Foldable Prompting Apparatus for Camera Light Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional autocue systems are heavy, time-consuming to set up, and inefficient due to their design, which hinders quick and effective use in video recording setups.
Innovation Solution
A foldable prompting apparatus utilizing a lightweight housing with a two-way mirror and a mounting assembly for easy coupling with video cameras or camcorders, allowing a tablet device to be positioned at a 45-degree angle to minimize unwanted light interference and enhance image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional autocue system is used, then the text display function is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and time-consuming to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional autocue system is divided into separate modular components: a housing unit, a mounting assembly with adapter shoe, and a tablet device. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and quickly assembled, reducing overall setup time and complexity while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the camera lens is positioned behind the mirror, then the speaker can look directly into the lens, but unwanted light may enter the lens and degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior features selectively engineered light-blocking surfaces and openings positioned at specific locations. The rear opening is strategically placed and sized to allow only necessary light transmission while blocking unwanted light paths. This localized quality control eliminates light interference without compromising the speaker's ability to look directly into the lens.
3Weight of moving object
If a foldable housing is used, then the apparatus becomes portable and compact, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates hinges that enable dynamic folding and unfolding movements. The hinge mechanism is designed to provide structural support during both folded (portable) and unfolded (operational) states, allowing the housing to adapt its rigidity based on usage requirements while maintaining sufficient strength in both configurations.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the tablet is positioned at a 45-degree angle, then light interference is minimized, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tablet mounting structure is merged with the housing and mirror assembly into an integrated unit. The mounting features, including the 45-degree angle positioning, are built into the housing structure itself rather than being separate add-on components. This integration reduces overall structural complexity while achieving the light interference mitigation benefit.
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
The solution enables quick setup, minimizes light interference, and maximizes image clarity, allowing for efficient and effective on-camera text reading while maintaining a compact and portable design.
Implementation Method 1
The see-through mirror, which may be approximately 40∼60% reflective and 30∼40% transparent, and held in position at a 45 degree angle to the screen surface of the tablet device. The optical image on the tablet device's display screen is reflected to the two-way see-through mirror and then reflected to the eyes of a speaker who looks into the mirror.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A prompting apparatus comprising a foldable prompting box which includes two symmetrical opposite walls which can be open and closed, a bottom board which can be folded up and released, and a rear wall, which jointly define a space for housing a two-way see-through mirror and the lens of the camera. The cover defines a space for a user to slide in a tablet device which runs a prompting software application. The predesigned text is displayed on the tablet device's screen at a speed that the speaker feels comfortable to read. When the apparatus is not in use, the prompting box can be easily folded into a flat compact for the user's convenience to carry.