Abstract:
According to an aspect of the invention, a case or slide-on unit suitable for containing an electronic device is disclosed. The case or slide-on unit incorporates a viewfinder housing assembly that allows a user to view an image when taking a picture with the electronic device. The housing assembly includes a sighting grid that allows a user to orient an image within a field of view in order to properly capture the image

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY  
       [0001]    This application claims, pursuant to 35 USC §120, as a Continuation-in-Part, priority to and the benefit of the earlier filing date of, that patent application entitled Viewfinder, filed in the US Patent Office on Nov. 10, 2010 and afforded Ser. No. 12/927,895, the contents of which is incorporated by reference, herein. 
         [0002]    This application further claims, pursuant to 35 USC §120, as a Continuation-in-Part, priority to and the benefit of the earlier filing date of, that patent application entitled Viewfinder, filed in the US Patent Office on Jan. 25, 2012 and afforded Ser. No. 12/358,456, which is a continuation-in-part of that patent application entitled Viewfinder, filed in the US Patent Office on Nov. 10, 2010 and afforded Ser. No. 12/927,895, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]    The invention relates generally to viewfinders, and more particularly, to viewfinders for electronic devices suited for taking digital photographs. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Digital photography is popular worldwide, yet many digital compact cameras and presently cell phones do not have viewfinders. Viewfinders are used to compose and frame a scene. When present, the viewfinder on a digital camera may be either an optical viewfinder that works through the lens, or an electronic viewfinder, which is a small LCD, both of which are formed as an integral part of the camera. Optical viewfinders have disadvantages, however, since the viewfinder shows only about 70-75% of what the camera lens actually “sees”. The electronic viewfinder also has disadvantages, as it may not be as clear as an optical viewfinder, but it does show the entire area to be photographed. In view of the problems associated with viewfinders, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a commercially-available digital camera with a viewfinder; there are no available viewfinders for cell phones. 
         [0005]    When no viewfinder is present on a camera, many use the LCD screen to frame a shot for a photograph. Cellular telephones also have an LCD screen which may be used to frame a scene. Digital cameras or cellular telephones that have only an LCD screen and no viewfinder may cause the photographer using the device to hold it approximately  18  inches or at arm&#39;s length from the eyes so the image is visible on the LCD screen, but the photographer can only estimate the focus and composition of the image at this distance. Viewing the LCD screen can be difficult also in brightly-lighted and sunlit areas, as there can be significant glare on the viewing screen, leaving the photographer with the need to use a hand or other device to shade the LCD screen. 
         [0006]    Thus, there remains a need for viewfinders for electronic devices suited for taking digital photographs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    It is to be understood that the accompanying drawings are solely for the purposed of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not drawn to scale. The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and described in the accompanying detailed description, are to be used as illustrative embodiments and should not be construed as the only manner of practicing the invention. Also, the same reference numerals, possibly supplemented with reference characters, where appropriate, have been used to identify similar elements. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view of the device according to an aspect of the invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the device according to an aspect of the invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the device disposed on an electronic device; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a back view of the device disposed on an electronic device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a prospective front view of a viewfinder assembly on an electronic device in accordance with an aspect of the invention 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a prospective back view of the viewfinder assembly shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate prospective front and back views of a viewfinder assembly in accordance with another aspect of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate prospective front and back views of a viewfinder assembly in accordance with another aspect of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate prospective front and back views of a viewfinder assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary attachment means for a viewfinder assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary attachment of a viewfinder assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  illustrates a close-up view of an attached viewfinder assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a viewfinder assembly in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    According to an aspect of the invention, a case, or device, suitable for containing an electronic device is disclosed which incorporates a viewfinder housing assembly, that allows a user to view an image when taking a picture with the electronic device. The housing assembly includes a sighting grid that allows a user to orient an image within a field of view in order to properly capture the image. The viewfinder can be attached so the image is horizontal or vertical. 
         [0022]    According to another aspect of the invention, a viewfinder housing is removably attached to a case for containing an electronic device. The viewfinder housing allows a user to view an image when taking a picture with the electronic device. The viewfinder housing includes a grid that allows a user to orient an image within a field of view in order to properly capture the image. 
         [0023]    According to another aspect of the invention, a case suitable for containing an electronic device which includes means for engaging a viewfinder housing when the electronic device is in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation is disclosed. The viewfinder housing can be removed from the case so that the viewfinder housing may be positioned so that images may be viewed when the electronic device is in a vertical or a horizontal position. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the term “of” refers to an inclusive “or” and not to an exclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present). 
