WO2024047464A1

WO2024047464A1 - Handgrip apparatus for a camera device

Info

Publication number: WO2024047464A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/058340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cortlan MCMANUS; Aldar KURDI
Original assignee: Swiss Rig Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-08-31
Filing date: 2023-08-22
Publication date: 2024-03-07

Abstract

A handgrip apparatus (1) is proposed for holding a portable camera device. The apparatus comprises: a) a main body portion (3) sized and shaped to fit in a user's hand; b) a door arrangement (14) connected by a first hinge (17) to the main body portion (3), the door arrangement (14) comprising a first door (15) and a second door (16), and defining a first open state, where the first door (15) is in an open position and the second door (16) is in a closed position, and a second open state, where the first and second doors (15, 16) are both in an open position, in the second open state, the second door (16) extending further away from the main body portion (3) than in the first open state, the door arrangement (14) comprising a camera device mounting mechanism (19) for holding the camera device; c) a data processing unit configured to form a data connection link with the camera device; and d) one or more control elements (21) for controlling the operation of the camera device through the data processing unit.

Description

HANDGRIP APPARATUS FOR A CAMERA DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a handgrip apparatus to add professional features to a portable camera device, such as on a mobile phone. These features may include professional audio, power, mounting and controls. The handgrip apparatus has an ergonomic handheld design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Content creators range from filmmakers, videographers and documentarians to music video directors, artists and journalists to film school students, and other places, as well as content creators who sometimes are known colloquially as an influencer or simply a "creator," who publish directly to social and online video platforms. They also include musicians and sound artists who record music tracks and sound effects as well as podcasters who record audio and/or audio and video with a host and one or more interviewees. These individuals are amateurs, hobbyists, prosumers or professionals and generally will earn at least some of their income from the content they produce either through advertisements, sponsorships, grants, selling access or through work for hire projects paid by clients. Depending on what they want to capture, they use different audio, video and photography hardware to create audio/visual (A/V) material either in the studio or on location in the field. Traditionally these content creators would use analog equipment, including film cameras and magnetic audio recorders. With the advent of digital hardware towards the end of the 20th century, for greater portability and cost efficiency, their hardware choices expanded to include video cameras and more recently mirrorless still/video cameras, that are capable to record video at different resolutions including standard definition (SD), high definition (HD) and later 4K and higher resolutions. These cameras generally include some audio inputs that may or may not include phantom power, headphone jacks or professional input sockets to connect professional microphones. Musicians and audio engineers would use dedicated digital audio recording devices for higher performance and if creating a podcast, perhaps an audio mixer would be added to allow for several microphone/line inputs. With the advent of more recent novel camera apparatuses, including the mobile phone, more and more content creators will now use the mobile phone's built- in cameras and audio recorders for their audio and video capture.

The mobile phone has many advantages over other content creation devices. For many creators, it is the device that is always in one of their pockets because its primary job is to be their phone, messenger, web browser while also having the ability to run millions of other specially developed applications referred to as apps. Mobile phones also happen to have extremely high- quality camera sensors, including 4k, and the ability to record and save video and audio files. In effect, for many types of content, there is no need to carry another form of audio and video recording device and if a desire to capture a scene or sound materializes, within seconds it can be recorded.

Mobile phones also differ in their size compared to stand-alone cameras and recorders. These latter devices generally require larger cases to transport, more people to carry, set-up and operate, and more logistics and pre-planning (batteries have to be charged; supplementary gear needs to be rented; highly experienced crew needs to be organized as a requirement to operate the equipment). Because mobile phones are ubiquitous, even if a professional creator uses a phone, it attracts no undue attention. The professional appears to be an amateur, novice or tourist. No special permits are required because the phone simply blends in with everyone else. Also, due to the aforementioned apps, including production, post-production and distribution apps, for example social media or other video and audio platforms, mobile phones are the fastest way to go from raw footage to published clip. It doesn't require a camera or audio recorder to be interfaced to a separate computer in order to export the recording from mobile phone memory to computer memory, edit the footage, export and transfer the footage back to the mobile phone for the user to then open a social media app and upload the produced clip for distribution. Using the mobile phone as the production (camera and or audio recording), post-production (editing apps) and distribution device (upload to social and video platforms) the overall end-to-end process is greatly simplified, and significant time is saved. Effectively the time from shooting to distributing is mere seconds or minutes versus hours or even days and weeks. Thus, the advantages are clear as to why mobile phones are the devices that capture the highest percentage of audio and video recordings than any other type of recorder: they're always with the person in one of their pockets; they're easy to operate by one person; they require less planning; using one doesn't advertise "a professional production is happening right now;" and they streamline the process from recorded moment to streamed moment when audiences view or listen to the content.

