This invention relates to covers that are attached to devices, for example, to protect or decorate devices, such as portable electronic devices.
Many consumer products, particularly portable devices or equipment, are desirably customized to allow the owner to more easily distinguish their device from other devices thereby facilitating identification and personalization of his/her device. For example, a wide variety of cases and “skins” (i.e., thin sticker with adhesive) are available for covering cell phones, smartphones, laptop computers and tablet computers. These cases also allow owners to personalize their equipment and express themselves.
When the cover becomes worn or when the owner of the device grows tired of the image or graphical design on the device, the cover is replaced or in the case of a skin, stripped from the housing of the device.
In a general aspect of the invention, a method comprises removing a first decorative sheet member from a mobile device, the first decorative sheet member including a first graphic, determining an identifier associated with the first graphic from a plurality of identifiers, and presenting, on the mobile device, a first media presentation associated with the first graphic.
Embodiments of these aspects of the invention may include one or more of the following features.
Removing the first decorative sheet member from the mobile device includes removing the first decorative sheet member from a fixation sheet that is affixed to a case that covers at least a portion of the mobile device.
The mobile device includes a camera and capturing, with a mobile device, includes using the camera to capture a first digital image of the graphic. The mobile device can also include a display and the first media presentation is displayed on the display. The first media presentation (e.g., an augmented reality or AR experience) can be a video, a three-dimensional animation or a combination of both.
The mobile device includes a speaker and the first media presentation is in the form of audio.
The mobile device includes a speaker and the first media presentation is in the form of a combination of audio and three-dimensional animation.
The mobile device includes a memory and the plurality of identifiers is stored in the memory. The plurality of identifiers can be accessible via the Internet or cloud storage.
The first decorative sheet includes a plurality of graphics and the method further comprises determining a subset of the plurality of identifiers, the subset associated with the plurality of graphics.
In certain embodiments, the method further comprises removing a second decorative sheet member from the mobile device, the second decorative sheet member including a second graphic; and determining an identifier associated with the second graphic from the second decorative sheet member. In such embodiments, a second media presentation associated with the second graphic is presented on the mobile device.
The first media presentation and the second media presentation can be presented simultaneously.
The second graphic can be associated with a second media presentation and the method further comprises presenting, on the mobile device, a third media presentation associated with the first graphic and the second graphic, the third media presentation being different than the first and second media presentations.
In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises a mobile device, a lookup module, a presenter module and a case configured to cover at least a portion of the mobile device. The mobile device includes a camera configured to acquire a first graphic and generating a digital image from the first graphic, a display, a processor, and a memory. The lookup module is stored in the memory of the mobile device and receives the digital image from the camera and determines an identifier associated with the first graphic from a plurality of identifiers and generates identification data associated with the identifier. The presenter module is stored in the memory of the mobile device and receives the identification data to acquire a media presentation associated with the identifier. The case includes a first fixation sheet member having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, the first side configured to be attached to the outer surface of the case, the first side including a first permanent bonding agent with a first adhesion characteristic, the second side having a first repositionable material with a second adhesion characteristic the second adhesion characteristic being less permanent than the first adhesion characteristic. The case also includes a decorative sheet member having a third side configured to be attached to the second side of the first fixation sheet and a fourth side, opposite the third side, including the first graphic.
Other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following description, and from the claims.
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On the other hand, fixation sheet 16 includes on a front surface 32 a non-permanent adhesive 34 that is less strong than adhesive 30 used on rear surface 28. Fixation sheet 16 also includes an opening 36 sized commensurately with opening 24 of case 14. For reasons that will be discussed in greater detail below in conjunction with
In this embodiment, non-permanent adhesive 34 is a microsphere adhesive composed of tiny spheres. The tiny spheres measure 10 to 250 microns in diameter and form a discontinuous film to limit the amount of surface area contact between the adhesive and front surface 32 of fixation sheet 16. One example of a suitable non-permanent adhesive is Ref. No. PS822, manufactured by Polykote Corporation, Easton, Pa.
Switchable décor 18 is formed of plastic and sized commensurately with fixation sheet 16. The thickness of switchable décor 18 is generally between 6 mil (0.006 inch) and 30 mil (0.030 inch), preferably 12-17 mil. Décor 18 also includes an opening 48 sized commensurately with openings 24, 36 of fixation sheet 16 and case 14, respectively. Unlike fixation sheet 16, switchable décor does not include an adhesive. Rather, switchable décor is securely attached to case 14 by non-permanent adhesive 34 on fixation sheet 16.
The adhesive characteristic or “stickiness” of non-permanent adhesive 34 is dependent on the materials it contacts. That is, non-permanent adhesive 34 may have a stronger adherence to one material than a different material. Therefore, depending on the particular non-permanent adhesive that is being used, the particular materials selected for making fixation sheet 16 and switchable décor 18 are generally selected such that the non-permanent adhesive will adhere more strongly to fixation sheet 16 and will adhere less to switchable décor 18. By selecting the appropriate non-permanent adhesive in conjunction with the materials for fixation sheet 16 and switchable décor 18, the switchable décor is more easily separated from fixation sheet 16 and the non-permanent adhesive more securely retained on the fixation sheet.
