U.S. patent application number 14/828431 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for temperature based control of voice coil motor.
This patent application is currently assigned to APPLE INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is APPLE INC.. Invention is credited to Richard L. Baer, Shashikant G. Hegde, Calvin K. Wong.
Application Number | 20170052341 14/828431 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57964906 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170052341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wong; Calvin K. ; et
al. |
February 23, 2017 |
TEMPERATURE BASED CONTROL OF VOICE COIL MOTOR
Abstract
In some embodiments, the method includes measuring a first
responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop between a first
terminal attached to a first suspension spring of an actuator
housing a voice coil motor for moving a lens assembly and a second
terminal of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor. In some
embodiments, the method includes calculating a first resistance of
the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the first voltage
value and measuring a second responsive voltage value for a second
voltage drop between the first terminal attached and the second
terminal. In some embodiments, the method includes calculating a
second resistance of the magnetic coil based at least in part upon
the second responsive voltage value and calculating a relative
temperature for the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
first resistance and the second resistance.
Inventors: |
Wong; Calvin K.; (Cupertino,
CA) ; Hegde; Shashikant G.; (Cupertino, CA) ;
Baer; Richard L.; (Los Altos, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
APPLE INC. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
APPLE INC.
Cupertino
CA
|
Family ID: |
57964906 |
Appl. No.: |
14/828431 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01K 7/36 20130101; G01R
19/10 20130101; G02B 7/028 20130101; H02P 25/028 20130101; H02P
29/60 20160201; G01K 7/16 20130101; H02K 41/02 20130101; H02P
25/034 20160201; G02B 7/08 20130101; H02P 29/64 20160201; G01R
27/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 7/08 20060101
G02B007/08; G01K 7/36 20060101 G01K007/36; G01R 19/10 20060101
G01R019/10; G01R 27/02 20060101 G01R027/02; H02P 25/02 20060101
H02P025/02; H02P 29/00 20060101 H02P029/00 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: an actuator housing a voice coil motor for
moving a lens assembly, comprising a first terminal and a second
terminal, wherein the first terminal is attached to a first
suspension spring of the actuator housing the voice coil motor for
moving the lens assembly, and the second terminal is attached to a
second suspension spring of a magnetic coil of the voice coil motor
for moving the lens assembly; a driver circuit configured for
controlling movement of and providing power to the voice coil
motor, and passing a first electrical signal having a first current
value and a second electrical signal having a second current value
to the voice coil motor; a measuring circuit configured for
measuring a first responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop
between the first terminal attached to the first suspension spring
of the actuator housing the voice coil motor for moving the lens
assembly and the second terminal attached to the second suspension
spring of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor, wherein the
first responsive voltage value is a voltage existing in response to
passing the first electrical signal having the first current value
through the first suspension spring to the magnetic coil, and
measuring a second responsive voltage value for a second voltage
drop between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein
the second responsive voltage value is a voltage existing in
response to passing the second electrical signal having the second
current value through the first suspension spring to the magnetic
coil; and a processor configured for: calculating a first
resistance of the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
first responsive voltage value; calculating a second resistance of
the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the second responsive
voltage value, and calculating a relative temperature for the
magnetic coil based at least in part upon the first resistance and
the second resistance.
2. The system of claim 1, the driver circuit is further configured
for: adjusting a position of the lens assembly based at least in
part upon the relative temperature.
3. The system of claim 1, the driver circuit is further configured
for: moving the lens assembly by adjusting a current through the
first suspension spring to compensate for the effect of the
relative temperature to a position selected based at least in part
upon the relative temperature, wherein the adjusting compensates
for one or more of changes in optical characteristics of the lens
barrel in response to the relative temperature, and changes in
electrical characteristics of components of the actuator in
response to the relative temperature.
4. The system of claim 1, the driver circuit is further configured
for: controlling movement of and providing power to the voice coil
motor creating the first electrical signal and the second
electrical signal in a frequency range that does not overlap with a
frequency range of used to controlling movement of the voice coil
motor.
5. The system of claim 1, the driver circuit is further configured
for: generating the first electrical signal and the second
electrical signal as components of a probe pulse lasting between
one-half millisecond and two milliseconds.
6. The system of claim 1, the driver circuit is further configured
for: generating the first electrical signal and the second signal
as components of a probe pulse having no direct current
content.
7. The system of claim 1, the driver circuit is further configured
for: generating the first electrical signal and the second signal
as components of a bipolar probe pulse.
