Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical accessory identification system and device comprising a plurality of camera filters having a ring. The ring includes an inside rim, an attachment, and an indicator. The inside rim is connected to a top portion of the ring. The attachment is connected to an underside portion of the ring. The one or more indicators are disposed on the ring. The system may include a second optical accessory device with distinct identifiers.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus to which an accessory is detachably attached, the electronic apparatus includes a receiving unit and a processing unit. In a case where a first accessory is attached to the electronic apparatus via a second accessory, the receiving unit receives, from the first accessory, first information indicating whether or not an operation of the first accessory attached to the electronic apparatus via the second accessory is to be permitted, and the processing unit makes different control over the operation of the first accessory in accordance with the first information.

Abstract: A filter holder device for a camera is disclosed that includes a frame having a first side surface, a second side surface, and an opening generally located in the center of the frame, a first filter housing present on the first side surface of the frame opening, and a second filter housing present on the second side surface of the frame opening. The first filter housing may include two housing sections configured to create one or more paired parallel slots. Each of the one or more paired parallel slots may be configured to hold in place a filter that is quadrilateral in shape. Each of the one or more paired parallel slots may include a tension spring.

Abstract: A camera module for an imaging device includes a light sensing module, a control circuit, a mounting member, one or more external lens modules, and a magnetic sensing element. The control circuit sets photographic conditions for a certain external lens module according to a control signal, the control signal being prompted by the magnetic sensing element detecting the type of the external lens module by the arrangement of magnetic components therein, as detected by the magnetic sensing element. The magnetic components have configurations corresponding to the type of the external lens module and the magnetic components assist in aligning one external lens module to the body of the imaging device. The automatic detection and photographic settings applied can be disabled by a user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wavelength-modulable spectrum generator as well as a system and method for measuring concentration of a gas component based thereon. The wavelength-modulable spectrum generator includes a filter plate, a to-be-measured gas box and a light intensity receiving plate. A plate surface of the filter plate is encircled with N filter holes, and a filter lens with a specific refractive index is correspondingly fixedly arranged in each filter hole. A light source mounting position is fixed to a side of an in-light surface of the filter plate. After any light source is mounted at the light source mounting position, lights of the light source irradiate the filter lens. A rotation and deflection driving mechanism is connected with an out-light surface of the filter plate and drives the filter plate to rotate or deflect along the axis according to a preset angle.

Abstract: A lens selector for selectively exposing one camera lens and covering other camera lenses of a cell phone or the like is shown and described. The lens selector comprises a base which grips the cell phone and a lens cover movable between two or more positions. The lens cover may slide along the base when moving between positions. An arm resiliently biased into an engaged positions may lock the lens cover into a selected position on the base. The lens selector may substantially cover that side of the cell phone having lenses, and may grip edges of the cell phone. The lens selector may include a socket for centering an associated cell phone with respect to an optical device such as a spotting scope, so that the cell phone may capture images visible through the scope.

Abstract: An apparatus including a camera optical element and a tactile indicator associated with the camera optical element for indicating a property of the camera optical element.

Abstract: A removably attachable optical device includes a clamp comprising an upper clamp member and a lower clamp member. When the clamp is mounted on a mobile device, the upper member extends over a device side to enable an orifice formed by the upper clamp member to be positioned over an aperture of the mobile device. An optical element housing has a portion configured to engage the an upper clamp member. A non-uniform optical element is rotatably mounted to the optical element housing. Rotation of the non-uniform optical element causes light passing through the non-uniform optical element as the non-uniform optical element is rotated to be correspondingly altered to create optical effects.

