WO2017132678A1

WO2017132678A1 - Lens and light assembly for mobile device with a camera

Info

Publication number: WO2017132678A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/015654
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nir CZOPP; Ilan Yehezkel Horowitz
Original assignee: Czopp Nir; Ilan Yehezkel Horowitz
Priority date: 2016-01-29
Filing date: 2017-01-30
Publication date: 2017-08-03

Abstract

A lens and light assembly for photographing diamonds and jewelry. The lens and light assembly comprising a housing; a first lens; a second lens; a lighting source; a light filter; and a clip. The lighting source, the first lens, and the second lens are connected to a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to receive commands from a mobile device that in turn controls the lighting source, the first lens, and the second lens.

Description

LENS AND LIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR MOBILE DEVICE WITH A CAMERA

BACKGROUND

[0001] Diamonds and jewelry are often difficult to photograph properly because of the highly reflective surfaces of the item. Typically, reflections of the surroundings appear in the photograph. Moreover, using flash can wash out the item or result in uneven lighting and dark spots. Diamonds are particularly problematic for several reasons. First, the structure varies significantly from one item to another. For example, size, shape, color and clarity can differ. Additionally, fluorescence of diamonds can be different intensities of blue, yellow or white. Lastly, diamonds are highly reflective and have many facets. As such, they tend to reflect colors from the surroundings.

DESCRIPTION

[0002] The present embodiments provide exemplary assembly, apparatus and devices for photographing diamonds and j ewelry. In one embodiment, a lens and light assembly includes a housing, a first lens, a second lens, and a lighting source.

[0003] The housing has a body that has a front side, a rear side and a border portion. Additionally, the housing body comprises an interior. The front side may be located opposite the rear side with the border portion being located between the front and rear sides. In one embodiment, the housing may comprise at least one proj ection. In a particular example, such projection may be located on the rear side of the housing body.

[0004] Generally, the first and second lenses are located on or within the housing body. To that end, in one embodiment, the housing may comprise a recess for receiving the second lens. More specifically, the front side of the housing may define a recess adapted to receive the second lens or second lens frame.

[0005] The types of lenses desired for photographing diamonds and j ewelry can depend on many factors, such as the type of available lighting, the type of diamond/jewelry and the degree of resolution. In one embodiment, the first lens, the second lens or both are biconvex, planoconvex, positive meniscus, negative meniscus, planoconcave or biconcave. The proper coating of the lens is also a factor in obtaining the correct color for the captured image. [0006] In one embodiment the first or the second lens may comprise a macro lens. For example, the type of lens is designed specifically for close-up image capture. The lens may be configured for close up image capture of diamonds and semi-precious stones or other surfaces.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first or second lens may comprise a high-definition lens. This type of lens is designed to work with the macro lens to allow high quality photographs of bigger items like jewelry having several diamonds and/or gemstones.

[0008] The location of the first lens in the apparatus may be fixed or altered. In one embodiment, the location of the first lens with respect to the housing body may fixed. In one embodiment, the lens may be detachably connected to the housing body. Specifically, the first lens may comprise a frame disposed around the lens, where the frame has a rear side, a front side and may be configured to couple with the housing body. For example, a peripheral edge of the first lens frame may comprise threads which couple with the threads located on an interior recess in the housing body. Other attachment interfaces may also be used, such as friction fit, detent/indent mated surfaces, other track/projection interfaces, among others. The lens may also be pressed and/or glued into the housing body. To assist in attaching and detaching the first lens frame, the frame may comprise one or more wings projecting upward away from the front or back side of the lens frame. Alternatively, the lens may be integrated into the housing and not removable. For example, the first lens may be located within a space defined by the housing body interior. In another example, the first lens is located within the space defined by the interior of the projection on the rear side of the housing body.

[0009] The second lens may be removable or fixed. In one embodiment, the lens may be detachably connected to the housing body or to the frame of the first lens. Specifically, the second lens may comprise a frame disposed around the lens, where the frame has a rear side, a front side and may be configured to couple with the housing body or the frame of the first lens. For example, the rear side of the second lens frame may comprise threads which couple with the threads located in a recess on the front side of the first lens frame. Other attachment interfaces may also be used, such as friction fit, detent/indent mated surfaces, other track/projection interfaces, among others. The lens may also be pressed and/or glued into the housing body. To assist in attaching and detaching the second lens frame, the frame may comprise one or more wings projecting upward away from the front or back side of the lens frame.

