Patent Publication Number: US-2018048343-A1

Title: Electronic privacy apparatus and related methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/373,567, filed Dec. 9, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/352,201, filed Jun. 20, 2016, both titled ELECTRONIC PRIVACY APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS, and the entire respective contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally related to electronic apparatus and, more particularly, to electronic apparatus used to envelop portable communication and/or storage devices such as tablets, mobile phones, or smartwatches. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Known portable communication and/or storage devices such as tablets or mobile phones are typically found in controlled environments, such as the workplace, and their use permitted and sometimes even encouraged as a means of communication among individuals operating in those environments (e.g., coworkers) and with the outside world. Devices of the type described above are often capable of taking, storing, and even transmitting digital impressions, such as digital photographs, digital audio, and/or digital video. That capability could however be problematic in particular controlled environments. 
     For example, hospitals and other medical-services establishments often operate under strict privacy-based regulatory frameworks that make the unauthorized sharing and/or transmission of digital images outside of the establishment a potential source of liability. More specifically, for example, the external, unauthorized sharing, and/or transmission of a digital image depicting a patient&#39;s body may be found to violate that patient&#39;s privacy rights, and the establishment may face undesired consequences as a result. This is more so in view of the ubiquitous nature of mobile phone use and the increased capability of mobile phones, which may inadvertently result in a digital image being broadly shared through social media, for example. 
     Likewise, manufacturing sites often carry out manufacturing operations that are intended to remain secret, so as to prevent competitors from gaining an unfair competitive advantage from learning the details of those operations. While the use of portable communication and/or storage devices in the interior of those manufacturing sites may be encouraged—so as to foster communication between technical personnel, for example—it may lead to the unauthorized sharing of digital impressions with the outside world, and the information falling into the hands of a competitor. In another non-limiting example, finance-related facilities may be exposed to the unauthorized taking and even the unauthorized sharing of digital impressions containing social security numbers or other sensitive financial information. 
     Yet in another example, high-security areas such as certain sections of an airport or other government-controlled facilities may face similar challenges from exposure to portable communication and/or storage devices having the functionality described above. 
     It would be desirable, therefore, to address the shortcomings described above as well as others in connection with the use of portable communication and/or storage devices typically found in controlled environments. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for enveloping a portable communication or storage device. The apparatus includes a plurality of walls configured to at least partially enclose the portable communication or storage device. The apparatus also includes a processor, and a first shutter that is associated with one or more of the walls. The first shutter is operatively coupled to the processor, and is disposed so as to overlie a first camera lens of the portable communication or storage device. The first shutter has a first condition in which the taking of digital impressions with the first camera lens is unobstructed, and a second condition in which the taking of digital impressions with the first camera lens is hindered. The processor is configured to verify that a plurality of conditions is met before allowing the first shutter to toggle between the first and second conditions of that first shutter. 
     The apparatus may additionally have a second shutter that is disposed so as to overlie a second camera lens of the portable communication or storage device, and which is operatively coupled to the processor. In that embodiment, the second shutter has a first condition in which the taking of digital impressions with the second camera lens is unobstructed, as well as a second condition in which the taking of digital impressions with the second camera lens is hindered. The processor is configured to verify that the plurality of conditions is met before allowing each of the first and second shutters to toggle between the respective first and second conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may include a power source that is operatively coupled to the processor and to the first shutter. 
     In specific embodiments, the apparatus has a wireless communication element that is operatively coupled to the processor for enabling communication between the apparatus and the portable communication or storage device, or with a server that is external to the apparatus. The first shutter may include a dispersion film, with the first condition corresponding to a clear state of the dispersion film, and with the second condition corresponding to an opaque state of the dispersion film. Additionally or alternatively, a switch may be operatively coupled to the processor, with that switch having a first position when the portable communication or storage device is enveloped by the apparatus, and a second position when the portable communication or storage device is not enveloped by the apparatus. The switch, if present, may be a limit switch that has a pin protruding through one of the walls of the apparatus, with the first position of that limit switch corresponding to a depressed condition of the pin. The pin in that embodiment is configured to be depressed upon engaging contact with the portable communication or storage device when that device is enveloped by the apparatus. 
