U.S. patent application number 12/459375 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for optical adapters for mobile devices with a camera.
Invention is credited to Kendyl A. Roman.
Application Number | 20100328420 12/459375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43380256 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100328420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roman; Kendyl A. |
December 30, 2010 |
Optical adapters for mobile devices with a camera
Abstract
Portable, mobile, lightweight, removable, low cost, easy to
manufacture, easy to ship, easy to transport, easy to store, and
easy to use optical adapters that provides an effective means of
videoconferencing over a mobile phone or other mobile device with a
camera. Embodiments include landscape and portrait adapters that
can be easily applied, used and removed while maintaining a
professional and aesthetic appearance. Small mirrors within the
optical adapter allow light from the front of the mobile device to
enter the adapter and be conditioned and redirected into the
built-in lens of the camera on the back of the mobile device. Novel
embodiments include a lens reverser and/or a re-lens. Optical
adapters also provide for self-imaging or surveillance. Various
protective cases and adapter embodiments are configured to match
specific mobile devices.
Inventors: |
Roman; Kendyl A.;
(Sunnyvale, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENDYL A ROMAN
730 BANTRY COURT
SUNNYVALE
CA
94087
US
|
Family ID: |
43380256 |
Appl. No.: |
12/459375 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/14.08 ;
348/340; 348/E5.024; 348/E7.083; 359/726 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 7/023 20130101;
G02B 13/001 20130101; H04N 2007/145 20130101; H04N 21/4788
20130101; H04N 5/2254 20130101; H04N 21/4223 20130101; H04M 1/0264
20130101; H04N 5/2257 20130101; H04N 7/142 20130101; G02B 19/0014
20130101; H04N 7/147 20130101; H04N 7/15 20130101; G02B 19/0076
20130101; H04N 21/42203 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/14.08 ;
359/726; 348/340; 348/E05.024; 348/E07.083 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/15 20060101
H04N007/15; G02B 17/08 20060101 G02B017/08; H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Claims
1. An optical adapter for use with a mobile device having a display
on the front of the mobile device and a camera lens on the back of
the mobile device, the optical adapter comprising, a) an top mirror
positioned to reflect light coming from the front of the mobile
device, b) a bottom mirror positioned to reflect light coming from
the top mirror to the camera lens, and c) a housing enclosing the
top mirror and the bottom mirror and holding the top mirror and the
bottom mirror in place relative to each other a first predetermined
top angle for the top mirror and a second predetermined angle for
the bottom mirror, wherein the bottom mirror about the same size as
the camera lens, wherein the top mirror is larger than the camera
lens, wherein the housing is configured to attach to the mobile
device and position the optical adapter in a predetermined location
relative to the camera lens, whereby one or more objects located on
the front side of the mobile device, which is opposite from the
side having the camera, lens is visually captured by a digital
camera chip sensor in the mobile device creating a digital
image.
2. The optical adapter of claim 1 wherein the digital image is a
still photograph.
3. The optical adapter of claim 1 wherein the digital image is a
frame of a video being captured.
4. The optical adapter of claim 3 wherein a plurality of video
frames is captured as a video stream.
5. The optical adapter of claim 4 wherein the video stream is
recorded on the mobile device.
6. The optical adapter of claim 4 wherein the video stream is
transmitted from the mobile device over a network.
7. The optical adapter of claim 6 wherein the network is a mobile
phone network.
8. The optical adapter of claim 6 wherein the network is connected
to the Internet.
9. The optical adapter of claim 1 further comprising a lens
reverser, wherein the housing is connected to the lens reverser and
holds the lens reverser in place relative to the bottom mirror.
10. The optical adapter of claim 9 further comprising a re-lens,
wherein the housing is connected to the re-lens and holds the
re-lens in place relative to the top mirror.
11. The optical adapter of claim 1 wherein the second predetermined
angle is 45 degrees.
12. The optical adapter of claim 1 wherein the second predetermined
angle is greater than 45 degrees, whereby the thickness of the
housing is less than required if the second predetermined angle
were 45 degrees.
