PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/036939, entitled UNIVERSAL ATTACHMENT APPARATUS FOR IMAGING DEVICES, GADGETS AND ACCESSORIES, filed June 9, 2020 which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety for all purposes. For purposes of the United States of America this application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. application No. 63/036939, entitled UNIVERSAL ATTACHMENT APPARATUS FOR IMAGING DEVICES, GADGETS AND ACCESSORIES, filed June 9, 2020.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to apparatus and methods for detachably attaching optical accessories to portable electronic devices.

Background

[0003] Portable electronic devices including smartphones, tablet computers, and laptop computers, have become increasingly prevalent. Such devices may have cameras capable of capturing digital images. However, a camera of a portable electronic device may not be suitable for capturing various types of images. For example, the magnification of a camera of a portable electronic device may be limited by an optical magnification of a lens of the camera. The optical magnification of the lens may be limited by the shape and size (form factor) of the portable electronic device.

[0004] An optical accessory may be used to capture a higher quality or different type of image with a camera of a portable electronic device than may be captured by the camera alone. An optical accessory may comprise a lens, a filter and/or a light source. For example, an optical accessory comprising a magnifying (zoom) lens may be attached to a portable electronic device and aligned with a camera of the portable electronic device to optically magnify the light entering the camera. An image captured by the camera using such an optical accessory may be magnified versus an image captured by the camera without the optical accessory.

[0005] An optical accessory may need to be securely attached to a portable electronic device to operate correctly with the camera of the portable electronic device. If the optical accessory is not securely attached to the portable electronic device, the optical accessory may move relative to the portable electronic device and the camera of the portable electronic device while the camera is capturing an image. If the optical accessory moves while the camera is capturing an image, the captured image may be distorted.

[0006] There may also be a need to remove an optical accessory from a portable electronic device when the optical accessory is not in use. An optical accessory may have a large form factor relative to the portable electronic device. As such, the optical accessory may be cumbersome when attached to the portable electronic device. Furthermore, the optical accessory may be more delicate than the portable electronic device, and require more delicate transport and/or storage than the portable electronic device. Also, the optical accessory may be shared among multiple portable electronic devices, and/or used without a portable electronic device, and therefore need to be repeatedly attached to and detached from more than one portable electronic device.

[0007] There is a general desire for a method and apparatus for detachably attaching an optical accessory to a portable electronic device.

[0008] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

Summary

[0009] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above- described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. [0010] One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for mounting an optical accessory to a portable electronic device, the apparatus comprises: a body having a base and an arm attached to the base; a releasable accessory mount on the first side of the base and/or on the first side of the arm; an adhesive mount on the second side of the base, wherein the second side of the base opposes the first side of the base and the first side of the arm; and an alignment member provided by the arm.

[0011] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0013] Figures 1A and 1B are respective front and back views of a mounting apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figures 1C to 1 E are side views of adhesive mounts according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figures 1 F and 1G are side views of an adhesive mount adhered to a body according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figures 1 H and 11 are respective front and back views of the mounting apparatus depicted in Figs. 1A and 1 B.

[0017] Figures 2A and 2B are respective front and perspective views of the mounting apparatus depicted in Figs. 1A and 1 B adhered to a portable electronic device.

[0018] Figures 3A and 3B are respective front and perspective views of the mounting apparatus depicted in Figs. 1A and 1 B adhered to a portable electronic device, and an optical accessory mounted to the mounting apparatus.

[0019] Figures 4A and 4B are respective front and back views of a mounting apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention. [0020] Figures 5A to 5C are exploded views of an optical device mounted to the mounting apparatus depicted in Figs. 4A and 4B, wherein the mounting apparatus is adhered to a portable electronic device.

[0021] Figures 5D and 5E are respective perspective and front views of an optical device mounted to the mounting apparatus depicted in Figs. 1A and 1 B, wherein the mounting apparatus is adhered to a portable electronic device.

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a method for detachable attaching an optical accessory to a portable electronic device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Description

[0023] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0024] Portable electronic devices including smartphones, tablet computers, and laptop computers have become increasingly prevalent. Such devices may have cameras capable of capturing digital images. An optical accessory may be used to capture a higher quality or different type of image with a camera of a portable electronic device than may be captured with the camera alone.

