U.S. patent application number 16/012729 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-20 for protective case for mobile device with displaced camera control.
This patent application is currently assigned to INCIPIO, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is INCIPIO, LLC. Invention is credited to Andy Fathollahi.
Application Number | 20180367183 16/012729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53401275 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180367183 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fathollahi; Andy |
December 20, 2018 |
PROTECTIVE CASE FOR MOBILE DEVICE WITH DISPLACED CAMERA CONTROL
Abstract
A protective case for a mobile device having an alternative user
interface that is capable of wirelessly controlling the operations
of the mobile device is disclosed. The alternative user interface
is displaced from the corresponding user interface on the mobile
device and is programmable and paired or otherwise wirelessly
connected to the mobile device via a Bluetooth or other suitable
wireless interface or protocol. A software application residing on
the mobile can facilitate wireless operation of the mobile device
features by the additional user interface on the case. Wireless
user control via the alternative user interface controls on the
case, for example, may be of one or more of the operations of a
camera feature of the mobile device or may be any other operation
of the mobile device. The protective case can be formed of multiple
components that are user separable from another to allow for
modular and independent functionality. An additional flash/lamp
feature on the case is provided to improve flash and/or lighting
and a stand feature is provided on the case to allow the case to
stand the mobile device in a desired position and orientation while
taking a photograph remotely with the user controls on a separated
component of the case.
Inventors: |
Fathollahi; Andy; (Corona
Del Mar, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INCIPIO, LLC |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
INCIPIO, LLC
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
53401275 |
Appl. No.: |
16/012729 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14582146 |
Dec 23, 2014 |
10003370 |
|
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16012729 |
|
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|
61920721 |
Dec 24, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20130101;
H04M 1/185 20130101; H04M 1/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20060101
H04B001/3888; H04M 1/04 20060101 H04M001/04; H04M 1/18 20060101
H04M001/18 |
Claims
1. A multi-portion protective case for a mobile device including a
mobile device camera, the protective case comprising: a first case
component comprising a first user interface, a second user
interface, a first Bluetooth module configured to establish a
Bluetooth wireless connection with the mobile device, and a battery
configured to power the operation of the first Bluetooth module
transmitter and the first user interface; and a second case
component configured to attach to the first case component to
together form a protective case for the mobile device; wherein the
first case component releasably interlocks with the second case
component, partially enclosing the mobile device wherein when the
first user interface is activated, the first case component
transmits a first wireless command to the mobile device over the
wireless connection, the first wireless command including a command
to capture a picture or video through the mobile device camera;
wherein when the second user interface is activated, the first case
component transmits a second wireless command to the mobile device
over the wireless connection.
2. The multi-portion protective case of claim 1, wherein the first
user interface is configured to wirelessly transmit the first
wireless command to the mobile device over the wireless connection,
regardless if the first case component is physically attached or
detached from the mobile device.
3. The multi-portion protective case of claim 2, wherein the second
wireless command includes a command to control the zoom of the
mobile device camera.
4. The multi-portion protective case of claim 2, wherein the second
wireless command is programmable via a software application
residing on the mobile a second case component configured to attach
to the first case component.
5. The multi-portion protective case of claim 2, wherein the first
case component and the second case component, when positioned
around the mobile device, are configured to cover a back face
region of the device without obstructing the mobile device
camera.
6. The multi-portion protective case of claim 5, wherein the
enclosure includes a stand configured to support the case on edge
on a flat surface at an angle of less than ninety degrees as
measured by the angle formed beneath the mobile device and the
region of the flat surface underlying the mobile device.
7. A multi-portion protective case for a mobile device including a
mobile device camera, the protective case comprising: a first case
component comprising a first user interface, a first wireless
transmitter configured to establish a wireless connection with the
mobile device, and a battery configured to power the operation of
the first wireless transmitter and the first user interface; and a
second case component configured to attach to the first case
component to together form a protective case for the mobile device;
wherein when the first user interface is activated, the first case
component transmits a first wireless command to the mobile device
over the wireless connection, the first wireless command including
a command to capture a picture or video through the mobile device
camera.
8. The multi-portion protective case of claim 7, wherein the first
user interface is configured to wirelessly transmit the first
wireless command to the mobile device over the wireless connection,
regardless if the first case component is physically attached or
detached from the mobile device.
9. The multi-portion protective case of claim 8, further comprising
a second user interface, wherein when the second user interface is
activated, the first case component transmits a second wireless
command to the mobile device over the wireless connection.
10. The multi-portion protective case of claim 9, wherein the
second wireless command includes a command to control the zoom of
the mobile device camera.
11. The multi-portion protective case of claim 9, wherein the
second wireless command is programmable via a software application
residing on the mobile device.
12. The multi-portion protective case of claim 9, wherein the first
wireless transmitter is a Bluetooth module and the wireless
connection is a Bluetooth wireless connection.
13. The multi-portion protective case of claim 12, wherein the
first case component releasably interlocks with the second case
component, partially enclosing the mobile device.
