Electronic Sighting Compass Overlaying Bearing on Camera Viewfinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable electronic devices with integrated compass functions do not effectively combine compass bearing determination with camera functionality, limiting the ability to accurately determine a compass bearing to a distant object in a user-friendly manner.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device is designed to overlay a compass bearing display onto a camera viewfinder display, utilizing an image sensor and magnetic sensor to provide a graphic representation of the compass bearing aligned with the imaging axis, allowing users to determine off-axis headings by combining the compass function with camera functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional magnetic compass with a sighting device is used to determine compass bearing to a distant object, then the compass bearing can be accurately determined, but the device cannot be conveniently integrated into a portable electronic device with additional functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compass function with a camera function in a single portable electronic device. The compass bearing display is integrated with the camera viewfinder display, allowing the device to serve both as a navigation tool and a camera, eliminating the need for separate traditional compass and camera devices
Solution Approach 2:
The portable electronic device is designed to perform multiple functions including compass bearing determination and photography. By integrating these functions into one device with a unified display system, the patent achieves versatility while maintaining ease of operation through a single interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable electronic device includes a display with an electronic representation of a traditional compass rose, then the device has a compass function, but the device cannot effectively combine compass bearing determination with camera functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compass display and camera viewfinder display into a single unified display interface. The compass bearing information is overlaid or juxtaposed with the camera view, allowing both functions to be displayed simultaneously without requiring separate displays or interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional compass rose representation to a spatial integration where compass bearing information is displayed in relation to the camera's three-dimensional viewing space, allowing users to understand bearing direction in the context of the captured image
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic compass is fitted with a sighting device to determine bearing to a distant object, then the bearing can be readily determined by aligning the sighting device with the object, but the device lacks the ability to provide visual feedback of the distant object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visual feedback from the camera with the compass bearing information on a single display. Users can see both the distant object in the camera viewfinder and the corresponding compass bearing simultaneously, eliminating the need to switch between separate devices or interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by displaying the compass bearing information in direct relation to the camera viewfinder image. As the user moves the device to align with different objects, the bearing information updates accordingly, providing continuous feedback about the direction being pointed at
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 users to accurately determine compass bearings to distant objects by integrating the compass function with camera functionality, enhancing navigation capabilities in a compact and user-friendly format.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor... displayed viewfinder image from the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
an electronic compass... graphic display indicating a compass bearing corresponding to the imaging axis
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device provides a compass bearing display juxtaposed with or superimposed on a camera viewfinder display. The device includes an image sensor and an electronic compass. When the device is held with the image sensor pointed in a generally horizontal direction, the displayed viewfinder image from the image sensor is combined with a graphic indicating a compass bearing corresponding to the imaging axis of the image sensor. The display may be presented as a linear scale to indicate off-axis headings as well.