JP6382809B2 - Case for portable electronic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a case for a portable electronic device, and more particularly to a case that can perform a protective function and can easily change the appearance of the case (and hence the portable electronic device). More specifically, the present invention relates to illuminating an image contained in a case using a light source from outside the case.

  Protective cases for portable electronic devices are well known and have almost become established in certain mobile phone markets such as iPhone®.

  It is also known to provide replaceable outer panels for changing the appearance of portable electronic devices such as laptops, netbooks, MP3 players, and mobile phones.

  The concept of a protective case and illuminated interchangeable graphics was incorporated, for example, in the applicant's own previous application GB 2484679, where the main light source for case illumination is the electroluminescent (EL) panel in the case It is.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a case that can be easily changed in appearance to be illuminated with its impressive impression. It may be preferable, but not essential, that the case perform an additional protective function.

  Another object of the present invention is to allow a user to customize a portable electronic device so that the illuminated case can be used as a fashion accessory.

  A further object is to make effective use of the presence of a light source, such as a camera flash unit, in many portable electronic devices to serve as a light source in providing an illuminated case.

  The illuminated case can be used as a safety mechanism or sign that catches the light and can be used as a warning device such as a Morse code signal. Furthermore, it can also be used as an advertising accessory.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a case for a portable electronic device is provided, the case being a shell that defines an internal volume dimensioned to closely accommodate a particular portable electronic device, A shell, at least partly translucent or transparent, and a diffuser visible through the translucent or transparent part of the shell, wherein the light incident on the first surface of the diffuser is translucent or transparent And a diffuser configured to diffuse to emit from a second surface of the diffuser facing the surface.

  According to this case, an illuminated display can be provided for aesthetic and / or functional benefits, and with this display the purpose presented above can be achieved. The light source need not be integrated into the case, or the case need not include a power source or multiple power connections. Therefore, the case can be made smaller, lighter and cheaper. In preferred embodiments, this translucent or transparent portion of the shell includes a main window on the front surface of the shell, and optionally includes at least one edge window disposed along the edge of the shell. In the latter arrangement, the light emitted by the diffuser becomes visible through the edge window even if the main window is hidden, for example by being placed on the surface facing down.

  The first surface of the diffuser typically faces the second surface and faces the internal volume. Incident light is therefore transmitted through the diffuser from the surface facing the internal volume to the opposite surface facing the translucent or transparent portion of the shell. This arrangement typically provides the light path that travels most straight through the diffuser from the light source of the contained electronic device. In other embodiments, incident light may alternatively or additionally be transmitted through the diffuser from the side of the diffuser to the second surface.

  The diffuser element may include a panel of light transmissive material housed within the shell cavity. In some embodiments, the diffuser may be integral with the shell, and may be below or even form a translucent or transparent portion of the shell.

  The case may include a reflective layer disposed on the first surface of the diffuser. In certain embodiments, the reflective layer acts in conjunction with the diffuser panel to instead pass any light that may have exited the diffuser through the first surface, instead of the second. The direction is changed so that it is emitted from the surface. In other embodiments, the reflective layer itself includes a diffuser that simultaneously redirects and diffuses light incident on the first surface (may be ambient light), in this case identical to the first surface. Can act to release from the second surface. In either case, this increases the intensity of light transmitted through the translucent or transparent portion of the shell. Additional reflective layers may be placed around multiple sides of the diffuser to further increase the light intensity.

  If the diffuser includes a panel of light transmissive material, the diffuser may include an etched portion on its second surface. The light incident on the etched part from inside the panel may have been totally reflected in the panel if there is no etched part, but it can be redirected under the influence of the etched part and emitted only from the etched part. it can. In this way a decorative lighting effect can be obtained by etching a graphic image on the second surface of the diffuser.

