured to allow data to be
exchanged between computer system 1500 and other devices attached
to a network 1585 (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes
of computer system 1500. Network 1585 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 1540 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.
[0163] Input/output devices 1550 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 1500. Multiple input/output devices 1550 may
be present in computer system 1500 or may be distributed on various
nodes of computer system 1500. In some embodiments, similar
input/output devices may be separate from computer system 1500 and
may interact with one or more nodes of computer system 1500 through
a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface
1540.
[0164] As shown in FIG. 15, memory 1520 may include program
instructions 1522, which may be processor-executable to implement
any element or action described above. In one embodiment, the
program instructions may implement the methods described above. In
other embodiments, different elements and data may be included.
Note that data may include any data or information described
above.
[0165] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer
system 1500 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 1500 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.
[0166] 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 1500 may be transmitted to computer system 1500 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.
[0167] 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.
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