         [0025]    The terms “a” or “an” as used herein are to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done for convenience to the reader and to provide a general sense of the invention. The use of these terms in the description herein should be read and understood to include one or at least one. In addition, the singular also includes the plural unless indicated to the contrary. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0026]    All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In all instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. 
         [0027]    It is understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity many other elements known in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention. However because such elements and steps are well known in the art and because they would not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention a discussion of such elements and steps are not provided herein. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , according to an aspect of the invention, a viewfinder  100  including a base member  10  for removably mounting on an electronic device is illustrated. The base member  10  includes a top surface  12  and a bottom surface  14  ( FIG. 2 ), both of which may be substantially planar. Base member  10  also includes a first end  16  and a second end  18 . The first end  16  and second end  18  each include rod support members  17  and  19 , respectively. Rod support members  17  and  19  extend downwardly from the first end  16  and second end  18 , respectively. According to an aspect of the invention, the second rod support member  19  may be shorter in height than the first rod support member  17 . 
         [0029]    One or more rods  20  are coupled to the base member  10  by a suitable attachment device, depicted in  FIG. 1  as screws. Other alternative and conventional means for attachment of the rods  20  may also be used. The rods  20  may be formed of a suitable material, for example, metal or rigid plastic. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the rods  20  are disposed adjacent the bottom surface  14  of the viewfinder  100 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a spring-like wire  36  is disposed about each of the one or more rods  20 . The spring-like wire  36  is disposed along a length of a rod between the second rod support member  19  and the sliding member  22 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , coupled to the base member  10  is a sliding member  22 . The sliding member  22  includes one or more apertures  24  extending from one side of the member  22  to the opposite side, for receiving one or more rods  20 . The rods  20  also provide for the slidable coupling of the sliding member  22  to the base member  10 . The sliding member  22  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  is disposed on the viewfinder  100  between the rod support members  17  and  19 . A first rod  20  is illustrated as extending through a corresponding aperture  24  in the sliding member  22 . A second rod  20  in parallel with the first rod  20  is also present on the viewfinder  100 , although one centrally-located rod  20  may be suitable for use according to an aspect of the invention. 
         [0032]    The sliding member  22  may further include one or more stops  38 . Stops  38  may be substantially hemi-spherical in shape, although other configurations are envisioned. For example, the stops may be square rubber pads, or formed of other suitable material, including rigid or semi-rigid foam. As illustrated, the stops  38  are disposed adjacent the bottom of the sliding member  22  on the side facing the first end  16  and rod support member  17 . 
         [0033]    Sliding member  22  also may include a cutaway portion  23  to provide ease in grasping and moving the sliding member  22 . It should be understood that although the cutaway portion  23  as illustrated is arc-shaped, any suitable geometric shape may be used. 
         [0034]    Referring still to  FIG. 1 , disposed on the top surface  12  of the base member is a housing  26 . The housing  26  is open at both ends, and is substantially rectangular. At one open end of the housing  26  there are slightly curved portions  28 , and at the opposite, open end of the housing  26  a sighting grid  30  is disposed. 
         [0035]    The sighting grid  30  may include one or more horizontal lines  32  intersecting with one or more vertical lines  34 . The sighting grid  30  may be used to center a subject or to use as a guide in preventing parallax error, as herein described. Although the sighting grid  30  is described as including one or more horizontal lines intersecting with one or more vertical lines, it should be understood that different orientations for the sighting grid  30  are possible. For example, the lines may intersect to form triangles, parallelograms, and other geometrical shapes. 
         [0036]    The base member  10  and the housing  26  may be formed of a rigid plastic material, to provide sufficient rigidity to the viewfinder  100  and to maintain the integrity of the viewfinder  100  on an electronic device. The rigid plastic may be molded. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: polyethylene, polypropylene, and silicon. Although a rigid plastic is described, other suitable, lightweight materials may also be employed. 