13. The optical adapter of claim 1 wherein the top mirror is
rectangular and a least a portion of the top mirror is forward of
the camera lens, such that is over the top edge of the mobile
device.
14. The optical adapter of claim 9 wherein both the top mirror and
the bottom mirror are rounded, such as an oval or a circle.
15. The optical adapter of claim 14 wherein the housing further
comprises a tubular bore between the top mirror and the bottom
mirror, and wherein the lumen of the tubular bore is the same
size.
16. The optical adapter of claim 9 wherein the camera lens is
centered horizontally in the back of the mobile device, and wherein
the housing is configured to hold the top mirror over one of the
top end of the mobile device, the left edge of the mobile device,
or the right edge of the mobile device.
17. The optical adapter of claim 15 wherein the ends of the housing
are rounded and wherein the portion between the ends is convex away
from the mobile device and flattened to match at least a portion of
the back of the mobile device.
18. The optical adapter of claim 17 wherein the housing is attached
with a swivel attachment.
19. The optical adapter of claim 9 wherein the camera lens is in a
corner in the back of the mobile device, and wherein the housing is
configured to hold the top mirror over one of the top end of the
mobile device or the edge of the mobile device closest to said
corner.
20. An optical adapter system comprising: a) the optical adapter of
claim 15, and b) a casing configured to cover the optical adapter
at least a portion of the mobile device, whereby the casing
protects the optical adapter and the portion of the mobile device,
and whereby the casing holds the optical adapter in place.
21. The optical adapter system of claim 20 wherein the casing
comprises one of: a) a horizontal casing, b) a vertical casing, c)
a diagonal casing, and d) a full casing.
22. The optical adapter system of claim 20 wherein the casing
comprises an adjustable casing having: a) a movable arm having a
thumb knob, and b) a spring attached to the moveable arm a body of
the casing, wherein the body is configured to cover the optical
adapter and to attach over at least one corner of the mobile
device, wherein the spring provides tension on the movable arm,
wherein the movable arm allows the system be applied over a
plurality of different types of the mobile device or over a
plurality of different covers or skins, wherein the thumb knob
allows the arm to be opened allowing the optical adapter system to
be removed, whereby the optical adapter system may be temporarily
applied over one of the plurality of types or the plurality of
covers or skins.
23. A method of videoconferencing using a mobile device having a
display on one side of the mobile device and having a camera lens
on an opposite side as the display side, wherein the mobile device
is configured to capture video from rays of light that enter the
camera lens, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an
optical adapter configured to mount on the mobile device, said
optical adapter comprising: i) a re-lens configured to be in line
with the camera lens, ii) a top mirror positioned to reflect light
coming from the display side of the mobile device, iii) a bottom
mirror positioned to reflect light coming from the top mirror to
the camera lens through the re-lens, iv) a housing enclosing the
top mirror, the bottom mirror, and the re-lens, wherein the housing
holds the top mirror, the bottom mirror, and the re-lens in place
relative to each other, b) providing a computer program to be run
on a processor in the mobile device, c) executing the computer
program to repeat the following substeps: i) capturing a frame of
video from the rays of light originating from a person on the
display side of the mobile device, ii) transmitting the frame of
video over a network, whereby the person views the video being
captured on the display.
24. A protective cover for a mobile device and an optical adapter,
wherein the optical adapter is configured reflect light from a
display side of the mobile device to a camera lens on the opposite
side of the mobile device, wherein the protective cover is
configured to cover at least a portion of the mobile device, and
wherein the protective cover is further configured to cover the
optical adapter.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The following design patent applications are included herein
by reference: [0002] U.S. Design patent application, entitled
"Optical Adapter for Mobile Device," docket number "DPE," filed
concurrently on Jun. 29, 2009. [0003] U.S. Design patent
application, entitled "Case for Optical Adapter and Mobile Device,"
docket number "DPECASE1," filed concurrently on Jun. 29, 2009.
[0004] U.S. Design patent application, entitled "Case for Optical
Adapter and Mobile Device," docket number "DPECASE2," filed
concurrently on Jun. 29, 2009. [0005] U.S. Design patent
application, entitled "Case for Optical Adapter and Mobile Device,"
docket number "DPECASE3," filed concurrently on Jun. 29, 2009.
BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to optical adapters, in
particular optical adapters for mobile devices with still or video
cameras.
BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
[0007] There is often a need or want to see the people we
telecommunicate with. This allows us to see facial expressions,
perform a show and tell, make presentations, etc., as if we were
physically present. Visual mobile telecommunication is just
emerging as a practical reality.
[0008] Videoconferencing adds a visual component to
telecommunication and is becoming more popular especially with the
current focus on global warming and the high cost of travel. Travel
for face-to-face meetings is expensive, as well as bad for the
environment. Conventionally, videoconferencing is performed using
specialized hardware and software or via personal computers. This
equipment is not easily portable or mobile. People are often
confined to the rooms permanently supporting the videoconferencing
equipment or the network required for the telecommunication.
[0009] Mobile devices with digital cameras, such as various cell
phones, Blackberry, iPhone, iTouch, or other iPhone-like devices
have processors that execute computer programs. The programs
respond to user input from various buttons or touch displays,
handle networking, capture and play audio, capture and display
digital images, including video, and perform other functions.
[0010] Conventional wired phones and cellular phones allow us to
telecommunicate, but contain no visual component. Cell phones and
cell phone use is globally ubiquitous these days. Almost everyone
has a cell phone and cell phone networks are found throughout the
world.
[0011] Research in Motion created the Blackberry, the first real
business oriented mobile phone with e-mail, web browsing, etc. The
Blackberry helped pave the way for high speed broadband mobile
networks.
[0012] The iphone and iTouch have a wireless network connection to
the Internet.
[0013] With the iPhone, Apple Computers has revolutionized mobile
phones. With a large touch screen and a slick, graphic rich
interface, the iPhone sets the trend for mobile phones of the
future. However, videoconferencing has not been commercially
available for mobile phones, including the iPhone. One reason
videoconferencing is not available on the iPhone, or other cell
phones, is that the camera is on the back and so the users cannot
see the screen while creating a video image of themselves.
[0014] Likewise, because the camera is on the back, users cannot
take still pictures or videos of themselves, or people or other
objects behind them. Video streams are comprised of a plurality of
video frames.
[0015] What is needed is a portable, mobile, lightweight,
removable, low cost, easy to manufacture, easy to ship, easy to
transport, easy to store, and easy to use device that provides an
effective means of videoconferencing over a mobile phone, such as
the iPhone or other mobile devices with cameras which are not on
the same side as the display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a
portable, mobile, lightweight, removable, low cost, easy to
manufacture, easy to ship, easy to transport, easy to store, and
easy to use device that provides an effective means of
videoconferencing over a mobile phone, such as the iPhone or other
mobile devices with cameras.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0017] Accordingly, the present invention includes the following
advantages: [0018] a) To provide means and methods of
videoconferencing that are portable. [0019] b) To provide means and
methods of videoconferencing that are mobile. [0020] c) To provide
means and methods of videoconferencing that are lightweight. [0021]
d) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that are easy
to use. [0022] e) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing
that offer full color. [0023] f) To provide means and methods of
videoconferencing that can be quickly and easily set up. [0024] g)
To provide means and methods of optical adapters that can be
quickly applied and removed. [0025] h) To provide means and methods
of videoconferencing that can be quickly and easily used. [0026] i)
To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that are minimal
in cost and waste. [0027] j) To provide an inexpensive optical
adapter for a mobile device with a camera. [0028] k) To provide a
simpler way of making an optical adapter for a mobile device with a
camera. [0029] l) To provide a removable optical adapter for a
mobile device with a camera. [0030] m) To provide an easy to store
optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera. [0031] n) To
provide an easy to transport optical adapter for a mobile device
with a camera. [0032] o) To provide a lightweight optical adapter
for a mobile device with a camera. [0033] p) To provide a simple
way to manufacture optical adapters for a mobile device with a
camera. [0034] q) To provide an inexpensive way to manufacture an
optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera. [0035] r) To
provide a simple way to ship optical adapters for the mobile device
with a camera. [0036] s) To provide an ideal optical adapter for
people, groups of people, and organizations who prefer low
maintenance and low cost optical adapters for a mobile device with
a camera. [0037] t) To provide a professional and aesthetic optical
adapter for a mobile device with a camera. [0038] u) To provide a
stylized optical adapter for a mobile device. [0039] v) To provide
a cover configured to hold and protect an optical adapter and at
least a portion of the mobile device.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0040] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same
number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0041] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of a mobile device with a
camera opposite from a display.