  Preferably, the diffuser comprises at least one lens element configured to redirect light incident on the lens element within the diffuser. The lens element may include a recess cut into the first surface of the diffuser. Alternatively or additionally, the lens element may include a reflective prism disposed from the second surface inside the diffuser. These multiple lens elements do not directly transmit the light incident on them from the first surface to the second surface, but for example change the direction so as to transmit more laterally within the diffuser. Can do. The purpose of the lens element is therefore to spread the light more evenly over the diffuser and provide a more even illumination effect.

  The lens element is typically positioned to align with the light source of the portable electronic device housed within the internal volume. In this arrangement, the case itself does not require a separate light source, but instead the light source of the portable electronic device can be used to drive the illumination of the case.

  Portable electronic devices often include a display. In order to make these displays visible and if the display is interactive that allows the user to interact with the display, the shell is a window that allows the display of the portable electronic device contained in the internal volume to be visible. including.

  In a preferred embodiment, the case further comprises a pocket interposed between the diffuser and the translucent or transparent portion of the shell to accommodate the transparent graphic. When the transparent graphic is inserted into the pocket, the light emitted by the diffuser passes through the transparent parts of the graphic, is blocked by the opaque parts, and is color-filtered by the colored parts, thus impressive. Several visual graphics are provided. Preferably, the pocket has a slot at one end that can be slid through the transparent graphic to allow the replacement of the transparent graphic. In this manner, the user can easily change the appearance of the portable electronic device by simply exchanging one transparent graphic for another.

  Typically, at least a translucent or transparent portion of the shell is formed from a transparent polycarbonate. This material is tough and strong, which allows the case to fulfill its duty of protection and ensures that the illuminated display is clear and clear with minimal impact on the transmission of light through it. To do. The entire shell may be formed from such polycarbonate, but it may be beneficial to form multiple sides of the shell from rubber and bond it to a portion of the polycarbonate. This is because the rubber side surfaces are better able to absorb impact and protect internal portable electronic devices, but are not suitable for light transmission.

  The case may typically be configured to accommodate a portable electronic device that includes a camera flash. Multiple cameras and many cell phones and other portable electronic devices have a flash associated with the camera. For example, iPhone® includes a camera and LED flash behind this phone (opposite the touch screen display).

  When the diffuser includes a panel of light transmissive material and the case is configured to accommodate a portable electronic device that includes a camera flash, the diffuser is preferably configured such that the light emitted by the flash is the first of the diffuser. Is slidable within the cavity between a position incident on the surface of the light and a position where the diffuser does not interfere with light from the flash. Thus, the functionality of the camera and flash will affect the presence of the diffuser in the case unless the diffuser specifically moves to the location where the light emitted by the flash is incident on and diffused by the diffuser. It will never be done.

  The diffuser typically includes a slide that is accessible through a slot in the side of the shell for sliding the diffuser between the aforementioned positions. The slide may be in the form of a knob that protrudes through the slot, and may include a button attached to the knob for ease of operation.

  In certain embodiments, the case may further include a light source attached to the shell for emitting light incident on the first surface of the diffuser. This light source may be added to the light source of the portable electronic device (if present) to supplement the light to enhance illumination, or alternatively, for example, with a device that does not have an integrated light source It may be for use.

  The light source attached to the shell may be active and may include one or more LEDs or micro LEDs attached directly to the interior of the shell. These may be driven by a battery in the case, or may be connected to a battery of a portable electronic device or an external power source.