[0010] Both the first and second lens may be set up in the housing to optimize the magnification, focus, and resolution of the picture taken. Specifically, the distance between the first lens and the mobile camera and the second lens to the first lens distance are determined and defined for the best picture performance for each application and properly positioned when the lenses are fully seated or positioned within the housing. Exemplary embodiments may combine a circular uniform light source at a specific color temperature and diffusion together with macro and wide lenses and the light filter to permit magnified close-up hi-resolution pictures of an obj ect to be taken with a conventional mobile device camera.

[0011] A light filter may be positioned between the light source and the object to help to diffuse or direct the light for a better image quality of the object photographed. The light filter shape and material may vary for specific applications.

[0012] The assemblies contemplated in the present embodiments comprise a lighting source. This advantageous for many reasons, including better lighting source (e.g. LED), more control over lighting, and lighting specifically arranged for optimal photography. In particular, the combination of the uniform light source (e.g. circular LED) at a specific color temperature together with macro and wide lenses and the light filter which enable magnified close-up hi-Res pictures of diamonds and jewelry.

[0013] In one embodiment, the assembly may comprise at least one lighting source, such as an LED. Light source may be arranged differently, modified in color or used at different intensity or use diffused or polarized LEDs. For example, the lighting source can comprise an array of lights. More specifically, lighting source may be disposed about the second lens on the front side of the housing body, in a circular arrangement.

[0014] In one embodiment, the assembly may comprise a housing for the lighting source. The housing can be circular and disposed about the second lens. However, any arrangement of lighting, such as ring lighting that benefits photography is contemplated in the present embodiments.

[0015] The lighting source can be adjusted using a simple control. In one embodiment, the border portion of the housing body may comprise a control for the lighting, such as a switch. Advantageously, the lighting switch may comprise several settings for changing light intensity. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a switch for modifying the LED color. Thus in some cases, the lighting source may comprise different types of LEDs. A reflector may be added below the light source to help direct the light into a specific direction or pattern to help to diffuse the light as needed. [0016] The current assembly may be suited for attaching to camera devices, which includes essentially any mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet which comprises a camera. Currently, there are numerous methods of attaching accessories to mobile devices, including cases, clips, etc. As such, any attachment means such as clamp, clip, screw on, frame, sliding clamp and spring clip, etc. are contemplated herein. The attachment may be adjustable or prefabricated with a particular shape for receiving a portion of a mobile device and remain in place until removed.

[0017] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a clip. The clip can comprise a first arm and a second arm. The first arm may be adapted to couple to the housing body. For example, the first arm body may define an opening which is adapted to receive a portion of the housing body, such as a protrusion on the rear side of the housing body.

[0018] The first and the second arm can be connected in any way which allows the clip to securely connect to the cameral device. As such, the second arm may be arranged to mechanically engage with the camera device. In particular, the second arm may be pivotally or hingeably connected to the first arm. The attachment mechanism may be configured to properly locate the lens assembly with respect to the camera lens.

[0019] In one embodiment, the border portion of the housing body may comprise a power port, a data port or both. For example, the surface of the border portion of the body housing may define an opening for a USB port.

[0020] In one embodiment, a receptacle defined by an opening within the interior space of the housing body may be arranged to receive a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium battery. The battery may be coupled to the lighting source control to supply power.

[0021] In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a case for connecting the housing body to a mobile device. For instance, the case can be adapted to receive a mobile phone and comprise a rear side such that a recess defined by an opening on the rear side of the case may be adapted to receive the projection on the rear side of the housing body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a microcontroller for manipulating via software, the lens configuration, lighting, etc. that can execute instructions from the mobile device to provide additional functionality or dynamic control of the assembly. For example, the microcontroller may be operatively connected to the lighting source to adjust lighting intensity, duration, timing, color, etc. Finally, the microcontroller may be connected to a mechanical actuator for still further functionality or automation.