On the other hand, and especially for the content creator, the mobile phone has significant issues that in the past have given prosumer and professional users pause. To start with, it's difficult to mount a mobile phone in your hand and capture a steady video. The mobile phone's shape is designed first and foremost as a telephone that is to be held next to an ear with the microphone positioned by a mouth. Shakiness doesn't really matter while talking on a call or browsing a site. This same shakiness can literally ruin an entire recording if the same device is used to record a video and not mounted correctly. Not only professional creators, but really anyone who has ever recorded audio on a mobile phone, with or without video, knows that the audio captured by mobile phones is poor. Mobile phone microphones are designed first and foremost for phone calls. When it comes to audio for professional uses, mobile phone microphones are abysmal. Their polar patterns are omni-directional which means that a full circle of sound surrounding your device is recorded. This is in contrast to prosumer and professional needs where a more precise and directional polar pattern is required (referred to as hyper-cardioid or super-cardioid patterns as side and rear sounds are isolated). Mobile phone microphones are generally micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) which effectively are a diagram etched on a silicon wafer. Professional users require professional microphones with an amplifier and that work perfectly every time in the field or studio. Typically these microphones tend to be small diaphragm condenser microphones (SDC mics) or professional wireless receivers that receive audio signals from a wireless transmitter connected to a lavalier, boom or handheld interview microphones. These microphones should be connected to a data processing device, such as an audio device with a mic preamp and/or recorder, using professional audio cables and connectors and the audio device should be able to offer phantom power, analog gain of at least 40 dB, limiting pads and have extremely low noise microphone preamplifiers (i.e., less than -120 dBu equivalent input noise (EIN) and more than +15 dBU max input with a differential output). These users also require audio monitoring using studio or field headsets which connect to audio devices either with 3.5 mm or 1/4" inputs. The audio input flow from natural sound to recorded sound also requires high performance analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters to ensure the highest quality audio pass through which are not found in mobile phones.

The power requirements of a mobile phone are severe. Generally, the front face of a mobile phone is made up of a large screen that is illuminated when a phone records video or audio. Also, especially during recording many different integrated circuits need to be powered further drawing down the battery. A typical "all day" battery soon can run dry before lunch if used in this manner for several hours.

When it comes to controls, camera apparatus, especially the mobile phone requires the user to focus their attention on their fingers to interact with a camera or audio app user interface (Ul). By taking away their attention and focusing on user interface (Ul) components that need to be touched to control apps, the creator's eyes and ears are distracted from the video and audio they are creating. Whereas in the case of every other type of recording device, physical control buttons, dials and/or joysticks are commonly added so that the user can keep their focus on the content that is being recorded and use their fingers and thumbs to start/stop their recording, change levels of video and/or audio parameters and access commonly used functions. By using physical controls rather than software-based Ul components, finger presses on the screen are unnecessary, increasing the stability of the recording "frame."

