Patent Publication Number: US-2023140707-A1

Title: Controlling a portable electronic device with camera

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to controlling a portable electronic device that has a camera incorporated in the device. More particularly, the present invention relates to controlling a camera smartphone. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Smartphones are a popular type of portable electronic device, and usually incorporate one or more cameras. Other portable electronic devices, such as tablets and laptops, may also incorporate one or more cameras. There has been a trend in recent years to provide such devices with cameras of ever-increasing specification and performance. Yet, users still report significant gaps in picture-taking experience when using these devices compared to traditional cameras. 
     The present invention provides improvements related to controlling a portable electronic device with camera, such as a smartphone. 
     Overview 
     This overview introduces concepts that are described in more detail in the detailed description. It should not be used to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an accessory for controlling a camera incorporated into a portable electronic device, the accessory comprising:
         two or more assemblable components, wherein at least one of said assemblable components is provided in the form of, or comprises, a case for the portable electronic device, and at least one other of said components comprises:   one or more portions reconfigurable to provide a camera grip and/or a kickstand for the portable electronic device; and,   a controller configured to control the camera. The accessory thus provides improved grip and/or control and/or support for the camera of the portable electronic device.       

     The accessory may further comprise one or more camera controls for controlling the camera. The one or more camera controls may be operably connected to the controller. 
     The one or more reconfigurable portions may be configured to reconfigure between a first, stowed position and a second, deployed position which provides the camera grip. Accordingly, the camera grip may be provided by a single reconfigurable portion, or by a number of reconfigurable portions collectively. 
     At least one other of said two or more assemblable components may comprise said controller and/or said one or more reconfigurable portions and/or said one or more camera controls. There may be, for example, three assemblable components, one comprising the case, one comprising the controller and one comprising the one or more camera controls and/or the one or more reconfigurable portions. Each camera control, or reconfigurable portion, however, may be provided as an individual, assemblable component. The part provided in the form of, or comprising, the case may further comprise the one or more reconfigurable portions. 
     According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an accessory (ie, a camera control module) for controlling a camera incorporated into a portable electronic device, the accessory comprising:
         a controller configured to control the camera and/or one or more camera controls for controlling the camera;   wherein the accessory is configured to be attached to a case for the portable electronic device. The accessory can thus be adapted to control different portable electronic devices, each requiring a different case.       

     The accessory may further comprise said case. 
     A kit of parts may comprise said accessory and multiple cases. The multiple cases may be in accordance with a same case design (eg, the cases will each fit a given model and/or make of portable electronic device). Alternatively, the multiple cases may be in accordance with different case designs (eg, the cases will fit different models and/or makes of portable electronic device). 
     The accessory may comprise the controller and the one or more camera controls. The one or more camera controls may be operably connected to the controller. Otherwise, the operable connection between the controller and the one or more camera controls may be established by attachment of the accessory to the case (for example, by completing a suitable electric or electronic circuit). Accordingly, the case may comprise a portion of an electric or electronic circuit for establishing said operable connection. 
     The accessory may further comprise an attachment sensor for sensing attachment of the accessory or any parts thereof, such as the controller and/or the one or more camera controls, to the case. 
     Although different sensors and sensing principles may be used, the attachment sensor may advantageously comprise an NFC tag or an NFC reader configured to interact, respectively, with an associated NFC reader or an associated NFC tag of the portable electronic device, or of the case for the portable electronic device. 
     The attachment sensor may alternatively or additionally comprise, or be configured to sense, at least one magnet and/or a switch. For example, an interaction between the at least one magnet and the sensor may be used, or actuation of the switch may be used, for sensing an attachment event. While it is possible to use a single sensor, it may be preferable to provide a degree of redundancy by employing two or more attachment sensors. 
     The accessory may comprise one or more portions reconfigurable between a first, stowed position and second, deployed position. Accordingly, the accessory may be configured in at least one compact, storage configuration that minimises space. This may be useful, for example if the portable electronic device is a smartphone, when the device is used as a telephone, or in a non-camera mode. 
     In the second, deployed position at least one of the one or more reconfigurable portions may be configured to provide a camera grip for the portable electronic device. This configuration of the accessory may provide improved gripping for the portable electronic device for use as a camera. 
     Concepts that may equally be applied to the first or second aspect of the disclosure presented above will now be introduced: 
     The controller may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the portable electronic device. 
     The accessory may comprise a Bluetooth® transmitter and/or an NFC transmitter. 
     These transmitters may be provided as part of, ie integral with, the controller. 
     The controller may be configured to communicate with the portable electronic device, such that actuation of the one or more camera controls causes the accessory to communicate with the portable electronic device via the controller, thereby causing the camera to perform one or more actions associated with the one or more camera controls. 
     The case may define at least one of a slot, recess or a window for receiving the accessory or any one or more of its assemblable components, such as the controller and/or the one or more camera controls and/or the one or more reconfigurable portions. However, multiple slots, recesses or windows may be provided, in any combination, for receiving any assemblable features. For example, each camera control may be received in a respective slot, recess or window. For example, the controller may be received in a respective slot and the one or more camera controls may collectively be received, as a single camera control module, in a respective recess. 
     The case may comprise, or be provided in the form of, a protective casing element for a camera smartphone. Such protective casing element may comprise, or be made of, a resiliently deformable material, such as a rubber or a plastic. 
     The one or more camera controls may comprise one or more of:
         a shutter button;   a combined two-step focus-and-shutter button;   a camera settings function button;   a camera settings function dial;   a zoom rocker lever; and,   a zoom dial.       

     Said one or more of:
         a shutter button;   a combined two-step focus-and-shutter button;   a camera settings function button;   a camera settings function dial;   a zoom rocker lever; and,   a zoom dial,       

     may be provided on a control panel. 
     The accessory may comprise a reconfiguration sensor for sensing reconfiguration of the one or more reconfigurable portions. The reconfiguration sensor may permanently be operably connected to the controller. Otherwise, the reconfiguration sensor may become operably connected to the controller by attachment of the accessory to the case. 
     The reconfiguration sensor may comprise an NFC tag and/or an NFC reader. 
     The reconfiguration sensor may alternatively or additionally comprise, or be configured to sense, at least one magnet and/or a switch. For example, an interaction between the at least one magnet and the sensor may be used, or actuation of the switch may be used, for sensing a reconfiguration event. 
     In the second, deployed position at least one of the one or more reconfigurable portions may be configured to reveal the control panel. 
     The one or more reconfigurable portions may comprise the control panel. 
     The control panel may be configured to rotate and/or translate, for example by way of sliding. 
     The accessory may be configured such that reconfiguration of the control panel instigates reconfiguration to the second, deployed position of at least one other of the one or more reconfigurable portions. 
     The accessory may alternatively or additionally be configured such that reconfiguration to the second, deployed position of at least one other of the one or more reconfigurable portions instigates reconfiguration of the control panel. 
     The control panel may be directly or indirectly connected to said at least one other of the one or more reconfigurable portions via a linkage. The linkage may comprise any number of links, which may each be provided in the form of a rod, lever or a tab—or any other suitable linking element. Each link may be mechanically connected to one or more other links via a suitable connector that allows relative movement of the connected links. 
     In the first, stowed position the control panel may be configured to be at least partially hidden. Accordingly, the one or more camera controls provided on the control panel may be configured, when the control panel is in this position, to be non-actuatable by a user of the accessory. 
     The one or more reconfigurable portions may comprise a flexible element. 
     The accessory may further comprise a support structure for supporting the flexible element. 
     The flexible element may be generally shaped, in its first, stowed position, as a quadrilateral with parallel opposed sides. Adjacent corners of said quadrilateral may be constrained by the support structure to displace in unison along parallel guides of said support structure, which are parallel to opposed sides of said quadrilateral. Accordingly, displacement of said corners along said parallel guides may be configured to result into reconfiguration of the flexible element into the camera grip. 
     The flexible element may be reconfigurable to define a loop. The loop may define a finger loop, that is a loop for passing therein a finger of a user of the accessory, for supporting or holding the device. Alternatively, the loop may define a hand loop. 
     The opposed pairs of corners of the flexible element may be constrained such that the loop can be defined at different positions along the parallel guides of the support structure. 
     The one or more reconfigurable portions may comprise one or more hinges. 
     At least one of said one or more hinges may be a live and/or a film hinge, that is a type of hinge obtained from folding a sheet of material or any other planar structure, without necessitating any further parts. 
     The flexible element may be in the form of a concertina-type element. The concertina-type, flexible element may comprise a plurality of elongated elements interconnected along respective long sides by respective live hinges. Alternatively, the hinges may comprise respective hinge pins. 
     The accessory may be configured such that reconfiguration of at least one of the one or more reconfigurable portions causes the accessory (more particularly, the controller) to send a control command to the portable electronic device, which command can for example be a command for initiating camera control using the accessory, for example a command for initiating a camera mode on the portable electronic device. Once camera control via the accessory is initiated, a user may actuate the one or more camera controls to control the camera of the portable electronic device as required. 
     The accessory may be configured such that reconfiguration of at least one of the one or more reconfigurable portions causes the accessory (more particularly, the controller) to receive a control command, for example from the reconfiguration sensor, or from the portable electronic device, which command can for example be a command for initiating camera control using the accessory, for example a wake up command for awaking the controller from a controller sleep mode. Once camera control via the accessory is initiated, a user may actuate the one or more camera controls to control the camera of the portable electronic device as required. 
     The accessory may be configured such that actuation of at least one of the one or more camera controls causes the accessory (more particularly, the controller) to send or receive such control commands. 
     The accessory may be configured such that assemblage of the accessory (if the accessory comprises assemblable parts) and/or installation of the accessory to the portable electronic device causes the accessory (more particularly, the controller) to send or receive such control commands. 
     The portable electronic device may be in the form of a camera smartphone. 
     The accessory may comprise just two or just three assemblable components, which may be simple and user-friendly to assemble. 
     One of said assemblable components may be provided in the form of, or may comprise, said case. 
     One other assemblable component may comprise said one or more reconfigurable portions and said controller. 
     The two or three assemblable components may comprise a connector for assembling the assemblable components. 
     The connector may be provided as a part of one of the two assemblable components, or may be the third assemblable component. 
     The one other assemblable component may comprise one and only one reconfigurable portion. This may make the accessory particularly compact and ergonomic. 
     The controller may be accommodated within said single reconfigurable portion. Preferably, the controller is fully encapsulated into a or the reconfigurable portion, and is thus normally not visible or accessible by the user. 
     The reconfigurable portion may be generally shaped as a parallelepiped, and preferably as a parallelepiped with right angles. 