     In another specific embodiment, the first shutter includes a retractable element and an actuator that is operatively coupled to the processor and to the retractable element. The second condition in that embodiment corresponds to the retractable element blocking the first camera lens, and the first condition corresponds to the retractable element not blocking the first camera lens. The plurality of walls may include one or more walls that are made of a rigid material, and one or more walls made of an elastomeric material. The plurality of walls may define first and second portions of the apparatus that are hingedly coupled to one another, with pivotal movement of the first and second portions relative to one another allowing insertion and/or removal of the portable communication or storage device respectively into and/or from an interior volume of the apparatus. 
     In another embodiment, a privacy system is disclosed. The privacy system includes a portable communication or storage device that has at least one camera lens. The system also includes an apparatus that is configured for enveloping the portable communication or storage device. The apparatus includes a plurality of walls configured to at least partially enclose the portable communication or storage device, as well as a processor. A shutter of the apparatus is associated with one or more of the walls and is operatively coupled to the processor, with the shutter being disposed so as to overlie the at least one camera lens of the portable communication or storage device. The shutter has a first condition in which the taking of digital impressions with the at least one camera lens is unobstructed and a second condition in which the taking of digital impressions with the at least one camera lens is hindered. The processor is configured to verify that a plurality of conditions is met before allowing the shutter to toggle between the first and second conditions of that shutter. 
     The portable communication or storage device may, for example, be a mobile phone. The walls may include one or more openings configured to prevent obstruction of telephonic or media features of the mobile phone. The system may also include a server or external computer that is wirelessly connected to at least one of the apparatus or the mobile phone. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed for controlling use of a portable communication or storage device in a controlled environment, with the portable communication or storage device having at least one camera lens. The method includes enveloping the portable communication or storage device in an apparatus that has a processor and a shutter operatively coupled to the processor. The shutter has first and second conditions to respectively leave unobstructed or hinder the taking of digital impressions with the at least one camera lens. The method includes the processor verifying that a plurality of conditions is met, with the processor allowing or disallowing, in response to the verifying that the plurality of conditions is met, the shutter to toggle between the first and second conditions of that shutter. Verifying that the plurality of conditions is met may include verifying that the portable communication or storage device is enveloped by the apparatus. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the method may include verifying that the location of the apparatus or the portable communication or storage device is within a predetermined distance of an external server or computer. In a specific embodiment, verifying that a plurality of conditions is met includes verifying that an instruction by a user to the portable communication or storage to take a digital impression, is effected from within a pre-specified application that is installed in the portable communication or storage device. The method may also include the processor communicating with an external server or computer. In specific embodiments, the method includes the portable communication or storage device communicating with the external server or computer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objectives and features of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus for at least partially enveloping a portable communication or storage device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1A  is another perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a rear of that apparatus. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is a view similar to  FIG. 2A , illustrating insertion of a portable communication or storage device into an interior volume of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 2C  is a view similar to  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrating the apparatus enclosing the portable communication or storage device. 
         FIG. 3  is a partially disassembled perspective view of a device that includes the apparatus of  FIG. 1  and a portable communication and/or storage device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an electronic assembly or circuitry of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, and 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of a controlled environment in which the apparatus of  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, 3, and 4  may be used. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an apparatus for at least partially enveloping a portable communication or storage device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6  partially enveloping a mobile phone. 
         FIG. 7B  is a view similar to  FIG. 7A , showing a rear of the apparatus and mobile phone. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS 
     To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Also, as used herein, the term “releasable coupling” and related terms refer to a type of coupling in which the coupled structures may be readily detached, decoupled, or otherwise separated from one another in a simple manner and without causing the destruction or damage of any of those structures. For sake of further explanation, a permanent—rather than a “releasable”—type of coupling may refer, for example, to two structures that are integrally formed with one another, or which are adhesively attached, such that their separation would necessarily result in at least some level of damage to one or more of the parts being separated from one another. 