There have been some "single-feature solutions" proposed. For example, to solve the unsteadiness problem, a mobile phone can be affixed to a large recording cage or a gimbal-type device where neither is typically small enough to fit in a pocket. To solve the audio problem, certain types of microphones with marginally better performance than the built-in microphone can be connected to the generally single input socket on the mobile phone chassis whereas some can be connected via Bluetooth® wireless connections albeit with high latency (i.e., very noticeable delay between audio recorded and audio captured). To solve the power problem, heavy battery bricks can be charged beforehand and connected to the same connector instead of a microphone generally via a long cable or more recently with wireless charging. Apart from selfie sticks, which only allow for basic start/stop recording, no major improvements in physical controlling a camera or recording app have been created that can control the 5 or 10 most common functions required for recording (although some software apps have different Ul layouts, this in itself does not solve the problem of physical controls). Although these are single-feature solutions that could possibly solve one of the many problems encountered by amateurs or professionals when creating content with their mobile phone, none of these features works as a system that includes all of the solutions in one small handheld device. And because of the way mobile phones interact with different apps, each single-feature solution requires its own app therefore confounding the problem with app switching which does not improve the overall experience but in fact degrades it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus in the shape of a handgrip. The handgrip apparatus takes a system approach to integrate different solutions into one common platform, for example power management, custom electronics, and/or a firmware platform that communicates with a single (or a plurality of) multi-feature solutions app(s) running on the camera device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handgrip apparatus for holding a portable camera device as recited in claim 1.

By adding professional features to a camera device, such as a mobile phone, with the proposed stand-alone apparatus, the advantages of the mobile phone are enhanced by the system solutions that are delivered by the apparatus. This single apparatus fits in the user's pocket when not in use and ergonomically in the user's hand when in use. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video recording system comprising the handgrip apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising the camera device removably attached to the door arrangement.

Other aspects of the invention are recited in the dependent claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the proposed apparatus;

Figure 3 shows a front side of the apparatus, where the front side faces away from the user of the apparatus;

Figure 4 is side view of the apparatus showing a first side of the apparatus;

Figure 5 shows a rear side of the apparatus, where the rear side faces towards the user of the apparatus;

Figure 6 shows the apparatus in a first open state, where the first door of the apparatus has been opened to allow a camera device to be firmly coupled to the apparatus in a vertical orientation;

Figure 7 shows the apparatus in a second open state, where the second door of the apparatus has been opened to allow a camera device to be firmly coupled to the apparatus in a horizontal orientation;

Figure 8 shows the apparatus in the first open state, and further showing audio input sockets;

Figure 9 shows the apparatus together with a removable internal battery;

Figure 10 shows the apparatus including a microphone cable, a microphone and an audio caddy, which can be housed within the main body portion of the apparatus when not in use;

Figure 11 shows the apparatus including the microphone cable, the microphone and its shock mount, which can be housed within the main body portion of the apparatus when not in use;

Figure 12 shows the apparatus in a state where the microphone is coupled to the main body portion of the apparatus by means of the shock mount on top of the main body portion;

Figures 13 and 14 show the apparatus together with a camera device attached to the apparatus in a landscape mode; and

Figure 15 shows the apparatus together with the camera device attached to the apparatus in a portrait mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached figures. This embodiment is described in the context of the handgrip apparatus or device coupled to a smart phone. Identical or corresponding functional and structural elements which appear in the different drawings are assigned the same reference numerals. When the words first and second are used to refer to different elements or other operations, it is to be understood that this does not necessarily imply or mean any particular sequence unless explicitly or implicitly stated.

The proposed handgrip apparatus 1 is next explained in more detail with reference to the figures. As shown for example in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 1 comprises a housing 3 or main body portion or part (which does not have to be a monobloc element, i.e., the main body portion 3 may be composed of a plurality of elements or sub-elements), which houses a plurality of elements as will become clear when reading the following description.

From the audio side, the apparatus in this example includes the ability to record two- channel phantom power microphone/line pro audio with two professional input sockets capable of accepting any common audio connector. A user can monitor the audio via a headphone jack 5 as shown in Figure 5 (in this case 3.5 mm headphone jack) with an audio driver that can power studio quality headphones. More specifically, the optional headphone jack 5 allows the interfacing of studio and/or non-studio headphones to monitor the audio that is being recorded at line level as well as for playback of recorded audio.

