Laser Focusing Module Gesture Control for Handheld Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices face challenges in reducing size and weight while maintaining functionality, particularly in stabilizing the device during photography, as existing solutions require additional buttons or complex user input methods.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic device with a first camera unit on one surface and a second camera unit along with a laser focusing module on the opposite surface, where the laser module detects user gestures to control camera functions such as capturing images or adjusting settings without blocking the camera's view or inducing vibration, using a control module to interpret feedback signals for generating commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical button is added for camera control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button system with an optical sensing system. The laser focusing module emits laser signals and detects reflected light to recognize finger gestures, eliminating the need for physical buttons while maintaining ease of camera control operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the laser focusing module as an intermediary between the user and the camera system. Instead of direct mechanical interaction through buttons, the module mediates by detecting finger gestures through optical signals, enabling contactless control.
2Ease of operation
If a proximity sensor is used for camera control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser focusing module serves multiple functions: it acts as both the focusing mechanism for the camera and the gesture sensing system. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent avoids adding separate proximity sensors while maintaining multi-functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the laser focusing functionality with the gesture detection functionality into a single integrated module. The same laser emission and light detection capabilities are used for both camera focusing and user gesture recognition, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the front camera is used for photography, then accessibility is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual finger blocking of the front camera with optical gesture recognition. Users perform gestures in front of the laser module without physically obstructing the camera lens, eliminating the mechanical obstruction problem while maintaining ease of selfie capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser focusing module acts as an intermediary that receives gesture inputs from users without requiring direct obstruction of the front camera. The optical field between the user's finger and the camera is used for gesture detection, allowing the camera lens to remain unobstructed.
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 users to capture images or adjust camera settings using finger gestures on the backside laser module without obstructing the front camera, reducing device vibration and eliminating the need for physical buttons, thus enhancing mobility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a laser focusing module on a second surface opposite to the first surface. The laser focusing module is configured to radiate a laser signal and to sense a feedback signal induced by a reflection of the laser signal
Implementation Method 2
sense a feedback signal induced by a reflection of the laser signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A handheld electronic device includes a first camera unit, a laser focusing module and a control module. The laser focusing module is configured for radiating a laser signal and receiving a feedback signal induced by a reflection of the laser signal when the first camera unit is activated. The control module is coupled with the camera unit and the laser focusing module. The control module is configured for monitoring a strength level of the feedback signal or a response time between the laser signal and the feedback signal, and selectively generating a command to trigger the first camera unit according to the strength level or the response time.