US20160248952A1 - Removable lenses for mobile electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

In some embodiments, an auxiliary optical system for a mobile electronic device has a mounting component that is configured to be selectively attachable and detachable from the mobile electronic device. The mounting component is configured to be coupled to and decoupled from a multi-lens component with a plurality of lenses. When the multi-lens component is coupled to the mounting component, the multi-lens component can be prevented from moving, such as sliding or rotating. In some embodiments, an auxiliary optical system for a mobile electronic device comprises a removable onboard camera lens or onboard camera of a mobile electronic device. The onboard lens or onboard camera can be removed and/or replaced with another onboard lens or onboard camera with different optical qualities.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/206,210, filed on Mar. 12, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/780,642, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all that they disclose.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
• 1. Field of the Inventions
• This invention relates generally to accessories for mobile electronic devices (e.g., mobile telephones, mobile texting devices, mobile information storage and display devices, electronic pad devices, laptop computers, desktop computers, etc.), and specifically to removable functional components for mobile electronic devices.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• In recent years, many advances in computer networking and processing technology have made it possible for communication devices to include cameras that permit users to capture images. In many cases, these images can be stored, processed, and transmitted. However, there are many design constraints on onboard cameras in mobile electronic devices that can limit the weight, size, expense, shape, adjustability, and overall quality of the lensing systems of such cameras. Consequently, many cameras in communications devices are inadequate for a wide variety of photographic needs and may produce poor quality photographic images.
SUMMARY OF THE SPECIFICATION
• In some embodiments, an auxiliary optical system for a mobile electronic device has a mounting component that is configured to be selectively attachable and detachable from the mobile electronic device. The mounting component is configured to be coupled to and decoupled from a multi-lens component with a plurality of lenses. When the multi-lens component is coupled to the mounting component, the multi-lens component can be prevented from moving, such as sliding or rotating.
• In some embodiments, an auxiliary optical system for a mobile electronic device comprises a removable onboard camera lens or onboard camera of a mobile electronic device. The onboard lens or onboard camera can be removed and/or replaced with another onboard lens or onboard camera with different optical qualities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Certain embodiments of the inventions will now be discussed in detail with reference to the following figures. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the inventions are not limited to the subject matter illustrated in the figures.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an auxiliary optical system in use with a mobile communication device.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a front plan view the auxiliary optical system and mobile communication device ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of an auxiliary optical system.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a front plan view of another embodiment of an auxiliary optical system.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of an auxiliary optical system for use with a mobile communication device with an optical component in a first position.
• FIG. 6A illustrates a front and side perspective view of the optical component of the optical system ofFIG. 5 being moved into a second position.
• FIG. 6B illustrates a front and side perspective view of the auxiliary optical system ofFIG. 5 with the optical component in the second position.
• FIG. 7A illustrates a front and side perspective view of a base portion of an embodiment of an auxiliary optical system with a generally centrally positioned attachment region configured to receive an optical component.
• FIG. 7B illustrates a front and side perspective view of a base portion of another embodiment of an auxiliary optical system with a generally slanted attachment region configured to receive an optical component.
• FIGS. 7C-7E are front and side perspective views of embodiments of base portions of auxiliary optical systems.
• FIG. 8 illustrates a front and side perspective view of an auxiliary optical system for use with a generally centrally positioned onboard camera on a mobile communication device.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a front and side perspective view of a mobile communication device with an onboard camera comprising a removable and/or interchangeable lens.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of a collection of interchangeable lenses for use with a mobile communication device in which the onboard camera has a lens that is configured to be removable and replaceable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
