Abstract: A camera module with sticky epoxy and method for dislodging particles from a corresponding IR filter. Particles, formed during manufacture or use of the camera, may accumulate in the camera (e.g., on an infrared filter) causing blemishes in camera images. A sticky epoxy with characteristics for attracting and capturing particles is located in the camera. The epoxy may be located in a gap between a substrate and an outside edge of an infrared filter coupled to the substrate. The epoxy and the gap may surround the infrared filter and the epoxy may also be located on other surfaces of the camera. A process for loosening particles from the infrared filter includes driving an actuator that moves the substrate/infrared filter assembly (perhaps striking a base assembly) to loosen the particles from the infrared filter such that the particles are moved to, and trapped by, the epoxy.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a camera system having an autofocus (AF) actuator arrangement for moving an image sensor to provide AF. For example, the AF actuator may be used to move the image sensor, relative to a lens group of the camera system, in at least one direction parallel to an optical axis of the camera system. The AF actuator arrangement may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators. According to various embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include fixed drive magnets and movable drive coils. The drive magnets may be coupled with a housing of the camera system. The drive coils may be coupled with a substrate, and the substrate may also be coupled with the image sensor, such that the image sensor and the substrate move together.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a camera system having a tilt actuator arrangement for tilting an image sensor. For example, the tilt actuator may be used to tilt the image sensor, relative to a lens group of the camera system, to provide tilt compensation and/or optical image stabilization (OIS). The tilt actuator arrangement may include one or more voice coil motor (VCM) actuators. According to various embodiments, the VCM actuator(s) may include fixed drive magnets and movable drive coils. The drive magnets may be coupled with a housing of the camera system. The drive coils may be coupled with a substrate, and the substrate may also be coupled with the image sensor, such that the image sensor and the substrate move together.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an engaging arrangement that may be used to attach a lens barrel to a lens carrier of a camera. In some embodiments, the engaging arrangement may restrict movement of the lens barrel relative to the lens carrier along at least an optical axis. In various examples, the engaging arrangement may include one or more grooves and one or more protrusions. For instance, a groove may be defined by the lens barrel or the lens carrier, and a protrusion may extend from the lens barrel or the lens carrier to at least partially into the groove. In some cases, the engaging arrangement may include an adhesive positioned continuously 360 degrees around the engaging arrangement between the lens barrel and the lens carrier.

Abstract: An automated ball launching system is described. The system includes a ball support configured to releasably support a ball in a launch position; a positioning subsystem configured to set a launch direction for the ball; a launcher configured to project the ball in the launch direction from the launch position; and a control subsystem connected to the positioning subsystem and the launcher. The control subsystem is configured to: determine a position of a player relative to the ball launching system; control the positioning subsystem to set the launch direction based on the position of the player; and control the launcher to project the ball in the launch direction.