     With reference to the figures, and particularly to  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A, 2B, and 2C , an illustrative apparatus in the form of an enclosure or case  10  is shown for use in a controlled environment ( FIG. 5 ). Case  10  is configured to at least partially encase or envelop a portable communication and/or storage device in the form of a mobile phone  12 . It is understood that, while the example embodiment illustrated described herein refers to a case  10  specifically configured to envelop or encase a mobile phone  12 , the principles of operation, structure and functionality described in connection with that embodiment are similarly applicable to other types of portable communication and/or storage devices. For example, other embodiments may be sized, shaped, and configured to envelop or encase tablets or other small computers having the capability to take, store, and/or transmit digital impressions. 
     Similarly, other embodiments not shown in the figures may be sized and configured to envelop or encase portable communication and/or storage devices capable of taking, storing, and/or transmitting digital impressions and in the form of Augmented Reality (“AR”) devices, optical head-mounted displays such as those commercially available under the Google Glass® trade name, or smartwatches such as those commercially available under the Apple Watch® trade name. The example case  10  of  FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2A-2C  at least partially envelops the mobile phone  12 . Specifically, the case  10  has a plurality of walls that are configured to envelop substantially all surfaces of the mobile phone  12 , with the exception of the front surface  14  of the mobile phone  12 , which defines an interface of the user with that phone  12 . As more fully explained below, the front surface  14  of the mobile phone  12  is only partially covered by a pair of walls in the form of top and bottom front sections  20 ,  22  of the case  10 . 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2A-2C , the case  10  is made up of first and second portions  24 ,  26  that, when fully coupled and/or engaged with one another, firmly encase the mobile phone  12 . The first and second portions  24 ,  26  are hingedly coupled to one another so as to permit those two portions to at least partially separate when desired, so as to provide access to an interior volume  28  of the case  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, pivotal movement of the first and second portions  24 ,  26  away from one another is effective to allow insertion of the mobile phone  12  into the interior volume  28  defined by the case  10 , as well as to allow removal of the mobile phone  12  from the interior volume  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, hinged coupling between first and second portions  24 ,  26  is defined by a pair of discontinuities in the form of slits or notches  30  located in a respective pair of side walls  33  of case  10 . 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS. 2A-2C , when it is desired to envelop the mobile phone  12  in case  10 , the first and second portions  24 ,  26  are folded relative to one another, as schematically depicted in  FIG. 2B . That figure illustrates folding of second portion  26  away from first portion  24 , along the hinged coupling of those two portions  24 ,  26  defined by the slits or notches  30  in the side walls  33  of case  10 .  FIG. 2C  illustrates the mobile phone  12  having been fully inserted into interior volume  28 , and the case  10  having returned to its original shape, in which the first and second portions  24 ,  26  cooperate with one another to effectively envelop the mobile phone  12 . Return of the case  10  to its original shape is facilitated, in the illustrated embodiment, by the resilient nature of the material(s) making up first and second portions  24 ,  26 . In that embodiment, the side walls  33 , as well as top and bottom walls  37 ,  39  and a back wall  40  of second portion  26  of case  10 , are made up of a flexible, elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic polyurethane having a hardness durometer value in the range from about 70 to about 95. An elastomeric material as described above provides a suitable combination of flexibility, which allows easy folding of first and second portions  24 ,  26  relative to one another, and hardness, which may be desirable in order to protect electronic components of the case  10 —described in further detail below—and to protect the mobile phone  12  itself from damage from inadvertent impact. 
     The materials making up the remainder of the case  10  are also suitably chosen, for example, to protect the electronic components housed in the interior of case  10 , and/or to protect the mobile phone  12  from damage upon inadvertent impact. In the illustrated embodiment, and by way of example, the top front section  20 , as well as a back wall  41  of first portion  24  of case  10 , are made up of a hard plastic material, such as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic polymer. Making only certain parts of case  10  of a molded hard plastic may be desirable in order to minimize the need to redesign an entire case  10  so as to conform to a different model of phone or other portable communication and/or storage device. More specifically, the manufacturer of case  10  may wish to have one common molded hard-plastic part of the case  10 , housing electronic components in its interior, that cooperates with a variety of interchangeable elastomeric parts of the case required for different types or models of phones or similar devices. 
