Patent Publication Number: US-2016248952-A1

Title: Removable lenses for mobile electronic devices

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/206,210, filed on Mar. 12, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/780,642, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all that they disclose. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS 
     1. Field of the Inventions 
     This invention relates generally to accessories for mobile electronic devices (e.g., mobile telephones, mobile texting devices, mobile information storage and display devices, electronic pad devices, laptop computers, desktop computers, etc.), and specifically to removable functional components for mobile electronic devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In recent years, many advances in computer networking and processing technology have made it possible for communication devices to include cameras that permit users to capture images. In many cases, these images can be stored, processed, and transmitted. However, there are many design constraints on onboard cameras in mobile electronic devices that can limit the weight, size, expense, shape, adjustability, and overall quality of the lensing systems of such cameras. Consequently, many cameras in communications devices are inadequate for a wide variety of photographic needs and may produce poor quality photographic images. 
     SUMMARY OF THE SPECIFICATION 
     In some embodiments, an auxiliary optical system for a mobile electronic device has a mounting component that is configured to be selectively attachable and detachable from the mobile electronic device. The mounting component is configured to be coupled to and decoupled from a multi-lens component with a plurality of lenses. When the multi-lens component is coupled to the mounting component, the multi-lens component can be prevented from moving, such as sliding or rotating. 
     In some embodiments, an auxiliary optical system for a mobile electronic device comprises a removable onboard camera lens or onboard camera of a mobile electronic device. The onboard lens or onboard camera can be removed and/or replaced with another onboard lens or onboard camera with different optical qualities. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain embodiments of the inventions will now be discussed in detail with reference to the following figures. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the inventions are not limited to the subject matter illustrated in the figures. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of an auxiliary optical system in use with a mobile communication device. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front plan view the auxiliary optical system and mobile communication device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of an auxiliary optical system. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front plan view of another embodiment of an auxiliary optical system. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front and side perspective view of another embodiment of an auxiliary optical system for use with a mobile communication device with an optical component in a first position. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a front and side perspective view of the optical component of the optical system of  FIG. 5  being moved into a second position. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a front and side perspective view of the auxiliary optical system of  FIG. 5  with the optical component in the second position. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a front and side perspective view of a base portion of an embodiment of an auxiliary optical system with a generally centrally positioned attachment region configured to receive an optical component. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a front and side perspective view of a base portion of another embodiment of an auxiliary optical system with a generally slanted attachment region configured to receive an optical component. 
         FIGS. 7C-7E  are front and side perspective views of embodiments of base portions of auxiliary optical systems. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front and side perspective view of an auxiliary optical system for use with a generally centrally positioned onboard camera on a mobile communication device. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front and side perspective view of a mobile communication device with an onboard camera comprising a removable and/or interchangeable lens. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front perspective view of a collection of interchangeable lenses for use with a mobile communication device in which the onboard camera has a lens that is configured to be removable and replaceable. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES 
     Auxiliary optical systems comprising lens components or devices can be removably attached to mobile electronic devices to selectively enhance or otherwise change an image created from light that is transmitted through a lens to an onboard camera lens of the mobile electronic devices. For example, lens components such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,279,544, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that it discloses, may be secured to a mobile electronic device by a clip that contacts generally opposing sides of the mobile electronic device. The lens component may include a different lens on each side of the clip portion (e.g., one side may have a fisheye lens, while the generally opposing side may have a wide angle, macro, telephoto, or some other photographic lens). When a user wishes to use a different lens, the user may rotate the lens component so that the lens from other side of the clip portion is positioned to alter light passing through to the onboard camera lens of the mobile electronic device. 
     Various examples are illustrated in the drawings and/or described in the text of this specification. It is contemplated that any individual features, steps, structures, or methods, can be used separately or in combination with any other individual features, steps, structures, or methods disclosed herein or present in the art. No features, steps, structures, or methods disclosed in this specification are essential or indispensable. A mobile communication device is a mobile electronic device capable of communicating with one or more other electronic devices. 
