Linkage Mechanisms for Sliding Camera and Fingerprint Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices require separate components for fingerprint authentication and webcam functions, leading to increased size and complexity, which is undesirable as devices continue to shrink in footprint.
Innovation Solution
An integrated apparatus that combines a fingerprint sensor and webcam, where the camera is positioned under the keyboard cover and can slide out for media-capturing mode, utilizing a linkage mechanism and light source for both fingerprint sensing and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components are used for fingerprint authentication and webcam functions, then reliability of authentication and media capture is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fingerprint sensor and a webcam into a single integrated apparatus. The camera is positioned under the keyboard cover and can slide out to reveal both the fingerprint sensor and camera lens in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate fingerprint reader and webcam components while maintaining both authentication and media capture functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as both a fingerprint sensor for authentication and a webcam for media capture. The sliding mechanism allows the same physical structure to accommodate both functionalities, with the camera lens and fingerprint sensor working together in a single device rather than requiring separate components.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for fingerprint authentication and webcam functions, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fingerprint sensor and a webcam into a single integrated apparatus. The camera is positioned under the keyboard cover and can slide out to reveal both the fingerprint sensor and camera lens in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate fingerprint reader and webcam components while maintaining both authentication and media capture functions.
3Area of stationary object
If camera is positioned under keyboard cover, then device footprint is reduced, but camera access for media capture becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sliding mechanism that allows the camera and fingerprint sensor assembly to dynamically move between a retracted position (under the keyboard cover for compact footprint) and an extended position (protruding for easy access and media capture). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining a small footprint and providing easy camera access.
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes a camera cover connected to a housing; a linkage mechanism actuated by the camera cover; and a camera connected to the linkage mechanism. The camera is retained in the housing during a fingerprint-sensing mode. The camera is to extend above the camera cover in a media-capturing mode via the linkage mechanism based on a sliding movement of the camera cover. A light source may be provided under the camera cover to emit light. A lens may direct the light towards the camera cover. The camera cover may be transparent to permit the light to be directed towards a fingerprint positioned over the camera cover. The camera may be positioned under the camera cover to capture an image of the fingerprint. The camera cover may be positioned to retain the camera under the camera cover prior to slidable movement of the camera cover.