[0025] An optical accessory may need to be securely attached to a portable electronic device to operate correctly with the camera of the portable electronic device. There may also be a need to remove the optical accessory from the portable electronic device when the optical accessory is not in use.

[0026] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a mounting apparatus for detachably attaching an optical accessory to a portable electronic device. The mounting apparatus is adhered to the portable electronic device, and the optical accessory is detachably mounted to the mounting apparatus. The optical accessory may be dismounted from the mounting apparatus, and thereby detached from the portable electronic device. [0027] Figs. 1A and 1 B are respective front and back views of mounting apparatus 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Mounting apparatus 100 comprises body 10, wherein body 10 comprises base 12 and arm 14 attached to base 12. Body 10 has first side 16A and opposing second side 16B. Arm 14 provides alignment member 18.

[0028] Mounting apparatus 100 further comprises accessory mount 20 on first side 16A and adhesive mount 22 on second side 16B. Mounting apparatus 100 may be attached to a portable electronic device by adhering adhesive mount 22 to the portable electronic device. An optical accessory may be attached to mounting apparatus 100 by mounting the optical accessory to accessory mount 20. Accordingly, an optical accessory may be attached to a portable electronic device with mounting apparatus 100 by adhering mounting apparatus 100 to the portable electronic device and mounting the optical accessory to mounting apparatus 100.

[0029] Figs. 2A and 2B are respective front and perspective views of mounting apparatus 100 adhered to portable electronic device 200, wherein electronic device 200 comprises a smartphone.

[0030] Figs. 3A and 3B are respective front and perspective views of mounting apparatus 100 adhered to portable electronic device 200 and optical accessory 300 mounted to mounting apparatus 100, wherein optical accessory 300 comprises a dermascope (described below).

[0031] Accessory mount 20 may comprise any attachment member capable of mounting and dismounting optical accessory 300 in a specific orientation to mounting apparatus 100. For example, accessory mount 20 may comprise one or more of: magnets, snap-fit connectors, threaded holes, and friction fit connectors.

[0032] In some embodiments, accessory mount 20 comprises one or more magnets 24 attached to first side 16A of body 10 and configured to attract and hold one or more magnets of optical accessory 300. Optical accessory 300 may be dismounted from accessory mount 20 by applying a force to overcome the magnetic attraction between magnets 24 and the magnets of optical accessory 300, for example by a user pulling optical accessory 300 from mounting apparatus 100. [0033] Magnets 24 may be attached to one or both of base 12 and arm 14. Fig. 1A depicts an embodiment of accessory mount 20 comprising two magnets 24 attached to arm 14. Fig. 4A is a front view of an embodiment of mounting apparatus 100 according to an example embodiment wherein accessory mount 20 comprises oblong magnet 26 attached to base 12.

[0034] In some embodiments, magnets 24, 26 are configured to orient optical accessory 300 in a specific orientation relative to mounting apparatus 100 when optical accessory 300 is mounted to accessory mount 20. Magnets 24 may be attached to body 10 in a magnet pattern, wherein the pattern of magnets 24 matches a pattern of magnets of optical accessory 300 and orients optical accessory 300 in the specific orientation when optical accessory 300 is mounted to mounting apparatus 100. Furthermore, one or more of magnets 24, 26 may be shaped to match a shape and be of an opposite polarity of one or more magnets of optical accessory 300 and orient optical accessory 300 in the specific orientation when optical accessory 300 is mounted to mounting apparatus 100.

[0035] The specific orientation of optical accessory 300 to mounting apparatus 100 may align one or more sections of optical accessory 300 with one or more sections of mounting apparatus 100. For example, as depicted in Figs. 3A and 3B, the specific orientation of optical accessory 300 to mounting apparatus 100 may comprise aligning lens 310 of optical accessory 300 with alignment member 18. The specific orientation of optical accessory 300 to mounting apparatus 100 may comprise holding lens 310 a specific distance from alignment member 18.

