Adjustable Camera Field of View Using Rotating Motivator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems in electronic devices require multiple camera apparatuses to capture images from different fields of view, increasing costs due to the need for additional hardware.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable camera system that modifies the optical path through a plurality of fields of view using a motivator, such as a shutter and pivot mechanism, allowing a single camera to capture images from multiple fields of view by changing the optical path alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple camera apparatuses are used to capture images from different fields of view, then image capture versatility is improved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the camera apparatus movable through a motivator mechanism that can rotate the camera between different orientations. This dynamic adjustment allows a single camera to capture multiple fields of view (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto views) by changing its physical orientation, replacing the need for multiple fixed cameras with different focal lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single camera apparatus that can perform multiple functions - capturing both wide-angle and telephoto images - by rotating to different positions. The motivator mechanism enables this multi-functionality by allowing the camera to access different optical paths and fields of view, making one camera component serve the role of what would traditionally require multiple camera modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple camera apparatuses are used to capture images from different fields of view, then image capture versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by combining the functions of multiple camera apparatuses into a single camera system. Instead of manufacturing and assembling multiple separate camera modules, the design merges their functionality into one camera that can be oriented to capture different fields of view, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the versatility of capturing multiple types of images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single camera apparatus that can perform multiple functions - capturing both wide-angle and telephoto images - by rotating to different positions. The motivator mechanism enables this multi-functionality by allowing the camera to access different optical paths and fields of view, making one camera component serve the role of what would traditionally require multiple camera modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single camera is used with fixed optical path, then device simplicity is maintained, but field of view adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidfield of view adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the camera apparatus movable through a motivator mechanism that can rotate the camera between different orientations. This dynamic adjustment allows a single camera to capture multiple fields of view (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto views) by changing its physical orientation, replacing the need for multiple fixed cameras with different focal lengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9507241B1Adjustable camera field of view

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

For an adjustable camera field of view, a camera is disposed in an electronic device. A motivator modifies an optical path of the camera through one of a plurality of fields of view.