Anamorphic Optical Assembly for Mobile Camera-Enabled Device and Device Case

Abstract

An anamorphic optical assembly includes a housing defining an anamorphic aperture, a hood, an optional sleeve, a bayonet coupling interface, and a catch mechanism. The bayonet coupling interface is configured for coupling the anamorphic optical assembly to a lens attachment interface that is coupled to or integral with the mobile electronic device or a protective case coupled thereto.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An anamorphic optical assembly configured for coupling within an optical path of a miniature camera module of a mobile electronic device to change an aspect ratio of an image captured by the miniature camera module of said mobile device wherein said anamorphic optical assembly comprises:
 a bayonet coupling interface configured for coupling said anamorphic lens assembly to a lens attachment interface that is coupled to or integral with said mobile device;   a hood disposed between an object facing surface of said bayonet coupling interface and an object end of the optical path of the miniature camera module of said mobile device;   a housing defining an anamorphic aperture disposed adjacent to said bayonet coupling interface within a hollow interior volume of said hood;   a sleeve coupled concentrically between said bayonet coupling interface and said housing, said sleeve being configured to facilitate smooth rotation of the bayonet coupling interface relative to said anamorphic aperture defined within said housing; and   a catch that serves to couple the housing in fixed orientation within said hood relative to one or more bayonet tabs of said bayonet coupling interface that are rotatable relative to said orientation of said anamorphic aperture between at least two positions about the optical axis of the anamorphic lens assembly or a second axis parallel to said optical axis.