Smartphone side light

Abstract

To provide smartphones and smartphone cases that improve and / or add movement-friendly functionality to aid users performing physical or recreational activities while carrying smartphones.SOLUTION: A smartphone or smartphone case with features capable of being used while running, walking, and other outdoor activities is provided. The features include a light positioned on a sidewall of the smartphone case or the smartphone itself. Such a side light allows the user to hold the smartphone in a natural position with a front or rear of the smartphone facing a user's palm, while the light on the sidewall faces forward, thereby allowing the user to comfortably hold the smartphone and keep the wrist at a natural and comfortable position while lighting the path in front thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to smartphone cases, smartphone functions and smartphone applications as devices, particularly for runners and people who use smartphones for recreational purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] Smartphones ushered in the second wave of personal computing. After personal computers (PCs) made their way into every home in the 1990s, Apple® put a personal computer in everyone's pocket in the first decade of the 2000s: the iPhone®. Surprisingly, the applications and features of the iPhone and competing smartphone brands (collectively referred to herein as "smartphones") outperformed PCs in many ways. However, today's smartphones still fall short in some practical features, durability, and ergonomics, especially when it comes to running or recreational activities involving the smartphone.

[0003] People who enjoy runners and other recreational activities often hold their smartphones in their hands so that they can quickly use many of the functions of these devices. For example, many runners use smartphone applications while running for purposes such as tracking and pacing their runs via satellite-based features, safety measures, communicating while running, listening to music, and taking videos and photos. Many of these functions are used while running or moving, rather than stopping to use the function.

[0004] However, using and activating smartphone features while engaging in physical activity, especially at maximum effort or during athletics, can be difficult and users often need to slow down to operate such features. In other words, the functional features and ergonomics of smartphones are not designed for users who engage in physical activities such as running or recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There remains a need for new features in smartphones and smartphone cases that improve and / or add mobile functionality to assist users in engaging in physical or recreational activities while carrying their smartphones. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an accessory attachable to a smartphone, the accessory including a case for the smartphone having various functions for use while performing physical and recreational activities. The case may be formed of a body having a rear portion that covers at least a portion of the smartphone and a side wall extending from the rear portion to cover at least a portion of the edge of the smartphone. A light source is attached to or incorporated into the side wall of the case (side light), and in a preferred embodiment, the light source projects light outward from the outer surface of the side wall so as to allow the user to point the light source forward while holding the device in a natural position for performing physical or recreational activities, i.e., without turning the wrist inward.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present invention provides smartphone functions and / or applications for users who engage in physical or recreational activities while carrying the smartphone. In another aspect, a smartphone is provided that has a light source attached to or integrated into a side wall of the smartphone itself, allowing the user to point the light forward while carrying the device in a natural position, i.e., without bending the wrist. The device is formed of a body having a rear wall, a front portion, and side surfaces extending around the periphery of the rear and front portions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the hand of a user U holding an accessory of the present invention in combination with a smartphone (not shown) and projecting light L from the side. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of an accessory of the present invention for use with a smartphone. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is another side view of the accessory of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged rear perspective view, partially broken away, of the accessory of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an accessory for use with a smartphone in a further embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an accessory for use with a smartphone in a further embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an accessory for use with a smartphone in a further embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an accessory for use with a smartphone in a further embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of an accessory for use with a smartphone in a further embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a user carrying a smartphone equipped with a side light or a case that encloses a smartphone equipped with a side light. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of a user carrying a smartphone equipped with a side light or a case that encloses a smartphone equipped with a side light. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the hand of a user U holding a smartphone of the present invention capable of projecting light L from the side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following description and examples set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous variations and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the description of the preferred embodiments should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0010] As used herein, the term "smartphone" is a broad term that is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art (and is not limited to any specialized or customized meaning) and refers, but is not limited to, a smartphone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, Internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications. For purposes of this specification, "smartphone" also includes other mobile computing devices (e.g., iPod®) that may or may not have traditional telephone capabilities.

