Hinged Mobile Device Multi-Camera Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile computing devices are limited in capturing images or video that require unconventional orientations or advanced sensor data, as they often necessitate cumbersome device manipulation and additional software or equipment, which can be costly and complicated to set up.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device with a housing featuring a hinge that allows the displays to rotate between angular orientations, equipped with multiple cameras and sensor devices to measure relative angular displacement, enabling advanced image capture and processing functions without the need for additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mobile computing devices use one or two cameras with limited sensor features, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to capture images or video requiring unconventional orientations or advanced sensor data is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device housing is divided into two separate parts (first part and second part) connected by a hinge, allowing independent positioning of camera systems. This segmentation enables multiple camera orientations and configurations without requiring a completely complex new device architecture, as each part can be optimized independently while maintaining overall system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the relative angular displacement between the two parts to be changed during operation. This enables the device to adapt its camera orientation and positioning based on capture requirements, transitioning from static to dynamic configuration without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional software or equipment is used to achieve advanced image capture functions, then the image capture versatility improves, but the procedure becomes complicated and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture functionVSAvoidoperation procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses its own integrated sensor devices and processing capabilities to achieve advanced image capture functions without requiring external equipment. The processor mounted in the housing processes images captured by multiple cameras according to selected functions based on relative angular displacement, enabling self-sufficient operation for complex capture scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor devices serve multiple functions: measuring relative angular displacement between housing parts, providing spatial orientation data for image processing, and enabling various capture modes (panoramic, stereoscopic, conventional). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining ease of operation through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras and sensor devices are integrated into the housing with hinge mechanism, then unconventional perspective capture is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperspective capture capabilityVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the housing into two manageable parts connected by a hinge, the patent achieves complex multi-camera configurations without requiring an entirely new device architecture. Each part can house cameras and sensors independently, allowing flexible positioning while keeping individual component complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism introduces a new dimensional degree of freedom (angular displacement) to the device structure, enabling cameras to be positioned in three-dimensional space relative to each other. This allows unconventional perspective capture (stereoscopic, panoramic, oblique angles) without requiring multiple separate devices or overly complex internal mounting structures.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3622701B1Image capture using a hinged device with multiple cameras
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3622701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3622701B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3622701B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

To address issues of capturing and processing images, a mobile computing device is provided. The mobile computing device may include a two-part housing coupled by a hinge, with first and second parts that include first and second displays, respectively. The hinge may permit the displays to rotate throughout a plurality of angular orientations. The mobile computing device may include one or more sensor devices, processor, first camera, and second camera mounted in the housing. The one or more sensor devices may be configured to measure the relative angular displacement of the housing, and the processor may be configured to process images captured by the first and second cameras according to a selected function based upon the relative angular displacement measured by the one or more sensor devices.