Attachable Sensor Device with Magnetic Alignment for Flexible Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video cameras, such as webcams, are typically fixed in position relative to electronic devices, limiting user flexibility in capturing images from different orientations and locations, which may not suit all user environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device, like a webcam, can be attached to an electronic device at various locations along its perimeter using alignment members such as magnetic or conductive contacts, allowing for flexible placement and orientation, enabling wireless communication upon alignment, and processing information based on the device's location and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor device is fixed in position relative to the electronic device, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the user flexibility in capturing images from different orientations and locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is separated from the electronic device, allowing independent placement of the sensor on different surfaces (front, back, sides) of the electronic device. This segmentation enables flexible image capture orientations while maintaining a relatively simple attachment mechanism through alignment members and magnetic contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism allows the sensor device to be dynamically repositioned between different locations on the electronic device. The magnetic alignment members enable easy attachment and detachment, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor device can be placed at various locations along the perimeter, then the adaptability is improved, but the alignment and communication reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes detection means that provide feedback about the sensor device's location and orientation on the electronic device. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust communication parameters and processing operations to match the sensor's configuration, ensuring reliable communication regardless of placement location.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment members and magnetic contacts change their engagement state based on the sensor device's position. Different locations along the perimeter engage different alignment members, which in turn activate different communication channels or processing modes, maintaining reliability through parameter adaptation rather than fixed configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor device is attached to the electronic device, then the integration is improved, but the privacy risk increases due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the sensor device's attachment state and location before enabling communication or processing functions. This preliminary action ensures that the sensor is properly aligned and authorized before any data capture or transmission occurs, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment members and magnetic contacts serve as intermediaries between the sensor device and the electronic device. These intermediaries verify the sensor's legitimate attachment and orientation before establishing communication, acting as a security layer that prevents unauthorized access while allowing flexible placement when properly authenticated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for versatile placement and orientation of the webcam, enhancing user flexibility and privacy by ensuring communication only upon alignment, and enabling proper image processing based on the device's configuration.
Implementation Method 1
alignment members (e.g., magnetic members 202) may be provided along a perimeter of the electronic device to align with corresponding alignment members of the sensor device
Implementation Method 2
a conductive contact 204 may be provided along the perimeter, wherein upon contact with a conductive contact on the sensor device, communications may be exchanged
Data Source
AI summary
In an example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a system includes a sensor device attachable to an electronic device. The sensor device includes a first alignment member and a first conductive contact. The electronic device includes a second alignment member to align with the first alignment member of the sensor device, and a second conductive contact wherein, upon alignment of the sensor device with the electronic device via the first and second alignment members, to make contact with the first conductive contact of the sensor device.