Camera-Projector Hybrid With Pivotal Transmissive Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras have limited capabilities for simultaneous image preview and playback, as their small LCD screens restrict viewing to only one person, and external projection solutions are often complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A camera-projector assembly that integrates a transmissive display, such as an LCD, which can be pivotally mounted to switch between near-view and projection modes, using a high-powered LED light source and projection lens to enable image sharing with multiple viewers at a low cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small LCD screen is used for image preview and playback, then the device size and power consumption are reduced, but only one person can view the image at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The LCD screen is made dynamically reconfigurable through pivotal mounting, allowing it to switch between two functional positions: (1) attached to the camera body for near-view single-user display, and (2) positioned between the light source and projection lens for multi-user projection display. This dynamic repositioning enables the same component to serve different viewing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The LCD screen is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a near-view display for single-user operation and as a projection screen for multi-user viewing. By making the screen universally applicable to both display modes, the invention eliminates the need for separate display components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external projection systems are connected to enable group viewing, then multi-user viewing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the projection functionality directly into the camera body by integrating a light source and projection lens with the existing LCD screen. This combination eliminates the need for external projection systems and their associated complexity, while enabling group viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex external projection systems, the invention creates a simplified projection mechanism using basic optical components (light source and lens) that work with the existing LCD screen. This copying approach achieves projection functionality with minimal added complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If a transmissive display is used, then luminance and contrast ratio are improved, but the display requires additional light source for projection mode
Solution Approach 1:
The light source serves dual purposes: it provides backlighting for the transmissive LCD screen during near-view mode, and serves as the projection light source when the screen is positioned in projection mode. This multi-functional use of the same light source eliminates the need for additional lighting components.
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
Enables cost-effective, dual-purpose digital cameras to capture and playback images locally and project them for group viewing, overcoming the limitations of small LCD screens and complex external projection systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmissive displays utilize a light source, often termed a backlight, to illuminate pixels on a flat, transmissive panel. Light intensity from the backlight may be maintained at a constant level, and color may be provided by the relative luminosity of the light transmitted through three primary color filters
Implementation Method 2
a projector assembly with a projection light source (such as a white or colored LED of up to 150 lumens or more power) and a projection lens
Implementation Method 3
The LCD is mounted on an external surface of the camera body such that it can be shared or used in a near-view mode in which it is positioned against the camera body/housing and in a projection mode in which it is positioned between the projection light source and the projection lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A camera-projector assembly for viewing captured images in a near-view mode and in a distal-view projection mode. The assembly includes a camera housing and an image capture assembly within the housing collecting image data. The camera-projector assembly includes a projection assembly mounted on the camera housing that includes a projection lens and a projection light source. A transmissive display such as an LCD is provided external to the camera housing and adapted to be positionable in a first position proximate to the camera housing and in a second position between the projection lens and light source. The transmissive display is positionable against an external surface of the camera housing when it is in the first position and at least partially spaced apart from the external surface in the second position. The transmissive display maybe rotated or slid from the first to the second position on the camera housing.