Handheld Magnifier Two-Camera Module Distance Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handheld magnification devices for low-vision individuals have limited depth of field, making it difficult to provide high-quality video images over a broad range of working distances, limiting their effectiveness in daily tasks.
Innovation Solution
A handheld magnification device equipped with two high-resolution cameras and a distance-sensitive sensor that automatically selects and switches between them, allowing seamless magnification over a broad working range, enabling clear image acquisition and display of objects from near and far distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera is used in handheld magnification devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the depth of field is limited and high-quality video images cannot be provided over a broad range of working distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple camera modules, each optimized for specific working distance ranges. The first camera module captures images at closer distances while the second camera module captures images at farther distances, allowing the system to segment the broad working range into manageable segments with adequate depth of field for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional camera system where multiple camera modules serve different working distance ranges. By integrating these modules with a switching mechanism controlled by distance sensing, the system achieves universal capability to provide high-quality magnification across a broad continuous range of working distances, from very close to farther objects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the working range is extended using a single camera, then the device remains simple, but the depth of field becomes too limited to maintain image sharpness across different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the depth of field requirement by assigning different camera modules to different distance ranges. Each camera module maintains adequate depth of field for its designated range, avoiding the need for a single camera to achieve impossible depth of field across all distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the imaging system by switching between different camera modules with different focal lengths and optical characteristics. This allows the system to maintain optimal depth of field and image sharpness by selecting the camera module whose parameters best match the current working distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching between cameras is implemented, then the system can handle different distances, but the operation becomes complex and requires frequent user adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates distance-sensitive sensors that continuously monitor the working distance and provide feedback to the switching controller. This automatic feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual user input, as the system autonomously determines when to switch between camera modules based on real-time distance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service switching system where the device automatically manages camera module selection without user intervention. The switching controller, guided by distance sensor feedback, autonomously selects the appropriate camera module, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating the operational burden of manual switching.
4Manufacturing precision
If a broad working range is achieved with a single camera, then the device structure remains simple, but image sharpness and quality deteriorate at extreme distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function across multiple camera modules, each optimized for specific distance ranges. This segmentation allows each camera to operate within its optimal sharpness range, preventing image quality deterioration that would occur if a single camera tried to cover all distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes image sharpness by changing the active camera module's parameters to match the working distance. Each camera module has optimized optical parameters for its designated range, and switching between modules ensures the system always operates with parameters suited for the current distance, maintaining high image quality throughout the broad working range.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handheld magnification device for displaying a magnified representation of an object in a see-through manner is provided. The handheld magnification device includes a casing and a first and a second camera both adapted to acquire an image of the object, and having respectively a first working range proximate the handheld magnification device and a second working range different from and extending beyond the first working range. The handheld magnification device also includes a distance-sensitive sensor for measuring a distance parameter representative of a distance between the object and the handheld magnification device, as well as a processing unit for automatically selecting, based on the distance parameter and the first and second working ranges, one of the first and second cameras as a selected camera. The handheld magnification device further includes a display for displaying the magnified representation of the object based on the image acquired by the selected camera.