Foldable Mirror Accessory for Laptop Camera Document Viewing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Participants in remote communications, distance learning, and video conferences often feel disconnected due to the inability to view documents or objects being discussed, as existing solutions like external document cameras are costly and complicated to set up.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device accessory with a built-in mirror that attaches to devices with built-in cameras, allowing the camera to function as a document camera by reflecting images from a document or object onto the camera's viewable area, enabling remote participants to observe details without the need for additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a document camera is installed to enable remote participants to view documents or objects, then the feeling of presence and effectiveness of remote communications is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the built-in camera serve multiple functions: its original function for video conferencing and an additional function as a document camera by capturing images via mirror reflection. This eliminates the need for a separate document camera device while maintaining the ability to view documents and objects during remote communications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the document camera function with the existing built-in camera system by introducing a mirror as an intermediary. This merges two previously separate functions (video conferencing and document viewing) into a single integrated system, reducing overall device complexity and cost
2Reliability
If a document camera is installed to enable remote participants to view documents or objects, then the feeling of presence is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the built-in camera to perform dual functions (video conferencing and document viewing) without requiring a separate document camera purchase. The mirror accessory is a low-cost component that allows the existing camera hardware to serve multiple purposes, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining document viewing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror creates an optical copy of the document or object that can be captured by the built-in camera. This copying mechanism allows remote participants to view documents without requiring a dedicated document camera, reducing hardware costs while achieving the same functional outcome
3Measurement precision
If a document camera is connected to enable detailed viewing of documents or objects, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as an intermediary element that redirects light from the document or object to the built-in camera. This simple optical intermediary enables detailed viewing without requiring complex installation procedures or additional sophisticated hardware, maintaining measurement precision while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the camera to directly view the document (which would require mounting the camera above the screen), the patent inverts the approach by using a mirror to reflect the document image into the camera's field of view. This inversion simplifies the setup by utilizing the existing camera position while achieving detailed document viewing capability
4Device complexity
If the built-in camera is used directly to view documents, then the device complexity is reduced, but the viewing angle and field of view are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror introduces a new spatial dimension by reflecting light at an angle, allowing the camera to capture documents positioned on the screen surface without requiring the camera to be physically positioned above or touching the document. This dimensional change expands the effective field of view while keeping the camera in its original position
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 efficient and economical conversion of built-in cameras into adjustable document cameras, enhancing the feeling of presence and effectiveness of remote interactions by allowing participants to view documents or objects without the complexity and cost of external devices.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the camera to function as a document camera by reflecting images from a document or object onto the camera's viewable area
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to an electronic device accessory and a method of using such electrical device accessory to convert a built-in camera or webcam of the electronic device into an adjustable camera using the mirror reflection, allowing the built-in camera or webcam to operate, for example, as a document camera. The electronic device accessory comprises at least a foldable main body and a mirror adapted to attach to the main body. The electronic device accessory is configured to clip onto the electronic device. The electronic device includes a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, an e-reader or any other electronic device that has a built-in camera. More particularly, the electronic device accessory is preferably a foldable laptop computer camera accessory.