3D Camera Swing Hinge Mechanism for Orientation Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional camera devices are limited in their ability to photograph and display three-dimensional images when the device is not in its normal landscape pose, as the fixed arrangement of camera elements prevents proper alignment and display of images for different user angles.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a swing hinge that rotates the left and right camera elements about their midpoint, allowing them to be aligned with the camera device's reference direction, enabling flexible photography angles and proper image display regardless of the device's orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the left and right camera elements are fixed in horizontal arrangement, then three-dimensional images can be captured in normal landscape pose, but the device cannot photograph subjects properly when used in portrait pose or other orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotographing capability in various posesVSAvoidcamera element arrangement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the camera elements movable rather than fixed. Specifically, the left and right camera elements are configured to rotate together around a swing hinge axis, allowing the entire camera module to dynamically adjust its orientation. This enables the device to capture three-dimensional images properly whether held in landscape or portrait pose, as the camera elements can reorient themselves relative to the device housing to maintain correct alignment with the subject

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the camera elements are arranged vertically in portrait pose, then the device can be held in portrait orientation, but the images for left and right eyes are displayed vertically instead of horizontally making three-dimensional viewing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice usability in preferred poseVSAvoidimage display orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the camera elements rotate around the swing hinge. When the device is held in portrait pose, the camera elements automatically orient themselves horizontally through this rotation, ensuring that the captured images are always arranged horizontally on the display regardless of how the device is held. This maintains proper three-dimensional viewing experience while allowing users to hold the device in their preferred orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera elements are fixed relative to the device housing, then the structure is simple, but the camera cannot adapt to different photographing angles and user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to photographing angleVSAvoidcamera element mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by introducing a swing hinge mechanism that allows the camera elements to rotate as a unit. This single rotational degree of freedom enables the camera module to adapt to different photographing angles and user preferences without requiring complex independent adjustment mechanisms for each camera element. The swing hinge provides the necessary adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the merging principle by combining the adjustment functionality of both camera elements into a single rotational movement around the swing hinge. Instead of allowing independent adjustment of each camera element, they are coupled to rotate together, which simplifies the control mechanism while still achieving the goal of adapting to different photographing scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8970679B2Three dimensional camera device and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2015.03.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8970679B2 patent drawing
  • US8970679B2 patent drawing
  • US8970679B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A three dimensional camera device and a method of controlling the same are provided. The three dimensional camera device and the method enable a user to photograph a three dimensional image suitable for a photographing angle. Since a swing hinge rotates a left camera element and a right camera element about a mid-point between the left camera element and the right camera element, a user may photograph a three dimensional image suitable for a photographing angle.