[0011] 1-10 , in a first embodiment, an accessory device 100 of the present invention includes a main body 105 having a rear portion that covers at least a portion of a smartphone and is connected to upper, lower, and left and right side walls extending from the rear portion, which together form an enclosed space (not shown) sized and shaped to accommodate the smartphone. On the left and right sides, the device may include one or more light sources (also referred to as lighting elements 110), including, but not limited to, LEDs (light-emitting diodes). In further embodiments of the present invention, the light sources may be optimized for a particular physical or recreational activity, for example, by changing or selecting the wavelength, intensity, or energy used of the light source that is best suited for that physical or recreational activity (e.g., running on a race track versus running on an unpaved road). In further embodiments of the present invention, the light sources are coupled to or include a reflector (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the reflector focuses or concentrates the light emitted from the light source to illuminate the area toward which the light source is directed. In a further embodiment of the present invention, a reflector coupled to the light source generates a beam of light projected perpendicularly from the side of the smartphone case or smartphone, thereby effectively illuminating an area at a distance appropriate for a particular physical or recreational activity. For example, the reflector may be optimized to emit or project light 15 feet in front of the user, thus adequately lighting the path ahead for a runner running at a 7-minute mile pace. As defined herein, adequate illumination is illumination at a distance sufficient to allow a user engaged in a physical or recreational activity sufficient time to react when encountering an approaching obstacle or hazard. In another embodiment of the present invention, the reflector is a parabolic reflector. The reflectors of the present invention may be smooth or faceted ("orange peel reflectors"). In another embodiment of the present invention, the light source features of the present invention are not covered by a lens or other protective material.In another embodiment of the present invention, the light source is covered by or coupled to a lens 110 that focuses light emitted from the light source. In a further embodiment, an adjustable lens can focus light emitted from the light source. In a further embodiment, the lens covering the light source is adjustable. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lens is optimized to provide appropriate lighting for a particular physical or recreational activity. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable lens is optimized to provide appropriate lighting for a range of distances suitable for various physical or recreational activities, such as running and cave diving. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the lens may be manually adjusted, and in a further embodiment of the present invention, the lens may be mechanically adjusted, for example, by pressing a button on the smartphone or smartphone case. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the light source and lens are capable of projecting a light beam perpendicular to the side of the smartphone case or smartphone into which the light source is integrated. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the reflector, lens, and light source are optimized in combination to facilitate the best possible lighting for a particular physical or recreational activity. In a further embodiment of the invention, the light source is coupled to a collimator capable of projecting light as parallel beams perpendicular to the surface of the smartphone case or the side of the smartphone. The collimator may be manually or mechanically adjusted to provide appropriate illumination for a user U engaged in physical or recreational activity. In a further embodiment of the invention, the tubular portion of the collimator is positioned directly above or below the smartphone (not shown) housing within the smartphone case such that the end of the collimator protrudes from the side of the smartphone case and the body of the collimator is hidden above the smartphone when it is placed in the smartphone case.In a further embodiment, the collimator barrel is positioned adjacent to or coextensive with the barrel of a laser (described below) hidden at the top or bottom of the smartphone housing within the smartphone case (not shown), with the ends of the collimator and laser or collimator / laser projecting from the side of the smartphone case. The present invention fully contemplates the presence of multiple light sources (sidelights), some or all of which may or may not include reflectors, lenses, and / or collimators that work together to project a brighter or farther-reaching beam. In one embodiment, the one or more light assemblies are adjustable to increase or decrease the projection distance of the beam. Multiple light sources may be optimized for one or a series of physical and / or recreational activities. In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source is integrated into the top or bottom sidewall of the smartphone or smartphone case. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light source is integrated into the longitudinal side of the smartphone or smartphone case. The lighting elements 110 are configured to be activated by one or more actuators 115, including, but not limited to, buttons or sensors 115 positioned for easy operation by a user U, such as with a finger. In some embodiments, the smartphone case 100 is an attachable cover that snaps onto or around a smartphone, such as by methods known in the art, so that a user U can hold the smartphone coupled to the smartphone case in one hand. The smartphone case 100 has one or more features, described in more detail below. Advantageously, the one or more features are positioned so that a user U can activate the one or more features with a finger (see FIG. 1 ) while holding the body 105 of the smartphone case 100 with the smartphone coupled therein in a natural or neutral position, without bending or twisting the wrist.Thus, the user U can operate one or more of the above-described functions, such as, but not limited to, the light source 110, laser 135, signal, vibration, music, camera 136, and heart rate monitor 120 / 121, in a natural position, i.e., without bending or twisting the wrist, using one or more buttons 115 or switches located on the side of the smartphone case 100. Furthermore, the location of one or more functions relative to the main body 105 allows the user U to activate one or more functions more quickly and accurately than if the smartphone were not connected to the smartphone case 100. All of the functions described and illustrated above are applicable to the smartphone itself, without a case or cover. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the user U can be seen carrying the smartphone or smartphone connected to the smartphone case in a natural position, with the light 110 activated to emit light L.

