Lenticular Lens Self-Imaging Alignment Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated devices for capturing photographs of people often lack a graphical display, making it difficult for users to determine if they are properly aligned within the camera's field of view, which can lead to improper image capture.
Innovation Solution
A passive position indicator using a lenticular lens panel over a substrate with a visual pattern, where different portions of the pattern are projected to the user based on their alignment, changing color to indicate center alignment, such as green for proper alignment and red for misalignment, enhanced by illumination for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a graphical display is used to show alignment information, then users can easily determine proper alignment, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a position indicator as an intermediary element that provides alignment information without requiring a complex graphical display system. The position indicator uses simple visual markers (such as colored LEDs or light segments) that directly indicate whether the user is properly aligned, serving as a mediator between the camera system and the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The position indicator system is designed to be self-explanatory and self-sufficient, providing intuitive visual feedback that users can interpret without additional processing or complex interfaces. The indicator automatically adjusts its visual output based on the detected user position, eliminating the need for complex display algorithms or user interpretation of graphical elements.
2Measurement precision
If a graphical display is used to provide alignment feedback, then alignment accuracy improves, but the device cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, low-cost visual indicators (such as LED segments or basic light sources) that consume minimal power compared to continuous graphical displays. These indicators are activated only when needed to provide alignment feedback, and can be easily replaced or reset, functioning as low-cost, short-duration visual signals rather than continuous high-power display output.
Solution Approach 2:
The position indicator provides alignment feedback through periodic or on-demand visual signals rather than continuous display operation. The system activates the indicator only when alignment information needs to be communicated to the user, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining alignment accuracy when needed.
3Device complexity
If trial and error method is used for alignment, then no additional alignment indicators are needed, but the time required for proper image capture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position indicator provides immediate visual feedback to users about their alignment status relative to the camera's field of view. This feedback mechanism allows users to quickly adjust their position based on real-time visual cues, dramatically reducing the time required to achieve proper alignment compared to trial-and-error methods where users must guess or repeatedly test different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The position indicator is pre-configured to show alignment information before the actual image capture occurs. Users can adjust their positioning based on the indicator's visual feedback in advance, ensuring proper alignment is achieved before the photo is taken, thereby eliminating the need for multiple retakes due to poor positioning.
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 easily and accurately align themselves within the camera's field of view without a graphical display, ensuring proper image capture and reducing the need for trial and error.
Implementation Method 1
A passive position indicator using a lenticular lens panel over a substrate with a visual pattern, where different portions of the pattern are projected to the user based on their alignment
Implementation Method 2
enhanced by illumination for improved visibility
Data Source
AI summary
A self-imaging device, which may lack an active visual display, has an alignment indicator that a person can view to determine when he or she is positioned properly in front of the self-imaging device. The indicator comprises a lenticular lens panel having lenses that are positioned over respectively corresponding graphical patterns. Depending on the configuration of the graphical patterns, the lens panel projects different composite images in different directions. When the person is properly aligned, the person will observe a composite image that indicates alignment. When the person is not properly aligned, the person will observe a composite image that indicates non-alignment. The graphical patterns are illuminated by a light guide, which is a panel that distributes light across the graphical patterns.