Multi-function Side Control for Camera Zoom and Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera phones are designed for vertical orientation, making it awkward to take pictures and have controls that are inconveniently located on the front panel, which increases the device size when new features like a camera are added.
Innovation Solution
A camera phone with a multi-function control on one side that switches between volume control in communication mode and zoom control in camera mode, allowing ergonomic use in both orientations without increasing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is designed for vertical orientation to maintain compact size, then the device size is minimized, but camera operation becomes awkward and controls are inconveniently located
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically changes its operational orientation based on mode: vertical for communication functions and horizontal for camera functions. This dynamic reorientation allows the device to optimize ergonomics for each specific function without permanently increasing size, as the horizontal orientation is only adopted temporarily during camera operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The side control serves multiple functions depending on the operational mode: it controls speaker volume during communication mode and acts as a shutter release during camera mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated controls, maintaining compact device size while providing convenient access to both communication and camera functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated camera controls are added to the front panel, then camera functionality is enhanced, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side control is designed as a multi-functional element that performs different roles based on operational context. During communication mode, it controls speaker volume; during camera mode, it serves as the shutter release. This eliminates the need for adding dedicated camera controls to the front panel, thereby maintaining the original device footprint while enhancing camera functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication control function and camera shutter function into a single side control element. By combining these functions that were previously separated into different controls, the device avoids increasing its front panel area while still providing dedicated camera operation capability.
3Ease of operation
If the device orientation is changed to horizontal for camera use, then camera ergonomics are improved, but communication functionality becomes less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic reorientation based on operational mode. When switching from communication to camera function, the device transitions from vertical to horizontal orientation, optimizing ergonomics for each specific task. This dynamic adaptation ensures that communication functionality remains convenient when in vertical mode while camera ergonomics are optimized when in horizontal mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination mobile communication device and camera that combines a hand-held mobile terminal and camera in the same physical package is described herein. The combination mobile communication device and camera uses one or more multi-function controls to control communication functions and camera functions. A user selectively places the device in either a communication mode for engaging in wireless communication with a remote device, or in a camera mode for capturing and/or viewing images. A multi-function control disposed on a side of the combination mobile communication device and camera comprises a multi-directional button that controls a communication function, such as the volume of the speaker, when the device is in a communication mode. When the device is in a camera mode, the multi-function control is used as a zoom control.