Foldable Device Coupling Portion Integrating Camera and Microphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable information processing devices lack a suitable configuration for simultaneous photographing and voice/sound obtaining functions, and fail to coordinate program execution between embedded and externally attached storage media, as well as provide a launcher function for selecting application programs.
Innovation Solution
A portable information processing device with a foldable or sliding structure, featuring image pick-up and audio input means in a coupling portion, allowing constant positional relation for photographing and voice/sound obtaining, and enabling coordination of program execution between embedded and external storage media, along with a launch program for selecting application programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the device uses a foldable arrangement with display screens on inner surfaces of housings, then the device achieves compact portability, but the camera and microphone are not arranged at positions suitable for photographing and voice/sound obtaining functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera and microphone into a single integrated unit positioned in the coupling portion between housings. This merging allows both image pickup and audio input functions to be co-located at an optimal position that maintains portability while enabling proper operation for both photographing and voice/sound obtaining.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portion acts as an intermediary space where the camera and microphone are strategically positioned. This intermediate position allows the device to maintain its foldable compact structure while providing appropriate spacing and orientation for both the camera lens and microphone to function effectively without interfering with each other or the housing structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device integrates multiple functions in a compact form, then the device achieves high versatility, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal design where the coupling portion serves multiple purposes: it structures the foldable housing arrangement, positions the camera for photographing, positions the microphone for voice/sound obtaining, and provides a mounting location for the memory card. This multi-functionality achieves high versatility while managing structural complexity through shared spatial utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and microphone are nested within the coupling portion structure, with the memory card slot integrated into the same region. This nesting approach allows multiple components to share the same spatial envelope, achieving compact integration of multiple functions without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the device provides a launcher function for selecting application programs, then the device achieves ease of operation, but the functionality is limited without coordination between embedded and external storage media
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher function is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can adaptively select and launch application programs from either the embedded memory or externally attached memory cards based on availability, user selection, or system state. This dynamic behavior provides ease of operation through automatic program selection while maintaining versatility by supporting multiple storage sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher serves a universal function by being able to access and execute programs from multiple storage sources (embedded memory and external memory cards). This multi-functionality extends the launcher's capability beyond simple local program execution to include coordination with external storage media, thereby enhancing versatility without complicating the user interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An example device includes at least one camera and a touchscreen user interface including thumbnail images for a plurality of stored pictures and a first button for a communication operation for sending a picture corresponding to a selected thumbnail image to another device.