8. A method, comprising: measuring a first responsive voltage value
for a first voltage drop between a first terminal attached to a
first suspension spring of an actuator housing a voice coil motor
for moving a lens assembly and a second terminal of a magnetic coil
of the voice coil motor, wherein the second terminal is attached to
a second suspension spring of the magnetic coil of the voice coil
motor for moving the lens assembly, and the first responsive
voltage value is a voltage existing in response to passing a first
electrical signal having a first current value through the first
suspension spring to the magnetic coil; calculating a first
resistance of the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
first responsive voltage value; measuring a second responsive
voltage value for a second voltage drop between the first terminal
attached and the second terminal, wherein the second responsive
voltage value is a voltage existing in response to passing a second
electrical signal having a second current value through the first
suspension spring to the magnetic coil; calculating a second
resistance of the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
second responsive voltage value; and calculating a relative
temperature for the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
first resistance and the second resistance.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: adjusting a position
of the lens assembly based at least in part upon the relative
temperature.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: moving the lens
assembly by adjusting a current through the first suspension spring
to compensate for the effect of the relative temperature to a
position selected based at least in part upon the relative
temperature, wherein the adjusting compensates for one or more of
changes in optical characteristics of the lens barrel in response
to the relative temperature, and changes in electrical
characteristics of components of the actuator in response to the
relative temperature.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein a driver circuit controlling
movement of and providing power to the voice coil motor creating
the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal in a
frequency range that does not overlap with a frequency range of
used to controlling movement of the voice coil motor.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the first electrical signal and
the second electrical signal are components of a probe pulse
lasting between one-half millisecond and two milliseconds.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the first electrical signal and
the second signal are components of a probe pulse having no direct
current content.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the first electrical signal and
the second signal are components of a bipolar probe pulse.
15. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium, storing
program instructions that when executed by one or more computing
devices cause the one or more computing devices to implement:
measuring a first responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop
between a first terminal attached to a first suspension spring of
an actuator housing a voice coil motor for moving a lens assembly
and a second terminal attached to a second suspension spring of a
magnetic coil of the voice coil motor for moving the lens assembly,
wherein the instructions to cause the one or more computing devices
to implement measuring the first responsive voltage value further
comprise instructions to cause the one or more computing devices to
implement the first responsive voltage value that is a voltage
existing in response to passing a first electrical signal having a
first current value through the first suspension spring to the
magnetic coil; calculating a first resistance of the magnetic coil
based at least in part upon the first responsive voltage value;
measuring a second responsive voltage value for a second voltage
drop between the first terminal attached and the second terminal in
response to passing a second electrical signal having a second
current value through the first suspension spring to the magnetic
coil; calculating a second resistance of the magnetic coil based at
least in part upon the second responsive voltage value; and
calculating a relative temperature for the magnetic coil based at
least in part upon the first resistance and the second
resistance.
16. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium of claim
15, further comprising: instructions to cause the one or more
computing devices to implement adjusting a position of the lens
assembly based at least in part upon the relative temperature.
17. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium of claim
15, further comprising: instructions to cause the one or more
computing devices to implement moving the lens assembly by
adjusting a current through the first suspension spring to
compensate for the effect of the relative temperature to a position
selected based at least in part upon the relative temperature,
wherein the instructions to cause the one or more computing devices
to implement adjusting further comprise instructions to cause the
one or more computing devices to implement compensating for one or
more of changes in optical characteristics of the lens barrel in
response to the relative temperature, and changes in electrical
characteristics of components of the actuator in response to the
relative temperature.
18. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium of claim
15, further comprising: instructions to cause the one or more
computing devices to implement controlling movement of and
providing power to the voice coil motor creating the first
electrical signal and the second electrical signal in a frequency
range that does not overlap with a frequency range of used to
controlling movement of the voice coil motor.
19. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium of claim
15, further comprising: instructions to cause the one or more
computing devices to implement passing the first electrical signal
and the second electrical signal as components of a probe pulse
lasting between one-half millisecond and two milliseconds.
20. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium of claim
15, further comprising: instructions to cause the one or more
computing devices to implement passing the first electrical signal
and the second signal as components of a probe pulse having no
direct current content.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to camera components and
more specifically to camera component motion control.
[0003] 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
high-resolution, small form factor cameras for integration in the
devices. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate optical
image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that may sense and react to
external excitation/disturbance by adjusting location of the
optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensate for
unwanted motion of the lens. Some small form factor cameras may
incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby the object focal
distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in front of the
camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. In
some such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a
single rigid body along the optical axis (referred to as the Z
axis) of the camera to refocus the camera. In addition, high image
quality is easier to achieve in small form factor cameras if lens
motion along the optical axis is accompanied by minimal parasitic
motion in the other degrees of freedom, for example on the X and Y
axes orthogonal to the optical (Z) axis of the camera. Thus, some
small form factor cameras that include autofocus mechanisms may
also incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that
may sense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting
location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt
to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS
[0005] In some embodiments, a method for calculating a relative
temperature is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes
measuring a first responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop
between a first terminal attached to a first suspension spring of
an actuator housing a voice coil motor for moving a lens assembly
and a second terminal of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor.
In some embodiments, the second terminal is attached to a second
suspension spring of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor for
moving a lens assembly, and the first responsive voltage value is a
voltage existing in response to passing a first electrical signal
having a first current value through the first suspension spring to
the magnetic coil.
[0006] In some embodiments, the method includes calculating a first
resistance of the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
first voltage value. In some embodiments, the method includes
measuring a second responsive voltage value for a second voltage
drop between the first terminal attached and the second terminal.