  Alternatively, the light source attached to the shell may be passive, including a reflective layer, such as a reflective coating surface, to redirect ambient light incident on the reflective layer, or the passive light source may be a luminescent coating A surface may be included. The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exploded perspective view from above of a case according to an aspect of the invention, an exemplary diffuser, and a portable electronic device (here, a mobile phone) received within the case. FIG. FIG. 2 is a view from below corresponding to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled case and diffuser surrounding a portable electronic device (mobile phone). FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the end portion of the case of FIG. 3 showing a phone flash. FIG. 3B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3A and showing the transmission of light from the flash through the diffuser. It is the figure corresponding to Drawing 3B and showing direction change of light in a diffuser. FIG. 3 includes an optional transparent insert corresponding to FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a view showing the case and the insert of FIG. 4 in a partially assembled state with a part of the case removed and without including a portable electronic device. It is a figure of the state which assembled the case corresponding to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an exemplary diffuser and a transparent insert superimposed. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating diffusion of light in the diffuser in FIG. 7. It is detail drawing of the edge part of the diffuser of FIG. It is a figure which shows another implementation corresponding to FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 illustrates another arrangement including a micro LED array for use with a portable electronic device that does not have its own light source, corresponding to FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary diffuser having a reflective layer. FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10 with a reflective layer disposed only on a plurality of edges of a diffuser. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary reflective layer sprayed directly onto a diffuser. FIG. 6 shows another reflective layer in which a reflective material is sprayed onto a separate substrate before being applied to the diffuser. FIG. 11 includes an etched surface corresponding to FIG. 10 on a diffuser from which light is emitted. FIG. 15 shows a separate diffuser layer applied to the top of the diffuser, substantially corresponding to FIG. It is the figure which showed the lens mechanism provided in the lower surface of a diffuser for changing the direction of light within a diffuser. FIG. 17 is a view corresponding to FIG. 16 in which a lens mechanism is provided on the upper surface of the diffuser. It is the figure which showed another lens arrangement | positioning. It is the figure which showed another lens arrangement | positioning. It is the figure which showed another lens arrangement | positioning. It is the figure which showed another cross-sectional shape of the diffuser. It is the figure which showed another cross-sectional shape of the diffuser. It is the figure which showed another cross-sectional shape of the diffuser. It is the figure which showed another cross-sectional shape of the diffuser. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the Prismex (trademark) sheet | seat. It is the figure which showed the cross section of the prism type reflective surface. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of photonic gratings, such as those used in the PhlatLight ™ technology. FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary case and diffuser suitable for an iPhone® 4S in a position where the diffuser blocks the flash and thus redirects light from the flash through the diffuser. FIG. 22B illustrates a diffuser in position when receiving a conventional operation of a camera associated with a flash, corresponding to FIG. 22A. FIG. 6 illustrates another plurality of diffusers used in some other current mobile phone designs.

  In the following description, reference will be made to the case of the invention adapted to accommodate mobile phones, in particular Apple (TM) iPhone (TM) 4S, but the invention is not limited to other brands of mobile phones, as well as Apple ( (Trademark) iPod (registered trademark), Apple (trademark) iPad (registered trademark), other tablet devices, laptops, netbooks, palmtops, PDAs, MP3 players and other portable electronic devices are also applicable It will be clear.

  Case 10 includes a shell 12 having a front surface 14 and an edge 16 projecting from the front surface, which together define an internal volume or cavity that houses iPhone® 4S 100 therein. A main window 18 is provided through the central portion of the front surface 14 and a smaller second window 20 is provided through the upper side portion of the front surface 14. The front surface 14 is flat and is typically formed from a polycarbonate material. Edge 16 may also be formed from the same polycarbonate material, thereby forming a single molded shell 12.

  Alternatively, the side 16 may be formed from rubber, which may be opaque, but does not significantly inflate along the multiple outer edges or rims of the iPhone® 100. The polycarbonate front face 14 and the hard opaque rubber edge 16 are joined together as one smooth piece. Thus, the shell 12 is made as a single piece and does not include a connecting portion as some cases have. Thereby, the touch of internal iPhone (trademark) is maintained. The rubber edge 16 serves to protect the grip and multiple sides of the iPhone®, and also provides the Apple ™ “Bumper”, but the iPhone® signal Strength is further significantly protected from short circuits and interference. However, other implementations of the shell 12 are possible, and the shell may be formed from two separable halves, for example to facilitate the insertion / removal of the iPhone® 100. It should be understood that it would be suitable.

  The main window 18 and the second window 20 may be open openings through the shell material, or may include a transparent panel attached to or integral with the front face 14 of the shell 12.

