Movable Camera Structure with Distance Sensors for Screen-to-Body Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phone designs face challenges in maximizing the screen-to-body ratio due to the placement of front cameras, which occupy valuable display space, hindering user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic device that utilize a movable structure with integrated distance sensors to detect and control the position of front cameras, allowing them to retract into the body when not in use, thus minimizing display obstruction and enhancing the screen-to-body ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the front camera is disposed on the front panel, then the front camera can perform its function, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced due to the camera occupying display space
Solution Approach 1:
The front camera is mounted on a movable structure that can dynamically change position between protruding (for camera functionality) and retracted (for maximizing display area) states, resolving the contradiction between maintaining camera function and maximizing screen-to-body ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The movable structure containing the front camera is nested within the body when retracted, allowing the camera to be housed inside the device body and only exposed when needed, thus eliminating the trade-off between camera placement and display area
2Ease of operation
If the movable structure is positioned precisely without detection, then the structure can move freely, but the position accuracy of the front camera cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
Distance sensors provide real-time feedback on the position of the movable structure, enabling the system to monitor and control the front camera position accurately while maintaining ease of movement through closed-loop control
3Device complexity
If only one distance sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the position detection accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into multiple distance sensors positioned at different locations, with each sensor providing independent measurement data that collectively enables more accurate and reliable position detection of the movable structure
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
This solution effectively increases the screen-to-body ratio by allowing the front camera to protrude only when needed, providing a more seamless and unobstructed display experience while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The detection component includes a first distance sensor and a second distance sensor spaced apart from each other on the movable structure along a moving direction of the movable structure towards the body
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for detecting a position of a movable structure (20). The movable structure (20) is applicable to an electronic device (100) including a body (10) and a detection component (30), and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The detection component (30) includes at least one distance sensor (32, 34) disposed on the movable structure (20). The at least one distance sensor (32, 34) is configured to be received in the body (10) when the movable structure (20) is at the first position and to protrude beyond the body (10) when the movable structure (20) is at the second position. The method includes: receiving a detection signal value outputted by the at least one distance sensor (32, 34); and determining a position of the movable structure (20) relative to the body (10) according to the detection signal value.