Obtuse-Angle Image Sensor for Walking AR Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communications devices require users to hold them vertically for image capture, which is uncomfortable and not suitable for walking, leading to hazards due to reduced peripheral vision and inability to detect obstacles while using augmented reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A handheld mobile communications device with an image capture casing that includes an image sensor oriented at a fixed obtuse angle, allowing image capture in the user's walking direction, enabling real-time image display and augmented reality features while maintaining a natural holding angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image sensor is oriented vertically to capture images, then the device can capture images in the traditional orientation, but the device cannot be held at a natural angle for walking and augmented reality use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image sensor orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The image sensor can rotate or pivot to change its optical axis orientation, allowing it to adapt between vertical orientation for traditional photography and forward-facing orientation for walking and augmented reality applications. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between ease of operation at natural angles and adaptability for different capture orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the image sensor to resolve the contradiction. By allowing the optical axis orientation of the image sensor to be varied (e.g., from vertical to forward-facing), the system can adapt to different use cases while maintaining ease of operation. The orientation parameter becomes variable rather than fixed, enabling both traditional and modern usage patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user looks at the device screen while walking, then augmented reality features can be used, but peripheral vision is reduced and obstacles cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the forward-facing image sensor as an intermediary to capture the environment in front of the user. Instead of relying on the user's natural peripheral vision, the image sensor acts as a mediator that captures forward visual information and presents it on the device screen. This allows the user to maintain augmented reality functionality while the image sensor monitors the environment for obstacles, indirectly compensating for reduced peripheral vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The forward-facing image sensor performs preliminary action by capturing images of obstacles and environmental features before the user would naturally notice them through peripheral vision. The system proactively detects potential hazards in the user's path and can present this information on the screen, allowing the user to react to obstacles before they become immediate threats.
3Reliability
If the device is held vertically for image capture, then the camera can function properly, but it is uncomfortable for long periods and unsuitable for walking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the image sensor to change its orientation dynamically. Instead of requiring the device to be held vertically, the image sensor can rotate or pivot to face forward when the device is held at a natural, comfortable angle during walking. This dynamic reorientation maintains reliable image capture functionality while allowing the device to be held in ergonomically favorable positions for extended periods and active use.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for capturing and displaying real-time images of the environment in front of a user. In one implementation, a casing for a mobile device having an upward facing display surface and an opposing lower surface is provided. The casing may include a housing and image sensor having at least one optical axis configured to be oriented at a fixed obtuse angle with respect to the lower surface when the mobile device is retained by the housing. The image sensor may be oriented such that when the housing is held by a walking user at an acute angle with respect to a plane on which the user walks, the at least one optical axis generally faces in a walking direction of the user. The casing may further include circuitry for conveying from the at least one image sensor, image data for real-time display on the display surface.