  When iPhone 100 is housed in the internal volume of the shell, the second lens window allows the camera lens 101 and associated flash 102 to still operate without being covered while the case 10 is attached. 20 and aligned.

  It should be noted that the front surface 14 of the shell as defined herein (and thus the case 10) does not necessarily correspond to the surface conventionally considered to be the front surface of the associated portable electronic device. In a particular example of case 10 adapted for iPhone® 4S 100, for example, the front surface of iPhone® may be considered the surface that includes touch screen display 104. However, here, the front surface of the iPhone (registered trademark) 100 is defined as a surface including the camera lens 101 and the adjacent flash 102. The touch screen display 104 of the iPhone (registered trademark) 100 is accessible and visible through the opening 28 on the back surface of the shell 12 when housed in the case 10.

  The case 10 includes a mechanism that enables operation of a plurality of control units of the internal iPhone (registered trademark) 100. For example, the power control unit at the top of the iPhone (registered trademark) can be accessed through a button (not shown) on the top edge of the shell 12 or through an opening. In addition, multiple holes (not shown) will be provided for headphone jacks, power connections, mute switches, and the like.

  Of course, if the shell 12 is adapted to accommodate another portable electronic device, the size and shape of the shell, the number, form, and location of buttons and / or holes will be different, specifically Adapted to different equipment.

  A diffuser 40 is housed in parallel guide rails 26 between the front face of iPhone® 100 and the front face 14 of the shell within the internal volume defined by the shell 12 (specifically FIG. 5). reference). The diffuser 40 is typically a flat panel having a plurality of chamfered edges 42 and an etched portion 44 extending over most of its front surface. A protruding knob 46 is provided on one side edge of the diffuser 40. The knob 46 is accommodated in the slot hole 22 penetrating the edge of the shell 12. To slide the knob 46 within the slot hole 22, the slidable button 24 is secured to the knob 46 outside the shell 12, thereby illuminating the diffuser and the light emitted by the flash 102 illuminates the case 10. Are slid between a first position incident on the rear surface of the diffuser 40 and a photographic purpose position where the diffuser 40 does not interfere with the light from the flash 102.

  Note that other arrangements could be provided instead to slide the diffuser 40 between these positions. For example, the diffuser 40 may include a recess that accommodates a protrusion from the slide button 24.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the diffuser 40 can be shaped such that the lens 101 associated with the flash 102 is never hidden by the diffuser 40 in any position. FIG. 23 shows Google (TM) Nexus (TM), HTC (TM) 1X having lenses 101 ', 101 ", and 101"' and flashes 102 ', 102 ", and 102"', respectively. Another implementation of diffusers 40 ', 40 ", and 40" "suitable for use with TM (TM) and Samsung (TM) SIII (TM) phones is compared to iPhone (TM) 4S. It shows.

  The purpose of the diffuser 40 is to flush the front surface of the case as evenly as possible along its length and across its extent, as schematically shown in FIGS. Is distributed as evenly as possible across the front face 14 of the case. The illumination may simply include a light panel that functions as a light source, such as a torch, or may be intended to illuminate decorative graphics. In the latter, a transparent image 150 having a plurality of decorative graphics printed or applied thereto is inserted in front of the diffuser 40 under the main window 18.

  Accordingly, the inner back surface of the front surface 14 of the shell 12 can be inserted in front of the illumination surface of the diffuser 40, i.e. between the diffuser 40 and the front surface 14, so that it remains fixed. A pocket is generated between the diffuser 40 and the diffuser 40. Thereby, when the illumination surface of the diffuser 40 emits light 200, it can shine through the graphic 150 and the main window 18.

  The case can be customized by a plurality of transfer images 150 which are replaceable graphic panels. The transfer printing process called Lambder is a unique process that prints multiple graphics at high resolution on a clear plastic called Duratran, Fujitran or Duraflex, among other vinyls. The contrast of the print is very high, so that solid black and / or completely clear white (among all a number of colors) can be essentially printed on one sheet 150.