When it comes to power management, the analog/digital electronics of the apparatus 1 can power any internal or external part connected to the apparatus. The apparatus 1 can receive power from the connected camera device 7, from its own internal removable/rechargeable battery 9 and/or by connecting to a computer or mains power via a USB-C socket, for instance. The sophisticated ultra-low noise power management system of the apparatus 1 can power a microphone via phantom power, the advanced physical control features, and other additional electronic modules including a wireless microphone receiver or a light-emitting diode (LED) light. However, the apparatus may be configured to receive current, from the camera device via a cable 8, such as a Lightning® or USB-C cable, from the internal battery 9 or from a power adapter/computer connected to the apparatus via a cable, such as a USB-C. The cables 8 as shown in the figures may be connected to the handgrip apparatus via a respective USB-C socket. Wireless charging may also be possible. The apparatus 1 also can charge the camera device 7 via a magnetic charging interface if a user attaches such an interface. The apparatus 1 comprises a post 11 or protruding element that snuggles between the user's index finger and thumb. A receptacle 12 or channel within the post is configured to receive the internal battery 9. The post 11 in this example comprises is a screw cap 13. If unscrewed, the user can remove the rechargeable battery 9 in the field and replace with a fully charged battery. The removable battery 9 is thus connected to an electrical system that is secured within the apparatus 1 and the battery can be recharged via alternating current (AC) and/or direct current (DC) or the camera device 7 itself, and the battery can charge/power the camera device as well as any electrical accessory connected to the apparatus via either audio inputs or other connectors including USB, Lightning® or magnet charging, etc.

The apparatus 1 also comprises a door arrangement 14 or door comprising a first door 15 and a second door 16. The door arrangement 14 can be opened to reach a first open state, where the camera device 7 can be coupled or attached to the door arrangement 14 in a first orientation, which in this example is the orientation corresponding to a camera portrait format. The door arrangement 14 can be further opened to reach a second, different open state, where the camera device 7 can be coupled or attached to the door arrangement in a second orientation, which in this example is the orientation corresponding to a camera landscape format. The respective open states are thus designed to allow optimal attachment in the respective camera format. The first orientation is a vertical orientation, while the second orientation is a horizontal orientation when the handgrip apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal surface or a virtual horizontal surface. In this example, the first and second orientations are separated by a rotation of substantially 90 degrees of the camera device. The door arrangement 14 is linked or connected to the main body portion of the apparatus by a first hinge arrangement 17 or first hinge. It is to be noted that in the present description, the word "hinge" is to be understood broadly. Thus, the word hinge is understood to be an element or arrangement that connects two objects such that they can rotate relative to each other about one or more axes. The hinge arrangement defines a first axis or a first hinge axis, and the door arrangement 14 is arranged to rotate about the first hinge axis to reach the first open state from a closed state, where the door arrangement may rest against the main body portion 3 of the apparatus. The first hinge axis is in this example a vertical or substantially vertical axis when the handgrip apparatus is placed on a horizontal surface or a virtual horizontal surface.

The second door 16 is in this example a rotational element or flap, which is rotatably connected or coupled to the first door by a pin 18, shaft, or pinion defining a second hinge 18 and a second axis. The first and second hinges 17, 18 may be collectively called a hinge arrangement. The second door 16 is arranged to rotate about the second axis (second hinge axis), which in this example is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first hinge axis. The second axis is defined by the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The second axis is located in the periphery region of the door arrangement and the second door 16 allowing in this manner the second door to be rotated about the second axis and to expand the reach of the door arrangement. In other words, in the second open state, the door arrangement extends further away from the main body portion 3 than in the first open state. It is to be noted that instead of being rotatably coupled to the first door, the second door could instead be a sliding door arranged to slidingly expand the door arrangement from the first open state to the second open state. Furthermore, at least one of the first and second hinges 17, 18 may be a multi-axis hinge defining at least two hinge axes.

