Camera View Switching via Beam Splitter and Shutter Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems, particularly in drones and security cameras, face limitations due to the need for mechanical rotation to change the direction of view, which increases cost, weight, and complexity, and introduces uncertainty from jarring motions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a beam splitter element and shutter elements, controlled by a control unit, to direct and switch light beams between different faces of the camera, allowing for directional changes without mechanical rotation, utilizing liquid crystal shutters for rapid switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation is used to change the direction of view, then the camera can provide different viewing directions, but the weight, cost, and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical switching system using beam splitters and shutters. Instead of physically rotating the camera to change viewing directions, the system uses optical elements to direct light from multiple directions to the camera sensor, eliminating the need for mechanical components while achieving the same functionality of providing different viewing directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitter elements and shutter elements as intermediary components between the external environment and the camera sensor. These intermediaries enable the camera to receive light from multiple directions without mechanical movement, acting as a mediator that provides directional switching capability through optical means rather than mechanical means
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation is used to change the direction of view, then the camera can provide different viewing directions, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical rotation mechanisms with relatively simple optical elements (beam splitters and shutters) that can be manufactured at lower cost. This substitution maintains the functionality of providing multiple viewing directions while significantly reducing the overall system cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation is used to change the direction of view, then the camera can provide different viewing directions, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical rotation components with lightweight optical elements. The beam splitters and shutters used in the invention have significantly less mass than the motors, gears, and structural components required for mechanical rotation, thereby reducing the overall weight of the camera assembly while maintaining the capability to provide different viewing directions
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation is used to change the direction of view, then the camera can provide different viewing directions, but reliability decreases due to jarring motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation systems with a static optical system that has no moving parts. By eliminating motors, gears, and other mechanical components that are susceptible to damage from jarring motions, the system achieves higher reliability while maintaining the ability to provide different viewing directions through optical switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a dynamic mechanical system (requiring movement to change direction) to a static optical system. The beam splitters and shutters remain in fixed positions, and directional switching is achieved through optical path control rather than physical movement, eliminating the reliability issues associated with mechanical motion
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 eliminates the need for mechanical rotation, reducing weight and complexity, enabling rapid directional changes in camera views, and allowing for contiguous wide-angle or panoramic views without gaps, enhancing camera functionality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter element configured such that first and second beams of light incident on first and second faces, respectively, of the beam splitter element are directable towards an entry lens of the camera
Implementation Method 2
first and second shutter elements configured to be disposed in the paths of the first and second beams of light, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method of switching direction of camera view. The method comprises disposing a beam splitter element on a camera, the beam splitter element being configured such that first and second beams of light incident on first and second faces, respectively, of the beam splitter element are directable towards an entry lens of the camera; disposing first and second shutter elements in the paths of the first and second beams of light, respectively; and controlling the first and second shutter elements such that one of the first and second shutter elements is in an open state while the other one is in a closed state, and vice-versa.