[0023] In one embodiment, a method of photographing j ewelry comprises providing a lens and light assembly including a housing, a first lens, a second lens, and a lighting source; attaching the assembly to a device having a camera and an aperture; aligning the assembly lenses with the aperture of the camera device; and obtaining a photograph.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The housing including the circular light configuration can include one or more interior perimeters circumscribing an opening, flange, or stepped interior opening or passage. The interior surface may be contoured to support the attachment mechanism with one or more frames supporting a lens assembly. The one or more lens frames may have a corresponding exterior perimeter that corresponds and mates with the interior perimeter of the housing. The one or more lens frames may also include one or more interior surfaces defining an opening or passage circumscribed by the frame also including contoured surface(s) for attachment to one or more other frames supporting a lens assembly. The frames and housings may therefore mate in any configuration between interior and matching exterior surfaces between respective frame/housing and frame/frame. The lens assembly may include one or more lens within a single support frame. The lens assembly may include a focusing lens (such as wide angle, magnification, etc.), filtering, polarization, any image or light adjustments, and any combination thereof.

[0025] As illustrated, the lens frames may include an interior surface defining an interior passage supporting the lens. The interior surface includes a plurality of interior diameters to support different configurations of lens assemblies. As illustrated, three inner diameters may be provided progressively increasing and/or step-wise increasing from one end to an opposing end of the passage length. Therefore, a first interior diameter may be greater, than an intermediate interior diameter that may be greater than the diameter supporting the lens. The inner surface defines a step-wise change from the first to intermediate inner diameters. The inner surface includes a contoured surface along all or a portion of any section of the inner surface, such as, for example, at the first diameter and intermediate diameter sections, to provide a mating interface with detachable frame structures. The lens frames may similarly include an exterior surface circumscribing the lens and interior passage. The exterior surface may similarly include a plurality of outer diameters along step-wise sections of the passage length. As illustrated, three outer diameters may be provided progressively increase and/or step-wise increasing from one end to an opposing end of the passage length. Although three surface sections for either the inner or outer surfaces are illustrated, any combination of constant diameter, tapered diameters, or other diameter configurations and sections may be used including different sections or different numbers and configurations of inner and outer surface sections may be used. All or a portion of one or more of the sections of the inner and/or outer surface may be contoured to define a mated interface to another housing or frame. As shown, the contoured surface includes a thread. Other contour surfaces or mating engagements may be used such as indent/detent, friction fit, extension/passage, flange, etc.

[0026] The circular light may include any combination of light sources, such as LEDs of different wavelength, color, intensity, diffusion, polarization, etc. The light source may include a light covering that may be integrated or removable for altering the light characteristics and/or protects the light source. In an exemplary embodiment, the LEDs are selected for a specific purpose and can provide one or more different light characteristics. For example, the lights may include one or more white light, specifically colored, polarized, or other light characteristics LEDs in any combination. In an exemplary embodiment the LEDs may alternate or provide a repeating or symmetric pattern of LEDs having different light characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment a combination of white light and polarized light may be used. The light may be selectively controlled as described herein to create a specific light profile by turning on or off or changing the intensity of one or more selected LEDs of the light source. The light source may also be interchangeable such that different light combinations may be provided.

[0027] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the assembly 10 has a housing body front side 20, and lighting source 90 disposed around the second lens 50. Fig. 2 shows the housing body rear side 30, and the first lens 40. The housing body rear side 30 may comprise a battery compartment or a battery cover. In Fig. 3, the projection 35 is shown on the housing body rear side 30. In particular, the rear 46 of the first lens frame is shown when received by the housing body. Also illustrated in this figure is the border portion 60 with the lighting switch thereon 65. The second lens frame 55 is depicted in Fig. 4, showing the rear side 56 of the frame along with the second lens 50, a contoured outer surface 57, a stopper flange 58, and one or more wings 70. The wings 70 may be configured to provide a grip. Fig. 5 provides the housing body and the first lens frame received therein. In particular, the recess on the front side 48 of the first lens frame which receives the second lens frame 55 (not shown) is shown. Also depicted are a lighting source 90, the first lens 40 and the border portion 60. The lighting source 90 may comprise one or more light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes may have different optical properties such as, but not limited to, wavelength, polarization, and intensity. [0028] In Fig. 6, the assembly 10 is shown along with the second lens frame 55 shown from the rear side 56. Similarly, the assembly 10 and the second lens frame 55 from the front side 58 is provided in Fig. 7.