In some embodiments, the second responsive voltage value is a
voltage existing in response to passing a second electrical signal
having a second current value through the first suspension spring
to the magnetic coil. In some embodiments, the method includes
calculating a second resistance of the magnetic coil based at least
in part upon the second responsive voltage value. In some
embodiments, the method includes calculating a relative temperature
for the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the first
resistance and the second resistance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a portable
multifunction device with a camera in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a portable multifunction device having a
camera in accordance with some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of a
camera module or assembly, according to at least some
embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 4 depicts an example embodiment of a circuit for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a circuit for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts example embodiments of probe pulse waveforms
that can be used with a circuit for measuring temperature in a
camera module, according to at least some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment frequency spectrum
behavior of a probe pulse waveform that can be used with a circuit
for measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 8 depicts an example circuit usable with systems for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an example circuit usable with systems
for measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 10 depicts an example of behavior of an example circuit
usable with systems for measuring temperature in a camera module,
according to at least some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates an example circuit usable with systems
for measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 12 depicts example operations usable with systems for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates example commands usable with systems for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for measuring temperature
in a camera module, according to at least some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for measuring temperature
in a camera module, according to at least some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method for measuring temperature
in a camera module, according to at least some embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 17 illustrates an example computer system configured to
implement aspects of the system and method for measuring
temperature in a camera module, according to at least 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] "Including." 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 including
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 Relative Temperature Measurement in Camera
Component Motion Control
[0029] Some embodiments include an actuator housing a voice coil
motor for moving a lens assembly, including a first terminal and a
second terminal. In some embodiments, the first terminal is
attached to a first suspension spring of the actuator housing the
voice coil motor for moving the lens assembly and a second terminal
of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor. In some embodiments,
the second terminal is attached to a second suspension spring of
the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor for moving a lens
assembly.
[0030] Some embodiments include a driver circuit configured for
controlling movement of and providing power to the voice coil
motor, and passing a first electrical signal having a first current
value and a second electrical signal having a second current value
to the voice coil motor.
[0031] Some embodiments include a measuring circuit configured for
measuring a first responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop
between a first terminal attached to a first suspension spring of
the actuator housing the voice coil motor for moving the lens
assembly and a second terminal of the magnetic coil of the voice
coil motor, and measuring a second responsive voltage value for a
second voltage drop between the first terminal attached and the
second terminal. In some embodiments, the first responsive voltage
value is a voltage existing in response to passing a first
electrical signal having a first current value through the first
suspension spring to the magnetic coil, and the second responsive
voltage value is a voltage existing in response to passing a second
electrical signal having a second current value through the first
suspension spring to the magnetic coil.
[0032] Some embodiments include a processor configured for
calculating a first resistance of the magnetic coil based at least
in part upon the first voltage value, calculating a second
resistance of the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
second responsive voltage value, and calculating a relative
temperature for the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
first resistance and the second resistance.
[0033] In some embodiments, the driver circuit is further
configured for adjusting a position of the lens assembly based at
least in part upon the relative temperature. In some embodiments,
the driver circuit is further configured for moving the lens
assembly by adjusting a current through the first suspension spring
to compensate for the effect of the relative temperature to a
position selected based at least in part upon the relative
temperature. In some embodiments, the adjusting compensates for one
or more of changes in optical characteristics of the lens barrel in
response to the relative temperature, and changes in electrical
characteristics of components of the actuator in response to the
relative temperature.
[0034] In some embodiments, the driver circuit is further
configured for controlling movement of and providing power to the
voice coil motor creating the first electrical signal and the
second electrical signal in a frequency range that does not overlap
with a frequency range of used to controlling movement of the voice
coil motor.
[0035] In some embodiments, the driver circuit is further
configured for generating the first electrical signal and the
second electrical signal as components of a probe pulse lasting
between one-half millisecond and two milliseconds. In some
embodiments, the driver circuit is further configured for
generating the first electrical signal and the second signal as
components of a probe pulse having no direct current content. In
some embodiments, the driver circuit is further configured for
generating the first electrical signal and the second signal as
components of a bipolar probe pulse.
[0036] Some embodiments include a method for measuring condition of
camera components or a method for controlling motion of camera
components. In some embodiments, such a method includes measuring a
first responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop between a
first terminal attached to a first suspension spring of an actuator
housing a voice coil motor for moving a lens assembly and a second
terminal of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor, calculating
a first resistance of the magnetic coil based at least in part upon
the first voltage value, measuring a second responsive voltage
value for a second voltage drop between the first terminal attached
and the second terminal, calculating a second resistance of the
magnetic coil based at least in part upon the second responsive
voltage value, and calculating a relative temperature for the
magnetic coil based at least in part upon the first resistance and
the second resistance
[0037] In some embodiments, the second terminal is attached to a
second suspension spring of the magnetic coil of the voice coil
motor for moving a lens assembly, and the first responsive voltage
value is a voltage existing in response to passing a first
electrical signal having a first current value through the first
suspension spring to the magnetic coil. In some embodiments, the
second responsive voltage value is a voltage existing in response
to passing a second electrical signal having a second current value
through the first suspension spring to the magnetic coil.