[0042] FIG. 1B illustrates the back view of a mobile device with a
camera.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates normal light input into a camera
lens.
[0044] FIG. 3A illustrates a mobile device with a first adapter
configuration.
[0045] FIG. 3B illustrates light with lens reverser ("null
lens").
[0046] FIG. 3C illustrates a first adapter configuration.
[0047] FIG. 3D illustrates a second adapter configuration.
[0048] FIG. 3E and 3F illustrate adapter operations with mirror at
various angles.
[0049] FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate a phone with an optical adapter
with wide top mirror.
[0050] FIG. 5A through 5D illustrate embodiments of narrow optical
adapters for the mobile device with a camera.
[0051] FIG. 6A through 6E illustrate embodiments of optical
adapters within cases for an iPhone or similar mobile device.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0052] 100 mobile device with camera [0053] 102 touch display
[0054] 104 camera chip sensor [0055] 106 lens [0056] 110 camera
[0057] 120(a-d) ray of light [0058] 140(a-c) top mirror [0059]
142(a-c) bottom mirror [0060] 150(a-d) housing [0061] 200 lens
reverser [0062] 210 re-lens [0063] 300 first adapter configuration
[0064] 310 second adapter configuration [0065] 400 wide adapter
[0066] 500 narrow adapter [0067] 510 side adapter [0068] 520
adjustable adapter [0069] 600 iPhone [0070] 602(a-c) button/toggle
[0071] 610 horizontal casing [0072] 620 vertical casing [0073] 630
diagonal casing [0074] 640 full casing [0075] 650 adjustable casing
[0076] 652 moveable arm [0077] 654 thumb knob [0078] 656 spring
Special Definitions
[0079] lens reverser--A lens, known as a "null lens," which
counteracts the effects of another lens while leaving the other
optical properties the same.
[0080] re-lens--A lens that reshapes the light consistent with an
original lens which has been reversed with a lens reverser.
[0081] videoconference--Also known as a videoteleconference, a set
of interactive telecommunication technologies which allow two or
more locations to interact via two-way video and audio
transmissions simultaneously.
Description of the Invention
[0082] FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an exemplary mobile
device with a camera on the back, namely opposite from a display.
The mobile device with camera 100 shown comprises both a touch
display 102 in front and a camera 110 in the back. The camera 110
comprises a lens 106 and camera chip sensor 104, as shown in
greater detail in FIG. 2. The camera 110 has been placed at the
back of the phone to facilitate a visual of a photograph to be
taken on the camera 110 via the touch display 102. In the
embodiment shown, the touch display 102 consumes most of the
frontal space of mobile device with camera 100. A mobile device
with a touch display 102 is exemplary and is used to illustrate the
structure and operations of various optical adapters. A mobile
device with a non-touch screen could also use the optical
adapters.
[0083] FIG. 1B illustrates the back view of a mobile device with a
camera 100. The mobile device with camera 100 contains a camera 110
on the back comprising a lens 106. Only the lens 106 portion of
camera 110 is visible.
Normal Light Input
[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates normal light input into a camera lens.
The rays of light 120 (a-d) shine through lens 106 and refract into
the camera chip sensor 104. The camera chip sensor 104 digitizes
the rays of light 120 to form a digital image, namely a photograph
or a frame of video. Digitizing a digital image is referred to a
capturing an image.
Light Input Reflected via Dual Mirrors and a Lens Reverser
[0085] A novel aspect of the present invention is an optical
adapter comprising a top mirror 140, a bottom mirror 142, and a
novel lens reverser 200.