Switchable décor 18 includes a graphical image or design having black and white, color, text, names, patterns, images, photographs, or combinations of such designs. For example, the designs can include names, logos, slogans, advertisements or combinations of such graphical indicia. The designs may be customized by the user or be provided by the manufacturer of system 10. The design can be provided onto the substrate supporting the design by printing, silk screening, etching, etc. In certain embodiments. Switchable décor may have a luminescent effect (i.e., glow-in-the-dark), for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,525, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference.
In this embodiment, fixation sheet 16 includes a graphic 42 (e.g., a corporate logo). Similarly, as shown in
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In using system 10, the user carefully attaches rear surface 28 of fixation sheet 16 to front surface 26 of case 14 such that non-permanent adhesive 34 on front surface 32 of the fixation sheet is exposed. The user can then attach switchable décor 18 to the non-permanent adhesive on the front surface 32 of fixation sheet 16. Once in place, switchable décor 18 is firmly secured to case 14.
Over time, the graphical image on switchable décor 18 may become worn or the user may desire replacing the décor for a different one. To do so, the user can remove the switchable décor 18 that is on case 14 and replace it with a different switchable décor (e.g., one that may be stored between smartphone 12 and case 14). Because the switchable decors do not include adhesive, they are easily exchanged and stored.
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In another embodiment, the case 14 may be eliminated and the fixation sheet 16 applied to directly to an outer surface of the article. For example, referring to
In still another embodiment, the fixation sheet 16 is eliminated and non-permanent adhesive 34 is applied directly to the outer surface of the case 14 or to any article including the smartphone 12 without a case. In this way, switchable décor 18 is attached directly to the case or the article. For example, the non-permanent adhesive can be applied directly to the outer rear surface by the manufacturer of the case and covered by a temporary sheet or switchable décor. In that case, the manufacturer would select an appropriate non-permanent adhesive that is suitable for use with the material of the case. For example, as described above, the material used to form case 14 and the particular non-permanent adhesive 34 are selected such that the adhesive adheres more strongly to the material of the case and adheres less strongly to the flexible décor.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims.
For example, although non-permanent adhesive 34 is described as being in the form of microspheres, other non-permanent adhesives can be used. Other examples of non-permanent adhesives include removable pressure sensitive adhesives as well as repositionable adhesives. Furthermore, other non-adhesive mechanisms (e.g., magnetic or static) can be substituted for non-permanent adhesive 34.
Also, although a system 10 including a fixation sheet and switchable décor was described above in conjunction with a smartphone it is appreciated that the system can be used with a wide variety of other articles including portable electronic devices (cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, MP3 players and similar devices) as well as other articles such as a luggage tag, light switch plate, frames, books or insert spot in an auto dashboard or the like.
In the embodiments described above in conjunction with
For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, the footprint of the second fixation sheet occupies only a portion of the outer surface of the switchable décor 18. That way, the second fixation sheet 70 and attachable object can be framed or surrounded by the pattern of the switchable décor 18.
As was the case with fixation sheet 18, second fixation sheet 70 includes a non-permanent adhesive agent (i.e., a bonding agent) on a front surface that is less strong than an adhesive or other bonding agent that is used on rear surface. Like fixation sheet 16, fixation sheet 70 would also include an opening 72 sized commensurately with opening 24 of case 14. Furthermore, fixation sheet 70 might also include a cutout (not shown) such that a portion of front surface of the switchable décor 18 is exposed and not covered with an adhesive.
Prior to applying the object on the second fixation sheet 70, a protective liner 84 can cover the front surface of the second fixation sheet and the non-permanent adhesive agent.
In this embodiment, the object is a photograph 8. The use of a second fixation sheet on a switchable décor is particularly attractive and advantageous in an application in which the object is a personal item such as a printed image or a photograph 80 having an image 88. That is, the user can produce relatively two-dimensional items to be attached as a switchable décor with the second fixation sheet 70 acting as the mounting surface.
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Furthermore, as described above in conjunction with
In a particular embodiment, the photograph 80 can be produced using an instant camera of the type which uses self-developing film to create a chemically developed print shortly after taking the picture. One example of such a system is the Instax® brand of instant still camera marketed by Fujifilm®. For this embodiment, the Instax® “mini” format (62 mm×46 mm) is dimensionally well-suited for being applied to switchable décor 60 having a fixation sheet 70 generally smaller than fixation sheet 16, which is used to attach switchable décor 60 to case 14. In this embodiment in particular, fixation sheet 70 is sized and shaped consistent with the dimensions of the Instax mini-format photograph. The photograph could also be generated by other camera systems including those provided by Polaroid, Fuji, HP Sprocket and other Instant photo systems like printers.
Of course, objects could be substituted for a photograph including objects made of materials including plastics, leather, fur, wood, and fabric.