Abstract: An assembly for use on a piece of equipment comprising a mobile phone with a camera function, the phone having a light which is integral to the body of the equipment, the phone further including a camera lens capable of taking a photograph of an object, and a phone cover removably attached to the mobile phone. The assembly has a carrier assembly, the carrier assembly has a support and a base, and a carrier member attached to the support, the carrier member being movably and releasably mounted to the support, and the carrier member is movable relative to the base and the phone cover. The carrier member includes at least one lens station mounted on it, the lens station includes at least one lens separate from but aligned with the lens in the body of the mobile phone. The lens at the lens station is located between the camera lens of the mobile phone and the object to be photographed and the lens of the lens station is adapted to magnify the image of the object.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided with: an accessory lens mount configured to movably attach to a camera, the camera having an objective; a plurality of different optical elements attached to the accessory lens mount such that each of the different optical elements is movable to a co-operating position with the objective by the accessory lens mount to a corresponding position by a user; and an optical mode indicator configured to enable automatic optical mode adjustment of the camera to suit with the optics formed by the objective and the optical element that is moved to the co-operating position with the objective.

Abstract: A gear for adjusting a camera lens barrel includes a gear body having a continuous inner surface defining an inner diameter and a continuous outer surface defining an outer diameter. The gear is elastically deformable such that the gear is securable about the camera lens barrel whereby the gear is removable and is reusable. The inner diameter of the gear is elastically deformable by at least 0.6 millimeters.

Abstract: A device for aligning the optical axis of a camera is disclosed. The optical alignment device comprises a bracket attaching the device to a frame, the frame incorporating a camera system therein, the camera system having an optical axis projecting substantially horizontally from the camera system, a housing comprising a first part fixed to a first side of the bracket; and a second part comprising a prism refracting the optical axis of the camera system based on a power of the prism and a rotation of the prism with respect to the optical axis and a hinge between the first part and the second part, the hinge rotating the second part with respect to the first part.

Abstract: Optical camera systems for nondestructive internal inspection of online, operating power generation turbines, including gas turbine combustor and turbine sections that are at high operating temperatures in the range of over 600° C. (1112° F.). The system includes one or more temperature and vibration-compensating lens systems in the optical tube mount. The lens is circumferentially retained within a lens mount, with a mounting ring in contact with only the lens axial face. A biasing element exerts axially oriented biasing force on the first lens face through the first mounting ring, allowing for mount flexure in response to operational turbine vibration and temperature changes. The lens mount is advantageously combined with aspheric lenses capable of withstanding continuous operating temperatures above 600° C. The aspheric lenses, alone or in combination with spherical lenses, establish a wider field of view, and require fewer lenses in combination than lens mounts incorporating only spherical lenses.

Abstract: A barrel-based white balance filter includes an opaque barrel attachable to a camera lens of a camera and a white balance component in the form of a milky white or gray filter having a milky white or gray annular rim and axially adjustably mounted in the opaque barrel so that the milky white or gray annular rim is protected by the opaque barrel against the radiation of vivid light or reflected light during a manual white balance operation when the white balance component is completely received in the opaque outer barrel, enabling the manual white balance system of the camera to measure the average white balance value of the viewing scene accurately.

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.

Abstract: An illumination attachment for an intraoral camera quickly attaches to the distal end of the camera and provides non-white illumination at a specific desired wavelength for diagnosing gum disease and tooth decay.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to an optical device with one or more optical components (e.g., lenses) attached to a retainer portion or clip. The optical device can be removably attached to mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablet computers, media players, and the like. The retainer portion may be configured so as not to interfere with a user's view of a display panel of the mobile device. The optical device may include one or more energy conveying paths to allow energy to be conveyed to and/or from various components of the mobile device, such as flashes or microphones. In some embodiments, additional features may be provided, such as optical components tilted to complement a tilt of an onboard camera of a mobile device, and structures or adapters to reduce friction or allow an optical device to be attached to mobile devices of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and system to magnetically, rotably secure a lens filter to a camera. Generally the devices and systems comprise a magnet assembly and a lens filter assembly threadably engageable. Also provided are magnetic lens filter systems comprising the engaged magnet and lens filter assemblies and an attachment assembly securable around a camera lens and magnetically attachable to the magnet comprising the magnetic lens filter, magnetic adapter assembly or magnetic adapter. Further provided are camera systems comprising the magnetic lens filter systems rotatably affixed thereto.

