Abstract:
A modular imager or camera system is selectively communicatively coupleable to a portable computing device. The camera system may include interchangeable lenses, and coupling structure to physically removably couple to other device, for instance microscopes. The camera system may also have the capability to connect, receive input from, or provide output to one or more input devices or output devices, which may be connected either in addition to or in place of an image sensor. The portable computing device may run one or more apps which receive and/or process images or other data from the camera system, control the camera system, and/or share images and other information between multiple portable computing devices and/or camera systems. Such is particularly useful in educational settings, allowing students or groups of students to operate respective camera systems and share images, for example under control of a teacher or facilitator.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    This disclosure is related to image capture and image capture devices. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    The ability to capture digital images/video using portable computing devices is highly desirable. However, digital cameras that are often built into portable devices are limited in their functionality and modularity. 
         [0005]    According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 47 Part 2.1093(b), a portable device is defined as “a transmitting device designed to be used so that the radiating structure(s) of the device is/are within 20 centimeters of the body of the user.” Additionally, portable computing devices exclusively rely on a wireless communications connection (as opposed to a physical/cabled connection) to facilitate communication functionality with other devices and communication networks. Common computing devices such as most laptop personal computers, desktop personal computers, and other computing terminals are not considered portable devices by this definition. 
         [0006]    Portable computing devices such as smartphones, internet-connected multimedia devices, and tablet computers have powerful computing capabilities and are able to provide much of the functionality previously possible only with non-portable computing devices such as those described above. Most portable computing devices are also able to provide additional useful functionality such as real-time communication and data collection, and many of these devices have integrated camera and lens assemblies able to capture still digital images and video images as well. 
         [0007]    Peripheral digital camera systems connectable to non-portable computing devices are already commercially available to consumers. Some of these devices provide specialized functionality by utilizing high magnification optical systems, integrated light sources, or modular light guide caps. Examples include those proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,951 to Mitsubishi Kasei Co., et al. (1990), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,489 to Scalar Co. et al. (1995). A similar product, “Handheld Digital and Optical Microscope Item #44306” was a peripheral digital camera system produced by Celestron, LLC. Similarly, several peripheral camera products provided by Scalar Co. and Ken-A-Vision Mfg. Co., Inc. have also been made available for purchase. 
         [0008]    A peripheral microscope camera connectable to portable terminals is proposed in U.S. patent application 2011/0085032 to LG Innotek Co., Ltd. (2011). This device is specifically designed for use as a microscope camera. 
         [0009]    Furthermore, many portable computing devices are able to capture, store, retrieve, share, annotate, and edit images and/or video collaboratively with other computing devices and output devices, as proposed in U.S. patent application 2010/0333194 to C. Ricordi, S. Sikes, S. Sanders, N. Tsinoremas (2009). The ability of portable computing devices to communicate with accessory devices using wireless communication methods has also been detailed in U.S. patent application 2010/023552 to Apple Inc. (2010). 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0010]    Most if not all existing peripheral digital camera systems which applicants are aware of are unable to connect to portable computing devices, are not able to attach modular lenses, are not able to mount to standard microscopes, are not able to provide illumination to imaging subjects, do not provide digital input/output (I/O) interfaces to their accessories, and/or are not able to simultaneously charge the battery packs of either or both the peripheral camera system and the portable computing device. 
         [0011]    The peripheral microscope camera described above, does not contain a battery power source in the camera module, and does not provide for modular lens attachment. Thus, this device is also limited in its functionality. 
         [0012]    Digital cameras integrated into portable computing devices heretofore known, peripheral digital cameras connectable to non-portable computing devices heretofore known, and digital cameras connectable to portable terminals heretofore known suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages. 
         [0013]    (a) The position of cameras built into portable computing devices is usually fixed or limited, requiring users to reposition the entire portable computing device when aiming the camera, thus negatively impacting user ability to access or interact with the portable computing device controls and output. 
         [0014]    (b) The ability to mount, constrain, or environmentally isolate cameras built into portable computing devices is limited by the physical size, shape, mass, and configuration of the portable computing device. 
         [0015]    (c) Optical characteristics such as image resolution, field of view, focal length, optical filtering characteristics, and target illumination are limited by the size, optics, and physical configuration of the portable computing device. 
         [0016]    (d) The ability to capture images or video over long periods of time is limited by the battery capacity of the connected portable computing device. 
         [0017]    (e) The ability to simultaneously charge the battery packs of either or both the peripheral camera system and the portable computing device while capturing images or video is not provided. 
         [0018]    (f) The ability to control, send data to, and receive data from accessories attached to peripheral camera systems via a digital input/output (I/O) interface is not provided. 
         [0019]    (g) The ability to capture, store, retrieve, share, annotate, control, and edit images, video, and/or data with other portable computing devices and accessories, while also displaying images, video, and/or processed information on external viewing devices, is limited by the availability of secondary or tertiary wireless communication modules in the interconnected devices and accessories. 
         [0020]    (g) The ability to remotely control or interact with other portable computing devices and accessories, while also displaying images, video, and/or processed information on external viewing devices, is limited by the availability of secondary or tertiary wireless communication modules in the interconnected devices and accessories. 