  A plurality of replaceable graphics 150 slide into the case pocket. A slot may be provided at the upper end of the pocket to help guide the graphic panel 150 into place.

  The graphic panel 150 is a stamped camera lens / flash hole (not shown) that is aligned with the camera lens 101 / flash 102 and the second window 20 in front of the corresponding shell 12 when the graphic panel 150 is fully inserted. ) May be included.

  Dispersion of light entering from the point source essentially of the first surface 41 of the diffuser and being emitted substantially uniformly across the opposite surface 43 can be achieved by several mechanisms.

  The first factor is the material of the diffuser 40. In a preferred embodiment, the diffuser flat panel is formed from Perspex ™ material, which can be transparent or colored. Light entering the diffuser 40 from the first (rear) surface 41 is transmitted through the diffuser and emitted from the opposite front surface 43. Some light is transmitted across the diffuser along the diffuser by total internal reflection and is emitted from the front surface 43 remote from the location where the light entered (eg, the flash 102). The plurality of chamfered edges 42 help to bounce light inside and help to evenly distribute in and out of the diffuser 40. Other materials include ACRLITE (R) trueLED (TM), ACRLITE (R) Radiant (TM), Prismex (R) (shown in FIG. 19, but Prismex (shown in FIG. (Registered trademark) sheet 60), and fluorescent Perspex (registered trademark).

  By providing the etched portion 44, the light 200 can "escape" from this portion in preference to the flat unetched portions. Using this phenomenon, the etched portion can benefit from defining the area from which light is emitted. The etched portion 44 may be a simple rectangular shape as shown, or may include a more complex design to provide a visual effect with the diffuser alone without the need for an additional graphic insert 150 (however, It is also possible to use the two together).

  Within the diffuser 40, the diffuser 40 is at least partially reflected to help hold the light 200 until the multiple light paths are sufficiently dispersed to emit uniform bright light from the front surface 43. It may be surrounded by a layer 50. As shown in FIG. 10, the reflective layer 50 causes a portion of the front surface 43 of the diffuser (which emits even bright light from this portion) and light from the flash to the back surface 41. All but the hole 52 next to the flash 102 may be enclosed. In another arrangement shown in FIG. 11, only the edge of the diffuser 40 may be covered with the reflective layer 50.

  The reflective layer 50 may include a reflective material, such as reflective microbeads 54 sprayed directly onto the surface of the diffuser 40, to provide uniform reflectivity and increased light intensity due to the reflective coating surface. it can. Please refer to FIG. Alternatively, the reflective layer 50 may include a thin substrate 56 onto which the reflective microbeads 54 have been sprayed, and this sprayed substrate may then be applied to the diffuser.

  Yet another reflective material includes a metal foil and a prismatic reflective tape 64 having a plurality of microprisms 66 that reflect light 200 as shown in FIG.

  Rather than applying the reflective layer 50 to the diffuser, it may be incorporated into a separate element, such as the panel 70 of FIGS. 5 and 6, which element is a reflective front for placement adjacent to the rear surface 41 of the diffuser 40. Including the surface.

  Providing the reflective layer 50 not only helps to produce brighter and more uniform illumination from the flash light source 102, but can also have the effect of brightening by reflection of ambient light even when the flash 102 is off.

  The diffuser 40 may be positioned over the flash 102 with the light redirecting mechanism aligned with the flash to help capture and redirect the light from the flash 102. In the first example, the light redirecting mechanism may be a chamfered upper edge 42 of the diffuser as shown in FIG. 8B. In another example, the light redirecting mechanism may be a groove 48 extending along the flash 102 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 22A.