     The mobile electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is an iPhone 5, sold by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Any other mobile electronic device can be used. In this example, an onboard camera lens  102  is positioned near a first corner of, the mobile device  100  where first and second generally orthogonal sides  104  and  106  generally converge. The first and second sides  104 ,  106  can be located on generally opposing sides of the mobile electronic device  100  from a second corner or from third and fourth generally orthogonal sides, thereby positioning the input or output devices a substantial distance away from the third and fourth generally orthogonal sides. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , a base or mounting component  110  can be permanently or removably attached to the mobile electronic device  100  using any or all of the features, structures, and/or steps illustrated or described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,279,544. For example, as illustrated, the mounting component  110  may be configured to clip onto a corner of the mobile electronic device  100 , such that mounting component  110  contacts at least two generally orthogonal sides  104 ,  106  of the mobile electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the mounting component  110  can comprise an assembled or a unitary housing comprising one or more of: a first side configured to contact, or to be positioned adjacent to, a face of a mobile electronic device  100  with an onboard camera; a second side generally opposite from the first side and configured to contact, or to be positioned adjacent to, a face of a mobile electronic device  100  with a display screen visible to a user of the mobile electronic device  100 ; an upper side configured to be positioned along (in contact with or adjacent to) an upper edge of a mobile electronic device  100 ; a first lateral side configured to be positioned along (in contact with or adjacent to) a first side edge of a mobile electronic device  100 ; and a second lateral side that is generally opposite from the first lateral side, the second lateral side being configured to be positioned along (in contact with or adjacent to) a second side edge of a mobile electronic device  100 . As illustrated, any or all of the first lateral side, the second lateral side, and/or the upper side can extend less than the entire distance across the corresponding edge of the mobile electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, a mounting component  110  can comprise one or more movable mounting structures (not shown) such as one or more latches, screws, levers, buttons, or cams, etc., or one or more non-movable mounting structures such as one or more magnets, snaps, hook-and-loop attachments, adhesive tapes, etc. 
     The mounting component  110  can be configured to be attached to the mobile electronic device  100  by a friction fit, such that the mobile electronic device grasps onto a portion of the mobile electronic device  100  in a manner that resists sliding or removal, unless a user applies a larger force to remove the mounting component  110 . The mounting component  110  can comprise a receiving portion, such as a groove or slot, into which a portion of the mobile electronic device  100  (such as a corner of the device, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) is configured to be inserted and retained. In some embodiments, the mounting component  110  has a plurality of user-adjustable positions. For example, the mounting component  110  can have a first release position in which the receiving portion is larger or wider or more open or otherwise less confining than a second attachment position in which the receiving portion is smaller or narrower or more closed or otherwise more confining. 
     As illustrated, the mounting component  110  can comprise an optical mounting region  111 , such as an elongate recess, that is configured to receive an optical component, such as a multi-lens component  120 . In some embodiments, there is only an optical mounting region on one side of mounting component  110  that is configured to be positioned near the side of the mobile electronic device  100  that includes an onboard camera, since attaching lenses on the other side of the mounting component  120  may unnecessarily add bulk and weight to the auxiliary lens system that is not needed because a plurality of lenses is already included in the multi-lens component. In some embodiments, when many lenses are desired, an optical mounting region  111  can be provided on both sides of the mounting component  110 . 
     The optical mounting region  111  can comprise first and second lens apertures or lens seats  115 ,  117 , and a divider  119  positioned between the lens seats  115 ,  117 . The divider  119  can optically separate the lens seats, can provide strength in the optical mounting region  11  against twisting or distortion, and/or can provide an abutting surface against which the multi-lens component  120  can be positioned for attachment. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the optical mounting region  111  can be configured to be positioned generally over, or generally in alignment with, or generally covering, an onboard camera of a mobile electronic device  100  when the mounting component  110  is attached to the mobile electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the onboard camera is located in a corner region of the mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, the onboard camera is located in an upper middle region of the mobile electronic device. Any mounting component described or illustrated in this specification can be configured or attached in any way illustrated and/or disclosed in the &#39;544 patent for attaching the retainer portion to a mobile communication device, or in any other way. In some embodiments, as illustrated, when the mounting component  110  and the multi-lens component  120  are attached to each other, the two components can function as a single lens system such that the mounting component  110  can be attached or detached from the mobile electronic device without attaching or detaching the mounting component  110  to or from the multi-lens component. 