     The reconfigurable portion may have a width that generally corresponds to, or is less than, a width of the case or of the portable electronic device, wherein said widths may be in a transversal direction of the portable electronic device. 
     The reconfigurable portion may have a length that generally corresponds to half, or less than half, a length of the case or of the portable electronic device, wherein said lengths may be in a longitudinal direction of the portable electronic device. 
     The reconfigurable portion may have a depth that generally corresponds to, or exceeds, a depth of the case or of the portable electronic device, wherein said depths may be in an out-of-plane direction of the portable electronic device. 
     The reconfigurable portion or portions, therefore, may be shaped and constructed to resemble a traditional camera grip, and said camera grip may be reconfigured to provide a camera grip in landscape mode or in portrait mode, with respect to the portable electronic device. 
     The connector and the one or more reconfigurable portions may be hinged together, such that the one or more reconfigurable portions may be rotated away from the case. This provides for a particularly simple operation by the user. The one or more reconfigurable portions may be rotated back toward the case, to store away the camera grip and/or the kickstand. Alternatively, a hinge may be provided as part of the one or more reconfigurable portions. 
     The one or more reconfigurable portions may be rotated away from the case and click at selectable, predetermined angles of rotation, to retain said selectable, predetermined angles of rotation. For example, a click mechanism may be provided as part of a or the hinge connecting the connector with the one or more reconfigurable portions, as known in the arts. 
     The one or more reconfigurable portions may be rotated away from the case up to a maximum angle of rotation of less than 90 degrees, or less than 60 degrees. 
     The connector may comprise one or more projections, such as bayonet projections, for connecting to respective one or more sockets, such as bayonet sockets, provided on the case. However, alternatives are possible; for example, the connector may connect to the case magnetically. This magnetic connection may not exclude the simultaneous provision of projections and sockets as described herein. The location of the projections and sockets may be swapped between the case and the connector, depending on design requirements. However, it is preferred that the sockets be provided on the case, and that the case be made from a material which may not interfere with wireless charging of the portable electronic device, such as a glass or a plastic. 
     The one or more sockets may be located generally centrally with respect to the case of the portable electronic device. 
     The one or more bayonet projections and bayonet sockets may be designed such that said one other assemblable component is connectable to the case by inserting the one or more bayonet projections in the respective one or more bayonet sockets and by twisting the other assemblable component relative to the case 
     Said twisting may comprise rotating the other assemblable component relative to the case by at least 30 degrees. 
     Alternatively, said projections may be spring biassed, and said projections and sockets may be designed such that said one other assemblable component is connectable to the case by actuating a release mechanism against a spring bias, then inserting the one or more projections in the respective one or more sockets and then releasing said release mechanism. 
     A back face of the case may be recessed to accommodate at least partially the reconfigurable portion(s) in a/the stowed-away configuration. 
     The case may comprise inner and outer shells. The connector may be formed integrally with, be a part of, or comprise the case outer shell. 
     The connector may comprise a tongue for insertion into a corresponding slot formed on a side of the one or more reconfigurable portions, for connecting the connector with the one or more reconfigurable portion. 
     Said connection may be permanent, or it may be undone by the user, so that the one or more reconfigurable portions, including the controller, may be removed and used as a remote camera control for controlling the camera of the portable electronic device. According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling a camera incorporated into a portable electronic device using an accessory as described herein, the method comprising:
         receiving a camera control command from the portable electronic device, for example a camera control initiation command for initiating camera control using the accessory, such as a controller wake-up command for awaking the controller from a sleep mode, or a controller handover command for handing over control of the camera to the controller, and thus to the accessory.       

     Any reconfigurable portions described herein may comprise one or more configuration retention features, such as one or more camera-grip configuration retention (or stabilisation) features. When the accessory does not comprise any reconfigurable portions (ie, when the accessory is accordingly to the above-mentioned second aspect of the disclosure), then the accessory may itself be provided with one or more configuration retention features, for example to retain the accessory in position on the case. 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling a camera incorporated into a portable electronic device using an accessory as described herein, the method comprising: 
     sending a camera control command to the portable electronic device, for example a camera control initiation command for initiating camera control using the controller and thus the accessory, such as a camera-mode initiation command. 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions for causing a portable electronic device incorporating a camera as described herein to send a camera control command as described herein to an accessory as described herein. 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer storage medium comprising computer-readable instructions for causing an accessory as described herein to send a camera control command as described herein to a portable electronic device as described herein. 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a portable electronic device incorporating a camera, the device comprising a computer storage medium as described herein. 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an accessory as described herein, the accessory comprising a computer storage medium as described herein. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative implementations will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective view of a two-part accessory for a camera smartphone comprising: (a) a smartphone case; and, (b) a camera control module; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic perspective view of another two-part accessory for a camera smartphone comprising: (a) a smartphone case; and, (b) a camera control module with a reconfigurable grip portion, represented (b 1 ) in a stowed-away configuration, and (b 2 ) in a deployed configuration that provides a camera grip in the form of a finger loop; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic perspective view of another two-part accessory for a camera smartphone comprising: (a) a smartphone case; and, (b) a camera control module with a reconfigurable control panel, represented (b 1 ) in a stowed-away configuration, and (b 2 ) in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic perspective view of another two-part accessory for a camera smartphone comprising: (a) a smartphone case; and, (b) a camera control module with a reconfigurable grip and a reconfigurable control panel, represented (b 1 ) in a stowed-away configuration, and (b 2 ) in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG.  5    schematically shows a mechanism for deploying the reconfigurable control panel of  FIG.  4   : (b 1 ) in the stowed-away state; and, (b 2 ) in the deployed state (shown with and without the reconfigurable grip); 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic perspective view of an alternative camera control module with a reconfigurable grip and a reconfigurable control panel, shown in: (b 3 ) a partially reconfigured state that provides a camera grip in the form of a finger loop; and, (b 2 ) in a fully reconfigured state providing a camera grip; 
         FIG.  7    schematically shows an alternative reconfigurable grip and an alternative reconfigurable camera control panel; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic perspective view of another two-part accessory for a camera smartphone comprising: (a) a smartphone case with integral camera grip; and, (b) a slide-in camera control module; shown in (i) a disassembled state; (ii) an assembled state; (iii) a first reconfigured state, providing a first camera grip; and, (iv) a second reconfigured state, providing a second camera grip in the form of a finger loop; 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic perspective view of another two-part accessory for a camera smartphone comprising: (a) a smartphone case with integral camera control panel; and, (b) a slide-in camera control module with reconfigurable camera grip; shown in (i) a disassembled state; (ii) an assembled state; iii) a first reconfigured state, providing a first camera grip; and, (iv) a second reconfigured state, providing a second camera grip in the form of a finger loop; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic perspective view of another two-part accessory for a camera smartphone comprising: (a) a smartphone case; and, b) a slide-in camera control and grip module with integral camera grip and control panel; shown in (i) a disassembled state; (ii) an assembled state; iii) a first reconfigured state, providing a first camera grip; and, iv) a second reconfigured state, providing a second camera grip in the form of a finger loop; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of a further accessory with a reconfigurable grip in a deployed state, mounted on a camera smartphone; 
         FIG.  11 B  is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIG.  11 A  with the reconfigurable grip in a stowed-away state; 
         FIG.  12    is a block diagram representing inputs for a controller for a camera smartphone accessory as described herein; 
         FIG.  13    is a flow diagram representing methods of controlling a camera incorporated into a smartphone as described herein; 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded view of a further accessory for smartphones, having four assemblable components; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIG.  14   , wherein the four assemblable components have been assembled, but without a smartphone received in the accessory; 
         FIG.  16    is a top plan view of a further accessory for smartphones, similar to that of  FIGS.  14  and  15   , having only three assemblable components; 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIG.  16    installed to a smartphone with a camera grip component shown in a disassembled status to reveal how the camera grip component can be assembled to, and disassembled from, a case component of the accessory via a connector; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIGS.  16  and  17   , installed to a smartphone, with the camera grip assembled; 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIGS.  16 ,  17  and  18    wherein the camera grip is used as a kickstand to support the smartphone in portrait configuration; 
         FIG.  20   a    is a detail view of a further accessory for smartphpnes, similar to those of  FIGS.  14 - 19   , but comprising only two assemblable components, wherein a camera grip component is shown in a latched configuration, latched to a case component of the accessory;  FIG.  20   b    is a cross-sectional representation through a latch of the accessory of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  21   a    is a detail view of the accessory of  FIGS.  20   a  and  20   b   , with the camera grip component in an unlatched configuration;  FIG.  21   b    is a cross-sectional representation through the latch of the accessory of  FIG.  21     a;    
         FIG.  22   a    is a detail view of the accessory of  FIGS.  20 - 21    with the camera grip component in a released or disassembled configuration;  FIG.  22   b    is a cross-sectional representation through the latch of the accessory of  FIG.  22     a;    
         FIG.  23    is a front perspective view of the release mechanism of the camera grip component of the accessory of  FIGS.  20 - 22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is an exploded view of the release mechanism of  FIG.  23   ; 
         FIG.  25    is a top plan view of a further accessory for smartphones, which is a variation of the accessory of  FIGS.  20 - 22   , also having two and only two assemblable components, shown in a disassembled status; 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIG.  25   , with a camera grip component being assembled to a case component of the accessory; 
         FIG.  27    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIGS.  25  and  26   , with the camera grip component assembled to the case component of the accessory, in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG.  28    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIGS.  25 ,  26  and  27   , with the camera grip component assembled to the case component of the accessory, in a stowed-away or retracted configuration; 
         FIG.  29    is a perspective view of yet a further accessory for smartphones, similar to that of  FIGS.  25 - 28   , but having a magnetic connector, in a disassembled configuration; 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIG.  29   , in an assembled configuration, with a reconfigurable and reorientable camera grip component configured for taking photos in portrait mode; 
         FIG.  31    relates to yet a further accessory for smartphones, similar to that of  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , which is shown in various configurations ( FIGS.  31   a - 31   i   ); 
         FIG.  32    relates to yet a further accessory for smartphones, similar to those of  FIGS.  11 A,  11 B and  31     a - 31   i , which is also shown in various configurations ( FIGS.  32   a - 32   f   ); 
         FIG.  33   a    is a perspective view of yet a further accessory for smartphones, similar to that of  FIGS.  25 - 29   , with the camera grip in an extended configuration to revleal certain camera-grip stabilisation features; and,  FIG.  33   b    is a perspective view of the accessory of  FIG.  33   a   , with the camera-grip stabilisation features in an engaged configuration; 
         FIG.  34   a    is an elevation of a camera grip portion of the accessory of  FIGS.  33   a    and  33   b;    
         FIG.  34   b    is a cross section through line AA of  FIG.  34   a   ; and,  FIG.  34   c    is a magnified view of a portion of  FIG.  34   b   , revealing a further camera-grip stabilisation feature; and, 
         FIG.  35   a    is an elevation of a connector portion of the accessory of  FIGS.  33   a    and  33   b;    
         FIG.  35   b    is a magnified view of a portion of  FIG.  35   a   ;  FIG.  35   c    is a cross section through line BB of  FIG.  35   a   ; and  FIG.  35   d    is a magnified view of a portion of  FIG.  35   c   , revealing yet a further camera-grip stabilisation feature that cooperates with the camera-grip stabilisation feature of  FIG.  34     c.    