• Auxiliary optical systems comprising lens components or devices can be removably attached to mobile electronic devices to selectively enhance or otherwise change an image created from light that is transmitted through a lens to an onboard camera lens of the mobile electronic devices. For example, lens components such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,279,544, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it discloses, may be secured to a mobile electronic device by a clip that contacts generally opposing sides of the mobile electronic device. The lens component may include a different lens on each side of the clip portion (e.g., one side may have a fisheye lens, while the generally opposing side may have a wide angle, macro, telephoto, or some other photographic lens). When a user wishes to use a different lens, the user may rotate the lens component so that the lens from other side of the clip portion is positioned to alter light passing through to the onboard camera lens of the mobile electronic device.
• Various examples are illustrated in the drawings and/or described in the text of this specification. It is contemplated that any individual features, steps, structures, or methods, can be used separately or in combination with any other individual features, steps, structures, or methods disclosed herein or present in the art. No features, steps, structures, or methods disclosed in this specification are essential or indispensable. A mobile communication device is a mobile electronic device capable of communicating with one or more other electronic devices.
• The mobileelectronic device100 illustrated inFIG. 1 is an iPhone 5, sold by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Any other mobile electronic device can be used. In this example, anonboard camera lens102 is positioned near a first corner of, themobile device100 where first and second generallyorthogonal sides104 and106 generally converge. The first andsecond sides104,106 can be located on generally opposing sides of the mobileelectronic device100 from a second corner or from third and fourth generally orthogonal sides, thereby positioning the input or output devices a substantial distance away from the third and fourth generally orthogonal sides.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 1-4, a base ormounting component110 can be permanently or removably attached to the mobileelectronic device100 using any or all of the features, structures, and/or steps illustrated or described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,279,544. For example, as illustrated, themounting component110 may be configured to clip onto a corner of the mobileelectronic device100, such thatmounting component110 contacts at least two generallyorthogonal sides104,106 of the mobileelectronic device100. In some embodiments, themounting component110 can comprise an assembled or a unitary housing comprising one or more of: a first side configured to contact, or to be positioned adjacent to, a face of a mobileelectronic device100 with an onboard camera; a second side generally opposite from the first side and configured to contact, or to be positioned adjacent to, a face of a mobileelectronic device100 with a display screen visible to a user of the mobileelectronic device100; an upper side configured to be positioned along (in contact with or adjacent to) an upper edge of a mobileelectronic device100; a first lateral side configured to be positioned along (in contact with or adjacent to) a first side edge of a mobileelectronic device100; and a second lateral side that is generally opposite from the first lateral side, the second lateral side being configured to be positioned along (in contact with or adjacent to) a second side edge of a mobileelectronic device100. As illustrated, any or all of the first lateral side, the second lateral side, and/or the upper side can extend less than the entire distance across the corresponding edge of the mobile electronic device.
• In some embodiments, amounting component110 can comprise one or more movable mounting structures (not shown) such as one or more latches, screws, levers, buttons, or cams, etc., or one or more non-movable mounting structures such as one or more magnets, snaps, hook-and-loop attachments, adhesive tapes, etc.
• Themounting component110 can be configured to be attached to the mobileelectronic device100 by a friction fit, such that the mobile electronic device grasps onto a portion of the mobileelectronic device100 in a manner that resists sliding or removal, unless a user applies a larger force to remove themounting component110. Themounting component110 can comprise a receiving portion, such as a groove or slot, into which a portion of the mobile electronic device100 (such as a corner of the device, as illustrated inFIG. 1) is configured to be inserted and retained. In some embodiments, themounting component110 has a plurality of user-adjustable positions. For example, themounting component110 can have a first release position in which the receiving portion is larger or wider or more open or otherwise less confining than a second attachment position in which the receiving portion is smaller or narrower or more closed or otherwise more confining.
• As illustrated, the mountingcomponent110 can comprise an optical mountingregion111, such as an elongate recess, that is configured to receive an optical component, such as amulti-lens component120. In some embodiments, there is only an optical mounting region on one side of mountingcomponent110 that is configured to be positioned near the side of the mobileelectronic device100 that includes an onboard camera, since attaching lenses on the other side of the mountingcomponent120 may unnecessarily add bulk and weight to the auxiliary lens system that is not needed because a plurality of lenses is already included in the multi-lens component. In some embodiments, when many lenses are desired, an optical mountingregion111 can be provided on both sides of the mountingcomponent110.