         [0021]    (h) The ability to connect, receive input from, or provide output to one or more input devices or output devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, control systems, annunciators, display devices, etc.), either in addition to or in place of an image sensor. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    In the drawings, identical reference numbers with different alphabetic suffixes identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1   a  is a schematic view of a modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices via wired electrical connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1   b  is a schematic view of a modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices via wireless electromagnetic communication system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1   c  is a schematic view of a modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices via wired electrical connection, used with a viewing instrument, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 1   d  is a schematic view of a modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices via wireless electromagnetic communication system, used with a viewing instrument, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2   a  is a side elevation section view schematically illustrating the camera module subassembly shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   c  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2   b  is a side elevation section view schematically illustrating the wireless camera module subassembly shown in  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   d  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 3   a - 3   d  are block diagrams illustrating the camera module control system configuration contained in the camera module subassembly shown in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 4   a - 4   d  are side elevation section views schematically illustrating the modular lens accessory subassembly shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 5   a - 5   b  are flowcharts illustrating operation of the modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices shown in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 6   a - 6   c,    7   a - 7   c,    8   a - 8   c,  and  9   a - 9   c  are diagrams illustrating interconnected operation of the modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. 
         [0034]    However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with digital cameras or image capture devices, associated lighting systems, and/or portable computing devices have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
         [0035]    Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.” 
         [0036]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0037]    As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0038]    The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1   a,  a portable computing device  100  may be communicatively connected or coupled to a camera module subassembly  200   a  which may be physically coupled or attached to a modular lens accessory subassembly  500  which may in turn be physically coupled or attached to a lens unit  700 . An external power supply  120  may also be electrically coupled or connected to camera module subassembly  200   a  to provide continuous electrical power or battery charging capability as needed. 
         [0040]    Portable computing device  100  may include a body  102 , a display unit  104 , and a power/data connector, receptacle or port  106 . 
         [0041]    Body  102  which is a housing forming an external area of the portable computing device  100  may include at least one of an electrical energy storage system (e.g., chemical secondary battery cells), a wireless communication module, a memory module, a microprocessor, an input device (e.g., a pushbutton, a capacitive touch sensor, a switch, etc.), a camera, a microphone, a speaker, an indicator device (e.g., a light emitting diode, a vibrating motor, an actuator, etc.), an audio input/output connector, a position sensing device (e.g., a global positioning system, an electronic compass, an altimeter, etc.), and an environmental sensing device (e.g., a proximity sensor, a thermometer, multi-axis accelerometer, etc.). 
         [0042]    The display unit  104  may include at least one of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal) display, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, an AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, an electronic ink display, an EWD (Electro-Wetting Display, a VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display), and a 3D (3 Dimensional) display. 
         [0043]    The power/data receptacle  106  may include at least one electrical connection point for a power connection, an audio input connection, an audio output connection, a video input connection, a video output connection, a signal line input connection, and a signal line output connection. 
         [0044]    The external power supply  120  may include a DC (Direct Current) power connector  122 , body  102 , a power cable  124 , a power supply  126 , and an AC (Alternating Current) power plug  128 . 
         [0045]    External power supply  120  may include at least one electrochemical cell (e.g., battery) that stores electrical energy, able to provide suitable continuous electrical power to camera module subassembly  200   a  as needed. One or more electrical batteries housed within external power supply  120  may be removable, replaceable, or rechargeable (i.e., secondary battery) via electricity supplied through power cable  124  or by other means. 
         [0046]    The DC power connector  122  will provide DC electrical power and electrical ground connections to power supply  126  through power cable  124 , which may include several individually-insulated electrically conductive wires bundled within another electrically insulative sheath. Power supply  126  includes a housing which may be constructed of or may include electrically insulative materials. Also, power supply  126  will include electrical components (e.g., passive or active rectifier, transformer, buck converter, filters) that convert AC electrical power to DC electrical power at a desired voltage range and electrical current range. Power plug  128  is an electrical connector which may include at least one electrical plug or receptacle that can connect with AC mains or standard residential power. Although power plug  128  is shown as a two-pronged male plug, this configuration is just an example and not limited thereto. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various standardized AC electrical connectors may be used for power plug  128 . 
         [0047]    The camera module subassembly  200   a  is a device which may include a power/data connector  202 , a power/data connector housing  204 , a DC power receptacle  206 , a power/data cable  208 , a camera module housing  210 , a camera module accessory adapter  212 , and an accessory receptacle  214 . 
         [0048]    Power/data connector  202  is an electrical connector which may include several electrically-connected contacts having a shape and mating pattern opposite yet matching that of power/data receptacle  106 . Similarly, DC power receptacle  206  is an electrical connector which may include several electrically-connected contacts having a shape and mating pattern opposite yet matching that of DC power connector  122 . Both power/data connector  202  and DC power receptacle  206  are partially enclosed within power/data connector housing  204 , which may be constructed of or may include electrically insulative materials. 
         [0049]    The power/data cable  208  may include several individually-insulated electrically conductive wires bundled within another electrically insulative sheath. In some embodiments, power/data cable  208  may include several individually-insulated electrically conductive wires bundled within an electrically conductive sheath, which is then bundled within another electrically insulative sheath. 
         [0050]    The camera module housing  210  is a rigid structure which supports and protects functional electronic components within camera module subassembly  200   a,  and is rigidly attached to camera module accessory adapter  212 . The camera module accessory adapter  212  may be a structure with a downward-facing open end. The main rigid body of camera module accessory adapter  212  configured to loosely fit within the inner shape of typical viewing instrument (e.g., microscope) eyepiece sockets. While not limited to such, the structure may in some implementations have a partially cylindrical shape. While not limited to such, the main rigid body of camera module accessory adapter  212  may in some implementations have a diameter of less than 23 mm. 