[0012] Referring now to FIG. 11 , an embodiment of the present invention is shown implemented directly within a smartphone. Here, smartphone 200 has lighting elements 110 on the sidewalls of the device itself, rather than on a smartphone case. The lighting elements are configured to be activated by one or more actuators 115, including, but not limited to, buttons or sensors 115 positioned for easy manipulation by a user U, such as with a finger. Advantageously, the placement of the one or more functions allows user U to activate the one or more functions with a finger while holding the body 105 of smartphone case 200 in a natural or neutral position, without bending or twisting the wrist. Thus, the user U can operate one or more of the above-described functions, such as, but not limited to, the light source 110, the laser 135, the signal, the vibration, the music, the camera 136, and the heart rate monitor 120 / 121, using one or more buttons 115 or switches located on the side of the smartphone case 100 in a natural position, i.e., without bending or twisting the wrist inward. It should be apparent that any of the above-listed functions of the smartphone case may be integrated into the body of the smartphone itself without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, all embodiments described herein with respect to a smartphone case are contemplated as being similarly integrated into the smartphone.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a heart rate monitor 120. For example, one or more surface portions, such as the sides or back of a smartphone case or the smartphone itself 100, are configured to be conductive. Thus, while operating the device 100, a user U can touch the conductive surface portions 120 for a period of time, thereby collecting data to measure the user's heart rate. These conductive areas 120 are in communication with the smartphone case's or smartphone's microprocessor, allowing the microprocessor to execute program instructions to calculate the heart rate based on input signals from the conductive areas 120. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the conductive material of the heart rate monitor may be formed as a conductive strip 130 slightly recessed (as indicated by the dashed line) from the outer edge of the smartphone case or smartphone to protect the conductive material while still allowing contact with the user's hand. The recessed conductive strip 130 may also function, be specially designed, or be optimized to improve grip on the smartphone case or smartphone by increasing friction and / or sweat evacuation. In similar embodiments, heart rate measurements may be performed using optical sensors and / or other types of sensors 121 known in the art, or other physiological measurements may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such additional sensors 121 may be located on the right or left side of the smartphone or smartphone case, and may be positioned so that the sensor is in contact with the user U's hand when the smartphone or smartphone case is carried. In further embodiments, the smartphone case or smartphone 100 includes a heart rate sensor, for example, but not limited to, on a side or outer edge of the smartphone case or smartphone 100 so that the user U can access the sensor while holding the smartphone or smartphone connected to the smartphone case in a natural position as described herein.Advantageously, the built-in heart rate monitor function allows user U to monitor their heart rate while engaging in physical or recreational activities. In a further embodiment, the heart rate monitor function contained within the smartphone case is configured to function and operate independently of the connected smartphone. In a further embodiment, the heart rate monitor function is configured to function in conjunction with and be compatible with an application on the smartphone, including, but not limited to, a performance tracking application such as Strava®. In another embodiment, the outer edge or side of the smartphone itself includes conductive 120, 121, 130 and / or other sensing capabilities, such as, but not limited to, a sensor for measuring an individual's heart rate. Such an embodiment interacts with or is compatible with applications and / or programs running on the smartphone. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heart rate monitor function includes one or more unique recesses and / or metallic surfaces 120 located on the side of the smartphone 100, which sense the user's heart rate. In another embodiment of the present invention, all four sides or the entire outer edge of the smartphone case or smartphone 100 include material capable of sensing a user's heart rate or other physiological parameters; in such an embodiment, it may not be apparent whether the material has any type of sensor capability, i.e., a "sensor cover." In other embodiments, the material capable of sensing a user's heart rate is located only in a conspicuous location on the smartphone case or the smartphone itself 100. Other physiological sensors may include, but are not limited to, electrical sensors, optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, ultraviolet and other electromagnetic spectrum sensors, chemical sensors, etc. Such additional physiological sensors may be located on the smartphone or smartphone case in a similar location to the heart rate monitors 120, 130 described above, or in a different location separate from the heart rate monitor 121.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case or the smartphone itself 100 includes one or more lighting features in addition to a sidelight. For example, in one embodiment, the smartphone case or the smartphone itself 100 includes a lighting feature that functions as a traffic light or other type of signal 150. Such lighting may be provided by LEDs embedded within the accessory device 100, or in another embodiment, the smartphone or smartphone case 100 includes a matrix of LEDs that cover the entire back panel of the smartphone or smartphone case (see FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the lighting feature is controlled by a button 115 attached to the outer edge or one or more side(s) of the accessory device 100. Such lighting may provide a sequential color, e.g., green, to signal "go" to others participating in a physical or recreational activity with the user.