• The optical mountingregion111 can comprise first and second lens apertures orlens seats115,117, and adivider119 positioned between the lens seats115,117. Thedivider119 can optically separate the lens seats, can provide strength in the optical mounting region11 against twisting or distortion, and/or can provide an abutting surface against which themulti-lens component120 can be positioned for attachment. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the optical mountingregion111 can be configured to be positioned generally over, or generally in alignment with, or generally covering, an onboard camera of a mobileelectronic device100 when the mountingcomponent110 is attached to the mobileelectronic device100. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the onboard camera is located in a corner region of the mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, the onboard camera is located in an upper middle region of the mobile electronic device. Any mounting component described or illustrated in this specification can be configured or attached in any way illustrated and/or disclosed in the '544 patent for attaching the retainer portion to a mobile communication device, or in any other way. In some embodiments, as illustrated, when the mountingcomponent110 and themulti-lens component120 are attached to each other, the two components can function as a single lens system such that the mountingcomponent110 can be attached or detached from the mobile electronic device without attaching or detaching the mountingcomponent110 to or from the multi-lens component.
• In some embodiments, the onboard camera is located in a generally central region of the mobileelectronic device100, with the mountingcomponent210 being centrally positioned, as illustrated in the example ofFIG. 8. The mountingcomponent210 as illustrated inFIG. 8 can include afirst side201 configured to contact, or to be positioned adjacent to, a face of the mobileelectronic device100 with an onboard camera, anupper side203 configured to be positioned along (in contact with or adjacent to) an upper edge of a mobileelectronic device100, and/or a full or partial second side (not shown) that is generally opposite from the first side and that is configured to contact, or to be positioned adjacent to, a face of a mobileelectronic device100 with a display screen visible to a user of the mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, the second side comprises one or more overhanging hook-like portions that are configured to contact the face of the mobile electronic device with a display screen. The mountingcomponent210 can include any features or structures described or illustrated in this specification for any other mounting component in addition to or instead of those described or illustrated specifically in connection with the mountingcomponent210.
• The mountingcomponent110 can be configured to securely receive amulti-lens component120 for altering or enhancing images taken by theonboard camera lens102 of the mobileelectronic device100 in a removable manner. In some embodiments, as illustrated, themulti-lens component120 can be configured to snap into place on the mountingcomponent110, such as by positioning one or more lateral wings, as shown inFIG. 1, into an interference fit with one or more recesses in the mountingcomponent210. As illustrated, themulti-lens component120 can comprise a unitary base body portion with at least two lenses embedded therein at the same time, such that the at least two lenses can be removed from the mountingcomponent110 at the same time in a single motion. In some embodiments, as illustrated, themulti-lens component120 does not screw into position on the mountingcomponent110, since screwing may require more time, care, and dexterity than a single-motion attachment such as a snap-fit. Screwing themulti-lens component120 into the mountingcomponent110 may not be convenient when a user is rushing to take advantage of a transitory photo opportunity. In some embodiments, themulti-lens component120 can be configured to slide or screw or pivot or latch or otherwise move into position on the mountingcomponent110.
• As illustrated, themulti-lens component120, when attached to the mountingcomponent110, can be configured to position at least twooptical regions122,124 on a first side of the mobile electronic device that includes an onboard camera, at the same time. As illustrated in the examples shown in the figures, the two or moreoptical regions122,124 can be arranged not to be in optical communication with each other, but are rather separate and alternativeoptical regions122,124. In some embodiments, the auxiliary lens system can comprise one or more compound lenses formed of multiple discrete lenses that are in optical communication with each other, permitting the same light to pass through a plurality of lenses before impinging on the onboard camera of the mobile electronic device.
• In some embodiments, as illustrated, the outer periphery of themulti-lens component120 can generally correspond to or generally match the outer periphery of the optical mountingregion111 to help provide a secure attachment between themulti-lens component120 and the mountingcomponent110. The outer periphery of themulti-lens component120 can be smaller than the outer periphery of the mountingcomponent110. As illustrated in the figures, themulti-lens component120 can be secured in a non-movable (e.g., non-rotatable, and/or non-slidable, etc.) configuration when attached to the mountingcomponent110 until such time as themulti-lens component120 is detached or decoupled from the mountingcomponent110.
• Themulti-lens component120 can include two ormore lenses122 and124 designed or configured to enhance or alter light passing through each lens to theonboard camera lens102 of the mobileelectronic device100 in different ways. In some embodiments, as illustrated, themulti-lens component120 includes only two lenses in order to diminish the weight and/or bulk of the multi-lens component. Each of the plurality of lenses can be surrounded, substantially or entirely, by a protective periphery, such as a ring. A plurality of lenses, as shown, can be effectively coupled to each other in the multi-lens component by joining them along such protective peripheries, as shown inFIG. 1. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the multi-lens component is configured to receive ambient light that is impinging on the side of the mobile electronic device with the onboard camera. In some embodiments, a suitable single-lens component can be attached to the mountingcomponent110. Except as otherwise specified, any description of amulti-lens component120 can also apply to a single-lens component. The multi-lens component may include a first lens with a first optical capability, such as afisheye lens122, and a second lens with a second optical capability, such as awide angle lens124.
