Portable Magnifier Camera with Pivotally Interconnected Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable magnifiers for low vision users are heavy, bulky, and limited in functionality, often requiring fixed positioning and lacking the ability to interact with the object being viewed, with no compact transportable solution.
Innovation Solution
A portable magnification device with multiple configurations, including reading, writing, hand-held, and inspection modes, utilizing pivotally interconnected housing components and a rheostat-type controller for adjustable magnification and lighting, allowing placement on or above objects and providing clearance for interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnifier is designed to be placed upon the object to be viewed, then the need to hold the device is avoided, but little or no room is left over top of the object prohibiting user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The magnifier incorporates a movable housing that can be positioned in multiple configurations - placed upon the object for stable viewing or tilted back to create clearance space for user interaction. This dynamic repositioning allows the device to adapt between different operational needs without compromising either stability or accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnifiers are designed with adjustment mechanisms to selectively adjust height, then focus can be achieved, but the mechanisms tend to be large and complex making the device not readily transportable
Solution Approach 1:
The magnifier employs a movable housing that can be tilted and repositioned relative to the base, providing focus adjustment through simple mechanical movement rather than complex mechanisms. The housing can be rotated between a horizontal viewing position and a tilted-back position, achieving focus variation without requiring elaborate adjustment systems.
3Measurement precision
If a magnifier is held at a fixed distance above the object, then a specific viewing mode is achieved, but the user cannot interact with the object being viewed
Solution Approach 1:
The magnifier's housing is designed to be movable and repositionable, allowing it to maintain a fixed distance above the object for precise viewing when needed, or be tilted back to create clearance for user interaction. This dynamic positioning capability enables the device to switch between precision viewing mode and interaction mode as required.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a portable magnifier camera that can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations. At least four distinct viewing configurations are provided: a reading mode wherein the camera rests flatly upon the viewed object; a writing mode wherein the camera rests at an angle upon the viewed object; a hand-held mode wherein the user holds the camera relative to a distant object; and an inspection mode wherein the user holds the viewed object relative to the camera. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances.