Movable Camera Hatch for Flexible Object Imaging Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices for photographing objects, such as those described in WO 2022/162044 A1, WO 2022/128061 A1, and WO 2022/128225 A1, are limited by a permanently installed digital camera, inflexible smartphone holder configurations, and restricted working volumes, preventing versatile use and manipulation of objects.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device with a movable hatch for a digital camera and a retractable design allowing alignment with ad-hoc portable devices like smartphones or tablets, enabling flexible use and optimal illumination regardless of the shooting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a digital camera is permanently installed inside the housing, then the shooting conditions are stable and high-quality, but the device lacks flexibility and versatility for different shooting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable hatch that can transition between different positions to accommodate either the integrated digital camera or external portable shooting devices. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt its configuration based on the shooting device being used, resolving the contradiction between stable integrated shooting and flexible external device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with a universal opening that can accommodate multiple types of shooting devices - both the integrated digital camera and various external portable devices like smartphones or tablets. This multi-functional design allows a single illumination device to serve multiple shooting scenarios, maintaining high-quality illumination regardless of which device is used
2Stability of the object's composition
If the working volume is substantially enclosed, then the illumination is stable and controlled, but the object manipulation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a main enclosed body for stable illumination and a movable hatch that can be opened to provide access. This segmentation allows the bulk of the housing to remain enclosed for illumination stability while the hatch provides a controlled access point for object manipulation without compromising the overall enclosed environment
3Ease of operation
If a smartphone holder is adapted to specific smartphone configuration, then the smartphone can be positioned correctly, but the device becomes inflexible for different smartphone models
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone holder is designed with a universal configuration that can accommodate various smartphone models and sizes. Rather than being adapted to a specific smartphone, the holder provides a standardized interface that works with multiple devices, maintaining ease of positioning while achieving broad compatibility
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
Facilitates the use of both integrated and portable cameras, ensuring versatile object manipulation and high-quality imaging across various devices, enhancing flexibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and a light-diffusing element (or 'softring') are also located inside the illumination chamber
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An illumination device (10) for photographing objects is described, comprising a body (CP) equipped with an illumination system (ILM) for illuminating an object to be examined, the illumination device (10) including a digital camera (CD) for photographing the object to be examined illuminated by the illumination system (ILM). The body (CP) is adapted to receive an ad-hoc portable camera, for example a smartphone (SP), the body (CP) including a camera aperture (AP) arranged so as to be substantially aligned with a lens of the ad-hoc portable camera (SP), once positioned on the body (CP).The body (CP) is further provided with a movable hatch (TM) on which the digital camera (CD) is mounted, said movable hatch (TM) being able to occupy at least two positions, namely a first position, or working position, in which the movable hatch (TM) covers the shooting port (AP) so that a lens (OB) of the digital camera (CD) is aligned with the shooting port (AP), and at least a second position, or withdrawn position, in which the movable hatch (TM) places the digital camera (CD) in a withdrawn position so as to free the shooting port (AP) and allow the lens of the ad-hoc portable shooting device (SP) to be aligned with the shooting port (AP).