         [0051]    The accessory receptacle  214  is an electrical connector which may include at least one electrical connection point for a power connection, an audio input connection, an audio output connection, a signal line input connection, and a signal line output connection. Accessory receptacle  214  may be positioned so as to not protrude below the lower structural surface of camera module housing  204 . In other exemplary embodiments, accessory receptacle  214  may have the capability to connect, receive input from, or provide output to one or more input devices or output devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, control systems, annunciators, display devices, etc.). In some exemplary embodiments, one or more input devices or output devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, control systems, annunciators, display devices, etc.) may be connected either in addition to or in place of an image sensor within camera module subassembly  200   a  or wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
         [0052]    According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1   a,  the modular lens accessory subassembly  500  is a device which may include a modular lens accessory socket  502 , a modular lens accessory latch  504 , a modular lens accessory housing  506 , and a modular lens accessory connector  508 . 
         [0053]    The modular lens accessory socket  502  may be a rigid structure which has a shape which may be opposite yet matching (i.e., complementary) the shape of camera module accessory adapter  212 . Additionally, modular lens accessory socket  502  is typically greater than 23 mm in diameter, to allow camera module accessory adapter  212  to loosely fit within its inner shape. Additionally, modular lens accessory socket  502  may have a shape or protruding alignment structure that ensures that camera module accessory adapter  212  will be oriented in a certain direction as it engages or disengages with modular lens accessory socket  502 . 
         [0054]    The modular lens accessory latch  504  may be a spring-loaded or flexibly held component which may hold camera module subassembly  200   a  in a fixed position relative to modular lens accessory subassembly  500  when camera module accessory adapter  212  is slidably engaged with modular lens accessory socket  502 . When actuated (e.g., by a pushing motion, a pulling motion, a sliding motion, etc.), modular lens accessory latch  504  may also disengage camera module subassembly  200   a  from its fixed position relative to modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . Thus, the camera module subassembly  200   a  is detachably coupled to the modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . 
         [0055]    The modular lens accessory housing  506  may be a rigid structure which supports and protects functional components within modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . Additionally, an opening may be provided in modular lens accessory housing  506  allowing modular lens accessory connector  508  to protrude through. 
         [0056]    The modular lens accessory connector  508  is an electrical connector which may include several electrically-connected contacts having a shape and mating pattern opposite yet matching (i.e., complementary) one or more of the mating electrical contacts of accessory receptacle  214 . When held in a fixed position relative to modular lens accessory subassembly  500  by modular lens accessory latch  504 , camera module subassembly  200   a  may provide electrical signals and power to modular lens accessory subassembly  500  via one or more electrical connection between modular lens accessory connector  508  and accessory receptacle  214 . 
         [0057]    The lens unit  700  is a device which may include at least one self-contained housing encasing at least one axially-aligned optical lens for enlarging, reducing, focusing, or modifying the view of an optical image. Additionally, the lens unit  700  may be a commercially available standardized lens unit having a threaded end for attachment. In other exemplary embodiments, lens unit  700  may be attached directly to camera module subassembly  200   a  or wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 2   a , a power controller  216  may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to which power/data connector  202 , DC power receptacle  206 , and power/data cable  208  may be attached. Additionally, power controller  216  may include electronic components which manage the supply and distribution of power to portable computing device  100  and camera module subassembly  200   a.  Furthermore, power controller  216  may be housed within power/data connector housing  204 . 
         [0059]    A camera input device  218  may include at least one input device (e.g., a pushbutton, a capacitive touch sensor, a switch, a microphone, etc.) accessible from outside camera module housing  210 . 
         [0060]    A camera annunciator  220  may include at least one annunciator device (e.g., a light emitting diode, a visual display, a speaker, etc.) whose status of operation may be easily detectible from outside camera module housing  210 . 
         [0061]    A camera module control system  222  may include at least one PCB which may be divided into several interconnected sections, and to which functional electronic components of camera module subassembly  200   a  are attached and connected. Functional components of camera module subassembly  200   a  may include accessory receptacle  214 , an image sensor  228 , a wireless module  234 , a battery pack  236 , power/data cable  208 , camera input device  218 , and camera annunciator  220 . 
         [0062]    The image sensor  228  may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), or a microbolometer image sensor which converts optical images into electrical data. Image sensor  228  may be mounted to camera module control system  222  oriented with the downward-facing open end of camera module accessory adapter  212 . 
         [0063]    The wireless module  234  may include at least one electronic subsystem (e.g., radio, transceiver, transmitter, receiver and associated antenna(s)) capable of wirelessly transmitting (e.g., broadcasting) and/or receiving signals through free space via electromagnetic waves. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wireless module  234  may be capable of operating under at least one common wireless protocol standard, which may be a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) standard, a Bluetooth standard, and a NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. 
         [0064]    The battery pack  236  may include at least one electrochemical cell that stores electrical energy, and may be an alkaline battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, and a lithium ion polymer battery. Other power sources may be employed, for example an array of ultra-capacitors or fuel cells. 
         [0065]    A gasket  224  is circumferentially attached to camera module accessory adapter  212  to facilitate stable attachment to modular lens accessory subassembly  500 , and prevent light leakage when mated with modular lens accessory socket  502 . Gasket  224  may be manufactured out of an elastomeric material or flexible shape to conform against mating shapes and surfaces. 
         [0066]    An optical window  226  is fixed in place and perpendicularly oriented on the downward-facing open end of camera module accessory adapter  212 . The optical window  226  may be a highly optically transparent component manufactured out of a polymeric or a glass material. Additionally, optical window  226  may have a coating which reflects and/or interrupts the transmission of infra-red light. 
