Functional grip with a viewfinder for smartphones

Abstract

The invention relates accessory device for photography using a smartphone (11), formed by a monobloc grip (1) comprising an electronic viewfinder (3), a main printed circuit board (12), a proximity sensor (15) and physical control elements (5-8) connected to a microcontroller (14). The device communicates with the phone (11) by means of a physical connection interface (17), eliminating the need for wireless links and guaranteeing low latency. A proprietary application (18) installed on the phone manages the automatic switching of the image between the screen and the viewfinder (3), as well as manual control of camera parameters, such as ISO, exposure, shutter speed or white balance, also allowing the execution of programmable combinations and the updating of firmware. The grip includes a hollow attachment handle (2) and means for fastening external lenses (10) by means of a metal adapter (9).

Description

[0001] FUNCTIONAL GRIP WITH VIEWFINDER FOR SMARTPHONES

[0002] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0003] This device focuses on the consumer electronics sector, primarily targeting photography and videography enthusiasts and professionals who use smartphones.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The background of the present invention relates to the field of mobile device accessories, particularly those designed to enhance the functionality of smartphones for photography and videography applications. As smartphone camera technology has advanced, users increasingly demand capabilities comparable to those of traditional professional cameras. However, despite advancements in image quality and software functionalities, smartphones often lack the ergonomics necessary for prolonged and / or technically complex capture operations.

[0006] Historically, accessories designed to enhance the photographic experience on phones have ranged from cases with improved grip capabilities to additional lenses and mounting systems. However, these accessories rarely address all the needs of advanced users, especially in terms of viewfinder integration, ergonomic control, and adaptability to different device models. Furthermore, the means of attaching a lens are currently limited, allowing the proposed solution to advantageously incorporate a plurality of them.

[0007] The applicant is unaware of any technical solutions that would solve the problem in a manner as advantageous as the proposed invention.

[0008] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Implementing an integrated viewfinder in the grip allows for real-time preview, providing an immersive experience when setting up the shot and greater precision. It facilitates safe and efficient handling of the smartphone while capturing photos and videos, offering immediate access to essential camera controls, including zoom, white balance, shutter speed, depth of field, and memorizable smartphone-specific modes. This improves user comfort during extended use of the device for photography or videography.

[0010] Furthermore, another object of the invention is to provide an accessory device structured as a monoblock unit that integrates an electronic viewfinder, physical controls, an electronic management circuit, and a proprietary mobile application, all communicating exclusively via a physical connection with the smartphone. This architecture allows for synchronized, low-latency interaction between hardware and software, enabling advanced functions such as automatic switching between the phone's screen and the viewfinder using a proximity sensor, as well as precise manual control of photographic parameters via dedicated physical buttons. This integration improves operational immediacy and stability, and provides a more immersive, precise, and demanding shooting experience without the need for wireless communication or additional pairing.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to an innovative device designed to enhance the photography and videography experience using smartphones. This invention provides a comprehensive solution that combines improved ergonomics, advanced functionality, and adaptability to a variety of phone models, thereby facilitating more professional and versatile use of the device in diverse shooting conditions.

[0013] The grip is relatively flat, with the smartphone positioned on its back so that the phone's screen is visible. The phone is secured either by means of guides, not shown, that cooperate with the width and thickness dimensions of the phone, creating an interference fit. This ensures the phone fits securely into the grip and provides a robust and secure connection without needing to hold it with your hands, for example, by hanging it around your neck with a strap.

[0014] The guide is designed to allow a seamless connection between the grip and the mobile device via USB-C or earlier standards. Versions are available that allow for phone attachment thanks to the inclusion of at least one magnet in the grip. The front features a protrusion that defines an ergonomic finger grip, and the upper portion of this protrusion houses a shutter button. Versions are also available where the portion of material containing the shutter button is removable, allowing for remote operation. The grip includes a control unit and memory housed within its hollow form, containing the power supply and conventional wiring, as well as the physical connection points and extended functionality for the grip and wireless communication via Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi.

[0015] In addition to the shutter button, the grip features at least one configurable button, allowing quick and direct access to camera functions. This technical solution enables photographic modes that would require multiple selections on a phone, such as sequentially activating macro mode, adjusting exposure, and applying a filter like HDR (High Dynamic Range). This multiple selection, when executed from a smartphone, can often prevent the loss of the shot while taking the action. Furthermore, the physical buttons make the grip easier to use for people with fine motor skills problems.

[0016] The grip integrates a viewfinder, which can be either digital or optical depending on the version. This enhances the user experience for several reasons: it provides a more immersive experience by eliminating the part of the scene that is not the subject of the shot; its operation is also better suited to complex lighting situations; the digital viewfinder includes a diopter adjustment system, while the optical viewfinder has guides or markings to define the zoom area, facilitating framing. In addition, the grip features a control unit and memory, as well as physical connectivity via LISB-C or earlier standards, and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi.