[0086] The terminology "top" and "bottom" are used consistent with
the drawings to identify the respective mirrors. It is understood
that the optical adapters could be rotated 90, 180, or 270 degrees,
relative to the mobile device such that the "top mirror" would be
on the right, bottom, and left, respectively, and the "bottom
mirror" would be on the left, top, and right, respectively. Such
rotation would not alter the elements of the structure nor alter
operation of the claimed invention.
[0087] FIG. 3A illustrates a mobile device 100 with a first adapter
configuration 300. The first adapter configuration 300 is placed on
the back of the mobile device with camera 100 opposite the touch
screen 102. The rays of light 120 shine from in front of mobile
device with camera 100 into the first adapter configuration 300
where it first reflects down off of top mirror 140a and second
reflects back in off of bottom mirror 142a, and ultimately enters
into camera 110.
[0088] FIG. 3B further illustrates the structure and operation of a
novel lens reverser 200 of FIG. 3A. The rays of light 120(a-d)
shine straight through a lens reverser 200 and lens 106
respectively and are then digitized by the camera chip sensor 104
to form a digital image. The lens 106 and camera chip sensor 104
are both part of the mobile device with camera 100. The lens
reverser 200 is configured to reverse the optical properties of the
built-in lens 106. As shown here, the lens 106 has a convex outer
surface, so to be effective the lens reverser has a precisely
matching concave surface, such that in this example the light is
straightened out. Once the light is straightened out it can travel
any distance, from mirror to mirror, using the same lumen (or bore
through a tubular adapter housing 150). In other situations, such
as where the built-in lens 106 is behind a flat piece of exterior
glass or plastic, the lens reverser 200 will have to be engineered
to have the necessary reversing properties based on the external
surface constraints and the precise distance that it will be
mounted away from the refracting surface of the built-in lens
106
[0089] FIG. 3C further illustrates the structure and operation of a
first adapter configuration 300 of FIG. 3A. The rays of light
120(a-d) shine from in front into the first adapter configuration
300 where it first reflects down off of top mirror 140a and second
reflects back in off of bottom mirror 142a. Note that in this
embodiment the mirrors are both at 45 degree angles. Next, the rays
of light 120(a-d) shine straight through a lens reverser 200 and
lens 106, as a result of the lens reverser 200, and are then
digitized by the camera chip sensor 104 to form a digital image.
The lens 106 and camera chip sensor 104 are both part of the mobile
device with camera 100. The lens reverser 200 and mirrors (140 and
142) are part of the optical adapter configuration 300.
The Addition of a Re-Lens
[0090] FIG. 3D illustrates a second adapter configuration such as
shown in FIG. 5A through 5C. The embodiment of the second adapter
configuration 310 is similar to the first adapter configuration 300
(FIG. 3C) with the addition of re-lens 210. The rays of light 120
shine through the re-lens 210, which reshapes the light for the
original camera lens 106. With the first adapter configuration 300,
the light gathering properties of the built-in lens 106 are
reversed. In order for the standard software to work on the mobile
device, it is desirable to recreate substantially the same optical
characteristics of how the light is gathered. The re-lens 210 in
some embodiments where the light is substantially straightened
could be identical to the original lens 106. In other embodiments,
it may be beneficial to slightly modify the light gathering
characteristics to better facilitate the intended use, namely
self-imaging or videoconferencing, which may have a preferred focal
range of about 18 inches, for example, when the mobile device is
held in the hand of the user.
Mirror Angles Can Reduce Thickness of Optical Adapter Housing
[0091] FIG. 3E and 3F illustrate alternate adapter embodiments.
FIG. 3E illustrates a side view of a mobile device with camera 100
shown having a touch display 102. Both FIG. 3E and 3F illustrate
the workings and inner components of the wide adapter 400.
[0092] FIG. 3E illustrates an embodiment where the rays of light
120 shine into and reflect down off of the wide top mirror 140b
(angled at 145 degrees), back in off of bottom mirror 142b (angled
at 55 degrees) and then into lens 106. Note that in this example,
as shown, the light is gathered into the top mirror 140b at an
angle that is below perpendicular to the front face of the mobile
device 100. In an alternate configuration the light could be
gathered at an angle that is above perpendicular to the front face
of the mobile device. FIG. 3E further illustrates that unlike FIGS.