[0015] In further embodiments of the present invention, the smartphone case or smartphone 100 emits electronic sounds, including, but not limited to, bells, whistles, sirens, or songs, to alert and / or communicate with other people or animals (e.g., dogs and horses) in the user U's vicinity, for example, while engaging in physical or recreational activities. In another embodiment, an application on the smartphone allows the user U to activate the generation of electronic sounds to alert and / or communicate with other people while engaging in physical or recreational activities. In some embodiments, the smartphone case 100 or the smartphone itself, via an application, emits sounds to communicate with or alert dogs, horses, or other animals. Such sounds to alert dogs may be optimized to prevent the dog from being startled by a runner suddenly approaching from behind. In further embodiments of the present invention, the sounds are optimized to clearly and quickly relay information to other humans. In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case emits a distinctive sound that identifies the brand of the smartphone case or smartphone application.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the functionality of the smartphone case is powered by a battery located within the smartphone case. This can be seen in FIG. 5, where case body 105 houses battery 140, which powers the one or more lights. In another embodiment, the smartphone case is powered by a battery that also functions as a replacement or backup battery for the smartphone. In any of the above embodiments, the battery may be charged while directly charging the smartphone, for example, by simultaneous charging. In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case is powered by a battery within the smartphone. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case includes a solar panel for charging the smartphone case and / or the smartphone.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the smartphone case connects to the smartphone through an accessible port (e.g., USB C) on the smartphone. In another embodiment of the invention, the smartphone case connects to the smartphone through the accessible port and has another port that functions as a repeater. In another embodiment of the invention, the female port on the smartphone connects to the male connection on the smartphone case, which in turn connects to the female port on the exterior of the smartphone case in the same or nearly the same location, thereby allowing connectivity and charging for the smartphone case while still keeping the charging port in a nearly identical location on the body of the smartphone.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case includes a microprocessor that controls the smartphone case's functions, such as the heart rate monitor and side-mounted light. In a further embodiment, the smartphone case's microprocessor is connected to and functions in conjunction with the smartphone's applications or software.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case is formed from a material that protects the smartphone. In one embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case is formed from rubber, plastic, glass, chemically strengthened alkali aluminosilicate, and / or other suitable materials. In one embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case surrounds only the outer edges of the smartphone and does not cover the front or back of the smartphone (e.g., bumpers). In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case covers not only the outer edges of the smartphone but also the back of the smartphone. In a further embodiment, the smartphone case completely covers the sides, front, and back of the smartphone. In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case covers a portion of the smartphone while leaving functional features, such as a fingerprint scanner, uncovered. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case can relay information or touch gesture input through the smartphone case; for example, the smartphone's glass or plastic covering can be such that the touchscreen is functional even when covered, and further, for example, the sides of the smartphone can be covered but still allow operation of the smartphone's buttons.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case includes a button 115 that protrudes outward from the side of the smartphone case. In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case itself can be squeezed to control a specific function or features of the smartphone case or smartphone. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case has any type of physical control or switch, such as a slide or shake switch, for controlling and activating functions of the smartphone case or smartphone application, instead of a traditional push-button switch. For example, in one embodiment, the entire body of the smartphone case can be shaken downward to quickly activate the sidelight function 110 or the LED matrix 150. In some embodiments, the LED matrix 150 can be controlled by a button or buttons on the smartphone or smartphone case. In another embodiment, the LED matrix 150 can be in electronic communication with the smartphone, and a processor on the smartphone can be operable to control the operation of the LED matrix automatically, for example, via smartphone user input to a user interface and / or in response to conditions sensed by the smartphone. In a further embodiment, the button or physical control or switch is directly adjacent to, surrounds, or directly covers a button on the smartphone. As used herein, smartphone buttons are considered to be designed and / or occupy optimal ergonomic locations available to the user, and therefore the present invention contemplates the use of multiple buttons located at, near, or above the smartphone buttons to control the smartphone case functions.Such "dual buttons" or secondary buttons may be controlled with less physical force than that required to activate the underlying smartphone button, or may be controlled by a different type of gesture, e.g., swiping down on the outside of the smartphone case at the location of the smartphone button activates a side light, but the underlying smartphone is not activated by such an action. In further embodiments of the invention, the smartphone case buttons or physical controls or switches may be reassigned to perform different functions.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention comprises a smartphone case and a smartphone application that operates in conjunction with the smartphone case and its various functions. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case may be directly connected to a PC to download or upload information.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the outer edge of the smartphone case has a high coefficient of friction to improve grip while sweating or engaging in recreational activities. In another embodiment of the present invention, the mobile phone case has tactile indentations or features to enhance portability while sweating or engaging in recreational activities. In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case is formed from a sponge-like material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case is oversized or extended, i.e., larger than commonly available standard smartphone cases, to improve handling during physical or recreational activities.