[0017] To further expand the phone's capabilities, the grip features accessory mounts and attachment to external equipment via universal threads such as tripods and other accessories, as well as conventional guides for attaching lighting units or microphones.

[0018] It features means for using different lenses, for this purpose it has a substantially laminar metal adapter that on one side is fixed to the handle by conventional means such as threaded or bayonet type connection and on the other, on its opposite face allows the installation of a lens by means of a thread or by attaching it magnetically, the adapter has at least one opening concentric to the lenses of the different phone models to be used, its shape being defined by the location of the cameras of the same, this allows to cover a wide variety of phone models.

[0019] In addition to the elements already described, the invention incorporates a series of functional and structural advances that significantly reinforce its technical character and professional applicability.

[0020] Specifically, the device incorporates a printed circuit board designed to manage communication between the accessory's physical components and the smartphone. This board efficiently coordinates input signals generated by the physical controls, the visor's power supply, and sensor management, thereby optimizing data flow and internal system operations.

[0021] The electronic viewfinder, fixed and structurally integrated into the accessory's body, is configured to display the image generated by the smartphone's camera in real time. Automatic switching between the phone's screen and the viewfinder is achieved via a proximity sensor strategically placed in the user's line of sight. This sensor detects the operator's eye approaching the viewfinder and, without any manual interaction, triggers the image transfer to the viewfinder. This mechanism ensures a smooth and virtually instantaneous transition, enhancing the user's creative ability and concentration while taking photos or videos.

[0022] These functions are managed through a dedicated smartphone app developed specifically for this solution. This app is configured to interpret signals from the accessory's hardware via a wired connection and directly control camera parameters such as ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, exposure, focus, and white balance. The app also allows users to assign custom functions to the device's physical buttons, even enabling macro photography using pre-configured combinations.

[0023] The system completely forgoes wireless connections for controlling critical functions, relying exclusively on a wired physical interface, such as LISB-C or Lightning. This improves latency, communication stability, and reduces the risk of failures due to interference or loss of synchronization. This architecture provides an operational response time of less than 100 milliseconds for viewfinder switching and similarly short times for executing photographic commands, which is particularly valuable in dynamic or professional shooting situations.

[0024] The application is also configured to allow firmware updates for the accessory directly from the phone, without the need for external technical intervention or disassembly, thus allowing the system's functionalities to be extended over time.

[0025] All system components are integrated into a single structural housing, forming a monoblock device without detachable or external modules. This physical and functional integration offers advantages in terms of compactness, robustness, ease of use, reduced energy consumption, and operational reliability. The result is a highly optimized accessory system for mobile photography and videography, replicating some of the operational capabilities of professional systems, but with an interface specifically designed to take full advantage of the integrated cameras in today's smartphones.

[0026] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a better understanding of what is described in this document, some drawings are included which, as an example, represent a relationship of the figure of the proposed invention.

[0028] Figure 1 shows an isometric perspective view in which the grip (1), the holding handle (2), the viewfinder (3) can be seen. This representation also includes the diopter adjustment (4), the shutter release button (5), in this case removed, and the configurable buttons (6, 7 and 8). To facilitate the understanding of its elements, the references to the adapter (9) and the lens (10) have been exploited.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the grip with the smartphone (11) attached and with a lens mounted on the grip.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the back of the grip with the smartphone attached. Figure 4 shows a functional diagram of the device's electronic system.

[0031] Figure 5 shows a variant of the functional scheme of the device.

[0032] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] A preferred embodiment is cited as an example, independent of the object of the invention, the materials used in its manufacture, as well as the application methods and all accessory details that may arise, provided that they do not affect its essentiality.

[0034] In this preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an ergonomic grip (1) adapted for professional and versatile use in photography and videography with smartphones. The grip, made of a durable and lightweight polymer such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) due to its good mechanical properties, incorporates a specific design that allows for secure attachment of the phone using adjustment guides compatible with a wide range of devices, adjusting by interference fit without additional tools. The grip is optimized by a holding handle (2) designed for comfortable and prolonged use, even during extended sessions. This handle integrates an internal control unit, and the grip also features LISB-C connectivity with the phone, allowing its use with Android and iPhone models.Additionally, it includes a shutter release button (5) and a configurable button system (6,7,8) that are conveniently located to allow quick changes between camera modes and settings without needing to interact directly with the phone screen.

[0035] In addition to the control unit, the handle also features internal memory for storing custom settings and firmware, which can be updated to add new functionalities over time. It offers wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, expanding its usability without compromising the stability of the physical connection.