14. The multi-portion protective case of claim 13, wherein the
first case component and the second case component, when positioned
around the mobile device, are configured to cover a back face
region of the device without obstructing the mobile device
camera.
15. The multi-portion protective case of claim 8, wherein the first
case component releasably interlocks with the second case
component, partially enclosing the mobile device.
16. The multi-portion protective case of claim 15, wherein the
first case component and the second case component, when positioned
around the mobile device, are configured to cover a back face
region of the device without obstructing the mobile device
camera.
17. The multi-portion protective case of claim 8, wherein the first
wireless transmitter is a Bluetooth module and the wireless
connection is a Bluetooth wireless connection.
18. The multi-portion protective case of claim 8, wherein the
enclosure includes a stand configured to support the case on edge
on a flat surface at an angle of less than ninety degrees as
measured by the angle formed beneath the mobile device and the
region of the flat surface underlying the mobile device.
19. A multi-portion protective case for a mobile device including a
mobile device camera, the protective case comprising: a first case
component comprising a first user interface, a first wireless
transmitter configured to establish a wireless connection with the
mobile device, and a battery configured to power the operation of
the first wireless transmitter and the first user interface; and a
second case component comprising a stand configured to support the
case on edge on a flat surface at an angle of less than ninety
degrees as measured by the angle formed beneath the mobile device
and the region of the flat surface underlying the mobile device,
the second case component being configured to attach to the first
case component to together form a protective case for the mobile
device configured to cover a back face region of the device without
obstructing the mobile device camera; wherein when the first user
interface is activated, the first case component transmits a first
wireless command to the mobile device over the wireless connection,
regardless if the first case component is physically attached or
detached from the mobile device, the first wireless command
including a command to capture a picture or video through the
mobile device camera.
20. The multi-portion protective case of claim 19, wherein the
enclosure includes a stand configured to support the case on edge
on a flat surface at an angle of less than ninety degrees as
measured by the angle formed beneath the mobile device and the
region of the flat surface underlying the mobile device.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/811,612, titled "PROTECTIVE CASE FOR MOBILE DEVICE WITH
DISPLACED CAMERA CONTROL" filed Nov. 13, 2017, which claims the
benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) from U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/920,721, filed on Dec. 24, 2013, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This patent document relates to user removable protective
enclosures or cases for mobile devices. More particularly the
subject matter of this patent document relates to such cases that
have displaced wireless control over one or more operations of the
mobile device, such as the operations of a camera feature on a
smart phone.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Mobile devices are known to sustain damage from impact, such
as from a fall or being dropped by a user and from contamination,
such as when damaged by water or other fluid. The damage, for
example, may result in a cracked screen, scratches on a finished
surface, lost or damaged buttons or controls, cracked or bent
external body components, and/or failed or malfunctioning
electrical components. Cases have thus been provided to protect
mobile devices from such and variant types of damage.
[0004] Mobile devices, such as smart phones, tablets and the like,
have many built-in features and are increasingly being equipped
with built-in camera features. Indeed, it has been reported that
nearly one third of all photos are now taken by smart phones.
Ergonomically, camera equipped smart phones, however, are not
typically optimized for use as cameras in that often times the
shutter button or control is not optimally positioned.
[0005] For example, shutter control for the camera feature in the
iPhone 5 by Apple is activated by pressing the plus ("+") volume
control button or tapping the camera shutter button on the screen
adjacent the home button. The camera lens is located near the
perimeter on the same end of the phone as the volume control button
that controls the shutter. Thus, when using the plus volume control
button to trigger the camera shutter, it is not uncommon for one or
more of the user's fingers to obstruct the camera lens.
Alternatively, when using the shutter button in the camera
application, it is not uncommon for users to hold the phone on one
end (the end where the camera lens is located) with only a single
hand and press the shutter button with the free hand on the other
end near the home button. Because the user is only holding the
phone with one hand, on one end of the phone, around the perimeter,
the phone is often unstable, such that when the shutter button on
the screen is tapped by the user it tends to move. Zooming by
pinching the screen or tapping the screen to select a flash option
(e.g., on or off) can also move and destabilize the shot. In either
mode of operation, the quality of the photo can be significantly
diminished or lost all together, especially in low light
conditions. As many smart phone users can attest, the experience
can be quite frustrating and can lead to damage of the device by
dropping the device unintentionally while attempting to manipulate
the device and camera feature options to take a quality
photograph.
[0006] Accordingly, it is here recognized that there is a need for
protective cases for mobile devices that are capable of providing
improved safety and user control over one or more operations of the
mobile devices and that such user control be wirelessly connected
to the mobile device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] There exists a continuing need for new and improved designs
for cases for mobile devices that provide protection to the mobile
device while also providing displaced user control over the
operation of the mobile device.