Abstract: A personal communication device, such as a smartphone handset comprises a main body incorporating a camera having a lens. An attachment for the personal communication device is detachably mountable to the main body by means of a cover. The attachment also comprises an optical device arranged to reflect light into the lens from a panoramic field of view. The optical device includes a convex mirror, which preferably reflects light from a 360° field of view into the camera. Such an arrangement enables the user to completely capture an image of his surroundings, so that the image is an objective record of a moment in time as experienced by the user. The invention is more portable and versatile than previous arrangements.

Abstract: A viewfinder for attaching to a device having image-capturing capability has a structure for supporting an eyepiece, an engagement interface implemented on the structure to engage a complementary portion of a device having image-capture capability in a specific direction, and at least one eyepiece attached to the structure, such that the eyepiece has an axis proceeding in the specific direction with the viewfinder engaged to the device having image-capture capability.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for attaching light transmissive elements, such as a filter or an additional lens, to a camera lens or a camera housing. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a pressure fit camera filter mount. The mount comprises: a light transmissive element mounted to a landing pad; a collar; an extension plate which connects the landing pad to the collar wherein the collar is capable of sliding over a camera lens or camera housing, and wherein the interior of the collar is slightly smaller than the camera lens or camera housing over which it would be slid.

Abstract: A matte box system for a camera is presented, including one or more filter rings each capable of accommodating a filter or filter holder, the filter rings each having a substantially planar forward face and a substantially planar rear face, one face having one or more bearing elements and the other face having a corresponding bearing surface adapted to engage with the bearing element. The bearing surface includes one or more circular or arcuate channels, and the bearing element including a spring-loaded or otherwise biased surface that protrudes from the face and is urged in a generally axial direction to engage with the bearing surface such that the bearing surface and bearing element of consecutive filter rings allow the filter rings to independently rotate about the optical axis, while resisting radial movement of the filter rings.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a portable image capture and storage device. The apparatus includes an auxiliary lens and an elastic band coupled thereto. The auxiliary lens is shaped for image alteration of an image obtained by the portable image capture and storage device. The auxiliary lens characterized by an optical axis extending from a base of the lens to a crown of the lens. The elastic band extends, at least in part, in a lateral direction, substantially orthogonal to the optical axis, from the auxiliary lens. The elastic band in combination with the auxiliary lens forms a closed loop whereby the apparatus is removably attachable to a peripheral portion of the image capture and storage device to alter the appearance of the image obtained by the portable image capture and storage device.

Abstract: A protective lens cover shields the body of a camera lens from damage. The protective lens cover resembles the shape of the lens being shielded and is essentially the same axial length as the lens—that is, the protective lens cover extends from the lens-camera joint to the outer lens element. Hence, the entire body of the lens is covered except for the lens elements and camera mount surface. On the interior surface of the protective lens cover is a cloth material, such as felt, cotton or velvet, affixed to the main body through an adhesive process. The cloth is the sole feature of the protective lens cover that contacts with the camera lens. The remainder of the interior of the protective lens cover provides a small empty space surrounding the lens body, thereby providing a barrier against damage. The protective lens cover being produced by 3D printing means.

Abstract: An adapter for holding a camera lens of a smartphone, digital mobile device or other camera-bearing device in alignment with an optical instrument has an optical instrument coupler with a pair of spaced-apart clamp members, one of which is used to clamp onto an eyepiece of the optical instrument, and a camera-bearing device coupler having a device clamp member which is used to clamp the camera-bearing device so that its camera lens is in optical alignment with the clamped eyepiece of the optical instrument. A mounting plate with a camera lens slot and a linearly movable locking bracket for the optical instrument coupler enables the position of the camera lens to be adjusted in alignment with the eyepiece of the optical instrument.

Abstract: A personal communication device, such as a smartphone handset (1) comprises a main body (2) incorporating a camera (4) having a lens (5). An attachment (6) for the personal communication device is detachably mountable to the main body (2) by means of a cover (8). The attachment (6) also comprises an optical device (7) arranged to reflect light into the lens from a panoramic field of view. The optical device (7) includes a convex mirror (9), which preferably reflects light from a 360° field of view into the camera (4). Such an arrangement enables the user to completely capture an image of his surroundings, so that the image is an objective record of a moment in time as experienced by the user. The invention is more portable and versatile than previous arrangements.