[0036] It comprises a metallic, thin-walled lens adapter (9) that attaches via a threaded connection to both the body, handle, and lens (10), its opening aligning perfectly with the vapor chambers of various phone models, ensuring compatibility and ease of interchange between different accessories and devices. Figures 1, 2, and 3.

[0037] Its integrated viewfinder (3), in this mode is digital, offering a diopter adjustment (4), improving accuracy in adverse lighting conditions and providing a clearer and more defined view of the target.

[0038] To support the use of additional accessories such as external lighting, microphones or additional lenses, the handle has mounts with universal threads and guides, not shown.

[0039] Overall, this grip design not only improves the functionality and versatility of the device, but also provides a significantly enhanced user experience, suitable for both serious hobbyists and mobile photography and videography professionals.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a functional schematic of the electronic system of the smartphone photography accessory device (11). In this configuration, all components are integrated into the grip (1), which acts as a monoblock structural unit.

[0041] Inside the grip (1) is an interconnection hub (16) that acts as the central communication node between the smartphone (11) and the various elements of the device. This hub (16) channels the video signal in one direction, directly from the smartphone (11) to the electronic viewfinder (3), under the control of the proprietary mobile application (18). This switching occurs based on the signal from the proximity sensor (15), so that when the user's eye approaches, the application (18) automatically switches the image output from the phone's screen (11) to the electronic viewfinder (3).

[0042] Conversely, the HUB (16) also transmits signals generated by the physical control buttons (5-8), located on the button board (13), to the smartphone (11). These signals are initially processed by the main printed circuit board (12), which integrates a microcontroller (14) responsible for interpreting the physical inputs and coordinating the overall operation. Subsequently, the signals are transmitted to the phone (11) via the HUB (16), where they are received by the application (18), which performs photographic functions such as ISO sensitivity adjustment, white balance, zoom, and exposure.

[0043] This dual-stream architecture allows for the separation of video management (phone (11) —> HUB (16) —> viewfinder (3)) from control management (buttons (13) —> main PCB (12) —> HUB (16) —> phone (11) —> application (18)). This functional separation reduces the complexity of the intermediate hardware, improves video transmission latency, and ensures more precise and stable control of photographic functions.

[0044] In particular configurations, the HUB (16) may incorporate an HDMI output to the electronic viewer (3), without this being part of the physical connection interface (17) with the smartphone (11).

[0045] The system incorporates a proximity sensor (15) located on the upper part of the handle (1), facing the user. This sensor detects the presence of the operator's eye and, through logic managed by the proprietary mobile application (18), automatically switches the phone's video output (11) from its screen to the electronic viewfinder (3). This switching can also be triggered by the device's spatial orientation or by grip detection, offering an intuitive user experience without the need for manual intervention.

[0046] Data transmission between the device and the smartphone (11) is carried out via a physical connection interface (17), selected from either LISB-C or Lightning. This connection guarantees minimal latency, less than 100 milliseconds, which is crucial for photographic applications requiring immediate response. Unlike Bluetooth-based solutions, this architecture avoids delays, disconnections, and electromagnetic interference, providing greater stability and reliability.

[0047] An interconnection HUB (16) serves as a central node that manages the flow of information between the electronic display (3), the printed circuit board (12), the microcontroller (14) and the smartphone (11), optimizing system response times.

[0048] The proprietary mobile application (18), installed on the smartphone (11), is configured to:

[0049] The proprietary mobile application (18), installed on the smartphone (11), is configured to interpret commands generated from the physical buttons (5-8), control manual camera parameters including ISO sensitivity, exposure, shutter speed, focus and white balance, manage macros and programmed functions assigned to the physical buttons, dynamically switch the video stream to the viewfinder (3) based on the proximity sensor signal (15), and run system firmware updates via the physical interface (17), without requiring wireless access or external intervention.

[0050] Technical advantages of the system shown in Figure 4: The invention enables direct, low-latency interaction between the accessory hardware and the smartphone's operating system, improving operational accuracy through the integration of a dedicated viewfinder and proximity sensor that enable optimized real-time visualization. Thanks to its monoblock architecture with integrated physical controls and its own battery, the device offers an ergonomic and immersive capture experience without relying on wireless connections, thus eliminating the pairing, latency, and power consumption issues common in existing solutions. Furthermore, its structural and electronic design facilitates professional use of the system, making it upgradeable, adaptable, and compatible with a wide variety of smartphone models.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a partial view of the functional scheme of the smartphone photography accessory device (11), focusing on the internal electronic architecture of the grip (1).

[0052] In this embodiment, the functional distribution of the internal electronic components is shown in greater detail. The main printed circuit board (14) constitutes the control core of the system, being connected to a button board (13) responsible for supporting the physical control elements, including the trigger button (5) and the configurable buttons (6, 7, 8).