[0008] Disclosed is a unique and inventive protective case
configured to receive and protect a mobile device wherein said case
includes an additional user interface control over an operation of
the mobile device. In one aspect the user interface control is
displaced from the corresponding controls of the mobile device. In
another aspect the user interface control is wirelessly connected
to the mobile device, such as with a Bluetooth interface such as a
Bluetooth low energy ("BLE") interface. While BLE may be employed
to implement the connectivity between the case and the mobile
device, it should be understood that any suitable wireless
interface may be used, including standard Bluetooth or industrial,
scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands for RF. In yet another
aspect, the user interface control may control any user controlled
operation of the mobile device including for example the operations
of the camera feature (such as the shutter activation and zoom
features) and may be positioned on the case in a location that is
capable of improving the ergonomics for the user. In a further
aspect, the user interface control may have one or more buttons or
switches or other interfaces and may have status indicator lights
to provide visual notification to the user. One or more of the user
interfaces of the displaced user control may be programmable. The
programmable control may for example allow the user to select a
flash option or change from camera to video mode by pressing a
programmable button, which can be pre-set to behave as a flash
toggle or camera mode toggle switch. In yet another further aspect,
the protective case may be formed of one or more enclosure
components that individually or collectively securely surround, in
whole or in part, the mobile device and/or perimeter thereof. When
formed of multiple components, the components may be adapted to
being connected to one another in a reversible locking connection
that allows the user to detach the components from each and/or the
mobile device. In yet another aspect, the protective case may
include another camera flash or light component that is controlled
or triggered with the operation of the camera shutter activation.
The flash or light component may be remotely displaced relative to
the flash/and or light component of the mobile device. In yet a
further aspect, the protective case may also include a stand to
allow positioning of the case and mobile device while also being
able to remotely control the operation of the mobile device such as
the operation of the camera shutter and zoom control of the camera.
In a further aspect, the user interface control is comprised of
printed circuit board that controls the operation of the mobile
device via a wireless communication module such as a Bluetooth
interface. In yet a further aspect, the user interface control
interfaces with the mobile device through a software application
that resides on the mobile device. In yet a further aspect, the
software application can facilitate the interaction and operation
of the mobile device via the user interface controls on the case
and the programming of the user interface buttons/switches. In yet
another aspect, the protective case provides user controls that
allow the user to hold the mobile device with two hands while
operating the shutter activation and the zoom control and selecting
one or more camera feature operations. In yet a further aspect, the
protective case includes an integrated grip, wrist-strap and
shutter activation and zoom control buttons that are positioned to
allow the user to securely hold the mobile device with two hands
without obstructing the camera lends and/or flash. In yet another
aspect, the user control module may be configured to be user
removable from the case to allow the user to leave the mobile
device in the case while using the controls to remotely control the
operations of the mobile device, for example actuating the camera
shutter remotely. The case may have a stand that facilitate
positioning of the case in the desired location and angle to
facilitate selfies using the removed control module as a remote
control. The case may include a camera lens aperture which includes
a lens accessory that is attached to the camera lens aperture, for
example via threads, clips, latches, and/or other suitable
mechanical or adhesive means. The camera lens accessory may include
for example one or more additional convex, concave, flat, or
colored lenses that may augment the camera feature. In yet a
further aspect, the protective case with user control, mobile
device, and user interface application residing thereon comprise a
system.
[0009] Each of the foregoing various aspects, together with those
set forth in the claims and described in connection with the
embodiments of the protective cases summarized above or otherwise
disclosed herein may be combined in devices, apparatuses, systems,
methods of manufacture and/or uses in any way disclosed herein
without limitation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages are
described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended
to illustrate but not to limit the invention. In the drawings, like
reference characters denote corresponding features consistently
throughout similar embodiments.
[0011] FIGS. 1A-1F are in order front face, back face, left side,
right side, top side and bottom side views of a protective case for
a mobile device. The mobile device depicted in the illustration is
a depiction of an Apple iPhone 5s mobile phone.
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and back face perspective views,
respectively, of the protective case and mobile device illustrated
in FIGS. 1A-1F.
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and back face perspective views,
respectively, of the two components of the enclosure of the
protective case illustrated in of FIGS. 1A-1F, wherein the two
components are separated and unlatched from one another and the
mobile device is not shown to better illustrate the latching
mechanism and the interior of the case.
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B are partially disassembled front and back
face views, respectively, of the two components of the enclosure
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F, wherein the two components are
separated and unlatched from one another and from the mobile
phone.
[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B are opposing perspective views of a
partially disassembled user interface module of the case
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F that illustrates the assembly and
component thereof
[0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the
inter-relationship of components of the user interface module of
the protective case illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F.
[0017] FIGS. 7A-7E are illustrations and corresponding descriptions
of various representative screen shots of the user interface of the
interface software application that facilitates the interaction
between the wireless user interface control on the case with the
operations of the mobile device and in particular the camera
feature on the mobile device.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an illustration of another implementation of the
protective case illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F, wherein the grip is
differently configured and the camera lens aperture includes a lens
accessory that is attached thereto via threads or other suitable
mechanical or adhesive means. The camera lens accessory may include
for example one or more additional convex, concave, flat, or
colored lenses that may augment the camera feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Disclosed herein is a protective case for a mobile device
configured to facilitate displaced and wireless control over one or
more operational features of a mobile device.