Abstract: A polarizing hood including a first polarized filter with the center of the filter removed. Placed forward and in front of the first polarized filter is a second linear polarized filter substantially the size of the hole in the first polarized filter and is held in place by a clear lens. The polarization may be adjusted. In response to light collocated with an objective lens shined through the first polarizing filter, the light become polarized. The reflected polarized light returns through the second polarized filter, and full polarization is accomplished with respect to the viewing camera.

Abstract: A conversion adapter apparatus is provided that connects a camera body and an interchangeable lens. The conversion adapter apparatus includes a camera body side installation portion to receive a camera body, a lens side installation portion to receive an interchangeable lens, and a first communication contact group provided on the camera body side installation portion and connected to a communication contact group. The conversion adapter apparatus additionally includes a second communication contact group provided on the lens side installation portion and connected to the communication contact group and a conductive member that electrically connects the first communication contact group and the second communication contact group. A position of the first communication contact group around a camera optical axis and a position of the second communication contact group around the camera optical axis are different from each other.

Abstract: A camera lens accessory holder includes an attachment ring configured to couple to a camera lens accessory such as a lens cap or filter, a base coupled to the attachment ring and a holder mount coupled to the base opposite the attachment ring for removably attaching the holder to an external support structure. The base optionally includes a logo surface facing the attachment ring and optionally includes one or more visual elements such as a logo, text, photograph, or symbol. Some embodiments of a camera lens accessory holder include more than one attachment ring. Other embodiments are provided with means for attaching two holders to each other, one each on opposite sides of a flexible strap or belt. Some embodiments include a clip for attachment of a camera lens accessory holder to a belt, strap, or thin sheet of material.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and system to magnetically, rotably secure a lens filter to a camera. Generally the devices and systems comprise a magnet assembly and a lens filter assembly threadably engageable. Also provided are magnetic lens filter systems comprising the engaged magnet and lens filter assemblies and an attachment assembly securable around a camera lens and magnetically attachable to the magnet comprising the magnetic lens filter, magnetic adapter assembly or magnetic adapter. Further provided are camera systems comprising the magnetic lens filter systems rotatably affixed thereto.

Abstract: A compact light shield for flash photography (800) comprises a bib-shaped barrier (805) with a pair of arms (810, 815) with end slots (820, 825), a band (500) with end slots (520, 525), and a plurality of H&L fasteners (505, 510, 515, 830, and 1200). One fastener (1200) is affixed to a flash (1100). The barrier can be stored flat and can be rolled into and held in a scoop shape by interlocking its arm slots. The band is formed and held in a circular shape by interlocking its end slots. The band is secured to the barrier and both are oriented with the bib-shaped part facing away from and secured to the flash. An alternative embodiment eliminates the band and secures the barrier directly to the flash.

Abstract: A grip and trigger apparatus including a handle housing, a device holder, a trigger member, and an actuation assembly is provided. The handle housing includes detachably attached casing members that define an enclosed space and openings. The device holder is positioned on the handle housing for securely accommodating the electronic device. The trigger member is operably connected to the actuation assembly within the enclosed space for triggering movement of the actuating assembly in an upward and downward direction. The actuation assembly includes an elongate member extending out of an opening defined by the handle housing, and an actuation head member rigidly connected to an upper end of the elongate member. The actuation head member comprises a protruding element that applies a downward pressure on a button of the electronic device for actuating the electronic device, when the trigger member triggers the movement of the actuation assembly in a downward direction.

Abstract: An after-market product for attachment to a camera, lateral to a lens of the camera to enable photographing a self portrait while avoiding parallax error includes a mirror having a convex front surface and a plane rear surface; an adhesive layer engaged with the rear surface; a peelable cover sheet engaged with the adhesive layer; and a clear film layer having framing marks, the film layer adhesively engaged with and re-engagable with the front surface for repositioning the framing marks so as to avoid parallax error.