  Additionally or alternatively, one or more lens elements may be provided to help redirect the incident light 200. In the first example of FIG. 16, the first surface 41 of the diffuser 40 is cut in alignment with the flash 102, and a concave recess 90 is provided. In this way, the incidence of light on the lens element 90 is redirected inside the diffuser to emit over a wider area of the front surface 43 than if it were not provided. Another lens element is shown in FIG. 17 where a reflective lens element 92 is formed inside the front surface 43 so that light 200 from the flash 102 bounces off the internal reflective lens element 92. FIGS. 17A to 17C show other shapes and combinations of the lens mechanisms 90 and 92 and the reflective layers 50.

  Still other arrangements of the plurality of lenticular elements 90, 92, the chamfered edges 42, and the plurality of reflective layers 50 are shown in FIGS.

  In another embodiment, at least one edge 16 of the shell 12 includes an edge window (not shown) so that light can be emitted from the diffuser 40 therethrough. For example, each longer edge 16 may include a window, which may be an open opening through the shell material, or a transparent panel attached to or integral with edge 16. May be included. The edge window may be patterned to display an image such as a logo when illuminated. This pattern may be due to the shape of the window itself or by applying a separate image graphic to the window.

  In such an embodiment, the diffuser 40 can be designed to include elements that enhance the light emitted from the plurality of edges 42 of the diffuser in alignment with this or each edge window. As an example, a plurality of long edges 42 of the diffuser are cut vertically down from a flat surface so that the light internally reflected by the main portion of the diffuser 40 is received and emitted from the panel through the plurality of edge windows. May be. Preferably, the plurality of vertically descending edges are polished to enhance light emission.

  An advantage of the embodiment including the edge window mechanism is that light emitted from the case 10 can be visually recognized even when the case is placed on the surface with the main window 18 facing downward.

  These combinations are not intended to be limiting and many alternatives are intended to provide as bright and uniform illumination as possible over this or each window or edge window over at least a portion of the diffuser 40. It should be understood that one skilled in the art will recognize that can be implemented. In certain embodiments including an edge window, the main window 18 may be excluded.

  In use, the flash 102 is activated to illuminate the diffuser 40, thereby illuminating any graphics that may be present on the optional insert 150. The flash may be operated manually, but it may be preferable to control its operation with appropriate software such as an application. At this time, for example, it is possible to operate the flash so as to light up in a defined order or in accordance with the time signature of the music.

  FIG. 21 shows a photonic grating arrangement 68 used in, for example, PhlatLight ™ technology, which can be particularly useful for efficiently generating uniform collimated light from an LED light source. In the PlatLight (TM) LED, the photonic grating is an integral part of the LED structure, but in the present invention, the photonic grating is aligned with the light source 102 of the contained electronics to help redirect the light 200 and provide uniform illumination. It may be a separate entity attached to the case--for example, the diffuser 40--to enhance performance.

  The concept presented above in connection with the iPhone® case will work in exactly the same way for the Apple® iPad®, but a larger diffuser 40 is required. The case 10 is naturally larger. Similarly, this concept will work when applied to Apple (TM) iPod (TM) with appropriate modifications.

  The basic concepts and techniques are the same in other telephone models, but the flash positions will be different as shown in FIG. The case will have different designs, including lens elements that are positioned differently to capture light from the flash unit.

  A separate diffuser layer 80 can be applied over the front surface rather than the etched portion 44 of the front surface 43 of the diffuser to perform the same function. This alternative is shown in FIG.

  Instead of the light 200 supplied to the diffuser 40 using a light source such as a flash included in the portable electronic device 100, a light source may be incorporated in the case 10. As shown by way of example in FIG. 9, the light source can also be an active light source, which is arranged under the diffuser 40 along at least the upper and lower edges 42, etc. A plurality of micro LED strips 300 may be included. The micro LED can be driven by a power source integrated in the case. For example, the power source may include a battery or solar panel attached to the shell 12 of the case. This arrangement may be particularly useful for use in portable devices that do not have a suitable light source, or may be used to supplement the light emitted from the light source of the stored portable device.

