Adjustable Camera Magnifier for Low Vision Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable magnification devices for low vision users are heavy, bulky, and limited to single modes of operation, preventing users from interacting with objects while they are being magnified.
Innovation Solution
A portable magnification device with multiple discrete configurations, allowing users to hold or place the device over/upon objects, featuring a camera that automatically adjusts to different orientations based on the device's configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the magnifier is designed to be placed upon the object to be viewed, then the magnification stability is improved, but the user cannot interact with the object being viewed
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a magnifier component that can be placed on the object for stable magnification, and a camera component that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the magnifier to remain stable on the object while the camera captures images from above, enabling user interaction without compromising magnification stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary between the user and the object. Instead of requiring the user to directly view and interact with the object through the magnifier, the camera captures the scene and transmits it to a display device. This allows the user to interact with the object while it remains magnified and stable on the surface.
2Weight of moving object
If the magnifier is made portable with compact closed orientation, then the device portability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera and its mounting mechanism are nested within the magnifier housing. The camera can be positioned in different orientations (facing upward, downward, or sideways) within the same compact housing structure. This nesting approach maintains portability while providing multiple functional configurations, avoiding the need for separate complex devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting mechanism includes adjustable components that allow the camera to be repositioned between different orientations. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical linkages and pivot points within the compact housing, maintaining portability while providing versatility for different viewing scenarios.
3Device complexity
If the camera is fixed in a single position, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different viewing modes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting mechanism includes adjustable components that allow the camera to be repositioned between different orientations. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through simple mechanical linkages and pivot points within the compact housing, maintaining portability while providing versatility for different viewing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is designed to perform multiple functions by being repositionable in different orientations. The same camera component can capture images from above, below, or at angles, making it adaptable to various viewing modes including document viewing, object inspection, and self-viewing. This multi-functionality is achieved without adding separate camera systems for each mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a magnification device with multiple orientations. This allows a blind or low vision user to select the best orientation for the task being performed. The device includes both opened and closed orientations. It is further configurable into document reading, near object inspection, far object inspection, and self inspection modes. The camera of the device can be manipulated by the user depending upon which of these orientations is selected. Furthermore, the camera automatically adjusts itself into one of two pre-set configurations whenever the device is opened or closed.