     
    
    
     Throughout the description and the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like features. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    shows a two-part accessory  10  for a smartphone that incorporates a camera (hereinafter, a camera smartphone). While this and other accessories described herein are for camera smartphones, it will be appreciated that similar accessories can be provided for any portable electronic devices that incorporate a camera. 
     The accessory  10  includes a first part in the form of a case  11  for the camera smartphone, and a second part in the form of a camera control module  12 . The camera control module  12  comprises a controller  100  (similar to that described in connection with  FIG.  12   ) configured to control the camera of the smartphone, for example for taking photos or changing camera settings. 
     Henceforth, the term “accessory” will mostly be used to describe a two-part accessory with a camera control module attachable to a case, the case being one of the two parts forming the accessory. The term “accessory” is however also used to describe a “single-part” accessory, with an integrated (or integral) case. The term “accessory” may further be used, in a broader sense, to refer just to the camera control modules described herein. 
     The camera control module  12  can be removably attached to the case  11 . In this accessory  10 , a window  13  is provided on the case  11  for receiving the camera control module  12 . However, other features providing this function may be provided such as, but not limited to, a slot or a recess. It would alternatively be possible to attach the camera control module  12  to the case  11 , or directly to the smartphone, via, for example, an adhesive or an adhesive element. This attachment may be permanent. However, providing a removable attachment allows the camera control module  12  to be used with different cases  11 , suitable for different makes and/or models of camera smartphones. As known in the arts, a further window  15  is provided on the case  11  for exposing a set of lenses (shown in  FIG.  11   ) of the camera. 
     Turning now to the camera control module  12 , in use, a user actuates one or more camera controls  14  provided on the camera control module  12  to control the camera, for example for taking photos or for shooting a video. The camera controls  14  may provide camera control functions similar to those normally found in conventional cameras or could provide additional functions. In this camera control module  12 , the camera controls  14  include a shutter button  16 , a zoom rocker lever  18  and a camera settings button  20 . However, more or fewer camera controls can be provided. Some alternative camera control arrangements will be described in more detail below. 
     The accessory  10  communicates wirelessly with the camera smartphone. In particular, the camera control module  12  communicates wirelessly with the camera smartphone via the controller  100 , using Bluetooth®. However, alternative communication methods are possible. A wireless module may be implemented on a separate chip, but in this accessory the wireless connectivity is integrated in the controller (as described in connection with  FIG.  12   ). 
     The accessory  10 , via its camera control module  12 , does not provide additional camera resources over the camera resources already present in the smartphone; it instead provides alternative or additional camera control features to the control features provided by default on the smartphone. In this way, a user may take pictures or videos using the camera smartphone with the picture or vide-taking experience more closely resembling that which would have been had using a conventional camera. 
     The one or more camera controls  14  are provided on a (static) camera grip portion  26  of the camera control module  12 . The design of the camera grip portion  26  may be ergonomic, and thus facilitate the handling of the camera smartphone as a camera. 
     The camera control module  12  also includes an attachment sensor  22  which, in this camera control module  12 , is provided in the form of an NFC reader  24  operably connected to the controller  100 . Additional or alternative attachment sensors  22  may be provided, and some will be described in further detail below. In this accessory  10 , the NFC reader  24  is configured to detect the presence of a corresponding NFC tag  17  provided on the case  11 . More commonly, however, the NFC tag  17  will be provided as part of the smartphone, or the smartphone will be provided with the NFC reader, and the camera control module or case will be provided with the NFC tag. There may be two NFC tags, one on the case  11  and one on the smartphone, for redundancy, each of which can be discoverable by the NFC reader  24  provided on the accessory  10 . 
     The NFC reader  24  may be configured to wake up the camera control module  12  from an energy-preserving state (ie, a sleep mode) when the accessory  10  is installed to the smartphone, or when the camera control module  12  is received in the window  13 . When the controller is woken up, the wireless connection between the smartphone and the accessory (ie, between the smartphone and the controller) is established. As previously mentioned, this wireless connection supports camera control commands sent by the controller to the smartphone for controlling the camera, for example for taking pictures of changing various camera settings. 
       FIG.  2    shows an alternative two-part accessory  30 . The case  11  is practically the same as described in relation to  FIG.  1    above, with the previously described windows  13 ,  15  but without the NFC tag  17 . An equivalent NFC tag  17  in this arrangement provided on the smartphone, although the smartphone is not shown in  FIG.  2   . The camera control module  32  of this accessory  30 , however, differs from the camera control module  12  of  FIG.  1    in that it includes at least one reconfigurable camera grip portion  36 . 
     The reconfigurable camera grip portion  36  reconfigures from a first, stowed configuration, shown in  FIG.  2   ( b   1 ), to a second, deployed configuration, shown in  FIG.  2   ( b   2 ), to provide a camera grip  38  which, in this accessory  30 , is in the form of a finger loop  87  (although, depending on the dimension of the loop, the loop could alternatively be provided as a hand loop, or a loop for multiple fingers of one hand). While this accessory  30  includes a single reconfigurable camera grip portion  36 , provided by a flexible, concertina-type, element  40 , it is possible to provide two or more reconfigurable portions that collectively reconfigure to provide the camera grip  38 . An example will be described below in connection with  FIG.  11   , wherein three panes are provided to reconfigure into a camera grip. 
     The flexible, concertina-type, element  40  defines in the first, stowed configuration a generally flat rectangular shape. In the second, deployed configuration the flexible, concertina-type, element  40  defines a generally semi-cylindrical protrusion that constitutes the camera grip  38 . The camera grip  38  greatly facilitates handling of the camera smartphone as a camera. 
     The flexible, concertina-type, element  40  in this accessory is made of a resiliently deformable sheeted material that defines a series of strips  46  separated by respective live hinges  48  (ie, hinges which perform their function without the presence of additional moveable parts; these live hinges could be for example formed as film hinges, that is by a thin and/or bendable portions of a material, or of a sheet of material), similar to fluted arrangements commonly found in cardboard. Alternatively, however, the hinges could include additional parts, such as hinge pins, and connect several individual elongated elements. Adjacent corners  40   a ,  40   b  of the flexible element  40  are constrained to displace, in unison, upon a force being exerted by the user in direction A on the flexible element  40 , along parallel guides  42  provided on a support structure  44  on which the flexible element  40  is accommodated. Opposed corners  40   c ,  40   d  of the flexible element  40  are instead fixed on the support  44 . 
     Usefully, reconfiguration of the flexible element  40  in the second, deployed configuration not only provides the camera grip  38 , but it also reveals one or more camera controls  14  which, as described above in connection with  FIG.  1   , for this camera control module  32  too include a shutter button  16 , a camera settings button  20  and a zoom rocker lever  18 . Similar to the accessory described in connection with  FIG.  1   , this camera control module  32  too includes an NFC reader  24  as an attachment sensor  22 . When attachment is detected by the attachment sensor  22 , a wireless connection is established between the accessory  30  and the smartphone, and the controller is woken up from a sleep mode. The controller may then return to a sleep mode (for example, if the camera is not being used to take photos after a set time has lapsed). The controller may then be configured to be woken up again in connection with a new wake-up event such as reconfiguration of the flexible element  40  into the camera grip  38  or depression of one of the one or more camera controls  14 . 
     The user, therefore, first mounts the camera control module  32  to the case  11  (with the smartphone already or subsequently also accommodated in the case  11 ) and can then reconfigure, by applying a gentle force, the reconfigurable camera grip portion  36  into the camera grip  38 . This reveals the one or more camera controls  14 . The accessory  30  is thus ready to be used to control the smartphone camera via the controller  100  provided in the camera control module  32 , which controller  100  operates wirelessly to communicate camera control commands to the smartphone, according to actuation of the one or more camera controls  14  provided on the accessory  30 . 
       FIG.  3    shows an alternative two-part accessory  50 . The case  11  is the same as described in relation to  FIGS.  1  and  2    above, with windows  13 ,  15  but without NFC tag  17  (which is, instead, part of the smartphone). The camera control module  52  of this accessory  30 , however, differs from the camera control modules  12 ,  32  of  FIGS.  1  and  2    in that it includes a reconfigurable portion in the form of a reconfigurable control panel  54 . The one or more camera controls  14 , namely the shutter button  16 , zoom rocker lever  18  and camera settings button  20 , are provided in this camera control module  52 , on the reconfigurable panel  54 . 
     The reconfigurable panel  54  reconfigures between a first, stowed configuration shown in  FIG.  3   ( b   1 ) and a second, deployed configuration shown in  FIG.  3   ( b   2 ). In the first, stowed configuration of the reconfigurable control panel  54 , the one or more camera controls  14  may not be active. In the second, deployed configuration of the camera control panel  54 , the one or more camera controls  14  may become active, that is, they may only then be operable by the user to generate camera commands via the controller  100  for execution by the smartphone. In other words, the camera control module  52  is woken up by reconfiguration of the control panel  54 . When the camera control module  52  is woken up, wireless communication is established between the camera control module  52  and the smartphone, ie between the controller  100  and the smartphone. 
     The slider  56  is pivotally connected to a pivoted tab  58  at one end, and the pivoted tab is pivotally connected to an end of the reconfigurable control panel  54  at the other end. In this accessory  50 , the reconfigurable control panel  54  is pivotally connected at its other end to the support structure  44  of the cameral control module  52 . Accordingly, the user acts with a gentle force in direction A on a free end of the slider  56 , as shown in  FIG.  3   ( b   2 ). Displacement of the slider  56  in direction A results into rotation of the pivoted tab  58  of about 45 degrees in the clockwise direction, with an upwards lift of the pivotal connection between the pivoted tab  58  and the reconfigurable control panel  54 . As a result, the control panel  54  reconfigures from the in-plane position shown in  FIG.  3   ( b   1 ) to the out-of-plane position shown in  FIG.  3   ( b   2 ), with a total rotation of about 90 degree anticlockwise. 
