Selectively attachable and removable optical systems for mobile devices

Abstract

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to an optical system having multiple (e.g., two or more) optical components attached to a retainer portion, and the retainer portion may be removably attached to mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, media players, and the like. In some embodiments, the optical components may be permanently or removably attached to the same face of the retainer portion. The optical system may be oriented in at least two different positions with respect to a mobile electronic device. In a first position, a first optical component may be generally aligned with an onboard camera of the mobile electronic device, and in a second potion a second optical component may be aligned with the onboard camera.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 883,088, filed on Sep. 26, 2013 and entitled “SELECTIVELY ATTACHABLE AND REMOVABLE OPTICAL SYSTEMS FOR MOBILE DEVICES,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made part of this specification for all that it discloses.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to accessories for mobile devices (e.g., mobile telephones, mobile texting devices, personal media players, tablet devices, laptop computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, and / or devices capable of linking electronically to another device or to a network such as the Internet, etc.), and specifically to removable functional components for mobile devices.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In recent years, many advances in computer networking and processing technology have made it possible for mobile devices to include cameras that permit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a system for improving the quality of photography in mobile devices by using a removable and selectively attachable optical system. The optical system can be attached to various mobile devices, such as phones or tablets, and can be used with different attachment structures, such as a clip or a magnet. The optical system includes a lens that can be adjusted for different photographic needs, and it can be attached in different positions on the mobile device. The technical effects of this system include improved image quality, compatibility with a wide range of mobile devices, and ease of use with different attachment structures.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are many design constraints on onboard cameras in mobile devices that can limit the weight, size, expense, shape, adjustability, and overall quality of the lensing systems of such cameras.

Consequently, many cameras in mobile devices are inadequate for a wide variety of photographic needs and may produce lower quality photographic images.

These deficiencies cannot be addressed by existing modular or detachable lensing systems for use with conventional film or digital cameras due to significant differences between such lensing systems and mobile devices, including incompatibilities in attachment structures, weight, optics, size, transportation, storage, ergonomics, and / or portability.

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