US Patent 11503145 Smartphone companion device material sensing and improved phone performance

According to one example configuration, an apparatus enhances functionality of a mobile communication device. The apparatus includes an encasement in which to retain the mobile communication device and supplemental circuitry. The supplemental circuitry is operable to: i) control an optical transmitter in the supplemental circuitry to irradiate matter under test, ii) monitor attributes of an optical signal reflected off the matter under test and received by the optical receiver; and iii) communicate the attributes of the optical signal from the supplemental circuitry to the mobile communication device over a communication link. The supplemental circuitry optionally includes multiple electrodes to further monitor attributes of the matter under test.