     With this accessory  50 , therefore, the user may be required to reconfigure the control panel  54  to the deployed position before the user is able to control the camera using the accessory  50 . Alternatively, control of the camera with the accessory may be permanently available, without needing to reconfigure the control panel  54 . This camera control module  52  provides a first camera grip  26  when the control panel is in the first, stowed position—this grip being effectively similar or, from a handling perspective, no better than the static camera grip discussed above in connection with the accessory  10  shown in  FIG.  1   ; and, a second camera grip  38  when the control panel is in the second, deployed position—this being in principle similar to the reconfigurable camera grip discussed above in connection with the accessory  30  shown in  FIG.  2   , and improving significantly the handling of the smartphone as a camera. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates how the provision of a reconfigurable portion  36  in the form of a flexible, concertina-type, element  40  as discussed in connection with  FIG.  2   , may be combinable with the provision of a reconfigurable control panel  54  as discussed in connection with  FIG.  3   . 
     In the accessory  70  shown in  FIG.  4   , the camera control module  72  includes a support or support structure  44  that fixes the position of adjacent corners  40   c ,  40   d  of flexible element  40 ; opposed corners  40   a ,  40   b  are instead free to translate in direction A, parallel to the parallel guides  42  of supports structure  44 , as described in connection with  FIG.  2   . Displacement of the flexible, concertina-type, element  40  in direction A to form the camera grip  38  instigates rotation of the reconfigurable control panel  54 , as shown in  FIG.  4   ( b   2 ). Similar to the principle illustrated for accessory  50  of  FIG.  3   , the flexible element  40  and control panel  54  cooperate in the respective reconfigured states to provide the camera grip  38 .  FIG.  5    shows this mechanism in more detail. 
     In  FIG.  5   , the reconfigurable control panel  54  includes only two camera controls, that is, a combined shutter-and-zoom button  19  and a camera settings button  20 . As discussed earlier, however, any number and arrangement of camera controls may in principle be included in any of the accessories described herein, as desired, or as required, and any or all of these camera controls can be provided on a reconfigurable control panel  54  like the reconfigurable control panel  54  of  FIGS.  3  and  4   , previously discussed, or as presented herein in connection with  FIG.  5   . 
     In the stowed configuration, the control panel  54  is hidden behind the flexible, concertina-type, element  40 , as shown in  FIG.  5   ( b   1 ). The flexible element  40  is of similar construction to that described in connection with  FIG.  2   , with strips  46  of resiliently deformable material defined between film hinges  48 . In the deployed configuration, the control panel  54  is revealed, and the on-board camera controls  19 ,  20  can thus be operated by the user. 
     A slider  56  is arranged to move horizontally from right to left, as seen in  FIG.  5   ( b   1 ), under a gentle force exerted by the user. Movement of the slider  56  horizontally from left to right causes, simultaneously, the flexible element  40  to reconfigure as the camera grip  38 , and the control panel  54  to rotate upwardly by about 90 degrees, as shown in  FIG.  5   ( b   2 ). The slider is connected by a linkage (not shown) to the flexible element  40 , so that movement of the slider  56  can otherwise be instigated by action on the flexible element  40  in direction A, as shown in  FIG.  4   . The slider  56  is pivotally connected to link  57 , which in turn is pivotally connected to pivoted tab  58 , which in turn is pivotally connected to an end of the reconfigurable control panel  54 . Accordingly, the slider  56  causes the link  57  to reconfigure from the angled position shown in  FIG.  5   ( b   1 ) to the vertical position shown in  FIG.  5   ( b   2 ). Upwards movement of the link  57  pushes upwardly the lower end of the pivoted tab  58 . The pivoted tab  58  accordingly pivots out-of-plane, counter-clockwise, of about 90 degrees, and reconfigures as shown in  FIG.  5   ( b   2 ). 
     With the mechanism of  FIG.  5   , therefore, the user may choose whether to act on the reconfigurable flexible element  40 , as described in connection with  FIG.  4   , or on the slider  56 , as described in connection with  FIG.  5   , to reconfigure the accessory  70  with the camera grip  38 . The camera grip  38  is the result of the reconfiguration both of the flexible element  40  and the control panel  54 ; in other words, in the mechanisms of  FIG.  5   , there are two reconfigurable portions  40 ,  54  that cooperate to collectively to form the camera grip  38 . In order to return the mechanism in the stowed position shown in  FIG.  5   ( b   1 ), the user either acts, in opposite direction, on the slider  56 , on the flexible element  40  and/or on the reconfigurable control panel  54 . 
       FIG.  6    shows a variation  72  of the camera control module described in connection with  FIG.  4   . In this variation  72 , the flexible, concertina-type, element  40  can be reconfigured to provide camera grips at different positions along the length of the module  72 . Further, some but not all the camera grips are in the form of a finger loop  87 . On the contrary, with camera control module  32  of  FIG.  2   , the camera grip  38  could only be formed, in the shape of a finger loop  87 , on or near the right-hand side of the module (due to the corners  40   c ,  40   d  being fixed on the support structure  44 ). Likewise, with camera control module  72  of  FIG.  4   , a camera grip  38  (resembling that of traditional cameras) could only be formed on or near the left-hand side of the module (due, again, to the corners  40   c ,  40   d  being fixed on the support structure  44 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , in the present variation of camera control module  72 , each of the opposed pairs of adjacent corners  40   a ,  40   b  and  40   c ,  40   d  can move in unison along the parallel guides  42  provided on the support structure  44 . Accordingly, semi-cylindrical camera grip protrusions  38  can be formed at arbitrary intermediate positions, as shown in  FIG.  6   ( b   3 ), between the two limiting positions shown, respectively, in  FIG.  2   ( b   2 ) and  FIG.  4   ( b   2 ). The camera grip  38  shown in  FIG.  6   ( b   3 ) is in the form of a finger loop, which may easily be formed by the user by exerting a force on the flexible element  40  in direction D, as shown. However, if the camera grip  38  is formed in the position shown in  FIG.  6   ( b   2 ), then the camera grip  38  may be advantageously complemented by the reconfigurable control panel  54 , as previously described. 
     Reconfiguration of the control panel  54  is not automatically instigated in the variation  72  of camera control module shown in  FIG.  6    by the displacement of corners  40   a  and  40   b  of the flexible element  40  in direction A. Instead, to deploy the control panel  54 , the user must first extract the control panel  54  from a recess or slot provided in the support structure  44 , as shown by arrow B (the control panel  54  slides out from its recess, if pulled out), and then rotate to control panel  54  clockwise 90 degrees, as shown by arrow C, until the control panel  54  securely engages with the reconfigured flexible element  40  via releasable latch  60 . Alternatively, however, it would be possible to link the reconfiguration of the flexible element  40  with the extraction B of the control panel  54 ; rotation C could instead still be left with the user. 
     Otherwise, the camera grip  38  will be in the form of a finger loop  87 , as previously described. When the camera grip  38  is provided in the form of a finger loop  87 , the camera is controlled by pulling out the control panel  54  from a recess in the camera control module  72 , and rotating it 180 degrees. 
     An important feature of reconfigurable control panel  54  of  FIG.  6    is that it includes a slidable camera settings dial  55  which, just like the control panel  54 , can slide in and out the recess, but does not rotate clockwise to form the camera grip together with control panel  54 . Accordingly, different reconfigurable portions  40 ,  54 ,  55  of the camera control module  72  described herein may reconfigure according to different extents, or in different fashions, to provide one or more required deployed configurations. In the stowed configuration, the reconfigurable portions minimise the space occupied by the accessory  70 , so that the smartphone can be easily stored away, for example in a purse or pocket, or so that the smartphone can be more easily operated in a non-camera mode, for example as a telephone. 
       FIG.  7    shows an alternative arrangement comprising three reconfigurable portions  36  in the form of, respectively: a flexible band  80  reconfigurable to form a camera grip  38 ; a reconfigurable control panel  54 ; and, a reconfigurable camera settings dial  55 . 
     The flexible band  80  comprises four band components  81 ,  82 ,  83  and  84 . The flexible band  80  resembles, in principle, a watch bracelet of the type with individual links. The control panel  54  is as previously described herein, with three camera controls  16 ,  18 ,  20  each of which is also as previously described herein. The reconfigurable camera settings dial  55  is also as previously described herein. The features previously described will not be further described. 
     The band components  81 ,  82 ,  83 ,  84  are each in the form of a metal link and are hinged one to another as shown in  FIG.  7   . In the deployed configuration of  FIG.  7   , the camera grip  38  is formed by the band components  81 ,  82 ,  83 ,  84  together with the reconfigurable control panel  54 . The band components  81 ,  82 ,  83 ,  84  and control panel  54  are generally shaped as a loop  87 . The loop  87  could be sized for receiving one or more fingers of a user, or a whole hand. 
     The reconfigurable control panel  54  is extracted from a recess in the control module (not shown in  FIG.  7   ), then is rotated as described previously and removably secured to an end of band component  81  via the latch  60 . If the control panel  54  cannot rotate more than 90 degrees (because it is intrinsically so constrained, for example by its own hinge construction), the position of the control panel  54  shown in  FIG.  7    determines the shape of the loop  87 . However, in other arrangements, the shape of the loop  87  could be determined by other factors such as any constraints in relative rotation between the links  81 ,  82 ,  84 ,  84 , and the length of the links. 
     In order to reconfigure the reconfigurable portions  36  from the position shown in  FIG.  7    to a stowed configuration (not shown), the latch  60  is undone and the control panel  54  and camera settings dial  55  are stored back in the recess on the camera control module (not shown), and the band components  81 ,  82 ,  83 ,  84  are repositioned in a relatively flatter configuration compared to the configuration of  FIG.  7   . For example, link  81  folds flat over links  82  and  83  as shown by arrows A and B. 
     Alternatively, the latch could be omitted, and the control panel  54  may remain permanently connected to the band component  81 . Accordingly, the control panel may be allowed to rotate past 90 degrees clockwise from the position as extracted from the recess in direction E, the loop  87  may be maintained, instead of but collapsed toward a flatter position, according to direction of rotation D. Alternative configurations may be possible, for example allowing for a control panel  54  that may be permanently attached to the flexible band  80 , but which could be translated or lowered according to direction E to reveal a fixed camera settings dial  55 . 
     The reconfigurable portions  36  are, in this arrangement, collectively orientable relative to the case  11 , which is shown in  FIG.  7    only schematically. To orient the reconfigurable portions relative to the case, link  84  is rotated relative to a pin  85  according to rotation C. The reconfigurable portions  36  are also collectively translatable relative to the case  11 . To translate the reconfigurable portions relative to the case  11 , the pin  85  is moveable along a slot  86  which may be provided, for example, on the case  11 . 
       FIGS.  8 ,  9  and  10    illustrate further two-part accessories. 