The handgrip apparatus 1 in this example connects to the camera device 7 by a camera device mounting or attachment mechanism, which in this example comprises one or more magnets 19 forming a magnet array or arrangement. In this example, the handgrip apparatus 1 itself is devoid of any camera unit. The one or more magnets 19 in this example are embedded in the second door 16 to thereby form a flush or substantially flush surface with the remaining part of the camera-facing surface of the second door. The door arrangement can open and close with the high strength hinge arrangement that has not only multiple positions, including positions for portrait and landscape/widescreen phone orientations, but also where the hinge arrangement can rotate so as the angle of view of the mounted camera device can be best positioned by the user. The magnet or magnets 19 are in this example arranged in the second door 16, and in particular in the periphery region of the second door. When in the closed position, the hinged door arrangement is flush with the main body portion of the apparatus taking up minimal space and allowing the apparatus to fit in a pant pocket. To summarize, the multi-positional door in this example contains a magnet 19 and is put into place with a rotatable hinge arrangement where the door arrangement has multiple positions including portrait, widescreen/landscape or any other orientation. However, instead of attaching the camera device 7 to the door arrangement 14 by one or more magnets, any other suitable attachment method may be possible, such as attachments by an adhesive substance, by straps, etc.

In this example, the camera device 7 comprises one or more magnet arrangements or arrays, which may be shaped in a manner corresponding to the magnet(s) of the door arrangement. For instance, as the magnet(s) of the door arrangement, the magnets of the camera device may form one or more magnet rings. The magnets of the camera device may be placed inside the housing of the camera device or outside the camera device inside or outside a case of the camera device. For this purpose, an adhesive substance may be used to fix the one or more magnets.

In view of the above, the unique door can indiscreetly close in a folded position so that the apparatus can be safely secured in a small, enclosed space, such as a front pant pocket, and where it can be opened, which reveals the specially designed high-power magnet that attaches to the camera device. The hinge arrangement can rotate to allow the door with the attached camera device to change the angle of view, and where the first door 15 reveals a secondary object (i.e., the second door 16) that rotates on an axis where the position of the magnet can be in portrait mode (i.e., the camera device is held vertically), landscape/widescreen mode (i.e., the camera device is held horizontally) or any position in-between (Figures 6, 7, and 12-15).

To add professional physical controls to the camera device content creation process, the handgrip apparatus 1 includes control means as shown in Figure 3. In this example the control means comprise a joystick 21, such as a multi-axis joystick, for example a 5-axis thumbstick, and/or a control button 22, which may be a multifunction button. The multifunction button 22 has default settings (for example single short press of button = open zoom ring) or the user themselves can create custom controls (for example double long press of button = open gallery of audio and video recordings). Thus, in this example, the handgrip apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of physical controls including for example the 5-axis joystick/thumbstick 21 and the multifunction button 22 that can be depressed in multiple physical movements including single short, double short, single long, double long and other presses. Physical movements of the said joystick and button via custom firmware trigger software commands that are displayed on the screen of the camera device 7 and activated in a corresponding software application running on the camera device that can manage multiple features including videos and audio recording, light controls, audio gain controls, etc. Optionally the handgrip apparatus 1 may also comprise an app that can be controlled by the control elements of the handgrip apparatus. It is to be noted that the handgrip apparatus may instead of, or in addition to the physical command elements comprise a touch screen, and/or voice command means for receiving voice commands and/or for outputting voice notifications.

As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the apparatus in this example includes a light source 23, such as a LED light, that notifies the user of the operational state of apparatus. For instance, a given charge level of the internal battery can be indicated by emitting light with a given color, and/or if the user presses the multifunction button, visual confirmation may be provided. Thus, the light source 23 can communicate the different states of the apparatus, such as the battery level, charging connected devices/accessories, recording state, button state, etc.). The joystick 21 and/or the multifunction button 22 may also include a light source, such as a LED light, that can inform the user of other apparatus states (for example if a recording is in progress, a given color will illuminate).