[0020] The inventors here recognize that mobile electronic devices,
such as cellular and smart phones, lap tops, and tablets, and the
like, have been and are increasingly being equipped with add on
features and operations that were previously traditionally
performed by standalone devices. With such multi-functionality,
user ergonomics for controlling those features becomes more and
more challenging to implement in a way that is optimum for each of
multitude of features or operations.
[0021] The invention and teachings disclosed herein provide elegant
and user customizable solutions that are capable of overcoming
these ergonomic challenges by providing displaced and wireless
control over one or more operational features of mobile device and
doing so within a protective case for such device.
[0022] Commonly disclosed in FIGS. 1A-4B is an embodiment of a
protective enclosure or case 200 for a mobile device 100. In this
particular implementation the mobile device is an Apple iPhone 5s
mobile or smart phone. It should be understood, however, that the
mobile device may be any electronic device, such as a portable
phone, PDA, laptop computer or tablet.
[0023] As best depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B, the mobile device 100
includes front and back faces 110 and 120, and a left side 130, a
right side 140, a top side 150, and a bottom side 160 that together
define the perimeter 170 of the mobile device 100. The front and
back faces are flat and the sides have flat surfaces. The front
face 110 includes a touchscreen 112 user interface, a home button
114 with biometric sensor, and speakers, front facing camera, and
proximity sensors 116, 117 and 118 that are located at the top
region of the front face 110 but are not shown in the
illustrations. The back face 120 includes a camera lens window 122,
a flash 124, and a microphone 125 that are grouped together in the
top region at the upper corner on the right side of the phone 100.
The left side 130 includes volume control buttons 132 and ringer
silent switch 134 that controls whether or not the phone is on
silent mode. The top side 150 includes a depressible power button
(not shown) 152. The bottom side 160 includes a headphone jack 162,
microphone grill 164, and a data and charging port 166.
[0024] The phone 100 includes, or can include by download, numerous
features or applications including but not limited to cellular
telephone, text messaging, email, music, GPS, maps, games, compass,
music and camera feature. By some accounts there are over 300,000
applications for the iPhone. The camera feature, which is standard
equipment for the iPhone, is controlled via a camera application
that resides on the phone. The shutter control for the camera
feature is activated by either pressing the plus ("+") volume
control button on the left side 130 of the phone or tapping the
camera shutter button image on the screen adjacent the home button
114. The camera lens 122 is located near the perimeter 170 at the
same top end region of the phone as the volume control button 132
that controls the camera shutter. Thus, when using the plus volume
control button to trigger or activate the camera shutter, it is not
uncommon for one or more of the user's fingers to obstruct the
camera lens 122. Alternatively, when using the shutter button in
the camera application, it is not uncommon for users to hold the
phone on one end (around the top side 150 where the camera lens
window 122 is located) with only a single hand and press the
shutter button on the other end (bottom side 160) near the home
button 114 with the other hand. Because the user is only holding
the phone with one hand, on one end of the phone, around the
perimeter 170, the phone is often unstable, such that when the
shutter button on the screen is tapped by the user it has a
tendency to move. In either mode of camera operation, the quality
of the photo can be significantly diminished or lost all together.
As many smart phone users can attest, the experience can be quite
frustrating.
[0025] The protective enclosure or case 200 for the mobile device
100 disclosed herein is capable of providing a solution to such
frustration by moving the position of the user's interface control
of the camera feature to a more ergonomically friendly position on
the opposite side and end of the phone vis-a-vis the volume control
buttons so that when taking photos the user can hold the camera
securely with both hands and activate the shutter with the hand
that is on the other end from where the camera lens is located,
thus reducing the likelihood that the user's fingers will obstruct
the camera lens window and/or flash 122/124 when the user activates
the shutter.
[0026] As set forth above, FIGS. 1A-4B commonly illustrate various
views of the protective case 200. As illustrated therein, the
protective case 200 includes front and back face walls 210 and 220
and a left side wall 230, a right side wall 240, a top side wall
250, and a bottom side wall 260 that together form the perimeter
270 of the case that reside between the front and back faces. Each
of the walls 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, and 260 are dimensioned to
include a corresponding dimensioned surface to engage the front
face and back face, and left, right, top and bottom sides 110, 120,
130, 140, 150, and 160 of the mobile device 100.
[0027] The front face wall 210 can comprise of an inwardly
projecting rim 214, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B
having an inner and outer surfaces 212 and 211, respectively. The
back face wall 220 is also defined by inner and outer surfaces 221
and 222 that includes a camera lens and flash opening or aperture
224. The opening 224 can be an aperture or may include a glass or
transparent protective film, panel or fixture accessory. The
accessory may be removable attached via a clips or screwed into a
threaded aperture (as depicted in FIG. 8) and may be engineered to
augment the photography. For example, the accessory 295 may
incorporate one or more additional convex, concave or colored
lenses 296 in the optical path of the camera lens on the mobile
device as depicted in FIG. 8. The lens accessory may telescope in
and out to allow the user to manually focus and or adjust the
magnification or focal points of the one or more lenses contained
within the accessory. In addition, the back face wall 220 includes
a user wireless interface module compartment 226 that housed the
user wireless interface module 300, described in more detail below,
that can operate as a second set of controls for the mobile device.