     Starting from  FIG.  8   , a two-part accessory  90  is illustrated in  FIG.  8 ( i )  in a disassembled state. This two-part accessory  90  includes a case  91  for a camera smartphone and a slot-in camera control module  92  that can be received in a recess  93  for the camera control module  92  provided on the case  91 . The two-part accessory  90  is shown in an assembled state in  FIG.  8   ( ii ). 
     The case  91  has a number of features similar to those described previously in connection with the cases  11 , and these features will thus not be described again. However, the present case  91  is different in that it incorporates a reconfigurable portion  36  that reconfigures into a camera grip  38 , similar to the reconfigurable portion and camera grip previously described in connection with  FIG.  6   , and in that it also incorporates a controller  100 . The reconfigurable portion  36  is in the form of a flexible, concertina-type, element  40  which is also equivalent to that previously described in connection with  FIG.  6   . Accordingly, the details of the flexible element  40  will not be described again. Instead, the description of this accessory  90  will be focussed around the camera control module  92  and the way it communicates with the controller  100 , which is integrated into the case  91 . 
     The camera control module  92  does not include the controller  100 , or a portion of the controller  100 , but it only includes one or more camera controls  14 , which, in the case of the present camera control module  92  are provided in the form of a two-step focus-and-shutter button  16  and zoom rocker lever  18 . The controller  100  is analogous to the controllers  100  previously discussed and an example will be described below with reference to  FIG.  12   . Operable connection (by means of an appropriate circuit portion, not shown) between the one or more camera controls  14  and the controller is established in this accessory  90  only upon insertion of the slot-in camera control module  92  in the recess  93 , as this completes a circuit (not shown) that allows communication therebetween. 
     Alternatively, the camera controls  14  could be arranged to communicate wirelessly with the controller  100 , but wireless communication could otherwise be used only between the accessory and the camera smartphone. The controller  100  may be woken up, and therefore control of the camera via the accessory  90  initiated, by insertion of the camera control module  92  into the recess  93 . Additional or alternative wake-up events could otherwise be implemented, such as reconfiguration of the flexible element  40  to provide a camera grip  38 , or depression of at least one of the one or more camera controls  14 . 
       FIG.  8   ( iii ) shows the flexible, concertina-type, element  40  reconfigured to provide a first camera grip  38  located to the left of the case  91 . In order to reconfigure the flexible element  40  in this position, the user exerts a horizontal force on a nominal plane defined by the case  91  from right to left, pushing gently on a vertical side  40   ab  of the flexible element  40 .  FIG.  8   ( iv ) shows the flexible, concertina-type element  40  reconfigured to provide a second camera grip  38  (this one in the form of a finger loop) located mid-way along a set of guides  42  provided on the case  91 , similar to the guides previously described. In order to reconfigure the flexible element  40  in this position, the user exerts a horizontal force on a nominal plane defined by the case  91  from left to right, pushing gently against an opposed vertical side  40   cd  of the flexible element  40 . 
     These configurations reveal the presence of reconfiguration sensors  95 ,  96  located at either end of a support structure  44  provided on the case  91  to support the flexible element  40  and thus the reconfigurable grip  38 , which is similar to the support structure  44  previously described. In the described accessory  90 , each reconfiguration sensor  95 ,  96  is a position sensor operably connected to the controller  100  and capable of transmitting to the controller  100  information related to the position of a respective side  40   ab ,  40   ac  of the flexible element  40  along the parallel guides  42 . 
     Alternative reconfiguration sensing principles could be used. For example, the reconfiguration sensor may comprise or be arranged to sense one or more magnets, or one or more switches, arranged to sense the reconfiguration of the flexible element  40 . Redundancy could be provided by the use of more sensors, potentially of different type, all operably connected to the controller  100 . A possibility would be to use NFC reader and tag pairs similar to the NFC reader  24  and NFC tag  17  pairs previously discussed in connection with the attachment sensor  22  of  FIGS.  1 - 4   . In this arrangement, however, both the NFC reader and tag would need to be located on the case  91  (for example one as part of the case  91  and the other as part of the reconfigurable portion  36  of the case  91 ) rather than one on the accessory and one on the case or underlying camera smartphone. 
     In  FIG.  9   , a two-part accessory  90  similar to that of  FIG.  8    is illustrated. In  FIG.  9 ( i )  the accessory is shown in a disassembled state. The two-part accessory includes a case  91  for a camera smartphone and a slot-in camera grip module  94  that can be received in a recess  93  for the camera grip module  94  provided on the case  91 . The two-part accessory  90  is shown in an assembled state in  FIG.  9   ( ii ). 
     The case  91  has a number of features similar to those described previously in connection with the cases  11 , and these features will thus not be described again. However, the present case  91  is different in that it incorporates one or more camera controls  14  for controlling the camera of the smartphone, and a controller  100 . The one or more camera controls  14  are provided in the form of a two-step focus-and-shutter button  16  and zoom rocker lever  18 . 
     The camera grip module  94  includes a reconfigurable portion  36  that reconfigures into a camera grip  38 , similar to the reconfigurable portion and camera grip previously described in connection with  FIG.  6   . The reconfigurable portion  36  is in the form of a flexible, concertina-type, element  40  which is also equivalent to that previously described in connection with  FIG.  6   . Accordingly, the details of the flexible element  40  will not be described again. The present description will be focussed around the camera grip module  94  and the way it communicates with the controller  100 , which is integrated into the case  91 . 
     The camera grip module  94  does not include the controller  100 , or a portion of the controller  100 , but only includes the reconfigurable grip portion  36 , and related sensors  95 ,  96 . The controller  100  is analogous to the controllers  100  previously discussed and will be further described below with reference to  FIG.  12   . Operable connection between the one or more camera controls  14  and the controller  100  is permanent whilst operable connection between the camera grip module  94  and the controller is only established in this accessory  90  upon insertion of the slot-in camera grip module  94  in the recess  93 , as this completes a circuit (not shown) that allows communication therebetween. Alternatively, the camera controls  14  and/or the camera grip module  94  could communicate wirelessly with the controller  100 . 
       FIG.  9   ( iii ) shows the flexible, concertina-type, element  40  reconfigured to provide a first camera grip  38  located near the left of the case  91 . In order to reconfigure the flexible element  40  in this position, the user exerts a horizontal force on a nominal plane defined by the case  91  from right to left, pushing gently on a vertical side  40   ab  of the flexible element  40 .  FIG.  9   ( iv ) shows the flexible, concertina-type element  40  reconfigured to provide a second camera grip  38  (in the form of a finger loop) located mid-way along a set of guides  42  provided on the camera grip module  94 , similar to the guides previously described. In order to reconfigure the flexible element  40  in this position, the user exerts a horizontal force on a nominal plane defined by the case  91  from left to right, pushing gently against an opposed vertical side  40   cd  of the flexible element  40 . 
     These configurations reveal the presence of reconfiguration sensors  95 ,  96  located at either end of a support structure  44  provided as part of the camera grip module  94  to support the flexible element  40  and thus the reconfigurable grip  38 , which is similar to the support structure  44  previously described. In the described accessory  90 , each reconfiguration sensor  95 ,  96  is a position sensor operably connected or connectable to the controller  100  and capable of transmitting to the controller  100  information related to the position of a respective side  40   ab ,  40   ac  of the flexible element  40  along the parallel guides  42 . Alternative reconfiguration sensing principles could be used, as previously described. 
     In  FIG.  10   , a two-part accessory  99  similar to that of  FIGS.  8  and  9    is illustrated. In  FIG.  10 ( i )  the accessory is shown in a disassembled state. The two-part accessory  99  includes a case  98  for a camera smartphone and a slot-in camera control and grip module  97  that can be received in a recess  93  for the camera control and grip module  97  provided on the case  98 . The two-part accessory  99  is shown in an assembled state in  FIG.  10   ( ii ). The camera control and grip mode  97  comprises an NFC reader  24  similar to that described in connection with  FIGS.  1 - 4   . An associated NFC tag  17  is provided as part of the case  98 . The NFC reader and tag pair  24 ,  17  form an attachment sensor  22  that functions as described in connection with  FIGS.  1 - 4   . The NFC tag  17  could be part of the underlying smartphone. Otherwise, the NFC reader  24  could be part of the smartphone, and the NFC tag  17  could be provided as part of the camera control and grip module  97 . 
     The case  98  has a number of features similar to those described previously in connection with the cases  91  of  FIGS.  8  and  9   , and these features will thus not be described again. However, the present case  98  is different in that it does not incorporate the controller  100 . The controller  100 , in this accessory  98 , in instead provided as part of a camera grip and control module  97 . The case  98  include a window  15  for the camera lenses, as described in connection with  FIG.  1   . 
     The camera grip and control module  97  in addition includes a reconfigurable portion  36  that reconfigures into a camera grip  38 , similar to the reconfigurable portion of the camera grip previously described in connection with  FIG.  6   . The one or more camera controls  14  are provided as part of the camera control and grip module  97  in the form of a two-step focus-and-shutter button  16  and zoom rocker lever  18 . The reconfigurable portion  36  is in the form of a flexible, concertina-type, element  40  which is also equivalent to that previously described in connection with  FIG.  6   . Accordingly, the details of the flexible element  40  will not be described again. The present description will be focussed around the camera control and grip module  97  and the way it communicates with the controller  100 . 
     The camera control and grip module  97  could alternatively only include a part of the controller  100 , or a portion of the controller  100 , in addition to the camera controls  16 ,  18  and the reconfigurable grip portion  36 , and related sensors  95 ,  96 . The controller  100  is in every other respect analogous to the controllers  100  previously discussed and an example will be further described below with reference to  FIG.  12   . Operable connection between the one or more camera controls  14  and the reconfigurable grip portion  36  and the controller  100  is therefore permanent in this accessory  99 , and not only established upon insertion of the slot-in camera control and grip module  97  in the recess  93 , as this completes a circuit (not shown) that allows communication therebetween. Alternatively, the camera controls  14  and/or the reconfigurable camera grip portion  36  provided on the camera control and grip module  97  could communicate wirelessly with the controller  100 . The controller  100  may be woken up to control the camera following any events, including attachment of the control module  97  to the case  98 , depression of any of the camera controls  14 , and/or reconfiguration of the reconfigurable portion  36 . The controller  100  may go into a sleep mode after a set time. 
       FIG.  10   ( iii ) shows the flexible, concertina-type, element  40  reconfigured to provide a first camera grip  38  located near the left of the case  98 . In order to reconfigure the flexible element  40  in this position, the user exerts a horizontal force on a nominal plane defined by the case  98  from right to left, pushing gently on a vertical side  40   ab  of the flexible element  40 .  FIG.  10   ( iv ) shows the flexible, concertina-type element  40  reconfigured to provide a second camera grip  38  (in the form of a finger loop) located approximately mid-way along a set of guides  42  provided on the camera grip module  97 , similar to the guides previously described. In order to reconfigure the flexible element  40  in this position, the user exerts a horizontal force on a nominal plane defined by the case  98  from left to right, pushing gently against an opposed vertical side  40   cd  of the flexible element  40 . 