To improve the content creators' task of transporting audio-related elements, a microphone 24, a microphone cable 25, and a microphone mount 26, in this example a shock mount, can be received or stored in a hidden compartment or audio "caddy" 27, which is arranged to be separated from the main body portion 3. In this example, the caddy 27 is arranged to slide in and out of the main body portion. Alternatively, the caddy can be removably coupled to the main body portion of the apparatus by other means such as by one or more clips. The caddy is sized and shaped to securely hold the above elements, where the microphone 24 may be a small microphone, which in this example is a small diaphragm condenser microphone, such as a 60 mm SDC microphone. The length of the microphone is advantageously in the range of 10 mm to 80 mm, or more specifically in the range of 30 mm to 70 mm, or 40 mm to 65 mm. As shown in Figure 10, the microphone includes an amplifier 28 (i.e., the microphone body) and one or more capsules 29 (in this example screw- on/off capsules) that can be screwed onto the body (or otherwise connected to the body) allowing the user to have different polar patterns (e.g., hyper-cardioid for a very directional polar pattern, cardioid for a directional pattern, etc.). The microphone 24 is mountable in a removable microphone shock mount 26 that locks into place in the caddy 27 when the caddy is mounted in the main body portion of the apparatus. The user can simply pull the microphone and shock mount from the caddy, and the shock mount (holding the microphone) can be connected to the main body portion of the apparatus, for instance on the top surface of the main body portion. In this example, the shock mount can slide into a cold shoe 31 on the main body portion 3. The caddy also includes a short professional microphone cable 25. This microphone cable can be connected to one of the hidden professional microphone inputs. Thus, in this example, the caddy 27 nestles the microphone 24, the microphone mount 26 that can accept and securely hold the microphone, especially a small diaphragm condenser microphone, and the microphone cable with two sockets held in place with two special holes in the caddy (Figure 10).

The microphone inputs (audio input sockets) 33 are hidden by a cover 35 or door that can be removed. Optionally, the cover 35 can only be removed when the door arrangement is at least partially open, or when the door arrangement in the first and/or second open state. If one microphone 24 is connected to the respective microphone input 33, the user can decide to record in mono (i.e., by using one channel) or stereo (i.e., the same audio is recorded on both audio tracks). Having said that, another microphone can also be connected to another microphone input of the apparatus. For example, a user could connect a two-channel wireless receiver, connect both of the receiver's channels to both of the channels of the apparatus, and two professional wireless lavaliers could be recorded to the two-channel audio device or audio recorder inside the main body portion of the handgrip apparatus. The apparatus 1 may additionally comprise a microcontroller unit and a slot for a memory card to receive a memory card, such as a secure digital (SD) card. The audio input into the handgrip apparatus is transferred to the camera device via a wired connector, such as a Lightning® connector, or wirelessly and saved to the video track that is recorded using the camera device's video recorder or just the audio could be recorded. The two channels of audio of the handgrip apparatus can interface with a multi-track audio mixer of an external periphery device so that for example four microphones can interface to the mixer, the mixer interfaces to the stereo audio recorder of the handgrip apparatus and the audio is saved to a stereo audio file. The two channels of audio provide phantom power in order to interface with any phantom-powered microphone. They also have more than 40 dB of analog gain. The firmware of the handgrip apparatus allows either the multifunction app running on the camera device to increase/decrease the analog gain, or the physical joystick can instead or also be used. Whatever the gain is set at, other audio recorder settings (i.e., for example phantom power on for channel 1 (CHI) and off for channel 2 (CH2)), can also be displayed and updated in real time with the app's user interface (Ul). Thus, the handgrip apparatus in this example comprises an internal audio recorder with phantom power (12-48 V) that can power one or more microphones, and which has audio gain that can be manipulated with either the physical controls of the apparatus or the software Ul of the application, and where this audio can be sent via wired/wireless means to the camera device and the auxiliary audio can be saved to a stand-alone audio file or multiplexed with a corresponding video file.

In addition, there are optionally different mounting arrangements or sockets on the handgrip apparatus 1 to attach other modules and equipment. There is a tripod mount on the bottom side that allows a tripod baseplate to securely attach to the handgrip apparatus. As mentioned, one or more cold shoes 31 (one shown in Figure 3) and/or one or more mounting holes and/or other mounting means also optionally exist to attach microphone mounts and/or other accessories. There is also optionally provided a wrist wrap connection feature, such as a dongle (not visible in the figures) to attach a wrist strap. Other accessories can also optionally be attached to the hinged door's mounting options, for example a LED light or a wireless microphone receiver.