     While the embodiment of  FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2A-2C  includes first and second portions  24 ,  26  that are hingedly coupled so as to only partially separate from one another, it is contemplated that the first and second portions  24 ,  26  could alternatively be completely separable from one another to allow insertion and removal of the mobile phone  12  respectively into and from the interior volume  28  defined by the case  10 . In such embodiments, the first and second portions may for example be releasably coupled to one another through a snap-type of coupling. In one particular embodiment, not shown in the figures, the first and second portions  24 ,  26  are slidably coupled to one another, with sliding motion of those two portions relative to one another being effective to selectively join or separate those two portions  24 ,  26  of the case  10 . 
     Alternative embodiments are also contemplated in which the case  10  is made of only one portion, or made of portions in a number greater than two. For example, and while not shown in the figures, the case  10  could be a unitary body made of a highly flexible material, with that case being able to bend in a manner that would permit easy insertion and removal of a mobile phone  12  respectively into and from the interior volume  28  of the case  10  through an opening in any of the walls of the case  10  or an opening defined by two or more of those walls. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2A-2C , and further referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in the example case  10  of those figures, back walls  40 ,  41  lie adjacent the back surface  45  of the mobile phone  12 , when the mobile phone  12  is enveloped by the case  10 . Similarly, the top and bottom walls  37 ,  39  of case  10  lie adjacent the top and bottom surfaces  47 ,  49  of the mobile phone  12 , while the side walls  33  of case  10  lie adjacent a corresponding pair of side surfaces  51  of phone  12 . As discussed above, the case  10  also includes top and bottom front sections  20 ,  22  configured to partially cover a portion of the front surface  14  of the mobile phone  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom front section  22  is relatively small, and takes the form of a lip extending from bottom wall  39 . It is contemplated, however, that bottom front section  22  could instead have a larger area, for example, similar to that of the top front section  20 . The top front section  20  in the illustrated embodiment spans between and is connected to the side walls  33  of the case  10 , and is also connected to the top wall  37  of the case  10 . The top front section  20  substantially overlies a top end section  52  of the front surface  14  of the mobile phone  12 . The bottom front section  22  similarly spans between and is connected to the side walls  33  of the case  10 , and it is also connected to the bottom wall  39  of the case  10 . 
     The bottom front section  22  overlies a bottom end section  53  of the front surface  14  of the mobile phone  12 . As shown in the figures, the top front section  20  of the case  10  is shaped so as to overlie a front camera lens  56  of the mobile phone  12 , but includes—in the illustrated embodiment—an opening  58  configured to avoid blocking a speaker  60  and a proximity sensor  62  of the mobile phone  12 , and another opening  64  configured to avoid blocking the front camera lens  56  of the mobile phone  12 . These features allow the telephonic functionality of the mobile phone  12  to remain intact while the mobile phone  12  is enveloped by the case  10 . Similarly, the example case  10  has, as shown in the figures, a plurality of additional openings that allow access to power jacks, data ports or other media-related connection ports, such as audio jacks, of the phone  12 . A top section  66  of the back wall  40  of the case  10  overlies a rear camera lens  67  and an associated LED light  68  of the mobile phone  12  that is used as a source of flash for that camera lens  67 . The top section  66  of back wall  41  includes a pair of openings  69 ,  71  that respectively avoid blocking of the rear camera lens  67  and LED light  68 . In alternative embodiments, a transparent or at least translucent element such as glass or clear plastic spans one or more of the openings  58 ,  64 ,  69 , and  71 , to prevent debris or the like to penetrate there through. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1, 2A-2C, 3, and 4 , the example case  10  illustrated in those figures also includes a plurality of buttons  73  extending from the side walls  33  of the case  10 , and which overlie a corresponding plurality of buttons  74  extending from the side surfaces  51  of the mobile phone  12 . The buttons  73  on the side walls  33  are positioned so as to selectively engage, when pressed, the adjacent buttons  74  extending from the side surfaces  51  of the mobile phone  12 , which for example may control the volume level of media being played by the mobile phone  12 , or turn the display of the mobile phone  12  on or off. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the side walls  33  of the case  10  have apertures that permit the buttons  74  along the side surfaces  51  of the mobile phone  12  to extend through them, so as to permit the user to directly press those buttons  74  of the mobile phone  12 . 