     These configurations reveal the presence of reconfiguration sensors  95 ,  96  located at either end of a support structure  44  provided as part of the camera control and grip module  97  to support the flexible element  40  and thus the reconfigurable grip  38 , which is similar to the support structure  44  previously described. In the described accessory  99 , each reconfiguration sensor  95 ,  96  is a position sensor operably connectable to the controller  100  upon insertion of the module  97  in its recess  93  and capable of transmitting to the controller  100  information related to the position of a respective side  40   ab ,  40   ac  of the flexible element  40  along the parallel guides  42 . Alternative reconfiguration sensing principles could be used, as previously described. 
     We have described so far a number of two-part accessories for camera smartphones. It will be appreciated, however, that the accessories described herein may likewise be implemented as single-part (ie, integral or integrated) accessories, that is accessories in which no components can be assembled or disassembled. 
       FIG.  11    shows an example of a single-part or integrated accessory  69 , wherein parts previously shown as attachable or detachable are instead integrally provided as part of the accessory  69  from manufacture. The user will not normally be able to disassemble any parts therefrom. Starting from  FIG.  11 A , the accessory  69  is mounted to a camera smartphone  1  including a camera. The camera is provided with a set of lenses  2  for taking photos. The lenses  2  are received in a suitable window  15  formed on a case  11  of the accessory  69 , so that the case  11  provides no impediment to the taking of pictures using the camera. 
     In  FIG.  11 A , the accessory is depicted in a deployed status, wherein one or more reconfigurable portions  36  of the accessory  69  are deployed to provide a camera grip  38 . In this accessory  69 , the one or more reconfigurable portions  36  comprise three reconfigurable hinged panes  3 ,  4 ,  5 . Each pane  3 ,  4 ,  5  has a generally rectangular shape, and is connected to at least one adjacent pane, as shown in  FIG.  11 A . First pane  3  includes a transversally extending edge hinged to the case  11  via a first, fixed hinge  8 . This means that although said edge of the first pane  3  can rotate relative to the case  11 , the first pane  3  cannot translate relative to the case  11 . Second pane  4  includes a pair transversally extending edges hinged to respective transversal edges of the first and third panes  3 ,  5  via respective hinges  6 . A transversally extending edge of the third pane  5  is hinged on one side to an edge of the second pane  4  via one of said hinges  6 , and on the other side to a moveable hinge  7  which is arranged to translate along parallel guides  42  provided on the case  11  for constraining the three panes  3 ,  4 ,  5  so that they can be reconfigured into the camera grip  38 , as desired. 
     The accessory  69  in addition includes two camera controls  14  in the form of a shutter button  16  and zoom rocker lever  18 . The camera controls  14  have been described above in some detail and will thus not be described further. The accessory  69  also includes a controller  100  (not shown) of the type described in more detail below in connection with  FIG.  12   . The camera controls  14  are in operable communication with the controller  100 , and so is a reconfiguration sensor  9  which, in this accessory  69 , senses a magnet (not shown) disposed near the moveable hinge  7 . 
     In use, the reconfigurable panes  3 ,  4 ,  5  are manually reconfigured by the user to obtain the camera grip  38 . Reconfiguration of the reconfigurable portions  36  may cause the controller to generate a camera control initiation command which is then transmitted to and received by the smartphone  1 . The smartphone  1  may be programmed to cause a camera mode of the smartphone  1  to be activated in response to reception of the camera control initiation command, and accordingly to hand-over, or permit, control of the camera in the camera mode to the accessory  69 . 
       FIG.  11 B  shows the accessory  69  in a storage configuration. In order to reconfigure the accessory  69  in the storage configuration, the user gently pushes the first, second and third panes  3 ,  4 ,  5  longitudinally along the smartphone  1  until the panes  3 ,  4 ,  5  lie substantially flat over a nominal plane defined by the case  11 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  12   , the controller  100  described herein is in the form of a microcontroller which, as known in the arts, may be provided as an integrated printed circuit board (PCB). A variety of Bluetooth® and/or NFC ready microcontrollers can be sourced in the market at the date of filing the present application. Choice of an appropriate microcontroller  100  generally depends on design considerations, required performance and cost. It is not within the scope of the present application to describe the engineering of the accessories described herein. However,  FIG.  12    introduces certain basic features of microcontrollers  100  proposed for the present accessories. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , the microcontroller  100  is battery powered at 3 Volts. A CR2032 battery is used, but alternative battery specifications would be possible. The microcontroller  100  includes two analogue input output (AIO) channels, which can be used for example in connection with analogue camera controls, such as, but not limited to, the camera settings dial  55  described herein. In addition, the microcontroller  100  includes two general purpose input output (GPIO) channels, which may convey input from, for example, respective camera controls  14  in the form of pushbuttons, such as the camera shutter button  16 . If a combined shutter &amp; zoom camera control button is required, then any signals coming from this type of control button may be conveyed by combining a general purpose and an analogue input/output channels, as shown in  FIG.  12   . The microcontroller  100  exemplified in  FIG.  12    also receives input from a magnetic sensor  9 , which, as explained in connection with  FIG.  11   , functions as a camera grip reconfiguration sensor  9 . 
     In use, the microcontroller  100  issues camera control commands to the smartphone  1  in response to inputs received from the one or more camera controls  14 . These commands are interpreted by an appropriate computer programme (for example a smartphone app) installed on the smartphone  1  and are translated accordingly into actions corresponding to the inputs received by the microcontroller  100 . For example, depressing a shutter button provided on the accessory produces an input for the microcontroller which in turn issues a camera control command to the smartphone; the smartphone receives and interprets this signal by taking a photo. The microcontroller can likewise issue a camera control initiation command to activate a camera mode on the smartphone  1 . Alternatively, the user may activate the camera mode on the smartphone by known means, for example by starting a camera app on the smartphone  1 . The smartphone  1  may be programmed accordingly to generate and send a camera control initiation command to the accessory, handing-over the control of the camera. These processes are illustrated in more detail in connection with  FIG.  13   . 
       FIG.  13    summarises how the accessories described herein may be used to provide control of a camera incorporated into a portable electronic device such as a smartphone. With continued reference to the case of a camera smartphone  1 , an accessory as described herein is initially provided  120  and mounted  130  to the camera smartphone  1 . In principle, the accessory may communicate with the camera smartphone  1  independently of the accessory being actually mounted to the underlying device  1 . For example, the accessory may be used in close proximity of the device  1  to control the camera. Step  130  has therefore been represented in dashed lines rather than solid lines. If the camera is not readily controlled by the accessory (this may depend on software currently running on the smartphone, then a camera control handover routine will be required, as shown in  FIG.  13    by steps  160  and  170 . When the handover is completed, the camera of the smartphone is controlled by the accessory. The generation of a camera control initiation command may be dependent on the user taking the step of reconfiguring the one or more reconfigurable portions  36  of the accessories described herein into a camera grip  28 . Alternatively, the generation of said camera control initiation command may be dependent on the user at least partially depressing any of the camera controls  14 . 
     Seven further accessories will now be described, with reference to  FIGS.  14 - 32   . The description of these seven further accessories will focus on features that bring forward one or more differences between these accessories and the accessories previously described. 
     It will be understood that one or more features which have already been described herein in connection with  FIGS.  1 - 13   , do not necessitate of further description, but may still be present in, or incorporated into, the accessories shown in  FIGS.  14 - 32   . 
     The accessory  210  of  FIGS.  14  and  15    comprises four assemblable components: an inner case shell  211   i , an outer case shell  211   o  (ie, collectively, inner and outer case shells  211   i ,  211   o ), a connector  250  and a camera control module  212 . The camera control module  212  is constructed, shaped and arranged as a reconfigurable camera grip portion  226 . 
     In  FIG.  14   , the accessory  210  is shown in a generally disassembled configuration. However, the connector  250  is shown as being assembled to the outer case shell  211   o . More particularly, a base  251  of the connector  250  is inserted into a corresponding slot formed on the outer case shell  211   o . To assemble the accessory  210 , the connector  250  is first mounted to the outer case shell  211   o  as shown in  FIG.  14   , then the outer case shell  211   o  is mounted on the inner case shell  211   i , and finally the camera grip  226  is connected to a protruding portion  252  of the connector  250 . The protruding portion  252  of the connector  250  is hinged, such that the reconfigurable camera grip portion  226  also hinges on the connector  250 , and it can therefore be deployed or stored away to provide a camera grip  236  for a smartphone, as described herein. In addition, the camera grip  236  can usefully be employed as a kickstand  217 , as shown in  FIG.  19   , for supporting the smartphone in portrait configuration. 
       FIG.  15    shows the accessory  210  of  FIG.  14    in an assembled configuration, with the camera grip  236  in an extended configuration. The reconfigurable camera grip portion  226 , therefore, may be operated as a camera grip  236 , which may for example provide for an improved camera grip  236  for the portable electronic device. In this accessory  210 , the base  251  of the connector  250 , and thus the whole connector  250 , is held in the required position on the case  211   i ,  211   o  by the smartphone being accommodated within the inner case shell  211   i . In other words, the base  251  of the connector  250 , in use, is sandwiched, or wedged, between the smartphone and an inner surface of the outer case shell  211   o.    
     The accessory  210  of  FIGS.  16 - 19    differs from that of  FIGS.  14  and  15    in that this accessory  210  only comprises three assemblable parts: a case  211 , with an in-built connector  250 , which case  211  also comprises inner and outer case shells  211   i ,  211   o , as described above, and a camera control module  212 . A window  215  is provided on the case so that a set of camera lenses of the smartphone may be used for taking pictures. 
     Similar to the accessory  210  described above in connection with  FIGS.  14  and  15   , the camera control module  212  is provided in the form of a camera grip  236 . Again, the camera grip  236  is essentially a reconfigurable camera grip  236 , which is reconfigurable from a corresponding reconfigurable camera grip portion  226  to provide a camera grip  226  or an improved camera grip  236  for the smartphone, as well as a kickstand  217 , as shown in  FIG.  19   . 
     Also in this accessory  210  the connector  250  comprises a transversal hinge  206 , that extends in a transverse or width-wise direction with respect to the case  211  or the smartphone  201 . However, in this accessory  210 , the connector  250  is permanently attached (for example by one or more screws, or via an adhesive—not shown) to the outer surface, that is a back face, of the case  211 . This reduces the number of assemblable components to only three, which may be advantageous for the end user. 