         [0067]    An alignment channel  230  may include at least one alignment structure protruding inwardly or outwardly along the axial direction of camera module accessory adapter  212 . The alignment channel  230  may serve as a guide for alignment and attachment of modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . A latch tongue  232  may be oriented along alignment channel  230 , and may be a spring-loaded or flexibly held component having a limited degree of motion, designed to engage with mating features in modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 3   a , camera module control system  222  may include the image sensor  228  which may use an interface (e.g. DVP (Digital Video Port) interface  238 ) to transmit an image data stream  240  to complementary interface (e.g., DVP interface  238 ) that may reside within one or more control processor units  242  (e.g., microprocessor, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, programmable gate array, programmed logic controller). Control processor unit  242  may deliver an image control signal stream  244  to image sensor  228 , and may pass the image data stream  240  through to a system data interface  246  while also managing an input/output data stream  248 . The input/output data stream  248  receives command signals from, and transmits data to, portable computing device  100 . 
         [0069]    The DVP interface  238  may be a single-direction or bi-directional communication physical interface specifically configured for digital video data signal communication. 
         [0070]    Additionally, but not shown in  FIG. 3   a , camera module control system  222  may be directly connected to other functional electronic components which may include the accessory receptacle  214 , the wireless module  234 , the battery pack  236 , the power/data cable  208 , the camera input device  218 , and the camera annunciator  220 . 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 4   a , the modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may include the modular lens accessory socket  502 , the modular lens accessory latch  504 , the modular lens accessory housing  506 , and the modular lens accessory connector  508  previously described in  FIG. 1   a.  An alignment key  510  may have a mating yet opposite surface profile to that of alignment channel  230  on camera module accessory adapter  212 ; the position of alignment key  510  ensures that latch tongue  232  will be appropriately aligned with modular lens accessory latch  504  when modular lens accessory subassembly  500  is fully engaged with camera module subassembly  200   a.    
         [0072]    A modular lens accessory control system  512  may include at least one PCB which may be divided into several interconnected sections, and to which functional electronic components of modular lens accessory subassembly  500  are attached and connected. Functional components of modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may include modular lens accessory connector  508  and an illumination system  514 . The illumination system  514  may include at least one LED (light emitting diode) situated behind a light guide  516 . 
         [0073]    The light guide  516  may be a partially or highly optically transparent component manufactured out of a polymeric (e.g., acrylic) or a glass material. Additionally, the light guide  516  may have a coating and/or semi-opaque additive which reflects, directs, and/or interrupts the transmission of certain wavelengths of light. 
         [0074]    A lens mounting thread  518  is axially aligned with modular lens accessory socket  502  in modular lens accessory housing  506 . The lens mounting thread  518  provides a holding or securement feature or structure for attaching lens unit  700 . Additionally, the centerline of lens mounting thread  518  is perpendicular to a lens mounting surface  520 , which may include at least one downward-facing flat surface providing a physical reference surface for alignment and attachment of lens unit  700 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 6   a , an external display device  802  may be an output device which electronically displays visible images (e.g., a television, a projector, a monitor, etc.), and may be physically or wirelessly connected to a local network  806 , which may be an communications network able to interconnect devices with electronic communication capability (e.g., portable computing devices, telecommunication devices, computing terminals, display devices, storage devices, input devices, output devices, etc.). 
         [0076]    A local installation  814  may be a set of devices physically and/or wirelessly communicatively interconnected within close proximity (e.g., within one room, within one building, within one organizational area, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6   a , one portable computing device  100  may act as a main client providing control signals and communication signals to and from one or more portable computing devices  100 , which act as slave clients (i.e., devices which receive control signals and/or communication signals from a main client and/or slave clients), or as viewing clients (i.e., devices which receive communication signals from a main client and/or slave clients). The portable computing devices  100  may each be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
         [0077]    Referring to  FIGS. 6   b - 6   c,  the external display device  802  may be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled to the local network  806 , within the local installation  814 . One portable computing device  100  may act as a main client providing control signals and communication signals to and from one or more portable computing devices  100  which act as slave clients, or to one or more portable computing devices  100  acting as viewing clients. The portable computing devices  100  may each be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  Additionally, local network  806  may be communicatively connected or wirelessly coupled to one or more camera module subassembly  200   a,  to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b,  and/or to portable computing device  100 . According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6   c , the portable computing device  100  acting as the main client may not be communicatively connected to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 7   a , the external display device  802  may be physically or wirelessly connected to the local network  806 , within the local installation  814 . One portable computing device  100  may act as a main client providing control signals and communication signals to and from one or more portable computing devices  100 , which act as slave clients, or as viewing clients. The portable computing devices  100  may each be physically or wirelessly communicatively coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  Additionally, local network  806  may be connected physically and/or wirelessly to an external network  808 , which may be located externally to the local installation  814 . Communicatively coupled to the external network  808  may be at least one of a server  810  which may house or be connected to at least one of a database  812 . The server  810  may be a computer program serving the computational and/or communication requests of devices communicatively connected directly or coupled indirectly to external network  808 . The database  812  may be one or more organized collections of digitized data. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIGS. 7   b - 7   c,  the external display device  802  may be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled to the local network  806 , within the local installation  814 . One portable computing device  100  may act as a main client providing control signals and communication signals to and from one or more portable computing devices  100  which act as slave clients, or to one or more portable computing devices  100  acting as viewing clients. The portable computing devices  100  may each be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  Local network  806  may be communicatively connected or coupled wirelessly to one or more camera module subassembly  200   a,  to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b,  and/or to portable computing device  100 . Additionally, local network  806  may be communicatively connected or coupled physically and/or wirelessly to external network  808 , which may be located externally to the local installation  814 . Communicatively connected or coupled to the external network  808  may be at least one server  810  which may house or be communicatively connected or coupled to at least one database  812 . According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 7   c , the portable computing device  100  acting as the main client may not be communicatively connected or coupled to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