3C and 3D, the mirrors do not have to be at 45 degree angles and
this allows the top mirror 140b to be position forward over the top
edge of the mobile device 100. This allows the bottom mirror 142b
to be smaller than the top mirror 140b, and also allows the light
to be gathered into a narrower beam as it enters the adapter and
reflects from mirror to mirror. This eliminates the need for a lens
reverser 200 or a re-lens 210 thus simplifying the optical adapter.
This embodiment may be housed in a wide adapter 400 (shown in cross
section by the dashed lines; see also FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0093] FIG. 3F illustrates an embodiment where the rays of light
120 shine into and reflect down off of a wide top mirror 140c (at
150 degrees), back in off of a bottom mirror 142c at 60 degrees,
then through lens reverser 200, and ultimately into lens 106. This
is another example where the mirrors are not necessarily at 45
degree angles and the top mirror 140c may be forward of top edge of
the mobile device 100 (not shown but indicated by the relative
position of the camera chip sensor 104 and the lens 106). In
contrast to the example shown in FIG. 3E, the light is received at
an angle that is perpendicular to the face of the mobile device 100
(not shown). This embodiment may also be housed in a wide adapter
400 (not shown).
Wide Optical Adapters for Mobile Devices with a Camera
[0094] FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate a wide adapter 400 mounted on an
exemplary mobile device with camera 100.
[0095] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective front view of mobile
device with camera 100. In this exemplary illustration the mobile
device 100 has a touch display 102. The display 102 illustrates the
mobile device 100 being used in a videoconference where the local
user is facing the display 102 is able to simultaneously view both
the image being transmitted and the image being received.
Alternatively, the local user can be viewing more than one remote
participant in the videoconference while simultaneously capturing
the local image via the wide optical adapter 400. In this front
view, the top mirror 140b is visualized angled over the top edge of
the mobile device 100.
[0096] FIG. 4B illustrates a back view of mobile device with camera
100. The wide adapter 400 mounts onto the top of the mobile device
with camera 100 and houses, for example, the first adapter
configuration 300 of FIG. 3C, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3E or
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3F. The wide adapter 400 is shown in
this example comprising a rectangular wide top mirror 140b and a
smaller round bottom mirror 142b both held into position with a
housing 150a. The rays of light 120 (not shown) pass through the
adapter, as described above with each respective embodiment, and
ultimately into the built-in lens 106.
[0097] The wide adapter 400 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is configured
to slip on and off of the mobile device 100. This allows for easy
setup and use. The optical adapter can be easily transported
attached to the mobile device 100, for example in a garment pocket,
or holster. Alternatively it can be transported separately and
removably attached when needed. The housing 150a of the wide
adapter 400 protects the internal components of the optical adapter
and may be configured to mate with specific mobile devices 100.
Narrow Optical Adapters for Mobile Devices with a Camera
[0098] FIG. 5A through 5D illustrate narrow embodiments of optical
adapters for the mobile device with a camera 100.
[0099] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective front view of a narrow
adapter 500 mounted on an exemplary mobile device with camera 100.
In this exemplary illustration the mobile device 100 has a touch
display 102. The display 102 illustrates the mobile device 100
being used in a videoconference where the local user is facing the
display 102 is able to simultaneously view both the image being
transmitted and the image being received. Alternatively, the local
user can be viewing more than one remote participant in the
videoconference while simultaneously capturing the local image via
the narrow adapter 500.
[0100] FIG. 5B illustrates a back view of the narrow adapter 500
mounted on the exemplary mobile device with camera 100.
[0101] The narrow adapter 500 mounts onto the top of the mobile
device with camera 100 and houses, for example, the second adapter
configuration 310, as described in reference to FIG. 3D. The narrow
adapter 500 comprises a re-lens 210, a top mirror 140a, a bottom
mirror 142a, and a lens reverser 200 all held into position with a
housing 150b. As shown in FIG. 5A, the re-lens 210 may be in the
same plane as the display 102. As shown in FIG. 5B, in this
embodiment, each of the lens 106, bottom mirror 142a and top mirror
140a are round. In this example, the top mirror 140a and the bottom
mirror 142a are about the same size, which is made possible by the
light straightening features of the lens reverser 200 (see FIG. 3D)
and the beam being able to pass through the same sized lumen
between the mirrors (140a and 142a).