     In some embodiments, the onboard camera is located in a generally central region of the mobile electronic device  100 , with the mounting component  210  being centrally positioned, as illustrated in the example of  FIG. 8 . The mounting component  210  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  can include a first side  201  configured to contact, or to be positioned adjacent to, a face of the mobile electronic device  100  with an onboard camera, an upper side  203  configured to be positioned along (in contact with or adjacent to) an upper edge of a mobile electronic device  100 , and/or a full or partial second side (not shown) that is generally opposite from the first side and that is configured to contact, or to be positioned adjacent to, a face of a mobile electronic device  100  with a display screen visible to a user of the mobile electronic device. In some embodiments, the second side comprises one or more overhanging hook-like portions that are configured to contact the face of the mobile electronic device with a display screen. The mounting component  210  can include any features or structures described or illustrated in this specification for any other mounting component in addition to or instead of those described or illustrated specifically in connection with the mounting component  210 . 
     The mounting component  110  can be configured to securely receive a multi-lens component  120  for altering or enhancing images taken by the onboard camera lens  102  of the mobile electronic device  100  in a removable manner. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the multi-lens component  120  can be configured to snap into place on the mounting component  110 , such as by positioning one or more lateral wings, as shown in  FIG. 1 , into an interference fit with one or more recesses in the mounting component  210 . As illustrated, the multi-lens component  120  can comprise a unitary base body portion with at least two lenses embedded therein at the same time, such that the at least two lenses can be removed from the mounting component  110  at the same time in a single motion. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the multi-lens component  120  does not screw into position on the mounting component  110 , since screwing may require more time, care, and dexterity than a single-motion attachment such as a snap-fit. Screwing the multi-lens component  120  into the mounting component  110  may not be convenient when a user is rushing to take advantage of a transitory photo opportunity. In some embodiments, the multi-lens component  120  can be configured to slide or screw or pivot or latch or otherwise move into position on the mounting component  110 . 
     As illustrated, the multi-lens component  120 , when attached to the mounting component  110 , can be configured to position at least two optical regions  122 ,  124  on a first side of the mobile electronic device that includes an onboard camera, at the same time. As illustrated in the examples shown in the figures, the two or more optical regions  122 ,  124  can be arranged not to be in optical communication with each other, but are rather separate and alternative optical regions  122 ,  124 . In some embodiments, the auxiliary lens system can comprise one or more compound lenses formed of multiple discrete lenses that are in optical communication with each other, permitting the same light to pass through a plurality of lenses before impinging on the onboard camera of the mobile electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated, the outer periphery of the multi-lens component  120  can generally correspond to or generally match the outer periphery of the optical mounting region  111  to help provide a secure attachment between the multi-lens component  120  and the mounting component  110 . The outer periphery of the multi-lens component  120  can be smaller than the outer periphery of the mounting component  110 . As illustrated in the figures, the multi-lens component  120  can be secured in a non-movable (e.g., non-rotatable, and/or non-slidable, etc.) configuration when attached to the mounting component  110  until such time as the multi-lens component  120  is detached or decoupled from the mounting component  110 . 
     The multi-lens component  120  can include two or more lenses  122  and  124  designed or configured to enhance or alter light passing through each lens to the onboard camera lens  102  of the mobile electronic device  100  in different ways. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the multi-lens component  120  includes only two lenses in order to diminish the weight and/or bulk of the multi-lens component. Each of the plurality of lenses can be surrounded, substantially or entirely, by a protective periphery, such as a ring. A plurality of lenses, as shown, can be effectively coupled to each other in the multi-lens component by joining them along such protective peripheries, as shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, in some embodiments, the multi-lens component is configured to receive ambient light that is impinging on the side of the mobile electronic device with the onboard camera. In some embodiments, a suitable single-lens component can be attached to the mounting component  110 . Except as otherwise specified, any description of a multi-lens component  120  can also apply to a single-lens component. The multi-lens component may include a first lens with a first optical capability, such as a fisheye lens  122 , and a second lens with a second optical capability, such as a wide angle lens  124 . 
