Converging Light Pointer Device for Contactless Photo Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for standardizing photographic shots, such as using rigid frames or light pointers, face challenges like physical contact with the subject, visibility of the frame or pointers in the image, and bulkiness, particularly in medical applications where infection risk and image skewing are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A device with two converging luminous pointers that adapts to a standard camera, allowing for adjustable focusing and framing without physical contact, and a mechanism to turn off the pointers during shooting to prevent image skewing, using a box that restricts camera functions and powers the pointers through the lens attachment ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid frame is used to constrain shooting position, then reproducibility of shooting distance is improved, but physical contact with the subject is required which creates infection risk in medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid rod as an intermediary tool that the operator holds rather than the subject being examined. The rod serves as a mediator to establish reproducible shooting distance without requiring physical contact between the repositioning device and the subject, thereby eliminating infection risk while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based repositioning system (where the subject physically contacts a rigid frame) with a operator-held rigid rod system. This substitution allows the operator to control the positioning, eliminating the need for subject-device contact while maintaining reproducible shooting distances
2Measurement precision
If a rigid frame is used to constrain shooting position, then reproducibility of shooting distance is improved, but the frame is visible on the image and can hide certain parts of the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the repositioning function from a large rigid frame that obstructs the view, concentrating it into a slim rigid rod. This extraction removes the unnecessary frame structure that hides the subject while retaining the essential function of establishing reproducible shooting distance, thereby improving subject visibility without sacrificing measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If a rigid frame is used to constrain shooting position, then reproducibility of shooting distance is improved, but the device becomes very bulky and difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the repositioning system into two parts: a compact rigid rod that can be easily held and positioned, and the camera system. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large, bulky frame while maintaining the ability to establish reproducible shooting distances, significantly improving portability without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified version (rigid rod) that copies only the essential function of the rigid frame (establishing reproducible distance) without replicating its bulky structure. This functional copying achieves the same measurement precision with dramatically reduced size and weight
4Measurement precision
If luminous pointers are used to control focusing distance, then focusing precision is improved, but the light from pointers can skew the acquired image in medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by activating the luminous pointers only temporarily during the focusing phase, then deactivating them before the actual photograph is taken. This periodic activation allows the pointers to assist focusing precision while eliminating their harmful effect of skewing the final medical image
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the luminous pointers to establish focusing precision in advance before the actual shooting occurs. The pointers perform their useful function of aiding focus adjustment, then are deactivated before the photograph is captured, preventing image skewing while maintaining focusing precision
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 reproducible and centered photographs without physical contact or image distortion, allowing for precise focusing and framing while avoiding the drawbacks of existing methods, particularly beneficial in medical imaging where image quality sensitivity is high.
Implementation Method 1
The device consists of a box (3) comprising at least two light pointers (4A) and (4B)
Implementation Method 2
The focusing distance of the lens (2) is adjusted, by the use of autofocus or by presetting, so that it is equal to the distance (D) separating the optical center (C) from the camera (1) and the point of convergence (S) of the light beams (5A) and (5B)
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
Contactless device and method for standardizing photographic capture. The invention relates to a device for standardizing photographic capture without contact with the subject. Two light pointers converge at the distance of the camera's field of view, allowing for reproducible placement by superimposing and centering the two light beams. The pointers are switched off during capture to avoid biasing the photograph. The device consists of a housing (3) adaptable to a camera (1) equipped with a lens (2) and includes at least two light pointers (4A) and (4B) whose beams (5A) and (5B) converge at a distance (D), as well as a mechanism for switching off the light pointers during capture. It can be improved by allowing coverage of the camera's focus and zoom rings. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for standardizing photographic capture.