Head Down Warning System Using Panoramic Depth Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of handheld devices often walk into obstacles or people while using their smartphones due to their focus on the screen, as the world-facing camera's view is obstructed and lacks a wide enough field of view to detect potential hazards effectively.
Innovation Solution
A head down warning system utilizing panoramic or panamorphic lenses in a depth camera to provide a wide field of view, allowing the device to detect obstacles and alert the user through visual cues on the screen, with the system activating and adjusting its field of interest based on the user's movement and device orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the world-facing camera is used to monitor the environment, then the device can detect obstacles, but the field of view is obstructed and insufficient when the device is angled toward the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the environmental monitoring function into two separate camera systems: a world-facing camera for general environment monitoring and a depth camera with panoramic lens specifically for obstacle detection in the forward direction. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between field of view and detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a depth camera with panoramic lens as an intermediary device between the user and the environment. This intermediary provides a wide field of view specifically oriented toward the direction of movement, complementing the world-facing camera and enabling reliable obstacle detection even when the device is angled downward.
2Ease of operation
If the device is angled toward the ground for comfortable viewing, then the display is easily viewed, but the world-facing camera cannot see the environment directly in front of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function by adding a dedicated depth camera that is specifically oriented to capture the environment in the direction of movement. This allows the main display to be viewed comfortably at any angle while the depth camera independently handles environmental detection, eliminating the conflict between viewing comfort and detection capability.
3Area of moving object
If a standard camera lens is used, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view is narrow and cannot capture the full environment ahead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the camera system into a standard world-facing camera for general purposes and a specialized depth camera with panoramic lens for wide-angle obstacle detection. This segmentation allows the device to maintain simple structure for the main camera while adding a specialized module only where needed, achieving wide field of view without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing a head down warning system in a handheld electronic device are described. An example of a device includes a display and a depth detection unit disposed on a surface of the handheld electronic device opposite the display. The depth detection unit includes a pair of cameras with panoramic lenses. The device also includes one or more processors that receive distance information from the depth detection unit, process the distance information to detect a hazard, and render a warning on the display to alert a user of the handheld electronic device about the hazard.