• The term “lens” in this specification is used in accordance with its ordinary meaning and includes lenses with optical power (e.g., magnifying or wide-angle lenses) as well as lenses without optical power (e.g., plano lenses), and/or lenses that can provide other features or characteristics, such as one or more lenses that are configured to protect the onboard camera from damage, or are configured to alter the spectrum of transmitted light, lenses that produce polarized light to reduce glare, anti-reflective lenses, anti-scratch lenses, fish-eye lenses, and/or lenses with any combination of the foregoing features, etc. In some embodiments, one or more individual lenses of themulti-lens component120 can be removed from the body of themulti-lens component120, cleaned, modified, and/or replaced with one or more other individual lenses. In some embodiments, the attachment and detachment of the individual lenses of themulti-lens component120 to the body of themulti-lens component120 can be accomplished by a temporary attachment, such as a screwing motion, a snap-fit, a clip, or any other suitable temporary attachment, or by a permanent attachment, such as adhesive, sonic welding, solvent, or any other suitable permanent attachment.
• In some embodiments, as illustrated, the connection between the mountingcomponent110 and themulti-lens component120 can be performed in a plurality of different positions, locations, and/or orientations. For example, as illustrated, a user may connect the mountingcomponent110 and themulti-lens component120 in a first position or orientation to position the lens, such as thefisheye lens122, for use in general alignment with or in optical communication with the onboard camera of the mobileelectronic device100 while taking photographs with the mobileelectronic device100. The user may then detach or decouple themulti-lens component120 from the mountingcomponent110, which can be configured to remain in place on the mobile electronic after themulti-lens component120 is removed, and then the user can change the position of themulti-lens component120 on the mountingcomponent110, such as by rotating, pivoting, or otherwise moving themulti-lens component120, and then reattaching themulti-lens component120 to the mountingcomponent110 in a second position, thereby positioning a different lens, such as thewide angle lens124, in general alignment with (e.g., in optical communication with) theonboard camera lens102 of the mobileelectronic device100. Thefisheye lens122 andwide angle lens124 illustrated inFIG. 1 are illustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, amulti-lens component120 may include other types of lenses, such as one or more telephoto lenses, macro lenses, polarizing lenses or filters, coloring lenses or filters, anti-glare lenses or filters, and the like, and/or any combinations thereof.
• In some embodiments, as illustrated, in each of the plurality of different mounting positions, a plurality of different lenses are configured to be disposed on the same side of the mobileelectronic device100 at the same time. In some embodiments, the detachability of themulti-lens component120 from the mountingcomponent110 can provide certain advantages. For example, a collection of a plurality of smallmulti-lens components120 can be provided with many different optical characteristics for different photographic needs, which can be attached or detached as needed, without requiring all of such different lenses to be attached in some manner to the mobile electronic device at the same time, which would increase the overall weight and size of the auxiliary lens system. Also, in some embodiments, the detachability of themulti-lens component110 can allow it to be used on a plurality of different mobile devices (e.g., a phone or a pad device, several different phones among friends or family members, etc.) in a quick and easy way, without having to remove or replace the mountingcomponents110 on such devices. In some situations, the mountingcomponent120, either by itself or as integrated into a case for a mobile electronic device, can remain attached to the mobileelectronic device100 for a long period of time, and themulti-lens component120 can be attached only momentarily as needed when capturing a photographic image.
• As shown inFIG. 4, one ormore lenses122,124 of themulti-lens component120 can comprise an outer periphery that does not extend beyond or does not extend substantially beyond the outer periphery of the outer edge of the mobileelectronic device100 and/or the outer periphery of the mountingcomponent120. As illustrated, the mountingcomponent110 can include a structure or component configured to facilitate or enhance conveyance of energy or information to and/or from an input and/or output component of the mobileelectronic device100. For example, the mountingcomponent110 can include a light-conveying component such as a fiber optic orpolycarbonate component116 that facilitates the conveyance of light from a flash on the mobileelectronic device100 to an area generally in front of the mountingcomponent110. In some embodiments, the mountingcomponent110 can include an energy conveying path that is generally open and generally unobstructed between a region on the mobile device and a region on the mountingcomponent110 for assisting in the transmission of energy to or from an input and/or output device on a mobile electronic device while generally preserving the quality of a signal, image, or information being transmitted by such energy. Examples of transmitted energy conveyed to or from mobile electronic devices include electrical impulses, acoustic sound waves, visible light, or other electromagnetic energy.
• FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of amulti-lens component200 that may be used with the base or mountingcomponent110 ofFIG. 1 or with any other type of base or mounting component, such as base or mountingcomponent410. Themulti-lens component200 can include two ormore lenses202,204 or other components configured to alter light as it passes to an onboard camera lens of a mobile electronic device. In addition, themulti-lens component200 can be configured with gripping structure such as agroove208 that facilitates gripping themulti-lens component200 to remove it from the mountingcomponent110 for rotation, storage, etc. In some embodiments, the gripping structure may comprise a ridge or protrusion instead of, or in addition to, thegroove208. The ridge or protrusion may also facilitate gripping themulti-lens component200.
• Themulti-lens component200 may also include a first attachment structure, such as adetent206 or some other protrusion or other inward or outward surface feature, to facilitate securing themulti-lens component200 in a mountingcomponent410. The mountingcomponent410 may have a complimentarysecond attachment structure411, such as a recess configured to receive thedetent206, thereby holding themulti-lens component200 in place. The attachment structures may be sized and shaped such that themulti-lens component200 may be snapped or otherwise removably secured into place and held by the mountingcomponent110 during normal use, while also being removable by hand so that it may be rotated or stored.
• Anymulti-lens component120,200 may include ahousing123,209 andmultiple lens components122,124,202,204. In some embodiments, thehousing123,209 may be a polycarbonate housing. One or more individual lens components with one or more different optical characteristics, such as afisheye lens202 and awide angle lens204 may be removably attached to thehousing209. For example, in some embodiments, thehousing209 may include threaded receptacles (not shown) forlens components202,204, and thelens components202,204 may be screwed into thehousing209. In some embodiments, one ormore lens components202,204 may be formed from a metal such as aluminum (e.g., anodized aluminum). In some embodiments, thehousing209 may include one or more permanently or semi-permanently integrated lenses, such as a macro lens (not shown), which may be positioned beneath one or more of the other lenses in some embodiments. Other lens components, such as the wideangle lens component204, may be removably attached to thehousing209 over the integrated macro lens for use. When a user later decides to use the macro lens, the wideangle lens component204 or other lens component can be removed (e.g., unscrewed from the housing302).
• As illustrated inFIGS. 7A-7E, the mountingcomponent110 can have many different sizes, shapes, and/or configurations. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the mountingcomponent110 can be a case for a mobileelectronic device100, or it can be integrated, either permanently or removably, into a case for a mobileelectronic device100. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the case can comprise a first face that is configured to cover, entirely or partially, a face of the mobileelectronic device100 that includes an onboard camera, and/or the case can comprise one or more sidewalls that are configured to cover, entirely or partially, one or more sides of the mobileelectronic device100, The case can comprise an optical mountingregion111 that is configured to receive amulti-lens component120,200. In some embodiments, the optical mountingregion111 is positioned in a generally upper central region on the case and/or is oriented in a generally vertical direction, as illustrated inFIG. 7B; and in some embodiments, at least a portion of the optical mountingregion111 is located in a corner region on the case and/or is oriented in a generally oblique or diagonal direction, neither vertical nor horizontal, as illustrated inFIG. 7A. The optical mountingregion111 in any embodiment can be generally oblong and/or generally elliptical, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7E, with first and second generally curved ends and a generally straight intermediate region. In some embodiments, the optical mountingregion111 can be configured to receive a single-lens component, as illustrated inFIG. 7D.
• In some embodiments, a manufacturer can provide an auxiliary lens system comprising a mountingcomponent110,410 and a firstmulti-lens component120,200 to a consumer, and then the manufacturer can instruct a user to attach the mountingcomponent110,410 and themulti-lens component120,200 to amobile communication device100 and to remove the firstmulti-lens component120,200 and replace it with a second multi-lens component,120,200. The first and secondmulti-lens components120,200 can have different optical features, as described elsewhere in this specification.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 9-10, in some embodiments, anonboard lens1306 or a portion of an onboard lens of an onboard camera of a mobileelectronic device1300 can be removed from the mobileelectronic device1300 and replaced with a differentonboard lens1306 or portion thereof by a consumer. Also, the onboard camera itself can be removed and replaced. All references herein to an onboard lens can be applied to an onboard camera as well as or instead of an onboard lens. Theonboard lens1306 can be positioned inside of a hole or recess through an outside essentiallyplanar surface1310 of the mobileelectronic device1300. In some embodiments, as illustrated, theonboard lens1306 is removably attachable to the mobileelectronic device1300 separate from another component of the mobileelectronic device1300. For example, in some embodiments, theonboard lens1306 is not attached to or embedded in a panel or covering or otherplanar surface1310 of the mobileelectronic device1300. Rather, theonboard lens1306 can be removed and/or replaced by a consumer without removing or replacing a panel or covering or otherplanar surface1310 of the mobile electronic device. In this way, the internal electronics of the mobile electronic device are not exposed to dust or contamination or damage during lens replacement, and replacement lenses can be stored in a low-profile, small volume case, without the bulk of a collection of panels or coverings with embedded lenses to also store.
