Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting groups of user devices to similar video content of interest based on role. The method includes providing a first video to groups of user devices, each having an associated user role, receiving viewing metrics indicative of levels of viewing interest for the first video from a first group of user devices associated with a particular user role, and when a level of viewing interest is above a predetermined threshold, classifying one or more corresponding first video frames of the first video as frames of interest. The method further includes receiving a second video, determining, using the frames of interest, that video content of the second video is of interest to a second group of user devices having the particular user role, and providing an alert to the second group of user devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting groups of user devices to similar video content of interest based on role. The method includes providing a first video to groups of user devices, each having an associated user role, receiving viewing metrics indicative of levels of viewing interest for the first video from a first group of user devices associated with a particular user role, and when a level of viewing interest is above a predetermined threshold, classifying one or more corresponding first video frames of the first video as frames of interest. The method further includes receiving a second video, determining, using the frames of interest, that video content of the second video is of interest to a second group of user devices having the particular user role, and providing an alert to the second group of user devices.

Abstract: Method and device for providing safe zone information. The method includes receiving a map of an incident area sensor information from at least one sensor at the incident area. The method also includes determining a multi-dimensional model of the incident area based on the map of the incident area and the sensor information and determining a first threat location based on the sensor information, the map of the incident area, and the multi-dimensional model of the incident area. The method further includes determining a plurality of safe zone shadow areas based on the first threat location. The method also includes updating the multi-dimensional model of the incident area to include the plurality of safe zone shadow areas and to generate a safe zone shadow representation of the incident area and transmitting the safe zone shadow representation to at least one user device in the incident area.

Abstract: Method and device for providing safe zone information. The method includes receiving a map of an incident area sensor information from at least one sensor at the incident area. The method also includes determining a multi-dimensional model of the incident area based on the map of the incident area and the sensor information and determining a first threat location based on the sensor information, the map of the incident area, and the multi-dimensional model of the incident area. The method further includes determining a plurality of safe zone shadow areas based on the first threat location. The method also includes updating the multi-dimensional model of the incident area to include the plurality of safe zone shadow areas and to generate a safe zone shadow representation of the incident area and transmitting the safe zone shadow representation to at least one user device in the incident area.

Abstract: A camera module with no PCB that instead has a lens actuator/housing that has circuitry on a bottom surface thereof for direct electrical connection to a mobile electronic device. The housing further has a recess formed in the bottom surface thereof to receive an image sensor. The circuitry is three-dimensional in that it includes a first set of contact pads on one planar surface for connection to the mobile electronic device, a second set of contact pads on a planar surface within the recess for connection to the image sensor, and conductive traces that connect each of the contact pads of the first set with an associated one of the contact pads of the second set by having the trace follow a path from the first planar surface, along a intersecting third planar surface to the second planar surface.

Abstract: A mobile communications device with a private zone and a non-private zone and methods of displaying communications in the same. In one embodiment, the mobile communications device includes a display having a private zone in which viewing is relatively more restricted and a non-private zone in which viewing is relatively less restricted. The mobile communications device further includes a transceiver to transmit and receive communications and an electronic processor electrically coupled to the transceiver and to the display. The electronic processor is configured to receive a message and determine whether the message is private. The electronic processor displays the message in the private zone when the message is private.

Abstract: A mobile communications device with a private zone and a non-private zone and methods of displaying communications in the same. In one embodiment, the mobile communications device includes a display having a private zone in which viewing is relatively more restricted and a non-private zone in which viewing is relatively less restricted. The mobile communications device further includes a transceiver to transmit and receive communications and an electronic processor electrically coupled to the transceiver and to the display. The electronic processor is configured to receive a message and determine whether the message is private. The electronic processor displays the message in the private zone when the message is private.

Abstract: A camera module with a lens barrel containing a lens, and a lens carrier that slidably receives the lens barrel. Each of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a seating surface formed thereon. One of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of protrusions for controlling the relative position of the lens barrel and the lens carrier. The other of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of channels that are sized and arranged so as to slidably receive the protrusions to allow for the lens barrel to be slid into the lens carrier. The channels also each include a transverse section to allow the lens barrel to be pivoted about an optical axis of the lens barrel.