[0036] Furthermore, the specific orientation of optical accessory 300 to mounting apparatus 100 may orient one or more sections of optical accessory 300 with one or more sections of portable electronic device 200, when optical accessory 300 is mounted to mounting apparatus 100 and mounting apparatus 100 is adhered to portable electronic device 200. For example, as depicted in Figs. 3A and 3B, the specific orientation of optical accessory 300 to portable electronic device 200 may comprise aligning lens 310 of optical accessory 300 with camera 212 of portable electronic device 200. The specific orientation of optical accessory 300 to portable electronic device 200 may comprise holding lens 310 a specific distance from camera 212. The specific distance of lens 310 from camera 212 may equal a focal length of lens 310, such that lens 310 is focused on camera 212 when lens 310 is the specific distance from camera 212. [0037] The pattern of magnets 24, 26 may comprise one or more of: a polarity of magnets 24, 26, a position of magnets 24, 26 on body 10, and/or a shape of magnets 24, 26.

[0038] Fig. 1 A depicts an embodiment of a pattern of magnets 24 wherein magnets 24 are spaced apart laterally along arm 14. Fig. 4A depicts an embodiment of magnet 26 comprising an oblong shaped magnet.

[0039] As depicted in Figs. 1A and 2A to 3B, accessory mount 20 may comprise bracket 28 for orientating optical accessory 300 relative to mounting apparatus 100 when optical accessory 300 is mounted to accessory mount 20. For example, a side of bracket 28 may be shaped to match a side of optical accessory 300, so the side of optical accessory 300 is held by bracket 28 when optical accessory 300 is mounted to accessory mount 20, as depicted in Figs. 3A and 3B.

[0040] In some embodiments, bracket 28 and one or more of magnets 24, 26 cooperatively orient optical accessory 300 in the specific orientation to body 10 when optical accessory 300 is mounted to mounting apparatus 100.

[0041] Adhesive mount 22 comprises any adhesive material that is capable of forming a bond between body 10 and portable electronic device 200 sufficient to hold the weight of mounting apparatus 100 and optical accessory 300 when mounted to mounting apparatus 100. Adhesive mount 22 may form a bond between body 10 and portable electronic device 200 with a force greater than a force required to dismount optical accessory 300 from mounting apparatus 100.

[0042] Adhesive mount 22 may also hold optical accessory 300 in the specific orientation and or the specific distance from portable electronic device 200 while optical accessory 300 is used with portable electronic device 200, for example while optical accessory 300 and portable electronic device 200 are conducted about a subject to photograph the subject.

[0043] Figs. 1 C to 1 E are side views of various embodiments of adhesive mount 22, wherein adhesive mount 22 comprises double-sided adhesive pad 30. Pad 30 has first side 32A for adhering to second side 16B of body 10 and opposing second side 32B for adhering to portable electronic device 200.

[0044] In some embodiments, pad 30 may be configured to be removed cleanly from portable electronic device 200. Removing pad 30 cleanly from portable electronic device 200 may comprise removing pad 30 and any adhesive material on second side 32B from portable electronic device 200. Pad 30 may be configured to be removed cleanly from portable electronic device 200 by an adhesive material on second side 32B of pad 30 adhering with a stronger force to pad 30 than to portable electronic device 200.

[0045] Pad 30 may be configured to adhere to body 10 with a force stronger than to portable electronic device 200. Pad 30 may be configured to adhere to body 10 with a force stronger than to portable electronic device 200 so that pad 30 remains adhered to body 10 when mounting apparatus 100 is removed from portable electronic device 200. As such, pad 30 may be configured to separate from portable electronic device 200 without separating from mounting apparatus 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, first side 32A has a surface area in contact with body 10 greater than a surface area of second side 32B in contact with portable electronic device 200. If first side 32A and second side 32B have the same adhesive strength per unit of area, for example if first side 32A and second side 32B are both covered with the same adhesive material, then second side 32B will have a lower adhesive strength to portable electronic device 200 than first side 32A will have to body 10. Accordingly, mounting apparatus 100 and pad 30 can be separated from portable electronic device 200 without pad 30 separating from mounting apparatus 100.

[0047] Fig. 1C depicts an embodiment of pad 30 where first side 32A is substantially flat, and second side 32B of pad 30 is at least partially domed. First side 32A may be substantially flat to maximize the surface area of first side 32A adhered to body 10. Second side 32B of pad 30 may be domed to reduce the surface area of second side 32B adhered to portable electronic device 200. Accordingly, a surface area of first side 32A adhered to body 10 may be greater than a surface area of second side 32B adhered to portable electronic device 200.