[0102] The narrow adapter 500 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is
configured to slip on and off of the mobile device 100. This allows
for easy setup and use. The optical adapter can be easily
transported attached to the mobile device 100, for example in a
garment pocket, or holster. Alternatively it can be transported
separately and removably attached when needed. The housing 150b of
the narrow adapter 400 protects the internal components of the
optical adapter and may be configured to mate with specific mobile
devices 100.
[0103] FIG. 5C illustrates the front view of a side adapter 510
mounted on an exemplary mobile device with camera 100 in a
landscape position. The side adapter 5 10 mounts onto the mobile
device with camera 100 and houses, for example, the second adapter
configuration 310, as described in reference to FIG. 3D. The side
adapter 500 comprises a re-lens 210, a top mirror 140a, a bottom
mirror 142a, and a lens reverser 200 all held into position with a
housing 150c. As shown in FIG. SC, the re-lens 210 may be in the
same plane as the display 102. The landscape position allows the
camera 110 (not shown) to capture images and display them at a
wider angle.
[0104] The side adapter 510 shown in FIGS. 5C is configured to slip
on and off of the mobile device 100. This allows for easy setup and
use. The optical adapter can be easily transported attached to the
mobile device 100, for example in a garment pocket, or holster.
Alternatively it can be transported separately and removably
attached when needed. The housing 150c of the side adapter 510
protects the internal components of the optical adapter and may be
configured to mate with specific mobile devices 100. The side
adapter 510 reduces the overall length of the combined system
comprising the mobile device 100 and the side adapter 510, when
compared to the wide adapter 400 shown in FIG. 4A or the narrow
adapter 500 shown in FIG. 5A.
[0105] FIG. 5D shows an adjustable adapter 520 which is be mounted
on a mobile device with a camera 100. The adjustable adapter 520
may comprise, for example, the second adapter configuration 310, as
described in reference to FIG. 3D. The adjustable adapter 520 may
comprise a re-lens 210, a top mirror 140a, a bottom mirror 142a,
and a lens reverser 200 all held into position with a housing 150d.
The adjustable adapter 520 can be positioned in either a vertical
or horizontal position. In one embodiment, it may be attached with
a swivel attachment allowing it to be rotated 90 degrees by the
user. Once positioned it may alternatively be held in place by a
flexible cover, such as a rubberized skin or leather case (not
shown).
Adapters for iPhone G3
[0106] After my initial drawings for optical adapter, Apple
released a new version of the iPhone, the iPhone G3, which has a
few notable features including locating the camera 110 in a corner
on the back and various buttons/toggles 602(a-c) at the top and
side. FIG. 6A through 6E illustrate alternate embodiments of
optical adapters for, but not limited to, the iPhone 600. The
optical adapters are not limited to the iPhone, and may be used or
modified for use with other mobile devices with cameras available
now and in the future.
[0107] These adapters can be easily applied to and removed from the
mobile device with a camera, such as an iPhone, or iPhone-like
device. Application for these adapters may be performed directly
over an existing skin, cover, or protector so that the existing
skin does not have to be removed for videoconferencing use.
[0108] FIG. 6A shows an iPhone 600 with an optical adapter having a
second adapter configuration 310 (in a housing 150d, not shown,
similar to adjustable adapter 520), held in place by a horizontal
casing 610 which clips over the upper left corner and reaches out
between the buttons/toggles 602(b-c) on the side. In addition,
cutouts provide access and operation of the button/toggle 602a on
the top.
[0109] FIG. 6B shows an iPhone 600 with an optical adapter having a
second adapter configuration 310, held in place by a vertical
casing 620 that clips over the upper left corner and reaches down
to the bottom. In addition, cutouts provide access and operation of
the button/toggle 602a on the top.