The outer surface 222 of the back face wall that overlies the
module compartment 226 can be formed as a grip pad 227, that may
include a textured exterior surface, for example, a surface made of
pebbled leather or some other suitable material that is capable of
providing goods grip to the user, that is aesthetically appealing,
and/or visually distinctive from the adjacent outer surface 222
regions. Also included on the back face wall 220 is an unlock
release switch 228, which is adapted to be user actuated to unlock
the latch and lock mechanism that connects the two enclosure
components of the protective case 200 so that they can be separated
from one another.
[0028] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D, 2A-2B, 3A-3B and
4A-4B, the protective case 200 includes left side and right side
walls 230 and 240, each of which being defined by inner and outer
surfaces 231, 232 and 241, 242. The left side wall 230 can further
include volume control buttons 234 that are positioned,
dimensioned, configured and adapted to interface and actuate the
volume control buttons 132 on the mobile device 100. Also included
in the left side wall 130 is an opening or aperture 236 that is
positioned and dimensioned to correspond with the ringer silent
switch 134 of the mobile device 100 to provide functional user
access to the switch 134. The right side wall 240 includes the
displaced user controls 244 for the wireless interface module 300.
In the implementation illustrated, the user controls 244 include a
power button 245 that powers on and off the user interface module
300 and the Bluetooth interface. The power button 245 may be user
programmable to have the dual function of being a shortcut means to
provide user access to a desired or selected operation or feature
or sub-feature of the mobile device 100. The user controls 244 also
include a shutter activation button 246 that controls the
activation of the shutter of the mobile device camera feature and a
rocker switch 248 that controls the zoom-in and zoom-out of the
mobile device camera feature. It should be understood that the user
control 244 buttons 245, 246, and 248 may be implemented using any
type of button such as the physical buttons illustrative or the
touch sensitive button such as capacitive type button or any
combination thereof.
[0029] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1E and 1F, 2A-2B, 3A-3B and
4A-4B, the protective case 200 includes top side and bottom side
walls 250 and 260, each of which being defined by inner and outer
surfaces 251, 252 and 261, 262. The top side wall 250 includes a
mobile device power button 254 positioned, dimensioned, configured,
and adapted to interface with the power button 152 on the mobile
device 100. In the implementation illustrated the button 254
resides within an aperture 255 and is connected in a levered manner
256 to top side wall 250 at one end of the aperture 255, such that
when pressed, the button 254 hinges around the lever connection.
The bottom side wall 260 includes perforated regions 264 positioned
and dimensioned to correspond with the microphone grill 162 regions
on the mobile device 100 and headphone jack and data/charging port
apertures 266 and 267 that are positioned and dimensioned to
correspond with the headphone jack port 162 and the data and
charging port 166, respectively, of the mobile device 100 to
provide the user with functional accessibility thereto. The bottom
side wall 260 also includes an attachment ring 268 located in the
right side corner that is configured and dimensioned to receive an
adjustable lanyard 269 (not shown) that can be strapped around the
users hand to provide added security against dropping the device
when in use such as when taking a photograph. Collectively the side
walls 230, 240, 250 and 260 define a perimeter 270 between the
front and back faces 210 and 220 of the protective case 200.
[0030] In the implementation illustrated, the case 200 is
configured so as to be comprised of two primary components, a first
component 280 and a second component 290, that when mated with one
another are locked into position via a locking mechanism. The
locking mechanism is comprised of a latch 281, located on the first
component 280 and a lock 291 located on the second component 290.
The two components 280 and 290 are separable from one another by
the user actuating the release switch 228 that unhinges the lock
291 from the latch 281 to allow the user to slide apart the two
components 280 and 290. The first and second components 280 and
290, each include either the left or right side wall 230 or 240 and
portions of the front face, back face, top and bottom walls 210,
220, 250 and 260. It should be understood, however, that it is
contemplated that the first and second components 280 and 290 may
include any of the various walls components and that the enclosure
may be comprised of a single component or more than two components
and may or may not completely encircle the perimeter 170 of the
mobile device 100.