[0038] In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting a
position of the lens assembly based at least in part upon the
relative temperature. In some embodiments, the method further
includes moving the lens assembly by adjusting a current through
the first suspension spring to compensate for the effect of the
relative temperature to a position selected based at least in part
upon the relative temperature. In some embodiments, the adjusting
compensates for one or more of changes in optical characteristics
of the lens barrel in response to the relative temperature, and
changes in electrical characteristics of components of the actuator
in response to the relative temperature.
[0039] In some embodiments, the method further includes a driver
circuit controlling movement of and providing power to the voice
coil motor creating the first electrical signal and the second
electrical signal in a frequency range that does not overlap with a
frequency range of used to controlling movement of the voice coil
motor. In some embodiments, the first electrical signal and the
second electrical signal are components of a probe pulse lasting
between one-half millisecond and two milliseconds.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first electrical signal and the
second signal are components of a probe pulse having no direct
current content. In some embodiments, the first electrical signal
and the second signal are components of a bipolar probe pulse.
[0041] Some embodiments include a non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, storing program instructions that when executed by
one or more computing devices cause the one or more computing
devices to implement measuring a first responsive voltage value for
a first voltage drop between a first terminal attached to a first
suspension spring of an actuator housing a voice coil motor for
moving a lens assembly and a second terminal of the magnetic coil
of the voice coil motor attached to a second suspension spring of
the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor for moving a lens
assembly.
[0042] In some embodiments, the instructions to cause the one or
more computing devices to implement measuring the first responsive
voltage value further include instructions to cause the one or more
computing devices to implement a first responsive voltage value
that is a voltage existing in response to passing a first
electrical signal having a first current value through the first
suspension spring to the magnetic coil.
[0043] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores program instructions that when
executed by one or more computing devices cause the one or more
computing devices to implement calculating a first resistance of
the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the first voltage
value.
[0044] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores program instructions that when
executed by one or more computing devices cause the one or more
computing devices to implement measuring a second responsive
voltage value for a second voltage drop between the first terminal
attached and the second terminal in response to passing a second
electrical signal having a second current value through the first
suspension spring to the magnetic coil.
[0045] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores program instructions that when
executed by one or more computing devices cause the one or more
computing devices to implement calculating a second resistance of
the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the second responsive
voltage value.
[0046] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores program instructions that when
executed by one or more computing devices cause the one or more
computing devices to implement calculating a relative temperature
for the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the first
resistance and the second resistance.
[0047] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores instructions to cause the one or
more computing devices to implement adjusting a position of the
lens assembly based at least in part upon the relative
temperature.
[0048] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores instructions to cause the one or
more computing devices to implement moving the lens assembly by
adjusting a current through the first suspension spring to
compensate for the effect of the relative temperature to a position
selected based at least in part upon the relative temperature,
wherein the instructions to cause the one or more computing devices
to implement adjusting further include instructions to cause the
one or more computing devices to implement compensating for one or
more of changes in optical characteristics of the lens barrel in
response to the relative temperature, and changes in electrical
characteristics of components of the actuator in response to the
relative temperature.
[0049] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores instructions to cause the one or
more computing devices to implement controlling movement of and
providing power to the voice coil motor creating the first
electrical signal and the second electrical signal in a frequency
range that does not overlap with a frequency range of used to
controlling movement of the voice coil motor.
[0050] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores instructions to cause the one or
more computing devices to implement passing the first electrical
signal and the second electrical signal as components of a probe
pulse lasting between one-half millisecond and two
milliseconds.
[0051] In some embodiments the non-transitory, computer-readable
storage medium, further stores instructions to cause the one or
more computing devices to implement passing the first electrical
signal and the second signal as components of a probe pulse having
no direct current content.
Multifunction Device Examples
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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," "includes," and/or "including," 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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. Example embodiments of portable multifunction devices
include, without limitation, the iPhone.RTM., iPod Touch.RTM., and
iPad.RTM. devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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 of methods, systems, and apparatus for small
form factor cameras with temperature measurement, as described
herein. 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.
[0061] It should be appreciated that device 100 is only one example
of a portable multifunction device, and that device 100 may have
more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more
components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of
the components. The various components shown in FIG. 28 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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).
[0067] 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).
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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 desired by the user.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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, video, and/or a
depth map. In conjunction with imaging module 143 (also called a
camera module), optical sensor 164 may capture still images, video,
and/or depth maps. 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. While a
temperature module 158 is explicitly shown in FIG. 1, a person of
ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain, in light of
having read the present disclosure, that the methods, processes and
systems described herein may be implemented in many of the hardware
and software components and systems described herein without
departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.
[0075] 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).
[0076] 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. 28 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.
[0077] 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, and applications
(or sets of instructions) 136. Furthermore, in some embodiments
memory 102 stores device/global internal state 157. 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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).
[0085] 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).