[0110] FIG. 6C shows an iPhone 600 with an optical adapter having a
second adapter configuration 310, held in place by a diagonal
casing 630 that clips over the upper left corner and reaches down
over the bottom right corner. In addition, cutouts provide access
and operation of the button/toggle 602a on the top.
[0111] FIG. 6D shows an iPhone 600 with an optical adapter having a
second adapter configuration 310, held in place by a full casing
640 that clips over the entire iPhone 600 (over all 4 corners). The
entire front of the iPhone 600, including touch display 102, is
uncovered and operational. In addition, cutouts provide access and
operation of the buttons/toggles 602(a-c).
[0112] FIG. 6E shows an iPhone 600 with an optical adapter having a
second adapter configuration 310, held in place by an adjustable
casing 650 which clips over the upper left corner and moveable arm
652 reaches out between the buttons/toggles 602(b-c) and clips
along the sides and front. The spring 656 inside the adjustable
casing 650 provides the inward tension to keep the adapter firmly
in place. This allows the adjustable casing 650 to fit over an
existing cover or skin, and allows the adjustable casing to fit
directly on the mobile device (e.g. iPhone 600). The thumb knob 654
provides leverage to allow the moveable arm 652 to be pulled open
and have the adjustable casing removed. In addition, the
buttons/toggles 602(a-c) are unobstructed.
[0113] The various casing embodiments can be made of rigid plastic
or metal. Alternative they can be molded of soft plastic or silicon
and configured to go over a plastic or metal housing 150d. Still
another alternative is for the casing to be made of leather with
appropriate internal or edge reinforcements.
Advantages
Videoconferencing
[0114] These improved optical adapters allow videoconferencing with
a mobile device with a camera.
Self-Imaging
[0115] These improved optical adapters allow users to take images
of themselves while viewing the display. Alternative this allows
users to take pictures over their shoulders, which may be useful
for surveillance or, for example, discrete celebrity sightings.
Portable
[0116] These improved optical adapters are small and therefore
portable.
Mobile
[0117] These improved optical adapters are mobile. They can be used
with a mobile phone and can be used anywhere a mobile phone can.
Thus, they facilitate videoconference while on the run, during
traveling, or from remote locations.
Lightweight
[0118] These improved optical adapters are lightweight.
Removable
[0119] These improved optical adapters are easily applied and
removed.
Low Cost
[0120] These improved optical adapters are low cost. They can be
made of materials that are smaller, thus ultimately less
expensive.
Easy to Manufacture
[0121] These improved optical adapters are easy to make or to
manufacture, having a simple set of parts and configurations.
Easy to Ship
[0122] These improved optical adapters are small and, therefore,
easy to ship.
Easy to Transport
[0123] These improved optical adapters are small and, therefore,
easy to transport in a purse or pocket.
Easy to Store
[0124] These improved optical adapters are small and, therefore,
easy to store in a drawer, purse or pocket.
Easy to Use
[0125] These improved optical adapters are ideal for people, groups
of people, and organizations who prefer low maintenance and low
cost optical adapters that can be easily applied and removed and
used anywhere mobile phones can be used.
Professional and Aesthetic Appearance
[0126] These optical adapters have a professional and aesthetic
appearance that integrates well with the mobile device with a
camera.
Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope
[0127] Accordingly, the reader will see that the portable, mobile,
lightweight, removable, low cost optical adapters are easy to
manufacture, easy to ship, easy to transport, easy to store, easy
to use, and have a professional and aesthetic appearance.
[0128] While the above descriptions contain several specifics these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as examples of some of the preferred
embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For
example mirrors in optical adapters can be made in different
shapes, sizes, and angles. Further, for example, additional optical
elements could be added to the light beam, such as additional
mirrors or lenses, even automatic focus or manual focus lenses.
Further, the cases could have different designs than those shown
here but have the same functions of holding the optical adapter in
place or protecting the optical adapter as well as the mobile
device. Protective cases made of different materials and having
different stylistic designs would also be within the scope of the
invention. The variations could be used without departing from the
scope and spirit of the novel features of the present
invention.
[0129] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
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