Abstract: A rotatable flash trigger is disclosed. The rotatable flash trigger may include a hot shoe connector, a trigger body, and a rotation mechanism positioned between the trigger body and the hot shoe connector. The trigger body may be configured to rotate with respect to one axis or multiple axes. Additionally, a surface of the trigger body may include a hot shoe receptor.

Abstract: A device and a method for facilitating the rotation of an adjustment ring from a plurality of adjustment rings of a camera lens. The device comprises a tightening ring having an adjustable diameter and a control lever protruding from the tightening ring allowing a user to rotate the adjustment ring of the camera lens along the lens' longitudinal axis. The method comprises enlarging a tightening ring to an extended diameter larger than the diameter of the adjustment ring and positioning the lever ring device onto the adjustment ring of the camera for frictionally engaging the tightening ring onto the adjustment ring. Applying lateral pressure along the camera lens' longitudinal axis onto a control lever protruding from the tightening ring causes the adjustment ring to rotate.

Abstract: An electronic device may have front and rear surfaces. A front-facing camera may be formed on the front surface and a rear-facing camera may be formed on the rear surface. A display may be mounted on the front face of the electronic device. The cameras may nominally point along axes that run parallel to surface normals for the front and rear surfaces. A removable camera accessory with reflector structures may be mounted over a camera to deflect light and thereby point the camera in an off-axis direction. The removable camera accessory may be supported in a stand or other support structure. Magnetic structures and other structures may be used in coupling the electronic device to the support structures and may be used in coupling the camera accessory to the electronic device.

Abstract: An additional knurled ring for an optical lens is composed of an annular portion and teeth distributed in a radial direction around the outside of the annular portion. The inner diameter and shape of the additional knurled ring match the outer diameter and shape of an adjusting ring of the optical lens. The additional knurled ring is movably connected with the outside of the adjusting ring of the optical lens. Since the additional knurled ring for the optical lens can be extended towards the front of the lens and beyond the front end of the optical lens, the interference of stray light with the imaging of the optical lens is blocked. Digital scale designations are engraved or printed on the outside of the additional knurled ring for optical lens, the position of the scale and the values of the designations are corresponding to the focal length, aperture, and focal range information of the optical lens.

Abstract: An auxiliary lens positioning system for use with portable cameras is disclosed which includes a base member, an elongate flexible member, a lens mounting flange, an auxiliary lens and a retention member. The elongate flexible member extends from one end of the base member and includes a lens mounting flange at the opposing end. The auxiliary lens may be either removably coupled to the lens mounting flange of the elongate flexible member or permanently coupled therewith. The elongate flexible member may comprise a plurality of interconnected ball and socket segments. The base member may further include a first and second clamping member for engaging the external surfaces of a portable camera.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices for attaching light transmissive elements, such as a filter or an additional lens, to a camera lens. The present invention provides a quick release camera mount. The camera mount includes a filter mount that holds a light transmissive element fixed in place over a camera lens. It further includes: a sidewall; a first flexion plate attached to a release tab extending outwards from the sidewall, where the release tab provides for quick attachment or release from a camera lens; a second flexion plate attached to at least two locking teeth extending inwards from the sidewall.

Abstract: A viewfinder for attaching to a device having image-capturing capability has a structure for supporting an eyepiece, an engagement interface implemented on the structure to engage a complementary portion of a device having image-capture capability in a specific direction, and at least one eyepiece attached to the structure, such that the eyepiece has an axis proceeding in the specific direction with the viewfinder engaged to the device having image-capture capability.

Abstract: A camera and accessories clamping mount that includes an assembly of ball and socket members rotatably and moveably interconnectable having an anterior end and a posterior end, a top connector disposed atop the anterior end and a bottom connector disposed on the posterior end, wherein the bottom connector is releasably attachable to a clamp, said clamp attachable to an extant surface, and an extant camera, or other accessory device having a ¼-20? female thread mount, is releasably attachable to the top connector, whereby said camera or other accessory device is supportable and positionable through a range of positions by means of the assembly of ball and socket members.

