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Articulating imaging module for electronic devices

  • US 9,936,111 B1
  • Filed: 06/10/2015
  • Issued: 04/03/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An electronic device comprising:

  • a support housing defined by a set of dimensions including a thickness dimension, and comprising (i) a center plate, (ii) a set of ribs protruding from the center plate, and (iii) a set of spines protruding from the center plate and arranged perpendicular to the set of ribs, wherein the thickness dimension of the support housing is defined by the center plate and at least one of the set of ribs and the set of spines;

    a memory storing a set of computer-executable instructions;

    an imaging module configured to removably secure to the support housing via a connector component of the electronic device, the imaging module comprising;

    a support section configured to secure to the support housing such that when the support section is secured to the support housing, (i) the support section fits within at least a portion of the set of ribs and the set of spines, and (ii) the support section does not extend past the thickness dimension of the support housing,a body section defined by a length extending from a first end to a second end opposite the first end, the body section extending beyond at least one of the set of dimensions of the support housing, and housing;

    a primary lens at least partially disposed near the first end of the body section,a viewfinder disposed near the second end of the body section opposite the first end, andat least one additional lens disposed between the primary lens and the viewfinder,a rotation component that enables the length of the body section to rotate at least partially about an axis, andan image sensor configured to record digital image data according to light that passes through the primary lens and the at least one additional lens of the body section; and

    a processor interfacing with the memory, and configured to execute the set of computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to;

    detect that the body section is rotated at least partially about the axis, wherein when the body section is rotated at least partially about the axis, the body section extends beyond at least two of the set of dimensions of the support housing, andin response to the detecting, activate the imaging module.

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