     The term “lens” in this specification is used in accordance with its ordinary meaning and includes lenses with optical power (e.g., magnifying or wide-angle lenses) as well as lenses without optical power (e.g., plano lenses), and/or lenses that can provide other features or characteristics, such as one or more lenses that are configured to protect the onboard camera from damage, or are configured to alter the spectrum of transmitted light, lenses that produce polarized light to reduce glare, anti-reflective lenses, anti-scratch lenses, fish-eye lenses, and/or lenses with any combination of the foregoing features, etc. In some embodiments, one or more individual lenses of the multi-lens component  120  can be removed from the body of the multi-lens component  120 , cleaned, modified, and/or replaced with one or more other individual lenses. In some embodiments, the attachment and detachment of the individual lenses of the multi-lens component  120  to the body of the multi-lens component  120  can be accomplished by a temporary attachment, such as a screwing motion, a snap-fit, a clip, or any other suitable temporary attachment, or by a permanent attachment, such as adhesive, sonic welding, solvent, or any other suitable permanent attachment. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated, the connection between the mounting component  110  and the multi-lens component  120  can be performed in a plurality of different positions, locations, and/or orientations. For example, as illustrated, a user may connect the mounting component  110  and the multi-lens component  120  in a first position or orientation to position the lens, such as the fisheye lens  122 , for use in general alignment with or in optical communication with the onboard camera of the mobile electronic device  100  while taking photographs with the mobile electronic device  100 . The user may then detach or decouple the multi-lens component  120  from the mounting component  110 , which can be configured to remain in place on the mobile electronic after the multi-lens component  120  is removed, and then the user can change the position of the multi-lens component  120  on the mounting component  110 , such as by rotating, pivoting, or otherwise moving the multi-lens component  120 , and then reattaching the multi-lens component  120  to the mounting component  110  in a second position, thereby positioning a different lens, such as the wide angle lens  124 , in general alignment with (e.g., in optical communication with) the onboard camera lens  102  of the mobile electronic device  100 . The fisheye lens  122  and wide angle lens  124  illustrated in  FIG. 1  are illustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, a multi-lens component  120  may include other types of lenses, such as one or more telephoto lenses, macro lenses, polarizing lenses or filters, coloring lenses or filters, anti-glare lenses or filters, and the like, and/or any combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated, in each of the plurality of different mounting positions, a plurality of different lenses are configured to be disposed on the same side of the mobile electronic device  100  at the same time. In some embodiments, the detachability of the multi-lens component  120  from the mounting component  110  can provide certain advantages. For example, a collection of a plurality of small multi-lens components  120  can be provided with many different optical characteristics for different photographic needs, which can be attached or detached as needed, without requiring all of such different lenses to be attached in some manner to the mobile electronic device at the same time, which would increase the overall weight and size of the auxiliary lens system. Also, in some embodiments, the detachability of the multi-lens component  110  can allow it to be used on a plurality of different mobile devices (e.g., a phone or a pad device, several different phones among friends or family members, etc.) in a quick and easy way, without having to remove or replace the mounting components  110  on such devices. In some situations, the mounting component  120 , either by itself or as integrated into a case for a mobile electronic device, can remain attached to the mobile electronic device  100  for a long period of time, and the multi-lens component  120  can be attached only momentarily as needed when capturing a photographic image. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , one or more lenses  122 ,  124  of the multi-lens component  120  can comprise an outer periphery that does not extend beyond or does not extend substantially beyond the outer periphery of the outer edge of the mobile electronic device  100  and/or the outer periphery of the mounting component  120 . As illustrated, the mounting component  110  can include a structure or component configured to facilitate or enhance conveyance of energy or information to and/or from an input and/or output component of the mobile electronic device  100 . For example, the mounting component  110  can include a light-conveying component such as a fiber optic or polycarbonate component  116  that facilitates the conveyance of light from a flash on the mobile electronic device  100  to an area generally in front of the mounting component  110 . In some embodiments, the mounting component  110  can include an energy conveying path that is generally open and generally unobstructed between a region on the mobile device and a region on the mounting component  110  for assisting in the transmission of energy to or from an input and/or output device on a mobile electronic device while generally preserving the quality of a signal, image, or information being transmitted by such energy. Examples of transmitted energy conveyed to or from mobile electronic devices include electrical impulses, acoustic sound waves, visible light, or other electromagnetic energy. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a multi-lens component  200  that may be used with the base or mounting component  110  of  FIG. 1  or with any other type of base or mounting component, such as base or mounting component  410 . The multi-lens component  200  can include two or more lenses  202 ,  204  or other components configured to alter light as it passes to an onboard camera lens of a mobile electronic device. In addition, the multi-lens component  200  can be configured with gripping structure such as a groove  208  that facilitates gripping the multi-lens component  200  to remove it from the mounting component  110  for rotation, storage, etc. In some embodiments, the gripping structure may comprise a ridge or protrusion instead of, or in addition to, the groove  208 . The ridge or protrusion may also facilitate gripping the multi-lens component  200 . 
