Abstract:
The present invention includes a cover for a mobile device that includes a camera and internal memory storage. The invention allows users to quickly take photos or video without unlocking their phone or when the phone is turned off.

Description:
[0001]    This Invention claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of United States provisional application Ser. No. 62/179,097, tiled on Apr. 29, 2015. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Mobile devices, such as smartphones, equipped with built-in cameras are increasingly ubiquitous. Because of this, virtually everyone now has the ability to take a photograph at almost any moment. Furthermore, such mobile devices are often accompanied by protective cases. 
         [0003]    However, taking a picture with a mobile device often requires a time-consuming series of steps. For example, before taking a picture a user may need to “wake up” the device by pressing a button, “unlock” the device by swiping a touchscreen, enter a passcode and open the camera application. By the time these, or similar, steps have been completed, the moment that the user wished to photograph may have passed. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a user with a camera, which is ready to use comparatively quickly, for example at the push of a button, but does not require a user to carry an additional device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Some embodiments of the invention provide a user with a quick to use camera by embedding an independent camera in a mobile device&#39;s case. Since the camera is independent of the mobile device, the user need not waste time navigating the mobile device&#39;s interface but may simply “point and shoot.” Furthermore, since the invention is part of a mobile device&#39;s case, the camera should be available to the user whenever the user is carrying the mobile device. 
         [0005]    Some embodiments of the invention may, like a normal mobile device case, be substantially rectangular with the exact dimensions depending on the particular mobile device for winch it is made. It generally comprises a device side, a camera side with a camera, four edges, a power source, means for storing data, and means for activating the camera. Some embodiments contains their own power source, data storage means, and camera, independent from a mobile device. 
         [0006]    In certain embodiments, the invention has means of securing the mobile device to the case such that the mobile device&#39;s screen is exposed, which in the exemplary embodiment below takes the form of a recessed region meant to accommodate placement of the device, and the camera side is positioned opposite the device side such that the camera points away from the device. The case may be built to fit and accommodate a wide variety of mobile, cellular, and tablet devices. 
         [0007]    To operate certain embodiments of the invention, the user would, upon seeing an object the user would like to photograph, orient the invention such that the camera is pointed toward the object. The user would then use the means of activating the camera to cause the camera to take a photograph. The photograph would then be stored on the means for storing data for future retrieval by the user. 
         [0008]    The case may contain space for a memory storage means, such as a micro SD card, to which all recorded data can be saved and stored. The storage means may use a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth to transfer its contents to a mobile device being held inside the case. Alternatively, the storage means may be communicably-coupled to a device, preferably through a micro USB or Lightning® connection. In some embodiments, a user c I use their mobile device to interact with the storage means via a graphical user interface (GUI). When the storage means is full memory, and can no longer make space to save recordings, it may no longer record any new data until space has been made available on the storage means or until a new card with available space has been properly associated with the invention. In some embodiments, when the storage means is full, a small light installed in the case will blink until the invention is associated with a. storage means with available storage. Preferably, this light is an LED. 
         [0009]    The invention will also feature space for an energy storage means. Such energy storage may a durable, long-lasting coin cell battery that powers the case and its components. In some embodiments, the invention only draws from the battery when the case&#39;s camera is in use or there is need for power to interact with the memory storage. 
         [0010]    In certain embodiments, the invention&#39;s camera may be accessed, and interacted with, independently from the mobile device. In these instances, the camera acts as a “point-and-shoot” camera with no viewfinder. These embodiments may not draw power from the device. However, other embodiments may draw power from the mobile device and/or the invention&#39;s independent energy storage means. In these embodiments, the invention&#39;s camera may interact with the mobile device, and the mobile device may act as a viewfinder. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows an elevational view of the camera-side of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows an elevational view of the device-side of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A-3D  show elevational views of the of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A-4F -show, in accordance with the present invention, the placement of the buttons in some embodiments and how a hand may interact with those embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Regarding  FIG. 1 , the invention has at least a camera-side face  10  with a camera  13  disposed thereon. The invention also has a power source  17  and a means for storing data  18 , situated in their respective compartments  15  and  14 . While this particular embodiment depicts the power source as a coin cell type battery and the means for storing data as a microSD card, alternative implementations are contemplated. Also pictured is the means for activating the camera  16  which is shown here as a button protruding from one of the invention&#39;s edges (see  FIG. 3C ), but may actually be located in a number of other suitable locations in alternative embodiments. 
         [0016]    This embodiment of the invention has a cut-out  11  to accommodate, for example, the mobile devices built in camera or speakers. Other embodiments may have more or fewer such cutouts, as needed. The pictured embodiment also includes an indicator light  12 , such as an LED, which may be configured to, for example, inform the user of a low battery level or full memory. 
         [0017]    Regarding  FIG. 2 , the invention has at least a device side  20  with a recessed region  21  meant to accommodate placement of the device. The cutout  11  and means for activating the camera  16  can in this particular embodiment, also be seen from this side. 
         [0018]      FIG. 3A  shows a first short edge  30 . The first short edge has a plug cut-out  34  to accommodate external connection to the device via, for example, USB. In other embodiments, the plug cut-out may be located elsewhere or omitted entirely depending on the particular mobile device to be accommodated. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3B  shows a second short edge  31  which is located opposite the first short edge. The second short edge has a headphone jack cut-out to accommodate connection to the mobile device via, for example, a 3.5 mm audio plug. 
         [0020]      FIG. 3C  shows a first long edge  32 , including the means for activating the camera  16 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 3D  shows a second long edge  33 . In this particular embodiment, the second long edge contains no additional elements, but alternative embodiments with additional elements are contemplated. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 4A-F  shows various elevations of the device as well as how user&#39;s hand may interact with the device. The shutter button  401  may be pressed while held in a number of angles. Additionally, the case&#39;s flash  402  and camera  403  are preferably positioned in ergonomic ways such that a hand may comfortably hold the device while not obstructing the flash  402  or camera  403 .