Camera Optical Element Tactile Indicators for Low-Light Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements for cameras, particularly in cinematic applications, are difficult to rapidly identify properties in low light conditions due to small markings that are hard to read or see visually.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a tactile indicator on camera optical elements, such as lenses or filters, which provides a tactile sensation to allow users to determine properties like type, magnification, or light transmission through surface features like protrusions or cavities, enabling identification without visual light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If small markings are used on optical elements to indicate properties, then the optical element design remains compact and simple, but the markings become difficult to read visually in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tactile indicators as an intermediary mechanism between the optical element properties and the user. Instead of relying on visual markings that require adequate lighting, the tactile indicators provide a non-visual interface through which users can detect properties like focal length or aperture by touch, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining compact design and enabling property identification in low light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visual detection system with a tactile detection system. Users transition from visually reading markings to physically feeling the optical element surface to identify properties. This substitution eliminates the need for adequate illumination while maintaining the ability to detect optical element characteristics, directly addressing the low light identification problem
2Loss of information
If visual markings are used on optical elements, then property information can be conveyed, but rapid identification is hindered in low light environments
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile indicators are integrated directly into the optical element body, allowing the optical element to serve its own identification function without requiring external aids like flashlights or magnifiers. The surface features themselves become the information carriers, enabling users to quickly identify properties through touch alone, thus reducing both information loss and time loss in low light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical element surface into distinct tactile regions or features corresponding to different properties. Each property (e.g., focal length, aperture) is associated with specific tactile characteristics such as bumps, grooves, or texture patterns at different locations. This segmentation allows users to rapidly identify multiple properties through systematic tactile exploration, reducing identification time while maintaining accuracy
3Ease of operation
If tactile indicators are added to optical elements, then property identification in low light is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tactile indicator features directly into the optical element body during manufacturing, rather than adding separate components. The tactile indicators are formed as integral parts of the lens housing or mounting structure through processes like molding or machining. This merging approach improves ease of operation by providing clear tactile feedback while minimizing device complexity by avoiding additional parts or assembly steps
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a camera optical element and a tactile indicator associated with the camera optical element for indicating a property of the camera optical element.