     The camera control module  212  could, for example, be disassembled and used as a remote camera control. Assembling and disassembling the camera control module  212  from the accessory  210  is particularly simple, as this can be performed by engaging and disengaging the camera control module  212  via a slot  254  provided on a side of the camera control module  212 , and a corresponding tongue  253  provided on the outwardly extending projection  252  of the connector  250 . The tongue  253 , which snaps in place into the corresponding slot  254 , is hinged to the remainder of the connector  250 , and thus to the case  211 , via the hinge  206 . The hinge  206  may take different practical implementations, all of which need not be described in detail herein. 
       FIGS.  20 - 22    are detail views of a further accessory  210  for smartphones, similar to those of  FIGS.  14 - 19   , but comprising only two assemblable components, that is a camera control module  212  and a case  211 . The case  211  no longer comprises disassemblable inner and outer case shells. Therefore, the number of assemblable components  211 ,  212  have in this accessory  210  been reduced to a minimum. However, the case  211  is not of unitary construction, but the inner and outer portions of the case  211  cannot be assembled and disassembled by the user. Alternatively, the case  211  may be of unitary construction. As before, the camera control module  212  is shaped and constructed so as to comprise a reconfigurable camera grip portion  226 , similar to the camera grip of more conventional or traditional cameras. When the camera control module  212  is assembled to the case  211 , it works as a reconfigurable camera grip  236 . The main difference between the accessory  210  of  FIGS.  20 - 22    and the accessories  210  of  FIGS.  14 - 19    is that the connector  250  is now integrated into the camera control module  212 , as shown in detail in  FIGS.  20   a ,  21   a  and  22   a   . The connector  250  still comprises a hinge  206 , which his essentially as described previously (but may differ in detail). Certain constructive details of this integral or integrated connector  250  will now be described further. 
       FIG.  20   a    shows the camera control module  212  in a latched configuration. The camera control module  212  comprises a latch mechanism  260 , which can be operated to latch the camera control module  212  to the case  211 . The latch mechanism  260  is shown in more detail in  FIGS.  23  and  24   .  FIG.  20   b    shows a cross section through the latch mechanism  260  in the configuration of  FIG.  20   a   . The latch mechanism  260  comprises two operation arms  261 . Each operation arm comprises a corresponding latching projection  262  at one end thereof. The operation arms  261  are biassed away from one another by a biasing element  263 , which in this accessory  210  is simply a compression spring, as shown in  FIG.  20   b   . The latching projections  262  extend generally parallel to the case  211 , whereas the operating arms  261  of the latching mechanism  260  have a generally perpendicular extension. The latching projections  262  thus engage, in use, with a corresponding recess  264  provided on the inner side of the case  211 , as best shown in  FIGS.  21   b    and  22   b.    
     To remove the camera control module  212  from the case  211 , the user simply brings the operating arms  261  of the latching mechanism  260  as close as possible one to the other in contrast with the force exerted by the spring  263 , as shown in  FIG.  21   b   . The latching mechanism  260 , and with it the camera control module  212  can therefore be extracted and then removed from the case  211 , via an opening  265  formed on the outer side of the case  211 . The opening  265  on the outer side of the case  211  is slightly smaller than the recess  264  on the inner side of the case  211 , as best seen in  FIG.  22   b   . This stepped configuration of the recess  264  and opening  265  allows the latching mechanism  260  to operate as described. 
       FIG.  23    is a front perspective view of the latching or release mechanism  260  of the camera grip component  226  of the accessory  210  of  FIGS.  20 - 22   , showing an arrangement including heads  267  of the operating arms  261  (which provide respective contact points for the user&#39;s fingertips for operating the release mechanism  260 ), a housing  268  within which the operating arms  261  move when they are operated by the user, and the latching projections  262 .  FIG.  24    is an exploded view of the same latching or release mechanism  260  of  FIG.  23   , showing the heads  267 , the operating arms  261 , the latching projections  262 , the spring  263  and the housing  268  in greater constructive detail. 
       FIG.  25    is a top plan view of a further and preferred accessory  230  for smartphones, which is essentially a variation of the accessory  210  of  FIGS.  20 - 22   , also with two and only two assemblable components in the form of a smartphone case  211  and a camera control module  232 , with an integral connector  250 . The difference between this preferred accessory  230  and the accessory  210  of  FIGS.  20 - 22    is that the connector  250  now includes a bayonet arrangement  270  for connecting the camera control module  232  to the case  211 . 
     The bayonet arrangement  270  comprises a set of two bayonet projections  271  provided on the connector  250 , which, as described above, is integrated into the camera control module  212 . The bayonet projections  271  (which could be just one or more than two, in alternative arrangements) have in this arrangement portions having generally arcuated shape and are disposed at an angle of 180 degrees (ie, opposite one another) with respect to a notional centre C of the connector  250 . Other shapes are however possible, for example cylindrical. 
     The bayonet projections  271  are designed to engage with a corresponding set of two bayonet openings or sockets  272  formed on the case  211 , as also shown in  FIG.  25   . The bayonet sockets  272  are also generally arcuated in shape, to match the arcuated shape of the bayonet projections  271 , so as to make possible inserting the projections  271  in the corresponding sockets  272 . In addition, latching cut-outs  274  are also formed contiguous to the bayonet sockets  272 , such that when the projections  271  are received in the slots  272  (as shown in  FIG.  28   ), the camera control module  232  can be affixed to the case  211  by twisting it clockwise to the angular position shown in  FIG.  29   . This is made possible by the three-dimensional profile of the bayonet projections, which however is not visible in  FIG.  25   . Once the camera control module  232  has been attached to the case  211 , the reconfigurable camera grip  236  can be retracted to a stowed-away configuration as shown in  FIG.  28   , and deployed again as a camera grip  236  and/or as a kickstand  217 , as required by the user. 
     A recess  280  is formed on the back face of the case  211  to receive the reconfigurable camera grip  236  in the folded configuration of  FIG.  28   , to ensure a compact profile of the accessory  230  in the folded or stowed-away configuration, but also to prevent accidental rotation of the bayonet arrangement  270  of the connector  250 , which could disengage the camera control module  232  from the accessory  210  and, thus, from the smartphone  201 . 
     The reconfigurable camera grip portion  226 ,  236  of the assemblable camera control module  232  is generally shaped as a parallelepiped, and preferably as a parallelepiped with right angles, having a width that generally corresponds to, or is less than, a width of the case  211  or of the portable electronic device  201 , wherein said widths are in a transversal direction of the portable electronic device  201 . 
     The reconfigurable camera grip portion  226 ,  236  has a length that generally corresponds to half, or less than half, a length of the case  211  or of the portable electronic device  201 , wherein said lengths are in a longitudinal direction of the portable electronic device  201 . 
     The reconfigurable camera grip  226 ,  236  has a depth that generally corresponds to, or exceeds, a depth of the case  211  or of the portable electronic device  201 , wherein said depths are in an out-of-plane direction of the portable electronic device  201 . 
       FIG.  29    shows yet a further and more preferred accessory  230 , very similar to that of  FIGS.  25 - 28   . This accessory  230  also comprises two and only two assemblable components, in the form of a case  211  and a camera control module  232  which has a reconfigurable camera grip portion  226  that may be reconfigured to provide a camera grip  236  and/or a kickstand  217  for the portable electronic device  201 . However, the connector  250 , which is provided here as part of the camera control module  232 , comprises a single mating projection (not shown) which is adapted for fitting into a single socket  272  (of circular shape) formed on the back face of the case  211 , as shown in  FIG.  29   . The connection may be aided by complementary magnets (not shown) provided, respectively, on the connector  250  and on the case  211 . The magnets could be deployed in conjunction with any of the connectors described herein. 
     Accordingly, the camera control module  232 , and with it, the reconfigurable camera grip portion  226 , and the camera grip  236 , are collectively reorientable on the case  211 , and this operation requires rotating the camera control module  232  around a notional z-axis perpendicular to a notional x-y plane defined by the case  211  and/or the portable electronic device  201 . The camera control module  232  in this more preferred accessory  230  can be reoriented relative to the case at any angle around said z-axis. However, this relative rotation could be limited to within a specified range of angles. Such operation of the camera control module  232  is made possible by the type of connection formed between the case  211  and the connector  250 , via the circular socket  272 . However, it will be appreciated that other connections are possible which may provide the same functionality. One such connection is, for example, shown in  FIG.  7    and is described hereinabove. 
     The preferred accessory  230 , in other words, includes a camera control module  232  which is not only reconfigurable (in that it comprises a reconfigurable portion  226 ) to provide a reconfigurable camera grip  236 , but the camera grip  236  is also orientable on the case such that it may be used, for example, in portrait or landscape picture-taking modes. The preferred accessory  230 , when the camera module  232  is assembled to the case  211 , defines not just one but two hinges  206 ,  207  that operate around respective axes of rotation, one perpendicular (z axis) and one parallel (y axis) to the x-y plane defined by the case  211  or the smartphone  201 , as shown in  FIG.  29   . 
       FIG.  30    shows the accessory  230  of  FIG.  29   , in an assembled status, with the camera grip  236  reconfigured for taking photos with the smartphone  201  in portrait orientation. This is achieved by rotating the reconfigurable camera grip  236  such that it is now at a right angle with respect to a longitudinal direction defined by the smartphone  201  and/or by the case  211  (x axis). It will further be appreciated that the reconfigurable camera grip  236  can in addition be used as a kickstand  217 , and that this can be done both in portrait or landscape configurations by extending the camera grip  236  around the hinge  206  of the camera control module  232 , away from the case  211 . Such operation of the hinge  206 , to extend the reconfigurable camera grip portion  226  away from the case  211  to provide a camera grip  236  and/or kickstand  217  may result into a better grip and/or better support for the camera smartphone  201  for taking photos. 
       FIG.  31    relates to yet a further accessory for smartphones, similar to that of  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , which is shown in various configurations and from various viewpoints according to  FIGS.  31   a - 31   i   . In  FIG.  31   a    a reconfigurable camera grip of the accessory is deployed to provide a camera grip such that a user would be able to grip the smartphone in a way similar to that of a traditional camera.  FIG.  31   a    alongside  FIGS.  31   b ,  31   c  and  31   e    also reveals a slightly different arrangement of controls compared to that shown in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , for example. The reconfigurable camera grip comprises two hinged panes, as shown in  FIG.  31   d   . The left pane comprises a fixed hinge, fixed with respect to the case. The right pane comprises a movable hinge, in that this hinge is movable with respect to the case, and a sliding connection, opposite the movable hinge, on the other side of the pane. The camera control module is incorporated into the left pane. However, it could similarly be incorporated into the right pane. To reconfigure the reconfigurable portions (left and right panes) of the camera control module as a camera grip, the user slides the right panel to the left to obtain the camera grip, or to the right to store away the reconfigurable camera grip, as shown in  FIGS.  31   g ,  31   h  and  31   i   , respectively. 