[0031] The first and second components 280, 290 are configured such
that their respective mating regions include respective overlapping
sections or regions 282 and 292 as best illustrated in the exploded
views illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B. Each of the components
280 and 290 may be formed of any suitable material including
plastics/polymers, metal, fiber reinforced plastic, reinforced
fabric or leather or combination thereof to provide sufficient
protection. Various combinations of materials are thus
contemplated. In the implementation illustrated, for example, it is
contemplated that the walls of the second component 290 be formed
of polycarbonate and the smaller first component 280 may be formed
of a mixture of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and
polycarbonate (PC) to facilitate a brushed aluminum or titanium
finish on the outer surface of that component. The in mold
lamination process that creates the desired metallic finish does
not work well with just PC but does work well with a mixture of ABS
and PC. The construction of the walls of the components 280 and 290
may be manufactured via an injection molding process or any other
suitable molding or construction process.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4A-4B, each of the components
280 and 290 includes a cushioning pad 283 and 293 that is made of a
suitable cushioning material such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
or the like that resides or overlies the respective inner surface
221 regions of the back face wall 220 on each of the components 280
and 290. The second component 290, as previously noted, also
includes the user wireless interface module compartment 226 that
contains the wireless user interface module 300.
[0033] As best illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, the wireless user
interface module 300 includes a Bluetooth module 310, printed
circuit board(s) (PCB) 320, a power supply such as a battery 330,
and user controls 244. While power to the user interface module 300
may come from a dedicated battery 330, it is also contemplated that
the case 200 and the user interface module 300 may be powered by
the power supply on the mobile device 100 itself by electrical
connection there-between. The Bluetooth module 310 is selected to
be capable of wirelessly interfacing with the mobile device 100 and
may be a Bluetooth Low Energy module.
[0034] The printed circuit board 320 is in the illustrated
implementation formed of two parts--a rigid PCB component 321 to
which the Bluetooth module 310 is mounted and a flexible PCB
component 322 that is connected to the rigid PCB component 321 via
a connection segment 323 that is flexed into position and soldered
to the main rigid PCB component 321. The flexible PCB component 322
includes buttons and toggle switch connections 245a, 246a and 248a
that interface with the corresponding buttons 245 and 246 and
toggle switch 248. One or more of the user buttons may include an
LED as a visual state indicator to the user. For example, the power
button 245 may include a connection 245b on the PCB component 322
that includes or is otherwise connected to a blue LED 247 that
lights up when the wireless module 300 is powered or in the "on"
position to reflect that the Bluetooth interface is paired with the
mobile device.
[0035] The module 300 is contained within a bracket compartment 340
and the inner surface 221 of the back face wall 220 that forms the
module compartment 226. The rigid PCB component 321 is secured to
the user interface module compartment 226 on the back face wall 220
of the enclosure 200 via screws 351 that secure the module to
threads that are molded into the underside of the bracket
compartment 340, which is in turn attached via screws to threads
that are molded into the inner surface 221 of the back face wall
220. It should be understood that while screws and threads are
used, other attachment means, such as clips, adhesive, snaps,
soldering, etc. may be employed to facilitate the foregoing
attachments.
[0036] To facilitate access to the battery 330 without removal of
the entire module, the bracket compartment 340 contains a battery
aperture 341 that is fitted with a user removable battery cover 342
that can be twisted-off or unscrewed from the bracket to gain
access to the battery 330. A cushion ring 343 can be positioned
over the battery cover 342 to provide additional cushioning to the
mobile device 100 when the case 200 is attached thereto. The
battery 330 is positioned within the battery compartment and
electrically connected to the rigid portion of the PCB 321 via a
metallic battery bracket 331 and battery clip 332.
[0037] The user interface module 300 including the PCB 320 (321 and
322), Bluetooth or wireless interface module 310, and battery 330
together with the buttons 245, 246 and 248 can be configured or
designed to be a standalone user removable component from the case
200. For example, for example the entire user interface module
depicted in FIGS. 5A-5B (including buttons 245, 246, and 248) may
be in the form of a control panel or tray that slides out from the
right side 240 of the interface module compartment 226 of the case
200. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the entire interface
module compartment 226 together with user interface module 300 may
be mechanically attached via latches, clips, a tray (the user
interface module) and rail (embedded on the case 200) mechanism or
any suitable reversible attachment means or mechanism that would
allow the user to remove the user interface module 300 component
from the case 200, without removing the case 200 (either component
280 or 290) from the mobile device 100 to maintain full protection
of the mobile device 100. In either alternative implementation, the
user can use the interface module 300 to control the mobile device
100 remotely from the case 200 while components 280 and 290
continue to be attached to and protect the mobile device 100.
[0038] The block diagram in FIG. 6 further illustrates the
electrical connections between the various components of the
wireless user interface module 300. As depicted therein, each of
the user interface buttons or inputs 245, 246 and 248 are directly
connected to the PCB 320, which receives and processes inputs from
those buttons to control the camera feature on the mobile phone 100
via the Bluetooth module 310 which is paired to the Bluetooth
interface on the mobile phone 100. The battery 330 is also
connected to the PCB 320 and in particular the rigid PCB component
321 and provides power to the wireless interface module 300 via the
PCB.