     Case  10  has features that selectively permit the mobile phone  12  enveloped by the case  10  to take digital impressions such as video or pictures/photographs. Specifically, the case  10  includes, in the top front section  20 , a first shutter  77  that has a first condition that permits the taking of digital impressions by the front camera lens  56 , and a second condition that prevents or at least hinders the taking of digital impressions by the camera lens  56 . The top section  66  of the back wall  40  of the case  10  includes a second shutter  79  that also has a first condition that permits the taking of digital impressions by the rear camera lens  67 , and a second condition that prevents or at least hinders the taking of digital impressions by the camera lens  67 . As used herein, the term “hinders” and derivatives thereof refer to the ability of the shutters  77 ,  79  to produce digital impressions with the affected camera lens that are either of low quality, blurry, or of a size that is less than otherwise available. One or both of the first and second shutters  77 ,  79  may for example and without limitation, be an optical shutter such as an FOS-series model optical shutter, available from LC-Tec Displays AB in Borlänge, Sweden. 
     Alternatively, one or both of the first and second shutters  77 ,  79  may be an electrically-operated mechanical shutter that has—for example and without limitation—a retractable element and an actuator, with the actuator being capable of moving the retractable element between open and closed positions. The open position of the retractable element would correspond to the condition of the shutter that permits the taking of digital impressions, while the closed position would correspond to the condition of the shutter that at least hinders the taking of digital impressions by the camera lens that the retractable element selectively overlies. The retractable element in that embodiment may have a solid color and configured to totally block light to the camera lens that the retractable element selectively overlies, or it may alternatively be a translucent structure that only partially allows the transmission of light to the camera lens, to effectively hinder or obstruct the taking of digital impressions with that camera lens. 
     Other types of electrically or electronically-controlled shutters may also be used, so long as their structure and functionality allow those shutters to selectively permit or prevent or at least hinder the taking of digital impressions by the lens or lenses that those shutters overlie. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the case  10  may have only one shutter that is selectively caused to toggle between the first and second conditions so as to respectively permit or hinder the taking of digital impressions by either the front camera lens  56  or the rear camera lens  67 . In embodiments of that type, the other of the front or rear camera lens  56 ,  67  may be permanently blocked respectively by a wall such as the top front section  20  or the top section  66  of the back wall  40  of the case  10 , or by some other structure. It is contemplated that each of the first and second shutters  77 ,  79  may form part or otherwise be associated with one or more of the walls of case  10 , so long as they are effective in selectively hindering or leaving unobstructed the taking of digital impressions with the associated camera lens. 
     In the non-limiting example embodiment of  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, 3, and 4 , each of the first and second shutters  77 ,  79  is in the form of a dispersion film  84   a,    84   b,  such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film available from Liquid Crystal Technologies of Cleveland, Ohio. The dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  in that embodiment has a clear state, allowing the passage of light there through, and an opaque state that blocks or at least hinders the passage of light. The state of the dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  is controlled by an electronic circuit  86  or the case  10 , that includes a power source such as a battery  88 , a processor  89  that includes a Bluetooth® board  90 , an AC-DC converter  91  that feeds power to the dispersion film  84   a,    84   b,  and a solid-state relay  92  that serves to relay power from the battery  88  to the converter  91 . In the illustrated embodiment, the default state of the dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  is opaque, with power selectively received by the dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  being effective to change the state to clear. 
     Alternative embodiments are contemplated, however, in which the default state of the dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  is clear, with power selectively received by the dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  being effective to change the state to opaque. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the example case  10  in that figure has a first dispersion film  84   a  located between the top front section  20  and the front surface  14  of the mobile phone  12 , and disposed so as to overlie the front camera lens  56 . A second dispersion film  84   b  is located between the rear surface of the mobile phone  12  and a base wall or base cover  93  of case  10 . The second dispersion film  84   b  overlies the rear camera lens  70 . While not shown, the example case  10  may include an O-ring or similar structure along the perimeter of the opening  71 , effective to prevent the travel of light, when the flash is triggered to take a digital impression, from LED light  68  along the surface of the dispersion film  84   b.    