[0048] Fig. 1 D depicts an embodiment of pad 30 where first side 32A is substantially flat and second side 32B of pad 30 is substantially flat with rounded edges 34. Due to rounded edges 34, a surface area of second side 32B is less than a surface area of first side 32A. Accordingly, a surface area of first side 32A adhered to body 10 may be greater than a surface area of second side 32B adhered to portable electronic device 200. [0049] Fig. 1 E depicts an embodiment of pad 30 where first side 32A is substantially flat and second side 32B of pad 30 is uneven, for example corrugated. Due to the unevenness of second side 32B, a surface area of second side 32B adhered to portable electronic device 200 may be less than a surface area of first side 32A adhered to mounting apparatus 100.

[0050] Fig. 1 F is a side view of an embodiment of adhesive mount 22 adhered to body 10, wherein adhesive mount 22 comprises a barrier 36 extending at least partially around a periphery of adhesive pad 30. When mounting apparatus 100 is adhered to portable electronic device 200, barrier 36 extends at least partially between body 10 and portable electronic device 200. Barrier 36 may preserve the adherence of mounting apparatus 100 to portable electronic device 200 by preventing foreign material from entering between pad 30 and body 10, and/or from entering between pad 30 and portable electronic device 200, thereby maintaining the adherence of pad 30 to body 10, and/or to portable electronic device 200.

[0051] Adhesive pad 30 extends by pad height 38 from body 10 and barrier 36 extends from body 10 by barrier height 40. In some embodiments, barrier height 40 is less than pad height 38. Pad 30 may be configured to compress when mounting apparatus 100 is adhered to portable electronic device 200, and barrier height 40 may be less than pad height 38 to facilitate compression of pad 30 during adherence of pad 30 to portable electronic device 200.

[0052] In some embodiments, barrier 36 is compressible, and barrier height 40 is greater than pad height 38. Where barrier height 40 is greater than pad height 38, barrier 36 and/or pad 30 may compress when pad 30 is adhered to portable electronic device 200.

[0053] In some embodiments, barrier 36 is attached to body 10. In some embodiments, barrier 36 is applied to pad 30 once pad 30 is adhered to portable electronic device 200. Barrier 36 may comprise one or more of: rings, ribs, and/or ribbons.

[0054] In some embodiments, mounting apparatus 100 comprises cover 42 covering adhesive mount 22. Cover 42 covers adhesive mount 22 when mounting apparatus 100 is not adhered to portable electronic device 200. Cover 42 protects adhesive mount 22 from drying out and/or adhering to undesired material before adhesive mount 22 is adhered to portable electronic device 200. [0055] Cover 42 may comprise a rigid or flexible cover made of plastic, metal, and/or coated paper and/or cardboard. Cover 42 may be coupled to body 10 by attracting one or more magnets in cover 42 to one or more magnets in body 10.

[0056] Fig. 1G is a side view of adhesive mount 22 adhered to body 10, wherein adhesive mount comprises adhesive pad 30 and barrier 36, and adhesive mount 22 is covered by cover 42.

[0057] In some embodiments, alignment member 18 is provided by arm 14. Alignment member 18 may comprise aperture 44, wherein aperture 44 may be aligned with a section of portable electronic device 200 when mounting apparatus 100 is adhered to portable electronic device 200. For example, as depicted in Figs. 2A to 3B, aperture 44 may be aligned with camera 212 of portable electronic device 200 when mounting apparatus 100 is adhered to portable electronic device 200.

[0058] Alignment member 18 may comprise one or more alignment indicators 46 on arm 14 along a periphery of aperture 44. In some embodiments, aperture 44 is circular, and alignment indicators 46 extend along arm 14 radially from a center of aperture 44 by indicator length 48. For example, alignment indicators 46 may comprise one or more of: markings along a surface of arm 14, indentations along a surface of arm 14, and channels through arm 14.

[0059] Alignment indicators 46 assist with aligning mounting apparatus 100 to portable electronic device 200 in a certain orientation. For example, alignment indicators 46 may form a reticle about aperture 44 for aligning a center of aperture 44 with a center of camera 212 of portable electronic device 200 when mounting apparatus 100 is adhered to portable electronic device 200.