[0086] Applications 136 may include the following modules (or sets
of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof: [0087] contacts
module 137 (sometimes called an address book or contact list);
[0088] telephone module 138; [0089] video conferencing module 139;
[0090] e-mail client module 140; [0091] instant messaging (IM)
module 141; [0092] workout support module 142; [0093] camera module
143 for still and/or video images; [0094] image management module
144; [0095] browser module 147; [0096] calendar module 148; [0097]
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; [0098]
widget creator module 150 for making user-created widgets 149-6;
[0099] search module 151; [0100] video and music player module 152,
which may be made up of a video player [0101] module and a music
player module; [0102] notes module 153; [0103] map module 154;
and/or [0104] online video module 155.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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).
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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).
[0117] 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).
[0118] 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.
[0119] 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.
[0120] 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] 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.
[0123] Each of the above identified modules and applications
correspond to a set of executable instructions for performing one
or more functions described above and the methods described in this
application (e.g., the computer-implemented methods and other
information processing methods described herein). These modules
(i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate
software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets
of these modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in
various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 102 may store a
subset of the modules and data structures identified above.
Furthermore, memory 102 may store additional modules and data
structures not described above.
[0124] 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.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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).
[0127] 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] Some embodiments employ an actuator using a voice coil
motor. Voice coil motors (VCMs) have many applications, including
serving as the focus motors in compact camera modules. In some
embodiments of a camera module (as shown in FIG. 3 and discussed
below), the coil wire is wrapped around the carrier, which contains
the lens. The carrier is attached to the yoke by springs which
allow the lens to translate in and out. When a current is injected
into the coil, a magnetic field is created that acts against the
magnetic fields of one or more permanent magnets. The magnetic
force displaces the lens against the springs, bringing the lens
into focus.
[0131] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an example embodiment of an
actuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used to
provide camera component motion control based on relative
temperature in small form factor cameras, according to at least
some embodiments. Further, a camera module such as that shown in
FIG. 3, in addition to providing camera component motion control
based on relative temperature as described herein, may also use the
temperature as input to functions that control components described
with respect to FIGS. 1-3, for example for focus functions.
[0132] Embodiments of camera component motion control based on
relative temperature may be applied within a camera, actuator
package or image sensor assembly 3000 interacting with an image
sensor 3050 as illustrated in FIG. 3 to stabilize and increase
control performance of an optics assembly 3002 suspended on wires
3020 within an actuator package 3000a-c as shown in FIG. 3. Details
of example embodiments, implementations, and methods of operations
of image sensor 3050, micropixels 3056, gratings and filters 3054,
optional microlenses 3052 and associated sensors such as are shown
in the camera package 3000 shown are discussed below with respect
to FIGS. 4-7.
[0133] In some embodiments, each position control magnet 3006 is
poled so as to generate a magnetic field, the useful component of
which for the autofocus function is orthogonal to the optical axis
of the camera/lens, and orthogonal to the plane of each magnet 3006
proximate to the autofocus coil 3004, and where the field for all
four magnets 3006 are all either directed towards the autofocus
coil 3004, or away from it, so that the Lorentz forces from all
four magnets 3004 act in the same direction along the optical axis
3080.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 3, an actuator package 3000 may include a
base assembly or substrate 3008, an optics assembly 3002, and a
cover 3012. Base assembly 3008 may include one or more of, but is
not limited to, a base 3008, supporting one or more position
sensors (e.g., capacitor plates) 3010a-b, and suspension wires
3020, which control of movements of autofocus coil 3004.
[0135] In at least some embodiments, there are four suspension
wires 3020. An optics assembly 3002 may be suspended on the base
assembly 3008 by suspension of the upper springs 3040 of optics
assembly 3000 on the suspension wires 3020. Actuator module 3000
may include one or more of, but is not limited to, optics 3002,
optics holder (autofocus coil) 3004, magnet(s) 3006, upper
spring(s) 3040, and lower spring(s) 3042. The upper and lower
spring(s) may be collectively referred to herein as optics springs.
In optics assembly 3000, an optics component 3002 (e.g., a lens or
lens assembly) may be screwed, mounted or otherwise held in or by
an optics holder (autofocus coil) 3004. In at least some
embodiments, the optics 3002/optics holder (autofocus coil) 3004
assembly may be suspended from or attached to the position control
magnets 3006 by upper spring(s) 3040, and lower spring(s) 3042, and
the position control magnets 3006 may be rigidly mounted to base
3008. Note that upper spring(s) 3040 and lower spring(s) 3042 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.
[0136] Note that, in some embodiments, an optics assembly 3000 or
an actuator actuator module may not include position control
magnets 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. However in some embodiments, optics
assembly 3000 may not include elements 3006. 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.
[0137] The autofocus yoke (e.g., magnets or holder(s) 3006) acts as
the support chassis structure for the autofocus mechanism of
actuator 3000. The lens carrier (optics holder 3004) is suspended
on the autofocus yoke by an upper autofocus (AF) spring 3040 and a
lower optics spring 3042. 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 3040
and lower spring 4042 also resist the Lorentz forces, and hence
convert the forces to a displacement of the lens. This basic
architecture shown in FIG. 3 and 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.
