Reconfigurable Camera Grip Accessory With Physical Controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users report significant gaps in the picture-taking experience when using portable electronic devices with cameras compared to traditional cameras, despite advancements in camera specifications.

Innovation Solution

An accessory for portable electronic devices, comprising two or more assemblable components, including a case and a controller, with reconfigurable portions that provide a camera grip and/or kickstand, and camera controls, allowing improved grip, support, and control of the device's camera.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If portable electronic devices incorporate cameras with advanced specifications, then camera performance is improved, but user experience still falls short compared to traditional cameras

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera performanceVSAvoidpicture-taking experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory merges multiple camera control functions (shutter button, zoom controls, mode selection) and physical support features (kickstand, grip) into a single integrated device that attaches to the portable electronic device, combining the benefits of advanced digital camera technology with the ergonomic advantages of traditional camera design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory serves as an intermediary device between the user and the portable electronic device's camera, providing physical controls and ergonomic support that bridge the gap between digital camera capabilities and traditional camera usability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an accessory adds camera grip and control functionality, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera controlVSAvoidaccessory structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory is designed with multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes: the kickstand provides both structural support and ergonomic positioning, the reconfigurable portions adapt to different shooting angles, and the controller integrates multiple camera control functions, allowing a single device to perform diverse functions without requiring separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory is divided into separable components including a main body with controller, reconfigurable portions for grip and kickstand functionality, and attachment mechanisms, allowing users to assemble and configure the accessory according to their specific needs while simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4133714B1Controlling a portable electronic device with camera
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 FJORDEN ELECTRA AS
  • EP4133714B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2(b2)
  • EP4133714B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4(b2)
  • EP4133714B1 patent drawingFigure 5(b1)~6(b2)

AI summary

The present invention relates to an accessory for controlling a camera incorporated into a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone. The accessory comprises a controller configured to control the camera. The controller may be configured to initiate camera control by sending a camera control command to the portable electronic device. Alternatively, a user may initiate a camera mode on the portable electronic device and the accessory may then be used to control the camera. The accessory may comprise a reconfigurable camera grip or removable camera controls, whereby portable electronic devices such as smartphones can then be gripped and operated by a user similar to traditional cameras.