[0060] Alignment member 18 may comprise a transparent section, for example a transparent section made of glass or plastic. Where alignment member 18 comprises a transparent section, alignment indicators 46 may comprise markings along a surface of the transparent section.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a method 600 for detachably attaching optical accessory 300 to portable electronic device 200 with mounting apparatus 100 having body 10 comprising base 12 and arm 14 attached to base 12. [0062] Method 600 comprises:

• step 610, aligning alignment member 18 of arm 14 with camera 212 of portable electronic device 200;

• step 612, adhering second side 16B of body 10 to portable electronic device 200;

• step 614, mounting optical accessory 300 to first side 16A of mounting apparatus 100, wherein lens 310 of optical accessory 300 is aligned with camera 212 when optical accessory 300 is mounted to mounting apparatus 100; and

• step 616, dismounting optical accessory 300 from mounting apparatus 100.

[0063] In some embodiments of method 600, step 612 comprises adhering first side 32A of double-sided adhesive pad 30 to base 12 and adhering second side 32B of pad 30 to portable electronic device 200.

[0064] In some embodiments, method 600 comprises applying barrier 36 around a periphery of pad 30 between base 12 and portable electronic device 200.

[0065] In some embodiments of method 600, mounting optical accessory 300 to first side 16A of mounting apparatus 100 comprises attracting one or more magnets 24, 26 attached to first side 16A of mounting apparatus 100 to one or more magnets of optical accessory 300.

[0066] In some embodiments of method 600, magnets 24, 26 are attached to first side 16A of mounting apparatus 100 in a magnet pattern that aligns lens 310 of optical accessory 300 with camera 212 of portable electronic device 200 when optical accessory 300 is mounted to mounting apparatus 100.

[0067] In some embodiments of method 600, step 616 comprises releasing the magnets of optical accessory 300 from magnets 24, 26 of mounting apparatus 100.

[0068] In some embodiments of method 600, step 610 comprises aligning one or more alignment indicators 46 of alignment member 18 with camera 212.

Some embodiments

[0069] One or more embodiments of mounting apparatus 100 may have one or more of the features disclosed below. [0070] In some embodiments base 12 is circular and arm 14 extends along axis A1 , wherein axis A1 passes through the center C1 of base 12, as depicted in Figs. 1 H and 11. Arm 14 may be symmetrical about the axis A1. Where base 12 is circular, base 12 may have diameter D1 smaller than arm length L1 , wherein arm length L1 is the length of arm 14 along axis A1. Arm 14 may extend along axis A1 from base 12 by an extension length L2, wherein extension length L2 is less than diameter D1.

[0071] In some embodiments, accessory mount 20 is spaced apart from pad 30 by a mounting height between optical accessory 200 and portable electronic device 300. In some embodiments, the mounting height is the distance between lens 310 and camera 212 when lens 310 is focused on camera 212.

[0072] In embodiments of alignment member 18 comprising circular aperture 44, axis A1 may pass through center C2 of circular aperture 44.

[0073] Magnets 24 may be attached to arm 24 laterally along arm 24, equidistant from axis A1 , and/or equidistant from center C2 of aperture 44.

[0074] A length of magnet 26 along axis A1 may be greater than a width of magnet 26 perpendicular to axis A1 , as depicted in Fig. 4A.

[0075] In some embodiments, adhesive mount 22 is circular and concentric with circular base 12.

[0076] In some embodiments, bracket 28 extends from one side of arm 14 to an opposing second side of arm 14. Bracket 28 may be arched. Bracket 28 may be symmetrical about axis A1. In some embodiments, arched bracket 28 opens towards magnets 24.

[0077] In some embodiments, accessory mount 20 comprises one or more circular magnets, ring magnets, square magnets, and/or rectangular magnets. The magnets may be mounted to first side 16A of body 10, or recessed within body 10. The magnets may be covered by a protective cover, wherein the protective cover does not substantially attenuate the magnetic force of the magnets, for example a plastic sticker.