         [0037]    Suitable dimensions for base member  10  of the viewfinder include, but are not limited to: from about 1¾ to about 2 inches in length, and about 1½ to about 1¾ inches in width. The dimensions of the housing  26  are from about ¾ inch at the interface of the housing  26  with the top surface  12  of the base member  10 , and about ½ inch at the opposite end thereof. The height of the housing is about ¾ inch to about 1 inch. It should be understood that the dimensions of the device are not critical, and may be modified to accommodate the different widths and shapes of electronic devices. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the movement of the sliding member  22  and mounting of the viewfinder  100  on an electronic device  40  is illustrated. In  FIG. 2 , a side view of the sliding member  22  is illustrated. To mount the viewfinder  100  on an electronic device  40 , the sliding member  22  is pushed or pulled along the one or more rods  20  toward the second end  18  of the base member  10 , which compresses the spring-like wire  36 . When the sliding member  22  is moved a sufficient distance to receive an electronic device  40 , the sliding member  22  is released, and the spring-like wire  36  helps maintain the viewfinder  100  in place. When present, the stops  38  also help maintain the viewfinder  100  on the device  40 . The viewfinder  100  is easily removed by moving the sliding member  22  toward the second end  18  of the base member  10 , and removing the viewfinder  100  from the device  40 . 
         [0039]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a viewfinder  100  is illustrated, in context, on a digital camera. The viewfinder  100  may be used on an electronic device suitable for taking digital photographs  40 , including digital cameras and cellular telephones. As described herein, the viewfinder  100  may also be used on a suitable cellular telephone that includes a similar viewing screen  42 . As illustrated, the viewfinder  100  is mounted perpendicular to the body of the camera, and is not disposed at an angle, i.e., the central axis A ( FIG. 1 ) of the viewfinder  100  is parallel with the central axis of the camera lens. 
         [0040]    During photography, there may be slight difference between the frame which is shot by the camera or cell phone, and the frame seen through the viewfinder. The difference is referred to as parallax error. Parallax is an apparent difference or displacement in the position of an object when viewed along two different lines of sight. The difference or displacement is measured in terms of the angle of inclination between the different lines of sight. Since the viewfinder will likely be located about one inch above or to the side of the lens, one using the viewfinder will see the subject from a slightly different angle than the lens. In order to correct the error, it should be understood that one taking the photographs may need to take several photographs to identify the amount of difference, particularly when taking macro photographs. In doing so, the lines of the sighting grid may be suitably used to assist the user to correct the apparent difference. The problem does not tend to occur when taking long-range photographs, as the difference is almost unnoticeable at long distances. 
         [0041]    Advantageously, the removably mountable viewfinder  100  according to the invention is easy to place on a camera or cell phone, is easy to carry as it takes up minimal space, is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and helps one in taking digital photographs, particularly in brightly-lit areas. For example, a user may direct a viewfinder disposed on a suitable electronic device toward an image, including a person, a landscape, or an object. Using the lines of the grid as a guide, one may take a photograph without having to look at the LCD or other type of viewing screen. As a further advantage, by using the viewfinder, one can steady the camera or cellular phone by bracing it against or close to the face, making the camera or phone less prone to shake. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrates prospective front and back views, respectively, of a viewfinder assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the viewfinder assembly comprises a case  520  that contains electronic device  40 . In this case, the case  520  has an open front surface through which a display screen  510  of the electronic device  40  may be viewed. In this case, the electronic device  40  may represent a cellular telephone, often referred to as a smart-phone, which provides services, such as a camera and video function, in addition to a typical voice and data communications. In addition, the electronic device  40  may represent tablet PC type devices that operate similar to cellular telephones. For example, the electronic device  40  may represent an IPAD tablet PC manufactured by Apple Company. IPAD and APPLE are registered trademarks of the Apple Company, Cupertino, Calif. 
         [0043]    Extending from case  520  is a stem or extension  525  on to which a viewfinder housing  26  is attached. The stem or extension  525  offsets the viewfinder housing  26  from the back-surface of the electronic device  40 . The viewfinder housing  26  includes a viewfinder element comprising a plurality of horizontal and vertical elements, as previously described. As housing  26  is similar to that described with regard to  FIG. 1 , a description of housing  26  is not repeated with regard to the following figures. 