[0023] In another embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral sidewall of the smartphone case is equipped with a laser 135. In another embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral wall of the smartphone itself is equipped with a laser 135. In a further embodiment of the present invention, a side-mounted laser protrudes from the side of the smartphone or smartphone case, allowing a user to aim the laser while holding the smartphone in an ergonomic position (e.g., without turning the wrist inward) and while running or engaging in physical or recreational activities. See FIGS. 9 and 10. In another embodiment of the present invention, the laser function 135 of the smartphone or smartphone case is coupled to the sidelight function 110 and the heart rate monitor function 120. In another embodiment of the present invention, the laser function of the smartphone or smartphone case is capable of measuring distance, and such function may be performed by the smartphone case alone, by the smartphone case coupled to an application on the smartphone, or by the smartphone itself with an application for performing the measurement. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the laser measurement is coupled to the sidelight to set the distance at which the sidelight is focused by adjusting the collimator, lens, reflector, and / or light source. In one embodiment of the present invention, a user points a laser at a distance in front of them, and the smartphone case's or smartphone's microprocessor, in each example, possibly in cooperation with a smartphone application, determines the distance of the laser point and then mechanically adjusts the sidelight to focus on the laser point or as close as possible to the laser point—i.e., a "laser distance and sidelight focusing function." In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone or smartphone case's laser can communicate with other smartphone cases or smartphones via a sensor, e.g., via laser pulses received via a camera application sensor and readable by software.In another embodiment of the invention, the laser projects a moving light onto a surface to entertain or distract the animal. In a further embodiment of the invention, the laser can be left in an active state to entertain the cat without user interaction.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case has a compartment at the back of the case for storing credit cards, identification, and / or cash. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the compartment feature is hidden, in that the entrance to the compartment is covered by the edge of the case. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the compartment is transparent, allowing a user to present contents (e.g., identification) without opening the compartment. In a further embodiment, a lighting feature (e.g., an LED matrix) at the back of the case illuminates the contents of the transparent compartment. In a further embodiment, the case is opaque until illuminated by the lighting feature in the back of the case. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the compartment of the smartphone case is designed to store a vape pen, e.g., a JUUL®.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case covers the entire smartphone. In another embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case covers the front, back, and sides of the smartphone while leaving all or some of the smartphone's features, such as the smartphone's fingerprint scanner, camera, and flash, accessible. In a further embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the smartphone case covers the smartphone's touchscreen, relaying contact and enabling typing and other tactile functions. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case covering the entire smartphone is transparent or partially transparent. In another embodiment of the present invention, the transparent case includes switchable glass or smart tint glass. This can be seen in FIG. 6. The switchable glass 145 or smart tint glass can switch the entire case or portions of the case between opaque and transparent. In a further embodiment, the switchable glass 145 or smart tint glass can make various portions of the smartphone case opaque or transparent; for example, a divider portion of the smartphone case can be switchable between opaque and transparent to allow identification inside to be read. In a further embodiment, the switchable or smart tinted glass of the smartphone case switches between opacity and transparency, acting as a safe for the smartphone to block some or all of the smartphone's functions and some or all of the smartphone's identification features until a "combination" is performed to enable the smartphone's functions. Such a combination that eliminates the smartphone case's opacity may be pressing buttons in a specific sequence, squeezing the case a specific number of times, or using the smartphone's own fingerprint scanner.In further embodiments of the present invention, a smartphone case may be integrated with software and / or a smartphone application that controls the smart tinted or switchable glass; for example, the smartphone's facial recognition function may function to switch the smart tinted or switchable glass from opaque to transparent. Specifically, in certain embodiments, a case may be provided that is formed with a body 105 defining a cavity for housing a smartphone. The body is formed with a rear portion and sidewalls extending upward from the rear portion around the cavity. A front portion 145 of the case is connected to the sidewalls and covers at least a portion of the smartphone's screen. The front portion 145 may be formed with switchable glass, which may receive a signal to change its state from transparent to translucent / opaque. A controller, such as a switch, microprocessor, or the like, may be used to provide the signal to transition the glass between the transparent mode and the translucent / opaque mode. The controller may be part of the smartphone case body, connected to the smartphone's microprocessor, or a combination of the two. In a further embodiment, the smartphone case and smartphone may be in electronic communication with each other, and the smartphone may be programmed to allow the switchable glass to transition from the translucent / opaque mode to the transparent mode only upon authentication. Authentication may include, but is not limited to, a camera with facial recognition, a fingerprint scanner, touchscreen (passcode) entry, etc. Upon receiving authentication, the processor or controller transitions the front surface of the switchable glass to the transparent mode, thereby allowing the user to use the smartphone. In a further embodiment of the invention, the switchable glass is a component of the smartphone itself and is capable of performing the functions described above for the smartphone case.In a further embodiment, the smartphone is encased in a thin layer of permanent switchable or smart tinted glass so that the entire smartphone can be switched to opaque and rendered unidentifiable; such a complete "blanking" feature may be a security measure, whereby the smartphone will not switch back to clear (allowing it to be operated) until a specific combination of actions is performed or identity is confirmed, such as by facial recognition or fingerprint.

