Smartphone Camera Case with Focusing Lens and Bluetooth Shutter

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cell phone casing technology lacks advanced electronic integration to enhance camera features, such as memory storage, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi integration, and HDMI output, and fails to provide seamless interaction with digital cameras, limiting the capabilities of cell phone cameras, especially for left-handed users and professionals.

Innovation Solution

The Capture Professional (Cap Pro) Photography system includes a hard case with electronic components that integrate with the phone's software and hardware, featuring a focusing lens, Bluetooth and motorized components, a multifunctional tripod, and accessories like a remote shutter release, enabling improved camera stability, data transfer, and compatibility with existing camera equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If clip-on lenses are used to improve photo quality, then picture quality is improved, but integration with the cell phone is limited and only subtle magnification is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicture qualityVSAvoidintegration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cell phone camera with a dedicated lens attachment system that integrates optical components (focusing lens, aperture control) and electronic components (motorized focus, Bluetooth connectivity) into a unified device. This merging allows the phone camera to achieve digital camera-quality images while maintaining electronic integration for advanced photography functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal camera system that can attach to multiple phone models and provides multiple functions including optical zoom, focus control, aperture adjustment, and electronic shutter release. The system works with both left-handed and right-handed users through configurable button placements and supports various lens types, making it highly adaptable.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If a focusing camera lens is attached to one phone model, then picture quality is improved, but the lens cannot be applied to other phone makes and models

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicture qualityVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal mounting system with adjustable attachment mechanisms that can accommodate different phone sizes and camera positions. The lens assembly includes a standardized interface that can be adapted to various phone models, allowing the same lens to improve picture quality across multiple devices rather than being limited to a single model.

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If basic battery boosting cases are used, then battery charging is provided, but advanced electronic integration for camera enhancement is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery chargingVSAvoidelectronic integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges battery charging functionality with advanced camera enhancement features in a single integrated case system. The case includes not only battery boosting capabilities but also electronic components for motorized lens focusing, Bluetooth communication for remote shutter control, and data transfer interfaces, providing both power and photography enhancement in one device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Quantity of substance

If Google Photos cloud storage is used for photo backup, then storage is provided, but compatibility with existing digital camera hardware (SD or micro SD cards) is not incorporated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidhardware compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates multiple storage solutions including cloud connectivity via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi for Google Photos integration while also including physical SD/micro SD card readers and ports. This allows users to backup photos to the cloud while maintaining compatibility with traditional digital camera hardware and local storage options, providing versatile data management capabilities.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11368567B2System and method for improving a photographic camera feature on a portable electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.06.21 PENFOLD CONOR
  • US11368567B2 patent drawing
  • US11368567B2 patent drawing
  • US11368567B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method is provided for using a case and/or skin having various components for improving and/or enhancing a camera (e.g., photographic, video, etc.) feature of a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone. The system preferably includes a case and/or skin having a lens (e.g., focusable lens) that is aligned with a lens on the smartphone, a light (e.g., a flash, etc.), and at least one shutter release button. An application operating on the smartphone may then be used to control the light (or flash) and to capture an image in response to a user depressing the shutter release button. Communications between the smartphone and the case can be accomplished via either a wired or wireless communication link, which may involve the inclusion of at least one transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver) and/or processor on the case.