Extendable Arm Viewing Device for Low Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for assisting individuals with impaired eyesight or low vision often require manual movement of objects to achieve adequate magnification, limiting their ability to capture and display larger areas or objects not directly in front of the device, and are not easily transportable due to size and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus featuring a collapsible frame, an extendable rotatable arm with multiple optical sensors, allowing for image capture and display from various locations and distances, including to the side or behind, and collapsing into a compact package for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual movement of objects is used to achieve magnification, then magnification can be achieved, but the ability to capture and display larger areas or objects not directly in front of the device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the arm extendable and rotatable, allowing the optical sensor to dynamically adjust its position relative to the object. The arm can extend to reach objects at different distances and rotate to capture objects from various angles, transforming a static viewing device into a dynamic one that adapts to different viewing requirements without manual object manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension by adding the extendable arm that operates in spatial dimensions beyond the fixed front-facing optical sensor. The arm provides additional degrees of freedom (extension and rotation), enabling the optical sensor to access objects in three-dimensional space from multiple positions and angles, not just directly in front of the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to capture objects at various positions, then versatility is improved, but the device size and weight increase, making it less transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the viewing device into separate functional modules: a base unit containing the screen and control electronics, and an attachable extendable arm with the optical sensor. This segmentation allows the arm to be detached and stored separately when not in use, reducing the transport footprint and weight that must be carried at one time, while maintaining full functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable arm incorporates dynamic elements including telescopic sections that can extend and retract, and rotational joints that allow angular adjustment. These dynamic features enable the device to achieve multiple viewing configurations from a compact base structure, providing versatility without permanently increasing the device's stored size or weight.
3Device complexity
If a single optical sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture images at different distances and locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding multiple fixed optical sensors, the patent uses a single optical sensor mounted on a dynamic extendable arm. The arm's ability to extend and rotate provides the versatility needed to position the sensor at various distances and angles from the object, achieving multi-position capture capability with a single sensor rather than multiple fixed sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical sensor serves multiple functions by being positioned differently through the extendable arm mechanism. The same sensor can capture close-up images when the arm is retracted, distant images when extended, and objects from various angles when rotated, making the single sensor universal for multiple viewing scenarios.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
An apparatus includes a frame, a screen supported by the frame for displaying an image; a first optical sensor for capturing an image, an extendable arm connected to the frame; and a second optical sensor connected to the arm for capturing an image. Such an apparatus can be used for capturing and displaying information for low vision persons.