[0078] In some embodiments, magnets 24, 26 may attract and hold a magnetic section of optical accessory. A magnetic section of optical accessory 300 comprises a material which may be magnetized. [0079] In some embodiments, pad 30 comprises a first adhesive material applied to first side 32A and a second adhesive material applied to second side 32B. The first adhesive material may have a greater adhesive strength than an adhesive strength of the second adhesive material. The adhesive strength of an adhesive material is the force of a bond between the adhesive material and a surface it is applied to. As such, the first adhesive material may adhere to body 10 with a greater force than that which the second adhesive material adheres to portable electronic device 200.

[0080] An adhesive material may include one more of: an adhesive fluid, an adhesive paste, and an adhesive solid.

[0081] The adhesive strength of the adhesive material on first side 32A and/or second side 32B may depend in part on a finish of the side. In some embodiments, one or both of first side 32A and second side 32B of pad 30 have a glossy finish, matte finish, or uneven finish. First side 32A may have a finish which results in a lower adhesive strength than second side 32B.

[0082] In some embodiments, pad 30 comprises an adhesive material applied to first side 32A that bonds permanently to mounting apparatus 100. For example, an adhesive material comprising a cyanoacrylate glue may be applied to first side 32A.

[0083] In some embodiments, pad 30 comprises an adhesive material applied to second side 32B that may be repeatedly removed from and adhered to portable electronic device 200. For example, an adhesive material may be applied to second side 32B where the adhesive material is activated by water.

[0084] In some embodiments, pad 30 is removable from body 10. Pad 30 may be removed from body 10 in order to replace pad 30.

[0085] In some embodiments, portable electronic device 200 comprises a digital camera, a light source for illuminating objects in the field of view of the camera, and software for recording, storing, transmitting, and/or modifying digital images. Figs. 5A to 5C are exploded views of optical device 300 mounted to mounting apparatus 100, wherein mounting apparatus 100 is adhered to portable electronic device 200. Fig. 5A depicts a portable electronic device 200 comprising a smartphone. Fig. 5B depicts a portable electronic device 200 comprising a digital camera. Fig. 5C depicts a portable electronic device 200 comprising a laptop computer. [0086] Figs. 5D and 5E are respective perspective and front views of optical device 300 mounted to mounting apparatus 100, wherein mounting apparatus 100 is adhered to a portable electronic device 200 comprising a tablet computer.

[0087] Optical accessory 300 may comprise one or more lenses, filters, and/or light sources. A lens may magnify light passing through the lens, thereby magnifying an object in the field of view of the lens. A filter may pass light of a certain polarity and/or wavelength. A light source may emit light of a certain polarity and/or wavelength. A certain polarity may be a cross-polarity or a parallel polarity.

[0088] In some embodiments, optical accessory 300 comprises a dermascope for capturing images of areas of skin. A dermascope may be used for dermatology, for example to aid in diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating skin conditions and diseases.

[0089] A dermascope may comprise a lens, one or more light sources, for example light- emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned about the lens, one or more batteries to power the light sources, and a controller for controlling the light sources.

[0090] A dermascope may be used with a portable electronic device to capture images of an area of skin, for example an area of skin having a lesion. Images of a skin lesion may be analyzed using software of the portable electronic device, or transmitted to a health-care provider by the portable electronic device.

[0091] In some embodiments, optical accessory 300 comprises a device for capturing images for one or more of:

• human medical examination such as: dermatology, trichology, nail circulation analysis, and/or iridology;

• animal veterinary examination such as: chemistry, cytology, fluid analysis, hematology, histology, microbiology, serology, and/or toxicology;

• field science such as: entomology, botany, archeology, and/or mineralogy; and/or

• quality control and inspection of: circuit boards, printed materials, jewelry, and/or collectibles. Interpretation of Terms

[0092] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:

• “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;

• “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;

• “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;

• “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;

• the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.

[0093] Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0094] For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times.

[0095] In addition, while elements are at times shown as being performed sequentially, they may instead be performed simultaneously or in different sequences. It is therefore intended that the following claims are interpreted to include all such variations as are within their intended scope.

[0096] Where a component (e.g. a software module, processor, assembly, device, circuit, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e. , that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0097] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

[0098] Various features are described herein as being present in “some embodiments”.

Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “some embodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible). [0099] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.