     The selective toggling or switching of the shutter or shutters  77 ,  79  between the first and second conditions is controlled by an application (or “APP”) installed on the mobile phone  12  enveloped by the case  10 , and which controls operation of the processor  89  of the case  10 . The processor  89  is operatively coupled to the one or more shutters  77 ,  79  of the case  10  defined, in the illustrated embodiment, by the pair of dispersion films  84   a,    84   b.  More specifically, the installed APP directs operation of the processor  89  of the case  10  such that toggling of a shutter  77 ,  79  into the first condition—and thereby the taking of a digital impression—is permitted only if a specific set of conditions is met. For example, the processor  89 , as instructed by the APP, may first verify that the electronic circuit  86  of the case  10  is closed, which may only be true—in one example—if the first and second hingedly coupled portions  24 ,  26  of the example case  10  are fully engaged with one another so as to securely envelop the mobile phone  12 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the processor  89  verifies through the APP that the electronic circuit  86  is closed by determining whether or not a limit switch  94  of case  10  has been depressed by placing of the phone  12  in the interior volume  28  of case  10 . More specifically, and as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the limit switch  94  has a pin  95  that protrudes through an aperture  96  of base cover  93 . The presence of the mobile phone  12  in the interior volume  28  of case  10  is effective to depress and thereby actuate limit switch  94 . Removal of phone  12  from interior volume  28  causes the pin  95  to return to its original position, corresponding to an unactuated state of limit switch  94 . Actuation of the limit switch  94  closes the electronic circuit  86 . Additionally or alternatively, the processor  89  may verify, as instructed by the APP, that the mobile phone user&#39;s profile and/or a unique identifier (e.g., number) of the mobile phone  12  enveloped by the case  10  against a database containing a list of authorized users and/or authorized mobile phones  12 . Once such verification is completed, the APP may direct the processor  89  to allow current to flow to the one or more dispersion films  84   a,    84   b.  In alternative embodiments, for example those in which the default state of a dispersion film  84   a ,  84   b  is clear, rather than opaque, upon completing verification the APP may direct the processor  89  to cease the feeding of current to that dispersion film, thereby allowing the unobstructed, unhindered taking of digital impressions with the camera lens that the dispersion film overlies. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the flow of current to the one or more dispersion films  84 a,  84   b,  in turn, is effective to cause the one or more dispersion films  84   a,    84   b  to attain the first condition. Conversely, the absence of power in a dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  causes that dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  to remain in the second condition i.e., in which no light flows through that dispersion film  84   a,    84   b.  The inability of light to freely flow through the dispersion film  84   a ,  84   b,  in turn, is effective to yield digital impressions—such as photographs or video—taken with the camera lens behind that dispersion film  84   a,    84   b,  that are opaque, blurry, or of general low quality relative to digital impressions taken when light is allowed to freely flow the dispersion film(s)  84   a,    84   b.  Case  10  also includes a power jack  99  that is used to recharge battery  88  of the electronic circuit  86 . 
     In certain embodiments (not shown), the case  10  may include a male connector in the bottom portion  26  of case  10 , and that is configured for insertion into a cooperating jack or data port (e.g., mini-USB data port, micro-USB data port) of the mobile phone  12 . In those embodiments, the processor may, as instructed by the APP, verify that the male connector is fully inserted into the cooperating jack or data port of the mobile phone  12  and in full contact with the mobile phone&#39;s circuitry so as to detect active use of the phone  12 . The male connector in those embodiments is operatively coupled to the processor  89 . Contacting engagement between the male connector of the case  10  and the mobile phone&#39;s circuitry may also be a condition for selectively allowing the shutter(s)  77 ,  79  to toggle to the first condition, thereby allowing the unhindered taking of digital impressions by one or both of the camera lenses  56 ,  67 . 
     If any of the above-discussed example conditions is not met, the APP would not permit the one or more shutters to toggle to the first condition, thereby preventing the taking of digital impressions by one or both of the camera lenses  56 ,  67  of the mobile phone  12 . Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment that uses a dispersion film  84   a,    84   b  for shutters  77 ,  79 , if all required conditions are met, the APP directs the processor  89  to allow power to be fed to the dispersion film  84   a,    84   b,  thereby changing the state of the film  84   a,    84   b  from opaque to clear, which in turns allows the taking of digital impressions by one or both of the camera lenses  56 ,  67 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, 3, and 4 , and further referring to  FIG. 5 , the case  10  may be operatively coupled, through a wireless communication element, such as a WiFi-type connection or a Bluetooth® connection, to a server  100  or some other computer in the controlled environment  11 , thereby allowing the case  10  to be networked with that server  100  or computer. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the case  10  is also operatively coupled to the phone  12  through a wireless communication element of the type described above. In the illustrated embodiment, case  10  is operatively coupled to server  100  through the Bluetooth® board  90  that is operatively coupled to processor  89  and which forms part of the electronic circuit  86 . 