[0029] In Figs. 8 and 9, the first lens frame 45 is shown from the front side 48 and the rear side 46, respectively. The frame 45 disposed about the lens 40 may also comprise one or more wings 47 to facilitate attachment and detachment to the housing body. An inner surface 46 and an outer surface 49 may comprise one or more contoured surfaces. In Figs. 10 and 11, the first lens frame is shown next to the assembly housing. As shown, the housing body recession 25 is adapted to receive the rear side 46 of the first lens frame. Additionally, the front side 48 of the first lens frame is adapted to receive the rear side of the second lens frame (not shown).

[0030] The lighting switch 65, projection 35, power port 75 and border portion 60 are all provided in Fig. 12. Likewise, Fig. 13 is also a view of the other side of the assembly 10 showing a USB port 80 on the border portion 60.

[0031] Finally, Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate a clip 100 and the assembly 10 comprising the clip 100, respectively. As shown, the first arm 110 may comprise an opening 115 which connects to the projection on the rear side of the housing body. The second arm 120, then can clip onto a mobile device to permit photography with the benefits of the diascope assembly.

[0032] A lens and light assembly comprising any combination of: a housing; a first lens; a second lens; a lighting source; and a light filter; wherein the housing may comprise a body that may further comprise a front side, a rear side, and a border portion. The front side of the housing may be located opposite the rear side and the border portion may be located between the front side and the rear side. The body may further comprise a projection. The projection may be located on the rear side of the housing. The projection may further comprise an opening.

[0033] The lens and light assembly may further comprise a frame disposed around the first lens. The frame around the first lens may comprise a front side and a rear side, wherein the rear side of the first lens frame may further comprise a projection that comprises an opening.

[0034] The first lens may be located within a space defined by an interior portion of the housing body. The first lens may comprise: a biconvex, a planoconvex, a positive meniscus, a negative meniscus, a planoconcave or a biconcave lens. The first lens may also comprise a macro x3.8 magnifying lens without a coating. [0035] The second lens a biconvex, a planoconvex, a positive meniscus, a negative meniscus, a planoconcave or a biconcave lens. The second lens may also comprise a wide xO.68 lens with a coating.

[0036] The lens and light assembly may further comprise a frame disposed around the second lens. The frame around the second lens may comprise a front side and a rear side, wherein the rear side of the second lens frame may further comprise a projection that comprises an opening.

[0037] The housing body may further comprise one or more recesses wherein the recesses may be configured to receive one or more lenses or one or more lens frames. The recesses may be located on the front side of the housing body. The recesses may be configured to receive the first lens frame. The recess may also be located on the rear side of the first lens frame. The recesses may be configured to receive the second lens frame. The recesses may be configured to receive the rear side of the second lens frame. The recesses may comprise one or more threads.

[0038] An exemplary embodiment may comprise a housing body with a recess on the front side of the housing body and a recess on the rear side of the housing body. The threads on the front side of the housing body may be configured to couple with the threads on the rear side of the housing body. The rear side of the second lens frame may also comprise threads. The threads on the front side of the housing body may be configured to couple with the threads on the rear side of the second lens frame.

[0039] The second lens frame may further comprise wings.

[0040] The lens and light assembly may further comprise a camera device attachment that is configured to attach the housing to a camera device. The camera device attachment may comprise a clip, which may further comprise a first arm and a second arm. The first arm may be adapted to couple to the housing body. The first arm may define an opening adapted for receiving the projection on the rear side of the housing body. The second arm may be arranged to mechanically engage with the camera device. The second arm of the clip may be hingeably connected to the first arm. The second arm of the clip may be pivotally connected to the first arm, wherein the clip may comprise means for attaching to camera device.

[0041] The camera device may comprise a mobile phone or a tablet. The border portion may comprise a control for the lighting source. The border portion may comprise a lighting source switch, which may comprise more than one setting for changing the lighting source intensity.

[0042] The border portion may comprise a power port, a data port, and a USB port. [0043] The border portion may comprise a surface, wherein the surface may an opening that may further comprise a port.

[0044] The lighting source comprises at least one light. The lighting source may comprise at least one light emitting diode. The lighting source may comprise an array of lights. The lighting source may comprise eight cool surface mounted light emitting diodes, which may be equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the lens assembly, frame, housing, and combinations thereof.

[0045] The lighting source may comprise a circular array of lights, which may be located within a light housing.

[0046] The lens and light assembly may comprise a plurality of lights, wherein the plurality of lights is disposed about the second lens on the front side of the housing body.

[0047] The lens and light assembly may further comprise a light housing disposed about the second lens, on the front side of the housing body.

[0048] The lens and light assembly may comprise multiple lens assemblies having different lens types based on the subject being photographed.

[0049] The lens and light assembly may comprise a receptacle defined by an opening within the interior space of the housing body.

[0050] The lens and light assembly may comprise a battery located within a housing body receptacle and operatively coupled to the lighting source controller.

[0051] The lens and light assembly may comprise a case dimensioned to receive a mobile device and comprising a rear side.

[0052] The recess may be adapted to receive the projection on the rear side of the housing body.

[0053] The lens and light assembly may comprise a microcontroller for manipulating a lens configuration, lighting characteristic, and combinations thereof. The microcontroller may be operatively connected to a mobile device. The microcontroller may be configured to execute instructions received from the mobile device. The microcontroller may be operatively connected to the lighting source.

[0054] The lens and light assembly may comprise a mechanical actuator. The microcontroller may be operatively connected to the mechanical actuator. [0055] The housing may be configured to couple to a mobile phone. The housing may comprise a back cover of the mobile phone. The housing may comprise a case of the mobile phone.

[0056] The lens and light assembly may comprise a mobile device, wherein the mobile device may further comprise a camera. The camera may be operatively connected to a microcontroller. The camera may be controlled by an application that may be installed on the mobile device.

[0057] A method of photographing a jewelry object comprising providing a lens and light assembly comprising any of the following: a housing, a first lens, a second lens, a lighting source, and a light filter; attaching the diascope assembly to a device having a camera and an aperture; aligning the diascope lenses with the aperature of the camera device; obtaining a photograph of the object.

[0058] A method of photographing a jewelry object comprising: providing a lens and light diascope assembly comprising any of the following: a housing, a first lens, a second lens, a lighting source, and a light filter; attaching the diascope assembly to a device having a camera and an aperture; aligning the diascope lenses with the aperature of the camera device; obtaining a photograph of the object.

[0059] Although embodiments described herein are directed at imaging of precious/semiprecious stones and jewelry, such as diamonds, the invention is not so restricted. Exemplary embodiments may be used to enhance the image quality of a mobile device for any purpose. For example, the interchangeable lenses and/or lights may be selected to enhance images of surfaces including skin for dermatological or medical assessment and diagnosis, or teeth/gums for orthodontic or medical assessment and diagnosis. Other applications may similarly take advantage of embodiments described herein where the light/lens combination may be selected to enhance the image of the surface/obj ects/distance/reflectance/etc. to be taken.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A lens and light assembly comprising: a housing;

a first lens;

a second lens;

a lighting source; and

a light filter.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second lens comprises a biconvex, a planoconvex, a positive meniscus, a negative meniscus, a planoconcave or biconcave lens.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, comprising multiple lens assemblies having different lens types based on the subject being photographed.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first lens comprises a macro x3.8 magnifying lens without a coating and the second lens comprises a wide xO.68 lens with a coating.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a camera device clip, wherein the camera device clip comprises a first arm and a second arm; wherein the first arm is adapted to couple to the housing body; and wherein the second arm is arranged to mechanically engage with a camera device.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second arm of the camera device clip is hingeably connected to the first arm.

7. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second arm of the camera device clip is pivotally connected to the first arm.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a body comprising: a front side located opposite a rear side; and a border portion located between the front side and the rear side.

9. The assembly according claim 8, wherein the border portion comprises a power port, a data port, and a USB port.

10. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein the border comprises a lighting source switch.

11. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lighting source comprises at least one LED light.

12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the lighting source a plurality of lights disposed about the second lens on the front side of the housing body.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, further comprising a microcontroller for manipulating the first lens, the second lens and the lighting source; wherein the microcontroller executes instructions received from a mobile device.

14. A method of photographing a jewelry object comprising: providing a lens and light diascope assembly comprising any of the following: a housing, a first lens, a second lens, a lighting source, and a light filter; attaching the diascope assembly to a device having a camera and an aperture; aligning the diascope lenses with the aperature of the camera device; and obtaining a photograph of the object.

15. The method according to any preceding claim, comprising obtaining a photograph of the illuminated object.