[0138] At least some embodiments may achieve this two independent
degree-of-freedom motion by using two pairs of optical image
stabilization coils, each pair acting together to deliver
controlled motion in one linear axis orthogonal to the optical
axis, and each pair delivering controlled motion in a direction
substantially orthogonal to the other pair. In at least some
embodiments, these optical image stabilization coils may be fixed
to the camera actuator support structure, and when current is
appropriately applied, optical image stabilization coils may
generate Lorentz forces on the entire autofocus mechanism of the
actuator, moving it as desired. The required magnetic fields for
the Lorentz forces are produced by the same four magnets that
enable to the Lorentz forces for the autofocus function. However,
since the directions of motion of the optical image stabilization
movements are orthogonal to the autofocus movements, it is the
fringing field of the four magnets that are employed, which have
components of magnetic field in directions parallel to the optical
axis.
[0139] Returning to FIG. 3, 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.
[0140] In some embodiments, a driver circuit 3090 contains a
package of processors and memory or other computer-readable medium
as described herein. In some alternative embodiments, may
alternatively, in some embodiments, a package of processors and
memory may be omitted from actuator module 3000 and housed
elsewhere in a device in which actuator package 3000 is
installed.
[0141] In some embodiments, actuator package 3000 is installed in a
camera of a mobile computing device.
[0142] Some embodiments include an actuator 3000 housing a voice
coil motor for moving a lens assembly 3002, including a first
terminal and a second terminal (described below). In some
embodiments, the first terminal is attached to a first suspension
spring of the actuator (e.g., 3030) housing the voice coil motor
for moving the lens assembly and a second terminal of the magnetic
coil of the voice coil motor. In some embodiments, the second
terminal is attached to a second suspension spring (e.g., 3042) of
the magnetic coil 3003 of the voice coil motor for moving a lens
assembly 3002.
[0143] Some embodiments include a driver circuit 3090 configured
for controlling movement of and providing power to the voice coil
motor, and passing a first electrical signal having a first current
value and a second electrical signal having a second current value
to the voice coil motor.
[0144] Some embodiments include a measuring circuit within driver
circuit 3090 configured for measuring a first responsive voltage
value for a first voltage drop between a first terminal attached to
a first suspension spring (e.g. 3020) of the actuator housing the
voice coil motor for moving the lens assembly and a second terminal
of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor, and measuring a
second responsive voltage value for a second voltage drop between
the first terminal attached and the second terminal. In some
embodiments, the first responsive voltage value is a voltage
existing in response to passing a first electrical signal having a
first current value through the first suspension spring to the
magnetic coil, and the second responsive voltage value is a voltage
existing in response to passing a second electrical signal having a
second current value through the first suspension spring to the
magnetic coil 3003.
[0145] Some embodiments include a processor configured for
calculating a first resistance of the magnetic coil 3003 based at
least in part upon the first voltage value, calculating a second
resistance of the magnetic coil based at least in part upon the
second responsive voltage value, and calculating a relative
temperature for the magnetic coil 3003 based at least in part upon
the first resistance and the second resistance.
[0146] In some embodiments, the driver circuit 3090 is further
configured for adjusting a position of the lens assembly based at
least in part upon the relative temperature. In some embodiments,
the driver circuit 3090 is further configured for moving the lens
assembly by adjusting a current through the first suspension spring
3020 to compensate for the effect of the relative temperature to a
position selected based at least in part upon the relative
temperature. In some embodiments, the adjusting compensates for one
or more of changes in optical characteristics of the lens barrel
3002 in response to the relative temperature, and changes in
electrical characteristics of components of the actuator in
response to the relative temperature.
[0147] In some embodiments, the driver circuit 3090 is further
configured for controlling movement of and providing power to the
voice coil motor creating the first electrical signal and the
second electrical signal in a frequency range that does not overlap
with a frequency range of used to controlling movement of the voice
coil motor.
[0148] In some embodiments, the driver circuit 3090 is further
configured for generating the first electrical signal and the
second electrical signal as components of a probe pulse lasting
between one-half millisecond and two milliseconds. In some
embodiments, the driver circuit 3090 is further configured for
generating the first electrical signal and the second signal as
components of a probe pulse having no direct current content. In
some embodiments, the driver circuit is further configured for
generating the first electrical signal and the second signal as
components of a bipolar probe pulse.
Example Hardware Configured for Motion Control with Temperature
Determination
[0149] In some embodiments, the effective focal length (EFL) of the
lens and the location of its principal plane (the effective center
of the lens) both depend at least in part on temperature. In
certain applications where these parameters are useful information,
it is desirable to measure the temperature of the lens. In some
embodiments, one solution to this is to measure the resistance of
the coil. In some embodiments, the most commonly used could
material is copper, which has a temperature coefficient of
0.4%/.degree. C.