  In the above, the diffuser 40 takes light 200 incident on a part of its rear surface 41, redirects it internally, and emits it over a wider area on the second opposite surface 43. It takes the form of a “light box”. However, in certain embodiments, the diffuser 40 eliminates the “light box” aspect and instead passively reflects the light 200, which may be simply ambient light, incident on the front surface 43 of the diffuser. Depending on the nature of the reflective material of the diffuser, it is possible to take different forms, such as emitting light from this front part with a greater intensity and intensity in the opposite direction from at least a part of the front surface. Examples of such passive light sources include reflective painted surfaces and luminescent painted surfaces. In one embodiment, the diffuser may include a surface covered with a reflective paint that reflects light during the day and a luminescent “dark glow” paint that re-emits absorbed light energy at night.

Claims (20)

In cases for portable electronic devices,
A shell defining an interior volume dimensioned to To accommodate snugly a particular portable electronic devices, at least a portion of the Ri translucent or transparent der, Ru another partially transparent or open der, and the shell,
A diffuser that is visible through the translucent or transparent portion of the shell, wherein light incident on the first surface of the diffuser located in the transparent or open portion is translucent or transparent A diffuser that diffuses to release from the second surface of the diffuser facing the portion of
The portable electronic device includes a camera flash,
The diffuser has a panel of light transmissive material housed in the cavity of the shell;
The diffuser includes the shell between a position where light emitted by the camera flash is incident on the first surface of the diffuser and a position where the diffuser does not interfere with light from the camera flash. Slidable within the cavity of the
Case. The diffuser has a slide part accessible through a slot on the side of the shell for sliding the diffuser between the positions.
The case according to claim 1.   The case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface of the diffuser faces the second surface and faces the internal volume.   The case of any one of Claim 1 to 3 provided with the reflection layer arrange | positioned at the said 1st surface of the said diffuser.   The case according to claim 4, further comprising a reflective layer disposed around a plurality of side surfaces of the diffuser.   The case according to claim 1, wherein the diffuser has an etched portion on the second surface.   The case according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the diffuser includes at least one lens element, and the lens element redirects light incident on the lens element within the diffuser.   The case according to claim 7, wherein the lens element includes a recess cut into the first surface of the diffuser.   The case according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the lens element includes a reflecting prism disposed from the second surface inside the diffuser.   The case according to claim 7, wherein the lens element is positioned so as to be aligned with a light source of the portable electronic device housed in the internal volume.   The case according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shell has a window, and a display of the portable electronic device housed in the internal volume is visible through the window.   12. A case according to any preceding claim, further comprising a pocket interposed between the diffuser and the translucent or transparent portion of the shell for accommodating a transparent graphic.   13. The case of claim 12, wherein the pocket has a slot at one end that can be slid through the plurality of transparent graphics to allow replacement of the plurality of transparent graphics.   The case according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least the translucent or transparent portion of the shell is formed from transparent polycarbonate. The case according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of side surfaces of the shell are formed of rubber bonded to the transparent polycarbonate portion.   The case according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone.   The case according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a light source attached to the shell for emitting light incident on the first surface of the diffuser.   The case of claim 17, wherein the light source comprises one or more LEDs or micro LEDs mounted directly inside the shell.   The case according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the translucent or transparent portion includes a main window on a front surface of the shell facing a front surface of the portable electronic device.   In cases for portable electronic devices,
  A shell defining an internal volume dimensioned to closely accommodate a particular portable electronic device, at least a portion of which is translucent or transparent;
  A diffuser that is visible through the translucent or transparent portion of the shell, wherein the light incident on the first surface of the diffuser faces the translucent or transparent portion of the diffuser. A diffuser that diffuses to release from the second surface;
  A pocket interposed between the diffuser and the translucent or transparent portion of the shell for accommodating a transparent graphic,
  The portable electronic device further includes a camera flash,
  The diffuser has a panel of light transmissive material housed in the cavity of the shell;
  The diffuser includes the shell between a position where light emitted by the camera flash is incident on the first surface of the diffuser and a position where the diffuser does not interfere with light from the camera flash. Slidable within the cavity of the
  Case.

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