Phone case with camera
A case, an accessory and a system for wirelessly pairing, storing and charging an adjunct camera to a handheld electronic device, such as a smartphone. A software application on the device controls the adjunct camera. In one embodiment, the case provides a telescopic rod to elevate the adjunct camera. In another embodiment, the telescopic rod attaches to the smartphone directly. In another embodiment, the case provides a cable on a retractor reel operative for connecting the adjunct camera to the case. The adjunct camera is selectively detachable from the case and attachable to a user or other object for hands-free operation once the software app is engaged. The case or the accessory, the adjunct camera, the electronic device and the app comprise a system for capturing, streaming and saving video and photos by expanding the reach of the native camera function of the electronic device.
1. A case for a handheld electronic device, comprising:
an adjunct camera in wireless communication with a handheld electronic device disposed within a case, wherein the adjunct camera has a lens and a flash, the lens and flash facing inwardly toward the handheld electronic device when the adjunct camera is stored in the case;
a telescoping rod on the adjunct camera configured for extending the adjunct camera away from the case;
a notch in a back of the case, the notch below a native camera in the handheld electronic device, the notch configured to allow the native camera to be unobstructed; and
a recess adjacent to the notch, the recess for storing the adjunct camera such that when the adjunct camera is in the recess the adjunct camera is flush with the case.
2. The case as described in claim 1 , wherein the telescoping rod has a top end with a swivel joint connecting the adjunct camera to the rod, the swivel joint allowing the adjunct camera to rotate into a plurality of positions.
3. The case as described in claim 2 , further comprising a fastener on the adjunct camera operative to attach the adjunct camera to an object.
4. The case as described in claim 3 , wherein the adjunct camera pairs with the handheld electronic device disposed within the case via an app on the handheld electronic device, the app allowing images to be selectively saved, shared and streamed by the handheld electronic device directly from the adjunct camera.
5. The case as described in claim 4 , wherein the handheld electronic device controls the adjunct camera through the app.
6. The case as described in claim 5 wherein the adjunct camera goes into a sleep mode when the app is open and the adjunct camera is not in use, maintaining the pairing of the handheld electronic device and the app.
7. An accessory for a handheld electronic device, comprising:
an adjunct camera having a lens and a flash in wireless communication with a handheld electronic device;
a telescoping rod on the adjunct camera configured for extending the adjunct camera away from the handheld electronic device, the telescoping rod having a top end with a swivel joint connecting the adjunct camera to the rod, the swivel joint allowing the adjunct camera to rotate into a plurality of positions, the telescoping rod having a bottom with J-hook configuration, the bottom of the telescoping rod configured for preferably grasping a bottom edge of the handheld electronic device, the J-hook configuration at the bottom of the telescoping rod having a cutout configured to not obscure a control on the handheld electronic device when grasping the bottom edge of the handheld electronic device; and
an app on the handheld electronic device wherein the adjunct camera pairs with the handheld electronic device, the app allowing images to be selectively saved, shared and streamed by the handheld electronic device directly from the adjunct camera, the handheld electronic device controlling the adjunct camera through the app, the adjunct camera going into a sleep mode when the app is open and the adjunct camera is not in use, maintaining the pairing of the handheld electronic device and the app with the adjunct camera.
8. An accessory for a handheld electronic device, comprising;
an adjunct camera having a lens and a flash in wireless communication with a handheld electronic device;
a telescoping rod on the adjunct camera configured for extending the adjunct camera away from the handheld electronic device, the telescoping rod having a top end with a swivel joint connecting the adjunct camera to the rod, the swivel joint allowing the adjunct camera to rotate into a plurality of positions, the telescoping rod having an inverted U-shape bottom configured for preferably grasping a top edge of the handheld electronic device; and
an app on the handheld electronic device wherein the adjunct camera pairs with the handheld electronic device, the app allowing images to be selectively saved, shared and streamed by the handheld electronic device directly from the adjunct camera, the handheld electronic device controlling the adjunct camera through the app, the adjunct camera going into a sleep mode when the app is open and the adjunct camera is not in use, maintaining the pairing of the handheld electronic device and the app with the adjunct camera.