         [0044]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, stem or extension  525  offsets the viewfinder housing  26  with regard to a plane parallel to the direction of the display screen  510 . In addition, stem or extension  525  positions the housing an angle that is depressed from an optical axis of the electronic device  40 . Preferably, the housing is depressed between an angle of zero to three degrees to account for any parallax effect between the lens of the electronic device  40  and the viewfinder grid  30 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates a prospective view of a back view of the viewfinder assembly  500  in accordance with the principles of the invention. In this prospective view, the case  520  completely covers the electronic device  40 . In addition, the case  520  includes opening  620  through which lens  610  of electronic device  40  is visible. As shown is an exemplary slot  630  through which access to a power connection and/or an audio connection may be made. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  also illustrates the orientation of housing  26  having an optical axis  637  that is oriented at an angle at is different than the optical axis  635  of lens  610 . The different angle orientation (in the order of zero to three degrees) provides for correction of any parallax caused by the different positions of the viewfinder grid  30  and the lens  610 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate front and back prospective views of an exemplary viewfinder assembly  700 , in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7A  illustrates case  710  partially covering electronic device  40 , wherein the viewfinder housing  26  is attached to case  710  as previously described with regard to  FIG. 5 . In addition, case  710  includes a tab  720 , which engages a lower surface of electronic device  40  to retain case  710  in place on electronic device  40 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a back prospective view of viewfinder assembly  700  shown in  FIG. 7A . In this exemplary case, case  710  includes opening  620  through which lens  610  may be viewed. Also shown is extension bar  730  that extends from an upper portion of case  710  to tab  720  to retain case  710  onto electronic device  40 . 
         [0049]    Viewfinder housing  26  is attached to case  710  in a manner similar to that described with regard to  FIGS. 5 and 6  and, hence, a description of viewfinder housing  26  is not repeated with regard to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate front and back prospective views of a viewfinder assembly  800  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 8A  illustrates a case  820  that is similar to case  520  shown in  FIG. 5 . In that the case fully covers a back surface of electronic device  40  (see  FIG. 8B ). Also shown, is an assembly  810 , in place of stem  526 , that includes an engagement means  815  that is substantially perpendicular to case  820 . The viewfinder housing  26  is detached from case  820  and includes a means  825  for attaching housing  26  to case  820  through assembly  810 . In one aspect of the invention, the term “substantially perpendicular” in addition to representing the conditions of manufacturing tolerance values with regard to the orientation of the assembly  810  with regard to the electronic device  40  also refers to the positioning and/or orientation of the assembly  810  such that the assembly  810  may orient the viewfinder housing  26  at an angle between zero (0) degrees and three (3) degrees with respect to the optical axis of the lens of the electronic device  40 . In this case, an orientation of the viewfinder  26  at zero (0) degrees with respect to the optical axis of the lens of the electronic device  40  represents the viewfinder housing  26  being substantially in parallel to the optical axis (i.e., assembly  810  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens of electronic device  40 . Alternatively, an angle of three (3) degrees, for example, represents an orientation of the viewfinder housing  26  such that the optical axis of the viewfinder housing  26  intersects the optical axis of the lens of the electronic device  40  at an angle of three degrees. In this case, the assembly  810  may be orientated at an angle of substantially 87 degrees with respect to the electronic device  40 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a prospective view of a back of case  820  shown in  FIG. 8A . Case  820 , similar to case  520  includes opening  615 , through which lens  610  of electronic device  40  may be viewed. Also shown is assembly  810  that includes engagement means  815  that extends substantially perpendicular to case  820 . In addition, the engagement means  815  includes a horizontal slot that intersects a substantially perpendicular element of engagement means  815 . The engagement means  815  is referred, herein, as a “T-slot-female.” Although engagement means  815  is referred to as being substantially perpendicular to case  820 , it would be recognized that the engagement means  815  is positioned on case  820  to orient the housing  26  at a desired depression angle, as previously discussed. Although the present invention is described with regard to a “T-slot” engagement means, as shown, it would be recognized by those skilled in the art that the engagement means may be altered without changing the principles or the scope of the invention claimed. For example, the engagement means may also be one of a keyway slot, a tapered slot, a snap fit, a magnetic coupling and a screw attachment. Other engagement means have also been considered and considered to be within the scope of the invention. 
         [0052]    Housing  26  includes a similar “T” configuration  825  that includes a substantially perpendicular member that intersects a substantially horizontal member. The “T-slot”  825 , referred to a “T-slot-male” engages “T-slot-female”  815  in order to attach or retain housing  26  onto assembly  810 . While assembly  810  is shown to include “T-slot-female”  815  and housing  26  including “T-slot-male”  825 , it would be recognized that assembly  810  may include a male “T” and housing  26  may include a female T without altering the scope of the invention. 
         [0053]    In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, housing  26 , when engaged with case  820 , is oriented at an angle as previously described with regard to  FIG. 5 , for example. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate another embodiment of the invention, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , wherein a case  910  partially covers electronic device  40  along a top edge and is retained by tab  920  attached to a bottom edge of electronic device  40 . Case  910  includes an assembly  810 , similar to that described with regard to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , and allows housing  26  to be attached and removed from case  910 , as has been described previously. A description of the means for attaching housing  26  to assembly  810  need not be repeated again. 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  illustrates detailed view of assembly  810  that provides a means for attaching and removing housing  26  (not shown) to a corresponding case. In this illustrated embodiment, the T-slot-female engagement means  815  includes a substantially vertical slot  1010  that extends from an upper surface of assembly  810  to a substantially horizontal slot  1020 . Engagement means  815  includes a back wall  1030  that provides a stop mechanism that prevents means  815  from being a pass-through. 