         [0080]    Referring to  FIG. 8   a , the external display device  802  may be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled to the local network  806 , within the local installation  814 . One portable computing device  100  may act as a main client providing control signals and communication signals to and from one or more portable computing devices  100 , which act as slave clients, or as viewing clients. Within local installation  814 , the portable computing devices  100  may each be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  Local network  806  may be communicatively connected or coupled physically and/or wirelessly to the external network  808 , which may be located externally to the local installation  814 . Communicatively connected or coupled to the external network  808  may be at least one server  810  which may house or be communicatively connected or coupled to at least one database  812 . Additionally, one or more of a distant installation  816  may be communicatively connected or coupled physically and/or wirelessly to the external network  808 . The distant installation  816  may be a set of devices physically and/or wirelessly interconnected within close proximity (e.g., within one room, within one building, within one organizational area, etc.), but located separately from local installation  814 . Within the distant installation  816 , one or more of a computing terminal  804 , portable computing device  100 , camera module subassembly  200   a,  and/or wireless camera module subassembly  200   b,  may be communicatively connected or coupled physically and/or wirelessly. The computing terminal  804  may be a programmable device (e.g., a digital computer, a communication device, and/or a display device) having the ability to display information and communicate via a physical and/or wireless communication data link. 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIGS. 8   b - 8   c,  the external display device  802  may be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled to the local network  806 , within the local installation  814 . One portable computing device  100  may act as a main client providing control signals and communication signals to and from one or more portable computing devices  100  which act as slave clients, or to one or more portable computing devices  100  acting as viewing clients. The portable computing devices  100  may each be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  Local network  806  may be communicatively connected or coupled wirelessly to one or more camera module subassembly  200   a,  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  The local network  806  may be communicatively connected or coupled physically and/or wirelessly to external network  808 , which may be located externally to the local installation  814 . Communicatively connected or coupled to the external network  808  may be at least one server  810  which may house or be communicatively connected or coupled to at least one database  812 . One or more distant installation  816  may be communicatively connected or coupled physically and/or wirelessly to the external network  808 . Within the distant installation  816 , one or more of a computing terminal  804 , portable computing device  100 , camera module subassembly  200   a,  and/or wireless camera module subassembly  200   b,  may be communicatively connected or coupled physically and/or wirelessly. According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8   c , the portable computing device  100  acting as the main client may not be connected to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
         [0082]    According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9   a , the portable computing device  100 , within the local installation  814 , may be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  This portable computing device  100  within the local installation  814  may act as a main client providing control signals and communication signals to and from one or more slave portable computing devices  100 , and/or computing terminal  804 , contained within one or more distant installation  816 , communicatively connected or coupled via one or more external network  808 . Additionally or alternatively, this portable computing device  100  within the local installation  814  may act as a main client providing communication signals to and from one or more viewing clients such as portable computing devices  100 , and/or computing terminal  804 , contained within one or more distant installation  816 , communicatively connected or coupled via one or more external network  808 . One or more server  810  may be communicatively connected or coupled to one or more database  812 , as well as one or more external network  808 . Within each within the distant installation  816 , each portable computing device may be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
         [0083]    According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 9   b - 9   c,  the portable computing device  100 , within the local installation  814 , may be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  This portable computing device  100  within the local installation  814  may act as a main client providing control signals and communication signals to and from one or more slave portable computing devices  100 , and/or computing terminal  804 , contained within one or more distant installation  816 , communicatively connected or coupled via one or more external network  808 . Additionally or alternatively, this portable computing device  100  within the local installation  814  may act as a main client providing communication signals to and from one or more viewing clients such as portable computing devices  100 , and/or computing terminal  804 , contained within one or more distant installation  816 , communicatively connected or coupled via one or more external network  808 . One or more server  810  may be communicatively connected or coupled to one or more database  812 , as well as one or more external network  808 . Within each within the distant installation  816 , each portable computing device may be physically or wirelessly communicatively connected or coupled individually to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  Communication links between external network  808  and portable computing devices  100  may be facilitated by the wireless communication link of interconnected devices such as camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  According to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9   c , the portable computing device  100  acting as the main client may not be communicatively connected or coupled to camera module subassembly  200   a  or to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
       OPERATION—FIRST EMBODIMENT—FIGS.  1   a,    2   a ,  3   a ,  4   a ,  5   a    
       [0084]    Referring to  FIGS. 1   a,    2   a ,  3   a ,  4   a , and the flowchart in  FIG. 5   a , operation of the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be as follows. 
         [0085]    The lens unit  700  may be connected to modular lens accessory subassembly  500  via lens mounting thread  518 . 
         [0086]    Modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may then be removably physically connected or coupled to camera module subassembly  200   a  by inserting camera module accessory adapter  212  into modular lens accessory socket  502 , while orienting alignment channel  230  with alignment key  510 . Upon full insertion of camera module accessory adapter  212  into modular lens accessory socket  502 , latch tongue  232  will engage with modular lens accessory latch  504 , preventing camera module subassembly  200   a  from disengaging with modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . Additionally, engagement of alignment channel  230  with alignment key  510  and engagement of latch tongue  232  with modular lens accessory latch  504  provide repeatable alignment and electrical engagement between accessory receptacle  214  and modular lens accessory connector  508 . Engagement of accessory receptacle  214  and modular lens accessory connector  508  allows power to be supplied and communication to occur between camera module control system  222  and modular lens accessory control system  512 . With power and communication signals supplied to modular lens accessory control system  512 , illumination system  514  may be turned ON, turned OFF, or controlled in its level of illumination. 