     The server  100  automatically saves original copies of all digital impressions taken by the mobile phone  12  from within the APP. In that regard, it is understood that only the installed APP has the capability of selectively allowing toggling of the shutter(s)  77 ,  79 , such that the mobile phone&#39;s pre-installed “camera” application(s) would not have the capability of taking digital impressions with a mobile phone&#39;s camera when the shutter overlying that camera is in the second condition (e.g., when the dispersion film  84   a,    84   b,  if used for that shutter, is an opaque state). In operation, a user of the mobile phone  12  may be able to retrieve copies of the digital impressions taken by the mobile phone  12 , only after those digital impressions have been reviewed and authorized for release by personnel controlling or otherwise accessing the server  100  or other external computer in communication with case  10  and/or phone  12 . Server  100  or some other computer external to the case  10  and phone  12  may optionally be located remotely from controlled environment  11 , as shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 5 . If located remotely, the server  100  or computer may be configured to communicate with case  10  and/or with phone  12  via a wireless type of connection, such as Bluetooth® or WiFi. 
     As discussed above and illustrated particularly in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , case  10  includes a power source in the form of a battery  88 , that provides power to the electronic circuit  86 . While not shown, it is contemplated that the battery  88  may serve as a back-up power source for the mobile phone  12  itself, with power flowing from the battery  88  to the mobile phone&#39;s battery and/or other components of the mobile phone&#39;s electronic circuit through the connection between the optional male connector discussed above (not shown) of the case  10  and the mobile phone&#39;s jack or data port. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the case  10  does not include a dedicated power source, such as battery  88 , but instead obtains power for the processor  89  and other components of the electronic circuit  86  from the mobile phone&#39;s battery. In embodiments of that type, a physical connection may be required between the mobile phone  12  and the case  10 , such as the example connection described above provided by insertion of the optional male connector of the case  10  and the jack or data port of the mobile phone  12 . 
     The materials, dimensions and overall appearance of the case  10  are suitably chosen to fit particular types of mobile phones, tablets, or other portable communication and/or storage devices. Alternatively, the case  10  may be designed to envelop two or more different types of such devices. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2A-2C, and 3 , the case  10  is made to tightly envelop an example Apple iPhone® 6, although the case  10  may alternatively be made to tightly envelop other types of phones, tablets or other devices. The color of the case  10 , in particular embodiments, is chosen so as to promote compliance e.g., use of an authorized case  10  enveloping a mobile phone  12  or tablet in the controlled environment  11 . More specifically, color, logos, and/or other aesthetic features of the case  10  may be chosen so as to attract attention and/or to facilitate easy identification of the case  10 , so that it would be relatively easy to detect a person impermissibly using a mobile phone  12  that is not enveloped by a case  10  authorized in the controlled environment  11 . In that regard, security or other type of compliance personnel in the controlled environment  11  could be easily made aware of the unauthorized use of a mobile phone  12  such that appropriate measures may be taken, such as removal of the user of that mobile phone  12  from the controlled environment  11  or even confiscation of the mobile phone  12 . The color of the entire case  10  or portions of the case  10  could for example, and without limitation, be a bright and/or fluorescent color. 
