Foldable Imaging Apparatus Camera Microphone Inner Surface Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable imaging apparatuses face challenges in providing sufficient information display to users during imaging and voice input, with issues related to screen visibility, operability, and ease of operation due to inappropriate placement of cameras and microphones, leading to difficulties in performing photography and voice input tasks.

Innovation Solution

The design features a foldable imaging apparatus with a camera and microphone positioned between two display screens, allowing users to face both screens for easy imaging and voice input, while operation buttons are strategically placed to minimize interference and enhance usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the camera and microphone are positioned on the outer surface of the housing, then the imaging and voice input functions can be performed, but the user cannot view the display screen while performing these functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of imaging and voice input operationVSAvoidscreen visibility during operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the camera and microphone on the inner surface of the housing instead of the outer surface, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the housing structure. This dimensional repositioning allows the optical and acoustic components to face the user when the device is held in normal viewing orientation, enabling simultaneous screen viewing and operation without requiring the user to change their position or orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the display screen is positioned on the housing surface, then the user can view information, but the camera and microphone cannot be properly positioned for optimal imaging and voice input

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display visibilityVSAvoidease of imaging and voice input operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the inner surface of the housing as an alternative dimension for component placement. By positioning the camera and microphone on the inner surface facing inward, the device creates a spatial arrangement where the display screen remains accessible on the outer surface while the imaging and voice input components are optimally positioned within the housing structure to face the user during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the camera is positioned away from the center between the two display screens, then the structure is simpler, but the user must change direction to view screens and perform imaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidease of performing imaging while viewing screens
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the camera and microphone components within the housing structure. Rather than placing these components at symmetric locations that would simplify manufacturing, the components are positioned asymmetrically on the inner surface at specific coordinates that optimize their alignment with the user's face when viewing the display screens, thereby facilitating simultaneous viewing and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2039399B1Imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2039399B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2039399B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2039399B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

An imaging apparatus (10) comprises a lower housing (11), an upper housing (21), a lower LCD (12), an upper LCD (22), an inner camera (23), and a microphone. The upper housing (21) has a lower side which is connected to an upper side of the lower housing (11) such that the lower housing (11) and the upper housing (21) are foldable. The lower LCD (12) has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of the lower housing (11) when folded. The upper LCD (22) has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of the upper housing (21) when folded. The imaging section is provided in the inner surface of the upper housing (22) and between the display screen of the lower LCD (12) and the display screen of the upper LCD (22). The microphone is provided in the inner housing of the upper housing (21) and between the display screen of the lower LCD (12) and the display screen of the upper LCD (22).