Abstract: A camera module including a particle trap. The particle trap may be disposed in the camera module and may be operable to prevent particles from obstructing an optical path defined between a lens assembly and an image sensor. The particle trap may include a particle getter to retain particles in contact with the particle trap. The camera module may be operative to move the lens assembly so as to provide focus on the image sensor for objects at various distances from the camera module. The movement of the lens assembly may be a source of particles retained by the particle trap.

Abstract: A camera module including an image sensor and a circuit substrate that are each attached to a bottom surface of a glass substrate. The image sensor is positioned between the circuit substrate and the glass substrate. This arrangement allows passive components normally associated with the image sensor to be mounted to a top surface of the glass substrate rather than to the image sensor, thus reducing the necessary size of the top surface of the image sensor, which in turn can reduce the overall size of the image sensor. A lens assembly, including a housing and a lens, is attached to the circuit substrate to position the image sensor and the glass substrate within a cavity provided in the housing.

Abstract: A camera module having a flash that is provided therein. The flash may be an LED light source. The LED may come in a package that is generally rectangular, with the exception that one corner is flattened. The camera module includes a housing that receives the light source, an image sensor, and a lens. The housing includes mating features that receive the LED package, those features including a flattened corner so that the LED package can only be received within the housing when it is properly oriented. The housing also includes electrical terminals for connection to the LED that include springs. When the LED package is properly oriented and received within the housing, contact pads on the LED package and the electrical terminals on the housing are pressed together against the resilient force of the spring.

Abstract: A camera module with a vent in a housing thereof to allow for fluid communication between an interior of the camera module and an exterior of the camera module. A micro-porous membrane filter having a pore size smaller than 10 um is employed to cover the vent so as to reduce the flow of contaminants into the camera module.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path.

Abstract: A camera module having a liquid crystal shutter that controls the time period during which the image sensor is exposed to light directed into the camera module. The shutter is located within the camera module housing, which may include EMI shielding and may include a lens actuator for moving a movable lens group. The shutter may be located before or after the movable lens group and before or after a fixed lens group that may also be included. The camera module may also include an IR filter for reducing the amount of IR light that reaches the image sensor.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path.

Abstract: A camera module including a particle trap. The particle trap may be disposed in the camera module and may be operable to prevent particles from obstructing an optical path defined between a lens assembly and an image sensor. The particle trap may include a particle getter to retain particles in contact with the particle trap. The camera module may be operative to move the lens assembly so as to provide focus on the image sensor for objects at various distances from the camera module. The movement of the lens assembly may be a source of particles retained by the particle trap.

Abstract: A multi-directional SFR measurement system includes a rotatable test fixture located within an enclosure. Mounted on the test fixture is a test key for holding a camera module under test, a collimating lens, and a target/light source panel that provides a visible target for imaging by the camera module. A controller box located outside of the enclosure allows an operator to command the system to rotate the test fixture to a desired angle and capture an image of the target with the camera module under test. The system also includes an angle indicator to indicate the rotational angle of the test fixture and an air pressure controller/indicator to control and indicate the air pressure of the system used for positioning the collimating lens relative to the test fixture.

Abstract: A camera module with a lens barrel containing a lens, and a lens carrier that slidably receives the lens barrel. Each of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a seating surface formed thereon. One of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of protrusions for controlling the relative position of the lens barrel and the lens carrier. The other of the exterior surface of the lens barrel and the interior surface of the lens carrier include a plurality of channels that are sized and arranged so as to slidably receive the protrusions to allow for the lens barrel to be slid into the lens carrier. The channels also each include a transverse section to allow the lens barrel to be pivoted about an optical axis of the lens barrel.

Abstract: A camera module including an image sensor and a circuit substrate that are each attached to a bottom surface of a glass substrate. The image sensor is positioned between the circuit substrate and the glass substrate. This arrangement allows passive components normally associated with the image sensor to be mounted to a top surface of the glass substrate rather than to the image sensor, thus reducing the necessary size of the top surface of the image sensor, which in turn can reduce the overall size of the image sensor. A lens assembly, including a housing and a lens, is attached to the circuit substrate to position the image sensor and the glass substrate within a cavity provided in the housing.