• As illustrated, aretainer1308, such as a retainer ring, can be removably affixed to a portion of the mobileelectronic device1300 in a way that helps to removably retain theonboard lens1306 inside of the hole or recess in the mobileelectronic device1300, such as by positioning the retainer on top of and/or generally surrounding thelens1306, as shown inFIG. 9. In some embodiments, theretainer1308 is attached using an attachment motion, such as a rotation or a press-fit or a snap fit or a sliding motion, to removably secure theretainer1308 in place on the mobileelectronic device1300. In some embodiments, theretainer1308 is configured to move from its position as shown inFIG. 9, generally surrounding the onboard lens, to a position toward or even off of a side (e.g., lateral or upper) edge of the mobileelectronic device1300. In some embodiments, theretainer1308 is separate from the removableonboard lens1306 and in some embodiments theretainer1308 is integral or unitary with theonboard lens1306.
• A user's fingers can be used to perform the attachment motion, or an attachment tool (not shown) that interfaces with theretainer1308 can be used to perform the attachment motion. In some embodiments, the attachment tool can comprise a ring of other attachment structure with one or more gripping structures or textured areas (e.g., finger grips, etc.) on an outward side. An attachment tool may have an interfacing mechanism (e.g., one or more protrusions, clips, tabs, etc.) on another side with which the tool may be removably attached to theretainer1308. In some embodiments, the attachment tool can comprise a multi-pronged screw driver or deployment tube with an end that removably attaches to multiple holes positioned along or around the perimeter of theretainer1308. The attachment tool can be rotated with respect to the mobileelectronic device1300 to advance theretainer1308 into a recessed mounting cavity that generally surrounds the onboard lens. In some embodiments, the attachment tool can be configured to pick up thelens1306 from a storage location and drop or release it in the cavity (e.g., using a tweezer action) in thesurface1310 of the mobile electronic device without requiring contact with human hands to avoid fingerprints, scratches, or other temporary or permanent optical obstructions.
• In some embodiments, as illustrated, when theonboard lens1306 is installed on the mobileelectronic device1300, the upper or outer surface of theonboard lens1306 and/or the upper or outer surface of theretainer1308 can be essentially flush with or slightly recessed below the upper or outerplanar surface1310 of the mobileelectronic device1300 in which theonboard lens1306 is mounted. In some embodiments, a plurality ofonboard lenses1306 can be provided, each of which is configured to be positioned at an essentially flush or slightly recessed level with the upper or outerplanar surface1310 of the mobileelectronic device1300 in which theonboard lens1306 is mounted. An essentially flush or slightly recessed mounting of a replaceableonboard lens1306 can be advantageous in that it can help to provide standardization of shape and size so that the mobileelectronic device1300 can be used with other accessories of mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phone cases, and it can help to avoid damage such as scratching to theonboard lens1306, while still permitting a variety of additional optical photographic options.
• Theretainer1308 and a replacementonboard lens1306 can be positioned at approximately the same location on thesurface1310 of the mobileelectronic device1300 as the originalonboard lens1306 that was provided in the stock mobileelectronic device1300. As illustrated, in some embodiments, theonboard lens1306 andretainer1308 can be disposed in a corner region of the mobileelectronic device1300, near both an upper edge and a first side edge, and disposed further from an opposing lower edge and an opposing second side edge. Theonboard lens1306 and theretainer1308 can be positioned laterally from anonboard microphone1302 and/or anonboard flash1304. Theonboard lens1306 and/orretainer1308 can be provided in any other suitable location, such as in a generally central, upper region of on thesurface1310 of the mobileelectronic device1300. In some embodiments, theonboard microphone1302 and/orflash1304 can be removable and replaceable in a manner that is the same as or similar to the replacement of theonboard lens1308.
• As illustrated, in some embodiments, a plurality oflenses1306 configured to be mounted onboard in a mobileelectronic device1300 can be provided in aholder1312. Thelenses1306 in this or any other embodiment can comprise a multitude of different optical features, such as variable magnification, fish-eye, protection from scratching, light attenuation (e.g., darkening), light coloring, polarization, anti-reflection, etc. In some embodiments, thelens holder1312 can comprise a protective covering (not shown). For ease of access, the holder can be affixed, either permanently or removably, to a surface of the mobileelectronic device1300 or to a case generally enclosing or protecting the mobileelectronic device1300.