         [0056]      FIG. 11  includes detailed view of housing  26  engaging casing  710 . In this illustrated case, housing  26  includes male T-assembly  825  that includes a substantially perpendicular member  1110  extending from a bottom surface of housing  26  and a member  1120  substantially perpendicular to member  1110 . Members  1110  and  1120  engage slots  1010  and  1020 , respectively, assembly  810 . 
         [0057]    In one aspect of the invention, housing  26  and member  1110  may be offset from a perpendicular relationship in order to orient housing (or grid) at a slight depression angle, when housing  26  is engaged with case  710 . In another aspect of the invention, housing  26  and member  1110  may be substantially perpendicular and T-slot  815  may be oriented at an angle with respect to assembly  810  to orient housing  26  at a desired depression angle, when housing  26  is engaged with case  710 . In still another aspect of the invention, assembly  810  may be oriented at a slight angle with respect to the case  710  to provide a desired depression angle to housing  26  when housing  26  is engaged with assembly  810 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 12  illustrates a detailed view of housing  26  engaged with assembly  810  by sliding engagement means  825  into engagement means  815  within assembly  810 . As previously discussed, when housing  26  is engaged with assembly  810 , housing  26  is oriented at a slight depression angle with respect to an optical axis of the electronic device  40  to account for any parallax effect created by the different locations of the viewfinder sighting grid  30  and the lens  610 . 
         [0059]    Although the invention has been described with regard to a horizontal orientation of the electronic device  40 , it would be appreciated that it would be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to provide an assembly  810  such that the electronic device in a vertical orientation. Hence, such a modification of the invention claimed to develop a case that allows for attachment of housing  26  when the electronic device is in a vertical orientation has been contemplated and considered to be within the scope of the invention claimed. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate still additional embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 13A  illustrates a case  510 , shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein two engagement means (assemblies  810  and  810 ′) are incorporated into the case  510 . In this manner, housing  26  may engage the assembly  810  when the electronic device  40  is oriented in a horizontal direction and may engage the assembly  810 ′ when the electronic device  40  is oriented in a vertical direction. 
         [0061]      FIG. 13B  illustrates a case  710 , shown in  FIG. 7 , wherein two engagement means (assemblies  810  and  810 ′) are incorporated into the case  510 . In this manner, housing  26  may engage the assembly  810  when the electronic device  40  is oriented in a horizontal direction and may engage the assembly  810 ′ when the electronic device  40  is oriented in a vertical direction. 
         [0062]    The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. For example, the sighting grid is described without a lens, although a suitable lens may also be disposed in the housing of the viewfinder according to an aspect of the invention. In addition, other means of attachment, whether permanent or by other conventional removable mechanisms may also be used. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than with a restrictive view, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. 
         [0063]    Although the invention has been described with regard to orienting the housing  26  with regard to the optical axis of the electronic device  40  so that an appropriate depression angle may be achieved to reduce any error that may be caused by parallax, it would appreciated that in another embodiment of the invention, the housing  26  may be oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to the electronic device  40  and that the sighting grid  30  may be oriented with respect to an open-end of housing  26  to achieve a desired depression angle (zero to three degrees) with regard to the optical axis of the electronic device. For example, when the sighting grid is substantially perpendicular to the housing  26  and the housing is substantially perpendicular to the electronic device, then the depression angle with respect to the optical axis of the electronic device  40  is zero (0) degrees in that the optical axis of the housing  26  (as represented by the sighting grid) is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the electronic device  40 . Similarly, when the sighting grid  30  is oriented at an angle of substantially 87 degrees with respect to a lower surface of the housing (or three (3) with respect of an upper surface of the housing) and the housing  26  is substantially perpendicular to the electronic device  26 , then a depression angle of three degrees with respect to the optical axis of the electronic device  40  may be achieved as the optical axis of the housing  26 , as presented by the sighting grid  30 , is oriented at an angle of three (3) degrees with respect to the optical axis of the electronic device. 
         [0064]    Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefits, advantages, or solutions to occur or become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical, required, or an essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.