Polarized imaging apparatus for use with a mobile device

An apparatus for obtaining polarized imagery of an object, the apparatus comprising:

• one or more first polarizing filters;
• a second polarizing filter;
• and
• a housing containing (i) a first polarizing filter of the one or more first polarizing filters and/or (ii) the second polarizing filter,
• wherein:
• the apparatus is configured to be coupled to a mobile device separate from the apparatus, and
• when the apparatus is coupled to the mobile device
• the first polarizing filter is positioned between a light source and the object such that first light emitted from the light source passes through the first polarizing filter and thereafter propagates as polarized light towards the object;
• and
• the second polarizing filter is positioned over a lens of a camera built into the mobile device such that (a) second light from the object passes through the second polarizing filter to the lens and (b) the camera can capture a polarized image of a region of the object.

A system for obtaining polarized imagery of an object, the system comprising:

• a mobile device including a camera;
• a light source;
• an apparatus removably coupled to the mobile device, the apparatus including a first polarizing filter;
• and
• a second polarizing filter,
• wherein:
• the first polarizing filter is positioned between the light source and the object such that first light emitted from the light source passes through the first polarizing filter and thereafter propagates as polarized light towards the object, and
• the second polarizing filter is positioned over a lens of the camera such that (i) second light from the object passes through the second polarizing filter to the lens and (ii) the camera can capture a polarized image of a region of the object.