Abstract: A filter array for a multi-resolution multi-spectral camera system is described which not only captures 2D images at multiple wavelength bands simultaneously but also at a spatial resolution that meets the demand for spatial feature extraction. The present system optimizes filter bands that provide high image contrast at the highest possible resolution to enable spatial feature extraction and other wavelength bands at lower resolution to achieve maximum number of wavelength bands (e.g. spectral resolution) for multi-spectral analysis. After determining the required spatial resolution and number of wavelength bands for spectral analysis, multiple filters are arranged in a geometric pattern with each filter being designed to have specified wavelength and spatial resolution. Physical sizes of filters differ within each filter group. This maximizes the detector usage while optimizing the trade-off between spatial resolution and spectral resolution. Filter gaps are fixed or tuned to wavelengths of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device connected to a camera main body and having an actuator, the electronic device including: a detection terminal adapted to come into contact with a terminal used by the camera main body to detect the connection to the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the camera main body; a detection section adapted to detect the voltage of the detection terminal; a connection detection section adapted to detect the connection status to the camera main body based on the change in the voltage detected by the detection section; and a control section adapted to control the operation of the actuator based on the connection or disconnection to or from the camera main body detected by the connection detection section.

Abstract: A sensor-mounting bracket for supporting a positioning sensor with respect to a camera so that the compass heading and tilt angle of the camera can be determined. To determine the compass heading and tilt angle of the camera, the sensor-mounting bracket is configured to align the positioning sensor with the sight line of the camera. In particular, the bracket is adapted to align the compass heading and the tilt axis of the positioning sensor so that they are parallel with the sight line of the camera.

Abstract: A polarizing hood including a first polarized filter with the center of the filter removed. Placed forward and in front of the first polarized filter is a second linear polarized filter substantially the size of the hole in the first polarized filter and is held in place by a clear lens. The polarization may be adjusted. In response to light collocated with an objective lens shined through the first polarizing filter, the light become polarized. The reflected polarized light returns through the second polarized filter, and full polarization is accomplished with respect to the viewing camera.

Abstract: A rotatable flash trigger is disclosed. The rotatable flash trigger may include a hot shoe connector, a trigger body, and a rotation mechanism positioned between the trigger body and the hot shoe connector. The trigger body may be configured to rotate with respect to one axis or multiple axes. Additionally, a surface of the trigger body may include a hot shoe receptor.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus is provided that includes: a connector including a first terminal that is electrically connected to an external device; a first resistor that is electrically connected to the first terminal via a first node; and an external device recognizing unit that recognizes a type of the external device according to a voltage level of the first node, wherein a voltage level of the first node is determined according to a voltage distribution of the first resistor and a second resistor included in the external device.

Abstract: A conversion adapter apparatus is provided that connects a camera body and an interchangeable lens. The conversion adapter apparatus includes a camera body side installation portion to receive a camera body, a lens side installation portion to receive an interchangeable lens, and a first communication contact group provided on the camera body side installation portion and connected to a communication contact group. The conversion adapter apparatus additionally includes a second communication contact group provided on the lens side installation portion and connected to the communication contact group and a conductive member that electrically connects the first communication contact group and the second communication contact group. A position of the first communication contact group around a camera optical axis and a position of the second communication contact group around the camera optical axis are different from each other.

Abstract: A camera lens shade assembly includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member includes a plurality of attached ball and socket members and is bendable such that first and second ends are positionable with respect to each other. An attachment member is attached to the first end of the elongated member. The attachment apparatus is removably coupled to an image capturing device. A shade is attached to the second end of the elongated member. The shade is positionable relative to a lens of the image capturing device to inhibit light from a selected light source from directly entering the lens.

Abstract: A camera reading apparatus having an alignment guide is presented. The alignment guide may have a rigid platform having a substantially flat bottom surface, a substantially flat top surface that is parallel to the bottom surface, and an aperture through the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface may have a first portion and may have a second portion that forms a ledge projecting from the first portion. The first portion may have a front edge, and the second portion may have a side edge. The front edge and the side edge may intersect to form a right angle.