[0039] The case 200 may further include an additional flash/lamp
feature 400 (illustrated in shadow in FIG. 1B) that is powered by
battery 330 or a different or dedicated battery contained within
the case 200. The flash/lamp 400 may be remotely positioned or
displaced from the flash 124 on the mobile device 100 as
illustrated in FIG. 1B. The flash/lamp 400 may be controlled or
triggered with the operation of the camera shutter activation or
independently therefrom via the one or more of the user interface
controls 244. When used in connection with the camera or shutter
operation the flash/lamp 400 may act as a camera flash at a
displaced angle from the flash 124 on the mobile device 100, which
may improve the quality of the lightening and hence the photographs
taken by the camera feature on the phone. Alternatively, the
flash/light 400 may be used as a standalone flashlight or lamp.
Lamp and flash mode may be used even if the case (or a component
thereof) is unsecured to and displaced from the mobile device
100.
[0040] The protective case 200 may also include a stand 500 (shown
in the closed position in shadow in FIG. 2B) on component 280 to
allow positioning of the mobile device either on end or
longitudinally at the desired angle relative to the supporting
surface. In operation, the stand 500 may be configured to function
like a kick-stand commonly used for bikes and may have a supporting
edge that can be hinged away from the case and extended as needed
to provide the requisite support to maintain the phone in the
desired position. When the two components 280 and 290 are unlocked
and separated, the user can position the mobile device 100, which
is retained within component 280 at one location, while retain
possession of the component 290 that includes the wireless user
interface control 244 so that the user can remotely control the
operation of the mobile device 100 such as the operation of the
camera shutter and zoom control of the camera. This would allow the
user to take self-portraits at a distance by using the wireless
Bluetooth control contained within one of the components 290 of the
enclosure while using the stand on the other component 280 to
position the mobile device 100 in the desired location and
direction and then use the Bluetooth control contained within
component 290 to snap the photo. In this regard, it should be
understood that each of the components 280 and 290 are capable of
being independently attached to the mobile device 100 securely by
virtue of their configuration, dimensions and materials that hold
the mobile device within each component with pressure and friction
between the inner surfaces of the component and the mobile device.
In this respect, the EVA padding components 283 and 293 may serve
to bias the mobile device 100 against the inner surface 211 of the
rim 214 of the front face wall 210 to create a secure fit.
[0041] The operation of the case 200 can be facilitated via a user
interface that is provided by a software application that
interfaces the wireless user interface control on the case with the
operations of the mobile device 100. The user interface software
may be provided by the manufacturer of the case 200, a third party,
such as Instagram.RTM. or by the manufacturer of the mobile device
100, such as Apple. Interfacing between the wireless user interface
control 300 and the mobile device 100 may also be accomplished
through the operating system of the mobile device 100, to the
extent that the operation, (e.g., camera feature), is part of the
operating system of the mobile device 100. Thus, it should be
understood that the functionality of the wireless user interface
control on the case 200 may accomplished through the interface with
the application programming interfaces (APIs) of the mobile device,
so that the case 200 may be immediately operable with the mobile
device 100 straight out of the box once wirelessly connected or
paired with the mobile device.
[0042] By way of example, wireless and displaced control from the
user interface module 300 of the case 200 of a camera feature of
the iPhone 5s mobile device will be described. To the extent
necessary, a camera interface software application is first loaded
on to the mobile device 100. The loading can be done by the
retailer or manufacture of the mobile device 100 so that the device
comes pre-loaded with a suitable interface application, or may be
an application from another (e.g., the camera case manufacturer or
third party) that is loaded on to the mobile device 100. The
application may be compatible with any of a number of operating
systems including the Apple iOS and Google Android operating
systems. In the case of the iPhone 5s, the application would be
compatible with the Apple iOS operating system. The application may
use the basic camera framework (e.g., the AVfoundation.framework)
that is native within the iOS software development kit ("SDK").
[0043] Each button or switch on the user interface can be mapped to
a core function within the basic framework to accomplish various
actions. The four main buttons 245, 246 and 248 (which has two
electrical buttons one for each side of rocker switch) each have
specific pre-assigned actions or functions that control the
application interface. The power button 245 may also be assigned an
additional function that can be programmed by the user through the
interface application.
[0044] The primary function of the shutter button 246 is to
activate camera shutter to take pictures and start/stop video taken
from the camera feature. The corresponding iOS action is
"(void)TakeSnapNow." The capture action is dependent upon the
capture mode selected by the user through the menu choices. For
example "selecting video mode" will start and stop a video,
selecting `burst mode" will take a rapid selection of three image
stills, or selecting basic camera mode will allow the user to take
a single photograph at a time.
[0045] The primary functions of the power button 245 is to turn
"on" or power "on" and "off" the case 200 and pair the wireless
user interface module 300 within the case 200 with the mobile
device 100. Pressing and releasing button turns on the power and
holding the button down for an extended time (e.g., 4 seconds or
more) turns off the case 200 and disconnects the Bluetooth
connection between the case 200 and the mobile device 200. The
secondary function of button 245 is to allow the user to program
this button as a "hotkey" for setting or selecting various user
options within the user menu and submenus.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the application user menus may
include:
[0047] 1. Flash: [0048] Automatic: Flash automatically turns on or
off for best lighting depending on detection of ambient lighting;
[0049] Flash On: Flash will always fire with capture [0050] Flash
Off: Flash will never fire with capture [0051] Bulb/Lamp: Light
will remain on indefinitely (lamp mode)
[0052] 2. Grid/Level Toggle: Turns on/off grid lines and level
arrows on the mobile device screen to allow the user to properly
position and align the image before capturing it.