The systems described above in conjunction with
There are other advantages of the systems described above when used with particular applications, for example, software stored on a device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, etc.)
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Application 102 also includes a presenter module 116 which receives identification data 114 that is used by the presenter module to acquire a presenter asset 118 associated with the identification data. In one embodiment, presenter asset 116 can point to an address (e.g., a URL) that is used by presenter module to acquire a media presentation 120. In this embodiment, presenter module 116 acts as a browser to acquire the media presentation from a cloud storage or over the Internet via antenna 122. In other embodiments, media presentation 120 could be stored on the smartphone 12 itself along with other pre-stored media presentations. In still other embodiments, the media presentations can be accessed as a combination of two or more of identification data from cloud storage, the Internet or on the mobile device itself.
Media presentation 120 can provide a visual experience, audio experience or both. For example, in the case of an audio experience, media presentation 120 can be audio, such as spoken word or music. In the case of a video experience, media presentation 120 can be in the form of a video or an even more complex multimedia experience, such as a full 3D animation video with music. The media presentation 120 is provided by presenter module 116 to a display 124, speaker 126 or headphone jack 128 of smartphone 12, as would be appropriate, for viewing, listening or both, by a user 130.
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Several examples of using a smartphone 12 including a case 14 having a fixation sheet 16 and a switchable décor, as described above in conjunction with
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With respect to application 102, other embodiments and variations are within the scope of the claims including the following:
Other forms of a two-dimensional indicia can be added along with the graphical or photographic image on the switchable décor. For example, a QR code or watermark type code could be printed or embedded on the switchable décor.
In another embodiment, a combination of all or part of an image on a switchable décor can trigger several different experiences from the same switchable décor. For example, one corner of a switchable décor could trigger the playing of music, another corner of the switchable décor could trigger a video, a middle portion of the switchable décor could trigger a 3D animation, while the overall image of the switchable décor could could trigger a link to a website.
In certain embodiments, specific customers can choose unique two-dimensional indicia (e.g., QR code style indicia or watermarks) that can be printed or embedded into their custom switchable décor designs. For example, a customer in the skiing business could add to an image depicting skiing and/or mountains, a code that will trigger the 3D animation skier that will spring off its switchable décor design showing his image as well as the choose unique two-dimensional indicia.
In certain embodiments, application 102, in conjunction with camera 118 or other imaging or scanning device, serves as a reader/scanner that will read/scan a switchable décor and recognize a code that can be either the entire switchable décor, a part of it, a watermark or any other type of codes (e.g., QR codes or the like). Once the code is recognized, an augmented reality (AR) experience, such as a 3D animation, video, web-content, music, photo, web-link and other, will be triggered and the user will be able to experience it coming alive right from the switchable décor.
The AR experience, for example, whether a 3D animation, video, web-content, music, photo, web-link (or combinations of such media) can be changed from time to time on an existing switchable décor. That means that even when the reader recognizes an existing switchable décor and triggers its AR experience, the AR experience can be changed as many times as desired and will always work in conjunction with the software application and the given switchable décor. This will enable an innumerable variety of experiences, stories, advertising, promotion, etc.
In certain embodiments, software application 102 allows the user to record or save the AR Experience (as a picture or video), for example, store the picture or video in the memory of the device. The stored picture or video can then be shared via any number of social channels (Snap, Instagram, Facebook), as well as through text messaging or via email. In addition, the user will be able to create his or her own custom switchable décor using the saved AR experience content.
In other embodiments, software application 102 will enable its user to make selfies, mixing his or her image and the media presentations (e.g., AR Experience) together to create exciting, fun and realistic augmented reality pictures or videos.
Software app 102 can be used in conjunction with an e-store that allows users to purchase mobile device cases, other or extra switchable decors from available collections, extra-branded switchable decors, as well as, creating his or her own custom designs with his or her own photo, art or saved AR experience content.
The media presentations, whether an AR experiences in the form of a 3D animation, video, or music can include brand content (e.g., advertising, promotion, product placements and more from companies and other third parties). The content in those media presentations can be created by anyone from the software application that will offer features to be able to create the user's own AR Experience linked to the user's own custom switchable décor (custom design).
In essence, software application 102 can provide all of the functions that will enable users to leverage infinite swap features from experiencing unlimited and magical AR experiences, saving, sharing, buying and customizing switchable decors and more. Swappable products associated with the software application can be combined to provide truly new and exciting multimedia platform.
It is also important to appreciate that application 102 can be stored on a smartphone of the person who possesses the particular switchable décor on their smartphone case or on someone else's smartphone or other device.
It is also important to appreciate that mobile devices other than a smartphone, such as tablets, having a case and switchable décor can include application 102 for experiencing a media presentation based on a graphic on the switchable décor.
Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/351,613 filed on Nov. 15, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/920,198 filed on Oct. 22, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/832,903, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of all which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13832903 | Mar 2013 | US |
Child | 14920198 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15351613 | Nov 2016 | US |
Child | 15467681 | US | |
Parent | 14920198 | Oct 2015 | US |
Child | 15351613 | US |