     The multi-lens component  200  may also include a first attachment structure, such as a detent  206  or some other protrusion or other inward or outward surface feature, to facilitate securing the multi-lens component  200  in a mounting component  410 . The mounting component  410  may have a complimentary second attachment structure  411 , such as a recess configured to receive the detent  206 , thereby holding the multi-lens component  200  in place. The attachment structures may be sized and shaped such that the multi-lens component  200  may be snapped or otherwise removably secured into place and held by the mounting component  110  during normal use, while also being removable by hand so that it may be rotated or stored. 
     Any multi-lens component  120 ,  200  may include a housing  123 ,  209  and multiple lens components  122 ,  124 ,  202 ,  204 . In some embodiments, the housing  123 ,  209  may be a polycarbonate housing. One or more individual lens components with one or more different optical characteristics, such as a fisheye lens  202  and a wide angle lens  204  may be removably attached to the housing  209 . For example, in some embodiments, the housing  209  may include threaded receptacles (not shown) for lens components  202 ,  204 , and the lens components  202 ,  204  may be screwed into the housing  209 . In some embodiments, one or more lens components  202 ,  204  may be formed from a metal such as aluminum (e.g., anodized aluminum). In some embodiments, the housing  209  may include one or more permanently or semi-permanently integrated lenses, such as a macro lens (not shown), which may be positioned beneath one or more of the other lenses in some embodiments. Other lens components, such as the wide angle lens component  204 , may be removably attached to the housing  209  over the integrated macro lens for use. When a user later decides to use the macro lens, the wide angle lens component  204  or other lens component can be removed (e.g., unscrewed from the housing  302 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7E , the mounting component  110  can have many different sizes, shapes, and/or configurations. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the mounting component  110  can be a case for a mobile electronic device  100 , or it can be integrated, either permanently or removably, into a case for a mobile electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the case can comprise a first face that is configured to cover, entirely or partially, a face of the mobile electronic device  100  that includes an onboard camera, and/or the case can comprise one or more sidewalls that are configured to cover, entirely or partially, one or more sides of the mobile electronic device  100 , The case can comprise an optical mounting region  111  that is configured to receive a multi-lens component  120 ,  200 . In some embodiments, the optical mounting region  111  is positioned in a generally upper central region on the case and/or is oriented in a generally vertical direction, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B ; and in some embodiments, at least a portion of the optical mounting region  111  is located in a corner region on the case and/or is oriented in a generally oblique or diagonal direction, neither vertical nor horizontal, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . The optical mounting region  111  in any embodiment can be generally oblong and/or generally elliptical, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7E , with first and second generally curved ends and a generally straight intermediate region. In some embodiments, the optical mounting region  111  can be configured to receive a single-lens component, as illustrated in  FIG. 7D . 
     In some embodiments, a manufacturer can provide an auxiliary lens system comprising a mounting component  110 ,  410  and a first multi-lens component  120 ,  200  to a consumer, and then the manufacturer can instruct a user to attach the mounting component  110 ,  410  and the multi-lens component  120 ,  200  to a mobile communication device  100  and to remove the first multi-lens component  120 ,  200  and replace it with a second multi-lens component,  120 ,  200 . The first and second multi-lens components  120 ,  200  can have different optical features, as described elsewhere in this specification. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9-10 , in some embodiments, an onboard lens  1306  or a portion of an onboard lens of an onboard camera of a mobile electronic device  1300  can be removed from the mobile electronic device  1300  and replaced with a different onboard lens  1306  or portion thereof by a consumer. Also, the onboard camera itself can be removed and replaced. All references herein to an onboard lens can be applied to an onboard camera as well as or instead of an onboard lens. The onboard lens  1306  can be positioned inside of a hole or recess through an outside essentially planar surface  1310  of the mobile electronic device  1300 . In some embodiments, as illustrated, the onboard lens  1306  is removably attachable to the mobile electronic device  1300  separate from another component of the mobile electronic device  1300 . For example, in some embodiments, the onboard lens  1306  is not attached to or embedded in a panel or covering or other planar surface  1310  of the mobile electronic device  1300 . Rather, the onboard lens  1306  can be removed and/or replaced by a consumer without removing or replacing a panel or covering or other planar surface  1310  of the mobile electronic device. In this way, the internal electronics of the mobile electronic device are not exposed to dust or contamination or damage during lens replacement, and replacement lenses can be stored in a low-profile, small volume case, without the bulk of a collection of panels or coverings with embedded lenses to also store. 
