Smartphone Case Flash Glare Reduction via Dark Edging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic device cases do not effectively prevent glare from camera flashes when taking pictures or videos, especially in low-light conditions, as the flash can cause unwanted washout due to reflection from the case material.

Innovation Solution

A case design with a camera-flash opening that features a dark-colored edging, such as black paint or ink, to reduce glare by minimizing light reflection, combined with a battery extension feature to enhance device functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a protective case is used for the smartphone, then the device is protected from damage, but glare from the flash appears in the photos and video

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidflash glare

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The case applies a dark-colored coating or material specifically to the edging of the camera-flash opening, while the rest of the case can maintain its original color and finish. This localized treatment reduces flash glare at the critical area without compromising the overall aesthetic and protective function of the case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The edging of the camera-flash opening is treated with a dark color (black or dark gray) to reduce light reflection. This color change at the opening edge effectively minimizes flash glare in photos and video while allowing the rest of the case to maintain its desired appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Illumination intensity

If the case material is light-colored, then the case is aesthetically pleasing, but it reflects flash light causing washout in images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidlight reflection

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of darkening the entire case, only the edging of the camera-flash opening is treated with a dark-colored coating. This localized approach maintains the light-colored aesthetic of the case body while eliminating the harmful light reflection at the critical opening area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The dark edging at the camera opening serves a dual purpose: it maintains the attractive light-colored appearance of the case while simultaneously converting the potential harm of light reflection into a benefit by absorbing excess flash light and preventing glare in captured images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the edging of the camera flash opening is colored dark, then glare is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflash glare reductionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dark-colored edging is applied during the case manufacturing process, either through co-molding, overmolding, or pre-applied coating, so that the glare-reducing feature is integrated into the case itself. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate attachment steps and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dark edging is combined with the case manufacturing process itself, integrating the glare-reducing feature into the primary production workflow. This merging of functions means the case is manufactured with the dark edging already in place, eliminating additional assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The dark-colored edging significantly reduces glare in images and videos taken with the camera flash, while the integrated battery extends the device's battery life, providing improved protection and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The edging of the hole is colored black (e.g., black pigment, black paint, or black ink) or another dark color (e.g., dark blue, dark green, or violet) to prevent glare from appearing in the photos or video taken by the smartphone when using the camera flash

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11582341B2Camera opening for smartphone case to reduce flash glare

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 VEVEY LLC

AI summary

A case for portable electronic devices such as smartphones includes a feature to prevent glare from a flash from affecting images and video captured by a camera lens and also may include a battery to extend battery life of the electronic device. Smartphones have telephony, Internet connectivity, and camera and video features. Photos and video may be uploaded through the Internet or sent to other phones. The case has a hole for a camera flash of the smartphone. The edging of the hole is colored black or another dark color to prevent glare from appearing in the photos or video taken by the smartphone when using the camera flash.