The handgrip apparatus 1 itself is designed to be extremely compact so that when closed, it can fit in the user's pant's pocket. The apparatus is also designed to be extremely ergonomic in the user's hand. Both right-handed and left-handed versions are possible. Mentioned in the power management specifications, the post 11 fits securely in the user's purlicue so that a confident grip is possible. Different caps 13 can be screwed into the post 11. For example, a longer one if a higher- capacity battery is desired or a cap with a longer extension that sits further back on the user's purlicue granting even more of a grip. In other words, caps of different lengths including short, long and extended ensure different options for internal batteries as well as different levels of nesting with the human hand in an ergonomic position while unscrewing the cap also reveals the internal battery compartment that houses the removable, replaceable battery 9 (Figure 9). There are special grooves 37 on the outside of the handgrip apparatus 1 designed to firmly hold a user's fingers in place. More specifically, the handgrip apparatus is in this example provided with four sculpted ergonomic grooves 37 that allow the four fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger and pinky finger) of the hand to safely and securely grip the handgrip apparatus as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the handgrip apparatus in this example comprises a fifth groove on the top surface of the main body portion as shown in Figure 8 to allow the thumb to be perfectly positioned between the multifaceted post and the 5-axis joystick/thumbstick. When the handgrip apparatus is correctly held by the user, then the user's purlicue can rest against the post 11. The multifunction button 22 is in this example positioned and/or designed for a user's index finger and informs the user through simple physical contact if their finger is in the correct position to activate the functions possible by depressing the button. The joystick 21 is positioned and/or designed so that a user's thumb is in the ideal position to access the five axes that are possible (forward, back, left, right and center press down).

The handgrip apparatus 1 further comprises a data processing unit configured to form a data connection link with the camera device 7. The data processing unit comprises custom electronics including in this example a System on a chip (SoC), which enables the handgrip apparatus to be a minicomputer with custom firmware commands. These commands allow everything connected externally to the handgrip apparatus, and everything connected internally, to interface with the camera device through a single cable 8, for example Lightning® or universal serial bus (USB), such as USB-C. The connection between the handgrip apparatus 1 and the camera device 7 can instead or also be wireless. This connection can carry data (i.e., for physical control inputs, audio, etc.) and power (either from camera device to the handgrip apparatus or from the handgrip apparatus to the camera device). The firmware updates the multifunction application on the camera device. Thus, for example, if an external LED light, an external phantom-powered microphone and an internal battery are used, the app will display the current set parameters of those accessories. If the user manipulates a physical control (for example decreases audio gain, changes camera zoom, changes intensity of light, etc.), the app interface is updated. If the user chooses, they can also directly interface with the app Ul using their fingers on the camera device, and the handgrip apparatus and the attached accessories will also be updated all via the custom electronics and/or the SoC.

Different devices can interface with each other and/or with the handgrip apparatus in slave/host mode, and/or the handgrip apparatus can interface with different devices in slave/master mode, where these interfaces can include standard connectors (e.g., USB-C, Lightning®, etc.) or where non-standard connectors can be used and where these connectors may include power and bidirectional data exchange (Figure 7).

In a variant of the invention, the handgrip apparatus 1 comprises a built-in wireless microphone receiver. For example, a user could connect two microphones to the handgrip apparatus via a cable and connect two microphones wirelessly via a microphone transmitter with audio wirelessly sent to the receiver that is built into handgrip apparatus.

To summarize the above teachings, the present invention according to one example proposes a handgrip apparatus 1 for holding a portable camera device 7, where the handgrip apparatus comprises: a main body portion 3 sized and shaped to fit in a user's hand; a door arrangement 14 connected by a first hinge 17 to the main body portion 3, the door arrangement comprising a first door 15 and a second door 16, and defining a first open state, where the first door is in an open position and the second door is in a closed position, and a second open state, where the first and second doors 15, 16 are both in an open position, in the second open state, the second door extending further away from the main body portion than in the first open state, the door arrangement comprising a camera device mounting mechanism 19 for holding the camera device; one or more control elements 21, 22 for controlling the operation of the camera device, and configured to issue control commands in response to the user manipulating the one or more control elements; and a data processing unit for data processing, and further configured to form a data connection link with the camera device 7, and to transfer at least some of the control commands and audio data to the camera device.