     As illustrated, a retainer  1308 , such as a retainer ring, can be removably affixed to a portion of the mobile electronic device  1300  in a way that helps to removably retain the onboard lens  1306  inside of the hole or recess in the mobile electronic device  1300 , such as by positioning the retainer on top of and/or generally surrounding the lens  1306 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, the retainer  1308  is attached using an attachment motion, such as a rotation or a press-fit or a snap fit or a sliding motion, to removably secure the retainer  1308  in place on the mobile electronic device  1300 . In some embodiments, the retainer  1308  is configured to move from its position as shown in  FIG. 9 , generally surrounding the onboard lens, to a position toward or even off of a side (e.g., lateral or upper) edge of the mobile electronic device  1300 . In some embodiments, the retainer  1308  is separate from the removable onboard lens  1306  and in some embodiments the retainer  1308  is integral or unitary with the onboard lens  1306 . 
     A user&#39;s fingers can be used to perform the attachment motion, or an attachment tool (not shown) that interfaces with the retainer  1308  can be used to perform the attachment motion. In some embodiments, the attachment tool can comprise a ring of other attachment structure with one or more gripping structures or textured areas (e.g., finger grips, etc.) on an outward side. An attachment tool may have an interfacing mechanism (e.g., one or more protrusions, clips, tabs, etc.) on another side with which the tool may be removably attached to the retainer  1308 . In some embodiments, the attachment tool can comprise a multi-pronged screw driver or deployment tube with an end that removably attaches to multiple holes positioned along or around the perimeter of the retainer  1308 . The attachment tool can be rotated with respect to the mobile electronic device  1300  to advance the retainer  1308  into a recessed mounting cavity that generally surrounds the onboard lens. In some embodiments, the attachment tool can be configured to pick up the lens  1306  from a storage location and drop or release it in the cavity (e.g., using a tweezer action) in the surface  1310  of the mobile electronic device without requiring contact with human hands to avoid fingerprints, scratches, or other temporary or permanent optical obstructions. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated, when the onboard lens  1306  is installed on the mobile electronic device  1300 , the upper or outer surface of the onboard lens  1306  and/or the upper or outer surface of the retainer  1308  can be essentially flush with or slightly recessed below the upper or outer planar surface  1310  of the mobile electronic device  1300  in which the onboard lens  1306  is mounted. In some embodiments, a plurality of onboard lenses  1306  can be provided, each of which is configured to be positioned at an essentially flush or slightly recessed level with the upper or outer planar surface  1310  of the mobile electronic device  1300  in which the onboard lens  1306  is mounted. An essentially flush or slightly recessed mounting of a replaceable onboard lens  1306  can be advantageous in that it can help to provide standardization of shape and size so that the mobile electronic device  1300  can be used with other accessories of mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phone cases, and it can help to avoid damage such as scratching to the onboard lens  1306 , while still permitting a variety of additional optical photographic options. 
     The retainer  1308  and a replacement onboard lens  1306  can be positioned at approximately the same location on the surface  1310  of the mobile electronic device  1300  as the original onboard lens  1306  that was provided in the stock mobile electronic device  1300 . As illustrated, in some embodiments, the onboard lens  1306  and retainer  1308  can be disposed in a corner region of the mobile electronic device  1300 , near both an upper edge and a first side edge, and disposed further from an opposing lower edge and an opposing second side edge. The onboard lens  1306  and the retainer  1308  can be positioned laterally from an onboard microphone  1302  and/or an onboard flash  1304 . The onboard lens  1306  and/or retainer  1308  can be provided in any other suitable location, such as in a generally central, upper region of on the surface  1310  of the mobile electronic device  1300 . In some embodiments, the onboard microphone  1302  and/or flash  1304  can be removable and replaceable in a manner that is the same as or similar to the replacement of the onboard lens  1308 . 
     As illustrated, in some embodiments, a plurality of lenses  1306  configured to be mounted onboard in a mobile electronic device  1300  can be provided in a holder  1312 . The lenses  1306  in this or any other embodiment can comprise a multitude of different optical features, such as variable magnification, fish-eye, protection from scratching, light attenuation (e.g., darkening), light coloring, polarization, anti-reflection, etc. In some embodiments, the lens holder  1312  can comprise a protective covering (not shown). For ease of access, the holder can be affixed, either permanently or removably, to a surface of the mobile electronic device  1300  or to a case generally enclosing or protecting the mobile electronic device  1300 .