Optical adapters for mobile devices with a camera
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.
The following design patent applications are included herein by reference:
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- U.S. Design patent application, entitled “Optical Adapter for Mobile Device,” docket number “DPE,” filed concurrently on Jun. 29, 2009.
- U.S. Design patent application, entitled “Case for Optical Adapter and Mobile Device,” docket number “DPECASE1,” filed concurrently on Jun. 29, 2009.
- U.S. Design patent application, entitled “Case for Optical Adapter and Mobile Device,” docket number “DPECASE2,” filed concurrently on Jun. 29, 2009.
- U.S. Design patent application, entitled “Case for Optical Adapter and Mobile Device,” docket number “DPECASE3,” filed concurrently on Jun. 29, 2009.
The present invention relates to optical adapters, in particular optical adapters for mobile devices with still or video cameras.
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ARTThere 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The iphone and iTouch have a wireless network connection to the Internet.
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.
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.
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 INVENTIONIt 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 ADVANTAGESAccordingly, the present invention includes the following advantages:
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- a) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that are portable.
- b) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that are mobile.
- c) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that are lightweight.
- d) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that are easy to use.
- e) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that offer full color.
- f) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that can be quickly and easily set up.
- g) To provide means and methods of optical adapters that can be quickly applied and removed.
- h) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that can be quickly and easily used.
- i) To provide means and methods of videoconferencing that are minimal in cost and waste.
- j) To provide an inexpensive optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera.
- k) To provide a simpler way of making an optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera.
- l) To provide a removable optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera.
- m) To provide an easy to store optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera.
- n) To provide an easy to transport optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera.
- o) To provide a lightweight optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera.
- p) To provide a simple way to manufacture optical adapters for a mobile device with a camera.
- q) To provide an inexpensive way to manufacture an optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera.
- r) To provide a simple way to ship optical adapters for the mobile device with a camera.
- 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.
- t) To provide a professional and aesthetic optical adapter for a mobile device with a camera.
- u) To provide a stylized optical adapter for a mobile device.
- v) To provide a cover configured to hold and protect an optical adapter and at least a portion of the mobile device.
In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.
- 100 mobile device with camera
- 102 touch display
- 104 camera chip sensor
- 106 lens
- 110 camera
- 120(a-d) ray of light
- 140(a-c) top mirror
- 142(a-c) bottom mirror
- 150(a-d) housing
- 200 lens reverser
- 210 re-lens
- 300 first adapter configuration
- 310 second adapter configuration
- 400 wide adapter
- 500 narrow adapter
- 510 side adapter
- 520 adjustable adapter
- 600 iPhone
- 602(a-c) button/toggle
- 610 horizontal casing
- 620 vertical casing
- 630 diagonal casing
- 640 full casing
- 650 adjustable casing
- 652 moveable arm
- 654 thumb knob
- 656 spring
lens reverser—A lens, known as a “null lens,” which counteracts the effects of another lens while leaving the other optical properties the same.
re-lens—A lens that reshapes the light consistent with an original lens which has been reversed with a lens reverser.
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 InventionA 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.
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.
Wide Optical Adapters for Mobile Devices with a Camera
The wide adapter 400 shown in
Narrow Optical Adapters for Mobile Devices with a Camera
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
The narrow adapter 500 shown in
The side adapter 510 shown in
Adapters for iPhone G3
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.
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.
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 VideoconferencingThese improved optical adapters allow videoconferencing with a mobile device with a camera.
Self-ImagingThese 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.
PortableThese improved optical adapters are small and therefore portable.
MobileThese 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.
LightweightThese improved optical adapters are lightweight.
RemovableThese improved optical adapters are easily applied and removed.
Low CostThese improved optical adapters are low cost. They can be made of materials that are smaller, thus ultimately less expensive.
Easy to ManufactureThese improved optical adapters are easy to make or to manufacture, having a simple set of parts and configurations.
Easy to ShipThese improved optical adapters are small and, therefore, easy to ship.
Easy to TransportThese improved optical adapters are small and, therefore, easy to transport in a purse or pocket.
Easy to StoreThese improved optical adapters are small and, therefore, easy to store in a drawer, purse or pocket.
Easy to UseThese 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 AppearanceThese optical adapters have a professional and aesthetic appearance that integrates well with the mobile device with a camera.
Conclusion, Ramification, and ScopeAccordingly, 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.
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.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 29, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 30, 2010
Inventor: Kendyl A. Roman (Sunnyvale, CA)
Application Number: 12/459,375
International Classification: H04N 7/15 (20060101); G02B 17/08 (20060101); H04N 5/225 (20060101);