[0026] In further embodiments of the present invention, the above-described features, such as the lighting feature, LED matrix, or transparent-to-opaque switching feature of a smartphone case or smartphone, function as an alarm system to warn nearby people that the smartphone has been taken by an unauthorized person. For example, the LED matrix flashes when the gyroscope detects movement of the smartphone and after a sufficient period of time has passed for the user to authorize the smartphone. Authorization to operate the smartphone may be granted by the user pressing a series of buttons, or by the smartphone's fingerprint reader, facial recognition, retinal scanner, etc. Such an alarm system may be activated by receiving an abnormal heart rate or weakness from the smartphone's owner. In further embodiments, such an alarm system can be quickly activated (e.g., "panic mode") to allow a user engaged in physical or recreational activities to avoid a potential threat. In another embodiment of the present invention, a smartphone case or smartphone equipped with a heart rate monitor or other physiological sensor on its periphery is enabled or has an application for making an emergency call (e.g., to call 911) upon detecting an abnormal heart rate and / or weakness.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the smartphone case has a metal portion that can attach to a magnet with sufficient force to hold a smartphone placed in the smartphone case in place. In a further embodiment of the invention, the smartphone case includes a magnet that allows the smartphone to be attached to any magnetic surface (i.e., a metal surface such as steel) without using sufficient force to cause the smartphone to become detached.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone case or smartphone has a camera (and / or video camera) 150 and a flash mounted on the edge of the smartphone case or smartphone, thereby allowing the camera and flash to be used without turning the wrist inward, i.e., a "side camera." In a further embodiment, the camera and flash can be operated using buttons also mounted on the side of the smartphone case. In a further embodiment, the camera and flash are located on the side of the smartphone or smartphone case to allow video recording while engaging in physical or recreational activities. The present invention contemplates that placing a camera along the side of the smartphone or smartphone case allows a user to livestream a physical activity or recreational event without being inhibited or distracted from the activity. Furthermore, such video recording functionality can also serve as a safety measure to ward off potential attackers. The present invention further contemplates that the video recording function of the side-mounted camera is coupled with a light that indicates whether the camera is recording or livestreaming.