[0150] FIG. 4 depicts an example embodiment of a circuit for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments. A circuit assembly 400 includes current control
(e.g., a driver circuit) 410, a current source 420 and an autofocus
coil 430 connected to the current control at autofocus positive 440
and autofocus negative 450 terminals, across which a voltage 460
may be measured. In some embodiments, when known constant current
is supplied from current source 420, Rcoil of autofocus coil 430 is
determined by measuring voltage drop 460, .DELTA.V, between AF+ 440
and AF- 450 terminals according to the equation:
R coil = .DELTA. V I source . ##EQU00001##
[0151] In some embodiments, the resistance of the AF coil 430,
Rcoil, changes with temperature based on the temperature
coefficient, .alpha.coil, specified as %/.degree. C. By measuring
.DELTA.V (T1) at a known temperature, T1, some embodiments can
calculate the relative temperature at T2 by measuring .DELTA.V (T2)
according to the equation:
.DELTA. T = ( R coil ( T 2 ) R coil ( T 1 ) - 1 ) .alpha. coil 100
= ( .DELTA. V ( T 2 ) .DELTA. V ( T 1 ) - 1 ) .alpha. coil 100.
##EQU00002##
[0152] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a circuit for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments. A driver circuit 500 receives commands (data (SDA
510) and clock (SCL 520) signals) over an I2C synchronous serial
bus for controlling by means of digital to analog converter 570
current supplied to coil 530 by current source 540. Some
embodiments measure a voltage between V.sub.AF 550 and ground 560
using analog to digital converter 580, using a high-frequency probe
pulse.
[0153] FIG. 6 depicts example embodiments of probe pulse waveforms
that can be used with a circuit for measuring temperature in a
camera module, according to at least some embodiments. Each of
pulse waveforms 610-650 is an example of a high-frequency probe
pulse is in a balanced probe pulse waveform selected to avoid DC
content, and thereby reduce impact on focus position.
[0154] In some embodiments, the shape of the probe pulse will
determine its spectral content. The pulses with more cycles will
have a narrower spectrum. A pulse with a narrow spectrum will
couple less energy into the fundamental and structural resonances
of the AF actuator. A pulse with a broader spectrum will be more
compact and will enable a simpler implementation.
[0155] FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment frequency spectrum
behavior of a probe pulse waveform that can be used with a circuit
for measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments. FIG. 8 depicts an example circuit usable with
systems for measuring temperature in a camera module, according to
at least some embodiments.
[0156] Frequency diagram 700 shows a frequency of an autofocus
drive 710, a frequency of a resistance probe 720, a frequency of
structural resonance 730 of the voice coil motor, and a frequency
of mechanical resonance 740 of the voice coil motor. In some
embodiments frequency 720 is chosen for the pulse that is far above
the mechanical resonance of the AF 730 in order to reduce lens
motion.
[0157] FIG. 8 depicts an example circuit usable with systems for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments. Circuit 800 measures a voltage V 810 at the
output of a filter 820 across a VCM coil 830 and a driver current
source 840 controlled by an autofocus driver signal 860. A probe
pulse current source 850 is driven by a probe pulse generator
870.
[0158] FIG. 9 illustrates an example circuit usable with systems
for measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments. A driver circuit 900 receives commands (data (SDA
910) and clock (SCL 920) signals) over an I2C synchronous serial
bus for controlling by means of digital to analog converter 970
current supplied to coil 930 by current source 940. Some
embodiments measure a voltage between V.sub.AF 950 and ground 960
using analog to digital converter 980, using a high-frequency probe
pulse to measure resistance at a resistance measurement module
990.
[0159] FIG. 10 depicts an example of behavior of an example circuit
usable with systems for measuring temperature in a camera module,
according to at least some embodiments. A current pulse 1010 is
supplied through a circuit 1020 to generate a voltage spike 1030.
In one implementation, a bipolar pulse 1010 is used. As shown
above, the fast rising edges of the pulse 1010 will induce a
transient voltage 1040 across the inductance of the coil. Similar
waveforms, such as one complete cycle of a sine wave can be used to
reduce this effect in some embodiments.
[0160] FIG. 11 illustrates an example circuit usable with systems
for measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments. In circuit 1100, a coil voltage 1110 enters a
matched filter 1120 for processing and output to a
digital-to-analog converter 1130. Two sample and hold circuits 1140
and 1150 are used to capture the voltages of the upper and lower
peaks of pulse 1160. Another circuit 1170 is used to remove the DC
offset of the nominal coil resistance times the probe current in
order to maximize the useful dynamic range of the ADC.
[0161] FIG. 12 depicts example operations usable with systems for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments. On autofocus writing, autofocus current is
updated and probe resistance is measured. In one implementation,
the DC resistance measurement might be performed every time the AF
current is updated, using the sequence shown. The resistance values
could then be reported at the end of the next write command, and
shown in the I2C timing figure beneath.
[0162] FIG. 13 illustrates example commands usable with systems for
measuring temperature in a camera module, according to at least
some embodiments. Sequence 1300 includes a device ID 1310, a
register address 1320, an autofocus current 1330, and a coil
resistance 1340. Because the coil resistance varies based at least
in part on temperature, its value is expected to change slowly. In
some embodiments, it would not necessarily have to be interrogated
every time the AF current is updated.
