Wireless Camera Control Case for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices, such as smartphones, face damage from impacts and contamination, and their built-in camera features are not ergonomically optimized for use, leading to unstable operation and reduced photo quality due to obstructed lenses and buttons.
Innovation Solution
A protective case with a wireless user interface control system, including Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, that allows displaced control over camera features like shutter activation and zoom, positioned ergonomically to improve user control and stability during photography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shutter button is positioned near the camera lens on the mobile device, then the camera control is easily accessible, but the user's fingers obstruct the camera lens when holding the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective case that acts as an intermediary between the user and the mobile device. The case includes a displaced shutter button positioned away from the camera lens, allowing users to trigger the camera without their fingers blocking the lens. The case mediates the interaction by providing alternative control positioning while still enabling camera operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the shutter button control from the traditional two-dimensional surface of the mobile device to a third dimension by extending it onto the protective case. This spatial relocation in another dimension (away from the lens area) allows users to operate the shutter button without their fingers obstructing the camera lens, effectively resolving the obstruction problem while maintaining ease of operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter button is positioned far from the camera lens on the mobile device, then the camera lens is not obstructed, but the phone becomes unstable when held with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the mobile device from physical damage, provides a displaced shutter button for stable two-handed operation, and prevents camera lens obstruction. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the case enables users to hold the phone with both hands for stability while accessing the shutter button without obstructing the lens.
3Ease of operation
If the mobile device is used without a protective case, then the device is more accessible and easier to manipulate, but the device is vulnerable to impact damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case acts as an intermediary layer between the external environment and the mobile device. It provides physical protection against impact and contamination while incorporating control elements (shutter button, volume controls) that maintain ease of operation. The case mediates between the need for protection and the need for accessibility, allowing users to interact with the device through the case without direct exposure to harmful factors.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective case for a mobile device having an alternative user interface that is capable of wirelessly controlling the operations of the mobile device is disclosed. The alternative user interface is displaced from the corresponding user interface on the mobile device and is programmable and paired or otherwise wirelessly connected to the mobile device via a Bluetooth or other suitable wireless interface or protocol. A software application residing on the mobile can facilitate wireless operation of the mobile device features by the additional user interface on the case. Wireless user control via the alternative user interface controls on the case, for example, may be of one or more of the operations of a camera feature of the mobile device or may be any other operation of the mobile device. The protective case can be formed of multiple components that are user separable from another to allow for modular and independent functionality. An additional flash/lamp feature on the case is provided to improve flash and/or lighting and a stand feature is provided on the case to allow the case to stand the mobile device in a desired position and orientation while taking a photograph remotely with the user controls on a separated component of the case.