External Mobile Device Control via Electromagnetic Antenna Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device camera accessories face challenges in providing effective external control due to limitations in grip and shutter release positioning, leading to camera shake and suboptimal image quality, especially since traditional camera designs are not adapted for digital form factors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile device with a shutter release and camera unit, along with an accessory device that uses an electromagnetic signal to transmit commands to the mobile device for controlling the camera, including a detector that triggers events based on voltage and frequency, enabling external control even when the proximity communication circuitry is disabled, and allowing for power-on scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional camera accessories are attached to mobile phones, then grip and shutter release position are improved, but device complexity increases due to proprietary connectors and communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device uses a universal electromagnetic signal interface that can communicate with any mobile device regardless of brand or model. Instead of requiring proprietary connectors, the invention employs electromagnetic signals that can be received by any mobile device's antenna, making the accessory universally compatible across different device ecosystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical connection system (proprietary physical connectors) with an electromagnetic field-based communication system. The accessory transmits commands wirelessly through electromagnetic signals that induce voltage in the mobile device's antenna, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interfaces and proprietary communication protocols.
2Weight of moving object
If mobile devices are made thin and light for portability, then weight and size are reduced, but camera stability and grip quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the camera stability function from the mobile device itself by using an external accessory device. The accessory provides the missing grip and shutter release functionality that thin mobile devices lack, allowing the mobile device to remain lightweight while the accessory compensates for the stability deficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device acts as an intermediary between the user and the mobile device camera. It provides the physical grip and shutter release mechanism that the user needs, while communicating with the mobile device through electromagnetic signals, thereby mediating the interaction without requiring the mobile device itself to be bulky.
3Reliability
If proximity communication circuitry is kept enabled for accessory control, then external control reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device's existing antenna, designed for receiving electromagnetic signals for communication purposes, is repurposed to receive control commands from the accessory. The antenna naturally detects the electromagnetic signals and generates voltage that can trigger camera events, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated communication circuit to be continuously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the control signal detection function from the proximity communication circuitry and places it in the antenna system. By using the antenna's natural electromagnetic signal reception capability to detect accessory commands, the system removes the need for continuous operation of power-intensive communication protocols while maintaining reliable external control.
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 reliable external control of mobile device cameras, reducing camera shake and improving image quality by allowing for precise shutter control and autofocus operations, even when the device is not in a standard power state, and supports simple external devices without requiring complex signal modulation.
Implementation Method 1
an accessory device that uses an electromagnetic signal to transmit commands to the mobile device for controlling the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus (100) are disclosed for wirelessly communicating by a proximity communication circuitry comprising an antenna with a proximate device (200) according to a proximity communication protocol. The proximity circuitry is disabled when not needed. Voltage in the antenna caused by an electromagnetic power signal (222) is detected when the proximity communication circuitry is disabled. The detection of voltage is independent of whether the electromagnetic signal (222) complies with the proximity communication protocol. An event is triggered in response to the detected voltage. Correspondingly a method and device (200) for externally controlling the apparatus (100) are disclosed in which a user command is detected and responsively to the user command, an electromagnetic signal (222) is transmitted to the apparatus (100) for triggering the event. The electromagnetic signal (222) has a regular wave form.