Abstract: A camera module including a camera module carrier having a lens actuator attached thereto and at least two conductive carrier traces that are electrically connected to electrical contact points of the lens actuator. The camera module having a lens barrel connected to the camera module carrier, the lens barrel having a first conductive barrel trace and a second conductive barrel trace formed therein, the first conductive barrel trace and the second conductive barrel trace forming an alternating pattern of first contact regions and second contact regions along a top edge of the lens barrel and being electrically connected to respective ones of the at least two conductive carrier traces such that electrical signals can be routed between the camera module carrier and the lens barrel. The camera module further including an electronic device electrically connected to the lens actuator by the camera module carrier and the lens barrel.

Abstract: A camera module including a camera module carrier having a lens actuator attached thereto and at least two conductive carrier traces that are electrically connected to electrical contact points of the lens actuator. The camera module having a lens barrel connected to the camera module carrier, the lens barrel having a first conductive barrel trace and a second conductive barrel trace formed therein, the first conductive barrel trace and the second conductive barrel trace forming an alternating pattern of first contact regions and second contact regions along a top edge of the lens barrel and being electrically connected to respective ones of the at least two conductive carrier traces such that electrical signals can be routed between the camera module carrier and the lens barrel. The camera module further including an electronic device electrically connected to the lens actuator by the camera module carrier and the lens barrel.

Abstract: A camera module has an image sensor and a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel having a first cylindrical portion that includes an externally threaded portion and a second cylindrical portion that has a larger diameter than the externally threaded portion. A lens moving mechanism includes a movable sleeve having internal threads that receive the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly. The lens moving mechanism is coupled to the image sensor such that the second cylindrical portion of the lens assembly is closest to the image sensor. The camera module is assembled by inserting the lens assembly into the lens moving mechanism from the side closest to the image sensor. An installation tool engages the second cylindrical portion to rotate the lens assembly and engage the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly with an internally threaded portion of a movable sleeve in the lens moving mechanism.

Abstract: A camera module includes a body having recesses in a first datum surface. A filleted edge may join the recesses to the first datum surface. An image sensor is coupled to the body at a known distance from the first datum surface. A movable lens mechanism includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is coupled to the body. The movable portion includes a lens assembly and protrusions arranged to fit within the recesses in the first datum surface and to define a second datum surface. A resilient stop plate covers the recesses in the first datum surface with an elastic sheet material. A spring may hold the protrusions in contact with the resilient stop plate when the movable lens mechanism is unpowered. The resilient stop plate may include a rigid support plate coupled to the body by heat staking. The elastic sheet material may be viscoelastic.

Abstract: A camera module has an image sensor and a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel having a first cylindrical portion that includes an externally threaded portion and a second cylindrical portion that has a larger diameter than the externally threaded portion. A lens moving mechanism includes a movable sleeve having internal threads that receive the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly. The lens moving mechanism is coupled to the image sensor such that the second cylindrical portion of the lens assembly is closest to the image sensor. The camera module is assembled by inserting the lens assembly into the lens moving mechanism from the side closest to the image sensor. An installation tool may engage the second cylindrical portion to rotate the lens assembly and engage the threaded portions. Features may be provided to retain the lens assembly in the lens moving mechanism before joining the threaded portions.

Abstract: A camera module includes a body having recesses in a first datum surface. A filleted edge may join the recesses to the first datum surface. An image sensor is coupled to the body at a known distance from the first datum surface. A movable lens mechanism includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is coupled to the body. The movable portion includes a lens assembly and protrusions arranged to fit within the recesses in the first datum surface and to define a second datum surface. A resilient stop plate covers the recesses in the first datum surface with an elastic sheet material. A spring may hold the protrusions in contact with the resilient stop plate when the movable lens mechanism is unpowered. The resilient stop plate may include a rigid support plate coupled to the body by heat staking. The elastic sheet material may be viscoelastic.

Abstract: A camera module has an image sensor and a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel having a first cylindrical portion that includes an externally threaded portion and a second cylindrical portion that has a larger diameter than the externally threaded portion. A lens moving mechanism includes a movable sleeve having internal threads that receive the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly. The lens moving mechanism is coupled to the image sensor such that the second cylindrical portion of the lens assembly is closest to the image sensor. The camera module is assembled by inserting the lens assembly into the lens moving mechanism from the side closest to the image sensor. An installation tool may engage the second cylindrical portion to rotate the lens assembly and engage the threaded portions. Features may be provided to retain the lens assembly in the lens moving mechanism before joining the threaded portions.

Abstract: A camera module has an image sensor and a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel having a first cylindrical portion that includes an externally threaded portion and a second cylindrical portion that has a larger diameter than the externally threaded portion. A lens moving mechanism includes a movable sleeve having internal threads that receive the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly. The lens moving mechanism is coupled to the image sensor such that the second cylindrical portion of the lens assembly is closest to the image sensor. The camera module is assembled by inserting the lens assembly into the lens moving mechanism from the side closest to the image sensor. An installation tool engages the second cylindrical portion to rotate the lens assembly and engage the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly with an internally threaded portion of a movable sleeve in the lens moving mechanism.

Abstract: An optical navigation device includes an optical transmission element, operable in use to transmit light from an illumination source to a sensor via a mousing surface, and a housing unit. The optical transmission element may have an alignment shaft. Ideally the optical transmission element and housing unit are assembled to a substrate by snap-fit. The alignment shaft ensures that the optics are properly aligned to the substrate and the light source and sensor thereon.

Abstract: A digital image sensor includes a planar substrate with one or more bonding pads on one side and a silicon chip with one or more bonding pads. The silicon chip is attached on the planar substrate through the one or more bonding pads. The attachment of the silicon chip to the planar substrate is performed in a manner such that the silicon chip, when attached, has a curved shape.

Abstract: An optical navigation device includes an optical transmission element, operable in use to transmit light from an illumination source to a sensor via a mousing surface, and a housing unit. The optical transmission element may have an alignment shaft. Ideally the optical transmission element and housing unit are assembled to a substrate by snap-fit. The alignment shaft ensures that the optics are properly aligned to the substrate and the light source and sensor thereon.