[0053] 3. Shutter/Capture: [0054] 1.times.: Capture one single shot
(regular mode) [0055] 3-sec timer: A timed, three-second shot
[0056] 10-sec timer: a timed, ten-second shot [0057] Burst: Capture
a burst of three rapid fire shots with one button press of the
shutter button 246.
[0058] 4. Camera/video Toggle: Allows user to toggle between camera
and video mode
[0059] 5. User Settings: As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the user
settings allow the user to configure the programmable button 245
view battery life of the case 200 battery 330 and, select the
length of time before the case time outs or automatically
disconnects from the mobile device to save battery power.
The return arrow on the main navigation menu allows the user to go
back one level on the user menu.
[0060] In addition to the user menu, the application includes other
basic user interface buttons, such those illustrated in FIG. 7B,
including: [0061] 1. Camera Capture Button--an in-application
action that allows the user to activate the shutter function user
the touchscreen button generate by the application. [0062] 2.
Camera Flip Button--allows user to choose between front-facing and
rear-facing cameras [0063] 3. Image Preview Window--provides a
snapshot of the previous picture. Taping the image preview window
opens an image editing feature illustrated in FIG. 7E. [0064] 4.
Level Arrows--arrows that show one color when the phone is level
and another when the phone is not to assist the user to take level
photos, [0065] 5. Focal Point Circle (FCP)--allows the user to
press and hold the FCP, the user can drag with a finger the FCP to
any point on the screen to set the focal point of the image. The
user may tap the screen to set the depth of field
[0066] The rocker switch 248, which comprises two electrical
buttons 248a on either end of the rocker switch, controls via the
application the camera zoom-in and out and the scaling of the
camera view in the touchscreen window of the mobile device 100.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 7D, once the application is loaded on
the mobile device 100, the user interface module 300 is paired with
the mobile device 100 via the Bluetooth wireless interface. Pairing
is made by first placing the Bluetooth interface module 310 into
advertising or active mode by pressing the power button 245. Once
powered the blue LED 247 will flash blue to indicate that the case
200 is ready to pair with the mobile device 300. When the case is
in pairing mode, the user opens the camera interface software
application on the mobile device 100. The application presents the
user with an indicator button or slider that the user can activate
to wirelessly connect the mobile device 100 to the case 200 and in
particular the wireless interface module 310. The indicator slider
may be in a white/blue color configuration such that when activated
and paired the slider will be blue and when not activated and
unpaired the slider will be white in color. Once paired, both the
blue power LED 247 and the indicator on the phone will remain
active blue.
[0068] Once connected the user may take photos and zoom in and out
using the displaced wireless control on the case 200 to operate the
camera feature on the mobile device 100. The camera interface
application may be used in the manner described to set above. For
example, the user may use both or a single hand to hold the device
and manipulate the shutter, zoom, and select the desired options
(e.g., flash, grid, camera/video, time out, etc.) with the
programmable hotkey controls. The user can further secure the
device and improve safety when using the device by strapping the
lanyard or wrist-strap around the wrist when in use or while
carrying thus avoiding damage from dropping the device
unintentionally. The user controls 244 can be used remotely to
control the mobile device 100, when the device is in, all or part
of the, case 200 or entirely removed from the case 200 altogether.
For example, the user controls 244 can be comprised of a button
panel that is user removable from the case 200, so that the mobile
device can remain fully protected in the case 200 within the two
components 280 and 290, while the user holds the button board,
which may be contained within a removable grip pad 227. The user
can thencan activate the operations of the mobile device 100
remotely such as the (camera shutter, timer and zoom).
Alternatively, one of the components 280 may remain on the mobile
device 100 to provide some protection and/or positioning of the
mobile device 100, while the other component 290 may be remote from
the mobile device 100 and used to control the operations (e.g.,
camera feature) of the mobile device 100. While the camera/video
feature has been described other features such as volume control,
emergency call features etc. can also be similarly controlled by
the user control interface provided by the case.
[0069] Although the various inventive aspects are herein disclosed
in the context of certain preferred embodiments, implementations,
and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
that the present invention extends beyond the specifically
disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses
of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.
In addition, while a number of variations of the inventive aspects
have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which
are within their scope will be readily apparent to those of skill
in the art based upon this disclosure. It should be also understood
that the scope this disclosure includes the various combinations or
sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the
embodiments disclosed herein, such that the various features, modes
of implementation, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter may
be combined with or substituted for one another. Thus, it is
intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed
should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments or
implementations described above, but should be determined only by a
fair reading of the claims.
[0070] Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more
features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of
fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed
embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are
hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with
each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
* * * * *