         [0087]    External power supply  120  may then be removably electrically connected or coupled to camera module subassembly  200   a  by engaging DC power connector  122  into DC power receptacle  206 . In the event that external power supply  120  is also connected to mains electrical power via power plug  128 , the battery within portable computing device  100  as well as the battery pack  236  may be charged. Given a sufficient battery charge level of the battery within portable computing device  100  and/or of the battery pack  236 , portable computing device  100  and/or camera module subassembly  200   a  will remain operational without connection of external power supply  120 . 
         [0088]    One may then initialize a software application resident within the memory of portable computing device in order to communicate with, send data to, and receive data from camera module control system  222 . Upon initialization of an appropriate software application on portable computing device  100 , the status of camera module subassembly  200   a  and the connected modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may be determined via a communication link provided by the electrical connections carried by power/data cable  208 . Possible detectable states or conditions may include at least one of being attached or detected, not being attached or detected, being ready or operational, not being ready or operational, being an approved device, not being an approved device, having an insufficient battery charge, having a modular lens accessory subassembly attached or detected, not having a modular lens accessory subassembly attached or detected, etc. 
         [0089]    Upon the appropriate establishment of status of camera module subassembly  200   a  and of modular lens accessory subassembly  500 , portable computing device  100  may send and receive control signals to and from camera module subassembly  200   a  and modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . These control signals may engage or disengage the operational state of camera input device  218 , camera annunciator  220 , image sensor  228 , and/or illumination system  514 . 
         [0090]    As engaged by software operating on portable computing device  100  or by engagement of camera input device  218 , images may then be captured and digitally converted (digitized) by image sensor  228 . A continuous or intermittent stream of individually captured images over a given period of time may be considered a video stream, and may be transmitted in a similar fashion as individual images. Image(s) may then be transmitted via power/data cable  208  to portable computing device  100  to be displayed, saved, manipulated, and/or retransmitted to other computing devices by resident software applications. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION—SECOND EMBODIMENT—FIGS.  1   b,    2   b ,  3   a ,  4   a , and  5   a    
       [0091]    A second embodiment of the modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices is illustrated in  FIGS. 1   b,    2   b ,  3   a , and  4   a.    
         [0092]    The portable computing device  100 , the external power supply  120 , the camera module control system  222 , the modular lens accessory subassembly  500 , the lens unit  700 , and all subcomponents of these four devices are defined as described as described for the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure referred to in  FIGS. 1   a,    2   a ,  3   a , and  4   a.    
         [0093]    Additionally, but not shown in  FIG. 3   a , camera module control system  222  may be directly communicatively connected or coupled to other functional electronic components which may include the accessory receptacle  214 , the wireless module  234 , the battery pack  236 , the DC power receptacle  206 , the power controller  216 , the camera input device  218 , and the camera annunciator  220 . 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 1   b,  the portable computing device  100  may be communicatively connected or coupled to a wireless camera module subassembly  200   b  which may be removably physically coupled or attached to the modular lens accessory subassembly  500  which may in turn be removably physically coupled or attached to the lens unit  700 . The external power supply  120  may also be communicatively (e.g., electrically) connected or coupled to the camera module subassembly  200   b  to provide continuous electrical power or battery charging capability as needed. 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIGS. 1   b,  and  2   b , the wireless camera module subassembly is a device which may include power/data connector  202 , power/data connector housing  204 , DC power receptacle  206 , a camera module housing  210 , a camera module accessory adapter  212 , and an accessory receptacle  214 . Power controller  216  and DC power receptacle  206  may be connected or coupled directly to camera module control system  222 , accessible through an opening in camera module housing  210 . 
         [0096]    A stream of electromagnetic waves  250  provide a communication link between the portable computing device  100  and the wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  The electromagnetic waves are generated and received by the wireless communication module (e.g., radio, transceiver, transmitter, receiver and associated antenna(s)) contained within portable computing device  100  and the wireless module  234  contained within camera module subassembly  200   a.    
         [0097]    Operation of the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be the same as described for the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure referred to in  FIGS. 1   a,    2   a ,  3   a ,  4   a , and  5   a , given the following exceptions: 
         [0098]    One may connect external power supply  120  to wireless camera module subassembly  200   b  by engaging DC power connector  122  into DC power receptacle  206 . The battery pack  236  within wireless camera module subassembly  200   b  may be charged in the event that external power supply  120  is also connected to mains electrical power via power plug  128 . Given a sufficient battery charge level of the battery pack  236 , wireless camera module subassembly  200   b  will remain operational without connection of external power supply  120 . 
         [0099]    Upon initialization of an appropriate software application on portable computing device  100 , the status of wireless camera module subassembly  200   b  and the connected modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may be determined via a communication link provided by the electromagnetic waves  250 , facilitated by the wireless communication module contained within portable computing device  100  and the wireless module  234  contained within wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.  Further operational acts are as described for the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in  FIG. 5   a.    