Claims (13)

The following is claimed:

1. A mobile electronic device configured to capture images, the mobile electronic device comprising:

a housing comprising at least one substantially planar outer surface, wherein the substantially planar outer surface comprises an aperture through the substantially planar outer surface; and

a first removably attachable camera lens configured to be removably attached to the mobile device though the aperture, wherein the first removably attachable camera lens is removable and replaceable with a second removably attachable camera lens by a user of the mobile electronic device.

2. A combination of the mobile device ofclaim 1 and the second removably attachable camera lens.

3. The mobile electronic device of Clam1, wherein at least one of the first or second removably attachable camera lenses comprises at least one of a magnifying lens, a wide-angle lens, or a polarizing lens.

4. The mobile electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the first removably attachable camera lens is flush with or below the substantially planar outer surface when removably attached to the mobile electronic device.

5. The mobile electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the first removably attachable camera lens is coupled to a first camera, wherein the first camera is removed when the first removably attachable camera lens is removed by the user.

6. The mobile electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the first removably attachable camera lens is secured to the mobile electronic device by a retainer.

7. The mobile electronic device ofclaim 6, wherein the retainer is integrated with the first removably attachable camera lens, and wherein a second retainer is integrated with the second removably attachable camera lens.

8. The mobile electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the first removably attachable camera lens is removably attachable by the user with an attachment tool.

9. A method of providing a plurality of optical options for a user of a mobile electronic device, the method comprising:

providing a mobile electronic device with a first onboard camera or a first onboard lens that is removable by a user through an aperture on a planar surface of the mobile electronic device;

providing one or more replacement onboard cameras or replacement onboard lenses that are configured to be inserted by a user through the aperture on the planar surface of the mobile electronic device and retained in position on the mobile electronic device;

wherein the first onboard camera or first onboard lens has one or more different optical features than the one or more replacement onboard cameras or replacement onboard lenses.

10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more replacement onboard cameras or lenses comprises at least one of a magnifying lens, a wide-angle lens, or a polarizing lens.

11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the first onboard camera or first onboard lens is positioned flush with or below the outer surface when removably attached to the mobile electronic device.

12. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the first onboard lens is coupled to a first camera, wherein the first camera is removed when the first removably attachable camera lens is removed by the user.

13. A method of changing one or more optical features of a mobile electronic device, the method comprising:

obtaining a mobile electronic device;

removing a first onboard camera or a first onboard camera lens from a mobile electronic device without removing a panel of the mobile electronic device; and

replacing the first onboard camera or the first onboard camera lens with a second onboard camera or a second onboard camera lens, wherein the second onboard camera or the second onboard camera lens has one or more different optical characteristics than the first onboard camera or the first onboard camera lens.

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