     In use, removal of the mobile phone from the case results in an open compliance circuit, which is effective to toggle the one or more shutters  77 ,  79  of case  10  to the second condition (i.e., in which the taking of digital impressions is hindered) and is further effective to notify the server  100  (or other element of the network of which server  100  forms part) that the mobile phone  12  is no longer compliant. In that regard, the one or more shutters  77 ,  79  of the case  10  remain in the second condition unless the case  10  is connected to a mobile phone  12  enveloped by the case  10 , and so long as the APP is installed on the mobile phone  12  and used to take digital impressions. The embodiments described herein and contemplated variations of those embodiments are accordingly effective to prevent the use of portable communication and/or storage devices in a controlled environment, and are further effective to prevent those devices from taking digital impressions unless specific conditions are met e.g., the device is properly enveloped and/or connected to an authorized case  10 , the APP is installed on the device, and all digital impressions in the controlled environment are taken by the device from within the APP. It is understood that while the embodiments illustrated in the figure and described in connection with that figure disclose a case  10  configured for use with a mobile phone  12 , the same principles of operation and structural details may be similarly applicable to cases configured for use with tablets or other types of portable communication and/or storage devices, with those other embodiments being contemplated to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     It is contemplated that the mobile phone  12  itself may be networked with the server  100  to ensure compliance, applying “geofencing” principles. Specifically, the mobile phone  12  may be connected wirelessly to the server  100  whenever they are in close proximity of one another, such as within the controlled environment  11 . For example, the APP installed on the mobile phone  12  may be such that same runs in the background of the mobile phone  12  at all times, and may include a set of instructions that automatically connects the mobile phone  12  to the server  100  whenever the server  100  or the mobile phone  12  itself detects that the mobile phone  12  is within a predetermined distance from the server  100  and/or within the controlled environment  11  Likewise, the set of instructions generated by the APP to processor  89  may automatically disconnect the mobile phone  12  from the server  100  when the server  100  or the mobile phone  12  itself detects that the mobile phone  12  is outside of or beyond the controlled environment  11 . To that end, the case  10  may further include, for example and without limitation, a GPS-chip and/or an RFID chip (not shown). 
     Automatic connection between the mobile phone  12  and the server  100  or other external computer may cause a signal to be generated by the server  100  or other computer or by the mobile phone  12 , associated with detection of the phone  12  within the controlled environment  11  but non-compliance with the rule that the phone  12  must be enveloped by an authorized case  10 . That generated signal may then permit appropriate measures to be taken by security or other personnel in or around the controlled environment  11 , such as removal of the non-compliant user of the mobile phone  12  from the controlled environment  11  or even confiscation of the mobile phone  12 . It is also contemplated, in that regard, that the case  10  or the mobile phone  12  itself may generate a signal to the server  100 , associated with a condition of compliance e.g., wherein the case  10  and the mobile phone  12  are securely connected to one another in the intended manner. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B , those figures show another example embodiment of an apparatus  110  for partially enveloping or encasing a portable communication or storage device in the form of a mobile phone  12 . For ease of understanding, like reference numerals in  FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B  refer to similar features in the preceding figures, the description of which may be referred to for an understanding of the structure, variations, and functionality of the features of the embodiment of  FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B . Apparatus  110  includes a main compartment  112  that houses various electronic components such as those shown and described above in connection with the features of case  10  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Like the example case  10  of the preceding figures, apparatus  110  includes a plurality of walls that at least partially enclose mobile phone  12 . In the example embodiment illustrated in the figures, apparatus  110  includes a pair of walls  116 ,  118  that are naturally urged toward one another. When the top of phone  12  is inserted between walls  116 ,  118 , the walls  116 ,  118  are forced apart, and the walls in response exert a holding force against the phone  12  that is effective to frictionally secure the apparatus  110  in place relative to phone  12 . Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the apparatus  110  is secured in place relative to phone  12  through other means that may or may not rely on friction. 
     Walls  116 ,  118  of apparatus  110  include respective shutters  77 ,  79  having a structure and functionality similar to the like-numbered shutters of the example case  10  in the preceding figures. While not shown, apparatus  110  may include a device such as a sensor or switch, that allows one o more of the electronic components housed in main compartment  112  to detect that the phone  12  is secured in place against the walls  116 ,  118 . For example, apparatus  110  may include a limit switch similar in structure and functionality to the limit switch  94  of case  10  of the preceding embodiments. The materials making up walls  116 ,  118  may be rigid, such as a rigid plastic material, or may alternatively be a non-rigid, flexible material. The materials making up main compartment  112  may be the same as those making up walls  116 ,  118 , or may be different. 
     From the above disclosure of the general principles of the present invention and the preceding detailed description of exemplifying embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily comprehend the various modifications to which this invention is susceptible. Accordingly, this invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof.