Auxiliary optical devices
View Patent ↗Disclosed in some examples are auxiliary optical systems for removably attaching to mobile devices, including mobile telephones with onboard cameras, to provide enhanced optical features. Some auxiliary optical systems can be configured to attach to multiple different types and sizes of mobile devices. Some auxiliary optical systems can be configured to attach to a mobile device that includes a protruding onboard camera. For example, in some embodiments, a retainer portion of an auxiliary optical system can comprise a region for receiving the protruding onboard camera in a clearance or friction fit.
1. An auxiliary optical system configured to be removably attachable to a mobile electronic communication device having a protruding onboard camera on a front face and a smooth, continuous protruding portion surrounding the onboard camera, the auxiliary optical system comprising:
a retainer portion comprising a passive restraining system, the retainer portion configured to be removably attachable to the mobile electronic communication device, the retainer portion comprising at least a front portion configured to contact the front face of the mobile electronic communication device, at least a second portion configured to contact another face or edge of the mobile electronic communication device, a passage positioned on the front portion and sufficiently flexible to permit the passage to temporarily enlarge when the auxiliary optical system is removably attached to the mobile electronic communication device,
and a seating region adjacent the passage and sufficiently large to receive the protruding portion of the onboard camera when the retainer portion is attached to the mobile electronic communication device; and
at least one optical component attached or attachable to the retainer portion such that the optical component is configured to be in optical communication with the onboard camera of the mobile electronic communication device when the retainer portion is attached to the mobile electronic communication device;
wherein the retainer portion is configured to be moved into position on the mobile electronic communication device such that the retainer portion contacts the front face of the mobile electronic communication device in a region adjacent to the protruding portion in a secure manner that resists sliding.
2. The combination of the auxiliary optical system of claim 1 and the mobile electronic communication device.
3. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the retainer portion is configured to receive the protruding portion on the onboard camera in a clearance fit when the retainer portion is attached to the onboard camera.
4. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the retainer portion is configured to receive the protruding portion on the onboard camera in a contacting, friction fit when the retainer portion is attached to the onboard camera.
5. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the passage comprises a channel formed in the front portion that is configured to receive the protruding portion.
6. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein a movable restraining member is configured to help securely retain the auxiliary optical system in place when the auxiliary optical system is attached to the mobile electronic communication device.
7. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , further comprising a resilient portion.
8. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the passage comprises a movable portion that moves to permit entry of the protruding onboard camera of the mobile electronic communication device.
9. The auxiliary optical system of claim 8 , wherein the movable portion slides.
10. The auxiliary optical system of claim 8 , wherein the movable portion pivots.
11. The auxiliary optical system of claim 8 , wherein the movable portion shifts.
12. The auxiliary optical system of claim 8 , wherein the movable portion rotates.
13. The auxiliary optical system of claim 8 , wherein the movable portion is movable by a user-operable actuator.
14. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the retainer portion is configured to contact a rear face of the mobile electronic communication device that is opposite from the front face of the mobile electronic communication device when the auxiliary optical system is attached to the mobile electronic communication device.
15. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the retainer portion comprises a channel configured to receive a portion of the mobile electronic communication device.
16. The auxiliary optical system of claim 15 , wherein the retainer portion is configured to receive a corner of the mobile electronic device.
17. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein an interior of the retainer portion is contoured, shaped, or sized to closely correspond to or match an exterior surface of the mobile electronic communication device.
18. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the retainer portion comprises an arc that matches or corresponds to the shape of at least a portion of the protruding portion on the mobile electronic communication device.
19. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the retainer portion comprises a first side and a second side that are movable with respect to each other.
20. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the retainer portion does not require dynamic mounts to securely attach to the mobile electronic communication device.
21. The auxiliary optical system of claim 1 , wherein the retainer portion is configured to be attachable to the mobile electronic communication device in a single motion.
22. An auxiliary optical system for removable attachment to a mobile electronic communication device having an onboard camera and a protruding portion surrounding the onboard camera, the auxiliary optical system comprising:
a retainer portion that is removably attachable to the mobile electronic communication device in a secure manner that resists sliding, the retainer portion comprising a first portion and a second portion spaced from the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion contact opposite faces of the mobile electronic communication device when the auxiliary optical system is attached to the mobile electronic communication device, the first portion including a passage and a seating region adjacent the passage, the passage being sufficiently flexible to temporarily enlarge when the auxiliary optical system is attached to the mobile electronic communication device, and the seating region being sufficiently large to receive the protruding portion surrounding the onboard camera of the mobile electronic communication device when the retainer portion is attached to the mobile electronic communication device; and
an optical component attached to the retainer portion such that the optical component is in optical communication with the onboard camera of the mobile electronic communication device when the retainer portion is attached to the mobile electronic communication device.