       FIG.  32    relates to yet a further accessory for smartphones, similar to those of  FIGS.  11 A,  11 B and  31     a - 31   i , also shown in various configurations and from various viewpoints, as shown in  FIGS.  32   a - 32   f   . In  FIG.  32   a   , the reconfigurable camera module is shown in both retracted and deployed configurations. A wire bracket supports the camera control module in the deployed configuration, as best shown in  FIG.  32   c   . The wire bracket is hinged at one end to the reconfigurable camera control module, and is slidable on guides at the other end, such that when the reconfigurable camera control module is pulled outwardly from the rest position (shown in  FIG.  32   b   ) by the user, the slidable end of the wire bracket slides outwardly (to the left, as seen in  FIG.  32   b   ) until it locks in place to support the extended camera grip. It will be appreciated that the reconfigurable camera grip portion and the wire bracket of this accessory work together as an overcentre mechanism. 
     The accessoroes described herein may each be provided with one or more camera grip configuration stabilisation features, or in other words one or more camera grip configuration retention means. Accordingly, the camera grip portion of the accessory may be configured in a required or desired configuration, and the one or more camera grip configuration retention means may act to retain the camera grip portion in that configuration. These features or means will now be exemplified in connection with  FIGS.  33 - 35   , but it will be understood that the concept is of more wide application. 
       FIGS.  33   a  and  33   b    show yet a further accessory for smartphones, similar to that of  FIGS.  25 - 29   . However, this accessory differs from the earlier accessories in that it comprises a camera-grip stabilisation lip  301  formed on an underside of the camera-grip portion of the accessory (i.e. the lip  301  is formed on an inner face thereof, which in-use faces the case component of the accessory), which lip  301  is shaped to engage a corresponding camera-grip stabilisation cut-away  302  formed on a camera grip facing side of the case of the accessory. In  FIG.  33   a   , the camera-grip stabilisation lip  301  and cut-away  302  are disengaged, while the camera grip is deployed to provide a kick-stand, as previously described. In  FIG.  33   b   , the lip  301  and cut-away  302  are engaged; this helps the camera grip portion lie essentially flat against the case in the retracted position, and in addition prevents any undesired sideway ‘wobble’ motion of the camera grip portion on the case. 
       FIGS.  34   a ,  34   b  and  34   c    illustrate a further camera-grip stabilisation feature provided on the accessory of  FIGS.  33   a  and  33   b   . This feature is a debossment  303 ,  304  provided on an internal face of a recess, which recess serves to rotatably connect the camera grip portion with respect to a connector portion of the accessory, as described herein. The debossment  303 ,  304  is formed by a semi-spherical dimple or cavity  303  and an arcuate groove  304 , both provided on said recess face, as shown. The debossment  303 ,  304  is designed to receive a corresponding embossment  305  (this is shown in  FIGS.  35   a  to  35   d   ). The embossment  305  is initially received in the cavity  303 . A resistence must be overcome to rotate the camera grip portion such that the embossment  305  may be first removed from the cavity  303  and then received in the arcuate groove  304 , where it is free to move along the arcuate recess  304  during rotation of the camera grip portion around the connector to reposition the camera grip portion from the retracted position to the deployed (i.e. kick-stand) position. The cavity  303  may accordingly ensure (if the cavity  303 , the groove  304  and the embossment  305  are the only camera-grip configuration stabilisation features), or help to ensure (if the lip  301  and cut-away  302  are also provided), that the camera grip portion is retained in a flat and stable configuration on the camera case, until the user decides to deploy the camera grip portion in the kick stand configuration. It will be clear that the debossment and embossment features  303 ,  304 ,  305  and the lip and cut-away features  301 ,  302  can be alterantive or complementary. Further, it will be clear that the same results can be achieved irrespective of the described and shown precise shape and configuration of these features, and their location. For example, it will be appreciated that the embossment may be provided on the camera grip portion, and the debossment may be provided on the connector portion. Other locations are possible. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  35   a ,  35   b ,  35   c  and  35   d   , we can see that the embossment  305 , which is provided on a shoulder of the connector (which, in use, locates opposite to the above described recessed face of the camera grip portion) is not distant from a notional axis of rotation defined by the hinge formed by the connector and camera grip portion when they are coupled or assembled. The embossment  305  takes the shape, in this accessory, of a semi-spherical projection. Other shapes would of course be possible. The material of which the embossment  305  is made can be the same material of which all the connector is made. However, as it can be appreciated, it will be important that this material, which can for example be a plastic, or other polymeric material, have a sufficient compliance so as to allow the embossment  305  to deform sufficiently to transfer from the cavity  303  to the arcuate groove  304 . If this material is relatively rigid, then such compliance may be provided in relation to the material of which the body of the camera grip portion is made. This effect can be achieved as a combination of the characteristics of the material and geometry of the embossment  305 , the cavity  303  and the groove  304 , and the components on which they are provided. All dimensions in  FIGS.  34   a  to  34   c  and  35   a  to  35   d    are in millimetres. 
     The above detailed description describes a variety of exemplary arrangements of and methods of using an accessory for controlling a camera incorporated into a portable electronic device and/or an associated camera control module. However, the described arrangements and methods are merely exemplary, and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Some of these modifications will now be briefly described, however this list of modifications is not to be considered as exhaustive, and other modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. 
     The controller  100  has been described in the above description as being part of the case or of any of the control modules described herein. In a modification of the concepts described herein, it is possible to provide the controller distributed across said components or parts. 
     In the above description, the term “accessory” has been used in connection with a product comprising a case for the underlying portable electronic device with camera. It will be appreciated, however, that the term “accessory” could likewise refer to any of the control modules described above, irrespective of the presence of a case integrated with, or attachable to, the control modules. 
     While various specific combinations of components and method steps have been described, these are merely examples. Components and method steps may be combined in any suitable arrangement or combination. Components and method steps may also be omitted to leave any suitable combination of components or method steps. 
     The described methods may be implemented using computer executable instructions. A computer program product or computer readable medium may comprise or store the computer executable instructions. The computer program product or computer readable medium may comprise a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a CD, a DVD, a cache, a random-access memory (RAM) and/or any other storage media in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). A computer program may comprise the computer executable instructions. The computer readable medium may be a tangible or non-transitory computer readable medium. The term “computer readable” encompasses “machine readable”. 
     The singular terms “a” and “an” should not be taken to mean “one and only one”. Rather, they should be taken to mean “at least one” or “one or more” unless stated otherwise. 
     The word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated features but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further features. 
     The above implementations have been described by way of example only, and the described implementations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations of the described implementations may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     It will also be apparent that there are many variations that have not been described, but that fall within the scope of the appended claims. 
     LIST OF REFERENCES 
     
         
           1  Camera smartphone ( FIG.  11   ) 
           2  Camera lenses ( FIG.  11   ) 
           3  First pane 
           4  Second pane 
           5  Third pane 
           6  Hinges 
           7  Guided hinge 
           8  Fixed hinge 
           9  Reconfiguration sensor ( FIG.  11   ) 
           10  Accessory ( FIG.  1   ) 
           11  Case for camera smartphone 
           12  Camera control module 
           13  Window for camera control module 
           14  One or more camera controls 
           15  Window for camera lenses 
           16  Shutter button 
           17  NFC tag 
           18  Zoom rocker lever 
           19  Combined shutter-and-zoom button 
           20  Camera settings button 
           22  Attachment sensor 
           24  NFC reader 
           26  Camera grip (static) 
           30  Accessory ( FIG.  2   ) 
           32  Camera control module 
           36  Reconfigurable portion(s) 
           38  Camera grip (reconfigurable) 
           40  Flexible, concertina-type, element 
           40   a  Corner of flexible, concertina-type, element 
           40   b  Corner of flexible, concertina-type, element 
           40   c  Corner of flexible, concertina-type, element 
           40   d  Corner of flexible, concertina-type, element 
           40   ab  Side of flexible, concertina-type element 
           40   cd  Opposed side of flexible, concertina-type, element 
           42  Guides 
           44  Support structure 
           46  Strips 
           48  Live hinges 
           50  Accessory ( FIG.  3   ) 
           52  Camera control module 
           54  Control panel 
           55  Camera settings dial 
           56  Slider 
           57  Link 
           58  Pivoted tab 
           60  Latch 
           69  Accessory ( FIG.  11   ) 
           70  Accessory ( FIG.  4   ) 
           72  Camera control module 
           80  Flexible band 
           81  Flexible band component 
           82  Flexible band component 
           83  Flexible band component 
           84  Flexible band component 
           87  Loop 
           90  Accessory ( FIGS.  8  and  9   ) 
           91  Case for smartphone (with controller) 
           92  Camera control module with controls ( FIG.  8   ) 
           93  Recess 
           94  Camera control module with grip, or camera grip module ( FIG.  9   ) 
           95  Position sensor 
           96  Position sensor 
           97  Camera control module with controls and grip, or camera control and grip module ( FIG.  10   ) 
           98  Case for camera smartphone (dummy) 
           99  Accessory ( FIG.  10   ) 
           100  Controller 
           110  Battery 
           120  Providing accessory 
           130  Mounting accessory to smartphone 
           140  Checking if camera of device responds to accessory (check link between accessory and camera) 
           150  Controlling camera using accessory 
           160  Generating camera control initiation command 
           170  Transmitting and receiving camera control initiation command 
           201  Camera smartphone 
           206  Hinge (for reconfiguration of the camera grip) 
           207  Hinge (for orientation of the camera grip) 
           210  Accessory 
           211  Case for camera smartphone 
           211   i  Inner case shell 
           211   o  Outer case shell 
           212  Camera control module 
           215  Window for camera lenses 
           217  Kickstand 
           226  Reconfigurable camera grip portion 
           230  Accessory 
           232  Camera control module 
           236  Camera grip 
           250  Connector 
           251  Connector base 
           252  Connector protruding portion 
           253  Tongue 
           254  Slot 
           260  Latch or release mechanism 
           261  Operating arms 
           262  Latching projections 
           263  Spring 
           264  Recess 
           265  Opening 
           267  Heads 
           268  Housing 
           270  Bayonet arrangement 
           271  Bayonet projections 
           272  Bayonet sockets 
           274  Bayonet cut-outs 
           280  Recess for camera control module 
           301  Lip 
           302  Cut-away 
           303  Dimple 
           304  Groove 
           305  Embossment