The one or more control elements are advantageously physical control elements.

The invention also relates to a method for operating the handgrip apparatus 1. The method may comprise the steps of opening the door arrangement to reach either the first or second open state, attaching the camera device to the door arrangement in a desired orientation based on in which open state the handgrip apparatus is, connecting the camera device to the apparatus (wirelessly or by a physical connector), recording a file by using the camera device or the apparatus itself, and controlling the recording by using the control elements of the handgrip apparatus.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive, the invention being not limited to the disclosed embodiment. Other embodiments and variants are understood, and can be achieved by those skilled in the art when carrying out the claimed invention, based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. For example, it is possible to combine any of the above teachings to obtain further variants. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A handgrip apparatus (1) for holding a portable camera device (7), the handgrip apparatus (1) comprising: a main body portion (3) sized and shaped to fit in a user's hand; a door arrangement (14) connected by a first hinge (17) to the main body portion (3), the door arrangement (14) comprising a first door (15) and a second door (16), and defining a first open state, where the first door (15) is in an open position and the second door (16) is in a closed position, and a second open state, where the first and second doors (15, 16) are both in an open position, in the second open state, the second door (16) extending further away from the main body portion (3) than in the first open state, the door arrangement (14) comprising a camera device mounting mechanism (19) for holding the camera device (7); a data processing unit configured to form a data connection link with the camera device (7); and one or more control elements (21, 22) for controlling the operation of the camera device (7) through the data processing unit.

2. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the camera device mounting mechanism (19) is a magnet arrangement (19), and/or wherein the second door (16) comprises the camera device mounting mechanism (19).

3. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body portion (3) comprises an ergonomic handgrip with grooves (37) for fingers, and/or a post (11) to position between index finger and thumb of a user of the handgrip apparatus (1).

4. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises a battery (9), and wherein the battery (9) is received in a receptacle (12) in the post (11), and wherein the post comprises a removable cap (13) for accessing the battery (9).

5. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein the battery (9) is configured to provide power to the handgrip apparatus (1), and/or to the camera device (7), and/or any accessory connected to the handgrip apparatus (1).

6. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first open state, the door arrangement (14) is arranged to hold the camera device (7) in a first orientation corresponding a portrait format, and in the second open state, the door arrangement (14) is arranged to hold the camera device (7) in a second orientation corresponding to a portrait format.

7. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more control elements (21, 22) comprise a joystick (21) and a physical button (22), wherein the joystick (21) is a 5-axis joystick/thumbstick, and the button (22) is a multifunction button, and wherein the joystick (21) and/or the button (22) are programmable via firmware of the data processing unit.

8. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises an internal audio recorder with phantom power arranged to power one or more microphones (24), wherein the audio recorder has audio gain that is arranged to be adjusted with the one or more control elements (21, 22) and/or software of the camera device (7), wherein audio from the audio recorder is arranged to be sent via wired or wireless means to the camera device (7), and wherein the audio is arranged to be saved as a stand-alone audio file or multiplexed with a corresponding video file.

9. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises a microphone (24), and/or a microphone cable (25), and/or a microphone mount (26) arranged to be housed in the main body portion (3).

10. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises a removable compartment (27) for holding the microphone (24), and/or the microphone cable (25), and/or the microphone mount (26).

11. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to claim 10, wherein the removable compartment (27) is arranged to be slid in and out of the main body portion (3).

12. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises one or more audio input jacks (33) for accepting microphone inputs, and/or wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises one or more headphone jacks (5).

13. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises one or more connectors for connecting the handgrip apparatus (1) to the camera device (7) and/or to one or more accessories.

14. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises a light source (23) and/or a voice output arrangement for notifying the user of the handgrip apparatus (1) of different operation states of the handgrip apparatus (1) and/or the camera device (7).

15. The handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handgrip apparatus (1) further comprises one or more mounting arrangements (31) for mounting one or more microphones (24) and/or accessories.

16. A video recording system comprising the handgrip apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising the camera device (7) removably attached to the door arrangement (14).