Smartphone case with separate computer hardware for recording private health-related data
New peripheral device cases and methods of use are provided. In some embodiments, specialized hardware for acquiring personal health data is provided within a smartphone case. In some such embodiments, a case with squeezable sections is provided, configured to monitor pressure applied by a user and record a user's grip strength. In some embodiments, optical sensors are provided which monitor and assess a user's behavior while extrapolating user statuses based on behavior. For example, a new form of transparent pixel array is provided over the screen of a smartphone held within a case, and records both visual data and user input related to the screen, while permitting normal actuation of the smartphone screen through the transparent pixel array. In some embodiments, data is secured and managed within separate computer hardware within a case, and shared with a smartphone held within it, and/or with a network, upon obtaining user consent.
1. A smartphone case peripheral device comprising:
a first surface comprising a smartphone-receiving section sized to receive a smartphone therein;
a second surface connected to the first surface, the second surface comprising a compressible member extending away therefrom,
wherein the compressible member is configured to travel inwards when compressed; and
an interior compartment defined by the first surface and the second surface, the interior compartment comprising:
a compression sensor in communication with the compressible member,
wherein the compression sensor is configured to monitor the amount and/or rate of compression of the compressible member;
a shock absorber in communication with the compressible member,
wherein the shock absorber is configured to be engaged via said compression of the compressible member;
a communications connection device configured to provide a communications connection between the smartphone case peripheral device and a smartphone seated within the smartphone-receiving section; and
specialized computer hardware and software in communication with the compression sensor, the shock absorber, and the communications connection device,
wherein the specialized computer hardware and software is configured to monitor behavior of a user of a smartphone seated within the smartphone-receiving section.
2. A smartphone case peripheral device according to claim 1 , wherein the compressible member is selected from the group consisting of: shock-absorbing bumpers and compressible hand grips.
3. A smartphone case peripheral device according to claim 2 , wherein the compressible member comprises one or more of the shock-absorbing bumpers and one more of the compressible hand grips.
4. A smartphone case peripheral device according to claim 3 , wherein:
the one or more shock-absorbing bumpers extend a first distance away from the second surface;
the one or more compressible hand grips extend a second distance away from the second surface; and
the first distance is greater than the second distance.
5. A smartphone case peripheral device according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a moveable member at least partially disposed within the interior compartment and connected to the compressible member,
wherein the compressible member is further configured to drive the moveable member within the interior compartment.
6. A smartphone case peripheral device according to claim 5 , wherein the moveable member is configured to drive the shock absorber.
7. A smartphone case peripheral device according to claim 1 , wherein the specialized computer hardware and software is configured to drive the compressible member.
8. A smartphone case peripheral device according to claim 1 , wherein the specialized computer hardware and software is configured to transmit a reminder to perform a periodic handgrip strength test.
9. A smartphone case peripheral device according to claim 8 , wherein the specialized computer hardware and software is configured to transmit the reminder via a specialized haptic feedback that is used exclusively for the reminder.
10. A peripheral device for a smartphone comprising:
an outer housing;
specialized computer hardware and software configured to monitor behavior of a user of a smartphone;
a communications connection device configured to provide a communications connection between said peripheral device and the smartphone; and
at least one smartphone actuation sensor comprising a flat panel overlaid onto a touchscreen of said smartphone,
wherein said specialized computer hardware and software and said at least one smartphone actuation sensor are each configured to monitor a type, a dexterity and a speed of touch actuation of said smartphone.
11. A peripheral device for a smartphone according to claim 10 , wherein the flat panel comprises a transparent auxiliary touch sensor array.
12. A peripheral device for a smartphone according to claim 11 , wherein the transparent auxiliary touch sensor array comprises a transparent pixel array.
13. A peripheral device for a smartphone according to claim 12 , wherein the transparent pixel array comprises a touch transmission medium configured to permit a user to actuate the touchscreen of the smartphone through said transparent auxiliary touch sensor array.
14. A peripheral device for a smartphone according to claim 12 , wherein the transparent pixel array is configured to add visual augmentations to the touchscreen of the smartphone.
15. A peripheral device for a smartphone according to claim 14 , wherein said visual augmentations comprise graphical user interface (“GUI”) elements.
16. A peripheral device for a smartphone according to claim 15 , wherein said GUI elements are placed near, or on, interface elements displayed by the touchscreen of the smartphone.
17. A peripheral device for a smartphone according to claim 16 , wherein said GUI elements do not entirely block from view the interface elements displayed by the touchscreen of the smartphone.
18. A peripheral device for a smartphone according to claim 16 , wherein said GUI elements entirely block from view the interface elements displayed by the touchscreen of the smartphone.