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION—ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS—FIGS.  1   a - 1   d,    2   a - 2   d,    3   a - 3   d,    4   a - 4   d,    5   b,    6   a - 6   b,    7   a - 7   c,    8   a - 8   c,  and  9   a - 9   c    
       [0100]    There are various possible alternative embodiments of a modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d,    2   a - 2   d,    3   a - 3   d,    4   a - 4   d,  and  5   b    
         [0101]    Referring to  FIGS. 1   c  and  1   d , the portable computing device  100  may be communicatively connected or coupled to the camera module subassembly  200   a  or to the wireless camera module subassembly  200   b,  either of which may be attached to a viewing instrument  800 . As described for the previous exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the external power supply  120  may also be communicatively (e.g., electrically) connected or coupled to the camera module subassembly  200   a  or to the wireless camera module subassembly  200   b  to provide continuous electrical power or battery charging capability as needed. 
         [0102]    The viewing instrument  800  may be a monocular microscope, a multi-ocular microscope, a monocular telescope, a multi-ocular telescope, a single-lens viewing scope, a compound-lens viewing scope, or other viewing instruments. 
         [0103]    There are various additional possible alternative embodiments of a modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d.  These additional embodiments may include the use of camera module control system  222  configured as described in  FIGS. 3   b - 3   d.    
         [0104]    Referring to  FIG. 3   b , the camera module control system  222  may be configured to include an image sensor SOC (System on Chip)  252  which may include the image sensor  228 , an image frame buffer  254 , and a serial interface  256 . The image sensor SOC  252  may be a microelectronic integrated circuit housing at least one functional subcomponent including image sensor  228 , image frame buffer  254 , and serial interface  256 . 
         [0105]    The image frame buffer  254  may be at least one microelectronic subcomponent providing nontransitory electronic memory able to contain at least one frame of digitized image data. The image frame buffer  254  may be used to synchronize data transmission with connected functional components. 
         [0106]    The serial interface  256  may be a single-direction or bi-directional communication physical interface. Additionally, the serial interface  256  may be a communication physical interface able to send one binary digit of information at a time. 
         [0107]    The serial interface  256  may be used to transmit an image data stream  240  to complimentary DVP interface  238  which may reside within the control processor unit  242 . Control processor unit  242  may deliver the image control signal stream  244  to image sensor SOC  252 , and may pass the image data stream  240  through to system data interface  246  while also managing input/output data stream  248 . The input/output data stream  248  receives command signals from, and transmits data to, portable computing device  100 . 
         [0108]    Referring to  FIG. 3   c , the camera module control system  222  may include the image sensor  228  which may use a DVP interface  238  to transmit the image data stream  240  to complementary DVP interface  238  that may reside within the control processor unit  242 . To facilitate synchronization of data with system data interface  246 , image data stream  240  may be passed via a parallel interface  258  to complementary parallel interface  258  residing on the image frame buffer  254 . Image data stream  240  may be queued by image frame buffer  254  and passed back to control processor unit  242  via parallel interface  258 . Control processor unit  242  may deliver the image control signal stream  244  to image sensor  228 , and may pass the queued image data stream  240  through to system data interface  246  while also managing the input/output data stream  248 . 
         [0109]    The parallel interface  258  may be a bi-directional communication physical interface. Additionally, the parallel interface  258  may be a communication physical interface able to send more than one binary digit of information at a time. 
         [0110]    Referring to  FIG. 3   d , the camera module control system  222  may include the image sensor  228  which may use a DVP interface  238  to transmit the image data stream  240  to complementary DVP interface  238  that may reside within one or more configurable logic processors  260  (e.g., microprocessor, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, programmable gate array, programmed logic controller). To facilitate synchronization of data, image data stream  240  may be passed via a parallel interface  258  to complementary parallel interface  258  residing on the image frame buffer  254 . Image data stream  240  may be queued by image frame buffer  254  and passed back to configurable logic processor  260  via parallel interface  258  to more effectively control the flow of image data stream  240 . Configurable logic processor  260  may deliver the image control signal stream  244  to image sensor  228 . Using another parallel interface  258 , configurable logic processor  260  may pass the queued image data stream  240  to complementary parallel interface  258  which may reside on control processor unit  242 . Control processor unit  242  may pass the queued image data stream  240  through to system data interface  246  while also managing the input/output data stream  248 . 
         [0111]    The configurable logic processor  260  may be a microelectronic integrated circuit (e.g., microprocessor, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, programmable gate array, programmed logic controller) which may contain programmable logic components and may contain nontransitory nonvolatile electronic memory. 
         [0112]    Additionally, but not shown in  FIGS. 3   b - 3   d,  camera module control system  222  may be directly connected to other functional electronic components which may include the accessory receptacle  214 , the wireless module  234 , the battery pack  236 , the DC power receptacle  206 , the power/data cable  208 , the power controller  216 , the camera input device  218 , and the camera annunciator  220 . 
         [0113]    There are various additional possible alternative embodiments of a modular peripheral digital camera system connectable to portable computing devices as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   b,  wherein the use of lens unit  700  may not be required. These additional embodiments may include the use of modular lens accessory subassembly  500  configured as described in  FIGS. 4   b - 4   d.    
         [0114]    Referring to  FIG. 4   b , the modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may include the modular lens accessory socket  502 , the modular lens accessory latch  504 , the modular lens accessory housing  506 , and the modular lens accessory connector  508  as described for the previous exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b,  and  4   a.  Additionally, the modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may include the alignment key  510 , the lens accessory latch  504 , the modular lens accessory control system  512  the illumination system  514 , and the light guide  516  as described for the previous exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b,  and  4   a.    