[0029] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments may equally fall within the scope of the present invention. Method steps other than those described above may be provided within the scope of the present invention. Different features and steps of the present invention may be combined in combinations other than those described. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0030] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event that the publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference conflict with the disclosure contained herein, the present specification is intended to replace and / or supersede such conflicting content.

[0031] In the event that publications and patents or patent applications incorporated herein by reference conflict with the disclosure contained herein, the present specification is intended to replace and / or supersede such conflicting content.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and are not limited to any special or customized meaning unless expressly defined otherwise.

[0033] The terms and phrases used herein, and variations thereof, unless expressly stated otherwise, are understood to be open-ended and not limiting. As examples above, the term "including" should be read to mean "including without limitation," etc.; the term "comprising" as used herein is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by" and is inclusive or open-ended, not excluding additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term "example" is used to provide an illustration, not an exhaustive or limiting list of the items described; terms such as "known," "conventional," "standard," and similar meanings should not be interpreted as limiting the items described to a given time period or to items available at a given time, but should be read to encompass known, conventional, and standard technologies that may be available now or at a given time in the future; and the use of terms such as "preferably," "suitable," "desired," or "preferable" and similar meanings should not be understood to indicate that a particular feature is critical, essential, or otherwise important to the structure or function of the invention, but is merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention. Similarly, items connected by the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring that every single item be present in the group, but should be read as "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, items connected by the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity between the items, but should be read as "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, the articles "a" and "an" as used herein should be interpreted as referring to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0034] The presence in some examples of open-ended words or phrases, such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to," or other similar phrases, should not be read as indicating that a narrower example is intended or required in the absence of such open-ended phrases.

[0035] All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used herein are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as intended to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims in any application to which this application claims priority, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding approaches. When a range of values ​​is presented, it is understood that the upper and lower limits, and any values ​​between the upper and lower limits of that range, are encompassed within the present embodiment.

[0036] Moreover, while the foregoing has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced. Therefore, the foregoing description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments and examples described herein, but should be construed as embracing all modifications and alternatives falling within the true scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A smartphone comprising a light source disposed on a side wall of the smartphone and operable to enable a user holding the smartphone to direct light emitted from the light source forward while holding the smartphone in a neutral hand position.

2. The smartphone of claim 1 , wherein the light source is associated with a reflector that enhances the projection of the light.

3. The smartphone of claim 1 , wherein the light source is associated with a lens that enhances the projection of the light.

4. The smartphone of claim 1 , wherein the light source is associated with a collimator that improves the projection of the light.

5. The smartphone of claim 1 , wherein the case further comprises one or more buttons disposed on the sidewall for controlling the light source.

6. The smartphone of claim 1 , wherein one of the back wall, the front wall, and the side wall comprises a biometric sensor in communication with a processor of the smartphone.

7. The smartphone of claim 1 , further comprising a camera associated with the side wall of the smartphone.

Images