[0163] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for measuring temperature
in a camera module, according to at least some embodiments. A first
responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop between a first
terminal attached to a first suspension spring of an actuator
housing a voice coil motor for moving a lens assembly and a second
terminal of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor is measured
(block 1420). A first resistance of the magnetic coil based at
least in part upon the first voltage value is calculated (block
1430). A second responsive voltage value for a second voltage drop
between the first terminal attached and the second terminal is
measured (block 1440). A second resistance of the magnetic coil
based at least in part upon the second responsive voltage value is
calculated (block 1450). A relative temperature for the magnetic
coil based at least in part upon the first resistance and the
second resistance is calculated (block 1460).
[0164] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for measuring temperature
in a camera module, according to at least some embodiments. A first
responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop between a first
terminal attached to a first suspension spring of an actuator
housing a voice coil motor for moving a lens assembly and a second
terminal of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor is measured
(block 1520). A first resistance of the magnetic coil based at
least in part upon the first voltage value is calculated (block
1530). A second responsive voltage value for a second voltage drop
between the first terminal attached and the second terminal is
measured (block 1540). A second resistance of the magnetic coil
based at least in part upon the second responsive voltage value is
calculated (block 1550). A relative temperature for the magnetic
coil based at least in part upon the first resistance and the
second resistance is calculated (block 1560). A position of the
lens assembly is adjusted based at least in part upon the relative
temperature (block 1570).
[0165] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method for measuring temperature
in a camera module, according to at least some embodiments. A first
responsive voltage value for a first voltage drop between a first
terminal attached to a first suspension spring of an actuator
housing a voice coil motor for moving a lens assembly and a second
terminal of the magnetic coil of the voice coil motor is measured
(block 1620). A first resistance of the magnetic coil based at
least in part upon the first voltage value is calculated (block
1630). A second responsive voltage value for a second voltage drop
between the first terminal attached and the second terminal is
measured (block 1640). A second resistance of the magnetic coil
based at least in part upon the second responsive voltage value is
calculated (block 1650). A relative temperature for the magnetic
coil based at least in part upon the first resistance and the
second resistance is calculated (block 1660). The lens assembly is
moved by adjusting a current through the first suspension spring to
compensate for the effect of the relative temperature to a position
selected based at least in part upon the relative temperature to
compensate for one or more of changes in optical characteristics of
the lens barrel in response to the relative temperature and changes
in electrical characteristics of components of the actuator in
response to the relative temperature (block 1670).
Example Computer System
[0166] FIG. 17 illustrates an example computer system 1700 that may
be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments described
above. In different embodiments, computer system 1700 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.
[0167] Various embodiments of a camera motion control system as
described herein, including embodiments of temperature measurement,
as described herein may be executed in one or more computer systems
1700, which may interact with various other devices. Note that any
component, action, or functionality described above with respect to
FIGS. 1-10 may be implemented on one or more computers configured
as computer system 1700 of FIG. 17, according to various
embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 1700
includes one or more processors 1710 coupled to a system memory
1720 via an input/output (I/O) interface 1730. Computer system 1700
further includes a network interface 1740 coupled to I/O interface
1730, and one or more input/output devices 1750, such as cursor
control device 1760, keyboard 1770, and display(s) 1780. In some
cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may be implemented using
a single instance of computer system 1700, while in other
embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making up
computer system 1700, 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 1700 that are distinct from those nodes implementing other
elements.
[0168] In various embodiments, computer system 1700 may be a
uniprocessor system including one processor 1710, or a
multiprocessor system including several processors 1710 (e.g., two,
four, eight, or another suitable number). Processors 1710 may be
any suitable processor capable of executing instructions. For
example, in various embodiments processors 1710 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 1710 may commonly, but
not necessarily, implement the same ISA.
[0169] System memory 1720 may be configured to store camera control
program instructions 1722 and/or camera control data accessible by
processor 1710. In various embodiments, system memory 1720 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 1722 may be configured
to implement a lens control application 1724 incorporating any of
the functionality described above. Additionally, existing camera
control data 1732 of memory 1720 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 1720 or computer system 1700. While
computer system 1700 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.
[0170] In one embodiment, I/O interface 1730 may be configured to
coordinate I/O traffic between processor 1710, system memory 1720,
and any peripheral devices in the device, including network
interface 1740 or other peripheral interfaces, such as input/output
devices 1750. In some embodiments, I/O interface 1730 may perform
any necessary protocol, timing or other data transformations to
convert data signals from one component (e.g., system memory 1720)
into a format suitable for use by another component (e.g.,
processor 1710). In some embodiments, I/O interface 1730 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 1730 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
1730, such as an interface to system memory 1720, may be
incorporated directly into processor 1710.
[0171] Network interface 1740 may be configured to allow data to be
exchanged between computer system 1700 and other devices attached
to a network 1785 (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes
of computer system 1700. Network 1785 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 1740 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.
[0172] Input/output devices 1750 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 1700. Multiple input/output devices 1750 may
be present in computer system 1700 or may be distributed on various
nodes of computer system 1700. In some embodiments, similar
input/output devices may be separate from computer system 1700 and
may interact with one or more nodes of computer system 1700 through
a wired or wireless connection, such as over network interface
1740.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 17, memory 1720 may include program
instructions 1722, 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.
[0174] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer
system 1700 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 1700 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.
[0175] 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 1700 may be transmitted to computer system 1700 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.
[0176] 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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