[0053] A specially programmed microcontroller (14) manages the signals from these buttons and translates the physical inputs into digital commands understandable by the mobile application (18). This microcontroller (14) also receives information from a user-facing proximity sensor (15), whose function is to detect the presence of the photographer's eye and automatically switch the video stream from the phone screen (11) to the electronic viewfinder (3).

[0054] All the above elements are interconnected via an interconnection HUB (16), which acts as a central communications node between the viewer (3), the main board microcontroller (14), the physical interface (17), and the phone itself (11). This design promotes efficient signal distribution, minimizes processing delay, and facilitates modular system maintenance.

[0055] The connection to the smartphone (11) is made exclusively through a physical connection interface (17), selected from IISB-Co Lightning, allowing latency of less than 100 ms to be maintained without the need for wireless technologies.

[0056] The proprietary mobile application (18) installed on the phone (11) is configured to communicate directly with the board and the microcontroller (14), allowing manual control of photographic parameters such as ISO, shutter speed, exposure or white balance using the physical buttons (6, 7, 8), as well as managing the screen switching logic based on proximity sensor signals (15).

[0057] In addition, the application (18) allows the programming of functional combinations, macros or quick accesses, as well as the updating of the device firmware through the physical interface (17), without the need to disassemble the device or use wireless connections.

[0058] This configuration offers a number of outstanding technical effects, including functional isolation between the input electronics (13) and the signal processing (14), which improves the core of the system and facilitates its maintenance; the direct connection via the HUB (16) between the application (18) and the viewfinder (3) facilitates automatic and intelligent switching between the phone screen and the electronic viewfinder (3) since the mobile phone's own processor is used for image processing and capture, taking advantage of its high power and providing an immersive and continuous photographic experience; an effective synergy between the physical controls and the software, which improves operational precision and allows advanced customization; the elimination of latency and synchronization errors thanks to the exclusive use of a wired connection (17);and an electronic infrastructure prepared for firmware updates via the application (18), which extends the device's lifespan and facilitates its adaptation to future functional improvements.;

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An accessory device for photography using a smartphone (11), comprising: a monoblock grip (1), an electronic viewfinder (3) integrated into the grip (1) and configured to display in real time an image generated by the smartphone (11), a main printed circuit board (14) disposed inside the grip (1), a proximity sensor (15) connected to the board (14) and oriented towards the user, at least one physical control element (6, 7, 8) connected to the board (14), a physical connection interface (17) between the grip (1) and the smartphone (11), selected from USB-Co Lightning, and a proprietary mobile application (18) running on the smartphone (11) and configured to interact with the board (14), characterized in that the application (18) is configured to: receive data from the proximity sensor (15),Automatically switch the smartphone's video output (11) from its screen to the electronic viewfinder (3) based on user proximity, the spatial orientation of the grip (1), or grip detection, and allow direct control of photographic parameters of the smartphone (11), selected from ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, exposure, focus, and white balance, by means of at least one physical control element (6, 7, 8), so that the integration of the electronic viewfinder (3), the physical controls (6, 7, 8), the main printed circuit board (14), and the application (18) into the monoblock grip (1) provides an immersive capture experience with total latency of less than 100 milliseconds, without the need for wireless communication.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the application (18) is configured to switch the video output to the electronic display (3) also as a function of an orientation sensor arranged on the main printed circuit board (14).

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one physical control element comprises a double-bottom trigger button (5) that generates different commands depending on the pressure exerted.

4. Device according to claim 1, comprising a mechanical interface for mounting external lenses (10), including a metal adapter (9) fixed to the handle (1) and aligned with the smartphone cameras (11).

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the metal adapter (9) has a substantially semicircular shape configured so as not to obstruct the field of view of the rear cameras of the smartphone (11) and to reproduce the aesthetics of a classic photographic camera mount.

6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a smartphone clamping system (11) by means of a sliding rail or guides not shown that cooperate with its dimensions.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the clamping system is configured to self-center the optical assembly of the adapter (9) with respect to the smartphone cameras (11).

8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (1) comprises a threaded opening arranged in its lower part, configured for coupling the device to a tripod by means of a standard thread.

9. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application (18) is configured to execute combinations of photographic functions programmable by the user through sequences assigned to the physical control elements (6, 7, 8).

10. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the The application (18) and the main printed circuit board (14) are configured to update their firmware via the physical connection interface (17) with the smartphone (11).

11. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping handle (2) is hollow and houses a control unit, a memory and a power supply.

12. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic viewer (3) is digital and has a diopter adjustment (4).

13. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the viewfinder (3) is optical and comprises reference marks to delimit the zoom frame.

14. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartphone (11) is attached to the handle (1) by means of guides sized for an interference fit.

15. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartphone (11) is attached to the handle (1) by means of a magnetic coupling provided by at least one magnet disposed in the handle.

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