         [0115]    A lens array  522  may be mounted in a fixed position within the modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . The lens array  522  may be one or more axially-aligned optical lens for enlarging, reducing, focusing, or modifying the view of an optical image. Additionally, subcomponents of the lens array  522  may have may have coatings and/or semi-opaque additives which reflect, direct, and/or interrupt the transmission of certain wavelengths of light. The inclusion of the lens array  522  as part of modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may provide users with specialized functionality and/or additional advantages (e.g., small size, environmental resistance, ability to view into constrained areas, etc.). 
         [0116]    Referring to  FIG. 4   c , the modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may include the modular lens accessory socket  502 , the modular lens accessory latch  504 , the modular lens accessory housing  506 , and the modular lens accessory connector  508 , the alignment key  510 , the modular lens accessory control system  512 , the illumination system  514 , the light guide  516 , and the lens array  522  as described for the previous exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b,  and  4   b.    
         [0117]    Additionally, lens array  522  may be mounted in a lens carrier  528  within the modular lens accessory subassembly  500 . The lens carrier  528  may hold lens array  522  in axial alignment, and may also provide the ability to move lens array  522  or subcomponents of lens array  522  axially. A lens adjustment control  524  may be an electronically-operated and/or a manually-operated component or subassembly that operates a lens adjustment mechanism  526 . The lens adjustment mechanism  526  may be an actuator driven by electronic and/or manual means, connected to lens carrier  528 . Additionally, the lens adjustment control  524  and the lens adjustment mechanism  526  may be connected to modular lens accessory control system  512 . Operation of lens adjustment control  524  with lens adjustment mechanism  526  to move lens carrier  528  and lens array  522  may allow users to enlarge, reduce, focus, or modify the view of an optical image; thus the inclusion of these components as part of modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may provide users with specialized functionality and/or additional advantages as described in the previous exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0118]    Referring to  FIG. 4   d , the modular lens accessory subassembly  500  may include the modular lens accessory socket  502 , the modular lens accessory latch  504 , the modular lens accessory housing  506 , and the modular lens accessory connector  508 , the alignment key  510 , the modular lens accessory control system  512 , the lens mounting thread  518 , and the lens mounting surface  520  as described for the previous exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b,  and  4   a . This configuration may allow users to attach alignment and attachment of lens unit  700  without being constrained by the added size, weight, and power requirements of the additional components described in the previous exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in  FIG. 4   a.    
         [0119]    Referring to  FIGS. 1   c,    1   d,    2   a,    2   b,    3   a - 3   d,    4   a - 4   d,  and the flowchart in  FIG. 5   b , operation of the various possible alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may be as follows. 
         [0120]    The camera module subassembly  200   a  or the wireless camera module subassembly  200   b  may be inserted into the eyepiece opening of viewing instrument  800 . 
         [0121]    Further operational acts of the various possible alternative embodiments of the present disclosure are as illustrated by the flowchart in  FIG. 5   b ; these further operational acts have been described in the previous exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d,    2   a - 2   d,    3   a - 3   d,    4   a - 4   d,  and  5   a.    
         [0122]    Referring to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c,  the networked arrangement of the main client portable computing device  100  relative to slave client and/or viewing client portable computing devices  100  may allow the main client portable computing device  100  to control and/or communicate with other locally-connected devices. In one such exemplary embodiment, the main client portable computing device  100  may be able to simultaneously view the information and/or images displayed on slave client portable computing devices  100 , (e.g., the images provided by connected devices camera module subassembly  200   a  or wireless camera module subassembly  200   b,  status of software running on slave client portable computing devices  100 , etc.). The main client portable computing device  100  may also selectively capture information and/or images from any of slave client portable computing devices  100  and display the also selectively captured information and/or images to external display device  802  as well as redirect the same selectively captured information and/or images to slave client and/or viewing client portable computing devices  100 . 
         [0123]    Referring to  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c,  the same networked arrangement of the main client portable computing device  100  relative to slave client and/or viewing client portable computing devices  100  may be the same as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments described previously and illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c.  Additionally, the connection to one or more server  810  and to one or more database  812  facilitated by the connection to one or more external network  808  may provide users access to remote software-based functionality not possible exclusively by using locally-provided software and devices. For example, remote software-based functionality may include the ability to remotely store, retrieve, share, control, and/or manipulate images and/or information with other users within local installation  814 . 
         [0124]    Referring to  FIGS. 8   a - 8   c  and  9   a - 9   c,  the same networked arrangement of the main client portable computing device  100  relative to slave client and/or viewing client portable computing devices  100  may be the same as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments described previously and illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  and  7   a - 7   c.  Additionally, the connection to one or slave or viewing client devices within one or more distant installation  816 , via one or more external network  808 , may provide users access to remote software-based functionality not possible exclusively by using locally-provided software and devices. For example, remote software-based functionality may include the ability to remotely store, retrieve, share, control, and/or manipulate images and/or information with other users and/or devices within local installation  814  as well as with other users and/or devices within one or more distant installation  816 . 
         [0125]    In other exemplary embodiments, accessory receptacle  214  may have the capability to connect, receive input from, or provide output to one or more input devices or output devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, control systems, annunciators, display devices, etc.). 
         [0126]    In further exemplary embodiments, one or more input devices or output devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, control systems, annunciators, display devices, etc.) may be connected either in addition to or in place of an image sensor within camera module subassembly  200   a  or wireless camera module subassembly  200   b.    
         [0127]    The teachings of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/639,622 filed Apr. 27, 2012 are incorporated herein in its entirety. The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. 
         [0128]    These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.